Infantry Minor Tactics

Infantry Minor Tactics (or IMTs) are the very basic tactics that are employed at the squad, section or platoon level. They are, generally speaking, reasonably similar across most modern armies.

Most IMTs are taught in the form of a drill - ie a series of actions that occur in reaction to a commonly encountered situation, such as siting enemy to the front, or being engaged by enemy from a flank etc. IMTs are not intended to replace the estimate of the situation but to reduce the estimate and the decision-making process to the essential elements. The emphasis on drills in intended to instill an immediate, aggressive response.

Perhaps the most basic of all IMTs is the "Basic Drill". The Basic Drill is the drill that all troopers are supposed to perform if they come under "effective fire".

The basic drill is:

   * run two or three steps
   * drop to the ground or into cover
   * crawl a few yards (or move under concealment/cover)
   * observe
   * shoot (identified targets of opportunity within effective range)
   * move
   * observe
   * shoot
   * move
   * repeat until issued orders

The basic drill is designed to get a trooper into cover, move him from the last position where they were likely to be seen by the enemy, and get him engaging any targets within range that he can see. For example, to provide a few simple steps for him to follow under stress that will keep him alive and positively engaged until his commander makes a situation estimate and issues instructions.

Combat Drills

Other forms of combat drills are required for troopers in the field. Some are simple tasks; others involve a series of steps that must be coordinated with other squad, and platoon, members.

Squad Attack

CONDITION:
The squad is moving as part of the platoon conducting a movement to contact or a hasty or deliberate attack.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. Action on Enemy Contact.

a. Troopers receiving fire take up nearest positions that afford protection from enemy fire (cover) and observation (concealment).

b. The fire team in contact immediately returns a heavy volume of suppressive fire in the direction of the enemy.

(1) Troopers in the fire team in contact move to positions (bound or crawl) from which they can fire their weapons, position themselves to ensure that they have observation, fields of fire, cover, and concealment. They continue to fire and report known or suspected enemy positions to the fire team leader.

(2) The team leader directs fires using tracers or standard fire commands.

(3) The fire team not in contact takes covered and concealed positions in place and observes to the flanks and rear of the squad.

(4) The squad leader reports contact to the platoon leader and moves toward the fire team in contact.

2. Locate the Enemy.

a. Using sight and sound, the fire team in contact acquires known or suspected enemy positions.

b. The fire team in contact begins to place well-aimed fire on suspected enemy positions.

c. The squad leader moves to a position where he can observe the enemy and assess the situation.

d. The squad leader requests immediate suppression indirect fires through the platoon leader.

e. The squad leader reports the enemy size and location, and any other information to the platoon leader. (As the platoon leader comes forward, he completes the squad leader's assessment of the situation.)

3. Suppress the Enemy.

a. The squad leader determines if the fire team in contact can gain suppressive fire based on the volume and accuracy of the enemy fire.

b. If the answer is YES, the fire team leader continues to suppress the enemy:

(1) The fire team destroys or suppresses enemy crew-served weapons first.

(2) The fire team places smoke on the enemy position to obscure it.

(3) The fire team leader continues to control fires using tracers or standard fire commands. Fires must be well-aimed and continue at a sustained rate with no lulls.

(4) Buddy teams fire their weapons so that both are not reloading their weapons at the same time.

c. If the answer is NO, the squad leader then deploys the fire team not in contact to establish a support-by-fire position. He reports the situation to the platoon leader. Normally, the squad will become the base of fire element for the platoon. The squad continues to suppress the enemy and responds to orders from the platoon leader.

4. Attack.

a. If the fire team in contact can suppress the enemy, the squad leader determines if the fire team not in contact can maneuver. He makes the following assessment-

b. Location of enemy position(s) and obstacles.

c. Size of enemy force engaging the squad. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.)

d. Vulnerable flank.

e. Covered and concealed flanking route to the enemy position.

(1) If the answer is YES, the squad leader maneuvers the fire team in the assault:

(a) The squad leader directs the fire team in contact to support the movement of the other fire team. He then leads or directs the assaulting fire team leader to maneuver his fire team along a route that places the fire team in a position to assault the enemy. (The assaulting fire team must pick up and maintain fire superiority throughout the assault. Handover of responsibility for direct fires from the supporting fire team to the assaulting fire team is critical.)

(b) Once in position, the squad leader gives the prearranged signal for the supporting fire team to lift fires or shift fires to the opposite flank of the enemy position.

(c) The assaulting fire team fights through enemy positions using fire and movement. (The supporting fire team must be able to identify the near flank of the assaulting fire team.)

(d) The team leader determines whether to move his fire team by bounding buddy teams or by individual movement techniques. The team maintains the basic wedge formation.

(e) Soldiers move by rushes or crawling. Someone is always firing while someone moves. At the end of each move, soldiers take up covered and concealed positions and resume firing.

