“The Infantry’s primary role is close combat, which may occur in any type of mission, in any theater, or environment. Characterized by extreme violence and physiological shock, close combat is callous and unforgiving. Its dimensions are measured in minutes and meters, and its consequences are final. Close combat stresses every aspect of the physical, mental, and spiritual features of the human dimension. To this end, Infantrymen are specially selected, trained and led.” – US Army FM 3-21.8 (7-8)
The foregoing excerpt provides the best initial explanation involving realistic concerns and expectations during active ground combat. God’s providence, good training and personal physical fitness will provide the individual an ability to survive their first combat contacts. A form of gambling (for lack of a better word) proves a major theme to combat, once committed there may be a forced payment. Lacking extreme definition, you, your friends or an innocent bystander may be killed, or wounded (lightly or seriously). Perhaps a simultaneous combination of all three could happen to your group; your goal is to lengthen the odds. One can grasp the notion of the finality in combat, but until you have lived it, allowed it to harden you through experience, you will fail to fully understand what is happening to your emotions. Your mind will change- you must to “hold on” especially when you feel like giving up. Utilize the adrenaline but do not thrive or exist solely on it. In order to survive in one or multiple “post-TEOTWAWKI shoot-out(s),” you will need skills and an understanding of Infantry missions within your battle space. Hopefully most, if not all lessons are more easily won and characterized by “close calls” for your hard won experience. The pointed question: how do you plan to maintain superiority within your slice of the battle space given your limitations?
Before I go any further, allow me to highlight my personal beliefs. I do not wish to ever see another shot fired in anger, I do not revel in, marvel at or love harming others- not even those who in the past meant to harm me personally or those on my side. The cold reality is that hungry individuals may decide to make irrational decisions, forgo bartering and thus enter the realm of taking by force. It may be your task to stop them. Without extensive modern military training (post 2005) you may find yourself at a disadvantage. The current Global War on Terror- or whatever they call it this week has allowed for major modern breakthroughs in Infantry application on the battlefield. We as normal civilians, unless independently wealthy and committed to collecting modern Class III weapons will not have the amount of mobility on the battlefield currently enjoyed by a U.S. Army Infantry Squad. The reason: lack of ability to deliver accurate, heavy volumes of fire (known as fires).
1-5 The goal of Infantry platoons and squads remains constant: defeat and destroy enemy forces, and seize ground. To achieve this end state, Infantry platoons and squads rely on two truths.
(1) In combat, Infantrymen who are moving are attacking.
(2) Infantrymen who are not attacking are preparing to attack.
1-9 Fire without movement is indecisive. Exposed movement without fire is potentially disastrous.
– FM 3-21.8 (7-8)
The above underlined section outlines the direct responsibility of the whole squad while in contact. Given this factor as a constant, how do you achieve effective fires if called to move in the open? We are, after all just civilians, limited to what we can financially afford and legally own.
The number of men in any given community group will vary. If you have a solid baker’s dozen of men this seems to be the best initial number in forming a local, organic Infantry Squad. The following is an example of a suggested set up, this will vary based on numbers and capabilities of individual men. Further, consider not breaking a squad up and shifting troops even if it leaves one squad with less ability and one with more. Breaking a squad has far reaching issues, many of which are not readily visible, in short “morale problems.”
The weapons are suggested examples but not necessary requirements for successful application of this shift in modern conventional doctrine. In the event there are only 12 men, the Squad leader can assume the role of Alpha, Bravo or Charlie Team Leader. Another option is to take one man off any one of the fire teams and run “light.” Do not let numbers interfere with accomplishing the mission. Always make necessary daily changes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of group. Deny rigidity, constantly think modularity.
The Modern Civilian Infantry Squad
The Squad should be dressed alike with a similar color or tone and a known outline in light or dark.
Squad Leader (M4- preferably suppressed w/ ACOG)
Alpha Team Primary base of fire- mission to suppress the enemy but can assault in varying situations dictated by squad leader or in the event of a close ambush. Equipped with a designated marksman utilizing an M1a, these men should constitute greater marksmanship ability. Every man in the fire team carries a minimum one extra m1A magazine.
