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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:

(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)

(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 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.

(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)

(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 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.

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.

(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.

(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 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.

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. Enemy prisoners must be disarmed, searched, and guarded.

10. 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.

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 TITLE PAGE

MCWP 3-11.2 Marine Rifle Squad Appendix E

8101 through 8214

NOTES:

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