(2) If the answer is NO or the assaulting fire team cannot continue to move, the squad leader deploys the assaulting fire team to add its fires against the enemy, reports to the platoon leader and requests instructions. The squad continues suppressing enemy positions and responds to the orders of the platoon leader.

5. Consolidate and Reorganize.

a. Once the assaulting fire team has seized the enemy position, the squad leader establishes local security. (The squad leader must quickly prepare to defeat any enemy counterattack. At the conclusion of the assault, the squad is most vulnerable.)

(1) The squad leader signals for the supporting fire team to move up into a designated position.

(2) The squad leader assigns sectors of fire for both fire teams.

(3) The squad leader positions key weapons.

(4) All troopers take up hasty defensive positions.

(5) The squad leader develops an initial fire support plan against an enemy counter attack. (As the platoon moves up, he hands the plan to the platoon leader for further development.)

(6) The squad leader posts an OP to warn of enemy activity.

b. The squad performs the following tasks-

(1) Reestablish the chain of command.

(2) Redistribute and resupply ammunition.

(3) Man crew-served weapons first.

(4) Redistribute critical equipment.

(5) Treat casualties and evacuate wounded.

(6) Fill vacancies in key positions.

(7) Search, silence, segregate, safeguard, and speed EPWs to collection points.

(8) Collect and report enemy information and materiel.

c. Team leaders provide ammunition, casualty, and equipment (ACE) reports to the squad leader.

d. The squad leader consolidates the ACE report and passes it to the platoon leader (or platoon sergeant).

e. The squad continues the mission after receiving instructions from the platoon leader. (The platoon follows the success of the squad's flanking attack with the remaining squads as part of the platoon attack.)

f. The squad leader reports the situation to the platoon leader.

React to Enemy Contact

CONDITIONS:
The squad/platoon is halted, moving, or set up. The enemy fires on the squad/platoon.

STANDARDS:
The unit returns fire immediately. The unit locates and engages the enemy with well-aimed fire.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. Troopers immediately take up the nearest covered positions and return fire in the direction of contact.

2. The squad/platoon leader determines if he has sufficient combat power to suppress and bypass or destroy the enemy.

a. If sufficient combat power is not available:

(1) The squad/platoon leader gives the order to break contact and orders a direction and distance (for example, "9 o'clock, 300 meters") or a location to move to.

(2) Soldiers increase the rate of fire to suppress the enemy and

(a) Use smoke grenades to obscure the unit's movement.

(b) Move to the designated rally point and establish local security.

b. If sufficient combat power is available, soldiers:

(1) Locate and engage known or suspected enemy positions with well-aimed fire.

(2) Make visual contact with their squad leader and indicate the location of enemy positions.

3. The squad/platoon leader reports the contact and their situation to higher headquarters.

IMPORTANT POINTS:
1. Have the soldiers react to indirect fire on the move and when in a fixed position during a simulated exercise. 2. Emphasize a good fighting position that should allow you to see and fire to the front when not receiving effective direct fire; however, if effective direct fire is received, the soldier can move behind frontal cover and fire to the oblique. 3. Choose a position that takes advantage of available cover and concealment.

SQUAD LEADER:
1. Moves up to the fire team/squad in contact and links up with its leader.

2. Determines whether or not his squad/platoon must move out of an engagement area.

3. Determines whether or not he can gain and maintain suppressive fires with his element already in contact (based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fires against the element in contact).

4. Makes an assessment of the situation. He identifies-

(a) The location of the enemy position and obstacles.

(b) The size of the enemy force engaging the unit in contact. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of the enemy strength.)

(c) Vulnerable flanks.

(d) Covered and concealed flanking routes to the enemy position.

5. Determines the next course of action (for example, fire and movement, assault, breach, knock out bunker, enter and clear a building or trench).

6. Reports the situation to the platoon leader/company commander and begins to maneuver his unit.

7. Calls for and adjusts indirect fire (mortars or artillery). (Squad leaders relay requests through the platoon leader.)

React to Contact (Mounted)

CONDITIONS:
A squad makes contact with a hostile element.

STANDARDS:
The squad opens fire immediately, targeting the hostile elements with well-aimed fire. The squad leader identifies the enemy position and types of weapons used and calls for fire or destroys the element (if capable).

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. The squad immediately moves all vehicles to the nearest covered or concealed position (if moving).

2. The squad engages the hostile element with all available weapons.

3. The squad leader determines if there is sufficient combat power to suppress, bypass, or destroy the hostile elements. NOTE: If the squad does not have sufficient combat power, the squad leader should call for and adjust fire (mortars and artillery) or request close air support (CAS) prior to breaking contact using the Light-Vehicle, Obstruction-Screening System (LVOSS). The squad leader may designate a new rally point.

4. If the squad leader has sufficient combat power to destroy the hostile element and fires and CAS are unavailable:

a. The squad leader designates teams. The support team lays suppressive fire while the assault teams sweep across the objective and destroy the hostile elements.

b. The teams maintain radio contact or have visual signals for shift and lift fires.

c. The support team uses antitank weapons to destroy bunkers and built-up positions.

d. Teams A and B bound across the objective, destroying the enemy.

e. Teams A and B clear all bunkers and built-up positions on the objective.

