War Fighting Tactics

Sergeants Distance
Education Program
8015A
WARFIGHTING TACTICS (8015A)
Course Introduction
Scope This course takes the doctrine you learned in MCI Course 8014 Introduction
to Warfighting and teaches you how to apply this doctrine to squad tactics.
In war, tactics focuses on the application of combat power to defeat

an enemy force in combat at a particular time and place…tactics
can be thought of as the art and science of winning engagements.
MCDP 1, Warfighting
Importance of The Marine rifle squad is the foundation of the Marine Corps. You as a
Tactics to All Marine NCO can well realize your role as the leader of Marines in your
Marines squad.
Because all units exist to help the squad seek out, close with, and destroy the
enemy, tactical thought is important, even if you are not an infantryman. In a
world where Marines are deployed to many low-intensity conflicts, all
Marines need to understand warfighting and tactical thought. Before you
know it, you may be called on to be a rifle squad leader.
Course Layout This course will teach you the NCO’s role as a tactical decision-maker, the
basics of an operations order, offensive tactics, defensive tactics, and squad
patrolling. Each study unit is designed to give you the tools to take the theory
you learned in MCI Course 8014 Introduction to Warfighting and apply it to
tactical decisions.
Continued on next page
MCI Course 8015A i Course Introduction

Course Introduction, Continued
How to Study Like MCI Course 8014 Introduction to Warfighting, this course will not tell
This Course you what to do in combat. This course will help you plan an operation,
communicate your plan, and execute your plan. Read the text critically and
compare the concepts and examples given here with those from your own
experience. Think about how you can use these to tools to train yourself and
your unit, then do it.
All Marines, regardless of occupational specialty, will be trained in

basic combat skills. At the same time, unit skills are extremely
important.
MCDP 1, Warfighting
References The following references were used in the writing of this course.
MCWP 3-1, Ground Combat Operations.

FMFM 6-3, Marine Infantry Battalion.
MCWP 3-11.1, Marine Rifle Company/Platoon.
FMFM 6-5, Marine Rifle Squad.
MCWP 3-11.3, Scouting And Patrolling.
MCRP 3-11.1B, Small Unit Leader’s Guide to Weather and Terrain.
MCWP 3-35.3, Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT).
MCRP 5-12A, Organizational Terms and Grapics
Table of The following is a table of contents for this course.

Contents
Study Unit Title Page

-- Course Introduction i
1 Introduction to Tactics 1-1
2 Squad Offensive Tactics 2-1
3 Squad Defensive Tactics 3-1
4 Security Patrols 4-1
5 Urban Patrolling 5-1
-- Review Exercise R-1
MCI Course 8015A ii Course Introduction

Course Introduction, Continued
Estimated You will need about 12 hours and 45 minutes to complete this course. They
Study Time include the time you will need to study the text, complete the exercises, and
take the final exam.
Reserve You earn four retirement credits for completing this course. You earn reserve
Retirement retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of estimated study
Credits time.
Note: Reserve retirement credits are not awarded for the MCI study you do
during drill periods, if you are awarded credits for drill attendance.
Summary The table below summarizes all-important “gateways” needed to successfully

complete this course.
Step When you… Then you will… For more

information…
1 Enroll in the program Receive your program Refer to the Program
material Introduction
2 Complete the self- Arrange to take the Refer to the Program
paced text final examination Introduction
3 Pass the final Receive a course Refer to the Program
examination completion certificate Introduction
MCI Course 8015A iii Course Introduction

(This page intentionally left blank.)
MCI Course 8015A iv Course Introduction

STUDY UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO TACTICS
Overview
Estimated 1 hours, 50 minutes

Study Time
Unit Scope Theory is the basis for all the decisions we as warfighters make. However,
knowing the theory is only half of the battle. All the theory in the world is
useless unless you know how to apply it to the battlefield.
This study unit discusses the relationship between theory and tactics and will
introduce the role of the Marine NCO as the tactical decision-maker. This
unit discusses how your commander’s intent impacts your tactical decisions.
This unit will also cover the process of relating your tactical thoughts to your
subordinates. You will learn about the various techniques for getting and
receiving orders and what formats are used in what situations.
Learning After completing this study unit, you should be able to

Objectives
· Identify how warfighting theory affects tactical decisions.
· Identify how tactical decisions are communicated with an operations

order.
· Identify how to transfer an operations order into an order for your

subordinates.
MCI Course 8015A 1-1 Study Unit 1

Overview, Continued
In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Tactics: Theory to Practice 1-3
Lesson 2 Operations Orders 1-11
Lesson 3 Receiving, Transcribing, and Issuing Orders 1-37

LESSON 1
TACTICS: THEORY TO PRACTICE
Introduction
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope “In tactics, the most important thing is not whether you go left or right, but why you
go left or right.”
—General A.M. Gray, 29th CMC
This lesson will discuss how the theory you learned in MCI Course 8014
Introduction to Warfighting affects decisions on the battlefield. The squad
leader is responsible for deciding which way to go and, more important, for
understanding why go that way. This lesson will also discuss how your
commander’s intent establishes the boundaries for your tactical decisions.
Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
· Identify how theory affects the application of combat power.
· Identify what the squad leader must know as a tactical decision maker.
· Identify how commander’s intent affects tactical decisions.
In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-3
Warfighting Theory 1-4
Small Unit Leader 1-6
The Impact of Commander’s Intent 1-7
Lesson 1 Exercise 1-7
MCI Course 8015A 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Warfighting Theory
Review from In MCI Course 8014 Introduction to Warfighting you studied the Marine
MCI Course Corps’ theory of warfighting from MCDP 1 Warfighting. That course
8014 focused on the why: Why should you
· Take one hill instead of another?

· Give your subordinates mission type orders?
· Employ combined arms?
You also learned about the three levels of war in MCI Course 8014.
Remember, the lowest level of war where combat power is applied directly
against the enemy is the tactical level.
Definition of According to MCDP 1-3 Tactics, tactics is the art and science of winning
Tactics engagements and battles. Tactics include the use of firepower and maneuver,
the integration of different arms, and the immediate exploitation of success to
defeat the enemy.
By this definition, tactics involve the actual concepts and methods used to
accomplish a particular objective. In short, tactics is the application of
combat power to defeat the enemy: the actions and counteractions taken
against the enemy force.
Importance to The relationship between warfighting theory and tactics is that theory is the
Tactics why and tactics is the how.
The tactical decisions and actions taken in combat need to be based on the
Marine Corps’ warfighting theory. We should not attack an enemy position
simply because it is there, but because taking this position gives us control of
key terrain, degrades the enemy’s will to fight, or allows us to achieve our
commander’s intent.
Losing the connection between warfighting theory and tactical decisions leads
to conflicting orders, low morale, and, most important, unnecessary
casualties.

Warfighting Theory, Continued
Applied to In MCI Course 8014 Introduction to Warfighting, you learned the importance
Tactical of Marines using combined arms when attacking the enemy as part of
Thought warfighting theory. If you are tasked with attacking an enemy position on a
hilltop, how you employ combined arms is tactics.
For Example: Deciding to suppress the hilltop with five minutes of artillery
followed by machinegun fire while you maneuver close to the objective is a
tactical decision.
Historical During the Vietnam War, tactical decisions were not always made according
Example: to the Marine Corps’ warfighting theory. Confusion and conflicting orders
Failing to were the result.
Apply Theory
On multiple occasions, Marines were often tasked with covering the same
ground or seizing the same terrain, only to withdraw and have to seize the
terrain again. This cycle led to low morale, confusion among the Marines,
and excessive casualties.

Small Unit Leader
Tactical In a modern combat environment, the squad leader becomes the most
Decision-Maker important man on the battlefield. Only one officer and staff NCO is in each
platoon. They cannot be everywhere on the battlefield.
Therefore, the squad leader, usually the senior man on the scene, will have to
make the decisions. Squad mission success and the lives of the squad
members depend on the squad leader’s decision-making ability.
Maneuver A maneuver warfare mindset requires decisions to be made quickly and at the
Warfare lowest level possible. In a rapidly changing environment, the squad leader
has no time to wait for a decision from the platoon commander. The squad
leader is responsible for making and acting on a decision, so his unit can
continue to press the enemy and keep the enemy’s forces off balance.
Critical The squad leader must understand the unit’s mission, his commander’s intent,
Information and the situation around the squad at all times. The squad leader will not be
able to make the correct decisions if he is not fully aware of his surroundings.
The squad leader needs to be proactive in finding this information and must
relay this information to his subordinates.

The Impact of Commander’s Intent
Review of Commander’s intent is what the commander wants accomplished, when the
Definition mission is concluded, and why.
This goal is more than just saying that the commander wants a hilltop
secured; it is why the commander wants the hilltop secured.
Provides The commander’s intent sets the framework within which the subordinates
Guidance need to work. If the subordinate knows the desired end state of the
battlefield, he can easily adapt to the changing situation around him.
Returning to the example of the order to attack a hilltop, if the subordinate is

told to attack the hilltop to secure a pass so follow-on forces can continue
their mission, the subordinate can correctly adjust to the changing situation.
He may find that the enemy is overlooking the pass from a different hill, and
he must secure the other hill to meet the commander’s intent.
Effect on It creates the framework that all subordinates must operate within. In
Tactical essence, the commander’s intent builds a football field for the subordinates to
Decisions act in. They are free to move anywhere within the boundaries, but they
cannot operate out of bounds. Thus the subordinates are allowed to make the
necessary tactical decisions to support the commander’s intent. They are
restricted from making any tactical decisions that run against the

Lesson 1 Exercise
Estimated 5 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against the correct
answers at the end of this lesson. If you have any questions, refer to the
reference page listed for each item.
Item 1 You should always consider theory before making tactical decisions.
a. True, because all tactical decisions must be based on the book answer.
b. True, because theory, the why, should drive tactical decisions, the how.
c. False, all decisions should be made solely on the enemy’s actions.
d. False, only the enemy and the terrain should dictate tactical decisions.
Items 2 For a squad leader to make the correct tactical decisions, they must know the
a. battalion’s mission, the squad’s task, and the company’s location.

b. company’s mission and the battalion commander’s intent.
c. commander’s intent, the squad’s mission, and the current situation.
d. enemy’s location, the squad’s task, and the company’s mission.
Item 3 Which statement best describes the influence of the commander’s intent on
tactical decisions?
a. It paints the picture of the commander’s desired end-state.

b. It describes how the commander envisions the mission concluding.
c. It provides information a subordinate can refer to but is not necessary.
d. It creates the framework that all subordinates must operate within.
MCI Course 8015A 1-8 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

Lesson 1 Exercise
Correct The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you
Answers have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Item Number Answer Reference Page

1 b 1-4
2 c 1-6
3 d 1-7


LESSON 2
OPERATIONS ORDERS
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope While the focus of this course is on tactical thought, Marines need to know
how to explain their tactical decisions to their subordinates. This lesson will
focus on some tools to help you explain your plan to your subordinates and
ensure they fully understand their tasks.

Objectives
· Identify the purpose of an operations order.
· Identify the three different formats for operations orders.
· Identify how each format of an operations order is used.
· Identify the purpose of each paragraph in a five-paragraph operations

order.

Introduction, Continued
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-11
Five Paragraph Order 1-13
Types 1-14
Five-Paragraph Order 1-16
Situation Paragraph 1-17
Mission Paragraph 1-21
Execution Paragraph 1-24
Administration and Logistics Paragraph 1-28
Command and Signal Paragraph 1-31

Five Paragraph order
Purpose The purpose of the operation order is to convey a plan to accomplish that
mission. The operation order is a continuing process with the
accomplishment of the mission as its main goal.
Organization All five paragraph orders are built around the six troop leading steps
(BAMCIS) and are the sequence by which a leader receives, plans, and
executes his mission. The development of the order begins at the receipt of
the mission, continues through combat, and transitions to anticipation of the
next mission. While the order is the method for explaining your tactical
decision making, it goes one step farther; it involves the method and intent of
the order.
Characteristics The numerous types of combat orders range from a simple “follow me”
shouted by a fire team leader to the complex document required to plan and
execute a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) operation. However, all
successful orders contain certain key characteristics:
· Clarity - Clearly conveys the intent to all subordinates

· Completeness - Contains all information necessary to accomplish the
mission
· Brevity - Short and to the point without sacrificing completeness
· Trust - Mission-type orders that do not infringe on subordinate initiative
· Affirmative format - Always uses positive statements to avoid confusion.
For example, “you will stay in the assembly area” instead of “you will not
go into the attack.”

Types
Types While there are numerous formats and techniques for operations orders, the
three standard formats are:
· Five-paragraph order
· Warning order
· Fragmentary order
Format All operations orders follow the same basic format, the format of the five-
paragraph order. The warning and fragmentary orders are scaled down
versions of the five-paragraph order.
Five-Paragraph The five-paragraph order is the backbone of the Marine Corps process for
Order giving operations orders. It is very thorough and contains all the information
a subordinate will need to execute a mission. The order gets its name from
the five paragraphs that comprise the order. This order is generally referred
to by the acronym SMEAC, which stands for:
· Situation
· Mission
· Execution
· Administration and Logistics
· Command and Signal
The format of each of these paragraphs will be explained later in this lesson.
Warning Order A warning order, issued upon receipt of a mission, is essentially a “heads up”
to your subordinates that gives them advance notice of the contemplated
action. A warning order contains as much information as is currently
available and whatever instructions are available at the time. They can be
oral or written, but they at least contain a mission statement and the time of
execution.
The purpose of the warning order is to allow your subordinates time to plan
for the mission. While you are preparing the tactical plan and writing the
order, your subordinate leaders can ensure the Marines have the proper
equipment, have sufficient chow, and conduct rehearsals for the upcoming
mission. Warning orders are used extensively at all levels of command.

Types, Continued
Warning Order Here is an example of a squad leader’s warning order:

Example
“There is an enemy squad in the vicinity of Company Objective A. At 1800,
we will attack to seize the objective. We will move to the attack position at
1700. Fire team leaders ensure your Marines have all their ammunition and
equipment and conduct rehearsals. The order will be given at my fighting
hole at 1400.”
This example contains a mission statement, a projected time to depart and the
tasks the subordinate leaders need to accomplish. While more information
can be added to the warning order, this is the minimum information you
should provide your Marines.
Fragmentary Often referred to as a “FragO,” the fragmentary order is used to provide

Order changes to existing orders or to prepare for a follow-on mission. A “FragO”
is used in time-critical situations to provide specific instructions to the
unfolding situation. A “FragO” contains a mission statement, an execution
plan, and any other part of the order that has changed.
“FragO” The following is an example of a simple squad “FragO”:

Example
“Approximately one fire team sized unit withdrew from the Objective A
during the attack. They are preparing a hasty defense and are planning to
delay our advance. Our mission is to attack to clear the enemy from
Objective B to allow the platoon free movement through the area. We will
attack on line with 2nd Fire Team as the base unit. The attack will commence
at 2100. There are no other changes.”
This order contains more information than the warning order. Also remember
that this type of order is used when you are conducting a follow-on mission
during an operation. This order contains a mission statement, the execution
plan, and any changes to the initial order.

Five-Paragraph Order
Background The five-paragraph order is the essential part of the Marine Corps’ order
writing process. All Marines from every MOS are taught its format. This
format, designed to be delivered orally, is usually delivered using a terrain
model or operational graphics. (You will be taught how to deliver the order
later in this lesson.) Although the five-paragraph order can be used at any
level, it is primarily used at the company level and below.
Orientation Although not an official part of the five-paragraph order, the order begins
with an orientation paragraph. The orientation paragraph has no set format,
usually describes the terrain model, and identifies the
· Direction of north
· Present location
· Unit objectives
· Key terrain
· Weather forecast
· Astronomical data (sunset, moonrise, etc.)

Situation Paragraph
Organization The first official paragraph of the five-paragraph order is the situation
paragraph. This section contains the overall status and disposition of both
friendly and enemy forces. The situation paragraph contains three
subparagraphs:
· Enemy forces
· Friendly forces
· Attachments/detachments
Enemy Forces The company commander, who received a brief from the unit’s intelligence
shop, gives you the information in the enemy forces subparagraph. The focus
of this information is on facts that could pertain to mission accomplishment.
The enemy forces subparagraph is further divided into three sections:
· Composition, disposition, and strength.

· Capabilities and limitations.
· Enemy’s most probable course of action (MPCOA).
Enemy Enemy composition information is obtained directly from next higher

Composition commander’s order. The best way to convey this information is through
SALUTE which stands for
· Size – the size of the enemy force

· Activity – the last known activity of the force
· Location – the last known location
· Unit – the type of unit or the designation, if known
· Time – the last time the enemy was observed
· Equipment – the weapons and vehicles the enemy has
Enemy The enemy capabilities section should highlight what courses of action the
Capabilities enemy is capable of conducting and how long it would take them to conduct
this action. This section also discusses the enemy’s potential weaknesses and
vulnerabilities. The focus should be on the enemy’s ability to react and
counter the mission you are planning to conduct.

Situation Paragraph, Continued
Enemy The enemy MPCOA is a concise statement of the enemy’s most probable
MPCOA course of action within your sector. The statement describes the enemy’s
objectives and how they will likely fight a battle. One tool that can help
determine this information is DRAW-D which stands for
· Defend - the enemy employs all means and methods available to prevent,
resist, or destroy an attack.
· Reinforce - one unit augments the capabilities of another similar unit.
· Attack - offensive operation characterized by coordinated movement
supported by fire.
· Withdraw - a force in contact disengages from an enemy force.
Withdrawal is a form of retrograde.
· Delay - forces under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the
momentum without becoming decisively engaged. Delay is a form of
retrograde.
DRAW-D lays out the options the enemy can take. When you combine
DRAW-D information with any pertinent intelligence about the enemy, you
can establish the enemy’s MPCOA.
Friendly Forces The friendly forces subparagraph in the situation paragraph is friendly forces
information taken directly from the higher commander’s order.
This subparagraph is further divided into sections that contain the higher
commander’s intent and the missions and locations of higher, adjacent,
supporting, and security units. When writing this paragraph, remember
HASS which stands for
· Higher
· Adjacent
· Supporting
· Security

Friendly The most important aspect the friendly higher section contains is the higher
Higher commander’s intent. For a squad leader, receiving an order from his platoon
commander, this will be the company commander’s intent. This information
is imperative because every Marine should know the intent of the commander
two levels up. This knowledge will allow any small unit leader to make
decisions in combat that support not only his commander’s intent, but the
next higher commander’s intent as well.
The friendly higher section also contains the mission and the location of the
next higher unit. Again, for a squad leader receiving a platoon mission, this
will be the company’s mission and the location of the company’s main body.
Friendly The friendly adjacent section contains the missions and locations of the
Adjacent adjacent units, units that surround your area of operations and may impact
your mission. An adjacent unit does not have to be the same size as your unit.
For instance, a platoon on the far left of a company in a battalion defense will
have a different company adjacent to it on its left flank.
Friendly The friendly supporting section addresses the non-organic units providing fire
Supporting support or combat service support to your unit. Generally these are either
indirect fire assets or crew-served weapons. The friendly supporting section
describes the type of support the assets are providing, direct support of your
unit or general support of the higher unit.
You must understand that the friendly supporting section addresses only non-
organic units. Therefore, in the company commander’s order the machinegun
section is not listed as a supporting unit because they are organic to the
company. However, in the platoon order, the machinegun section would be
listed as a supporting unit.
Friendly The friendly security section addresses the missions and locations of any
Security security units operating in your zone. This information can either be broken
out separately or included with the “supporting units” section. Security units
are listening posts, reconnaissance teams, or patrols that are operating in your
zone and can influence your mission.

Attachments The attachments and detachments subparagraph covers any non-organic units
and that are attached or any organic units that are detached. At the squad level,
Detachments there are usually never any detachments, but there are many cases when a
machinegun or assault team can be attached to a squad. If there are no
attachments or detachments, be sure to specify so to prevent confusion.

Mission Paragraph
Importance The mission statement is the shortest but most important paragraph of the
five-paragraph order. The mission statement is the heart of the order and
must stand alone without references to any document other than a map.
Contents The mission statement expresses the unit’s primary task and purpose by
addressing the “five Ws”:
· Who (Unit)
· What (Task)
· When (Time)
· Where (Location)
· Why (…in order to…)
Task Versus The mission statement describes the task and the purpose. Of the two, the
Purpose purpose is the most important. The situation may change, which changes the
task, but the purpose still describes the commander’s desired goal.
The purpose is always preceded by the words “in order to.” This phrase
signals to all individuals receiving the order that they are about to get the
purpose for the mission.
Mission Type Remember what you learned about mission type orders in MCI Course 8014
Order Introduction to Warfighting. To allow the subordinate unit leader to exercise
initiative and operate with a maneuver warfare mentality, the order must
clearly state the purpose of the task, as well as the task itself. Knowing the
purpose is what allows the subordinate unit leader to make adjustments on the
battlefield as the situation changes.

Mission Paragraph, Continued
Standard The Marine Corps uses several standard tasks. Some offensive tasks and their
Offensive Tasks meanings are to attack to
· Destroy the enemy – kill personnel or destroy vehicles/buildings

· Clear terrain – push the enemy off a particular piece of ground
· Seize terrain – push the enemy off and retain control of a piece of ground
· Secure terrain – similar to seize in that you push the enemy off and retain
control of a piece of ground, but for only a limited time
Standard The Marine Corps uses several standard defensive tasks as well. All of these
Defensive Tasks tasks are centered on first establishing a defense and determining how the
defense should be focused.
Some examples and their meanings are establishing a defense to
· Retain terrain – to protect and hold a piece of terrain

· Disrupt the enemy – to cause enemy casualties and break up their
formations
· Delay the enemy – to slow the enemy’s movement
· Block the enemy – to prevent the enemy from moving in a specific
direction
· Attrit the enemy – to cause enemy casualties

Mission Paragraph, Continued
Sample The Marine Corps also uses some standard terminology for the purpose
Purposes statement. Some of the terms and their meanings are
· Allow – to let friendly forces do something

· Cause – to lead to a specific result
· Create – to make something happen (to create a breach in the enemy’s
line)
· Deceive – to trick the enemy
· Deny – to prevent the enemy from doing something
· Enable – to allow friendly forces to do something
· Prevent – to stop the enemy from doing something
· Support – to aid another unit’s mission
· Surprise – to shock the enemy
Remember, this list is not all inclusive, but list, combined with the sample
tasks, provides a baseline for writing orders.
Example At 1900, 2nd Squad attacks to clear the enemy forces in the vicinity of
Mission company objective A to prevent the enemy from delaying further operations.
Notice that this example has answered all of the five Ws:
· Who – 2nd Squad

· What – attack to clear (task)
· When – at 1900
· Where – Company Objective A
· Why – in order to prevent the enemy (purpose)

Execution Paragraph
Organization The execution paragraph contains the “how to” information of the order. It
lays out the plan for conducting the mission. While the mission statement is
the heart of the order by establishing the purpose, the organization paragraph
is the meat of the order by detailing how the purpose will be achieved and
further explains the purpose by explaining the commander’s intent.
The execution paragraph contains the following subparagraphs:
· Commander’s intent
· Concept of the operation
· Tasks
· Coordinating instructions
Commander’s Remember the importance of commander’s intent from MCI Course 8014
Intent Introduction to Warfighting. The commander’s intent describes the
commander’s desired end state of the operation. Remember how this
information allows subordinates to act in a changing environment in the
absence of additional orders.
At the company level and below, the order conveys the commander’s intent
throughout because the commander personally writes the order and focuses
on the elements he finds the most vital. For orders at platoon level and
below, the intent is generally the same as the mission purpose and is usually
the same as the company commander’s intent.
Concept of the The concept of the operation details how the mission will be conducted. The
Operation concept of operations is where the order giver walks subordinates through the
plan from beginning to end, explaining all the steps in between.
The concept of operation subparagraph is further broken down into the

following sections:
· Scheme of maneuver
· Fire support plan
· Obstacle plan

Execution Paragraph, Continued
Scheme of In the scheme of maneuver section, using either a terrain model or a map
Maneuver graphic, the commander explains the plan. The plan is described in general
terms without identifying specific units. The scheme of maneuver must be
brief and in a logical order, beginning with the current location, continuing
through each phase of the operation, and concluding at consolidation.
Offensive In an offensive order, the scheme of maneuver contains the

Scheme of
Maneuver · Form of maneuver – how the unit will move
· Distribution of forces – who is the main effort and who is supporting
· Direction of movement – literally, north, south, east, or west
· Tactical control measures – boundaries and phase lines
· Consolidation – how the unit will reform after the attack
Defensive In a defensive order, the scheme of maneuver contains the

Scheme of
Maneuver · Defensive techniques – what kind of defense will be established
· Distribution of forces – who is in what position and who is the main effort
· Direction of fires – which way you are going to shoot
· Planned engagement areas – where you will try to engage the enemy
· Security plan – where the listening posts will go

Fire Support The fire support plan subparagraph describes how the commander plans on
Plan using fire support to complement the scheme of maneuver. The fire support
plan paragraph is not only for indirect fires, but can also detail how direct fire
weapons like machineguns will be used for support.
The following information should be included in the fire support plan:
· Purpose/concept of fire support – how the fire works with maneuver

· Priority of fire – what unit has the priority for indirect fires
· Preplanned targets – the location and description of any pre-designated
targets
· Firing units – what firing units are in support and their locations
· Control measures – any permissive or restrictive control measures
· Allocation of targets – what are priority targets for fire support assets
Tasks The tasks section is where each subordinate unit is given its specific mission
to be accomplished and the main effort is designated. Each unit is included in
its own separate paragraph. Each task statement becomes the subordinate
units’ mission statements; so they must be worded to answer the five Ws.
If a subordinate unit is given multiple tasks, they are further broken into
subparagraphs, and if there is a priority within these tasks, it must also be
stated. The subordinate tasking statements are given in a logical sequence
from the start of the mission until the consolidation. These statements also
need to include any tasks the commander thinks may arise.

Coordinating This paragraph is the place to put the information that does not fit anywhere
Instructions else in the order. Any information that is applicable to two or more
subordinate units goes in the coordinating instructions section. Some items
commonly addressed in this section are the
· Order of movement and planned formations – who moves where and how
do they move
· Consolidation plan – how the unit will reform after the attack
· Grids for control measures – where on the ground all control measures are
· Target precedence – mainly for crew-served weapons and rockets, a list of
what targets should be engaged first
· Reporting requirements – what information must be reported to higher
· MOPP level – what the NBC gear requirement is
· Timelines – the time specific event will happen
· Safety
· Any other tasks that apply to two units
This list is by no means complete. The best way to treat the coordinating
instructions paragraph is to include any information that you think must be
given to subordinates that is not stated somewhere else in the order.

