OFFENSIVE
TECHNIQUES
& TACTICS
ISLC0401
1
OVERVIEW









Purpose of
offensive unit.
Passage of lines.
Phases of offensive
combat.
Preparation phase.
Day attack control
measures.
Conduct phase.
Types of the night
attacks.
Night tactical
control measures.
Phase of the night
attack.








Consolidation.
Exploitation phase.
Attacking fortified
positions.
Task organization.
Base of fire task and
its employment.
Assault unit task and
its employment.
Munitions available.
Seizing of the
objective.
2
PURPOSE OF AN
OFFENSIVE OPERATION
Gain, maintain contact, exploit
weaknesses and cause him react to
our actions.
 Focused on the enemy.
 Offensive Oprs are conducted to;

•
•
•
•
•
Deceive and divert the enemy.
Deprive the enemy of resources.
Gain information.
Fix the enemy.
Disrupt enemy actions.
3
PURPOSE OF AN
OFFENSIVE OPERATION

Successful Offensive Oprs;
• Avoid enemy strength.
• Isolate the enemy from resources.
• Strike from an unexpected direction,
disrupting his plan.
• Aggressively exploit every advantage.
• Employ accurate and timely assessment of
effects against the enemy to exploit success.
4
PASSAGE OF LINES

An incoming unit attacks through and/or around
a unit which is in contact with the enemy.

Elements of the unit passed through remain in
position and provide support to the attacking unit
A passage of lines may be conducted to:
• Maintain the momentum of an attack.
• Change the direction of attack.
• Exploit an enemy weakness by an attack with the reserve.
5
PASSAGE OF LINES

Areas of passage;
• When possible, the areas selected for
the actual passage of lines should be
the unoccupied areas between elements
of the unit in position or on the flanks.
• This procedure reduces confusion and
facilitates control by lessening the
intermingling of the personnel of both
units.
6
PASSAGE OF LINES

Planning Procedures;
• Commander of unit to execute the
passage of lines makes early contact
with the commander of the unit in
position to coordinate.
• At a minimum, the following details
will be coordinated…
7
PASSAGE OF LINES

Planning Procedures (cont);
• Exchange of intelligence.
• Exchange of tactical plans to include fire
support and communication plans.
• Arrangements for detailed reconnaissance by
elements of the attacking unit, or limited
reconnaissance when time is a critical factor.
• Measures for security of both units during the
passage.
• Selection of areas and routes of passage.
8
PASSAGE OF LINES

Planning Procedures (cont);
• Provisions for guides for each squad size unit
from the unit in position if the tactical situation
permits.
• Establishment of priorities for the use of routes
and provision for movement control.
• Extent, type, and control measures for fire support
• Extent of logistic support to be provided by the
unit being passed through and procedures for
continued support subsequent to the attack.
9
PASSAGE OF LINES

Passage of Command;
• The commander executing the Passage assumes
responsibility for the zone of action at a time
mutually agreed upon with the commander of
the unit in position.
• When responsibility is transferred prior to
attack, the unit making the passage controls the
elements of the unit in position that are in
contact with the enemy at the time of transfer.
10
3 PHASES OF
OFFENSIVE COMBAT

PREPARATION PHASE.

CONDUCT PHASE.

EXPLOITATION PHASE.
11
3 PHASES OF
OFFENSIVE COMBAT

PREPARATION;
• MOVEMENT TO THE ASSEMBLY
AREA.
• RECONNAISSANCE AND
REHEARSALS.
• MOVEMENT TO THE LOD.
12
3 PHASES OF
OFFENSIVE COMBAT

CONDUCT;
• MOVEMENT FORWARD OF THE LOD TO THE
ASSAULT POSITION.
• ADVANCE BY FIRE AND MANEUVER.
• ARRIVAL AT THE ASSUALT POSITION.
• ASSAULT AND ADVANCE THROUGH THE
OBJECTIVE.
• CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION.
13
3 PHASES OF
OFFENSIVE COMBAT

EXPLOITATION;
• CONTINUATION OF THE ATTACK.
• PURSUIT BY FIRE.
14
THE PREPARATION PHASE

BEGINS WITH RECIEPT OF
WARNING ORDER.
• MOVEMENT TO THE ASSEMBLY AREA;
Route Column: (Contact Remote)
 Tactical Column: (Contact Possible)
 Approach March: (Contact Imminent)

15
THE PREPARATION PHASE

ROUTE COLUMN;
• CONTACT IS REMOTE, UNITS ARE
GROUPED ADMINISTRATIVELY.
• EASY CONTROL OF SPEED AND
MOVEMENT.
• ALSO CALLED ADMINISTATIVE
COLUMN.
16
THE PREPARATION PHASE

TACTICAL COLUMN;
• CONTACT POSSIBLE.
• PERMITS MOVEMENT INTO COMBAT
FORMATIONS.
• MAY BE USED AS.