5. The squad leader reports hostile contact and provides a situation report (SITREP) to higher headquarters (HQ) using the size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE) report format.

6. The squad leader reconsolidates personnel and requests additional personnel and weapons from HQ (if required).

React to Contact (Platoon/Squad)

CONDITIONS:

The platoon/squad is halted or moving. The enemy initiates fires on the platoon/squad with an individual or crew-served weapon. 

STANDARDS:
The unit returns fire immediately. The unit locates and engages the enemy with well-aimed fire and causes at least one enemy casualty. The leader can point out at least one-half of the enemy positions and identify the types of weapons (such as small-arms, light machine gun).

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. Soldiers immediately assume the nearest covered positions.

2. Soldiers return fire immediately on reaching the covered positions.

3. Squad/team leaders locate and engage known or suspected enemy positions with well-aimed fire, and pass information to the platoon/squad leader.

4. Fire team leaders control the fire of their soldiers by using standard fire commands (initial and supplemental) containing the following elements:

a. Alert.

b. Direction.

c. Description.

d. Range.

e. Method of fire (manipulation and rate of fire).

f. Command to commence firing.

5. Soldiers maintain contact (visual or oral) with the soldiers on their left or right.

6. Soldiers maintain contact with the team leader and indicate the location of the enemy positions.

7. The leaders (visually or orally) check the status of their personnel.

8. The squad/fire team leaders maintain visual contact with the platoon/squad leader.

9. The platoon/squad leader moves up to the squad/fire team in contact and links up with its leader.

a. The platoon leader brings his RATELO, platoon FO, the squad leader of the nearest squad, and one machine gun team.

b. The squad leader of the trail squad moves to the front of his lead fire team.

c. The platoon sergeant moves forward with the second machine gun team and links up with the platoon leader, ready to assume control of the base-of-fire element.

10. The platoon/squad leader determines whether or not his unit must move out of the engagement area.

11. The platoon/squad leader determines whether or not his unit can gain and maintain suppressive fires with the element already in contact (based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fires against the element in contact).

12. The platoon/squad leader makes an assessment of the situation. He identifies:

a. The location of the enemy position and obstacles.

b. The size of the enemy force engaging the unit in contact. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.)

c. Vulnerable flanks.

d. Covered and concealed flanking routes to the enemy positions.

13. The platoon/squad leader determines the next course of action (for example, fire and movement, assault, breach, knock out bunker, enter and clear a building or trench).

14. The platoon/squad leader reports the situation to the company commander/platoon leader and begins to maneuver the unit.

15. The platoon leader calls for and adjusts indirect fire (mortars or artillery). (Squad leaders relay request through the platoon leader.)

16. Leaders relay all commands and signals from the platoon chain of command.

17. The platoon sergeant positions the BFVs to observe and to provide supporting fires.

NOTE: Once the platoon has executed the React to Contact Drill, the platoon leader makes a quick assessment of the situation (for example, enemy size, location). He decides on a course of action. The platoon leader reports the situation to the company commander.

React to an Ambush During a Tactical Convoy Movement

CONDITIONS:
The squad/platoon is moving in a convoy during a tactical road march and enemy contact is not expected.

STANDARDS:
The squad/platoon reacts immediately after the ambush, appropriate to the situation and its operation.

REQUIRED ACTIONS:
1. The soldiers in the vehicle nearest the ambush return fire at the enemy, and the squad leader nearest the ambush radios, "Contact front (left) (right) (rear)."

NOTE: A far ambush is more than 50 meters from the road, and a near ambush is less than 50 meters from the road.

2. If the roadway is clear, all vehicles proceed at a high rate of speed through the kill zone. The lead vehicle throws smoke grenades to obscure the kill zone. All soldiers fire at the enemy at a high rate of fire.

3. If the roadway is blocked, all soldiers in the kill zone dismount the vehicle and use it as cover.

4. Soldiers throw smoke and fragmentary grenades and return fire at the enemy.

5. Vehicles outside the kill zone stop, and the soldiers dismount, assume a firing position, and return fire at the enemy.

6. To break contact it may be necessary to assault the enemy position. Maneuver one squad, while providing fire support with the remainder of the platoon.

7. After assaulting the enemy's position, take the necessary actions to secure the area, search any enemy prisoners of war (EPWs) or dead, evacuate casualties, and assess vehicle and equipment damage.

8. The squad/platoon sends a situation report (SITREP) to the operational headquarters and continues the mission, if possible.

React to a Roadblock While Traveling Mounted (Squad)

CONDITIONS:
A moving squad has encountered a roadblock. The roadblock may be manned or unmanned by hostile or illegal personnel.

STANDARDS:
Personnel secure the area so friendly forces do not encounter the obstacle. The squad leader reports the situation to higher headquarters (HQ).

