COMBAT FORMATIONS ICS0904, Slide 1 04 June 2003 COMBAT FORMATIONS • Fire team and squad formations are groupings for individuals and fire teams for efficient.
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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 ICS0904, Slide 2 04 June 2003 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. ICS0904, Slide 3 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS READY TEAM FIRE ASSIST A ICS0904, Slide 4 04 June 2003 SQUAD LEADER SYMBOL ICS0904, Slide 5 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM COLUMN A ICS0904, Slide 6 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM WEDGE A ICS0904, Slide 7 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS RIGHT A ICS0904, Slide 8 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS LEFT A ICS0904, Slide 9 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM ECHELON RIGHT A ICS0904, Slide 10 04 June 2003 FIRE TEAM ECHELON LEFT A ICS0904, Slide 11 04 June 2003 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. ICS0904, Slide 12 04 June 2003 Squad Signals and Formations • Squad Column – Facilitates control – Favors fire and maneuver to flanks – Limited firepower to front – Used for speed and control ICS0904, Slide 13 Direction of March 04 June 2003 SQUAD COLUMN ICS0904, Slide 14 04 June 2003 Squad Signals and Formations • Squad Wedge – Provides all around security – Flexibility – Fire in all directions – Situation is uncertain ICS0904, Slide 15 Direction of March 04 June 2003 SQUAD WEDGE ICS0904, Slide 16 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 17 Direction of March 04 June 2003 SQUAD LINE FIRE TEAM WEDGE ICS0904, Slide 18 04 June 2003 SQUAD LINE FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS ICS0904, Slide 19 04 June 2003 Squad Signals and Formations • Squad Echelon – Heavy firepower to front and direction of echelon – Difficult to control – Slow movement – Protects open or exposed flank ICS0904, Slide 20 Direction of March L 04 June 2003 SQUAD ECHELON ICS0904, Slide 21 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 22 Direction of March 04 June 2003 SQUAD VEE ICS0904, Slide 23 04 June 2003 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. ICS0904, Slide 24 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 25 • 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 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 26 04 June 2003 Questions ? ICS0904, Slide 27 04 June 2003 The Marine Rifle Squad ICS0904, Slide 28 04 June 2003 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. ICS0904, Slide 29 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 30 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 31 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 32 04 June 2003 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 – 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 ICS0904, Slide 33 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 34 04 June 2003 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 ICS0904, Slide 35 04 June 2003