STUDENT OUTLINE
OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS
CS0901
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
a.
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE.
(1) Given an order with a mission to conduct combat
operations, while wearing a fighting load, prepare for combat by
ensuring the individual is prepared to accomplish the mission.
(0300-PAT-1004)
(2) Given an individual weapon, operating as a part of a
unit, while wearing a fighting load, perform actions in a hasty
firing position by assuming a position that allows fire to be
place upon the enemy while taking advantage of available cover
and concealment. (0300-PAT-1013)
b.
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE.
(1) Given a list of choices, identify the contents of a
warning order in accordance with MCWP 3-11.2. (0300-PAT-1004a)
(2) Given a list of choices, identify the contents of a
5 paragraph order in accordance with MCWP3-11.2 (0300-PAT-1004b)
STUDENT INFORMATION
OVERVIEW: The purpose of this period of instruction is to
introduce you to the three phases of offensive combat as well as
tactical control measures, and fundamentals of closing with the
enemy. This class relates to all offense classes you have
received.
CLASS PREPARATION: Read this handout prior to class.
OUTLINE.
1. OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS. The purpose of offensive combat is
to destroy the enemy and his will to fight.
a.
We Do This By:
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(1) Gaining and maintaining contact with the enemy
(2) Developing the situation
(3) Exploit known enemy weaknesses
(4) Seize the control of key terrain
(5) Retain the initiative
(6) Neutralize the enemy ability to react
(7) Maintain the momentum of the attack
(8) Concentrate superior combat power in the decisive
place and time.
(9) Exploit success
(10) Advance by fire and maneuver
b. Offensive Combat Is Broken Down Into Three Different
Phases:
(1) Preparation
(2) Conduct
(3) Exploitation
Each of these phases has tactical control measures to control
the maneuver elements of their respective units in the attack or
in the defense. The control measures used are:
(1) Assembly Area (AA)
(2) Attack Position (ATK POS)
(3) Line of Departure (LOD)
(4) Assault Position (AP)
(5) Final Coordination Line (FCL)
(6) Objective (OBJ)
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(7) Limit of Advance (LOA)
(8) Direction of attack.
2. PHASES OF OFFENSIVE COMBAT. These measures should not be
restrictive, but rather allow for maximum freedom of action or
maneuver.
a.
Preparation Phase.
The preparation phase begins with
the receipt of the warning order and ends when the lead element
crosses the line of departure or when contact is made with the
enemy, whichever comes first. The preparation phase consists of
three tactical control measures:
(1) Assembly area. The Assembly Area (AA) is where
units assemble prior to further tactical action. It should
provide cover, concealment, and security from ground and air
attack. When possible, the assembly area should be located
beyond the effective range of hostile flat trajectory weapons.
Final preparations for the attack are normally completed when
the squad is in the assembly area. Those not completed may be
accomplished in the attack position. These preparations include
conducting reconnaissance, formulating plans and issuing orders.
They may also include:
(a) Draw and distribute additional ammunition
(b) Check weapons, equipment, and personnel
(c) Collect equipment not required for the attack
and stage for later pickup
(d) Obtain and issue extra or special equipment
needed for the operation
(e) Personnel are allowed to rest as much as
possible
(f) Check communication equipment
(2) Attack Position (ATK POS). Is the last covered and
concealed position occupied by assault echelons before crossing
the line of departure. It is the location where final
coordination, last-minute preparations, and if not already
accomplished, deployment into initial attack formations are
effected. When all preparations for the attack are completed in
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the assembly area, there should be no delay when passing through
the attack position.
(a) Start getting into your formation
(b) Last minute questions are asked & answered
(3) Line of Departure (LOD). The line of departure is a
line designated to coordinate the beginning of an attack.
Desirably, it should be easily recognizable on the ground,
generally perpendicular to the direction of the attack, under
control of friendly units, and not subject to direct fire or
observation by the enemy.
(a) Know where the LOD is located
(b) You are no longer in friendly lines, upon
crossing the Line of Departure. Once crossing the line of
departure you have begun the conduct phase.
b. Conduct Phase. The conduct phase consists of three main
events: movement from the line of departure to the assault
position; movement from the assault position through the
objective; and consolidation/reorganization.
(1) The conduct phase of offensive combat begins when
one of the following occurs:
(a) The squad is forced to fire on the enemy in
order to advance.
(b) The leading troops cross the line of departure.