REQUIRED ACTIONS:
1. The lead element encounters an obstacle blocking the road. The lead element:

a. Determines if the roadblock is manned by hostile personnel and takes action according to the ROE.

b. Alerts the squad leader of the situation.

c. Assumes a covered or concealed position.

NOTE: The team leader determines whether to stay mounted or dismounted.

2. The trail teams assume overwatch. The trail teams:

a. Secure the flanks of the traveled route.

b. Remain alert for ambush activity.

c. Provide 360 degree security.

d. Prevent friendly forces from encountering the roadblock.

3. The lead element breaks contact and:

a. Moves to a rally point designated by the squad leader.

b. Uses smoke to conceal movement (if necessary).

4. The squad leader sends a situation report (SITREP) and:

a. Contacts higher HQ.

b. Accounts for personnel and equipment.

c. Maintains situational awareness.

React to an Ambush (Squad) (Mounted)

CONDITIONS:
A squad, moving mounted, is ambushed.

STANDARDS:
The squad returns fire, breaks contact with the hostile element, and moves to the designated rally point.

REQUIRED ACTIONS:
1. The squad reacts to the ambush.

2. The gunners of vehicles in the kill zone, without order or signal, immediately return suppressive fire at the hostile element.

a. The drivers of vehicles in the kill zone quickly maneuver their vehicles out of the kill zone.

b. The team leaders signal contact and indicate the direction of contact.

3. The gunners of vehicles not in the kill zone provide suppressive fire to support the escape of vehicles in the kill zone.

NOTE: Teams not in the kill zone when the ambush begins must ensure that they stay out of the kill zone when engaging the hostile element.

4. The teams break contact and move to a predesignated rally point to reorganize.

5. At the rally point, the squad establishes all-around security and accounts for personnel and equipment.

6. The squad leader submits a size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE) report.

React to Ambush (Platoon/Squad)

CONDITIONS:
The platoon/squad is moving. The platoon/squad is in a prepared kill zone. The enemy initiates the ambush with a casualty-producing device and a high volume of fire.

STANDARDS:
Soldiers in the kill zone in a near ambush immediately return fire, take up covered positions, and throw concussion or fragmentation and smoke grenades. Immediately after the grenades detonate, soldiers in the kill zone assault through the ambush using fire and movement. Soldiers not in the kill zone locate and place suppressive fire on the enemy, take up covered positions, and shift fire as the assault begins. Soldiers in the kill zone in a far ambush immediately return fire and take up covered positions. The leader identifies the enemy's location and soldiers place accurate suppressive fire on the enemy's position. Soldiers not in the kill zone begin fire and movement to destroy the enemy. The unit moves out of the kill zone, forces the enemy to withdraw, or destroys the ambush.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. Near Ambush (Within Hand-Grenade Range).

a. Depending on the terrain, soldiers in the kill zone carry out one of the following two actions:

(1) Return fire immediately. If cover is not available, immediately, without order or signal, assume the prone position and throw concussion or fragmentation and smoke grenades.

(2) Return fire immediately. If cover is available, without order or signal, seek the nearest covered position, assume the prone position, and throw fragmentation or concussion and smoke grenades.

b. Immediately after the explosion of the concussion or fragmentation grenades, soldiers in the kill zone return fire and assault through the ambush position using fire and movement.

c. Soldiers not in the kill zone identify the enemy location, and then place accurate suppressive fire against the enemy's position. Fire is shifted as the personnel in the kill zone begin to assault.

d. Soldiers in the kill zone continue the assault to eliminate the ambush or until contact is broken.

e. The platoon conducts consolidation and reorganization.

2. Far Ambush (Out of Hand-Grenade Range).

a. Soldiers receiving fire immediately return fire, take up covered positions, and suppress the enemy:

(1) By destroying or suppressing enemy crew-served weapons.

(2) By sustaining suppressive fires.

b. Soldiers (squads/teams) not receiving fire move by a covered and concealed route to a vulnerable flank of the enemy position and assault using fire and movement.

c. Soldiers in the kill zone continue suppressive fires and shift fires as the assaulting squad/team fights through the enemy position.

d. The platoon FO calls for and adjusts indirect fires as directed by the platoon leader. On order, he lifts or shifts fires to isolate the enemy position or to attack them with indirect fires as they retreat.

e. The platoon/squad leader reports, reorganizes as necessary, and continues the mission.

React to Ambush (Mounted)

CONDITIONS:
The platoon/section enters a kill zone and the enemy initiates an ambush with a light antiarmor weapon and a high volume of fire.

STANDARDS:
Vehicles in the kill zone immediately return fire, move out of the kill zone, or move to covered positions and return fire. Soldiers on disabled vehicles in the kill zone dismount, immediately assume concealed positions, and provide suppressive fires. The unit disengages the element in the kill zone. OR The unit forces the enemy to withdraw.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. Vehicles in the kill zone immediately return fire, while moving out of the kill zone or moving to covered positions within the kill zone and continue to fire on the ambush position with the highest possible volume of fire.