Administration and Logistics Paragraph
Contents The administration and logistics paragraph contains all the information
required for the subordinate units to coordinate their initial supply, resupply,
recovery of equipment, and evacuation of the wounded and prisoners of war
(POWs).
The administration and logistics paragraph covers the “Five Bs”:
· Beans – Chow
· Bullets – Ammunition
· Batteries – Communication resupply
· Band-aids – Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
· Bad Guys – Enemy POWs (EPWs)
As the title suggests, the administration and logistics paragraph is broken into
two subparagraphs:
· Administration
· Logistics
Administration The administration subparagraph focuses on three main topics:
· Evacuation of wounded (MEDEVAC)

· Handling of EPWs
· Civil-military cooperation

Administration and Logistics Paragraph, Continued
MEDEVAC The section that addresses the evacuation of the wounded must be thorough
Plan and complete. Too often leaders pay little attention to this subparagraph
because we do not suffer casualties in training. The MEDEVAC plan needs
to be well thought out and implemented. Concerns that should be addressed
are
· The location of the corpsman

· The location of the company aid station
· Who will
· Serve as litter bearers
· Call for the MEDEVAC
· Be put in charge of executing the plan
At the platoon level, the platoon sergeant is often in charge of executing the
plan. Remember, this plan will be implemented when the unit is
consolidating after an engagement, and the unit leaders will be busy
positioning their Marines and preparing for further enemy contact.
Handling The section that addresses the handling of EPWs is also a plan that will be
EPWs implemented during consolidation and needs to be well thought out. MCI
Course 8016 Warfighting Techniques teaches the proper procedures for
handling EPWs.
The basic information that must be included in the order is
· Who will be the handling team

· Location to where EPWs are going to be evacuated
Civil Military The civil military cooperation section details any restrictions or limitations
Cooperation that exist when operating in a certain area, including restrictions on types of
ammunition, etc.

Administration and Logistics Paragraph, Continued
Logistics The logistics subparagraph covers the initial supply the Marines will need to
accomplish the mission and the plan for resupply. The key issues that must
be considered when planning logistical needs are
· The length of the operation

· The potential for resupply during the operation
· Any special ammunition that may be required to accomplish the mission
Duration of the The length of time the mission will take directly impacts the logistical
Operation planning. Obviously, a lot more supplies are required to conduct a three-day
reconnaissance patrol than a two-hour security patrol. The amount of
supplies the Marines need before commencing the mission is spelled out in
the logistics subparagraph.
Resupply Resupply capabilities is another issue that can greatly impact the need for
Capabilities logistical planning. If the unit will be able to resupply during the operation,
they will need to carry fewer supplies up front. The resupply capability does
not have to be someone delivering food, water, and ammunition; it could be
the ability to draw water from local sources or other means to reduce what the
Marines need to carry. The resupply capability information is also stated in
the logistics subparagraph.
Special The last key issue to consider in the logistics subparagraph is the ordinance
Ordinance that is required to accomplish the mission. If the mission is a security patrol,
the ammunition requirement is different than if the mission is to conduct a
vehicle ambush. The mission and the commander’s plan directly impact the
special ordinance information. All ammunition required must be discussed in
the logistics section.

Command and Signal Paragraph
Contents The command and signal paragraph contains the instructions and information
relating to the functions controlling the unit. The command and signal
paragraph consists of two paragraphs:
· Signal
· Command
Signal The signal subparagraph specifies the signal instructions to be used during the
operation. The instructions include the
· Primary and alternate signal plans

· Priority for using different methods of communications
· Times when the signal plan will change
The signal subparagraph is organized to contain, at a minimum, the
· Communication plan (including primary and alternate call signs and

frequencies)
· Visual signals required to conduct the concept of the operation
· Challenge and password and a running password
· Brevity codes and code words
Command The command subparagraph identifies the location of all the key leaders as
required. At a minimum, the command subparagraph contains the
· Location of the higher commander

· Order giver’s location before, during, and after the battle
· Succession of command of the unit leaders (i.e. 1st fire team leader, 2nd
fire team leader, etc.)

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What is the primary purpose of an operations order?
a. Convey a mission and a plan to accomplish that mission

b. Relay standard information to subordinate leaders
c. Develop the tactical plan to be used to accomplish a mission
d. One time session to explain the plan to subordinates
Item 2 Identify the three formats of operations order.
a. Situation, mission, execution

b. Fragmentary, five-paragraph, warning
c. Alert, five-paragraph, FragO
d. Five-paragraph, plan, warning

Lesson 2 Exercise, Continued
Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the purpose of the order
Through 5 from column 2 that matches the type of order in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Types of Orders Purposes of Orders
___ 3. Five-Paragraph Order a. Provides subordinates a “heads

___ 4. Fragmentary Order up” about a mission.
___ 5. Warning Order b. Quickly tasks a subordinate for a
follow-on mission.
c. Provides detailed guidance on the
plan for fire support.
d. Gives the commander’s guidance
for the operation.
e. Gives detailed information on an
upcoming operation.
Items 6 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the use of the order from
Through 8 column 2 that matches the type of order in column 1. The answers in column
2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Type of Order Use of Order
___ 6. Five-Paragraph Order a. Used by commanders to inform

___ 7. Fragmentary Order their subordinates of an
___ 8. Warning Order upcoming mission.
b. Used by commanders to sit all
their subordinates down and give
them a detailed plan.
c. Used by commanders to develop
their tactical plan.
d. Used by commanders to quickly
task their subordinates with a
follow-on mission.

Item 9 The five-paragraph order is usually used at the _________ level and it is
designed to be given to subordinates _________.
a. squad level and below; orally

b. platoon level and below; orally
c. platoon level and below; written
d. company level and below; orally
Through 14 paragraph from column 2 that matches the order paragraph in column 1. The
answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Order Paragraph Purpose of Paragraph
___ 10. Situation a. Lays out the plan for conducting

___ 11. Mission the mission
___ 12. Execution b. Lays out the purpose of the
___ 13. Administration and mission.
Logistics c. Lays out the status and
___ 14. Command and Signal disposition of forces.
d. Lays out the plans for controlling
the unit.
e. Lays out the plan for providing
the 5 Bs.

Lesson 2 Exercise

1 a 1-13
2 b 1-14
3 e 1-14
4 b 1-15
5 a 1-14
6 b 1-16
7 d 1-15
8 a 1-14
9 d 1-16
10 c 1-17
11 b 1-21
12 a 1-24
13 e 1-28
14 d 1-31


LESSON 3
RECEIVING, TRANSCRIBING, AND ISSUING ORDERS
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In Lesson 2, you learned the format for operations orders used in the Marine
Corps. This lesson will focus on the process of receiving an order from your
commander and converting this information to prepare an order for your
subordinates.
Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to describe the process to
Objectives
· Identify the process to receive an operations order.
· Identify the process to transcribe an operations order.
· Identify the process to issue operations order.
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-37
Receiving an Order 1-38
Transcribing an Order 1-40
Issuing an Order 1-44

Receiving an Order
Two Main The two main items that need to be taken from the commander’s order are
Responsibilities that you, as the recipient of the order,
· Must understand the mission, the tasks, the plan, and all the specifics of
the commander’s order
· Need to extract information from the commander’s order to write the

order you will give to your subordinates
Hold Questions When receiving an order, the commander should tell all subordinates to hold
all their questions until the end of the order so the commander can continue
the order, possibly answering the questions along the way, without
interruptions. However, take good notes and be sure to write down any
questions so you do not forget them at the end of the order.
Techniques for Several things that can be accomplished to ease the actual process of
Getting the receiving the order are to
Order
· Always have laminated paper and non-water soluble markers to receive
orders in bad weather.
· Always have a map handy to refer to during the receipt of the order.
· Develop a style of shorthand that allows for quick, yet understandable,

writing.
· Listen to the entire order to ensure that you understand the entire
operation.
· Arrive at the order early and sketch the terrain model so you can sketch
the scheme of maneuver on the graphic instead of writing it down.
· Schedule a time, if possible, to use the commander’s terrain model to

issue your order.

Receiving an Order, Continued
Understanding You ensure that you fully understand the commander’s order by
the Order
· Taking thorough notes throughout the order
· Paying attention to all parts of the order
· Asking questions
It is absolutely imperative that, when you leave the order, you fully
understand all aspects of the operation because you will be giving the order to
your subordinates. As a subordinate unit leader, the responsibility is on you
to understand the commander’s intent and plan and to ensure that all of your
Marines are fully informed before the line of departure is crossed.

Transcribing an Order
Purpose To ensure the information the commander gave you is successfully passed on
to your Marines, you must know how to transcribe the information in the
commander’s order into the order you issue to your subordinates. In several
instances information from the commander’s order is copied directly into
your order. The transformation process is explained below.
Orientation The orientation paragraph in your subordinate’s order is almost identical to

the commander’s orientation. The subordinate’s order contains all the
information in the commander’s order but may have additional control
measures and objectives that apply only to the subordinate commander.
Enemy The subparagraph containing the information on the enemy situation is

Situation identical between the two orders. Since all of the subordinate units are
involved in the mission, they all need the full information on the enemy
forces, regardless of their role in the mission.

Transcribing an Order, Continued
Friendly The friendly situation subparagraph contains most of the information in the
Situation commander’s order, but the organization differs in the following manner:
· Higher – in the subordinate’s order, this information comes directly from

the commander’s mission statement and intent. For example, in a squad
order, this will contain the platoon’s mission and the platoon
· Adjacent – this information comes directly from the task statements for
the other subordinate units. For example, in a squad order, this will
contain the other squads’ tasks.
· Supporting – this information carries directly over from the commander’s

order but should be tailored for the level of support. For example, if an
artillery battery is in direct support of the company, they are not in direct
support of a platoon, and this needs to be clearly articulated.
· Security – this also comes directly from the commander’s order and
should include all the security units the commander discussed.
· Attachments – this information will come from the commander’s task

statements. If a non-organic unit will be attached to the subordinate unit,
the commander will detail this in the execution paragraph.
Mission The mission statement in the subordinate’s order is copied verbatim from the
task statement the commander gave to the subordinate leader in the execution
paragraph.

Execution The subordinate commander writes the majority of the execution paragraph
from scratch. However, the commander must fit within the guidelines
established by the commander’s order. The execution paragraph is created in
the following manner:
· Commander’s intent – the subordinate commander creates this; however,

below the company level, the intent is usually copied from the higher
commander’s intent and must fit within the subordinate unit’s task.
· Scheme of maneuver – the subordinate commander has free reign to

develop his scheme of maneuver as long as it fits within the higher
commander’s intent and the subordinates task statement.
· Fire support plan – the subordinate commander can tweak this section as
needed, but below the company level, this information is usually copied
from the higher commander’s order.
· Tasks – the subordinate commander creates these from scratch for his
subordinates; they must fit within the subordinate’s scheme of maneuver.
· Coordinating instructions – Most of this section is copied directly from

the commander’s order and will have any additional information that is
applicable to the subordinate order.
Administration The administration and logistics paragraph takes the information from the
and Logistics commander’s order and tailors it as needed to adapt it for the subordinate unit.
The majority of the logistic information remains the same as in the
commander’s order, and the administration information is tied directly into
the commander’s plan.

Command and The command and signal information is also very similar to the commander’s
Signal order. Identical to the commander’s order are the
· Radio procedures
· Frequencies
· Challenge/passwords
· Brevity codes
The signal plan for executing the scheme of maneuver is also the same but
may contain any specific signals the subordinate unit requires.
The command paragraph is elevated one level. For example, a platoon order
gives the company commander and platoon commander locations, while a
squad order will give the platoon commander and squad leader locations.

Issuing an Order
Preparation Remember what you first learned about the five-paragraph order: that it is
designed to be given orally. The best written order will not be executed
properly if the order giver does not fully prepare to give the order properly.
Terrain Model The two ways to use a terrain model are
· The subordinate commander can try and use the commander’s terrain
model to issue his order
· If the higher commander’s terrain model is not available, then the

subordinate commander will need to have one built. Designate a Marine
to build the terrain model while you are writing an order and, to ensure
success, be sure that it
· Is orientated to the ground and direction of movement

· Accurately depicts all the essential terrain
· Clearly depicts all trails, roads, vegetation, etc.
Index Cards Create a handful of laminated index cards that contain basic map symbols on
them. Also have a few blank ones that you can write on as needed. Use these
cards in conjunction with your terrain model to ensure the subordinates fully
understand the situation and the scheme of maneuver.
Timeliness One of the worst crimes seniors in the Marine Corps commit is they do not
give their subordinates enough time to plan. Proper use of the warning order
can alleviate this, but subordinates still require the entire order with enough
time left to prepare their Marines for the operation. Remember, a good order
now is better than a perfect order too late!

Issuing an Order, Continued
Delivery Several things the commander can do to ensure the order is successfully
delivered to his subordinates are to
· Make sure the order is clear. An order that can be misunderstood will be.
· Make sure all subordinate leaders, including leaders of any attachments,

are present.
· Not read the order. Refer to the order, but use the terrain model to walk
through it.
· Repeat the mission statement to ensure everyone has it.
· Always conduct a back brief with your subordinates. A back brief is

where your subordinates explain to you the overall plan, their mission,
and the role they will play in the operation.

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What are your two main responsibilities as the recipient of a commander’s
order?
a. Must thoroughly understand the commander’s order and extract

information from it for your subordinates’ order
b. Hold questions until the end of the commander’s order and sketch the
terrain model
c. Write questions to ask the commander at the end of the order and refer to
your map to understand the order
d. Take thorough notes throughout the commander’s order, including
questions you must have answered, and designate someone to build a
terrain model
Item 2 When you receive an order from your commander, your unit’s mission
statement comes from which section of the commander’s order?
a. Task statement of the mission paragraph

b. Mission section of the execution paragraph
c. Task statement of the execution paragraph
d. Commander’s intent in the execution paragraph
Item 3 When you give an order to your unit who, at a minimum, must attend?
a. Organic subordinate unit leaders.

b. All subordinate leaders, including attachments.
c. All subordinate leaders with the entire unit.
d. Only the individuals who are available at the time.


1 a 1-38
2 c 1-41
3 b 1-45


STUDY UNIT 3
SQUAD DEFENSIVE TACTICS
Overview
Estimated 2 hours, 35 minutes

Study Time
Unit Scope This study unit will introduce you to the purpose and characteristics of the
defense as an integral element of the Marine Corps warfighting doctrine.
Lesson 1 explains the specifics of the organization of the rifle squad in the
defense, including defensive security measures, communications
considerations, and weapons employment. Lesson 2 expands on some of the
basic concepts as you are introduced to the organization of the defense at the
company level, basic defensive techniques, and some considerations for
conducting the defense.
After the defensive concepts, tactics, and techniques taught in lessons 1 and 2,
you will compile all the knowledge of the defense together in lesson 3. You
will have all the knowledge necessary to plan all phases of the defense and to
write a defensive operations order.
Also, the basic concepts for planning and employment of the reserve and
counterattack will be discussed, along with several other defensive
operations. By the end of the study unit, you will understand that defensive
operations require flexible planning and execution at the company level from
all unit leaders.

Overview, Continued
Learning After completing this unit, you should be able to

Objectives
· Identify defensive techniques at the squad and platoon level.
· Identify the three echelons of a defensive area.
· Identify techniques for defensive formations.
· Identify how to write a defensive operations order.
· Identify the components for conducting the defense.
· Identify techniques for defensive operations.
In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons.

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Fundamentals of the Defense 3-3
Lesson 2 Defensive Scheme of Maneuver 3-33
Lesson 3 Conduct of the Defense 3-45

LESSON 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF THE DEFENSE
Introduction
Study Hours
Lesson Scope The mastery of defensive concepts, tactics, and techniques is crucial to
achieving success on the modern battlefield. Innovative defensive tactics,
techniques, and procedures continue to develop and will continue to enhance
our combat effectiveness in the defense. The common denominator within
these concepts is that they are not effective at all if combat leaders are not
masters of the basic defensive fundamentals and techniques. This lesson will
concentrate on these important defensive fundamentals focusing primarily on
the squad and platoon levels.

Objectives
· Identify the purpose of the defense.
· Identify the characteristics of the defense.
· Identify the definitions for defensive mission.
· Identify the organization of a fire team in the defense.
· Identify the considerations of the fire team defensive plan.
· Identify considerations for individual fighting positions.
· Identify the organization of the rifle squad in the defense.
· Identify the considerations of the rifle squad defense plan.
· Identify the different active security measures in the defense.

Learning · Identify the passive security measures in the defense.

Objectives,
continued · Identify the considerations for employing weapons systems in the defense.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-3
Purpose of Defense 3-5
Characteristics of Defense 3-6
Key Terminology 3-9
Fire Teams in the Defense 3-13
Rifle Squads in the Defense 3-16
Active Security Measures in the Defense 3-19
Passive Security Measures in the Defense 3-22
Weapons Employment in the Defense 3-24

Purpose of Defense
General The purpose of the defense is to defeat an enemy attack.
Specifics Specifically, the purpose of defense is to
· Develop more favorable conditions for offensive operations

· Gain time for other preparations
· Allow a higher commander to concentrate forces elsewhere
· Control key enemy forces as a prelude to offensive operations
· Retain key or decisive terrain or to prevent the enemy’s capture of terrain

Characteristics of Defense
Planning and Consider the characteristics of the defense when planning or conducting
Conducting defensive operations.
Defensive
Operations · Preparation
· Disruption
· Concentration
· Flexibility
· Proper use of terrain
· Security
· Mutual support
· Defense in depth
· Coordinated obstacle planning
· Coordinated fire planning
Preparation You must make the most thorough preparations for combat that time allows
by
· Analyzing METT-TSL and understanding the tactical situation thoroughly

· Identifying potential friendly and enemy strengths and weaknesses
· Developing a defensive plan
· Posting local security to provide early warning of an enemy attack
Disruption In the defense, you focus on countering your attacker’s initiative. To prevent
your attacker from concentrating overwhelming combat power against your
defense, you must
· Patrol aggressively
· Plan counterattacks
· Use integrating fires and obstacles
· Retain key or decisive terrain
· Disrupt the enemy attacks as far from friendly positions as possible using
direct and indirect fires
Concentration You must be able to concentrate combat power at the decisive time and place.
You may have to accept risk in one part of the defense to mass combat power
in another.

Characteristics of Defense, Continued
Flexibility Your defense should be flexible enough to deal with a variety of enemy
courses of action. This flexibility results from
· A detailed estimate of the situation

· An understanding of the unit’s mission
· Aggressive reconnaissance and security
· Organization in depth
· Retention of a reserve
· Using alternate positions, supplementary positions, and a reserve to react
to various contingencies
Proper Use of In defense, take maximum advantage of terrain by placing troops and
Terrain weapons in positions that offer
· Good observation sites

· Fields of fire
· Cover and concealment
· Control of enemy avenues of approach
Security Adopt security measures to cause the enemy to attack
· With limited information on the defense

· Under unfavorable conditions
Use active and passive security measures to protect units against
· Ground observation
· Surprise from any direction

Characteristics of Defense, Continued
Mutual Position units so they can reinforce each other

Support
· By fire
· Through movement
Where gaps exist, emphasize
· Timely exchange of information

· Coordinated
· Surveillance
· Fires
· Final protective fires
· Patrolling
Defense in Organize defense in depth to preserve the integrity of the defense by

Depth
· Planning fires throughout the depth of the defensive area
· Conducting combat patrols
· Establishing sentinel posts or listening posts (SPs/LPs)
· Organizing supplementary and alternate positions
· Shifting fire into threatened areas
Coordinated Using obstacles significantly enhances the strength of your defense. Plan
Obstacle obstacles by reinforcing natural obstacles with constructed obstacles to turn,
Planning fix, or block enemy movement.
Coordinated Carefully plan and closely integrate the fires of infantry weapons, artillery,
Fire Planning naval gunfire, and close air support into the defensive scheme and obstacle
plan.

Key Terminology
Sector of Fire Sector of fire is an area that is required to be covered by the fire of
· An individual
· A unit (squad or fire team)
· A crew-served weapon
The area is wedge-shaped, enclosed by two lateral limits and a forward front.
Leaders use overlapping, adjacent sectors of fire to provide the best
· Distribution of available firepower

· Coverage of the area to the front
Leaders assign responsibility for and ensure distribution of fires across the
platoon and squad front.
Lateral Limits Lateral limits are readily identifiable objects or terrain features to indicate the
line of sight along each side of the sector of fire. Features should be located
near the forward limit of the sector of fire so that all fire team members
assigned to cover the sector use the same limiting features.
Aiming stakes, useful during periods of limited visibility, can be used as

indicators of lateral limits once the sector of fire is determined.
Forward Limits Forward limits, also called trigger lines, give the squad leader a positive
means of control for small arms fire. Forward limits are established at the
range at which a specific weapon will open fire on the enemy. Select an
identifiable terrain feature to locate the forward limit.
For rifles and squad automatic weapons, forward limits may extend up to
their maximum effective range.

Key Terminology, Continued
Fighting Fighting positions, as shown below, are locations on the ground from which
Positions an individual, a unit (squad or fire team), or a crew-served weapon may
deliver fire.
Before selecting a fighting position, carefully examine the assigned sector of

fire from the prone position to ensure that it can be covered effectively. A
good fighting position
· Allows for good fields of fire

· Maximizes available cover and concealment
· Facilitates the unit leader’s exercise of control

Primary A primary fighting position, as shown below, is the best available position
Fighting from which the assigned sector of fire can be covered. Individuals, fire
Position teams, squads, and crew-served weapons are assigned primary positions.
Alternate An alternate fighting position, as shown below, is assigned to a crew-served

Fighting weapon or unit when the primary position becomes unsuitable for mission
Position success. The alternate fighting position is located so that crew-served
weapons or units can continue to fulfill its original task.
Supplementary A supplementary fighting position, as shown below, is a secondary position

Fighting that does not cover the same sector of fire as the primary position. A
Position supplementary fighting position enhances a unit’s flexibility by guarding
against attack from various directions.

Principal A principal direction of fire (PDF) is the specific direction within the sector
Direction of of fire normally assigned to an automatic weapon or M203 grenade launcher
Fire and designated as its primary fire mission. Only a weapon, not units, are
assigned a PDF. Each weapon is assigned only one PDF.
PDF is used to
· Cover a gap in a final protective line of a machinegun

· Cover a specific terrain feature endangering the battle position and which
may be serving as an enemy vantage point
· Protect a crew-served weapon or an adjacent unit by firing across its front

Fire Teams In the Defense
Organization of Squad leaders

the Ground
· Organize fire teams in the defense by specifying each fire team’s
· General location
· Sectors of fire which should overlap to ensure mutual support and

complete coverage of the entire squad sector of fire
· PDF for the squad automatic weapon (SAW)
· Select identifiable features to indicate lateral and forward limits of the

sector of fire
· Point out the general location on the ground where fighting positions
should be established (fire team leader generally determines exact
location)

Fire Teams In the Defense, Continued
Fire Team The fire team is the basic fire unit of the rifle platoon. Fire team leaders
Defensive Plan formulate their defensive plans to cover their assigned sectors with the
heaviest possible volume of fire, as shown in the figure below. Their fire
plans should include assignment of
· Individual sectors of fire, which all together should cover the entire fire
team sector of fire
· Individual fighting positions, lateral limits of which are the same as the
lateral limits for the fire team
· The PDF for the SAW—when it is impractical for the automatic riflemen
to cover the entire squad sector of fire with their SAWs, they are only
assigned their fire team’s sector of fire
Fire team leaders forward information to the squad leader in the form of fire
team fire plan sketches.
Fire Team Fire Plan


Fire Teams In the Defense, Continued
Individual Individual fighting positions should be constructed so they

Fighting
Positions · Protect the individuals in all directions
· Allow individuals to fire their assigned sectors
· Are concealed from enemy observation
· Can be observed and supported by the fires of at least two other positions
Individual fighting positions may be a one-man hole, but the two-man hole is
the preferred method. The two-man hole allows for added security and the
execution of a rest plan. Individual fighting positions should be at intervals of
10–25 meters, according to mission, enemy, terrain, and ability to cover the
assigned frontage.

Rifle Squads in the Defense
Organization of Rifle squads, as shown below, are organized in the defense by specifying
the Ground squad sectors of fire and squad primary fighting positions. Squads can
· Physically occupy a front of about 100 meters

· Defend 200–250 meters of frontage (generally speaking)
The platoon commander
· Selects terrain features to indicate lateral and forward limits of the squad’s
sector of fire
· Selects the general location of the squad fighting positions
· Designates PDF for specific SAWs that are critical to the defense of entire
platoon
· May assign supplementary fighting positions to protect the flanks or rear

of the platoon’s defensive position

Rifle Squads in the Defense, Continued
Rifle Squad Squad leaders formulate the squad defensive fire plans for the purpose of
Defensive Fire assigning primary fighting positions and covering the sector of fire. The plan
Plan includes the assignment of
· Fire team sectors of fire

· Fire team fighting positions
· PDF for the SAWs
· The squad leader’s fighting position
Squad leaders are not assigned individual sectors of fire because their primary
duty during the conduct of the defense is to direct and control their unit’s
fires.
Positioning of Squad leaders distribute their fire teams to physically occupy the assigned
Fire Teams fighting positions and to be able to cover the squad sector of fire. Fire teams
are positioned abreast of each other and face the expected direction of enemy
attack to deliver the heaviest volume of fire. Fighting positions may be
staggered to take advantage of terrain; however, fire teams should not be
isolated or their fires masked.
Squad The SAW is

Automatic
Weapon · The primary weapon of the squad’s defense
· An infantry platoon’s
· Organic machinegun
· Primary weapon against dismounted infantry
Platoon commanders designate general fighting positions and PDFs for

specific SAWs. Squad leaders assign a PDF for each SAW not assigned by
the platoon commander and select the exact fighting position for each SAW.
The remainder of the fire team is positioned around the SAW.

Rifle Squads in the Defense, Continued
Support for Fire team fighting positions are selected

Crew-served
Weapons · In coordination with the location of the crew-served weapons in the squad
fighting position. Crew-served weapons are always placed in the defense
first; the infantry are positioned to protect and augment these crew-served
weapons.
· To provide close-in protection. When crew-served weapons are

positioned within a squad position, squad leaders take the additional task
of providing protection for the weapons system.
Position of the Squad leaders are usually positioned

Squad Leader
· Slightly to the rear of the fire teams
· In the center of the squad fighting position
The squad leaders must be positioned so that they can
· Observe their squad’s sector of fire

· Observe and control their squad’s fighting position, particularly the
positions of the fire team leaders
· Maintain contact with the platoon commander

Active Security Measures in the Defense
Fundamentals In the defense, infantry units attempt to surprise the enemy and initiate
contact so that enemy plans are interrupted. To capitalize on the element of
surprise, infantry in defensive positions must remain undetected. Infantry
platoons must conceal the location and preparation of their positions through
the use of camouflage techniques and a strict adherence to noise and light
discipline. Platoons provide their own local security throughout the execution
of the defense through
· Patrolling
· Using SPs/LPs
· Assigning Marines to provide local security close to the defensive
positions while the defense is being prepared
Actions taken to enhance a unit’s security that directly affect the enemy
include SPs and/or LPs, stand-to, and patrols.
Purpose of SPs/LPs are designed to

SPs/LPs
· Provide continuous observation of the most likely enemy avenues of
approach into the defensive positions
· Detect enemy presence before the enemy can determine the size, location,
and disposition of the defense.
During occupation of the defense, SPs/LPs are the first element emplaced
within the defensive position. When moving the defensive position, SPs/LPs
are the last element to withdraw.

