combat formations

ICS0904, Slide 1 04 June 2003

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

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.

BASIC COMBAT FORMATIONS


A

FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS

READY TEAM FIRE ASSIST


SQUAD LEADER SYMBOL


FIRE TEAM COLUMN

A


FIRE TEAM WEDGE

A


FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS RIGHT

A


FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS LEFT

A


FIRE TEAM ECHELON RIGHT

A


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 Wedge– Provides all around

security– Flexibility– Fire in all directions– Situation is uncertain

Direction of March


SQUAD WEDGE



• 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 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 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 squad leader will signal the team leaders with the squad formation and direction of movement.

• The fire team may be in any formation that suits the mission.

• 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



• 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



• 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

– Usually a lance corporal– Carries out orders of the fire team leader and:

-Primarily a rifleman-Carries a spare barrel bag and extra ammo for SAW-Trained to assume duties of automatic rifleman



• 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

combat formations

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