2. Soldiers in disabled vehicles in the kill zone dismount immediately, assume covered positions, and add their suppressive fires against the enemy force.

3. The section within the kill zone gains suppressive fire:

a. Destroys or suppresses enemy firing most effectively against the section.

b. Obscures the enemy position with smoke.

c. Sustains suppressive fires.

d. The section not in the kill zone moves by a covered and concealed route to a vulnerable flank of the enemy position and assaults across the enemy position mounted.

e. BFVs and soldiers in the kill zone continue suppressive fires and shift fires as the assaulting section fights through the enemy position.

4. The platoon leader calls for and adjusts fires. On order, he lifts fires or shifts them to isolate the enemy position, or to attack them with indirect fires as they retreat.

5. The platoon leader reorganizes, reports, and continues the mission.

NOTE: If the platoon cannot continue the assault, it breaks contact.

React to Indirect Fire

CONDITIONS:
The squad/platoon is conducting a reconnaissance mission.

STANDARDS:
If moving mounted, drivers immediately move their vehicles out of the impact area in the direction and for the distance ordered by the platoon leader. If moving with dismounted personnel, drivers pick up dismounted personnel, then immediately move their vehicles out of the impact area. If in positions, drivers move their vehicles to alternate positions, and dismounted personnel seek protection of overhead cover in their fighting positions.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. The squad/platoon reacts to indirect fire while moving mounted.

a. Any member of the platoon alerts, "Incoming!"

NOTE: The nearby impact of indirect fires also starts this task.

b. The leader gives the direction and distance to move; for example, "3 o'clock, 300 meters, follow me."

c. Drivers move rapidly out of the impact area in the direction ordered by the leader.

d. Track commanders repeat the alert, "Incoming," over the intercom.

e. The leader gives the direction and distance to move; for example, "3 o'clock, 200 meters, follow me."

f. Personnel close all hatches.

g. Drivers move rapidly out of the impact area in the direction ordered by the leader.

2. The squad/platoon reacts to indirect fire while moving dismounted with a carrier.

a. Any member yells, "Incoming!"

b. The carrier halts as closely as possible to the dismount team, and the team mounts.

c. The carrier moves rapidly out of the impact area in the direction ordered by the squad leader. :d. Personnel close all hatches, if applicable.

3. The squad/platoon is occupying an assembly area (AA) or conducting a reconnaissance mission.

4. The squad/platoon reacts to indirect fire while in a defensive position.

a. Soldiers seek protection under the overhead cover of their fighting positions or the best cover available, such as under vehicles.

b. Any member yells, "Incoming!"

c. The squad/platoon executes a hasty displacement, if appropriate, to a predesignated rally point.

d. The carriers immediately move out of the impact area to alternate positions.

e. Dismounted platoon members seek protection under the overhead cover of their fighting positions.

5. Squad/platoon members move to designated rally points, if necessary.

6. The squad/platoon establishes immediate security at the designated rally point.

a. Leaders account for personnel and equipment.

b. Squad leaders report to the platoon leader.

c. The leader submits a situation report (SITREP).

7. The squad/platoon leader requests operational decontamination, if applicable.

INTERESTING NOTE:
Every squad/platoon member must know the direction and distance to move. The direction and distance may be covered in the unit's standing operating procedure (SOP).

React to Indirect Fire (Squad) (Mounted)

CONDITIONS:
The squad is moving mounted and hears or sees rounds impacting.

STANDARDS:
The squad moves out of the impact area in the direction and distance directed by the squad leader.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. The squad leader announces the distance and direction of the move.

2. The squad leader executes the movement of vehicles.

3. The squad establishes all-around security at the rally point.

4. The squad leader visually accounts for personnel and equipment.

5. The squad leader submits a shelling report (SHELREP)

Break Contact (Squad/Platoon)

CONDITIONS:
The squad/platoon is moving or stationary.

STANDARDS:
The squad/platoon moves to where the enemy cannot observe or place effective firepower on it.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. The squad/platoon leader gives the order to break contact.

2. The squad/platoon leader designates which element will be the support element and which element will move to initiate the break contact.

NOTE: For a squad, the initial support element will usually be one smoke vehicle, and the initial moving element will be two smoke vehicles. For a platoon, each element will be a squad.

3. The squad/platoon leader orders a distance and direction (for example, "9 o'clock, 300 meters") or a location (for example, "Rally point, hill 876") to move to.

4. The support element increases the rate of fire to suppress the enemy.

5. The unit uses all available fires. Soldiers:

a. Use smoke generators to confuse the enemy and conceal movement.

b. Point primary weapons in the direction of the enemy.

6. The moving element moves without crossing the overwatch element's field of fire and assumes an overwatch position. The unit uses smoke to mask its movement when the enemy has seen it.

7. Soldiers conduct fire and movement as necessary.

8. The unit repeats bounding procedures until all contact is broken or until the unit passes through a support-by-fire force or is in position to conduct the next mission.