Active Security Measures in the Defense, Continued
Positioning of SPs/LPs always consist of a minimum of two Marines that have direct
SPs/LPs communication with the platoon headquarters. SPs/LPs are positioned in
accordance with METT-TSL. SPs are positioned during the day, generally
one terrain feature forward of the defense.
LPs are positioned
· At night or during periods of limited visibility

· Closer to the defense to maintain positive control
· To enhance the ease of relief or withdrawal
SPs/LPs When positioning SPs/LPs, consider that they

Considerations
· Must be situated to allow observation of designated area
· Should take advantage of natural cover and concealment to protect the
Marines manning it
· Are located within small arms range of the platoon positions
· Have concealed routes to and from them
· Avoid positioning on obvious terrain features such as hilltops
· Should have primary and alternate means of communication to report
what they see and hear
· Should plan for special equipment to include binoculars, compass, night
vision devices, trip flares, etc.
Marines manning the SPs/LPs must be aware of special instructions such as
· Challenge and passwords

· When to engage the enemy
· Conditions for withdrawal
· Relief times
· Contingency plans for loss of communications

Active Security Measures in the Defense, Continued
Defensive Once the squad leader positions and briefs the Marines, one Marine records
Responsibilities and observes, while the other Marine
· Establishes security
· Prepares position to include range cards
· Rotates as observer every 20 to 30 minutes
· Briefs relief on any information or special instructions
Patrols Patrols are a necessity in the defense. Actively patrol the front and flanks of
units while in defensive operations to
· Deny enemy ability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and

infiltration
· Warn of an enemy attack
· Establish or maintain contact with the enemy
· Establish and relieve SPs/LPs
Patrol actions include
· Ambushes
· Observation of
· Dead space
· Gaps between units
· Gaps between lanes of fire
· Gaps between tactical and protective wire
· Open flanks
All patrols not initiated by higher command must be coordinated with higher
commands.

Passive Security Measures in the Defense
Definition Passive security measures are those actions taken to enhance a unit’s security
that do not directly affect the enemy. These measures include

· Noise, light, and litter discipline
· Control of nonessential movement
· Proper radio-telephone procedures
Cover and All Marines, their equipment, weapons, and fighting positions must blend in
Concealment with the natural surroundings to avoid detection. Wear helmets and flak
jackets during tactical operations, especially against an enemy with
significant indirect fire power capability. Use
· Camouflage paint
· Vegetation
· Dirt
· Burlap
· Any other means to breakup the outline of personnel or manmade objects
Check fighting positions
· From the enemy’s point of view, if possible

· To be sure they have at least 18 inches of overhead cover
Noise, Light, During preparation, squad leaders inspect their squads and identify
and Litter shortcomings in noise, light, and litter discipline. Marines should be
Discipline reminded to
· Use a poncho to conceal any light necessary for planning or map reading
· Refrain from lighting cigarettes, squad stoves, or any light source during
daylight or darkness without permission
· Use nonverbal means of communication to the maximum extent possible
· Collect and carry trash until it can be disposed of securely

Passive Security Measures in the Defense, Continued
Control of Well-camouflaged positions are easily compromised if the enemy’s attention

Nonessential is drawn to moving individuals or vehicles. Therefore, keep movement to a
Movement minimum and use covered and concealed routes between fighting positions.
Also avoid prolonged standing near fighting positions.
Proper Radio- Communication wire and messengers are the preferred methods for
Telephone communication in the defense. Communicate on the radio only when
Procedures absolutely necessary. Messages should be clear, concise, and complete. Use
authentication and encryption/decryption over unsecured radio nets.

Weapons Employment in the Defense
Fundamentals Defensive success depends on the positioning of Marines and weapons. To

position their weapons effectively, all leaders must know the
· Characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of their weapons

· Effects of the terrain
· Tactics used by the enemy
Position weapons where they
· Are protected
· Can avoid detection
· Can engage the enemy with accurate, lethal fires
Rifles Under the guidance of the squad leader, fire team leaders
· Assign positions and sectors of fire to each rifleman in the squad

· Position the riflemen to
· Support and protect crew-served weapons.
· Cover obstacles and gaps between units.
· Provide security or observation.
Grenade The M203 grenade launcher is the squad leader’s indirect fire weapon and
Launchers provides illumination during periods of reduced visibility. The squad leader
· Assigns the M203 a principal direction of fire. Also assigns an individual

sector of fire for the M16A2 rifle that should cover the fire team sector of
fire.
· Positions the M203 to cover dead space in the squad’s sector of fire,
especially dead space along machinegun FPLs and PDFs.

Weapons Employment in the Defense, Continued
Machineguns The M240G is the rifle company’s primary weapon against dismounted
enemy. The M240G provides a high volume of lethal, accurate fires to break
up and repel enemy attacks. It has limited effect against armored vehicles.
Position machineguns to
· Concentrate fires along likely avenues of approach

· Fire across a unit’s frontage
· Cover obstacles by fire
· Tie-in with adjacent units
Each machinegun is assigned a defensive mission, either a FPL or a PDF, to

accomplish within its sector of fire. Machineguns are free to engage targets
within their sector.
Anti-Armor The AT-4, SMAW, and Dragon are the anti-armor weapons that support the
Weapons rifle platoon and company. Position anti-armor weapons along likely enemy
mechanized avenues of approach.
The platoon commander approves sectors of fire and primary and

supplementary positions for each anti-armor weapon. The anti-armor unit
leader selects alternate positions. Each position should allow flank fire and
cover and concealment.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 To answer the question below, select
· a if only 1, 2, and 3 are correct

· b if only 1, 3, and 4 are correct
· c if only 1 and 3 are correct
· d if all four are correct
Which of the following statements best defines the purpose of the defense?
1. Allows a higher commander to concentrate forces elsewhere.

2. Gain time for other preparations.
3. Defeat an enemy attack.
4. Control key enemy forces as a prelude to offensive operations.

Items 2 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the definition from
Through 11 column 2 that matches the characteristics in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may only be used once.
Column 1 Column 2
Characteristics Definitions
___ 2. Preparation a. Ability to concentrate combat

___ 3. Disruption power at the decisive time and
___ 4. Concentration place
___ 5. Flexibility b. Use active and passive security
___ 6. Proper utilization of terrain measures to protect unit against
___ 7. Security ground observation
___ 8. Mutual support c. Accomplished through aggressive
___ 9. Defense in depth patrolling, planning
___ 10. Coordinated obstacle counterattacks, integrating fires
planning and obstacles
___ 11. Coordinated fire planning d. Maximum advantage of terrain
by placing troops and weapons in
positions that offer good fields of
fire
e. Use of obstacles significantly
enhances defensive strength
f. Thoroughly prepare for combat in
time allowed
g. Using alternate and
supplementary positions and a
reserve to react to various
contingencies
h. Fires are planned throughout the
depth of the defensive area
i. Integrating the fires of infantry
weapons, artillery, naval gunfire,
and use of close air support in
defensive scheme
j. Position units so they can
reinforce each other by fire and
movement

Item 12 Which of the following are basic terms that allow leaders to communicate
more effectively when planning a defense?
a. Sector of fire, lateral limits, security patrols, fighting position

b. Alternate fighting positions, forward limits, battle position, principal
direction of fire
c. Supplementary fighting position, lateral limits, forward limits, principal
direction of fire
d. Principal direction of fire, adjacent sectors, lateral limits, fighting position
Item 13 Which of the following is correct when organizing the fire team in the
defense?
a. The fire team leader generally determines the exact location.

b. Fire team sectors of fire should not overlap but ensure mutual support and
complete coverage.
c. The platoon commander organizes fire teams in the defense by specifying
the fire team’s general location.
d. The fire team leader points out the general location on the ground of the
fire team fighting positions to be established.
· a if only 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

· b if only 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
· c if only 1 and 3 are correct.
· d if all four are correct.
Which of the following are considerations when developing a fire team

defensive plan?
1. Information is forwarded to the squad leader in the form of a fire team fire
plan sketch.
2. Ensure that the lateral limits for each fire team are the same.
3. Fire plan should include assignment of individual sectors of fire and the
assigned principle direction of fire for the SAW.
4. The fire team leader formulates his defensive plan from the squad leader’s
defensive plan.

Item 15 Which of the following is correct when constructing individual fighting

positions?
a. Individual fighting positions may consist of either one-man or two-man

holes.
b. Every position should be observed and supported by the fires of every
other position.
c. Every position should be concealed from enemy observation and provide
protection from flanking assaults.
d. The interval between positions is always 10–25 meters and based on the
squad leader’s guidance.
Item 16 Which of the following is correct when organizing a rifle squad in the
defense?
a. Rifle squads can physically occupy a front of about 100 feet and defend
200 to 250 feet of frontage.
b. May assign primary fighting positions to protect the flanks or rear of the
platoon’s defensive position.
c. Organized in the defense by specifying platoon battle areas and primary
squad fighting positions.
d. Fire team leader designates principal directions of fire for specific SAWs
that are critical to defense of entire platoon.
Item 17 Which of the following is correct when determining where the squad leader
should be positioned in the defense?
a. A position close to the company’s headquarters to receive further

missions.
b. A position where the squad leader can maintain contact with the platoon
commander.
c. A position where the squad leader can observe the engagement area.
d. A position usually slightly to the front of the fire teams.

Item 18 What are the active security measures that can be used in the defense?
a. Sentinel posts/listening posts, stand-to, patrols

b. Sentinel posts/listening posts, patrols, noise discipline
c. Sentinel posts/listening posts, cover and concealment, stand-to
d. Sentinel posts/listening posts, counter-reconnaissance, patrols
Item 19 List three passive security measures that can be used in the defense?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Which of the following are considerations when employing weapons in the

defense?
1. Position weapons where they have protection and can engage the enemy
with accurate, lethal fires.
2. Position riflemen to support and protect crew-served weapons.
3. Grenade launchers are assigned a principal direction of fire and cover
dead space.
4. Anti-armor weapons are positioned along likely mechanized avenues of
approach

Lesson 1 Exercise Solutions

1 d 3-5
2 f 3-6
3 c 3-6
4 a 3-6
5 g 3-7
6 d 3-7
7 b 3-7
8 j 3-8
9 h 3-8
10 e 3-8
11 i 3-8
12 c 3-9 – 3-12
13 a 3-13
14 c 3-14
15 d 3-15
16 d 3-16
17 b 3-18
18 a 3-19
19 · Cover and 3-22
concealment
· Noise, light, and
litter discipline
· Control of
nonessential
movement
· Proper radio-
telephone
procedures
20 d 3-24 – 3-25


LESSON 2
DEFENSIVE SCHEME OF MANEUVER
Introduction
Study Hours
Lesson Scope In Lesson 1, you were introduced to the purpose and characteristics of the
defense as an integral element of the Marine Corps warfighting doctrine. The
basic concepts were established including the organization of the Marine rifle
squad in the defense, defense security measures, and weapons employment.
In Lesson 2, you will learn about the organization of the defense at the
company level, basic defensive techniques, and the considerations for
conducting the defense.

Objectives
· Identify the three echelons of a defensive area.
· Identify the three basic defense techniques.
· Identify the characteristics of a perimeter defense.
· Identify the characteristics of a linear defense.
· Identify the characteristics of a reverse slope defense.

Lesson Content The following table lists the topics covered in this lesson.
Topic See Page

Organization of the Defense 3-35
Defensive Formations 3-36

Organization of the Defense
Three Echelons The defensive area is divided into three echelons:
· Security area
· Main battle area (MBA)
· Rear area
Security Area The security area
· Is the furthest forward of the three echelons

· Is the area forward of the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA)
· Extends forward to the positions assigned to the security forces
Main Battle The MBA is

Area
· The area extending from the FEBA to the rear boundary of the forward
subordinate units
· Organized by assigning battle positions or defensive sectors to

subordinate units
Battalions, companies, and platoons defend the MBA from sectors or battle
positions within a regimental sector.
Rear Area The rear area extends from the rear boundary of the MBA to the rear of the
area of responsibility of the next lower level of command.

Defensive Formations
Three Basic Many techniques can be used in the defense to capitalize on the abilities of
Techniques infantry forces. No single best technique exists for defending successfully.
The ideal solution is often a combination of different techniques and is
generally based on the commander’s estimate of the situation. The three
basic defensive techniques are
· Perimeter defense
· Linear defense
· Reverse slope defense
Perimeter Perimeter defense is

Defense
· A defense without an exposed flank with
· Forces deployed along the perimeter of the defended area oriented in
all directions
· Interlocking and overlapping fields of fire
· Used when securing an isolated objective such as a
· Bridge
· Landing zone (LZ)
· Assembly area
· Patrol base
· Effective
· During semi-independent operations
· During resupply
· When a unit is isolated by the enemy and must defend in place

Defensive Formations, Continued
Perimeter The figure below illustrates a platoon perimeter defense.

Defense
Illustration

Linear Defense A linear defense (illustrated below)
· Calls for interlocking and overlapping observation and fields of fire to

prevent penetration across a unit’s front
· Generally deploys a company’s bulk of combat power well forward to

achieve interlocking sectors of fire between platoons
· Must have sufficient resources available to provide adequate combat

power across the frontage to detect and stop an attack
· Relies on
· Fighting from well-prepared mutually supporting positions
· A high volume of direct and indirect fires
· Uses a reserve, usually no larger than a platoon, to

· Reinforce forward units
· Give depth to the defense to block penetrations and counterattack to
regain key terrain

Advantages of Advantages of a linear defense are that

the Linear
Defense · Defensible terrain is available in the forward portion of the company’s
sector
· It can take advantage of a major linear natural obstacle (river, ridgeline,

etc.)
· Natural or manmade obstacles neutralize the mobility of a mounted

enemy, forcing him to attack dismounted
Linear defense is effective when
· Defending against an enemy that is mainly infantry

· Conducting a security mission such as counter-infiltration
· Specific terrain along the forward edge of the battlefield must be retained
Disadvantages Disadvantages of the linear defense are the

of the Linear
Defense · Lack of flexibility and the difficulty in seizing the initiative and seeking
out enemy weaknesses
· Difficulty of repositioning forces (laterally and in depth) to reinforce areas

or to prevent a penetration
· Lack of planning for obstacles, indirect fires, and effective contingencies

resulting in failure of the linear defense

Reverse Slope The reverse slope defense is organized to use a topographical crest to mask
Defense the unit from the enemy’s observation, direct fire, and supporting indirect fire.
Although some units and weapons may be placed on the forward slope, the
crest, or the counter-slope (a forward slope of a hill or the rear of a reverse
slope), most of them are positioned on the reverse slope. Moving to the
reverse slope removes the enemy’s standoff advantage.
Units may adopt a reverse slope position when
· Enemy fire makes the forward slope untenable

· Lack of cover and concealment on the forward slope makes it untenable
· The forward slope is exposed to enemy direct fire weapons beyond the
effective range of your unit’s weapons
Advantages to The key to the reverse slope defense is control of the topographical crest by
the Reverse fire and observation forward of the topographical crest. The terrain protects
Slope Defense the unit from long-range direct fire and reduces the effects of indirect fire due
to the inability of the enemy to adjust his fires. Friendly units have the
advantage of surprise and the masking effects of the slope on the
communication assets.
Disadvantages Disadvantages of the reverse slope defense are that

of the Reverse
Slope Defense · It limits the ability of friendly units to observe the enemy and engage him
at the maximum effective range by direct fire
· The enemy has the advantage of attacking downhill if they gain the crest.

Reverse Slope The figure below illustrates the reverse slope defense.
Defense
Illustrated

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 List the three echelons of the defensive area.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 List the three basic defense techniques.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the terms from column 2
Through 7 that matches the characteristics in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Characteristics Terms
___ 3. Used when securing an a. Reverse slope defense

isolated objective such as a b. Linear defense
bridge, LZ, assembly area, or c. Perimeter defense
patrol base
___ 4. Technique calls for
interlocking and overlapping
observation and fields of fire
to prevent penetration across
a unit’s front
___ 5. Organized to use a
topographical crest to mask
the unit from the enemy’s
observation and direct fire
___ 6. Used when defending against
an enemy that is mainly
infantry
___ 7. Terrain protects the unit from
long range direct fire and
reduces the effects of indirect
fire due to the inability of the
enemy to adjust his fires


1 · Security area 3-39
· Main battle area
· Rear area
2 · Perimeter defense 3-40
· Linear defense
· Reverse slope
defense
3 c 3-40
4 b 3-42
5 a 3-44
6 b 3-43
7 a 3-44

LESSON 3
CONDUCT OF THE DEFENSE
Introduction
Study Hours
Lesson Scope The unit leader must thoroughly plan all phases of his defense. Without prior
planning, the occupation is confused, takes an inordinate amount of time, and
often results in poor security. All occupation plans should logistically support
the defensive concept and provide for the security of the force. A unit
occupying the defense must take full advantage of cover, concealment,
limited visibility periods, and available time in preparing and conducting the
defense.
Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

Objectives
· Identify the information covered in the attachment paragraph of the
defensive operations order.
· Identify the missions that units can assume while conducting defensive
operations.
· Identify details outlined in the coordinating instructions of the defensive

operations order.
· Identify the phases of conducting the defense.
· Identify the actions that occur during the reconnaissance phase of the
defense.
· Identify the principles for movement while occupying the defense.

Learning · Identify the considerations for occupying a defensive area.

Objectives,
continued · Identify the actions that must be taken while fighting the defense.
· Identify the purpose of the reserve.
· Identify the primary missions of the reserve.
· Identify the purpose of the counterattack.
· Identify the two types of counterattacks.
· Identify the other types of defensive operations.
Topic See Page

Introduction
Writing the Defensive Operations Order 3-47
Conduct of the Defense 3-52
The Reserve 3-57
The Counterattack 3-59
Other Defensive Operations 3-61
Lesson 3 Exercises 3-64

Writing the Defensive Operations Order
SMEAC The defensive operations order has five main paragraphs, similar to the
operations order discussed in Study Unit 1, represented by the acronym
SMEAC. However, some other considerations will be discussed that pertain
directly to defensive operations and should be thoroughly planned out and
briefed when writing your defensive operations order.
· Situation
· Situation: Attachments
· Mission
· Execution
· Execution: Concept of Operation
· Execution: Tasks
· Execution: Coordinating Instructions
· Administration and Logistics
· Command and Signal
Situation The situation paragraph consists of the

· Environment. Include the
· Weather and its effect on friendly units while occupying defensive
positions and on masking the movement of enemy units.
· Times of sunset and sunrise and their effects on your unit’s ability to
observe enemy movement and to be observed by the enemy.
· Key terrain in the defense area that dictates what defense technique
will lead to success and includes dead space and possible gaps in the
defense due to unfavorable terrain.
· Enemy forces. Include identification, location, strength, probable course
of action of enemy forces, and all possible directions of enemy attack.
· Friendly forces. Include the location and mission of units operating to the
left, right, front, and rear of your unit and the location of primary,
alternate, and supplementary positions.
· Supporting forces. Include the location of units providing fire support for
your unit, your unit’s priority of fire, and the type of direct and indirect
fire those friendly units are providing.
· Security. Identify the location of local security (SPs/LPs) your unit
provides for early detection of enemy forces including patrols.

Writing the Defensive Operations Order, Continued
Situation: The attachment paragraph consists of the

Attachments
· Location of all attachments to include unit leaders that are supporting
your unit in the defense. Some of the attachments that you need to be
concerned with are the communications detachments, forward observers,
heavy machinegun section, mortars section, and reconnaissance units.
· Effective attachment and detachment times. Be sure you brief when the
supporting units are attached and when they detach back to their parent
units.
Mission The mission for your unit is briefed in the format of
· When
· Who
· What
· Where
· Why
Be sure all units, including your attachments, are given a specific mission
before occupying the defense. Some missions that units can assume in the
defense and their meanings are
· Retain terrain, to protect and hold a piece of terrain

· Disrupt the enemy, to cause enemy casualties and break up their
formations
· Delay the enemy, to slow the enemy’s movement
· Block the enemy, to prevent the enemy from moving in a specific
direction
· Attrit the enemy, cause enemy casualties, and repel their attack
Execution The execution paragraph of a defensive operations order contains the

minimum required information to execute your mission in the defense.

Execution: The concept of operations includes the

Concept of
Operations · Scheme of maneuver, which outlines the type of defense technique
(linear, perimeter, or reverse slope) your unit will occupy in the defense
· Fire support plan, which is the commander’s plan on integrating all the
indirect fire assets available to him with his defensive scheme of
maneuver
Execution: The subordinate element tasks are the mission statements for the elements and
Tasks key personnel.
Execution: Coordinating instructions contain instructions common to two or more

Coordinating elements and coordinating details and control measures applicable to the unit
Instructions as a whole. At a minimum, coordinating instructions in the defensive
operations order include
· Priority of work to
· Establish local security (SPs/LPs) and specify level of alert
· Position automatic and heavy weapons and assign their sectors of fire to
include FPLs and PDFs
· Assign sectors of fire for all other weapons systems and emplace aiming
stakes
· Designate primary positions and begin entrenching
· Establish and register FPFs (mortars and artillery) to cover dead space
· Clear fields of fire
· Prepare range cards and fire plan sketches
· Lay and bury communications wire
· Emplace obstacles (wire, mines, booby traps)
· Mark/improve marking for direct fire control measures
· Prepare alternate and supplementary positions
· Establish a rest plan
· Rehearse engagements
· Stockpile ammunition, food, and water
· Dig trenches between positions

Execution: Coordinating instructions (continued)

Coordinating
Instructions, · Percentage alert during hours of darkness
continued
· Establishing routes to and from SPs/LPs
· Commencement of stand-to
· MOPP level
Administration Administration and logistics deals with

and Logistics
· Food. When will your Marines and the attachments eat? How is security
going to be maintained? Always plan for resupply of food and water when
conducting defensive operations and how the resupply will occur without
comprising your security.
· Arms and ammunition. Plan on extra ammunition and resupply for

defensive operations. How many rounds will each Marine and weapons
system have? How are the attachments going to transport their
ammunition?
· Uniforms and equipment. The defense requires extra uniforms for night
operations and weather considerations. Extra equipment may also need to
be planned for entrenching multiple defensive positions.
· Method of handling the wounded, the dead, and prisoners. Be sure that
each Marine is briefed on the location of the corpsmen and the aid station
in the defense. Is there a secured area within the defense to conduct
decontamination, if necessary?

Command and The command plan should, at a minimum, address the

Signal
· Location of command post before, during, and in the event of enemy
penetration
· Chain of command throughout the occupation of the defense
The signal plan should, at a minimum, address the
· Brevity codes (when to commence and cease fire and to commence and
cease the FPF)
· Monitoring of land lines (to SPs/LPs and the company radios)
· Call signs (outlined in the operation order for day and night and times
when the daily call signs change)
· Frequencies (primary and alternate frequencies for all adjacent and higher
units)
· Challenge and password (primary and alternate)
· Use of hand and arm signals and other visual aids

Conduct of the Defense
Components Conduct of the defense includes
· Preparation for combat

· Reconnaissance
· Movement into the defense
· Occupation of the defense
· Location of the enemy
· Actions on enemy contact
· Fighting the defense
· Reorganization
Preparation for Once the unit leader receives his mission, he makes a tentative plan and issues
Combat a warning order to his subordinates. A critical element of defensive planning
is managing available time.
Because there is never enough time to prepare the defense, unit leaders must
make the best use of time available. Examples of time restraint issues are that
· Fighting positions identified and prepared during hours of limited

visibility may not be completely effective during daylight hours
· The initial estimate of time available should include the amount of

daylight needed for subordinate leaders to identify and conduct initial
preparations on their primary positions
· Unit leaders may also establish a detailed time schedule for completing
key actions/events in the priority of work. Thus, subordinate units
progress with establishing the defense uniformly across the unit’s frontage

Conduct of the Defense, Continued
Reconnaissance After a tentative plan has been formulated and before occupying a defensive
position, the commander normally halts the unit short of the position,
establishes local security, and assembles his leaders for a reconnaissance of
the position. As with any tactical operation, the reconnaissance plan is
developed to confirm or deny the concept of the defense as developed by the
commander in his tentative plan.
The reconnaissance may be conducted in many different ways based on the

unit leader’s estimate of the situation. The time available will have a major
impact on the reconnaissance; in an amphibious assault or in other extreme
cases, a map or aerial reconnaissance may be the only means available to the
unit leader.
During the reconnaissance, the unit leader confirms
· Enemy avenues of approach

· Dead space in front of the positions
· Location of the SPs/LPs
· Primary, alternate, and supplementary positions for subordinate units
· Major weapons systems designated in the defensive plan
Additional The size of the reconnaissance party depends on the reconnaissance plan that
Reconnaissance considers such factors as speed, time available, and the need for security.
Concerns
Normally the key leaders involved in the reconnaissance include the
commanders, unit leaders, guides, and the unit leaders of attached
units/weapons.
When considering the make-up of the reconnaissance party, unit leaders must
also consider the key leaders who should remain with the main body of the
platoon in the event that the unit must fight while the reconnaissance party is
away. In addition to key personnel, additional Marines may be required to
provide communications and security.

Movement into When the reconnaissance of the defensive position is complete, security
the Defense elements (SPs/LPs) and guides for the platoons may be left in position as the
unit leaders return to the company. Unit leaders
· Make final preparations for movement

· Complete and issue their defensive orders
· Conduct final inspections and rehearsals
The company moves forward as a unit or by platoons/squads to occupy their

positions. At a designated release point, the company commander releases
control of the platoons to the platoon commanders, who link up with their
respective guides and move their platoons forward to occupy their positions.
Principles for During movement, the platoon applies the basic fundamentals for movement:
Movement
· Move along covered and concealed routes
· Avoid likely ambush sites
· Enforce camouflage, noise, and light discipline
· Maintain all-around security, to include air sentries
· Use formations and movement techniques based on METT-TSL

Occupation of Unit leaders walk the defense to reexamine the sectors of fire and confirm
the Defense their positions before the digging starts and make face-to-face coordination
with adjacent unit leaders. Leaders should continually inspect their positions
while they are being established and immediately correct deficiencies.
Additionally, leaders should
· Confirm sectors of fire and check interlocking fires and dead space
· Assume the firing positions behind key weapons to confirm clear fields of
fire, complete coverage sectors, and mutual support
· Check range cards
· Complete defensive fire plan sketch and deliver to next higher
commander
· Look at weapons, positions, and obstacles from the enemy point of view
· Check the dissemination of information
· Ensure automatic and heavy weapons systems are properly protected by
the infantry and integrated with the obstacle plan
· Check security and alert plan, patrol plan, radio watch, and logistics.
· Reconnaissance routes to and from alternate positions and/or
supplementary positions.
Priority of Once properly positioned, subordinate units follow the commander’s

Work established priority of work. The priority of work is a list of tasks that the
leader uses to control what gets done, by whom, and in what order during the
preparation of the defense. Although many of these tasks are outlined in the
unit SOP, the leader adjusts his priority of work based on his consideration of
METT-TSL.
Location of the The rifle platoon attempts to locate the enemy immediately upon occupation
Enemy of the defensive positions. Locating the enemy is a continuous process
achieved through the use of patrols, SPs/LPs, and the observation of
individual Marines aided by night observation devices. Once the enemy
movement is detected, the unit prepares to fight the defense.