(2) Assault Position (AP). This position is tentatively
established by the squad leader during the planning and
reconnaissance. It is the position between the line of
departure and the objective, from which the assault on the enemy
position is launched. The assault position is located as close
as the assaulting element can move by fire and maneuver without
sustaining casualties from enemy fire or without masking
covering direct or indirect fires. The assault position should
be easily recognizable on the ground and ideally should offer
cover and concealment to the attacking force. Here, the final
steps are taken to ensure a coordinated assault; only a minimum
amount of time should be spent in this position to preclude the
enemy from fixing the assault element in place.
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(3) Final Coordination Line (FCL). This is used as the
control feature to coordinate the ceasing or shifting of the
direct and indirect fire that is supporting the assault. Since
the assaulting troops will be close to the enemy position,
covering fires must be maintained on the enemy as long as
possible in order to prevent the enemy from delivering a heavy
volume of small arms fire on the assaulting element. The squad
must lean into the friendly covering fires to get as close to
the enemy position as possible before shifting or ceasing these
fires. The distance from the final coordination line to the
objective varies with the terrain and types of supporting arms
employed. The final coordination line is tentatively
established at the onset of the attack, but it is not a fixed
line. The assault unit commander will shift or cease fires as
the situation and terrain dictate. Ideally, the assault
position and the final coordination line are collocated.
(a) At the FCL you should be looking for change or
cease on fire from the supporting unit.
(b) The squad leader or fire team will give some
kind of signal to the Marines to let them know that you have
reached the FCL.
(4) Objective. The objective is the end state that a
unit must achieve in order to obtain the commander’s intention.
(a) The objective may be a hostile force, a terrain
feature, a center of lines of communications, or other vital
locality.
(b) It can be a geographic feature and should be
recognizable on the ground.
(5) Limit of Advance (LOA). The LOA is an easily
recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will
not advance. Upon reaching the LOA consolidate and reorganize.
Some things to look for while at the LOA:
(a)
Ensure that the whole squad is on line.
(6) Consolidation. Consolidation is the rapid
organization of a hasty defense in order to permit the attacking
unit to hold the objective just seized in the event of an enemy
counterattack.
(a) Consolidate (Marines cease there fires)
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(b) Hasty Defense (Team leaders give there sectors
of fire to the fire teams)
(c) At this point each Marine should be checking
themselves for ammunition, see if they have everything, see if
they are hurt
(d) Waiting for enemy counter attack.
(6) Reorganization. Reorganization is a continuous
process, but it is given special emphasis upon seizure of the
objective. The following are some of the task that must be
accomplished during reorganization:
(a) Redistribute ammunition, magazines, and
grenades.
(b) Remove casualties to covered positions.
(c) Notifies the team leader of the situation, the
casualties incurred and the status of ammunition supply.
(d) Delivers enemy prisoners to the squad leader.
Prisoners and enemy dead are searched for weapons, papers,
documents, and identification. Such material is immediately
sent to the platoon commander.
(e) Know the situation of the Marines to his flanks.
c. Exploitation Phase. Exploitation normally occurs after
a successful assault and seizure of the objective. It begins
immediately after or in conjunction with the consolidation and
reorganization phase. It is a continuation of the attack aimed
at destroying the enemy's ability to conduct an orderly
withdrawal or organize a defense. Pursuit by fire and/or a
continuation of the attack are methods used to exploit success.
(1) Pursuit by fire. Pursuit by fire is 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.
(2) Continuation of the attack. The purpose of
continuing the attack is to maintain pressure on the retreating
enemy and destroy his combat power. When ordered, the rifle
squad continues the attack. The squad leader repeats all the
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steps performed for previous attacks. Frequently, the urgent
need of a higher command to maintain momentum requires that
these steps be done rapidly so that the attack can be continued
with minimum delay.