9. In the absence of a leader's instructions, the squad/platoon moves to the last designated rally point.

10. The squad/platoon leader moves to the rally point, accounts for personnel, reorganizes, and reports to the supported unit or company commander as required.

Knock Out Bunkers

CONDITIONS:
The platoon identifies enemy in bunkers while moving as a part of a larger force.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1. The platoon initiates contact-

a. The squad in contact establishes a base of fire.

b. The platoon leader, his RATELO, platoon FO, and one machine gun team move forward to link up with the squad leader of the squad in contact.

c. The platoon sergeant moves forward with the second machine gun team and assumes control of the base-of-fire element.

d. The base-of-fire element-

(1) Destroys or suppresses enemy crew-served weapons first.

(2) Obscures the enemy position with smoke (M203).

(3) Sustains suppressive fires at the lowest possible level.

e. The platoon FO calls for and adjusts indirect fires as directed by the platoon sergeant.

2. The platoon leader determines that he can maneuver by identifying-

a. The enemy bunkers, other supporting positions, and any obstacles

b. The size of the enemy force engaging the platoon. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.)

c. A vulnerable flank of at least one bunker.

d. A covered and concealed flanking route to the flank of the bunker.

3. The platoon leader determines which bunker is to be assaulted first and directs one squad (not in contact) to knock it out.

4. If necessary, the platoon sergeant repositions a squad, fire team, or machine gun team to isolate the bunker as well as to continue suppressive fires.

5. The assaulting squad, with the platoon leader and his RATELO, move along the covered and concealed route and take action to knock out the bunker.

a. The squad leader moves with the assaulting fire team along the covered and concealed route to the flank of the bunker.

(1) The assaulting fire team approaches the bunker from its blind side and does not mask the fires of the base-of-fire element.

(2) Soldiers constantly watch for other bunkers or enemy positions in support of it.

b. Upon reaching the last covered and concealed position:

(1) The fire team leader and the automatic rifleman remain in place and add their fires to suppressing the bunker (includes the use of LAW/AT4s).

(2) The squad leader positions himself where he can best control his teams. On the squad leader's signal, the base-of-fire element lifts fires or shifts fires to the opposite side of the bunker from the assaulting fire team's approach.

(3) The grenadier and rifleman continue forward to the blind side of the bunker. One soldier takes up a covered position near the exit, while one soldier cooks off (two seconds maximum) a grenade, shouts FRAG OUT, and throws it through an aperture.

(4) After the grenade detonates, the soldier covering the exit enters the bunker, firing short bursts, to destroy the enemy. The soldier who throws the grenade should not be the first one to clear the bunker.

c. The squad leader inspects the bunker to ensure that it has been destroyed. He reports, reorganizes as needed, and continues the mission. The platoon follows the success of the attack against the bunker and continues the attack of other bunkers.

6. The platoon leader repositions base-of-fire squads as necessary to continue to isolate and suppress the remaining bunkers, and maintain suppressive fires.

7. The platoon leader either redesignates one of the base-of-fire squads to move up and knock out the next bunker; or, directs the assaulting squad to continue and knock out the next bunker.

NOTE: The platoon leader must consider the condition of his assaulting squad(s) (ammunition and exhaustion) and rotate squads as necessary.

a. On the platoon leader's signal, the base-of-fire element lifts fires or shifts fires to the opposite side of the bunker from which the squad is assaulting.

b. At the same time, the platoon FO shifts indirect fires to isolate enemy positions.

8. The assaulting squad takes action to knock out the next bunker (see paragraph 5, above).

9. The platoon leader reports, reorganizes as necessary, and continues the mission. The company follows up the success of the platoon attack and continues to assault enemy positions.

Enter Building/Clear Room

SITUATION: Operating as part of a larger force, the squad is moving and identifies an enemy force in a building.

REQUIRED ACTIONS:

1. The fire team initiating contact establishes a base of fire and suppresses the enemy in and around the building.

2. The squad leader determines that he can maneuver by identifying-

a. The building and any obstacles.

b. The size of the enemy force engaging the squad.

c. An entry point. (Assaulting fire teams should enter the building at the highest level possible.)

d. A covered and concealed route to the entry point.

3. The fire team in contact-

a. Destroys or suppresses enemy crew-served weapons first.

b. Obscures the enemy position with smoke.

c. Sustains suppressive fires.

4. The squad leader directs the fire team in contact to support the entry of the other fire team into the building.

5. If necessary, the supporting fire team repositions to isolate the building as well as continue suppressive fires. (Normally, the platoon has added its supporting fires against the enemy.)

6. The squad leader designates the entry point of the building. The platoon and squad shift direct fires and continue to suppress the enemy in adjacent positions and to isolate the building. The platoon FO lifts indirect fires or shifts them beyond the building.

7. The squad leader and the assaulting fire team approach the building and position themselves at either side of the entrance. (Soldiers should avoid entering buildings through doors and windows, because they will normally be covered by enemy weapons inside the building.)