Reporting Upon observation of the enemy, the squad leaders and the platoon sergeant
Procedures alert the platoon commander. The situation is reported to the company
commander. Leaders and individual Marines return to their fighting positions
and prepare to engage the enemy.
Fight the Fighting the defense is the culmination of the conduct of defensive
Defense operations. All preparations lead to the positioning of weapons, the
preparation of all individuals, and the location of obstacles and fire support.
Unit leaders must be sure to
· Initiate direct and indirect fires as planned

· Execute the defensive plan as rehearsed
· Communicate with adjacent units
· Report to the company commander
· Above all else, accomplish the commander’s intent
Consolidate The enemy will not attack the defense when and where the defenders choose;
and Reorganize the attacker chooses the time and location of the attack. The enemy will often
attack several times, so our ability to consolidate and reorganize will
determine the ultimate success of the defense over a period of time.
To consolidate and reorganize,
· Reestablish security, replace mines and obstacles

· Receive casualty report; evacuate WIA/KIA
· Determine ammunition and weapons status
· Shift Marines to ensure maximum coverage of platoon sector
· Report to company commander
· Continue mission

The Reserve
Definition A reserve is a portion of a body of troops, which is kept to the rear or

withheld from action at the beginning of the engagement so they are available
for commitment at a decisive moment.
Purpose The purpose of the reserve in the defense is to preserve the commander’s
flexibility. As stated earlier, the reserve should be large enough to be
decisive when committed and should be used at the critical point in the battle.
Employment When a reserve is assigned, they are given prioritized missions for planning
purposes. These missions are routinely “be-prepared” missions so the reserve
should be positioned where it can best support the main effort and accomplish
its “be-prepared” missions. The reserve can also assist with other missions
not related to its primary defensive mission, such as resupply, patrolling, and
the construction of obstacles.
The commander who established the reserve normally makes the decision to
commit the reserve. Timing, critical when committing the reserve, can often
be the difference between victory and defeat.

The Reserve, Continued
Six Primary The reserve has six primary missions:

Missions
· Reinforce the main battle area: The commander may choose to commit all
or part of his reserve to bolster forward units that could achieve success
but require more combat power.
· Add depth: The initial position of the reserve should be located near the
most likely point of enemy penetration or near the main effort. This
position would be on terrain that is in back of the forward units, while still
allowing for mutual support to the flanks and the rear of those units.
· Block or contain penetrations: The reserve can block an enemy

penetration by fire or by maneuver. If the enemy is successful in
penetrating the defensive position, the reserve could be used to blunt this
penetration and fix the enemy force in place.
· Protect flanks and rear areas: The reserve prepares supplementary

positions to secure the unit’s flanks and rear.
· Hasty counterattack: The rapid execution of a hasty counterattack by the

reserve may be the key to the defensive battle.
· Support a forward element by fire: The reserve is positioned where it can

fire into unoccupied areas between forward units and on their flanks and
rear. To be effective, the reserve’s position must be close enough to the
forward unit’s position so that it can effectively engage enemy targets.

The Counterattack
Definition A counterattack is the primary means of breaking the enemy’s attack or

denying him the ability to regain the initiative. The counterattack may be
conducted by fire, maneuver, or a combination of both. The objective of the
counterattack is normally the complete destruction of the enemy—to reinforce
or achieve success, not to reinforce failure.
Purpose A counterattack is an attack by part or all of a defending force against an

attacking enemy force, for the specific purpose of
· Regaining lost ground

· Cutting off or destroying enemy advance units
· Denying success to the enemy in achieving his goal for attacking
The two types of counterattack are the
· Hasty counterattack
· Planned counterattack
Hasty The hasty counterattack is an active defensive measure not implemented in

Counterattack the commander’s original scheme of maneuver but available as a means of
exploiting a weakness in the enemy’s assault. A hasty counterattack
· Is used to destroy the enemy penetration or eject him from the defensive
position to regain control of the penetrated portion of the battlefield
· Is assigned as a “be-prepared” mission

· Based on the commander’s estimate of the situation
· Assigned to either a reserve force or an anticipated least engaged unit
· May be issued as a contingency mission to one or more subordinate units
· Is planned as the situation develops and may be issued as a fragmentary

order (FragO)

The Counterattack, Continued
Planned A planned counterattack is a defensive measure deemed necessary due to the

Counterattack commander’s estimate of the enemy situation, terrain, and his unit’s mission.
It is planned before the battle and assigned to a subordinate unit as an “on
order” mission.
A planned counterattack
· Is prepared and rehearsed in detail as the decisive blow against one or

more courses of action
· Is assigned to a designated counterattack force as an order and is

coordinated with forward units
· Has an established attack plan with objectives and direction of attack
When initiated, the counterattack force normally becomes the main effort and
gets priority of all available supporting assets.
Planning a When planning a counterattack, consider the

Counterattack
· Enemy strength and mobility relative to the counterattack’s strength and
mobility
· Initial disposition, assembly areas, coordination measures, and routes
· Coordination with front-line units
· Fire support plan
· Communications/signals
· Rehearsals

Other Defensive Operations
Four Other defensive operations include

Categories
· Least-engaged unit
· Passage of lines
· Relief in place
· Retrograde operations
Least-Engaged Least-engaged units (LEUs) are

Unit
· Already assigned a primary defensive mission; under extreme conditions,
they are further assigned to a reserve force
· Normally tasked by FragOs as the situation develops
· Can generally perform any of the missions of the reserve but by its very
nature will be generally slower in its response
The decision to employ a LEU to counter a developing situation will be based

upon the
· Specific enemy threat

· Terrain
· Distances to be traversed
· Condition of the men, equipment, and supplies within the subordinate
units

Other Defensive Operations, Continued
Passage of Passage of lines is an operation in which one unit passes through the lines of
Lines another unit that is stationary. A passage of lines is generally conducted
when one unit’s mission requires a movement through terrain occupied by
another unit. Examples of passage of lines operations are
· Security operations
· Counterattacks
· Retrograde operations
When a unit moving
· Forward towards the enemy passes through a stationary unit, it is a

forward passage
· Away from the enemy passes through a stationary unit, it is a rearward

passage
Whenever possible, avoid a passage of lines because units are particularly

vulnerable.
Relief in Place A relief in place is an operation in which one unit replaces another unit and
assumes the relieved unit’s responsibilities. The primary purpose of a relief
in place operation is to maintain the combat effectiveness of committed units.
Relief in place is a difficult operation to execute because it requires both

control and flexibility. To simplify the relief and maintain operational
security, certain equipment and supplies may be transferred between the two
units.

Other Defensive Operations, Continued
Retrograde Retrograde operations are an organized movement away from the enemy.
Operations Whether forced or voluntary, a higher commander approves the rearward
movement.
Retrograde operations are
· Conducted to harass, exhaust, disrupt, or delay the enemy to

· Gain time
· Avoid combat under unfavorable conditions
· Draw the enemy into an unfavorable position
· Used to
· Reposition forces
· Shorten lines of communications
· Permit the use of forces elsewhere
· Are difficult: Delays and withdrawals are inherently risky
Types of The three types of retrograde operations are

Retrograde
Operations · Delays: Slow the enemy, cause enemy casualties, and stop enemy without
becoming decisively engaged
· Withdrawals: Unit disengages from the enemy and repositions for some
other mission. Withdrawals can be done while under pressure and not
under pressure. In a withdrawal under pressure, the unit disengages and
moves to the rear while in contact with the enemy.
· Retirements: Operations in which a force that is not engaged with the

enemy moves to the rear in an organized manner. Retirements may
· Follow withdrawals
· Begin before contact with the enemy

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Which of the following statements is correct concerning the information that
should be included in the attachment paragraph of a defensive operations
order?
a. The attachment paragraph should include information on when supporting

units are going to link up with your unit.
b. The attachment paragraph should include information on which
attachments are going to be with the main effort.
c. The attachment paragraph should include information on the exact times
when supporting units are going to attach and detach to your unit.
d. The attachment paragraph should include information on the location of
all the attachments supporting every unit in the defense.
Item 2 To answer the following question below, select

Which of the following are the missions that units can assume while
conducting defensive operations?
1. Prevent the enemy from moving in a specific direction

2. Protect and hold a piece of terrain
3. Cause the enemy casualties and repel their attack
4. Cause the enemy casualties and break up their formations

Item 3 Which of the following are details that must be addressed in the coordinating
instructions?
a. Establish routes to and from resupply points

b. Percentage alert during hours of darkness
c. Signal to commence and cease fire
d. Designation of a force to act as the reserve
Item 4 Which of the following are phases for conducting the defense?
a. Reconnaissance, location of the enemy, fighting the defense,

reorganization, actions on enemy contact
b. Reconnaissance, location of the enemy, occupation of the defense,
emplacing of weapons systems, movement into the defense
c. Preparation of the defense, reorganization, movement into the defense,
employment of the reserve, actions on enemy contact
d. Fighting the defense, location of the enemy, preparation for combat,
counterattack, occupation of the defense

Directions for To answer the following questions below, select

Items 5
Through 7 · a if only 1, 2, and 3 are correct
Item 5 Which of the following are actions that must occur during the reconnaissance
phase of the defense?
1. The commander halts the unit short of the position, establishes local
security, and assembles his leaders for a reconnaissance.
2. The unit leader should take all the key personnel with him for the
reconnaissance and not plan for enemy activity while the reconnaissance
is gone.
3. The unit leader should confirm enemy avenues of approach, dead space in
front of positions, and the location of SPs/LPs.
4. Unit leaders make final preparations for movement, complete and issue
their defensive orders, and conduct final inspections and rehearsals.
Item 6 Which of the following are principles of movement while occupying the
defense?
1. Units should maintain all-around security to include air sentries.

2. Formations and techniques used should be based on the commander’s
estimate of the situation.
3. Units should move along covered and concealed routes.
4. Unit leaders should enforce camouflage, noise, and light discipline.

Item 7 Which of the following are considerations for occupying a defensive area?
1. Reconnaissance routes to and from alternate and supplementary positions.

2. Weapons, positions, and obstacles should be looked at from the enemy’s
point of view.
3. The defensive fire plan sketch should be completed upon occupying the
defense and delivered to the next higher commander.
4. Sectors of fire should be confirmed, and interlocking fires and dead space
should be checked.
Item 8 Fill in the blanks as indicated below.
Unit leaders must ensure the following actions are accomplished while
fighting the defense:
· Initiate direct and indirect fires as planned.

· ___________________________________________
· Communicate with adjacent units.
· Report to the company commander.
· ___________________________________________
Item 9 Which of the following best describes the purpose of the reserve?
a. The primary means of breaking the enemy’s attack or denying him the
ability to regain the initiative.
b. To preserve the commander’s flexibility.
c. To establish local security and respond to enemy penetrations.
d. To assist with other missions such as resupply, patrolling, and the
construction of obstacles.

Items 10 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of primary
Through 15 mission from column 2 that best matches the definition in column 1. The
Column 1 Column 2
Definition Type of Primary Mission
___ 10. The initial position of the a. Reinforce the main battle area
reserve should be located b. Add depth
near the most likely point c. Block or contain penetrations
of enemy penetration or d. Protect flanks and rear areas
near the main effort e. Hasty counterattacks
___ 11. The rapid execution of a f. Support a forward element by fire
hasty counterattack may be
the key to the defensive
battle
___ 12. The reserve is positioned
where it can fire into
unoccupied areas between
forward units and on their
flanks and rear
___ 13. The reserve can be used to
blunt the enemy
penetration and fix the
enemy force in place
___ 14. The reserve can be
committed to bolster
forward units that could
achieve success but require
more combat power
___ 15. The reserve prepares
supplementary positions to
secure the unit’s flanks and
rear

Item 16 A counterattack is the primary means of
a. preserving the commander’s flexibility.

b. breaking the enemy’s attack or denying him the ability to regain the
initiative.
c. maintaining the combat effectiveness of committed units.
d. disrupting or delaying the enemy’s attack while conducting an organized
movement from the enemy.
Item 17 List the two types of counterattacks.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Items 18 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of primary
Through 21 mission from column 2 that best matches the definition in column 1. The
Column 1 Column 2
Definition Type of Primary Mission
___ 18. An operation where a unit a. Passage of lines

that is already assigned a b. Retrograde operation
primary defense mission, c. Least-engaged unit
though under extreme d. Relief in place
conditions, is further
assigned to a reserve force
___ 19. An operation which one
unit passes through the
lines of another unit that is
stationary
___ 20. An operation in which one
unit replaces another unit
and assumes the relieved
unit’s responsibilities
___ 21. An operation that calls for
the organized movement
away from the enemy


1 c 3-48
2 d 3-48
3 b 3-50
4 a 3-56
5 c 3-57
6 b 3-58
7 d 3-59
8 · Execute the 3-60
defensive plan as
rehearsed
· Accomplish the
commander’s intent
9 b 3-61
10 b 3-62
11 e 3-62
12 f 3-62
13 c 3-582
14 a 3-582
15 d 3-582
16 b 3-593
17 · Hasty 3-593
· Planned
18 c 3-615
19 a 3-66
20 d 3-66
21 b 3-67


STUDY UNIT 4
SECURITY PATROLS
Overview
Estimated 1 hour, 30 minutes

Study Time
Unit Scope To conduct patrolling missions effectively, you as patrol leader must first
understand some general information about patrols and their organization.
Also, you must be proficient in six individual patrolling skills. This study
unit provides you with this basic information and introduces the basic
patrolling skills you will need to help your unit accomplish patrol missions.

Objectives
· Identify the considerations for planning a security patrol.
· Identify the considerations for conducting a patrol.
· Identify the items in a patrol order.
Unit Content The following table lists the lessons covered in this unit.
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Planning the Patrol 4-3
Lesson 2 Preparing the Patrol 4-19


LESSON 1
PLANNING THE PATROL
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope When assigned to conduct an infantry patrol, you must have a well-thought
out and -organized plan. With this plan, you must then properly prepare for
the patrol. This lesson will teach you proven methods to plan and prepare for
a patrol, including how to write and issue a warning order and a patrol order.

Objectives
· Identify the considerations for estimating the situation.
· Identify the military aspects of terrain.
· Identify the proper use of reverse planning.
· Identify the proper use of the half-rule.
· Describe the purpose of a patrol warning order.
· Identify the parts of a patrol warning order.
· Identify the items you must coordinate when planning a patrol.
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-3
Estimating the Situation 4-4
Maximizing Available Time 4-8
The Patrol Warning Order 4-10
Coordination with Outside Organizations 4-14

Estimating the Situation
Process Estimating the situation is
· An analytical process for selecting the course of action that offers the
greatest possibility of success
· A continuous and detailed mental process that should be followed no

matter how quickly a decision must be made
· Best done by thoroughly analyzing the seven considerations denoted in

the acronym METT-TSL:
· Mission
· Enemy
· Terrain and weather
· Troops and fire support
· Time
· Space
· Logistics
Mission One of the most important actions you as the patrol leader should do after
receiving the operations order is to study the mission. You should carefully
study the mission and all other information provided by the platoon
commander, making notes as you study.
When studying the mission, you should identify other significant tasks
(implied missions) that must be accomplished for the patrol to accomplish its
primary mission. These implied missions are further identified missions for
the patrol’s elements and teams and may require special preparation,
planning, personnel, and/or equipment.
Enemy The more you know about the enemy, the better your chances for success.
Study the locations, sizes, and dispositions of all known and suspected enemy
forces that could affect your patrol’s mission. You must also know about the
enemy’s capabilities, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.
Although the operations order contains information about the enemy, it may
not have enough information to suit your needs. If you have any additional
questions, ask the Marine who issued the order.

Estimating the Situation, Continued
Terrain and Study the terrain over which your patrol will travel. Terrain and weather will
Weather affect all plans and actions and must be studied from the friendly and enemy
viewpoints. The patrol’s plan of action must take full advantage of the
terrain, especially since the terrain will influence your patrol’s formation and
dispersion.
The weather, current and predicted, will affect the visibility, movement, and
fire support.
Troops and This is the quantity, level of training, and psychological state of friendly
Fire Support forces, to include the availability of weapons systems and critical equipment.
When a commander considers troops and fire support available, he is
developing his assessment of his combat power. The proper degree of troops
and fire support are critical to the overall success of the mission.
Once you understand the mission, you must ascertain the mission
requirements to accomplish all assigned tasks.
Time Time available is the time to plan, prepare, and execute operations for both
enemy and friendly forces. Time begins the moment you receive your order.
A leader should not waste this important resource. Plan your use of time as
follows:
· The half-rule or the one-third, two-thirds rule. For example, half of the
available time goes to the commander and half goes to the subordinate
units.
· Backward planning. Start with the last known action and progress
backwards to present time. Start with the time for the crossing of the line
of departure for offensive battle or from the time the defense must be
established.
· Making a time plan. The goal is to give the subordinate unit enough
daylight to conduct planning, reconnaissance, and preparation before the
start of combat operations. It does more harm than good to present a
perfect plan to subordinate units if they do not have the time to
disseminate their own orders and prepare.

Space This is the geographical operating area. The commander must consider the
distance he must move in the required time. This is why time and space are
considered in conjunction with each other. The commander should compute
· How much time will be needed to move certain distances or how far from
his objective he must begin to change formations in order to commence
the assault
· With regards to weather or the enemy situation at hand and anticipate

friction, such as obstacles or harassing fire from the enemy, which will
slow down friendly units
Logistics This is the science of planning and carrying out the movement and
maintenance of forces. The aspects of military operations are listed below:
· Design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution,

maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel
· Movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel
· Acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of
facilities
· Acquisition or furnishing of services
It is the 3B’s (beans, bullets, band aids) of the planning phase. On the small
unit level, it is the most overlooked aspect of planning and has caused
missions to fail. The initial fitting and continuous resupply of a unit is critical
to mission success.
OCOKA-W When studying terrain and weather, you must consider the military aspects of
terrain. The military aspects of terrain are represented by the acronym,
OCOKA-W as follows:
· Observation and fields of fire

· Obstacles
· Key terrain
· Avenues of approach
· Weather

Resources The following resources are available to help you study the terrain:
Available to
Help Study · Map reconnaissance, the most common means of studying terrain, simply
Terrain involves studying the map of an area. Although fast, easy to coordinate,
and inexpensive, map reconnaissance is not the most effective means to
study terrain.
· Aerial photography can be of great assistance when available. Aerial

photographs give you an entirely different perspective of the terrain.
· Aerial reconnaissance, the study of terrain from the air (usually from a
helicopter) is rarely available, but when you have it, it is extremely
effective.
· Route reconnaissance, probably the most effective means to study terrain,

involves actually walking the terrain you will be patrolling. Often,
however, this option is not possible because of time constraints or the
terrain is located in enemy territory.

Maximizing Available Time
Back Plan To properly use the time allotted from the receipt of the platoon commander’s
order until your departure from friendly lines, prepare a schedule that includes
every event that must be done before departing friendly lines. When you
prepare the schedule, work backward from the time of departure of friendly
lines to the present.
Techniques In a combat environment, sufficient time for planning is difficult to find.

Available Therefore, you must use time in the most efficient manner possible. Use
these four techniques:
· Issue a patrol warning order.

· Use reverse planning.
· Delegate tasks.
· Use the half-rule.
Issue Patrol After you receive the operations order, you must issue a patrol warning order
Warning Order to your patrol members as soon as possible. Doing so allows your patrol
members to be preparing for the patrol and gives them more time overall.
Use Reverse Reverse planning can help you schedule the important events in your
Planning planning. As the patrol leader, you must plan your schedule around the time
specified in the operations order. Time of departure (TOD) and time of return
(TOR) are often specified in the operations order.
When reverse planning, start planning with the last action that was assigned a
specific time restriction in the operations order. From that point in time, plan
backwards to the time you received the operations order. If you use the half-
rule, you will also be able to figure out when you should issue your warning
order.

Maximizing Available Time, Continued
Delegate Tasks Delegating tasks to others can save you valuable time. You must be selective
about which tasks you delegate. For example, you should not delegate the
task of conducting a map reconnaissance of your patrol route or the task of
writing the patrol order. It is appropriate, however, for you to delegate the
task of obtaining radios, frequencies, and call signs.
One of the most frequently delegated tasks is that of constructing the terrain
model. If you delegate this task to the patrol members, they will be familiar
with the patrol route and surrounding terrain. The terrain model helps the
patrol members visualize the patrol.
Use the Half- Applying the half-rule gives the element leaders enough time to prepare their
Rule elements for the patrol. The half-rule simply means that you give half the
time you have for preparation to your element leaders.
For example, if you receive the operations order at 1300 and are directed to
depart friendly lines at 2000 and return at 2300, you have a total of 7 hours to
plan and prepare for the patrol. You should plan to give 3.5 of those hours to
your element leaders for their preparation.

The Patrol Warning Order
Purpose The patrol warning order is given to notify patrol members of an impending
mission and provide them as much time as possible to prepare for the mission.
Scope When possible, issue the patrol warning order to all patrol members,
including attached personnel. If this is not feasible, issue the patrol warning
order to your element leaders. They, in turn, will issue the patrol warning
order to their elements.
Sample Here is a sample warning order.

The Patrol Warning Order, Continued
Format The format of the patrol warning order includes four parts:
· Situation
· Mission
· General instructions
· Specific instructions
Situation The situation part consists of a brief statement of the enemy and friendly
situation. This statement includes only the information the subordinate
leaders need to prepare for the patrol. The complete situation is in the patrol
warning order.
Mission The mission statement should read exactly as you received it in the operations
order.

General The general instructions part contains instructions for all members of the
Instructions patrol. These instructions cover the following items:
· General and specific organizations. Assign general tasks to unit and

teams. Give specific details of tasks in the patrol leader’s order.
· Uniform and equipment common to all. Specify camouflage measures to

be taken and the identification to be carried (also, uniform to be worn).
· Weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Assign these items to units and

teams. Subordinate leaders make further assignments to teams and
individuals.
· Chain of command. Establish a chain of command when the patrol

includes personnel from outside the squad. (Each element leader is
assigned a place within the chain of command and sets up a chain of
command within each element.)
· Time schedule. Address all events from the present until the patrol
departs. Designate the place and uniform for receiving the patrol warning
order, conducting inspection, and rehearsals.
· Receiving the patrol warning order. State the time, place, uniform, and
equipment for receiving the patrol warning order. Tell your subordinate
leaders when and where the order will be given, what to wear, and what
equipment to bring.
· Inspections and rehearsals. Specify the time and place for inspections and
rehearsals.

Specific Specific instructions are for

Instructions
· Subordinate leaders. Give out all information concerning the drawing of
ammunition, equipment, ordnance, water, and rations. Identify the
personnel you want to accompany you on your reconnaissance. Also give
guidance on any special preparation you believe will be necessary during
the conduct of the mission.
· Special purpose teams of key individuals. Address requirements of

designated personnel or teams, such as having point men, pacers, and
navigators make a thorough map study and check their equipment.

Coordination with Outside Organizations
Continuous The most important point to remember concerning coordination is that it is a

Process continuous process throughout the planning, preparation, and execution of the
patrol. You should attempt to make all the coordination yourself. Start from
the time you receive the operations order to coordinate the following:
· Fire support
· Departure/reentry of friendly lines/areas
· Interaction with other units
· Logistical support
· Updated intelligence
Fire Support The operations order briefed by the platoon commander should provide you
with the fire support available and any restrictions on fire support. You
should find out what artillery and mortar targets have already been planned
along your route. You should make an overlay with these targets plotted,
along with the patrol route and any additional targets (if necessary).
Departure/ Check with the small unit leaders occupying the areas through which your
Reentry of patrol will depart and return. Ensure these leaders know about the patrol,
Friendly times of departure and reentry, and coordinate for guides from their units if
Lines/Areas required to lead the patrol through friendly obstacles. Determine the exact
grid coordinates of the point of departure and return of the patrol. Exchange
radio call signs, frequencies, and code words. Also during this time you
should ensure your small unit leaders know where the initial rallying point is
and the challenge and password.
Interaction The operations order should have stated whether or not other friendly patrols
with Other would be in the area of operation. If so, it is extremely important for you to
Units coordinate details with them thoroughly. Find out the location of other
friendly units or patrols, so your patrol will not be restricted or endangered in
its movement. Routes, timelines, call signs, and fire support plans are some
of the most important factors you must coordinate.

Coordination with Outside Organizations, Continued
Logistical You must arrange with the appropriate supporting units for the delivery and
Support pick up of the following items:
· Ammunition
· Water
· Food
· Any special equipment your patrol may require
Updated Before issuing the patrol warning order and again before departing on patrol,
Intelligence you should check the latest intelligence on the enemy activity that may affect
your patrol. You should find out as much information about the enemy as
possible. Specifically, you should determine the enemy’s pattern of
operation:
· Has the enemy been conducting patrols?

· What type of weapons does the enemy have?
· What is the enemy's strength and disposition?
· Does the enemy use mines and boobytraps, etc.?

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Mission is one of seven considerations for estimating the situation. What are
the other six considerations?
a. Enemy, terrain and weather, troops and fire support available, time, space,
and logistics.
b. Equipment available, terrain and weather, troops and fire support
available, time, space, and logistics.
c. Equipment available, terrain and weather, troops and fire support
available, time, situation, and logistics.
d. Enemy, terrain and weather, troops and fire support available, time,
situation, and logistics.
Item 2 What are the military aspects of terrain?
a. Observation and fields of fire, key terrain, obstacles, camouflage, avenues

of approach, and weather
b. Orientation, camouflage, obstacles, key terrain, avenues of approach, and
weather
c. Observation and fields of fire, cover and concealment, obstacles, key
terrain, avenues of approach, and weather
d. Orientation, camouflage, obstacles, key terrain, avenues of approach, and
weather
Item 3 Start your plan with the _______________________ is an example of proper

use of reverse planning.
a. first action
b. item of most importance
c. action of least importance
d. last assigned action

Item 4 What is an example of the proper use of the half-rule?
a. Use half your time for planning and half for preparing.
b. Give half the time you have for preparation to your element leaders.
c. Use half your time planning and preparing and half coordinating.
d. Give half the time you have for planning to your element leaders.
Item 5 What are the two purposes of a patrol warning order?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 6 What are the four parts of a patrol warning order?
a. Situation, mission, general instructions, and specific instructions

b. Situation, mission, execution, and administration
c. Situation, mission, instructions, and general signals
d. Enemy situation, friendly situation, mission, and preparation instructions
Item 7 Fire support must be coordinated when planning a patrol. What are the other
four items that must be coordinated?
a. Departure and reentry of friendly lines, interaction with other units,

updated intelligence, and counterintelligence
b. Interaction with other units, logistical support, updated intelligence, and
billeting
c. Departure and reentry of friendly lines, interaction with other units,
logistical support, and instructions
d. Departure and reentry of friendly lines, interaction with other units,
logistical support, and updated intelligence


1 a 4-4
2 c 4-6
3 d 4-8
4 b 4-9
5 · Notify patrol 4-10
members of an
impending mission.
· Provide patrol
members with as
much time to
prepare as possible.
6 a 4-11
7 d 4-14

LESSON 2
PREPARING THE PATROL
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope You have finished your initial planning and issued a warning order to your
subordinate element leaders. You have completed coordination with all
outside organizations to ensure the success of your patrol. You are now ready
to plan the patrol in detail. This lesson will teach proven methods for
transforming a tentative plan into a detailed plan, including how to issue a
patrol order, inspect the patrol, and conduct rehearsals.

