Rifle Squad Tactics

Question 1

Define Fire and Maneuver

Answer 1

Fire and maneuver is a technique of advance in which one element (the maneuver element) moves while being supported by another element (the support by fire element). A separate and distinct mission is assigned to each element.

Question 2

Define Fire and Movement

Answer 2

Fire and movement is a technique of advance in which elements and individuals provide their own suppression and move by bounds. Elements and individuals alternate the firing and moving so that movement is always covered by fire, and the assault’s momentum is retained.

Question 3

Define Offensive Operations

Answer 3

Operations which aim at destroying or defeating an enemy. Their purpose is to impose US will on the enemy and achieve decisive victory (MCRP 5-12A).

Question 4

Purposes of Offensive Operations

Answer 4

• Destroy enemy forces, equipment, and resources.
• Deceive and divert the enemy.
• Deprive the enemy of resources.
• Gain information on the enemy.
• Fix the enemy in place.
• Seize key terrain.
• Produce a reaction from the enemy.
• Disrupt enemy actions or preparations.

Question 5

What are the (4) types of Offensive Operations?

Answer 5

• Movement to Contact
• Attack
• Exploitation
• Pursuit

Question 6

Define Movement to Contact

Answer 6

Movement to Contact – Offensive operation that seeks to gain or regain contact and develop the situation in relation to an enemy whose general location is known, but exact location is unknown.

Question 7

Define Attack

Answer 7

Attack – Offensive operation characterized by coordinated movement, supported by fire, conducted to defeat, destroy, neutralize, or capture the enemy. (MCDP 1-0) This is the type of offensive operation we are focused on for this class.

Question 8

Define Exploitation

Answer 8

Exploitation – Offensive operation that follows a successful attack and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth. (MCRP 5-12A)

Question 9

Define Pursuit

Answer 9

Pursuit – Offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. (MCRP 5-12A)

Question 10

What are the (2) types of Attack?

Answer 10

• Hasty Attack – An attack in which preparation time is traded for speed to exploit opportunity. (i.e. chance contact). (MCRP 5-12A, MCDP 1-0)
• Deliberate Attack – Offensive action characterized by pre-planned coordinated employment of firepower and maneuver to close with and destroy the enemy. (MCRP 5-12A, MCDP 1-0)

Question 11

What are the (3) phases of an Attack?

Answer 11

• Preparation.
• Conduct.
• Consolidation/Exploitation.

Question 12

What are the (6) different forms of maneuver?

Answer 12

• Frontal Attack
• Flanking Attack
• Envelopment
• Turning Movement
• Infiltration
• Penetration

Question 13

What is the mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad?

Answer 13

Locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close combat.

Question 14

Describe the preparation phase?

Answer 14

• Tactical Planning.
  o Begin the planning.
• Reconnaissance.
  o Arrange for Reconnaissance.
  o Make Reconnaissance.
• Write out Operations Order.
  o Complete the plan.
• Delivery of the Order.
  o Issue of the Order.
  o Supervise.

Question 15

What are some examples of details to include in EMLCOA?

Answer 15

Enemy ambush sites.
Enemy patrol routes.
Enemy listening posts/observation posts (LP/OPs).
Orientation of the enemy position.
Location of machine guns.
Routes of withdrawal.
Possible counter-attacks.

Question 16

Describe a Frontal Attack

Answer 16

A frontal attack is directed against the front of an enemy force. The attack’s goal is to break through the enemy defense and disrupt the defensive system, achieving a penetration. The frontal attack generally is the least preferred form of maneuver because it strikes the enemy where he is strongest. A supporting attack and supporting arms may be used to suppress the enemy. A frontal attack may be appropriate:
* For overrunning a weak or disorganized enemy.
* During a pursuit.
* For fixing an enemy in place.
* When a commander possesses overwhelming combat power and the enemy is at a clear disadvantage.

Question 17

Describe a Flanking Attack

Answer 17

A flanking attack is an offensive maneuver directed at the flank of an enemy. A flanking attack seeks to strike the enemy from an unexpected direction — achieving a degree of surprise and avoiding the enemy’s principal orientation of his main weapons systems.
* Usually (but not always) involves a supporting attack to suppress/fix the enemy.

Question 18

When does the conduct phase occur?

Answer 18

Begins when crossing the LD (must NEVER occur late and can occur early upon request to higher) and ends when assaulting through the objective and beginning the Consolidation/Exploitation Phase.

Question 18

What can movements between TCMs be dictated by?

Answer 18

• Situation
• Speed
• Mission
• Degree of Flexibility
• Weather
• Terrain

Question 19

Describe the Fighter/Leader concept

Answer 19

Fire team and squad leaders must fight and lead their units to the objective. During the Fog of War, it will be more effective for a fire team or squad leader to execute what he / she wants done rather than verbally communicate it. Their violence of action will set the tone of their unit’s attack and will maintain the momentum of their unit’s assault. Unit leaders must maintain situational awareness and be prepared to provide the fire or execute the movement that re-orients their unit on the enemy and accelerates the speed of the unit’s assault.

Question 20

Describe the Base Unit concept

Answer 20

Unit leaders control the speed, direction, and orientation of their entire unit by locating themselves in close proximity with the base unit, a designated sub-unit that serves as a reference point for the other sub-unit’s related movements. Unit leaders control their entire unit by driving the base unit through the objective area. Its foundation is effective lateral and implicit communication.

Question 21

Explain the ADDRAC

Answer 21

Alert, Direction, Target Description, Range, Target Assignment, and Fire Control

Question 22

Explain SAFE (used upon consolidation)

Answer 22

Security, Automatic Weapons, Fields of Fire, Entrenchment

Question 23

Explain the Exploitation Phase

Answer 23

This phase commences with the capture of the assigned objective and may involve the exploitation of momentum and success achieved during the attack through physical pursuit of the enemy.

Question 24

What is the difference between Pursuit by Fire and Continuation of the Attack?

Answer 24

Pursuit by Fire – When the assault through the objective is completed, the squad fires upon the withdrawing enemy forces until they are no longer visible or are beyond effective range of the squad’s weapon systems.

­Continuation of the Attack – The purpose of continuing the attack is to maintain pressure on the enemy and exploit success and destroy his combat power. When ordered, and if capable (after A.C.E reports and current capabilities after consolidation/reorganization have been determined) the squad continues the attack.