8. Allowing cook-off time (two seconds maximum), and shouting FRAG OUT, the lead soldier of the assaulting fire team prepares and throws a grenade into the building.

DANGER

IF WALLS AND FLOORS ARE THIN, THEY DO NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM HAND GRENADE FRAGMENTS.

9. After the explosion, the next soldier enters the building and positions himself to the right (left) of the entrance, up against the wall, engages all identified or likely enemy positions with rapid, short bursts of automatic fire, and scans the room. The rest of the team provides immediate security outside the building.

a. The size and shape of the room may cause the soldier entering the room to move to the left or right. The first soldier in the room decides where the next man should position himself and gives the command NEXT MAN IN, LEFT (or RIGHT). The next man shouts COMING IN, LEFT (RIGHT), enters the building, positions himself to the left of the entrance, up against the wall, and scans the room. Once in position, he shouts NEXT MAN IN (RIGHT or LEFT).

b. Depending on the enemy's situation, the size of the entry and the training of the squad, two soldiers can enter the room simultaneously after the grenade detonates. The soldier from the right side of the entry enters, fires from left to right, and moves to right with his back to the wall. At the same time, the soldier on the left enters from the left, fires from right to left, and moves to the left with his back to the wall. One soldier goes high, the other low, to prevent firing at one another. This method puts more firepower in the room more quickly, but is more difficult and requires more practice. When both soldiers are in position, the senior soldier gives the command NEXT MAN IN (RIGHT or LEFT).

10. The assaulting fire team leader shouts COMING IN (RIGHT or LEFT), enters the building initially moving left or right and against the wall, and positions himself where he can control the actions of his team. He does not block the entrance way. He makes a quick assessment of the size and shape of the room, and begins to clear the room. He determines if the remaining man in his team is required to assist in clearing the room.

a. If the team leader decides to bring the last man in, he shouts NEXT MAN IN LEFT (or RIGHT). The last man in the fire team shouts COMING IN LEFT (or RIGHT), enters the building, and begins to clear through the room.

b. If the team leader decides not to bring the last man in, he shouts NEXT MAN, STAND FAST. The last man remains outside the building and provides security from there. The team leader then directs the soldier on the right of the entrance to begin clearing. The team leader reports to the squad leader and then assumes the duties of the soldier on the right of the entrance to provide support.

DANGER

WHILE CLEARING ROOMS, SOLDIERS MUST BE ALERT FOR TRIP WIRES AND BOOBY TRAPS. THEY SHOULD NOT EXPOSE THEMSELVES THROUGH OPEN WINDOWS OR DOORS.

11. Once the room is cleared, the team leader signals to the squad leader that the room is cleared.

12. The squad leader enters the building and marks the entry point in accordance with the unit SOP. The squad leader determines whether or not his squad can continue to clear rooms and still maintain suppressive fires outside the building. Normally, it takes a platoon to clear a building.

13. The squad leader and assault fire team move to the entrance of the next room to be cleared and position themselves on either side of the entrance. The squad enters and clears all subsequent rooms by repeating the actions discussed in paragraphs 8 through 12, above.

14. The squad leader directs the team to continue and clear the next room. The squad leader rotates fire teams as necessary to keep the soldiers fresh, to equitably distribute the dangerous duties, and to continue the momentum of the attack.

15. The squad leader follows the fire team that is clearing to ensure that cleared rooms are properly marked in accordance with the unit SOP.

16. The squad leader assesses the situation to determine if he can continue clearing the building. He reports the situation to the platoon leader. The platoon follows the success of the entry into the building.

17. The squad consolidates its position in the building and then reorganizes as necessary. Leaders redistribute ammunition.

NOTE

Normally the squad/platoons will suppress enemy in buildings with large caliber weapons.

Enter/Clear a Trench

CONDITION:
The platoon is attacking as part of a larger force and identifies enemy in a trench line. The platoon deploys and establishes a base of fire. The platoon leader determines that he has sufficient combat power to maneuver and assault the trench line.

REQUIRED ACTIONS:
1. The platoon leader directs one squad to enter the trench and secure a foothold.

2. The platoon leader designates the entry point of the trench line and the direction of movement once the platoon begins clearing.

3. The platoon sergeant positions soldiers and machine guns to suppress the trench and isolate the entry point.

4. The assaulting squad executes actions to enter the trench and establish a foothold. The squad leader directs one fire team to assault and one fire team to support by fire initially, then follow and support the assaulting fire team. He designates the entry point of the trench line.

a. The squad leader and the assault fire team move to the last covered and concealed position short of the entry point.

(1) The squad leader marks the entry point.

(2) The base-of-fire element shifts direct fires away from the entry point and continues to suppress adjacent enemy positions or isolate the trench as required.

(3) The assault fire team leader and the automatic rifleman remain in a position short of the trench to add suppressive fires for the initial entry.

(4) The two remaining soldiers of the assault fire team (rifleman and grenadier) continue toward the entry point. They move in rushes or by crawling.

