COMBAT FORMATIONS

COMBAT FORMATIONS Fire team and squad formations are groupings for individuals and fire teams for efficient tactical employment. Factors influencing formation decisions include: 1. Mission 2. Weather 3. Terrain 4. Speed 5. Situation 6. Flexibility

BASIC COMBAT FORMATIONS Normally each unit leader will determine the formation for his own unit. The relative position of the units within the formation should not mask the fire of the others. It is not important that exact distances and intervals be maintained between units and individuals as long as control is not lost. Visual contact will be maintained. All movement to change formations is by the shortest practical route.

FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS READY TEAM FIRE ASSIST A

SQUAD LEADER SYMBOL

FIRE TEAM COLUMN A

FIRE TEAM WEDGE A

FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS RIGHT

FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS LEFT

FIRE TEAM ECHELON RIGHT

FIRE TEAM ECHELON LEFT A

SQUAD FORMATIONS The squad leader will position himself where he can best control the unit. Fire team leaders may make subsequent changes to their fire teams formation. The characteristics of squad formations are similar to those of the fire team. The fire team is the maneuver element in squad formations.

Squad Signals and Formations Squad Column Facilitates control Favors fire and maneuver to flanks Limited firepower to front Used for speed and control Direction of March

SQUAD COLUMN

Squad Signals and Formations Squad Wedge Provides all around security Flexibility Fire in all directions Situation is uncertain Direction of March

SQUAD WEDGE

Squad Signals and Formations Squad Line Maximum firepower to front Used when enemy strength and location is known and in the assault of the OBJ Difficult to control Direction of March

SQUAD LINE FIRE TEAM WEDGE

SQUAD LINE FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS

Squad Signals and Formations Squad Echelon Heavy firepower to front and direction of echelon Difficult to control Slow movement Protects open or exposed flank Direction of March L

SQUAD ECHELON

Squad Signals and Formations Squad Vee Fire to front and flanks All-around security Enemy is to the front, stength and location is known Flexibility Direction of March

SQUAD VEE

CHANGING FORMATIONS The fire team may be in any formation that suits the mission. The squad leader will signal the team leaders with the squad formation and direction of movement. Fire team members will move in the most direct route to assume their position in the formation when moving from one formation to another.

Security Measures Sqd and FT leaders must maintain dispersion based on situation, control, and visibility Assign sectors of observation to provide maximum security Stay off high ground when possible. Avoid silhouetting the formation Take advantage of available cover and concealment Maintain even pace, avoid rushing or running, this attracts attention Use stealth while moving Avoid stepping on objects that will make noise Keep a low profile Must be vigilant in observing assigned sectors -In the halt Use available cover and concealment Stay alert Cover all avenues of approach

Summary Mission / organization of the squad Purpose of combat formations Military symbols for the depiction of individuals, fire team formations, squad formations Procedures for changing formations Security measures of squad formations

Questions ?

The Marine Rifle Squad

Mission The mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close combat.

Organization Platoon -Platoon Commander -Platoon Sergeant -Corpsman -3 squads of 3 fire teams The Marine Squad consists of a squad leader and three fire teams of four men. Total of 13 Marines

Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Squad Leader Squad Leader is the senior man Usually a sergeant Carries out platoon commander’s orders and responsible for: -discipline, appearance, training, control, conduct and welfare of his squad at all times -condition, care and economical use of its weapons -commands the squad, issues orders and ensuring they are obeyed -responsible for the tactical employment, fire discipline, and fire control of his squad

Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Fire Team Leader Usually a corporal Carries out orders of the squad leader and: -Positions himself where he can best observe and control the fire team and carry out the squad leaders orders -Responsible for the fire team’s fire discipline, fire control, condition, care and economic use of weapons and equipment -Normally stays close to automatic rifleman to effectively control his fire -The senior FT leader is assistant squad leader

Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Automatic Rifleman Usually a lance corporal Carries out orders of the fire team leader and: -Responsible for employment of SAW -Assumes the role of fire team leader if necessary Grade and Duties – Assistant Automatic Rifleman -Primarily a rifleman -Carries a spare barrel bag and extra ammo for SAW -Trained to assume duties of automatic rifleman

Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Rifleman Usually a private or PFC Carries out orders of the fire team leader and: -Usually receives training as scout, and thus walks

Weapons/Equipment Squad Leader: M16A4 & Bayonet FT Leader: M16A2 w/ M203 Grenade Launcher & K-Bar Automatic Rifleman: M249 SAW & K-Bar Asst. Automatic Rifleman: M16A4 & Bayonet Rifleman: M16A4 & Bayonet