PART OF THE MAIN BODY;
• SQUAD LEADER SUPERVISES THE MARCH
DISIPLINE OF THE SQUAD.
17
THE PREPARATION PHASE

CONNECTING ELEMENTS;
• FLANK CONNECTING FILES OR
GROUPS.
• COLUMN CONNECTING FILES OR
GROUPS.
18
POINT SQUAD
FLANK
PATROL
A
A
ADVANCE
PARTY(PLT
LESS ONE
SQD)
COLUMN
CONNECTING
GROUP
A
A
SUPPORT
(CO LESS
ONE PLT)
ADVANCE GUARD
(COMPANY)
FLANK
PATROL
A
A
A
FLANK
CONNECTING
GROUP
A
A
19
FLANK
CONNECTING
GROUP
MAIN BODY
BATTALION LESS
ADVANCE AND REAR
GUARDS
A
A
REAR GUARD PLT
REAR PARTY
PLATOON LESS ONE
A
SQUAD
REAR POINT
SQUAD
FLANK
GUARD
COLUMN CONNECTING
GROUPS
FLANK
PATROL
COLUMN
CONNECTING
FILES
20
LEADING
FIRE TEAM
A
50-100
METERS
SQUAD LEADER
A
A
PS
OQ
IU
NA
TD
REAR FIRE TEAM
50-300
METERS
COLUMN
CONNECTING
GROUP
FIRE TEAM
A
ADVANCE PARTY
21
POINT OF ADVANCE GUARD
FORWARD
OBSERVATION
LEFT FLANK
OBSERVATION
RIGHT FLANK
OBSERVATION
22
REAR POINT
CONNECTING
FILES
(1/2 FIRE TEAM
FROM REAR
PARTY
A
REAR
PARTY
A
SQUAD
LEADER
DIRECTION
OF
MARCH
A
A
23
THE PREPARATION PHASE

FLANK PATROL;
• IMPORTANT TERRAIN.
• SPEED SELF PROTECTION.
• PREVENT THE ENEMY.
• REPORT ENEMY MOVEMENT.
24
A
D
V
P
T
Y
A
FLANK PATROL
S
U
P
P
O
R
T
A
A
25
THE PREPARATION PHASE

SECURITY FOR HALTED
COULMN;
• ESTABLISHED BY THE ADVANCE
FLANK
• REAR GUARDS USED AS A
MARCH OUTPOST
26
THE PREPARATION PHASE

TERMINATION OF THE
TACTICAL COLUMN;
• NORMALLY ENDS WHEN A
UNIT OCCUPIES ASSEMBLY
AREA.
• ENEMY SITUATION--• APPROACH MARCH.
27
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES
ASSEMBLY AREA.
 ATTACK POSITION.
 LINE OF DEPARTURE.
 ASSAULT POSITION.
 FINAL COORDINATION LINE.

28
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

ASSEMBLY AREA;
• WHERE UNITS ASSEMBLE PRIOR TO FURTHER
TACTICAL ACTION.
• SHOULD PROVIDE:
CONCEALMENT
 DISPERSION
 LARGE ENOUGH FOR UNIT
 READY ROUTES FOWARD
 SECURITY---HOSTILE FIRES

29
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

OTHER PREPARATIONS;
• RECONNOITERING.
• FORMULATING PLANS AND
ISSUING ORDERS AS WELL AS:
DRAW AND DISTRIBUTE AMMO.
 CHECK WPNS AND EQUIPMENT.
 REHEARSALS.