(5) The squad leader positions himself where he can best control his teams.

b. The first two soldiers (rifleman and grenadier) of the assault fire team move to the edge of the trench; parallel to the trench and on their backs; on the squad leader's command, cook-off grenades (two seconds maximum), shout FRAG OUT, and throw the grenades into the trench.

(1) After ensuring that both grenades detonate, the soldiers roll into the trench, landing on their feet, and back-to-back. They fire their weapons down the trench in opposite directions. Immediately, both soldiers move in opposite directions down the trench, continuing to fire three-round bursts. Each soldier continues until he reaches the first corner or intersection. Both soldiers halt and take up positions to block any enemy movement toward the entry point.

(2) Upon detonation of the grenades, the assault fire team leader and the automatic rifleman immediately move to the entry point and enter the trench. The squad leader directs them to one of the secured corners or intersections to relieve the rifleman or grenadier who then rejoins his buddy team at the opposite end of the foothold.

c. The squad leader remains at the entry point and marks it.

d. The squad leader reports to the platoon leader that he has entered the trench and secured a foothold. The platoon follows the success of the seizure of the foothold with the remainder of the platoon as part of the platoon actions to clear a trench line.

e. The squad reorganizes as necessary. Leaders redistribute ammunition.

5. The platoon leader directs one of the base-of-fire element squads to move into the trench and begin clearing it in the direction of movement from the foothold.

6. The base-of-fire element repositions as necessary to continue suppressive fires.

7. The platoon leader moves into the trench with the assaulting squad.

8. The assaulting squad passes the squad that has secured the foothold and executes actions to take the lead and clear the trench.

a. The squad leader designates a lead fire team and a trail fire team.

b. The lead fire team and the squad leader move to the forward-most secure corner or intersection. The squad leader tells the team securing that corner or intersection that his squad is ready to continue clearing the trench. The trail fire team follows maintaining visual contact with the last soldier of the lead team.

NOTE: Throughout this technique, the team leader positions himself at the rear of the fire team to have direct control (physically, if necessary) of his soldiers. Other soldiers in the fire team rotate the lead. Soldiers rotate the lead to change magazines and prepare grenades. Rotating the lead provides constant suppressive fires down the trench and maintains the momentum of the attack as the squad clears the trench.

c. The lead fire team passes the element securing the foothold.

(1) The lead soldier of the fire team moves abreast of the soldier securing the corner or intersection, taps him, and announces TAKING THE LEAD.

(2) The soldier securing the corner or intersection acknowledges that he is handing over the lead by shouting OKAY. He allows the fire team to pass him.

d. The lead fire team starts clearing in the direction of movement. They arrive at a corner or intersection.

(1) Allowing for cook-off (two seconds maximum) and shouting FRAG OUT, the second soldier prepares and throws a grenade around the corner.

(2) Upon detonation of the grenade, the lead soldier moves around the corner firing three round bursts and advancing as he fires. The entire fire team follows him to the next corner or intersection.

e. The squad leader-

(1) Follows immediately behind the lead team.

(2) Ensures that the trailing fire team moves up and is ready to pass the lead at his direction.

(3) Rotates fire teams as necessary to keep his soldiers fresh and to maintain the momentum of the attack.

(4) Requests indirect fires, if necessary, through the platoon leader.

DANGER: THE FIRE TEAMS MUST MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT INTERVAL TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING ENGAGED BY THE SAME ENEMY FIRES.

f. At each corner or intersection, the lead fire team performs the same actions described above (paragraph d).

g. If the lead soldier finds that he is nearly out of ammunition before reaching a corner or intersection, he announces AMMO.

(1) Immediately, the lead soldier stops and moves against one side of the trench, ready to let the rest of the team pass. He continues to aim his weapon down the trench in the direction of movement.

(2) The next soldier ensures that he has a full magazine, moves up abreast of the lead soldier, taps him and announces TAKING THE LEAD.

(3) The lead soldier acknowledges that he is handing over the lead by shouting OKAY, positions rotate, and the squad continues forward.

h. The trailing fire team secures intersections and marks the route within the trench as the squad moves forward. The trailing fire team leader ensures that follow-on squads relieve his buddy teams to maintain security.

i. The squad leader reports the progress of the clearing operation. (The base-of-fire element must be able to identify the location of the lead fire team in the trench at all times.)

9. The platoon leader rotates squads to keep soldiers fresh and to maintain the momentum of the assault.

10. The platoon sergeant calls forward ammunition resupply and organizes teams to move it forward into the trench.

11. The base-of-fire element ensures that all friendly forces move into the trench ONLY through the designated entry point. (All movement must be made in the trench to avoid casualties by friendly fires.)

12. The platoon leader reports to the company commander that the trench line is secured, or that he is no longer able to continue clearing.

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This initial write-up is courtesy of Infantry Minor Tactics writeup at Wikipedia. Additional information courtesy of various US Army documentation.