TACTICAL MOVEMENT
ORGANIZATION OF A RIFLE SQUAD
SQUAD TACTICS Formations Fire Team Wedge Fire Team File Squad Column Squad Line Squad File Movement Techniques Traveling Traveling Overwatch Bounding Overwatch
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: PURPOSE Control Security Flexibility Fire Capability
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: FIRE TEAM WEDGE Basic formation 10 meter interval between soldiers Expand/contract depending on terrain Team Leader Auto Rifleman Grenadier Rifleman
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: FIRE TEAM FILE Use when terrain/visibility precludes use of wedge 10 meters between soldiers Return to wedge as soon as terrain permits Team Leader Auto Rifleman Grenadier Rifleman
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS:
SQUAD MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: Squad Column Normally used as the primary formation Squad Line Used when maximum fire power is required to the front (i.e. laying base of fire) Squad File Used within close terrain, vegetation, limited visibility conditions
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: SQUAD COLUMN Team Leader (“Pointman”) Basic formation 10 meters between soldiers Distance between teams depends on terrain, visibility, and likelihood of enemy contact Auto Rifleman Grenadier (Compass) Rifleman (Pace) Squad Leader Team Leader Grenadier Auto Rifleman Rifleman
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: SQUAD LINE Team Leader Auto Rifleman Grenadier Squad Leader Basic assault formation Places maximum firepower to the front Limited flexibility, control and security
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS: SQUAD FILE Same characteristics as fire team file Position of leaders and weapons depends on the situation Grenadier
SQUAD MOVEMENT FORMATIONS
SQUAD MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES Traveling (Contact not likely) Traveling Overwatch (Contact possible) Bounding Overwatch (Contact expected)
MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES The platoon leader considers the METT-TC and the above characteristics then directs which movement technique the squad will use
SQUAD MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES: TRAVELING Team Leader (“Pointman”) enemy contact is not likely Squad column, teams close together Speed is essential. Not normally used in enemy territory. Auto Rifleman Grenadier (Compass) Rifleman (Pace) Determined by Terrain Squad Leader Team Leader Auto Rifleman Grenadier Rifleman
SQUAD MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES: TRAVELING OVERWATCH Team Leader (“Pointman”) Grenadier (Compass) Auto Rifleman Rifleman (Pace) Squad Leader enemy contact is possible Squad column, teams farther apart “Default” technique Based on Terrain
SQUAD MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES: BOUNDING OVERWATCH Team Leader Enemy contact is expected. When the squad leader feels the enemy is near. When crossing a large, open danger area. Auto Rifleman Grenadier Rifleman Squad Leader Team Leader Grenadier Auto Rifleman Rifleman
SQUAD MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES: BOUNDING OVERWATCH Overwatch Team is positioned to cover the Bounding Team’s movement. Team Leader (“Pointman”) Auto Rifleman Grenadier (Compass) Bounding Team Rifleman (Pace) Team Leader Auto Rifleman Grenadier Rifleman Squad Leader Overwatch Team
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