30
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

OTHER PREPARATIONS (CONT);
• COLLECT EXTRA EQUIPMENT NOT
NEEDED.
• ISSUE EXTRA SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.
• REST.
• COMM CHECKED.
31
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

ATTACK POSITIONS;
• LAST CONCEALED AND
COVERED.
• POSITION OCCUPIED BEFORE.
• CROSSING THE LOD.
32
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

ATTACK POSITION (CONT);
• FINAL COORDINATION & LAST
MINUTE PREP ARE MADE.
• DEPLOY INTO ATTACK
FORMATIONS.
• DO NOT DELAY AT THE ATTACK
POSITION.
33
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

MOVEMENT TO THE LOD;
• APPROACH MARCH.

USED WHEN ENEMY CONTACT IS EXPECTED OR
IMMINENT.
• INITIAL FORMATION (situation dictates).
• BASE SQUAD.

Assigned by Plt Cmdr, dictates direction and
pace.
• DUTIES OF THE SQUAD LEADER.

Regulates pace, makes minor adjustments in
direction by using advantageous terrain.
34
DAY ATTACK
CONTROL MEASURES

SCOUTING FIRE TEAMS;
• PLATOONS SECURITY – One Fire Team acts as
advance guard for Plt, 50-75M in front (situation
and terrain may dictate).
• WHEN FIRED UPON TM LDR MUST DETERMINE:




LOCATION OF ENEMY AND POSITIONS.
TYPES OF POSITIONS-- NUMBER OF ENEMY.
ENEMY WEAPONS.
PLT CMDR OBTAINS INFO FROM TEAM LEADER.
35
CONDUCT PHASE

BEGINS WHEN ONE OF THE
FOLLOWING OCCURS;
• THE SQUAD IS FORCED TO FIRE ON
THE ENEMY IN ORDER TO
ADVANCE.
• THE LEADING TROOP CROSSES THE
LOD.
36
CONDUCT PHASE

FORMS OF MANUVER;
• FIRE AND MANEUVER.
BASE OF FIRE.
 MANEUVER ELEMENT.

• FIRE AND MOVEMENT.
FIRE TEAM RUSHES.
 INDIVIDUAL RUSHES.

37
CONDUCT PHASE

2 METHODS FOR EMPLOYING
THE SQUAD;
• BASE OF FIRE ELEMENT.

PROVIDES COVERING FIRE FOR THE
MANUVERING UNIT.
• MANUVERING ELEMENT.
CLOSE WITH AND DESTROY THE ENEMY.
 ADVANCE AND ASSUALT.

38
CONDUCT PHASE
• CONTROL OF THE SQUAD.
TEAM LEADERS INITIATE THE ACTION.
 FIGHTER-LEADER CONCEPT.
 BASE FIRE TEAM.

• ACTIONS ARE BASED OFF OF.
• GENERAL GUIDE.
39
CONDUCT PHASE

FORMS OF MANEUVER FOR THE
RIFLE SQUAD;
• FIRST MAINTAIN FIRE SUPERIORITY.
• SINGLE ENVELOPMENT.

COVERED BY THE SUPPORTING ATTACK.
• FRONTAL ATTACK.

PRESSURE TO ENEMIES FRONT.
40
FINAL CL
OBJECTIVE
FCL
T
A
P
ASS.
POS.
SINGLE
ENVELOPMENT
FRONTAL
ATTACK
LINE OF
DEPARTURE
A.P.
A.A.
A.A.
41
CONDUCT PHASE

FRONTAL ATTACK;
• NO OPPORTUNITY FOR MANEUVER.
• FIRE TEAMS ADVANCE RAPIDLY
UNDER.
• COVERING FIRE FROM THE
REMAINDER OF THE SQUAD.
• AVAILABLE COVER AND
CONCEALMENT.
42
CONDUCT PHASE

FRONTAL ATTACK (CONT);
• MOST FREQUENTLY USED BY RIFLE
SQUADS.
• ATTACK MOVES INTO THE ENEMIES
STRENGTH WITH LITTLE SURPRISE.
43
CONDUCT PHASE

METHOD OF ADVANCE;
• AS A UNIT IN A SERIES OF SQUAD
RUSHES.
• AS FIRE TEAMS IN ALTERNATING
TEAM RUSHES.
• INDIVIDUAL RUSHES.
44
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS AT THE ASSAULT
POSITION;
• OFFER CONCEALMENT AND COVER IN
DEADSPACE.
• COVERING FIRES INCREASE.
• COMPLETES EMPLOYMENT TO ASSAULT
FORMATION.
45
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS AT THE ASSAULT
POSITION (CONT);
• FINAL PREPERATIONS ARE MADE.
FIX BAYONETS.
 INSERT FRESH MAGAZINE.
 LAST MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS.
 DO NOT DELAY.

