Small unit tactics
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (November 2023) |
Classical
Balanced
Balanced squads are composed of two or three
Combined
The combined squad is composed of dissimilar fire teams; an
Combat Strategy and Phases
Assault
The two major techniques of squad assault are bounded fire and advancing under the cover of suppressive fire of supporting units. Bounded fire entails having one element of the squad provide covering fire and field obscuration while the second element maneuvers forward to provide covering fire that allows the first element to
Interim
In this phase the squad consolidates its position by
Defensive
On the defensive, an isolated squad will allow a small element to hold a weak and easily evacuated position behind a remote detonated mine, flanked by a machine gun. As the enemy advances, the small forward element will pull back. When its former position is overrun the mine will be detonated to distract the attackers, and then the machine gun will open fire on the attacker's flank. The machine gun will then switch to engage and suppress the tail of the enemy assault as the rest of the squad maneuvers against its dislocated and exposed flanks, which have been pulled forward from their defensive line to support the head of the assault. On the defensive, a squad with a secure means of communication will fix the enemy into interlocked fields of fire and call in fire support from supporting units.
References
- ^ Todd South (April 11, 2018) This Mattis-directed task force wants to overhaul the infantry. Here’s how it might do that. Close Combat Lethality Task Force
- ^ Colonel Daniel S. Roper, U.S. Army, Retired (2018) Regaining Tactical Overmatch: The Close Combat Lethality Task Force
- ^ Bob Scales (November 26, 2018) Mattis’s Infantry Task Force: Righting ‘A Generational Wrong’
- Department of the Army (1992-04-22). "Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad". Field Manual Nº 7-8. Washington, DC, USA: globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
- United States Marine Corps (2011-04) "Fire and Movement"
- How the LTTE was 'military' defeated: A Soldier's view [1]