Objectives
· Identify the main paragraphs of the patrol order.
· Identify the information covered in the situation paragraph of the patrol

order.
· Identify the format of the mission paragraph of the patrol order.
· Identify details and control measures included in the coordinating

instructions of the patrol order.
· Identify factors that determine the selection of primary and alternate

patrol routes.
· Identify the types of rallying points.
· Identify the considerations covered in the administration and logistics

paragraph of the patrol order.

Learning · List the guidelines for issuing the patrol order.

Objectives,
continued · Identify the purpose of inspecting a patrol.
· Identify how to conduct rehearsals.
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-19
Writing the Patrol Order 4-21
Issuing the Patrol Order 4-31
Inspecting the Patrol 4-32
Conducting Rehearsals 4-34

Writing the Patrol Order
SMEAC The patrol order, like any operations order, has five main paragraphs. You
will recall from study unit 1 that the five main paragraphs, represented by the
acronym SMEAC, are
· Situation
· Mission
· Execution
· Administration and logistics
· Command and signal
You can best understand how to effectively write a patrol order by studying
the contents of each of these paragraphs.
Situation The situation paragraph consists of the following:
· Environment—the weather and terrain and how they impact on the patrol
and enemy forces.
· Enemy forces—the identification, location, activity, strength, and

probable course of action.
· Friendly forces—the mission of the next higher unit, the location and
planned actions of units operating in the same and adjacent areas, and the
fire support available to the patrol.
· Attachments and detachments—the attachments and detachments of

patrols.

Writing the Patrol Order, Continued
Mission The mission is located in the task subparagraph of the operations order. The
format is usually presented as follows:
· When
· Who
· What
· Where
· Why
An example of a concise mission statement by a patrol leader is as follows:
At 1400, 1st squad conducts an ambush patrol in the vicinity of grid 663954 in
order to destroy enemy units in that area.
Execution The execution paragraph contains the minimum required information

necessary to execute the patrol’s mission. Focus this plan on exactly how the
patrol should be executed and the tasks assigned to each element/team.
Concept of The concept of operations is the “how” and includes the scheme of maneuver
Operations and the fire support plan.
Subordinate Subordinate elements’ tasks are mission statements for the elements and key
Elements’ personnel.
Tasks

Coordinating Coordinating instructions contain instructions common to two or more

Instructions elements and coordinating details and control measures applicable to the
patrol as a whole. At a minimum, coordinating instructions include the
following:
· Actions in the objective area (actions of elements, teams, and individuals

in the actual accomplishment of the mission at the objective)
· Other actions that will take place in the objective area, such as
· Occupation and security of the objective rallying point (ORP)
· Conduct of the leader’s reconnaissance
· Final checks on plans, personnel, weapons, and equipment
· Fire support
· Preliminary positioning of elements, teams, and key individuals
· Signals and other control measures
· Actions to take if prematurely discovered at the ORP or before the
assault is launched
· Movement from the objective to the ORP or alternate ORP
· Redistribution of ammunition
· Dissemination of information
Formations for You must plan formations for movement of your patrol to and from the
Movement objective area. You must plan the location of elements, teams, and
individuals in the various formations your patrol will use.
You should understand that various formations are adaptable to any size
patrol. Each formation has certain advantages and may be varied to fit terrain
and situation. You should also be aware that the patrol might change
formations as the situation requires. The factors that will influence formation
for movement are as follows:
· Enemy contact—the most important consideration in organizing for

movement. You must decide how the patrol should react if it makes
contact with the enemy.
· Tactical integrity—the organization for movement maintains element and

team integrity and aids control, security, employment at the objective, and
reaction to enemy contact.

Formations for · Employment at objective—in addition to other considerations,

Movement, organization for movement must permit quick, easy employment at the
continued objective.
· Control—some formations provide better control than others. You must

decide exactly how important control is relative to other factors. The size
of the patrol is an important factor to consider when deciding.
· The enemy situation—where is the enemy? How strong is he? What is

the danger of ambush?
· Speed of movement—when must the patrol reach the objective? When

must it return? You must understand that rate of movement is governed
by the speed of movement of Marines carrying the heaviest equipment.
· Stealth—you must decide whether the patrol can move quietly or whether
the formation chosen forces the flanks to move through noisy underbrush.
You must ultimately decide which is more important, stealth or speed.
· Security—you must make assumptions about which direction contact with

the enemy is likely to come and decide whether the patrol will have all-
around security. You must assign elements, teams, and individuals. A
carefully controlled combination of speed and stealth is usually best.
· Dispersion—you must disperse patrol members in such a way that a

sudden burst of fire will cause the fewest casualties.
· Terrain—you must look at terrain and make assumptions on how it will

affect the movement of the patrol.
· Visibility—you must consider visibility and whether the enemy can see
the patrol. More importantly, you must ensure that you can observe and
control the patrol members.
· Weather—you must consider how the weather will affect the ground and
visibility.

Primary and As the patrol leader, you select the patrol routes based on map study, aerial
Alternate photographs, reconnaissance, and consultation with others who have been
Routes over the terrain. You should select both a primary route and one or more
alternate routes. Choose a route based upon the following:
· Affords concealment from enemy observation

· Expects little or no enemy opposition
· Presents a minimum of obstacles to the patrol
For a night patrol, the route should be planned to avoid thick undergrowth,
dense woods, and ravines.
Whenever practicable, the return should be via a different route. Point out
patrol routes to the patrol members by indicating the routes on a map overlay
and by designating objectives and checkpoints.
Actions on Your patrol may make unexpected contact with the enemy either through
Enemy Contact chance or by encountering an ambush. The patrol must be prepared to break
contact quickly. The organization for movement and your planned actions on
enemy contact must support each other.
Departure from During the preparation phase, you coordinate with the leaders of the units
and Reentry occupying the areas your patrol must depart and reenter (friendly lines/areas).
into Friendly In some instances, coordination is done at higher levels, and you are simply
Lines told where you are to depart and return. However, you should check with unit
leaders to reduce the possibility of mistakes during passage of lines.

Types of The three types of rallying points are as follows:

Rallying Points
· IRP (initial rallying point)—a point within the friendly area where the
patrol can rally if it becomes dispersed.
· ERRP (en route rallying points)—points between friendly areas and the
objective.
· ORP (objective rallying point)—a point located near the objective; used
as a point where the patrol reassembles, makes final preparations, and
reorganizes after completing its mission; and may be used as a release
point from which elements and teams move into position.
Actions at You must select locations for rallying points when studying the terrain.
Rallying Points Always select initial and objective rallying points. If suitable areas for these
two rallying points are not found during the map reconnaissance, select them
by grid coordinates or in relation to terrain features.
You should plan to select and designate additional rallying points as your
patrol reaches locations while en route. Also, you should plan for selecting
rallying points on both near and far sides of danger areas.
· If dispersed after departing the friendly area, but before reaching the first
rallying point en route, your patrol rallies at the initial rallying point.
· If separated while en route, your patrol rallies at the previous rallying

point.
The plan for actions at the initial rallying point and rallying points en route
must provide for the continuation of your patrol as long as you have a
reasonable chance to accomplish the mission.

Timeline Be sure to note and address any changes to the timeline from the patrol
warning order. Special consideration should be given to the following as
listed in the table below:
Time Considered Explanation

Reach the objective Distance, terrain, and anticipated speed of
movement as well as the friendly and enemy
situation and the time when the mission must
be accomplished
Accomplish essential tasks Your leader’s reconnaissance, the movement
in the objective area of elements and teams into position, and
actual accomplishment of the mission
Return to friendly areas May differ from the time required to reach
the objective. Prisoners or captured
equipment may slow your patrol. Use of a
different return route may change the time
required.
Time of day and weather Take advantage of light and weather
conditions that aid in departure and return
Specified, if any, in the Same considerations apply to an operational
operational order order whether it covers departure, return, or
accomplishment of the mission
Rehearsals and Conduct rehearsals and inspections to determine the physical and mental
Inspections readiness of your patrol members. Coordinate with your platoon commander
for use of a rehearsal area. The timeline must provide for inspections by
subordinate leaders and you, the patrol leader.

Debriefing Disseminate information among patrol members as often as possible. Write

notes, thoughts, and observations. Convey communications completely,
concisely, and accurately.
EEIs/OIRs Essential elements of information (EEIs) are the critical items of information
vital for mission accomplishment. Other information requirements (OIRs) are
valuable items of information but not vital for mission accomplishment.
Safety Always cover safety issues, including weapons, conditions, and hydration.
Some commanders consider safety so important they make it a sixth
paragraph of their operations order.
Administration Administration and logistics deals with

and Logistics
· Food—when will your patrol members eat? What kind of food will be
provided? Where will food be obtained? Always consider alternate
means of resupply for long-range patrols.
· Arms and ammunition—the patrol warning order should specify the arms
and ammunition needed to support the mission.
· Uniform and equipment—does the detailed plan require any additions or

deletions to the uniform and equipment specified in your patrol warning
order?
· Method of handling the wounded, the dead, and prisoners—does your

patrol have an SOP for handling the wounded, the dead, and prisoners?
The procedures for handling your wounded or dead patrol members and
the capture of prisoners may vary, based on the nature of the operations
being conducted. The methods you use largely depend on if the situation
occurs en route to the objective, at the objective, or on the return to
friendly areas.

Command and In the command paragraph, list the chain of command and succession of
Signal command for all phases of the patrol. Your location and that of your assistant
patrol leader are planned for during all phases of the patrol:
· You, as the patrol leader, should position yourself where you can best
control and direct the patrol, usually in the forward one-third of the patrol.
· Place your assistant patrol leader where he can best assist you in control
during movement. Be ready to assign specific duties to him at sensitive
times during each phase of the patrol.
Plan and In the signal paragraph, plan and rehearse the signals you will use. You may
Rehearse use the following:
· Visual signals
· Hand and arm signals
· Pyrotechnics
· Infrared equipment
· Audible signals
· Voice
· Radios
Situations for A good technique is to designate a primary and alternate signal for each event
Using Signals requiring signals. Some instances when signals may be needed are as
follows:
· Cease or shift supporting fires

· Start an assault
· Order withdrawal from the objective
· Signal “all clear”
· Stop and start the patrol

Communications The essential details of communication with all units at higher headquarters
with Higher are listed below:
Headquarters
· Radio call signs
· Primary and alternate frequencies
· Reporting times (usually upon reaching checkpoints)
· Special code words
· Security requirements
Challenge and You should designate a challenge and password to be used within the patrol
Password outside of friendly lines/areas. List the challenges and passwords you will
use in all phases of the patrol.

Issuing the Patrol Order
Guidelines Once you have completed writing your patrol order following the standard
five-paragraph order format, be sure you adhere to these guidelines:
· Assemble the members of the patrol and issue your order.
· Issue the order in a clear, concise, and forceful manner.
· Be sure all patrol members are present if the tactical situation permits.
Patrol members should remain attentive, take notes, and hold their
questions until you complete your order.
· Receive a status report from your unit/team leaders on the preparatory

tasks assigned to them when you issued the warning order.
· Before you give the order, give the patrol a brief orientation on the area of
operations. Build a terrain model using dirt, rocks, twigs, etc., to help
explain the concept of operations for movement to the objective area,
actions at the objective area, and the return to friendly lines/area.
· Conclude with a question and answer period. Allow for as many

questions as time permits.
· Be sure you give your patrol members a time check and announce the
next event. If an event changed due to the number of questions or other
reasons, state the new times for each event.

Inspecting the Patrol
Types of The preparation phase of conducting your patrol involves inspecting and
Inspections rehearsing. You have planned your patrol and issued your patrol order. Now
you are ready to prepare your patrol members for the patrol.
Inspections are vital to proper preparations for the patrol and mission success.
You must conduct inspections even if you and your patrol members are
experienced in patrolling. There are two types of inspections:
· Prerehearsal
· Final
Purpose The purpose for inspections during planning and preparation is listed below:
· Determines the state of readiness―physical and mental―of the patrol

members
· Helps to guarantee mission accomplishment
· Reassures gear and all required equipment is present and serviceable
· Ensures all proper camouflage is applied
Prerehearsal Prerehearsal inspections ensure completeness and correctness of uniform,

Inspections equipment, and knowledge of the mission.
Question each patrol member to make sure they know the following:
· The mission and planned actions of the patrol

· Individual tasks
· What other members of the patrol are to do at certain times during the
patrol
· The challenges, passwords, codes, radio call signs and frequencies,
reporting times, and other pertinent details

Inspecting the Patrol, Continued
Final Conduct the final inspection just before departure to make sure nothing
Inspections changed during rehearsals. Be sure all patrol members are verbally and
physically ready to accomplish the mission.
For large patrols, you may find it necessary to designate the element leaders
to conduct inspections. You then spot check individuals and thoroughly
inspect your element leaders.

Conducting Rehearsals
Purpose Rehearsals, also vital to mission accomplishment, are done to
· Ensure the operational proficiency of your patrol.

· Check plans.
· Make necessary changes.
· Verify suitability of equipment.
Through rehearsals, everyone becomes thoroughly familiar with the actions

they are to take during the patrol. Conduct rehearsals in three stages.
Three Stages Conducting rehearsals is done in three stages as described in the table below:
Stage Description
1 · If the patrol is to operate at night, conduct both day and night
rehearsals.
· Conduct rehearsals on terrain similar to that on which the
patrol will operate.
· If time allows, rehearse all actions that the patrol is expected to
execute.
· If time is limited, rehearse only the most critical phases.
· Always rehearse actions at the most critical phase, the
objective area.
2 · Talk through each phase, describing the actions and having
each member perform his duties.
· Walk through all phases of the patrol, using only the signals
and commands that will be used during the patrol.
3 · When rehearsals are complete and you are satisfied with your
patrol’s performance, make any final adjustments to your plan
or patrol organization.
· Issue final instructions to the unit/team leaders, noting any
changes made.
· Advise the platoon commander or higher headquarters that
your patrol is ready to depart.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Situation is one of five main paragraphs of a patrol order. What are the other
four?
a. Mission, execution, administration, and signal

b. Mission, execution, administration and logistics, and command and signal
c. Mission, general instructions, specific instruction, and logistics
d. General and specific instructions, command and signal, administration,
and logistics
Item 2 The situation paragraph consist of environment,
a. enemy forces, friendly forces, attachments, and detachments.

b. enemy forces, higher headquarters, and adjacent units.
c. mission, friendly units, and timeline from planning through execution.
d. situation, mission, and friendly forces.
Item 3 On a patrol order, how is the mission paragraph usually presented?
a. When, who, what, how often, why

b. When, who, how many, where, why
c. When, who, what, where, why
d. When, what, why, where, how

Item 4 Coordinating instructions contain instructions common to ____________ and

coordinating details and control measures applicable to the
a. the patrol as a whole; two or more elements.

b. two or more elements; element leaders.
c. two or more elements; patrol as a whole.
d. element leaders specifically; patrol and attached units.
Item 5 List the three factors that determine the selection of a patrol route.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Items 6 and 7 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of rallying point
listed in column 2 that is defined in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Definition Type of Rallying Point
___ 6. The point within the a. Initial rallying point

friendly area where the b. En route rallying point
patrol can rally if it c. Objective rallying point
becomes dispersed.
___ 7. The point near the
objective to reassemble,
make final preparation, and
reorganize after completing
mission.

Item 8 What are the four considerations covered in the administration and logistics
paragraph?
a. Food, arms and ammunition, uniform and equipment, and safety

b. Food, arms and ammunition, uniform and equipment, method of handling
the wounded, the dead, and prisoners
c. Food, uniform and equipment, method of handling the wounded, the dead,
prisoners, and signal plan
d. Uniform and equipment, arms and ammunition, signal plan, and the lost
Marine plan
Item 9 List three of the seven guidelines for issuing the patrol order.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Item 10 What two types of inspections are required before beginning a patrol?
a. Prerehearsal and post rehearsal

b. Prerehearsal and final
c. Initial and post rehearsal
d. Initial and final
Item 11 What is the purpose of a prerehearsal inspection?
a. Go over the plan before rehearsals.

b. Check serviceability of weapons and equipment.
c. Ensure completeness and correctness of uniform, equipment, and
knowledge.
d. Ensure everyone knows what to rehearse.

Item 12 What is the purpose of a final inspection?
a. Go over the plan one more time.

b. Check serviceability of weapons and equipment.
c. Ensure completeness and correctness of uniform, equipment, and
knowledge.
d. Ensure nothing changed during rehearsals.
Item 13 List the four purposes of conducting rehearsals.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________


1 b 4-21
2 a 4-21
3 c 4-22
4 c 4-23
5 · Affords 4-25
concealment from
enemy observation
· Where little or no
enemy opposition is
expected
· Presents a minimum
of obstacles to the
patrol
6 a 4-26
7 c 4-26
8 b 4-28

Lesson 2 Exercise, Continued Continued
Correct
Answers,
continued

9 · Assemble the 4-31
members of the
patrol.
· Issue the order in
clear, concise, and
forceful manner.
· Be sure all patrol
members are
present.
· Receive a status
report from team
leaders.
· Build a terrain
model.
· Conclude with
question and answer
period.
· Give a time check
and announce the
next event.
10 b 4-32
11 c 4-32
12 d 4-33
13 · Ensure operational 4-34
proficiency.
· Check plans.
· Make necessary
changes.
· Verify suitability of
equipment.

STUDY UNIT 5
URBAN PATROLLING
Overview
Estimated 4 hours
Study Time
Unit Scope Before conducting urban operations, Marines must be trained in fundamental
combat skills to conduct urban operations. Training for this unique
environment will reduce the number of casualties because properly prepared
Marines will be able to fight more effectively. This study unit will introduce
all the fundamental combat skills taught for fighting in urban terrain. Urban
combat will require Marines to use their best initiative and judgment in
applying techniques and procedures described in this study unit.

Objectives
· Identify the fundamentals for conducting Military Operations on
Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) operations.
· Identify the principles for conducting MOUT operations.
Unit Content The following table lists the lessons covered in this unit.
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 General Information 5-3
Lesson 2 Weapons Handling and Firing Techniques 5-11
Lesson 3 Movement Techniques 5-23
Lesson 4 Entry Techniques 5-35
Lesson 5 Clearing Techniques 5-45
Lesson 6 Firing Positions 5-71
Lesson 7 Advancing/Patrolling Along City Streets 5-81


LESSON 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope Basic infantry organization does not change when the battlefield is moved
into an urban area. However, infantry units may be tasked organized or
reinforced down to squad level in order for small units to fight and win in this
violent, three-dimensional battlespace. Several new terms that address
organization and employment have been added to clearly define mission
assignments. This lesson describes the platoon through fire team organization
breakdown.
Maps and photographs are available to help units overcome navigational

problems peculiar to urban terrain. Additionally, the global positioning
system (GPS) can help supplement navigational abilities in built-up areas.
This lesson discusses specific navigation issues for urban operations.

Objectives
· Identify the task organization of an infantry platoon in an urban
environment.
· Identify the tools available to overcome navigational challenges of urban

operations.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-3
Task Organization 5-4
Navigation Challenges 5-6

Task Organization
Platoon Assault A task-organized Marine platoon assault force consists of three elements:
Force
· An assault element (1st squad)
· A support element (2nd squad)
· A security element (3rd squad)
The exact number of Marines in the assault force and the weapons used are
based on METT-TSL.
Squad The three elements are shown in the diagram below:

Elements
Platoon Assault Assault and support missions may alternate between squads. If the company
Force is providing the security force, then the security element can assume another
Operation assault force mission.
The platoon may be reinforced or have operational control of heavy weapons

or armored vehicles.

Task Organization, Continued
Marine Squad Each squad may be fire team organized tasked as shown below.
Assault/support elements may alternate missions. Fire teams may be
reinforced with heavy weapons and/or engineers. Weapons carried by fire
team members are based on METT-TSL. For example, the support element
may consist of all SAWs within the squad. The squad assualt force consists
of three elements as shown in the diagram below:
Assault The assault element consists of two teams as shown in the diagram below that
Element alternate missions:
· Clearing team—initial entry team

· Covering team—provides support for lead team

Navigation Challenges
Identified Navigation in built-up areas presents a unique set of challenges. Deep in the
city core, the normal terrain features depicted on commercial maps may not
apply. Buildings become the major terrain features; units become tied to
streets.
· Fighting in the city destroys buildings, and rubble then blocks streets
· Street and road signs may be destroyed and switched or removed by the
defenders
· Operations in subways and sewers present other unique challenges
Navigation There are many methods you can use to navigate through urban terrain.
Tools Using more than one method may increase your chances mission success
while ensuring that you do not fall into enemy hands. Some of the possible
navigational aids are listed below:
· Military maps
· City maps
· Special maps
· Compass reading and pace counting
· Electronic devices
· Aerial photographs
Military Maps The military map is a topographical map. It delineates streets and highlights
street names, important buildings, and other urban elements of a city.
The scale can vary from 1:25,000 to 1:100,000 depending on the
· Importance and size of the city

· Density of detail
· Intelligence information available
City Maps City maps supplement or replace topographical maps as the basis of
navigation. These maps enable units moving in the built-up area to know
where they are and to move to new locations even though streets have been
blocked or a key building has been destroyed. Once in the built-up area,
Marines may use street intersections as reference points as they use hills and
streams in rural terrain.

Navigation Challenges, Continued
Special Maps Topographical engineers prepare special maps to help you navigate in built-
up areas. Special maps are designed or modified to
· Supplement military city or topographical maps as well as commercial

maps.
· Provide information that is not covered on a standard military map.
· Emphasize road and bridge networks, railroads, and electric power

stations.
Compass The techniques of compass reading and pace counting can still be used,
Reading and especially in a blacked-out city where street signs and buildings are not
Pace Count visible.
Note: The presence of steel and iron in a MOUT environment may cause
inaccurate compass readings.

Navigation Challenges, Continued
Electronic Operations in built-up areas adversely affect the performance of some types
Devices of communications and electronic devices as the
· GPS
· Position Location Reporting System (PLRS)
· Other data-distributing systems
These systems function by line of sight, just as some communications

equipment. They cannot determine underground locations and positions
within a building. These sytems can be employed on the tops of buildings, in
open areas, and down streets where obstacles will not affect line of sight
readings.
Aerial Current aerial photographs are also excellent supplements to military city
Photographs maps and can be substituted for a map. Recent aerial photographs show
changes that have taken place since the map was made, including
· Buildings and streets destroyed due to rubble

· Enemy defensive preparations

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Which is the task organization of an infantry platoon in an urban

environment?
a. Security element, assault element, reinforcing element

b. Assault element, covering element, support element
c. Support element, assault element, breaching element
d. Support element, assault element, security element
Items 2 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of unit task
Through 6 organization from column 2 that matches the item number of the tasks in
column 1. The answers in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Tasks Type of Unit Task Organization
___ 2. Teams may be reinforced a. Task organized Marine platoon

with heavy weapons. b. Task organized Marine squad
___ 3. Teams may have c. Task organized Marine fire team
operational control of
heavy weapons or armored
vehicles.
___ 4. Teams may alternate
missions.
___ 5. Weapons carried by team
members are based on
METT-TSL.
___ 6. Exact number of Marines
in the assault element is
based on METT-TSL.


1 d 5-4
2 b 5-5
3 a 5-4
4 c 5-5
5 b 5-5
6 a 5-4

LESSON 2
WEAPONS HANDLING AND FIRING TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In an urban environment, a Marine often finds himself engaging targets at
close ranges. Weapons carries provide a safe and effective method for
handling the service rifle.

Objectives
· Identify the weapons carries for handling the service rifle.
· Identify the purpose of short stocking.
· Describe guidelines for short stocking.
· Identify the firing techniques used in an urban environment.
Lesson Content The following table lists the topics covered in this lesson:
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-11
Weapons Carries 5-12
Short Stocking 5-15
Firing Techniques 5-16

Weapons Carries
Weapon Because of the types of close-range engagement a Marine may encounter in

Carries an urban environment, it is important to position your weapon in a variety
carries to increase your changes hitting the target during an engagement.
Some of the carries are listed below:
· Tactical
· Alert
· Ready
· Weak hand
Tactical Carry The tactical carry is used when no immediate threat is present. The tactical
carry is designed to
· Permit control of the rifle while moving.

· Allow quick engagement of the enemy.
In tactical carry, the butt stock of the weapon is placed alongside the body at
approximately hip level, and the barrel is angled upward approximately 45
degrees in the general direction of the enemy as shown below:

Weapons Carries, Continued
Alert Carry Engagement of the rifle is faster from the alert carry than from the tactical
carry. The occasions to use alert carry are listed below:
· Enemy contact is likely.

· Accuracy is the primary goal.
In alert carry, the butt stock of the rifle is placed in the shoulder with the
muzzle angled down approximately 45 degrees and pointed in the likely
direction of the enemy as shown below:
Guidelines When in alert carry, apply the guidelines listed in the table below:
Rule Action
1 Keep both eyes open and scan for any threat with the weapon
always in line with your line of sight.
2 When you spot a threat, quickly snap your weapon into a firing
position.
3 Look over the rear sight aperture and align the tip of the front
sight post center mass on the target.
4 Once the target has been eliminated, return to the alert carry and
continue to scan for targets.

Weapons Carries, Continued
Ready Carry The ready carry is employed when contact with the enemy is imminent
because it allows for immediate target engagement. In ready carry, the butt
stock of the rifle is in the shoulder with the muzzle of the rifle pointed in the
direction of the enemy as shown below:
Note: As in the alert carry, sight alignment and sight picture are achieved as
the shot is fired. You should always strive for a clear tip of the front
sight post and center mass hold.
Weak Hand Weak hand carries are acceptable when providing supporting fire. However,
Carry it is not the preferred position in close kill-or-be-killed engagements. Marines
may carry their weapon on the weak hand side to
· Obtain maximum cover and fire.