46
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS AT THE FCL;
• CEASING OR SHIFTING OF FIRES.
• TENTATIVELY ESTABLISHED.
• SUPPORT FIRES MAINTAINED AS
LONG AS POSSIBLE.
• SQUAD LEANS INTO SUPPORTING
FIRE.
47
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS BY THE SQUAD IN THE
ASSAULT;
• STARTED ON ORDER OR SIGNAL.
• AGESSIVILY AND VIGOURSLY
“IMMEDIATELY” AFTER SHIFTING OR
CEASING OF FIRES.
• USING ASSAULT-FIRING TECHNIQUES.
48
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS BY THE SQUAD IN THE
ASSAULT (CONT);
• ASSUALT FIRE.
SQUAD AUTOMATIC RIFLEMEN.
 FIRE TEAM LEADERS/ GRENDIERS.
 SQUAD LEADER.

49
CONDUCT PHASE

DECENTRALIZATION OF
CONTROL;
• HEAVY ENEMY OPPOSITION.

SQUAD OFTEN BREAKS UP AND
RELIES ON SKILL AND INITIATIVE.
• LIGHT ENEMY OPPOSITION.
SQUAD RETAINS MORE CONTROL.
 POTENTIAL COUNTERATTACK.

50
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS DURING CONSOLIDATION;
• CONSOLIDATION IS THE RAPID.
• ORGANIZATION OF A HASTY DEFENSE IN
ORDER TO PERMIT THE ATTACKING .
• UNIT TO HOLD THE OBJECTIVE IN
THEEVENT OF AN ENEMY COUNTER
ATTACK.
51
CONDUCT PHASE

ACTIONS DURING CONSOLIDATION
(CONT);
• HASTY DEFENSE;
USE OLD ENEMY POSITIONS AS COVER.
 SECTORS OF FIRE - PDF.
 MOVEMENT KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
 RE-DISTRIBUTE AMMO.
 CASUALTIES.
 POWS.
 CHAIN OF COMMAND.

52
CONDUCT PHASE
• LIGHT ENEMY OPPOSITION;
CONTROL WILL REMAIN RELATIVELY
INTACT.
 BUILD HASTY DEFENSE ORDERLY.
 DANGER OF ENEMY COUNTERATTACK
HIGH.

53
CONDUCT PHASE
• HEAVY ENEMY OPPOSITION;
BUILDING THE DEFENSE MORE DIFFICULT.
 CONFUSION.
 STRAY MARINES.
 BUILD THE DEFENSE NOT THE SQUAD.
 MAINTAINED UNTIL REORGANIZATION.

54
PURPOSE OF THE
NIGHT ATTACKS
Gain surprise.
 Maintain pressure.
 Exploit success.
 Seize terrain.
 Avoid heavy losses.
 Compensate for lessened
combat power.

55
CHARACTERISTICS OF
A NIGHT ATTACK
• Decreased marksmanship.
• Increase in importance of;
Close combat.
 Volume of fire.
 Fires of weapons registered during daylight.

• Difficulty of movement.
• Difficulty maintaining.
Control.
 Direction.
 Contact .

56
TYPES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

ILLUMINATED;
• Supported by continuous illumination.
• Daylight attack techniques used.
57
TYPES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

NON-ILLUMINATED;
• Stealth.
• Illumination.
• Knowledge of enemies
positions.
• Company and platoon size.
• Control measures and routes
are reconnoitered.
58
NIGHT TACTICAL
CONTROL MEASURES
Assembly area.
 Attack position.
 LOD – Line of Departure.
 POD – Point of Departure.
 Time of attack. ISSUED BY HIGHER.
 Release point.
 PLD – Probable Line of Deployment.
 Limit of advance.

59
60
NIGHT TACTICAL
CONTROL MEASURES

OTHER CONTROL MEASURES;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Azimuths, artillery, tracers.
Use of guides.
Base element.
Distance between elements.
Luminous tape.
Radio silence.
Pyrotechnics. EMERGANCY ONLY
61
PHASES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

Preparatory Phase;
• Recon – day, dusk, dark.
• Rehearsals.
 Day and night.
 Formations, signals.
 Actions from AA to OBJ.
• Equipment.
• Avoid.
 Test firing.
 Unnecessary movement.
62
PHASES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

Conduct Phase;
• Movement to PLD.
• Security patrols destroy LP / Ops.
• AA – release point.
Column.
Link up with guides.