Some of the things each Marine should consider doing at the
exploitation phase are:
(a) Target acquisition
(b) Accurate fire
(c) Direction of enemy movement
3. ACTIONS OF FIRE TEAM DURING THE ASSAULT. The assault is
launched IMMEDIATELY upon the shifting from or cessation of
covering fires on the objective. The squad advances rapidly and
aggressively from the assault position, deployed in squad
line/fire-team skirmishers, laying down a heavy volume of
assault fire. During the assault, each member of the fire team
has separate actions in the assault.
a. Rifleman And Assistant Automatic Rifleman. Riflemen and
assistant automatic riflemen advance, delivering well directed
shots with their service rifle at locations in their zone of
advance. When a definite target appears, it is engaged
immediately. Each Marine is directly responsible for covering
his buddy utilizing fire and movement concept.
b. Squad Automatic Riflemen. Squad automatic riflemen
advance while firing the M249 SAW from the shoulder in the prone
position, which provides cover and massed accurate fires. Fire
is delivered in short bursts of six to eight rounds. Automatic
riflemen distribute their fire across the entire fire team
front. Saw gunner should always be ready to engage long range
targets as well as crew served weapons.
c. Fire Team Leaders. In the attack, fire team leaders
control their fire teams primarily by example. The team leader
is in essence the base unit for his team. Fire team members
base their actions on the actions of their fire team leader. In
addition to maintaining control of their teams, they advance
while firing the M203. For example: if he needs you to move
somewhere he will move first, if he needs the rate of fire to be
faster he should start firing faster.
4.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CLOSING WITH THE ENEMY.
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a. Fire And Maneuver. Fire and Maneuver is the process
where elements of a unit establish a stationary base of fire to
engage the enemy, while another element moves or flanks the
enemy to an advantageous position from which to close with and
destroy the enemy.
(1) Base of Fire Element. The base of fire covers the
maneuver elements advance toward the enemy position by engaging
all known or suspected targets.
(2) Maneuver Element. The mission of the maneuver
element is to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. It
advances and assaults under covering fire of the base of fire
element.
b. Fire And Movement. In a maneuvering squad, fire and
movement consists of individuals or fire teams providing
covering fire while other individuals or fire teams advance
toward the enemy or assault the enemy position.
c. Use Of Maneuver. Two forms of maneuver for the rifle
squad are the single envelopment and the frontal attack.
(1) Single Envelopment. A single envelopment is an
attack against an enemy’s flank or immediate rear of its
position. This type of attack requires two different elements:
the base of fire element and the maneuvering element.
(2) Frontal Attack. The frontal attack exerts pressure
against the enemy’s front and drives him off the objective. A
frontal attack is the most commonly used attack since it
requires less time and coordination and is easier than the
single envelopment.
d. Method Of Advance. During fire and movement, a rifle
squad has three methods by which it may advance.
(1) Squad rush
(2) Fire team rush
(3) Buddy team rush
5.
INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT.
a.
Principles.
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(1) Move from one concealed position to another.
(2) When not changing positions, provide suppressive
fires.
(3) Remember the phrase, “I’m up...he sees me...I’m
down”.
b.
Rushing From The Prone Position.
(1) Select your new position.
(2) Place your weapon on safe.
(3) Draw arms inward, placing your weak side hand on the
deck; cock your strong side leg forward and prepare to rush.
(4) Pushing up with your weak side hand, spring to your
feet.
(5) Step off with your strong side foot, placing your
weak side hand back on the rifle, and sprint at the alert carry,
maintaining muzzle awareness at all times.
c.
While Rushing.
(1) Bend forward as low as possible when moving to
present a minimal target.
(2) Keep two hands on your rifle and keep it pointed in
a safe direction.
(3) Ensure that you are constantly aware of the location
of enemy forces to your front to engage the enemy as necessary.
While you are running quickly look for target indicators inside
the enemy position and covered positions directly ahead of you.
(4) Ensure that you are constantly aware of friendly
forces to your flanks and rear and take action to prevent
masking of fires and fratricide (e.g., running in front of a
team member who is suppressing the enemy).
d.
When Hitting The Deck.
(1) Stop. Drop to your knees, raising the rifle barrel
to prevent jamming the weapon into the deck.
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(2) Keeping the muzzle pointed down range, release the
weapon with your weak side hand and place it on the deck,
bracing your fall.
(3) Placing your strong side forearm on the deck, extend
your body, positioning yourself directly behind the rifle.
(4) If you stop in a position that does not afford good
cover and concealment or if the enemy positions masked by the
terrain in a manner that prevents you from engaging them, low
crawl forward to a better position and assume a supported prone
position.
(a) To low crawl, grasp the rifle sling at the upper
sling swivel. Let the balance of the rifle rest on the forearm
and let the butt of the rifle drag on the ground.
(b) Keep the muzzle off the ground and keep the
rifle pointed towards the enemy.
(5) Place weak side hand back on the weapon, sight in on
target, take weapon off safe and engage the enemy. If you do
not intend to fire, keep your head down.
e.