· Avoid exposing themselves.
Note: Firing from the weak hand position may reduce your ability to fire
accurately.

Short Stocking
Purpose Rifles are short stocked to
· Increase their maneuverability in an enclosed area.

· Reduce possible “target indicators” (muzzles sticking around corners) for
the enemy.
Descriptive The short stocking technique may be used in the tactical, alert, or ready carry
Guidelines as shown below:
Guidelines When in short stocking, apply the guidelines listed in the table below:
Rule Action
1 Hold the weapon in a manner as to reduce the weapon’s length
without sacrificing too much accuracy.
2 Position the stock so that the pistol grip is behind your head.
3 Use your index finger or thumb to manipulate the trigger.
4 Place the weapon’s handguard against your cheek to attain a firm
stockweld.

Firing Techniques
Four The speed and uncertainty of combat requires you to act without hesitation
Techniques while achieving accurate target engagement. Firing techniques that will allow
you to engage targets accurately in an urban environment while reducing your
exposure to harm from the enemy are listed below:
· Pieing
· Aimed quick fire
· Pointing quick fire
· Instinctive shooting
Pieing Pieing is an effective technique for clearing dead space inside rooms and
buildings to gain security of hallways, stairwells, and mouse holes. It can be
used in the ready carry position and the short stocking technique.
When pieing, aim your weapon at a sector of a window, doorway, corner, or

hallway and slowly move it at different angles until each sector is cleared of
any threat.
Note: As soon as you see a hostile threat, you can place immediate, accurate
fire on the threat.

Firing Techniques, Continued
Aimed Quick In aimed quick fire, your initial focus remains on the target. As you bring
Fire your rifle up, your firing eye looks through or just over the rear sight aperture.
Use the front sight post to aim at the target. Fire two quick shots. Your focus
remains on the front sight post throughout the aiming process. Immediately
after target engagement, scan the area for additional targets.
Pointing Quick The pointing system is based on the phenomenon that when you look at an
Fire object and simultaneously point a finger at it, your finger aligns itself on the
point of focus of your eye with no conscious effort on your part.
When you look at an object and simultaneously bring your rifle to your
shoulder, your rifle in effect becomes an extension of the pointed finger.
Focus on the target is not broken during the interval between initially seeing
the target and discharging the rifle. Follow the guidelines listed below when
a target appears:
· Keep both eyes open.

· Concentrate intensely on a small, specific focal point near the base of the
target mass.
· Simultaneously bring your rifle to the hollow of your shoulder and hold
your head high with the stock welded to your jaw. Your eyes should be 2
to 3 inches over the top of the sights, staring intently at the target.
· When you bring your rifle to your shoulder, fire two quick shots.

Firing Techniques, Continued
Instinctive Instinctive shooting occurs in situations in which you are surprised and need
Shooting to react immediately. Your weapon and body are quickly “pointed” and the
target is engaged. You should engage the threat by using the tip of the front
sight post; however, speed is more important.
Note: Turn your body with your weapon to achieve a natural point of aim.
Simply pointing your weapon will usually result in a miss.
Once you have fired the first two shots and regained the initiative, quickly
move your weapon to your shoulder and use the tip of the front post for
sighting subsequent shots.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
reference page listed for each items.
Items 1 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the description of a
Through 4 weapons carry from column 2 that matches the type of weapons carry in
column 1. The answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Weapons Carries Descriptions
___ 1. Tactical carry a. Used when enemy contact is

___ 2. Alert carry likely and accuracy is the primary
___ 3. Ready carry goal. Butt stock is placed in
___ 4. Weak hand carry shoulder with muzzle angled
downward.
b. Employed when enemy contact is
imminent. Sight alignment and
picture are achieved as shot is
fired. Butt stock is placed in
shoulder with muzzle pointed in
direction of the enemy.
c. Used when no immediate threat
is present. Permits control of
rifle while moving and quick
engagement of the enemy.
d. Acceptable position when
providing supporting fires. Not
preferred position in close
engagements.

Item 5 Read these four statements about short stocking a rifle, then answer the
question below.
1. Short stocking increases maneuverability in an enclosed area.

2. Short stocking is a means to reduce the length of the weapon.
3. Short stocking increases the possible “target indicators” for the enemy.
4. Short stocking may be used in the tactical, alert, or ready carry.
Which of the following are all true?
a. 1, 2, 3
b. 1, 2, 4
c. 1, 3, 4
d. 2, 3, 4
Item 6 List the four firing techniques for urban operations.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


1 c 5-12
2 a 5-13
3 b 5-14
4 d 5-14
5 b 5-15
6 · Pieing 5-16
· Aimed quick fire
· Pointing quick fire
· Instinctive shooting


LESSON 3
MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope Movement techniques within built-up areas are the first fundamental skills
that Marines should master. These movement techniques should be practiced
until they become habitual. To reduce exposure to enemy fire, Marines
should avoid silhouetting themselves, avoid open areas, and select their next
covered position before moving.

Objectives
· Identify the proper guidelines for crossing a wall.
· Identify the proper guidelines for observing around corners.
· Identify the proper guidelines for moving past windows.
· Identify the proper guidelines for moving past doorways and buildings.
· Identify the proper guidelines for crossing open areas.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-23
Crossing a Wall 5-24
Observing Around Corners 5-25
Moving Past Windows 5-26
Moving In or Near Doorways and Buildings 5-28
Crossing Open Areas 5-30

Crossing a Wall
Guidelines After reconnoitering the other side, quickly roll over the wall, keeping a low
silhouette as shown below. The speed of your movement and a low silhouette
deny the enemy a good target.

Observing Around Corners
Two There are two techniques to reduce exposure to the enemy when observing
Techniques around corners—short stocking and popping the corner as shown below:
Guidelines The most common mistake Marines make at corners is to allow their weapons
to extend beyond the corners before observing, thus exposing their positions.
When observing around corners, follow the guidelines listed in the table
below:
Rule Action
1 Assume the prone position near the corner of the building or
obstacle with your weapon short stocked and the muzzle pointed
in the direction you are looking
2 Raise your upper body onto your elbows and push yourself
forward with your feet and legs without moving your elbows.
3 Move your upper body with your weapon ready forward
exposing your weapon, helmet, and a minimal amount of your
face. This position will give you:
· A low profile
· The ability to observe around the corner
· The immediate capability to engage targets with your
weapon

Moving Past Windows
Basic The correct technique for passing a window is to stay below the window level
Guidelines as shown in the diagram below. Make sure you do not silhouette yourself in
the window. Remain as close to the side of the building as possible. The
most common mistake when passing a window is exposing your head to
enemy observation from inside the room. Use the pieing technique described
on page 5-28 to get past windows.

Moving Past Windows, Continued
Basement Never run or walk past a basement window because you present a good target
Windows to the enemy inside the building. The most common mistake Marines make
when passing a basement window is not being aware of the window. The
guidelines to move past a basement window are listed below:
· Stay close to the wall of the building.

· Step or jump past the window without exposing your legs.
Diagram The best technique to move past a basement window is shown in the diagram
below:

Moving In or Near Doorways and Buildings
Pieing An alternate method to move past windows or doors is for the pointman to pie
Technique off the window as he approaches it. As the pointman approaches the window,
the second Marine steps out to provide security to the direct front. The
technique is continued as outlined in the table below:
Personnel Action
Pointman · Continues to cover the opening by pieing while
using the near edge for cover
· Sectors off the part of the interior that can be viewed

from the outside
Second Marine · Moves with the pointman
· Maintains security to the front, as the pointman

clears the inside corners of the opening
Diagram The pieing technique is illustrated in the diagram below:

Moving In or Near Doorways and Buildings, Continued
Guidelines for Do not use doorways as entrances or exits because they are normally covered
Doorways by enemy fire. If you must use a doorway as an exit, follow the guidelines
listed below:
· Preselect positions.
· Use speed.
· Keep a low silhouette.
· Use covering fires.
Moving Outside Marines and small units may not always be able to use the inside of buildings
a Building as a route of advance. If you should move on the outside of buildings, use the
guidelines listed below:
· Use smoke, covering fire, and cover and concealment to hide movement.
· Hug the side of the building.
· Stay in the shadow.
· Present a low silhouette.
· Move rapidly to your next position.
Moving Inside When moving within a building that is under attack, always avoid silhouetting
a Building yourself against doors and windows. If forced to use a hallway, move by
hugging the wall to avoid presenting targets to the enemy.

Crossing Open Areas
Description Although they can be crossed if you apply certain fundamentals, natural kill
zones for enemy crew-served weapons are open areas:
· Streets
· Alleys
· Parks
Avoid open areas as much as possible.
Guidelines To properly cross an open area, follow the guidelines listed below:
· Use smoke to conceal your movement.
· Run the shortest distance between buildings.
· Move along the far building to the next position to reduce the amount of
time you are exposed to enemy fire.
· Make a visual reconnaissance before moving to another position.

· Select the position that offers the best cover and concealment.
· Select the route that you will take to get to that position.
· Be careful not to mask your supporting fire when moving from position to
position. When you reach your next position, be prepared to cover the
movement of other members of your element.

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 When crossing a wall, two important guidelines for denying the enemy a
good target are
a. a good reconnaissance and speed of movement.

b. speed of movement and a low silhouette.
c. a quick roll and a low silhouette.
d. a low silhouette and good reconnaissance.
Item 2 What is a common mistake Marines make when peering around corners?
a. Raising too high on elbows when assuming a prone position

b. Exposing weapon, helmet, and a minimal amount of their faces
c. Assuming the prone position too close to the corner of the building
d. Allowing their weapon to extend beyond the corner before they look

Directions for For items 3 and 4, select

Items 3 and 4
Item 3 Which of the following guidelines apply when moving past windows?
1. Stay below the window level.

2. Silhouette yourself in the window.
3. Remain as close to the side of the building as possible.
4. Use the pieing technique to get past windows.
Item 4 What are the common mistakes that Marines make when moving past
basement windows?
1. Stepping past basement window while exposing legs

2. Not remaining close to the wall of the building
3. Not being aware of basement windows
4. Running past basement windows
Item 5 What are the guidelines Marines should adhere to when exiting doorways?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


Items 6 and 7
Item 6 Which of the following guidelines apply when moving along the outside of a
building?
1. Present a low silhouette.

2. Move rapidly to your next position.
3. Stay in the shadow.
4. Keep off the sides of buildings.
Item 7 Which of the following guidelines apply when crossing an open area?
1. Use smoke to conceal your movement.

2. Run the shortest distance between buildings.
3. Move along the far building to reduce exposure by enemy fire.
4. Cover the movement of other members of your element.


1 b 5-24
2 d 5-25
3 a 5-26
4 c 5-27
5 · Preselect positions. 5-29
· Use speed.
· Keep a low silhouette.
· Use covering fires.
6 b 5-29
7 d 5-30

LESSON 4
ENTRY TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope Urban patrolling has dangers peculiar to the terrain. One of the more critical
areas is entering buildings. Marines should enter a building with minimum
exposure. This lesson describes guidelines for properly gaining access to
different structures.

Objectives
· Identify the methods for gaining entry in upper building levels.
· Identify the proper guidelines for gaining entry in lower building levels.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-35
General Guidelines 5-36
Upper Levels 5-37
Lower Levels 5-40

General Guidelines
Entering a General guidelines for entering a building are listed below:

Building
· Select an entry point before moving toward the building.
· Avoid windows and doors.
· Use smoke to conceal your advance to the building.
· Emply demolitions, tank rounds, etc. to make new entrances.
· Precede the clearing team’s entry with a grenade:
· Enter immediately after the grenade explodes.
· Be covered by the covering team.
Hand Grenades Combat in built-up areas (mainly during the attack) requires the extensive use
of hand grenades. Throw a grenade before entering rooms or negotiating
staircases and mouse holes. Throwing grenades usually requires the use of
both hands and employs both the overhand and underhand methods of
throwing.
The preferred technique is the hard-throw, skip/bounce technique, which

involves throwing the grenade hard enough that it bounces or skips around,
making it difficult to pick up.
The least-preferred technique involves allowing the grenade to cook-off for 2

seconds, and then throwing it so the enemy cannot grab the grenade and toss
it back. This technique is appropriate for actual combat, but not for training.

Upper Levels
Start at the Top Clearing a building from the top down is the preferred method. Gravity and
the building’s floor plan become assets when throwing hand grenades and
moving from floor to floor.
An enemy forced to the top of a building may be cornered and fight

desperately or escape over the roof. An enemy forced down to the ground
will withdraw from the building, thus exposing himself to friendly fire.
Means to Gain Use various means to reach the top floor of a building:
Upper Level
Entrance · Ladders
· Drainpipes
· Vines
· Helicopters
· Roofs and windows of adjoining buildings
· Shoulders of another Marine to pull yourself up.
· Grappling hook attached to the end of a scaling rope
· Scale a wall.
· Spring from one building to another.
· Gain entrance through an upstairs window.

Upper Levels, Continued
Quickest Ladders offer the quickest method to gain access to upper levels of a building.
Method Although ladders may not permit access to the top of some buildings, they
may offer security and safety through speed. You can build ladders with
· Materials obtained through supply channels

· Resources that are available throughout the urban area
Least-Preferred Grappling hooks are the least-preferred method for gaining entry to upper
Method levels of buildings. Grappling hooks should be used only as a last resort and
away from potential enemy positions.
However, grappling hooks may potentially be used in concealed locations that

connect enemy positions.
Part Function
Grappling Hook · Sturdy
· Portable
· Thrown easily
· Equipped with hooks that can hold inside a window
When throwing the grappling hook, stand as close to the

building as possible. You are less likely to be exposed to
enemy fire and you do not have to throw the hook as far.
Once the grappling hook is inside the window or on the

roof, pull on the rope to obtain a good hold before
beginning to climb.
Scaling Rope · Five-eighths of an inch to 1 inch in diameter
· Long enough to reach the objective window
· Knotted at 1-foot intervals to make climbing and
holding easier

Upper Levels, Continued
Scaling Walls When forced to scale a wall during exposure to enemy fire, use all available
means of concealment. When scaling a wall with a rope, avoid the following:
· Silhouetting yourself in windows of uncleared rooms

· Exposing yourself to enemy fire from lower windows
Climb with your weapon slung over your firing shoulder so you may quickly
bring it to a firing position. A preferred firing position is hooking a leg over
the wall and straddling the ledge while keeping a low silhouette.
Rappelling Use rappelling as an entry technique to descend from the rooftop of a tall
building into a window.

Lower Levels
Last Course of You should clear buildings from the top down; however, it may be impossible
Action to enter a building at the top. Therefore, entry at the bottom or lower level
may be the only course of action.
Guidelines When entering a building at the lower level, avoid windows and doors
because both can be easily boobytrapped and covered by enemy fire. Create a
new entrance to avoid boobytraps:
· Demolitions
· Artillery
· Tank fire
· Antiarmor weapons fire
· Similar means
To follow through on the effects of the blast and concussion, you must enter
quickly after creating the entrance.
Existing When existing windows are the only entrances available and you are unable
Windows to create new entrances, use variations of the techniques:
· Supported entry
· Non-supported entry when interior security has been established
· Unsupported entry
Supported To gain lower level entry, the supported entry technique is illustrated in the
Entry diagram below:

Lower Levels, Continued
Non-Supported The non-supported entry technique is illustrated when interior security is

Entry established in the diagram below:
Unsupported To gain lower level entry, the unsupported entry technique is illustrated in the
Entry diagram below:

Lesson 4 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 The preferred method of clearing a building is from the top down because
a. gravity and the floor plan become assets when throwing grenades.
b. the enemy will have you trapped on the roof and the upper levels.
c. it is easier to scale a building than to enter through a doorway.
d. there may not be any means to reach the roof and upper levels.

Items 2 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the entry technique in
Through 5 column 2 that best matches the description in column 1. The answers in
Column 1 Column 1
Description Entry Technique
___ 2. Quickest method to gain a. Grappling hooks

access, offers security and b. Ladders
safety through speed c. Rappelling
___ 3. Least-preferred method to d. Scaling walls
gain access, should be used
away from potential enemy
positions
___ 4. When using a rope, should
avoid silhouetting in
windows of uncleared rooms
and exposure to enemy fire
from lower windows
___ 5. Used to descend from a
rooftop into a window
Item 6 List three means of gaining entry at the lower level of buildings without using
doors and windows.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


1 a 5-37
2 b 5-38
3 a 5-38
4 d 5-39
5 c 5-39
6 · Demolitions 5-40
· Artillery
· Tank fire
· Antiarmor weapons
fire

LESSON 5
CLEARING TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will discuss the basic clearing techniques. However, you may
have to modify the fundamentals depending on the various situations and
building/room layouts that you encounter.
Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to identify the proper
Objectives guidelines for clearing techniques.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-45
Two-Man Stacked Clearing 5-46
Exiting 5-50
Two-Man Split Clearing 5-51
Cross-Method Clearing 5-55
Three-Man Clearing 5-56
Four-Man Clearing 5-57
Single-Man Clearing 5-58
L-Shaped Hallways 5-59
T-Shaped Hallways 5-61
Stairwells 5-63

Two-Man Stacked Clearing
Precautions Be extremely careful within the areas you are clearing when using a stacked
type of position; you may be concentrating in a danger area where you could
be exposed to the following:
· Fires penetrating walls

· Explosive effects
· Boobytraps
· Grenades thrown by the enemy
· Protective capabilities (or lack thereof) of the materials comprising the
· Walls
· Floors
· Ceilings
· Doors
Before Entering The covering team is positioned to provide security as the clearing team
a Room begins to enter and clear a room. As shown below, before entering a room,
shooter # 2 is behind shooter # 1 (stacked position). This positioning is the
same whether the door is already open or whether there is no door. Shooter
#1 determines the direction in which the door opens, then quickly informs
shooter #2 and forces the door open.
CAUTION: Be aware of fire from enemy soldiers within the room and
boobytraps. Do not expose yourself to enemy fire through the
door.

Entering A Once the door is open, a hand grenade is immediately thrown into the room.
Room Shooter #1 maintains cover for shooter #2 as he prepares to throw the grenade
into the room. After the grenade explodes, follow the guidelines listed in the
table below:
Personnel Action
Shooter #1 · Steps across the threshold
· Clears his immediate area
· Engages targets from the ready carry position
Shooter #2 · Follows immediately behind shooter #1
· Buttonhooks
· Clears his area
Note: If you have no grenades, the procedures remain the same except for
throwing the hand grenade.
Diagram The diagram below illustrates the set up after the grenade explodes:

Clearing a Both shooters clear the immediate area along their respective walls, starting
Room from the nearest corner and continuing to the farthest respective corner, using
the pieing technique to systematically clear the room by sector as shown in
the diagram below:
Then, as shown in the diagram below, the shooters
· Establish a dominant position in the room, one step away from the wall
and two steps into the room.
· Clear the room by sector, pieing to the opposite side of the room.

Alternative Because of room size, entering the room through a narrow opening, or any
Method to number of situational factors, shooter #1 may enter a room without shooter #2
Clear a Room immediately following him. The guidelines for each shooter are listed in the
table below:
Personnel Action
Shooter #1 · Positions himself inside the room to the left or right of
the door
· Quickly scan the entire room
· Gives the command to shooter #2, “Next man in, left
(right)!”
Shooter #2 · Shouts, “Coming in, left (right)!”
· Enters the room
· Positions himself up against the wall to the left (right)
of the entrance as designated
· Scans the room
WARNING: All members must tell each other where they are to avoid
committing fratricide.

Exiting
Room Once a room has been cleared, the clearing team yells, “Clear!” to inform the
covering team. Before leaving the room to rejoin the covering team, the
clearing team
· Yells, “Coming out!”

· Waits to hear the covering team yell, “All clear!”
· Moves out of the room.
Staircase When moving up or down a staircase, the appropriate team
· Yells, “Coming up!” or “Coming down!”

· Waits for the other team’s response, “All clear!”
· Moves to rejoin its element
Building When exiting a building, the clearing team or assault element
· Yells, “Coming out!”

· Waits for the support force or covering team response, “All clear!”
· Exits the building

Two-Man Split Clearing
Opening a Door Before opening a door, shooter #2 positions himself

from Split
Positions · Opposite shooter #1 on the other side of the door
· Away from the wall in a safe position that allows shooter #1 to open the
door
· In a position to immediately move to a wall position opposite shooter #1
Note: No matter what method is used to open the door, shooter #2 should get
in a position on the side of the door opposite shooter #1.
Diagram The diagram below shows the position of shooter #2 before opening a door:

Two-Man Split Clearing, Continued
Entering a When Shooter #1 is ready to open the door, shooter #2 immediately moves to
Room from a kneeling position against the wall. Shooter #1 kicks the door open from a
Split Positions standing position.
· If the Marines have hand grenades, then shooter #2 immediately throws a

grenade into the room (as discussed earlier in this lesson).
· If the Marines do not have grenades, the stand/kneel positioning of the

shooters places the shooters’ weapons at different levels as shown below.
Each shooter can engage targets inside the room while staying out of the other
shooter’s line of fire. The shooters scan the room for targets.

Clearing a If no grenade was thrown and the initial scan of the room is complete, shooter
Room from #1 yells, “Move!” As shown below, both shooters should
Split Positions
· Pivot from their respective positions toward each other.
· Pie while maintaining eye-muzzle-target contact (shooter #2 is kneeling;
shooter #1 is still standing).
· Clear their respective sectors of fire.
If a grenade was thrown, after the explosion, shooter #1 yells, “Move!” Both
shooters should
· Pivot from their respective positions toward each other.

· Immediately enter the room.
· Buttonhook (shooter #2 goes from kneeling to standing as he pivots).
· Clear their respective sectors of fire.

Entering a If no grenade was thrown and after scanning is completed,

Room Together
from Split · Shooter #2 stands up and yells, “Ready!”
Positions
· Shooter #1 yells, “Move!”
· Both shooters enter the room together as shown in the diagram below:
· Pass through the doorway together and immediately face respective

corners, using the adjacent wall for cover
· Buttonhook their respective area as shown in the figure below:
At this point, clearing the room is the same as discussed earlier in this lesson.

Cross-Method Clearing
Entering and When employing cross-method clearing, two Marines position themselves on
Clearing either side of the entryway as shown below.
Rooms
Each Marine
· Faces into the room covering the corner of the room opposite his position
· On a prearranged signal, alternately enters the room and crosses quickly
to the opposite corner while covering the half of the room towards which
he is moving
· Once in the near corner, assumes an outboard kneeling position to reduce
his silhouette and continues to maintain coverage of his half of the room
· May change the position of his weapon to best cover the room

Three-Man Clearing
A Room Clearing a room with three men involves the same procedures used by the
two-man clearing team, with a third Marine following immediately (stacked)
behind shooters #1 and #2 as shown below:
· Shooter #3 moves to one side of the door and establishes a center sector
of fire coverage.
· If the split position is used, shooters #2 and #3 are placed on the opposite
side of the door.

Four-Man Clearing
A Room When four Marines are used to clear a room, outside security should be
established by another element. The two-Marine clearing team procedures
are used for the initial entry into the room. Shooters #3 and #4 (split position
example) stack up opposite shooters #1 and #2 as shown below.
Shooters #3 and #4 follow shooter #2 into the room:
· Shooter #3 crosses the threshold and establishes a center sector of fire

coverage
· Shooter #4 follows shooter #3 and establishes a center sector of fire
coverage opposite shooter #3.
If the stacked position is used to enter a room, all shooters stack up on the
same side of the door and follow each other in with the same positioning.

Single-Man Clearing
A Room Single-man clearing is the least-preferred method of clearing a room.

However, this may be the only method available, such as when gaining access
to an upper story window. To gain entry to the room, follow the guidelines
listed below:
· Shoot, kick, ram, or break a window.

· Throw a grenade into the room, if one is available and no restrictions
apply, and take cover. Immediately after the grenade explodes
· Cross the threshold, using the buttonhook technique.
· Scan the room for targets.
· Engage targets with two shots as they appear.

L-Shaped Hallways
Clearing After entering a room or building, Marines may encounter an L-shaped

hallway that should be cleared.
Step 1 Each shooter takes a dominant position. Shooter #2 aims his weapon to cover
the dead space as shown in the diagram below:
Shooter #2, with his weapon covering the dead space, pies as far as possible
and moves forward to increase his angle of fire further into the dead space.

L-Shaped Hallways, Continued
Step 2 Shooter #1 moves accordingly with Shooter #2. Shooter #2 stops pieing just
before he reaches the position where he cannot cover the dead space. Shooter
#1 stops short of the hallway and goes to a kneeling position as shown in the
diagram below:
Step 3 Shooter #1 shouts, “Ready!” Shooter #2 then shouts “Move!” Both shooters
move simultaneously to clear the hallway. Shooter #2 remains standing.
Shooter #1 remains kneeling as he pivots around the corner of the wall into
the hallway as shown in the diagram below:

T-Shaped Hallways
Clearing After entering a room or building, Marines may find a T-shaped hallway that
should be cleared.
Step 1 Both shooters approach the T-shaped intersection together, pieing their
individual sectors while maintaining eye-muzzle-target contact. Move to
dominant positions without entering the intersection as shown in the diagram
below:

T-Shaped Hallways, Continued
Step 2 Shooter #1 clears his sector of fire and then shouts, “Ready!” Shooter #2
clears his sector of fire and then shouts, “Move!” Both shooters buttonhook
into their next positions as shown in the diagram below:
Clear their immediate areas along their respective walls, starting from the
nearest respective corner and continuing to the farthest respective corner as
shown in the diagram below:
Establish dominant positions that give them control of the hallway and
doorways leading into the hallways.

Stairwells
Clearing After entering a building, Marines may encounter stairwells that need to be
cleared and traversed.
· Shooter #1 leads upstairs, one step ahead of shooter #2 as shown below.
· Upon reaching the point, before he can be engaged from above,

shooter #1 turns around and covers overhead. From this point, shooter
#1 ascends the stairs, moving backward while covering behind and
above.
· Shooter #2 follows shooter #1 upstairs, one step behind and to the side of
shooter #1. When shooter #1 turns to cover overhead, shooter #2 remains
oriented to the front, covering directly up the stairwell.
· Shooter #1 determines the speed of movement. Both shooters pie as

much of an area as possible before ascending each step.

Lesson 5 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 The steps for conducting two-man stacked clearing are listed below in
scrambled order. Place the steps in proper order and answer the question
below.
(1) Shooter shouts, “Coming in, left (right)!”

(2) Shooter scans the entire room.
(3) Shooter quickly scans the entire room and commands, “Next man in, left
(right)!”
(4) Shooter positions himself inside the room to left or right of the door.
(5) Shooter positions himself against the wall to the left (right) of the
entrance designated.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct a two-
man stacked room clearing?
a. 2, 1, 4, 5, 3
b. 5, 3, 2, 4, 1
c. 3, 5, 2, 1, 4
d. 4, 3, 1, 5, 2


Items 2 and 3
Item 2 Which are the proper guidelines for clearing a room from split positions?
1. Shooters pivot from their respective positions toward each other.