• Crossing the LOD.

Slow movement to PLD.
63
PHASES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

Conduct Phase (cont);
• Flares.

Before / after PLD.
• Illuminated attacks.

Signal for illum after PLD.
• Squad release points.

Base unit.
• PLD.
Guides / marking.
 Loading.

64
PHASES OF NIGHT ATTACKS

Conduct Phase (cont);
• Assualt.
Commences upon discovery.
 Fire superiority / volume of fire.
 Tracers.
 Pre- planned fires are used.
 Do not pass LOA.

65
EXPLOITATION

Exploitation;
• After consolidation & reorganization.
• Disrupt enemy withdrawal & reorganization.
• 2 methods to exploit success.
Continuation of the attack.
 Pursuit by fire.

66
CONSOLIDATION

ENEMY COUNTER ATTACK;
• THE MAJOR CONCERN ONCE THE ENEMY
HAS BEEN DRIVEN FROM THE OBJECTIVE
IS TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE
OBJECTIVE.
• PREPARATIONS TO REPEL
COUNTERATTACK.
• COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY.
67
CONSOLIDATION

REORGANIZATION;
• MAKE SPOT ASSIGNMENTS.
• TEAM LDRS and AR MAN.
• REDISTRIBUTE AMMUNITION.
• REMOVE CASUALTIES.
68
CONSOLIDATION

REORGANIZATION (CONT);
• NOTIFY PLT CMDR OF SITUATION.
• POWS AND ENEMY DEAD
SEARCHED.
• ASCERTAIN SITUATION OF OTHER
UNITS.
69
EXPLOITATION PHASE
TWO METHODS;
PURSUIT BY FIRE.
CONTINUATION OF THE ATTACK.
70
EXPLOITATION PHASE

Movement to Contact;
• Seeks to gain or regain enemy contact.
• Initial contact made with minimum
forces.
• Allows the commander to strike when
he chooses.
• An approach march formation is used,
but security is maintained.
71
ATTACKING A
FORTIFIED POSITION

A FORTIFIED POSITION IS;
• A well prepared area.
• Deliberate defensive system that contains many strong
points.
• Disposed in width and depth to be mutually supporting.
• Reinforced positions with interlocking fields of fire.
• Extensive barrier plan, tunnels and trench lines.


Communications trenches.
Field fortifications positions.
72
ATTACKING A
FORTIFIED POSITION

Characteristic Strengths;
• Emplacements and personal shelters are reinforced concrete,
steel or heavy timber and earth.

Walls and overhead may be up to 10 feet thick, providing
protection from indirect fired weapons.
• Position is prepared in advance, use of natural and artificial
camouflage.
• Emplacements contain one or more Automatic weapons.
• Emplacements are mutually supporting,

To attack one you will come under fire from another Emplacement.
• Emplacements are protected by infantry occupying field
fortifications.
73
ATTACKING A
FORTIFIED POSITION

Characteristic Strengths (cont);
• Tunnels and communication trenches.
• Wire and obstacles are used to restrict attackers
movement.
• Mines and booby traps are employed.
• Communication wire laid deep under ground.
74
ATTACKING A
FORTIFIED POSITION

Weaknesses;
• Automatic Weapons – fixed position, restricts
gunners observation and prevents gun from
being moved to alternate or supplementary
position.
• Emplacements – depend on mutually supporting
for observation and fields of fire.
• Indirect fire – emplacements can withstand,
most effect will occur on the field fortifications.
Thus creating a weak point on which to focus.
• Weak Points – embrasures, air vents and door
ways, an opening to employ rocket launchers,
demolitions and grenades.
75
TASK ORGANIZATION

Squad participates in the attack as
part of the platoon.

Could be assigned as the Base of Fire
or the Assault Element.

Several small units simultaneously
conduct attacks against a fortified
position.
76
BASE OF FIRE TASK

Neutralize the enemy occupying field fortifications.
• Artillery, mortar and the Base of Fire provide neutralization
fires.

Neutralize the enemy automatic weapons.
• Accomplished by using a tripod mounted machinegun.
• One machinegun team for each emplacement.

Could be in direct support for the attacking unit
and not in the attacking unit.