Movement Aids
(1) Carry only necessities. Additional weight causes
premature fatigue and impedes your free movement.
(2) Move during an incident that diverts attention, such
as an airplane flight, a distant disturbance, or sudden bursts
of fire.
(3) Fog, smoke, or even light haze offer concealment for
movement; however, the enemy may have thermo-imagery and/or
night vision devices, so do not assume the enemy cannot observe
your movement during these conditions.
f.
Suppressing The Enemy.
(1) Assault fire is designed to keep the enemy fire
suppressed, once covering fires are lifted, by fixing the
defenders in there fighting positions. Assault fire permits the
assaulting squad to close in within hand grenade range of the
enemy position without sustaining heavy casualties from enemy
small arms fire. The assault is made as rapidly as possible
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consistent with the ability of individuals to deliver a heavy
volume of well-directed fire.
(2) The speed of the assault will be governed by the
slope and condition of the ground, visibility, and physical
condition of the squad. Assault fire is characterized by
violence, volume, and accuracy. Assault fire is designed to
kill and demoralize the enemy, and keep him down until the
assault element can overrun the position and kill or capture
him.
(3) Take the initiative to use weapons, grenades, and
other ordnance available to the maximum extent possible, taking
maximum advantage of cover and concealment within the enemy
position and employing short, frequent rushes (creeping and
crawling when necessary) to close with enemy positions.
(4) Cardinal rules for suppressing the enemy during
individual rushes are:
(a) DO NOT RUSH WITHOUT SUPPRESSIVE FIRE, unless
absolutely necessary. Without your teammates providing
suppressive fires, the enemy is more likely to observe your
movement and engage.
(b) IF YOU ARE NOT RUSHING, PROVIDE SUPPRESSIVE FIRE
to enable your squad members to continue to advance on the enemy
positions.
(c) Without suppression and fire superiority the
unit will not gain ground with minimal casualties.
1 Suppression is what makes squad rushes
effective.
g.
Utilizing Cover And Concealment.
(1) Cover is protection from the effects of hostile
weapons.
(2) Concealment is protection from observation or
surveillance from hostile air and ground observation but not
hostile fire.
(3) In deciding whether to seek cover or concealment,
you must make the best choice to complete the mission.
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9.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS DURING CONSOLIDATION.
a. Consolidation is the rapid organization of a hasty
defense in order to permit the attacking unit to hold the
objective just seized in the event of enemy counterattack.
b. Once the squad has completed its initial required
task(s) on the objective, they must turn to placing sufficient
firepower into position to defend their sector.
c. There is not sufficient time to prepare standard
fighting holes, so the squad must use natural depressions, shell
craters, or old enemy positions, if available, and quickly
improve them to provide minimum adequate cover. This is
important since it is expected that the enemy will use
artillery, mortars, and machineguns to support his counter
attack.
d. Movement within the objective should be kept to an
absolute minimum in order to reduce exposure to the enemy’s
artillery, mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. If a
Marine must be moved to a position where he can better cover the
fire team sector of fire, he should move by rushes, seeking
cover as he moves.
e. There is usually enough time to redistribute ammunition
within the fire team, with priority going to the automatic
riflemen.
f. In order to make every effort possible to ensure that
the enemy does not retake his former position care of casualties
must take second priority to the preparation of the hasty
defense. If the squad leader or fire team leader has become a
casualty, the next senior Marine must quickly assume control and
carry out the necessary tasks.
g.
10.
Enemy prisoners must be disarmed, searched, and guarded.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS DURING REORGANIZATION.
a. Once the enemy counterattack has been defeated or the
senior unit leader on the objective has determined that the
danger from immediate enemy counterattack has passed,
reorganization of units commences. Reorganization is a
continuing process, but it is given special emphasis upon
seizure of the objective.
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b. The Following Actions Are Accomplished During
Reorganization:
(1) Replace fire team leaders and automatic rifleman
that have become casualties.
(2) Redistribute ammunition, magazines, and grenades.
(3) Remove casualties to covered positions.
(4) Notify unit leaders of the situation, casualties
incurred, and the status of ammunition supply.
(5) Deliver enemy prisoners to the platoon commander.
Prisoners and enemy dead are searched for weapons, papers,
documents, and identification. Such material is immediately
sent to the platoon commander.
REFERENCE:
NUMBER
MCWP 3-11.2
TITLE
Marine Rifle Squad
NOTES:
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PAGE
Appendix E
8101 through 8214