MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Revision Date: 31 July 2011 1

MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Lesson Objectives
Following this lesson and completion of all assignments, Cadets will be able to:
 Define offensive operations
 Describe planning considerations of attack operations
 Describe an attack
 Compare/contrast the two types of attacks
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
The Attack
I approve of all methods of attacking provided they are directed at the point where the enemy's army is weakest and where the terrain favors them the least.
Frederick the Great
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Attack Characteristics
 An offensive action characterized by movement supported by fire.
 Through taking the offensive, we gain the initiative, carry the fight to the Enemy, fight in his positions, and seek a decision on our terms
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Types of Attack
 Deliberate - Characterized by detailed planning, reconnoitering, coordinating and rehearsals in preparation for the execution. Usually conducted when the enemy is in well prepared defensive positions or a hasty attack is not possible
 Hasty - upon contact with the enemy the unit decides to conduct an attack. Limited planning coordinating, rapid preparation and execution. The unit reacts immediately to exploit an enemy’s weakness.
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Attack
 Maintain the initiative
 Detailed planning and preparation
 Avoid detection
 Fix the enemy
 Find or create a weakness
 Maneuver to exploit the weakness
 Consolidate and reorganize
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Limited Visibility
Fundamentals
 Well-trained squads
 Natural light sufficient to employ night vision devices
 A simple concept with sufficient control measures
 Detailed reconnaissance of objective, routes, passage points, support-by-fire positions, and other key locations
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Limited Visibility
Considerations
 Controlling movement of individuals and squads
 Identifying targets; controlling direct and indirect fires
 Navigating and moving
 Identifying friendly and enemy soldiers
 Locating, treating, and evacuating casualties
 Locating and bypassing or breaching enemy obstacles
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Planning Considerations
 Troop leading procedures
 AA procedures
 Support element
 Assault element
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Planning Considerations (2)
 Movement to the objective
 Movement techniques and routes
 Control measures
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Planning Considerations (3)
 Actions at the line of departure (LD) -
PSG counts out
 Actions on chance contact
 Security halts
 ORPs
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Planning Considerations (4)
 Move to assault position - last cover and concealment before OBJ
 Assaulting the OBJ concentration of fire direct and indirect, shifting of fires
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Planning Considerations (5)
 Consolidate and reorganize
 Reestablishing command and control
 Re-mans key weapons, redistributing ammunition and equipment
 Clearing the objective of casualties and EPWs
 Special teams
 Aid and litter
 EPW team
 Demo team
 Assessing and reporting the platoon status of personnel, ammunition, supplies, and essential equipment
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Security at all times!
The officers and men who permit themselves to be surprised deserve to die, and the commanding general will spare no efforts to secure them their desserts.
D. H. Hill, 1863
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Deliberate Attack
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Deliberate Attack (2)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Deliberate Attack (3)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Deliberate Attack (4)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Deliberate Attack (5)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Hasty Attack
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Hasty Attack (2)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Hasty Attack (3)
** Different from deliberate attack
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MSL 301, Lesson 08c: Squad Tactics-Attack
Closing
 Summary
 Review Objectives
 Questions???
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