2. Shooters throw grenades immediately upon entering room.
3. Shooters clear their respective sectors of fire.
4. Shooters pie while maintaining eye-muzzle-target contact.
Item 3 Which are the proper guidelines for clearing a room using the cross method?
1. Each Marine may change the position of his weapon to best cover the
room.
2. On a prearranged signal, each Marine alternately enters the room and
crosses quickly to the opposite corner.
3. Once in the near corner, each Marine assumes an outboard kneeling
position to reduce his silhouette and continues to maintain coverage.
4. Each Marine faces into the room covering the corner of the room opposite
his position.
Item 4 If the split position is used when conducting a ____________clearing, then

shooters # ____________ are placed on the opposite side of the door.
a. three-man; 2 and 3
b. two-man; 1 and 2
c. three-man; 1 and 2
d. three-man; 1 and 3

Item 5 Carefully read the statement below. Select a if the statement is true. Select b
if the statement is false.
When four Marines are used to clear a room, outside security should be
established by another assault element.
a. True
b. False
Item 6 Which of the following is the least-preferred method of clearing a room?
a. Two-man stacked clearing

b. Cross-method clearing
c. Single-man clearing
d. Four-man clearing


Items 7 and 8
Item 7 Which are the proper guidelines for clearing an L-shaped hallway?
1. Each shooter takes a dominant position.

2. Shooter #2 aims his weapon to cover the dead space and pies as far as
possible.
3. Shooter #2 remains standing, and shooter #1 remains kneeling as both
pivot around corner of the wall into the hallway.
4. Both shooters move simultaneously to clear the hallway.
Item 8 Which are the proper guidelines for clearing a T-shaped hallway?
1. Both shooters establish dominant positions that give them control of the
hallway and doorways leading into the hallways.
2. Shooter #1 approaches the T-shaped intersection followed by shooter #2
while maintaining eye-muzzle-target contact.
3. Both shooters move to dominant positions without entering the
intersection.
4. Both shooters clear their immediate areas along their respective walls,
starting from the nearest corner and continuing to the farthest respective
corner.

Item 9 Which shooter determines the speed of movement while clearing stairwells?
a. Shooter # 2 determines the speed of movement.

b. Shooter #1 determines the speed of movement.
c. Moving quickly should not compromise the shooter’s security.
d. Both shooters have to cover each other’s movements.


1 d 5-49
2 b 5-53
3 d 5-55
4 a 5-56
5 a 5-57
6 c 5-58
7 d 5-59
8 b 5-61 and 5-62
9 b 5-63


LESSON 6
FIRING POSITIONS
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope Whether a unit is attacking, defending, or conducting retrograde operations,

its success or failure depends on the ability of individual Marines to place
accurate fire on the enemy while least exposed to return fire. This lesson
provides guidelines for hasty firing positions used in urban patrolling.

Objectives
· Identify the guidelines for hasty firing positions in and around buildings.
· Identify the guidelines for hasty firing positions when position or cover is
not available.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-71
In and Around Buildings 5-73
Without Position or Cover 5-77


In and Around Buildings
Hasty Firing A hasty firing position is one that is normally occupied in the attack or the
Position early stages of the defense. In this position, you can place fire on the enemy
while using available cover for protection from return fire. You may occupy
voluntarily or may be forced to occupy because of enemy fire. A hasty firing
position is one that lacks preparation before occupation.
Some of the more common hasty firing positions in a built-up area involve
firing from
· Corners of buildings
· Behind walls
· Windows
· Unprepared loopholes
· Peak of a roof

In and Around Buildings, Continued
Corners of The corner of a building provides cover for a hasty firing position if used
Buildings properly.
You should be capable of both right-handed and left-handed firing of your

weapon (using the “short stocking” technique) to be effective around corners.
Short stocking your weapon will prevent the muzzle from protruding and
keep the weapon ready to fire the instant you make visual contact with the
enemy. Furthermore, short stocking reduces your exposure as a target.
When firing around corners of buildings, you should be in a prone position as

shown below. A common mistake when firing around corners is firing from
the standing position. If you do so, you expose yourself at the height the
enemy would expect a target to appear and risk exposing the entire length of
your body as a target for the enemy.

Walls When firing from behind walls, you should fire around cover—not over it. In
this situation, you should be able to fire from the right or the left shoulder.
When firing from behind cover, you should remain far enough back from that
cover so that your weapon does not extend beyond it. This ensures that no
enemy on the other side of the wall can get control of the barrel of your
weapon.
Windows In built-up areas, windows provide convenient firing ports. You should avoid
firing from the standing position because most of your body is exposed to
return fire from the enemy. You could also be silhouetted against a light-
colored interior beyond the window, an obvious indicator of your position,
especially at night when your muzzle flash can easily be observed.
To properly fire from a window, as shown below, you should be
· Well back into the room to prevent the muzzle flash from being seen
· Kneeling to limit exposure and avoid silhouetting yourself

Loopholes You may fire through a hole torn in the wall and avoid windows. As with
firing from windows, you should stay well back from the loophole so the
muzzle of the weapon does not protrude beyond the wall and your flash is
concealed.
Roofs The peak of a roof provides a vantage point for snipers. It increases their
field of vision and the ranges at which they can engage targets. Objects used
to reduce the size of the exposed target are listed below:
· A chimney
· A smokestack
· Any other object protruding from the roof of a building

Without Position or Cover
No Position When you are subjected to enemy fire and none of the positions mentioned
Available are available, you should try to expose as little of yourself as possible.
When in an open area between buildings (a street or alley) with no cover

available and the enemy is firing on you from one of the buildings, lie prone
as close as possible to a building on the same side of the open area as the
enemy. Then to engage you, the enemy must then lean out of the window and
expose himself to return fire.
No Cover When no cover is available, you can reduce target exposure by firing
Available
· From the prone position
· From shadows
· While presenting no silhouette against buildings

Lesson 6 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Firing from the standing position is a common mistake when firing around
corners because
a. you expose yourself at the height the enemy would expect a target to
appear.
b. firing from the prone position does not allow you enough time to
maneuver.
c. the muzzle of your weapon will protrude and you will be exposed as a
target.
d. you are not using the “short stocking” technique.
Item 2 List the two guidelines to properly fire from a window.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


Items 3 and 4
· a if only, 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
Item 3 Which of the following are guidelines for establishing a hasty firing position
behind a wall?
1. Remain far enough back so your weapon does not extend past the wall.
2. Always fire from around cover—not over it.
3. You should be able to fire from both the right and left shoulders.
4. Ensure that your muzzle can be seen to warn other team members of your
firing position.
Item 4 Which of the following are guidelines to reduce target exposure when no
cover is available?
1. Firing from the prone position

2. Firing from the kneeling position
3. Firing while presenting no silhouette against buildings
4. Firing from shadows


1 a 5-74
2 · Stay well back into 5-75
the room to prevent
the muzzle flash
from being seen.
· Kneel to limit
exposure and avoid
silhouetting
yourself.
3 b 5-75
4 a 5-77

LESSON 7
ADVANCING/PATROLLING ALONG CITY STREETS
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope During MOUT operations, skills for advancing/patrolling along city streets
will be required. The platoon, squad, or fire team mission may be such that
building-to-building clearing is neither required nor desired until contact with
the enemy has been made. This lesson discusses advancing/patrolling along
urban streets in these types of situations.

Objectives
· Identify the advantages of a single-column patrol.
· Identify the advantages double-column patrol.
· Identify sectors of responsibility by position in a formation.
· Identify the procedures for alternate bounding.
· Identify the procedures for successive bounding.
· Identify procedures for crossing an intersection.
· Identify two reactions to enemy contact.

Topic See Page

Introduction 5-81
Unit Organization 5-83
Double-Column Formations 5-85
Crossing an Intersection 5-90
Reacting to Enemy Contact 5-94

Unit Organization
Patrol Elements The platoon’s three-squad organization or the squad’s three-fire team
organization is already structured to conduct an advance/patrol down an urban
street. The typical patrol is organized into elements:
· Assault
· Support
· Security
· Command and control
Security Security is divided by responsibilities:

Elements
· Front
· Flank
· Rear
The platoon or squad can move down the street in a single or double column.
Single Column The single column is the least-preferred advance/patrol method of moving
along an urban street. The occasions to use a single column are listed below:
· Move rapidly along a street

· Street movement is restricted
· Contact with the enemy is considered unlikely
The same principles apply as in the double column, except that the single
column does not provide 360 degrees of security.

Unit Organization, Continued
Double Column The double column is the preferred method for moving along an urban street.
To conduct a double column, you should have at least two squads or fire
teams. The characteristics of a double column are listed below:
· Flexible but can make control more difficult

· Provides 360 degrees of security
· Allows for
· Mutual support
· Interlocking sectors of fire
The two squads or fire teams move down the sides of the street, using the
walls of the buildings for cover and concealment. The point men for the two
columns should always stay abreast of each other and not move in front of or
behind the opposite column. The Marines following in trace of the point men
stagger themselves accordingly. The platoon or squad leaders move where
they can best control their units.

Double-Column Formations
Sectors of Every Marine moving in a column is responsible for security for a particular
Responsibility sector. The two columns provide mutual support for each other and the
greatest all-around security. Teamwork and coordination between the two
columns are vital. The table below shows the sectors of responsibility for
members of each column.
Position Sectors of Responsibility

Point Men · Stays to the direct front
· Pies off windows and doorways
· Stays in line with one another
Cover Men · Stays immediately behind the point men
· Provides guidance to their respective
point men from the leader of the unit
· Covers the 45-degree oblique angle
across from one another
Second Cover Men · Stays to the direct front when the point
man is pieing
· Checks for the enemy
Third and Fourth Cover Men · Stays to the far-side of flank security
· One covers the upper level of buildings,
windows, doors, and stairwells
· Another covers the lower level of
buildings windows, doors, and
stairwells
· Alternates providing security on upper
level and lower level windows, doors,
and stairwells
Fourth Cover Men · Provides rear security (if the last man in
the column)
· Interlocks sector of fire with the lead
Marine in the next fire team in the
column
Last Two Marines in Squad · Provides rear security for each of their
formations
· Moves in bounds so one Marine is
always providing active security to the
squad’s rear

Double-Column Formations, Continued
Squads Squads in double-column formation advancing/patrolling along an urban

street carry weapons at tactical alert or ready carry, on the basis of safety and
enemy contact factors and overlapping sections of fire to cover windows,
doors, alleys, etc. from ground level to upper floors. The diagram below
illustrates proper patrolling in a double-column formation.

Fire Team Like a squad, a fire team in double-column formation advancing/patrolling

along an urban street carries its weapons at tactical alert or ready carry on the
basis of safety and enemy contact factors, overlapping sections of fire to
cover windows, doors, alleys, etc. from ground level to upper floors. The
diagram below illustrates the proper patrolling by a fire team using double-
column formation.

Alternate In alternate bounding, the two rear-security Marines alternate being the last
Bounding Marine in the squad. The guidelines are listed in the table below:
Personnel Action
Last Marine · Have his weapon at the ready.
· Be in the kneeling position along the wall of the building.
Next-to-Last · Move in trace of the unit until he has moved
Marine approximately 10 to 15 meters.
· Step out one pace from the wall at this point.
· Assume a good kneeling firing position.
· Announce, “Set!”
Last Marine · Rise from his position.
· Turn around.
· Move next to the wall to catch up with the column.
Note: The Marine moving back does not step out and mask
the other Marine’s field of fire.
Marine Covering · Assume the rear guard position.
the Rearward · Move back to the wall as the Marine passes by his
Movement of the position.
Last Marine
This process is repeated continuously. The rear fire team leaders coordinate
the movements of the rear guard to keep them abreast of each other and
ensure the column does not move too fast and leave the rear guard behind.
Diagram The alternate bounding process is identified in the diagram below:

Successive In the successive bounding method, as shown below, the last Marine in the
Bounding squad continues to be the rear guard after bounding. The same procedures are
employed as in alternate bounding. The guidelines for successive bounding
are listed in the table below:
Personnel Action
Rear-Guard · Bounds abreast of the Marine providing cover
Marine · Turns around
· Drops to a good kneeling position
· Provides rear-guard security
· Announces, “Set!”
Covering Marine · Moves behind the rear-guard Marine
· Continues to cover 10 to 15 meters before
repeating the process
Rear Fire Team Coordinates the movements of the rear guard as in
Leader alternate bounding
Diagram An illustration for successive bounding is shown in the diagram below:

Crossing an Intersection
General Four-way intersections are very dangerous areas that should be crossed
Information quickly. Security at an intersection is extremely important for the protection
of crossing units. When crossing an intersection, the same procedures apply
to both single- and double-column formations.
When moving, the point men notify the unit leaders, through the cover men,
of an approaching intersection. Crossing the intersection will force the three
elements of a unit moving along a city street to rotate positions and assume
appropriate responsibilities.
Once the squads and three fire teams have crossed the intersection, the fire
teams have rotated. This rotation is convenient because it alternates the lead
units, which may become fatigued during MOUT operations.
Approaching The diagram below illustrates the formation of movement upon approaching
an Intersection an intersection.

Crossing an Intersection, Continued
First Fire Team The guidelines for the first fire team—in the two columns—are listed in the
table below:
Personnel Action
Lead (1st) Fire · Simultaneously set security around the corners of
Teams the building.
· Provide mutually supporting security:
· Direct front
· Building on the far side of the intersection
· Intersection
nd
Middle (2 ) Fire Provide mutually supporting flank and rear security.
Teams
Rear (3rd) Fire · Move forward on order.
Teams · Cross the intersection.
· Assume the lead (1st) fire teams’ forward security.
First Fire Team The diagram below illustrates the activity when the first fire team crosses an
Diagram intersection:

Second Fire The guidelines for the second fire team are listed in the table below:
Team
Personnel Action
st
1 Fire Teams Now the middle fire teams
· Continue to provide intersection security.

· Assume rear security.
2nd Fire Teams Now the rear fire teams
· Cross the intersection on order.
· Position themselves to provide rear and intersection
security to support the covering of the last fire teams.
Second Fire The diagram below illustrates the activity when the second fire team crosses
Team Diagram an intersection:

Third Fire The guidelines for the third fire team are listed in the table below:
Team
Personnel Action
Rear Fire Once the 1st fire teams
Teams
· Provide rear security.
· Cross the intersection on order.
1st Fire Teams · Bypass the 2nd fire teams to become the middle fire
teams.
· Provide mutually supporting forward and flank
security.
2nd Fire Teams Become the rear security.
Third Fire The diagram below illustrates the activity when the third fire team crosses an
Team Diagram intersection:

Reacting to Enemy Contact
General When a platoon or squad is moving along a city street, contact with the
Information enemy could happen at any time—even if the area has been declared secure.
If a unit engages or is engaged by the enemy, there are two basic options that
Marines may follow:
· Immediately return fire and conduct a hasty clearing.

· Remain outside of the building(s) and fight from the street.
Hasty Clearing The first and preferred option is to immediately return fire and conduct a
hasty clearing.
Conduct a hasty clearing of a structure to seek cover inside the building to

which the unit was adjacent. Immediately return fire and enter buildings as
quickly as possible. Apply the basic principles of entry as discussed earlier in
this unit; however, speed is essential.
Once inside, quickly scan the area and engage any threat. If no threat is
present, acquire the enemy’s positions and deliver carefully aimed shots to
achieve fire superiority. At this point, the situation is developed as rapidly as
possible and an attack to clear the enemy may be ordered.
Fight From the The second and least-preferred method is to remain outside of the building(s)
Street and fight from the street. Do no use this option unless
· Strict rules of engagement do not allow the occupation of buildings

without being fired on from them first.
· Buildings cannot be entered because of obstruction, obstacles, or

boobytraps.
In such cases, quickly acquire the target(s) and return fire to gain fire
superiority and seek whatever cover may exist. Once fire superiority is
achieved, an assault to clear the enemy may be conducted.

Lesson 7 Exercise
Study Time

Items 1 and 2
Item 1 When is a single-column patrol used?
1. To move rapidly along a street

2. When streets are restricted to a single column
3. To provide a 360-degree security to all patrol members
4. When contact with the enemy is considered unlikely
Item 2 When is a double-column patrol used?
1. When at least two squads or fire teams are working together

2. To provide a 360-degree security to all patrol members
3. To allow for interlocking sectors of fire and mutual support
4. For flexibility and easy control

Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the sector of
Through 8 responsibility in column 2 that best matches the position in column 1. The
answers in column 2 may only be used once.
Column 1 Column 2
Position Sector of Responsibility
___ 3. Point men a. Moves in bounds so one Marine

___ 4. Cover men is always providing security to
___ 5. Second cover men the squad’s rear
___ 6. Third/fourth cover men b. Provides guidance to their
___ 7. Fourth cover men respective point men from the
___ 8. Last Marines in squad leader of the unit
c. Stays in line with one another
d. Stays in the direct front where the
point man is pieing
e. Alternates positions, providing
security on upper and lower level
windows, doors, and stairwells
f. Interlocks sector of fire with the
lead Marine in the next fire team
in the column

Item 9 The steps for conducting alternate bounding are listed below in scrambled
order. Place the steps in proper order and answer the question below.
1. The last Marine covering the rearward movement will assume the rear
guard position.
2. The second to last Marine will step out one pace from the wall and
assume a good kneeling position.
3. The second to last Marine will move in trace of the units until he has
moved approximately 10 to 15 meters.
4. The last Marine will rise from his position and move to catch up with the
column.
5. The last Marine in the formation will assume a good kneeling position and
have his weapon at the ready.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct alternate
bounding?
a. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
b. 5, 3, 2, 4, 1
c. 3, 5, 2, 1, 4
d. 4, 3, 1, 5, 2
Item 10 The steps for conducting successive bounds are listed below in scrambled
1. The covering Marine moves behind the rear guard Marine.

2. The rear-guard Marine provides security as he announces, “SET!”
3. The rear-guard Marine bounds abreast of the Marine providing cover.
4. The covering Marine continues to cover for 10 to 15 meters.
5. The rear-guard Marine turns around and assumes a good kneeling
position.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct

successive bounding?
a. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
b. 5, 3, 2, 4, 1
c. 3, 5, 2, 1, 4
d. 4, 3, 1, 5, 2

Item 11 For the following question, select

Which of the following are the proper procedures for the first fire team to
cross an intersection?
1. The middle fire teams in the columns will provide mutually supporting
flank and rear security.
2. The rear fire teams continue to provide security for the rest of the units.
3. The lead fire teams in the columns will simultaneously set security around
corners of the building.
4. The rear fire teams move forward and cross the intersection to assume the
lead fire team’s forward security.
Item 12 List the two basic options for Marines to follow if the unit is engaged by or
engages the enemy.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


1 b 5-83
2 a 5-84
3 c 5-85
4 b 5-85
5 d 5-85
6 e 5-85
7 f 5-85
8 a 5-85
9 b 5-88
10 c 5-89
11 b 5-91
12 · Immediately return 5-94
fire and conduct a
hasty clearing.
· Remain outside of
the building(s) and
fight from the street.


WARFIGHTING TACTICS
REVIEW LESSON EXAMINATION
Review Lesson
Estimated 1 hour, 20 minutes

Study Time
Introduction The purpose of the review lesson examination is to prepare you for the final
examination. We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson
examination without referring to the text, but for those items (questions) you
are unsure of, restudy the text. When you finish your review lesson
examination and are satisfied with your responses, check your responses
against the answers provided at the end of this review lesson examination.
Directions Select the ONE answer that BEST completes the statement or that answers
the item. For multiple choice items, circle your response. For matching
items, place the letter of your response in the space provided.
Item 1 Tactic’s relationship to theory is that
a. tactics is the how and theory is the why.

b. tactics is the why and theory is the how.
c. all combat decisions are based only on tactics.
d. no relationship exists between tactics and theory.
Item 2 Because of the rapidly changing nature of combat, decisions are usually made
by the
a. platoon commander.
b. squad leader.
c. company commander.
d. fire team leader.
MCI Course 8015A R-1 Review Lesson

Review Lesson, Continued
Item 3 Which statement best describes the influence of the commander’s intent on
tactical decisions?
a. It paints the picture of the commander’s desired end-state.

b. It describes how the commander envisions the mission concluding.
c. It provides information a subordinate can refer to but is not necessary.
d. It creates the framework that all subordinates must operate within.
Item 4 Which of the following best states the purpose of an operations order?
a. A method to brief subordinates of a tactical plan.

b. A continuing process with mission accomplishment as its main goal.
c. Convey a mission and a plan to accomplish that mission.
d. A continuing process built around the six troop leading steps.
Items 5 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the use of the order from
Through 7 column 2 that matches the type of order in column 1. The answers in column
2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Type of Order Use of Order
___ 5. Five-Paragraph Order a. Used by commanders to sit all

___ 6. Fragmentary Order their subordinates down and give
___ 7. Warning Order them a detailed plan.
b. Used by commanders to quickly
task their subordinates with a
follow-on mission.
c. Used by commanders to develop
their tactical plan.
d. Used by commanders to inform
their subordinates of an
upcoming mission.

Item 8 The five-paragraph order is usually used at the _________ level and is
designed to be given to subordinates _________.
a. platoon level and below; in writing

b. company level and below; orally
c. squad level and below; orally
d. platoon level and below; orally
Column 1 Column 2
___ 9. Situation a. Lays out the plan for conducting the

___ 10. Mission mission
___ 11. Execution b. Lays out the purpose of the mission.
___ 12. Administration and c. Lays out the status and disposition of
Logistics forces.
___ 13. Command and Signal d. Lays out the plans for controlling the
unit.
e. Lays out the plan for providing the 5
Bs.
Item 14 What are your two main responsibilities as the recipient of a commander’s
order?
a. Must thoroughly understand the commander’s order and extract

information from it for your subordinates’ order.
b. Hold questions until the end of the commander’s order and sketch the
terrain model.
c. Write questions to ask the commander at the end of the order and refer to
your map to understand the order.
d. Take thorough notes throughout the commander’s order, including
questions you must have answered, and designate someone to build a
terrain model.

Item 15 Read the following statement below and then determine if it is true or false
and why.
In several places, information from the commander’s order is copied directly

into your order.
a. True, transcribe the order in combination with the higher echelon

operation order and then complete your order.
b. True, you will use those portions and others then develop the order that
will be issued to your subordinates.
c. False, nothing taken from the CO’s order is copied directly; it is merely
taken to your subordinates level.
d. False, what you are doing is simply reissuing the commander’s order to
your Marines.
Item 16 Which of the following is a way to prepare to give an operations order?
a. Prepare copies of the order for your subordinates.

b. Ensure the entire unit is available.
c. Bring a handful of laminated index cards
d. Wait until you have all information, even if the order will be given late.
Item 17 Commanders use tactical control measures to control the
a. fire missions they must conduct.

b. assembly of their units.
c. maneuver of their elements in the attack.
d. their combat service support elements.

Column 1 Column 2
___ 18. Boundaries a. Physical object of the attack

___ 19. Attack position b. Used to prevent friendly fire
___ 20. Final coordination line casualties
___ 21. Restrictive fire line c. Drawn along easily recognizable
terrain features.
d. Last covered and concealed position
e. Used to cease and shift
supporting fires
Item 22 Which of the following is a factor in determining a squad’s tactical formation?
a. Time of day
b. Vegetation
c. Marines available
d. Rules of Engagement
Item 23 You enter into the attack phase when you cross the
a. phase line.
b. line of departure.
c. assembly area.
d. final coordination line.
Item 24 The primary reason for conducting a mission analysis is to
a. prepare your five-paragraph order.

b. plan your scheme of maneuver.
c. understand your implied task.
d. fully understand your assigned task.

Item 25 The best description of the process for estimating the situation is that it is a
a. mental checklist for the unit leader.

b. helpful reminder of what to think about.
c. means to analyze any situation.
d. method for developing a plan.
Through 29 column 2 that best matches the offensive fundamental in column 1. The
answers in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Offensive Fundamental Definition
___ 26. Exploit success a. Similar to the concept of mass

___ 27. Retain the initiative b. Gaining the high ground
___ 28. Gain contact c. Locate the enemy
___ 29. Concentrate superior d. Make the enemy react to us
firepower at a decisive point e. Dictate terms of the battle
Item 30 The base unit is used to
a. develop the concept of operation.

b. reconnoiter for the enemy.
c. control the direction and speed of an attacking force.
d. control the speed and volume of the unit’s fires.
Item 31 The three forms of offensive maneuver are
a. Development, Envelopment, and Double Envelopment.

b. Penetration, Envelopment, and Frontal Attack.
c. Flank Attack, Penetration, and Double Envelopment.
d. Deceptive Attack, Flank Attack, and Penetration.

Item 32 Which of the following is a squad organic weapon?
a. M16
b. Javelin
c. Pistol
d. Rifle
Item 33 What are the two tasks to be accomplished during final preparation?
a. Rehearsals and inspections

b. Mission analysis and order preparations
c. Fire Support and Logistical Coordination
d. Coordination and conducting IA drills
Item 34 Immediate action drills are
a. for a generic situation that could arise.

b. a way to practice rehearsals.
c. for a specific action in a mission.
d. the same thing as rehearsals.
Item 35 Rehearsals are similar to
a. inspections.
b. immediate action drills.
c. weapons drills.
d. a mission walk-through.
Item 36 A(n) _____ list is comprised of items that will make you decide to cancel a
mission.
a. go/no-go
b. CCIR
c. extract
d. IPB

Item 37 An emergency evacuation plan is used between the
a. phase line and axis of advance.

b. assault position and RFL.
c. LOD and objective.
d. FCL and the objective.
Item 38 The purpose of continuing actions is to ensure that
a. a Marine will prevent blisters and infections.

b. a Marine will survive in a field environment.
c. Marines always look and act like professionals.
d. Marines always maintain grooming standards.
Item 39 The main purpose of consolidation is to
a. account for personnel.

b. care for casualties and KIAs.
c. redistribute ammunition and supplies.
d. defend the objective you just seized.
Item 40 Actions to take during reorganization include
a. gaining contact with the enemy.

b. request hot chow and mail.
c. redistribute ammunition and supplies.
d. request immediate suppression targets.