Assault weapons are used, if no assault weapons
then used demolitions and grenades.
77
EMPLOYMENT OF THE
BASE OF FIRE

The base of fire provides covering fire for the
assault unit.
• Organic Weapons;


M16’s. Fire against enemy in the field fortifications.
M249 SAW.
• Fires at enemy in the field fortifications.
• Could fire at the emplacements.
• Fire is targeted at the embrasures at the rapid rate.

M203. Fire at enemy in field fortifications.
• Supporting Weapons;



MK19/M2 .50 cal. Fire at field fortifications, normally in direct
support.
WP rounds can screen the assault.
Artillery and mortar fire neutralize enemy in the field
fortifications.
78
ASSAULT UNIT TASK

Assault unit advances under covering fire
from the base of fire and supporting fire.
• Destroy, neutralize or overcome barbed wire and
other obstacles.
• Kill or capture enemy sentinels covering
avenues of approach.
• Assault enemy position, kill or capture enemy
and destroy the field fortifications and
fortifications.
• Establish a hasty defense, repel counterattack.
79
EMPLOYMENT OF THE
ASSAULT UNIT

Organic Weapons. Used as the same
as a daylight attack.
• When assigned as the assault unit,
execute fire and movement, not fire and
maneuver.
• 3 fire teams provide the squad leader with
the ability to conduct fire and maneuver.

One as the base of fire and the others as the
maneuver unit.
80
MUNITIONS AVAILABLE

AT-4. Used to destroy field fortifications and
emplacements.

Demolitions. Breach obstacles, destroy
emplacements.

Grenades. Used against enemy infantry and be
thrown into the emplacements.
• Smoke – used to signal or screen movement.
• White phosphorus – screen and neutralize enemy.

SMAW. Not closer than 10 meters, destroy the
emplacement.
81
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION OF
SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Considerations;
• Machinegun team should neutralize
enemy automatic weapons.
• SMAW - to destroy the emplacement.
• Demolitions.
Bangalore - to clear obstacles.
 Satchel charge - to destroy emplacement .

• Artillery and mortar – enemy infantry in
field fortifications.
82
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Planning and Coordination;
• Receive order from the Platoon
commander.
• Seizing or destroying a certain
emplacement.
• Other squads assault adjacent.
emplacements simultaneously.
• Attacks normally on a narrow frontage.
83
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Planning the Attack;
• During his reconnaissance the squad leader:
Location of emplacements
 Positions of embrasures / enemy fields of fire.
 Surrounding field fortifications / obstacles.
 Location of supporting emplacements
 Tentative assault position / Final coordination line.
 Route to the Assault Position.
 Position for the Base of fire.
 Position for the Assault unit.
 Firing position for the AT-4/ SMAW.

84
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Planning the Attack (cont);
• Based upon the reconnaissance and mission,
plan the attack.
• Determine whether to move with the base of fire
or the assault unit.

Designate a leader of the other element. (movement
with the Assault unit is preferred).
• After completing the plan conduct rehearsals
• Ensure all know their duties and understand the
plan.
85
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Preparation Fires;
• Air, artillery, mortars and naval gunfire.
• Position the base of fire unit under cover fire of
the preparatory fire.
• Attempt to destroy the emplacement with the
SMAW from the BOF position.
• Assault unit moves forward with SMAW team to
attack and destroy the emplacement.
86
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Movement to the Assault Position;
• Base of Fire neutralizes the enemy in the emplacement.
• Enemy in the field fortifications are taken under fire.
• Once the emplacement and field fortifications are
neutralized.
• Assault unit moves forward and assaults.


Assault unit breaches obstacles and kill remaining enemy.
Assault unit position should be so that it hinders the enemy
observation.
87
SQUAD ASSIGNED MISSION
OF SEIZING AN OBJECTIVE

Assault of the Emplacement;
• Base of fire is shifted or ceased.

Smoke used to cover the assault unit.
• If emplacement is not destroyed, SMAW is
employed.
• Assault is conducted as soon as supporting fires
are lifted.
Remaining enemy destroyed by small arms fire, M203 and
grenades.
 Emplacements are searched for intelligence and tunnels.

• After objective is secured, BOF is moved forward.
Consolidation and reorganization.
 The squad may have to support another attack
 May have to continue the attack on another objective.

88
SUMMARY

Today we have covered…

IRFs…
89