Item 41 To defeat an enemy attack is the purpose of the
a. defense.
b. offense.
c. envelopment.
d. SP/LP.
Through 45 column 2 that best matches the defensive fundamental in column 1. The
answers in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Defensive Fundamental Definition
___ 42. Disruption a. Identify friendly/enemy

___ 43. Security strengths and weaknesses
___ 44. Defense in Depth b. Integrate artillery, naval gunfire
___ 45. Fire Planning and CAS
c. Countering the attacker’s
initiative
d. Organizing supplementary and
alternate positions
e. Cause the enemy to attack under
unfavorable conditions
Item 46 A sector of fire is _____ shaped, enclosed by _____, and a forward front.
a. wedge; one lateral limit

b. cone; two lateral limits
c. cube; one lateral limit
d. wedge; two lateral limits

Item 47 Which of the following is correct when organizing the fire team in the
defense?
a. The fire team leader formulates the defensive plan to cover the assigned
sector with the heaviest possible volume of fire.
b. The exact location of the fire team is generally determined by the fire
team leader.
c. The platoon commander selects identifiable features to indicate lateral and
forward limits of the sector of fire.
d. The fire team leader points out the general location on the ground of the
fire team fighting position to be established.
Item 48 Which of the following is a consideration of a fire team defensive plan?
a. Integration of the fire support plan to cover forward dead space

b. Interlocking fires with adjacent units to left and right
c. Individual sectors of fire should all cover the fire team sector of fire
d. FPF assignment for the fire team’s M240G
Item 49 Which of the following is correct when constructing individual fighting

positions?
a. Every position should be observed and supported by the fires of at least

one other position.
b. Every position should be concealed from enemy observation and provide
protection from both frontal and flank assaults.
c. Individual fighting positions should always be constructed for two-man
positions.
d. Fighting positions should be concealed from enemy observation and
provide protection in all directions.

Item 50 Squad sized defensive positions physically occupy a front of about _____
meters and defend _____ meters of frontage.
a. 50; 150-200
b. 100; 200-250
c. 150; 250-300
d. 200; 300-350
Item 51 Why are squad leaders not assigned an individual sector of fire?
a. All other sectors of fire previously assigned

b. Squad leaders moves amongst the individual fighting holes
c. Squad leader directs and controls the unit fires
d. Squad leader covers any squad dead space
Item 52 Which of the following is an active security measure?
a. Stand-to
b. On call target
c. Individual fighting hole
d. Noise discipline
Item 53 Which of the following is a passive security measure?
a. Stand-to
b. On call target
c. Individual fighting hole
d. Noise discipline
Item 54 Which of the following is necessary to position weapons effectively?
a. Environment weapons will be used in

b. Affects of the terrain
c. Tactics used by the enemy
d. Model of the weapons

Through 57 column 2 that matches the echelon named in column 1. The answers in
Column 1 Column 2
Echelons Definitions
___ 55. Security area a. Organized by assigning battle

___ 56. Main battle area positions or defensive sectors to
___ 57. Rear area subordinate units
b. Area extending from the rear
boundary of the main battle area
to the rear of the area of
responsibility of the next lower
level of command
c. Area forward of the forward edge
of the battle area
Item 58 Which of the following are the three basic defensive techniques?
a. Reverse slope defense, linear defense, and perimeter defense

b. Reverse slope defense, area defense, and perimeter defense
c. Linear defense, area defense, and perimeter defense
d. Linear defense, area defense, and defense in depth

Items 59 Matching: In the space provided place the letter of the term from column 2
Through 64 that best matches the characteristic in column 1. The answers in column 2
may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Characteristics Terms
___ 59. Effective during semi- a. Perimeter

independent operations, b. Linear
during resupply, or when a c. Reverse
unit is isolated by the
enemy and must defend in
place
___ 60. Enemy has the advantage
of attacking downhill if
they gain the crest
___ 61. Main concern is lack of
flexibility and difficulty in
both seizing the initiative
and seeking out enemy
weaknesses
___ 62. Used when securing an
isolated objective such as a
bridge, LZ, assembly area,
or patrol base
___ 63. Natural or manmade
obstacles neutralize the
mobility of a mounted
enemy, forcing him to
attack dismounted
___ 64. Terrain protects the unit
from long-range direct fire
and reduces the effects of
indirect fire due to mobility
of the enemy to adjust the
fires

Item 65 Which of the following is correct concerning the information that should be
included in the attachment paragraph of a defensive operations order?
a. Should include information on the location of all the attachments

supporting every unit in the defense
b. Should include information on when supporting units are going to link up
with your unit
c. Should include information on the different weapons systems supporting
your squad
d. Should include the location of all attachments to include unit leaders that
are supporting your unit in the defense
Item 66 Which of the following is not a mission your unit can assume in the defense?
a. Retain terrain
b. Attrit the enemy
c. Disrupt the enemy
d. Observe the enemy
Item 67 Which of the following is a coordinating instruction in a defensive operations

order?
a. Assign on call targets

b. Dimensions for a mine field
c. Prepare range cards
d. Fighting position layout

Item 68 The following are components to the conduct of a defense in scrambled order.
Place them in the correct order and answer the question below.
1. Fighting the defense

2. Reconnaissance
3. Occupation of the defense
4. Location of the enemy
5. Preparation for combat
Place the components in the correct order.
a. 5, 2, 3, 4, 1
b. 2, 4, 3, 5, 1
c. 5, 2, 4, 3, 1
d. 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
Item 69 Which of the following is correct concerning the conduct of the

reconnaissance?
a. The reconnaissance is generally conducted in the same manner based on

the unit’s SOP.
b. The leader confirms enemy avenues of approach, dead space, location of
SPs/LPs, and fighting position during the reconnaissance.
c. The size of the reconnaissance party should not be based on speed, time
available, or security needs.
d. The unit leader should consider not conducting a reconnaissance, if there
is not enough time available.
Item 70 Which of the following are principles of movement while occupying the
defense?
a. Maintain security to the front and flanks

b. Units should move in the most direct manner to quickly occupy the
defense
c. Units should actively seek to destroy enemy units at likely ambush sites
d. Use formation and movement techniques based on METT-TSL

Item 71 Above all else, what must a leader do when fighting the defense?
a. Defeat the enemy

b. If necessary, utilize the FPF
c. Accomplish the commander’s intent
d. Take mental notes for the after action report
Item 72 The purpose of the reserve is to preserve the commanders
a. firepower.
b. ability to counterattack.
c. defensive options.
d. flexibility.
Item 73 Which of the following is not a primary mission of the reserve?
a. Reinforce the main battle area

b. Hasty counterattack
c. Add depth
d. Combat support
Item 74 Which of the following best describes the purpose of the counterattack?
a. Breaking the enemy’s attack or denying him the ability to regain the
initiative
b. Destroy enemy penetration or eject him from the defensive position
c. Prepare supplementary positions to secure the unit’s flanks or rear
d. Block an enemy penetration by fire or by maneuver
Item 75 Which of the following are the two types of counterattacks?
a. Supported and planned

b. Hasty and supported
c. Hasty and planned
d. On-order and planned

Item 76 Which of the following are the four other types of defensive operations?
a. Passage of lines, retrograde, counterattack, and relief in place

b. Passage of lines, retrograde, least-engaged unit, and relief in place
c. Passage of lines, least-engaged unit, withdrawal, and relief in place
d. Passage of lines, retrograde, withdrawal, and counterattack
Item 77 Which of the following are the seven considerations for estimating the
situation?
a. Terrain and weather, situation, time, troops and fire support available,
equipment available, space, and logistics
b. Terrain and weather, situation, time, troops and fire support available,
mission, equipment available, and logistics
c. Terrain and weather, mission, time, space, troops and fire support
available, logistics, and enemy
d. Terrain and weather, time, mission, troops and fire support available,
equipment available, space, and logistics
Item 78 The military aspects of terrain are represented by the acronym
a. METT-TSL.
b. BAMCIS.
c. SMEAC.
d. OCOKA-W.
Item 79 ______ can help you schedule the important events in your planning.
a. Reverse planning
b. Delegating tasks
c. Using the half-rule
d. Back planning

Item 80 Which of the following is the correct use of the half-rule?
a. Unit leaders provide half of the time to their element leaders for
preparations.
b. Unit leaders spend half of the time preparing their Marines and the other
half planning.
c. Unit leaders provide half of the time to their element leaders for planning.
d. Unit leaders spend half of their time planning and the other half
coordinating.
Item 81 The patrol warning order is given to
a. notify patrol members of an impending mission.

b. notify higher command of an impending mission.
c. prepare the SP/LP’s that friendlies will be in the area.
d. prepare RFA/NFA to reduce friendly fire casualties.
Item 82 Which of the following are the four parts of a patrol warning order?
a. Enemy situation, general situation, mission, and preparation plan

b. Mission, situation, specific instructions, and general instructions
c. Execution, mission, general situation, and administration and logistics
d. General situation, specific instructions, mission, and execution
Item 83 Which of the following is not an item to include in your patrol coordination?
a. Fire Support
b. Updated Intelligence
c. Requesting attachments
d. Interaction with other units

Item 84 The five main paragraphs in the patrol order are: Situation, Mission, _____,
Administration and Logistics, and _____.
a. Execution; Control
b. Enemy; Fire Support
c. Enemy; Terrain
d. Execution; Command and Signal
Item 85 Which of the following is included in the situation paragraph?
a. Concept of operations
b. Specific instructions
c. Attachments and detachments
d. Administration and logistics
Item 86 Which of the following mission statements is in the correct format?
a. At 2300, 3rd squad will conduct a recon patrol in order to detect enemy
movement in vicinity of grid 548958.
b. 2nd platoon will attack Company Obj A at 1100 in order to destroy the
enemy.
c. At 0400, 2nd squad conducts an ambush in the vicinity of Company
Objective C in order to disrupt enemy movements.
d. In order to defeat the enemy, 1st squad will conduct a search and destroy
patrol in AOR Arizona at 0700.
Item 87 Which of the following is correct concerning details included in the

coordinating instructions?
a. Actions in the objective area

b. Information necessary to execute the patrol’s mission
c. Mission statements for attached units
d. Concept of operations

Item 88 When conducting a night patrol, which of the following is a route

consideration?
a. Enemy location and proximity

b. Avoidance of thick undergrowth or dense woods
c. Ability to see moon and stars for navigation
d. Type and characteristics of weapons (enemy and friendly)
Item 89 What are the three rallying points?
a. IRP, EERP, and BRP

b. EERP, CAP, and DEP
c. IRP, ORP, and LRP
d. IRP, ERRP, and ORP
Item 90 Which of the following is correct concerning details included in the

administration and logistics paragraph?
a. Concept of operations
b. Actions in the objective area
c. Redistribution of ammunition
d. Method of handling the wounded and dead
Item 91 Which of the following is a guideline for issuing the patrol order?
a. Receive a status report

b. Conclude without a question and answer period
c. Give a time check and dismiss
d. Issued to only key leaders
Item 92 The purpose for inspecting your patrol is to
a. determine if the element leaders have done their job.

b. determine the patrol’s state of readiness.
c. check plans.
d. verify patrol member head count.

Item 93 Which is the task organization of an infantry platoon in an urban

environment?
a. Support force, assault element, and breaching element

b. Security element, covering force, and assault element
c. Assault element, support force, and security element
d. Support force, assault element, and covering element
Through 97 that best matches the definition in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Definition Terms
___ 94. Topographical map of a city a. City maps

that highlights street names b. Compass reading and pace count
and important buildings c. Military maps
___ 95. Maps that enable units d. Special maps
moving in built-up areas to
know where they have been
___ 96. Maps prepared by
topographical engineers to
help navigate built-up areas
___ 97. Techniques that can be used
especially in a blacked-out
city

Item 98 Which are the four weapons carries for handling the service rifle?
a. Tactical, ready, off hand, and alert

b. Tactical, alert, strong arm, and ready
c. Tactical, weak hand, ready, and alert
d. Ready, weak hand, alert, and short stocking
Item 99 Short stocking is used to _____ maneuverability and _____ possible “target
indicator” for the enemy.
a. increase; increase
b. increase; reduce
c. reduce; increase
d. reduce; reduce
Item 100 The following guidelines for short stocking are in scrambled order. Put them
in the correct order and answer the question below.
1. Place the weapon’s handguard against your cheek to attain a firm

stockweld.
2. Position the stock so that the pistol grip is behind your head.
3. Hold the weapon in a manner as to reduce the weapon’s length without
sacrificing too much accuracy.
4. Use your index finger or thumb to manipulate the trigger.
Which of the following is the correct guideline for short stocking?
a. 1, 2, 3, 4
b. 2, 4, 1, 3
c. 3, 2, 4, 1
d. 4, 2, 1, 3

Through 104 that best matches the definition in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Definitions Terms
___ 101. An effective technique for a. Aimed quick fire

clearing dead space inside b. Pointing quick fire
rooms and buildings. c. Pieing
___ 102. The focus of engaging d. Instinctive shooting
targets is on the front sight
post throughout the aiming
process.
____ 103. Involves simultaneously
pointing a finger while
looking at a target while
engaging targets.
___ 104. Involves quickly turning
the body and the weapon to
engage targets.
Item 105 The two important guidelines to consider when crossing a wall to deny the
enemy a good target are keeping a low silhouette and
a. good reconnaissance.
b. covering fire.
c. speed of movement.
d. use of smoke.

Item 106 The proper position will allow you to
a. observe around the corner.

b. extend your weapon beyond the corner to allow you to engage the enemy.
c. short stock your weapon.
d. a high profile in case you have to move quickly.
Item 107 The correct technique for passing a window is to
a. stay below the window level.

b. use a smoke grenade to pass the window.
c. fire three rounds in order to “recon by fire.”
d. short stock the window.
Item 108 The use of doorways to enter or exit is discouraged because
a. of possible boobytrapped.
b. they are normally covered by enemy fire.
c. it allows the enemy to observe your movement.
d. it is a probable course of action according to the enemy.
Item 109 Which of the following is the correct guideline for crossing open areas?
a. Make zigzag movements to avoid enemy fire

b. Have 360 degree security when moving
c. Send out an initial runner to check for snipers
d. Run the shortest distance between buildings

Through 113 that best matches the guideline in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
only be used once.
Column 1 Column 2
Guidelines Terms
___ 110. Offers security through a. Scaling walls

safety and speed although b. Grappling hooks
does not permit access to c. Rappelling
the top of some buildings d. Ladders
___ 111. May be used on concealed
locations that connect
enemy positions
___ 112. All available means of
concealment should be used
when exposed to enemy fire
___ 113. An entry technique used to
descend from the rooftop of
a tall building into a
window
Item 115 Which of the following would be effective in gaining entry in lower building
levels?
a. Blasting caps
b. Rocket launcher
c. SMAW
d. Grenade

Item 115 The steps for conducting two-man stacked room clearing are listed below in
scrambled order. Place the steps in the proper order and answer the question
below.
1. Shooter positions oneself against the wall to the left (right) of the entrance
designated.
2. Shooter positions oneself inside the room to the left or right of the
doorway.
3. Shooter scans the room.
4. Shooter shouts, “Coming in, left (right)!”
5. Shooter quickly scans the entire room and commands, “Next man in, left
(right)!”
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct two-man
stacked room clearing?
a. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
b. 2, 5, 4, 1, 3
c. 1, 3, 5, 4, 2
d. 2, 5, 1, 4, 3
Item 116 Which of the following guidelines is correct when conducting four-man
clearing?
a. When four Marines are used to clear a room, outside security should be
established by another assault element.
b. The three-man clearing team procedures are used for the initial entry into
the room.
c. Shooters Number Three and Four stack up behind Shooters Number One
and Two using the split position.
d. If the stacked position is used to enter a room, all shooters stack up
opposite one another on either side of the door.

Item 117 The steps for clearing an L-shaped hallway are listed below in scrambled
1. Shooter Number Two pies as far as possible with his weapon covering the
dead space.
2. Shooter Number One stops short of the hallway and goes to a kneeling
position.
3. Shooter Number Two aims his weapon to cover the dead space.
4. Both shooters move simultaneously to clear the hallway.
5. Shooter Number one moves accordingly with Shooter Number Two.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to clear an L-

shaped hallway?
a. 5, 3, 2, 1, 4
b. 3, 1, 5, 2, 4
c. 2, 5, 1, 3, 4
d. 1, 5, 2, 3, 4
Item 118 The steps for clearing a T-shaped hallway are listed below in scrambled order.
Place the steps in proper order and answer the question below.
1. Both shooters move to dominant positions without entering the

intersection.
2. Both shooters approach the T-shaped intersection while maintaining eye-
muzzle-target contact.
3. Both shooters clear their immediate areas along their respective walls.
4. Both shooters buttonhook into their next positions.
5. Both shooters establish dominant positions that give them control of the
hallway.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to clear a T-shaped
hallway?
a. 2, 4, 3, 1, 5
b. 2, 3, 5, 1, 4
c. 2, 1, 4, 5, 3
d. 2, 1, 4, 3, 5

Item 119 Which of the following guidelines is correct when clearing a stairwell?
a. The speed of movement is determined by Shooter Number One.

b. Shooter Number Two always covers the overhead area.
c. The security of the Marines will be compromised if they move too
quickly.
d. The speed of movement is determined by Shooter Number Two.
Item 120 When firing from behind walls, you should fire
a. over the cover.

b. around the cover.
c. after creating a hasty loophole.
d. at the lowest point possible.
Item 121 When no cover is available, which is a means of reducing target exposure
a. utilize smoke.
b. keep a high volume of fire on enemy positions.
c. fire from the prone position.
d. use fire and movement to escape the situation.
Item 122 Which of the following is an advantage to using a single-column patrol?
a. 360 degree security

b. Can be used with limited number of Marines
c. Speed of movement
d. Allows for a high volume of fire
Item 123 Which of the following is an advantage to using a double-column patrol?
a. 360 degree security

b. Can be used with limited number of Marines
c. Speed of movement
d. Allows for a high volume of fire

Items 124 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the position from column
Through 128 2 that best matches the sector of responsibility in column 1. The answers in
Column 1 Column 2
Sectors of Responsibility Positions
___ 124. To the direct front a. Second cover men

___ 125. Checking for the enemy b. Fourth cover men
___ 126. Alternately providing c. Last Marines in the squad
security on upper and d. Pointmen
lower levels of buildings e. Third and fourth cover men
___ 127. Rear security of each of
their formations
___ 128. Move in bounds so one
Marine is always
providing active security
to the squad’s rear

Item 129 The steps for conducting alternate bounding are listed below in scrambled
1. The last Marine in the formation will assume a good kneeling position and
have their weapon at the ready.
2. The second to last Marine will step out one pace from the wall and
assume a good kneeling position.
3. The last Marine will rise from their position and move to catch up with
the column.
4. The last Marine covering the rearward movement will assume the rear
guard position.
5. The second to last Marine will move in trace of the units when moved
approximately 10–15 meters.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct alternate
bounding?
a. 1, 5, 2, 3, 4
b. 2, 3, 4, 1, 5
c. 3, 1, 4, 2, 5
d. 4, 5, 3, 1, 2
Item 130 The steps for conducting successive bounding are listed below in scrambled
1. The rearguard Marine provides rearguard security.

2. Announces, “SET.”
3. Drops to a good kneeling position.
4. The rearguard Marine bounds abreast of the Marine providing cover.
5. The rearguard Marine turns around.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of steps to conduct

successive bounding?
a. 1, 5, 2, 3, 4
b. 2, 3, 4, 1, 5
c. 3, 1, 4, 2, 5
d. 4, 5, 3, 1, 2

Item 131 Crossing intersections forces the three elements of a unit to
a. cover one another as an appropriate danger area.

b. rotate positions and assume appropriate responsibilities.
c. stop to determine if the enemy has set a kill zone.
d. call higher and relay the unit’s current position.
Item 132 If a unit is engaged by the enemy or engages the enemy, the two basic options
that Marines may follow are to remain outside of the building(s) and fight
from the street or
a. withdraw from the area and consolidate.

b. immediately return fire and conduct a hasty clearing.
c. assume the prone position and immediately return fire.
d. immediately provide cover through the use of smoke.

Review Lesson
Review Lesson The table below lists the answers to the review lesson examination items. If
Solutions you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

1 a 1-4
2 b 1-6
3 d 1-7
4 b 1-13
5 a 1-14
6 b 1-15
7 d 1-14
8 b 1-16
9 c 1-17
10 b 1-21
11 a 1-24
12 e 1-28
13 d 1-31
14 a 1-38
15 b 1-40
16 c 1-44
17 c 2-4
18 c 2-5
19 d 2-6
20 e 2-8
21 b 2-8
22 b 2-11
23 b 2-13
24 d 2-21
25 c 2-22
26 d 2-26
27 e 2-25
28 c 2-25
29 a 2-26

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

30 c 2-30
31 b 2-32
32 a 2-35
33 d 2-43
34 c 2-41
35 d 2-45
36 a 2-46
37 c 2-47
38 b 2-47
39 d 2-49
40 c 2-50
41 a 3-5
42 c 3-6
43 e 3-7
44 d 3-8
45 b 3-8
46 d 3-9
47 a 3-14
48 c 3-14
49 d 3-15
50 b 3-18
51 c 3-17
52 a 3-19
53 d 3-22
54 c 3-24
55 c 3-35
56 a 3-35
57 b 3-35
58 a 3-36
59 a 3-36

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

60 c 3-40
61 b 3-39
62 a 3-36
63 b 3-39
64 c 3-40
65 b 3-54
66 d 3-48
67 c 3-49
68 a 3-52
69 b 3-53
70 d 3-54
71 c 3-56
72 d 3-57
73 d 3-58
74 a 3-59
75 c 3-59
76 b 3-61
77 c 4-4
78 d 4-6
79 a 4-8
80 c 4-9
81 a 4-8
82 b 4-11
83 c 4-14
84 d 4-21
85 c 4-21
86 c 4-22
87 a 4-23
88 b 4-25
89 d 4-26

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

90 d 4-28
91 a 4-31
92 b 4-32
93 c 5-4
94 c 5-6
95 a 5-6
96 d 5-7
97 b 5-7
98 c 5-12
99 b 5-15
100 c 5-15
101 c 5-16
102 a 5-17
103 b 5-17
104 d 5-18
105 c 5-24
106 a 5-25
107 a 5-26
108 b 5-29
109 d 5-30
110 d 5-38
111 b 5-38
112 a 5-39
113 c 5-39
114 c 5-40
115 b 5-50
116 c 5-58
117 d or b 5-60, 5-61
118 d 5-62, 5-63

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

119 a 5-64
120 b 5-75
121 c 5-77
122 c 5-83
123 a 5-84
124 d 5-85
125 a 5-85
126 e 5-85
127 b or c 5-85
128 c 5-85
129 a 5-88
130 d 5-89
131 b 5-90
132 c 5-94

Review Lesson
Review Lesson The table below lists the answers to the review lesson examination items. If
Solutions you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

1 a 1-4
2 b 1-6
3 d 1-7
4 b 1-13
5 a 1-14
6 b 1-15
7 d 1-14
8 b 1-16
9 c 1-17
10 b 1-21
11 a 1-24
12 e 1-28
13 d 1-31
14 a 1-38
15 b 1-40
16 c 1-44
17 c 2-4
18 c 2-5
19 d 2-6
20 e 2-8
21 b 2-8
22 b 2-11
23 b 2-13
24 d 2-21
25 c 2-22
26 d 2-26
27 e 2-25
28 c 2-25
29 a 2-26
MCI 8015A R-1 Review Lesson Examination

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

30 c 2-30
31 b 2-32
32 a 2-35
33 d 2-43
34 c 2-41
35 d 2-45
36 a 2-46
37 c 2-47
38 b 2-47
39 d 2-49
40 c 2-50
41 a 3-5
42 c 3-6
43 e 3-7
44 d 3-8
45 b 3-8
46 d 3-9
47 a 3-14
48 c 3-14
49 d 3-15
50 b 3-18
51 c 3-17
52 a 3-19
53 d 3-22
54 c 3-24
55 c 3-35
56 a 3-35
57 b 3-35
58 a 3-36
59 a 3-36

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

60 c 3-40
61 b 3-39
62 a 3-36
63 b 3-39
64 c 3-40
65 b 3-54
66 d 3-48
67 c 3-49
68 a 3-52
69 b 3-53
70 d 3-54
71 c 3-56
72 d 3-57
73 d 3-58
74 a 3-59
75 c 3-59
76 b 3-61
77 c 4-4
78 d 4-6
79 a 4-8
80 c 4-9
81 a 4-8
82 b 4-11
83 c 4-14
84 d 4-21
85 c 4-21
86 c 4-22
87 a 4-23
88 b 4-25
89 d 4-26

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

90 d 4-28
91 a 4-31
92 b 4-32
93 c 5-4
94 c 5-6
95 a 5-6
96 d 5-7
97 b 5-7
98 c 5-12
99 b 5-15
100 c 5-15
101 c 5-16
102 a 5-17
103 b 5-17
104 d 5-18
105 c 5-24
106 a 5-25
107 a 5-26
108 b 5-29
109 d 5-30
110 d 5-38
111 b 5-38
112 a 5-39
113 c 5-39
114 c 5-40
115 b 5-50
116 c 5-58
117 d or b 5-60, 5-61
118 d 5-62, 5-63

Review Lesson
Solutions,
continued

119 a 5-64
120 b 5-75
121 c 5-77
122 c 5-83
123 a 5-84
124 d 5-85
125 a 5-85
126 e 5-85
127 b or c 5-85
128 c 5-85
129 a 5-88
130 d 5-89
131 b 5-90
132 c 5-94

War Fighting Tactics

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War Fighting Tactics

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Sergeants Distance

In war, tactics focuses on the application of combat power to defeat

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A i Course Introduction

All Marines, regardless of occupational specialty, will be trained in

MCWP 3-1, Ground Combat Operations.

Table of The following is a table of contents for this course.

Study Unit Title Page

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A ii Course Introduction

Summary The table below summarizes all-important “gateways” needed to successfully

Step When you… Then you will… For more

MCI Course 8015A iii Course Introduction

MCI Course 8015A iv Course Introduction

Estimated 1 hours, 50 minutes

Learning After completing this study unit, you should be able to

· Identify how tactical decisions are communicated with an operations

· Identify how to transfer an operations order into an order for your

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A 1-1 Study Unit 1

In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Topic See Page

MCI Course 8015A 1-2 Study Unit 1

Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to

· Identify how commander’s intent affects tactical decisions.

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Topic See Page

MCI Course 8015A 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

· Take one hill instead of another?

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A 1-4 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

MCI Course 8015A 1-5 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

MCI Course 8015A 1-6 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Returning to the example of the order to attack a hilltop, if the subordinate is

MCI Course 8015A 1-7 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

a. battalion’s mission, the squad’s task, and the company’s location.

a. It paints the picture of the commander’s desired end-state.

MCI Course 8015A 1-8 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

Item Number Answer Reference Page

MCI Course 8015A 1-9 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

MCI Course 8015A 1-10 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to

· Identify the three different formats for operations orders.

· Identify how each format of an operations order is used.

· Identify the purpose of each paragraph in a five-paragraph operations

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A 1-11 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Topic See Page

MCI Course 8015A 1-12 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

· Clarity - Clearly conveys the intent to all subordinates

MCI Course 8015A 1-13 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8015A 1-14 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

Warning Order Here is an example of a squad leader’s warning order:

Fragmentary Often referred to as a “FragO,” the fragmentary order is used to provide

“FragO” The following is an example of a simple squad “FragO”:

MCI Course 8015A 1-15 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

MCI Course 8015A 1-16 Study Unit 1, Lesson 2

· Composition, disposition, and strength.

Enemy Enemy composition information is obtained directly from next higher

· Size – the size of the enemy force

Continued on next page