Alpha Team Leader (M4 w/ ACOG)
Rifleman (M4)
Rifleman (M4)
Rifleman (M1A w/ optic) in a motorized role: driver
Bravo Team Primary base of fire- mission is to suppress the enemy but can assault in varying situations dictated by squad leader or in the event of a close ambush. Equipped with a designated marksman utilizing an M1A, these men should constitute greater marksmanship ability. Every man in the fire team carries a minimum of one extra loaded M1A magazine.
Bravo Team Leader (M4 w/ ACOG)
Rifleman (M4)
Rifleman (M4)
Rifleman (M1A w/ optic) in a motorized role: driver
Charlie Team Primary assault element, these are your “jack rabbits,” they are the “ruckus of the ruckus,” yet they need to be specially selected for their attentiveness, physical ability and fearless mentality. A wild “fighter-guy” may not be the right choice for this element. Think Clint Eastwood, not Rodney Dangerfield with a machinegun. The resolute and collected man will prove the right choice every time. If your element is short of body armor these men are certainly equipped with it.
Charlie Team Leader (M4- preferably suppressed w/ Aimpoint/ Eotech)
Rifleman (M4- preferably suppressed w/ Aimpoint/ Eotech)
Rifleman (M4- preferably suppressed w/ Aimpoint/ Eotech )
Rifleman (M4- preferably suppressed w/ Aimpoint/ Eotech) in a motorized role: driver
Possible attachments:
Combat Medic, Signalman, Doctor, Intel, Rancher (Who knows? You may have one).
Regarding attachments: Place them in the squad as you see fit, mission dictated and based on importance/ ability. Any post-TEOTWAWKI group will have grunts and pogues (excuse the lingo). Make sure your squads are helping train the rear-echelon types when time is available. Rear echelon types [such as farmers and ranchers] need to be formed into squads just like Infantry- even if they are primarily workers. Reason: they can understand how to react to situations the same way you when their specific skill is needed on a mission. Further, they may be called to defend the main area. The tactics need to be familiar.
The point of changing to the 12-13 man fighting unit is to bring two sections for suppressing fires upon the foe. This new application allows for weapons with slower rates of fire to concentrate effective and accurate fires in order to force the enemy behind cover and suppressed. This shift moves from a 1:1 support/ assault ratio to a 2:1 support/ assault ratio. The absence of the Squad Automatic Weapon per Fire Team demands a shift in tactics and numbers of men applied to remain mobile on the battlefield. Consider applications for movement: if Action To The Front is likely, the traveling groups will be Alpha Team in the lead staggered and followed by Bravo Team. Charlie team will remain offset from the center of the formation and just behind the Squad leader who will remain directly behind Alpha and Bravo Teams. If Action on the Right or Left is expected, then the Lineup will be Alpha Team followed by Charlie Team in the center position and Bravo Team in the rear. Squad leader will remain in the middle of the Squad formation as in the previous lineup. There is one problem with this particular squad makeup: breaking contact can be cumbersome in comparison to the standard nine man Infantry Squad. Terrain, situation and style of your training will dictate how you decide to break contact if and when necessary. In heavier terrain consider the “Australian Peel,” in open terrain consider moving back independently and in buddy teams. Once the order is given to “break contact!” the Fire Teams can support one another but they will prove comparatively decentralized on their way back to the rally point. I am not trying to fully direct your Individual Movement Techniques (IMTs) or Tactics Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) in this article. Rather, I am trying to practically answer the problem of fire and mobility based on limitations of civilian weapons. IMTs and TTPs should vary from small group to group based on level of training, individual ability and weaponry.
There is one other main advantage in adding another Fire Team: Economy of force. Given the right situation you may be able to assault two small objectives at one time. Essentially, when Charlie Team successfully assaults and overwhelms an enemy they can become a base of fire section for Alpha or Bravo on their assault. If you decide to use this action you will still need to form a 360 degree perimeter on the objective during a conventional Battle Drill 1a from the 7-8. Squad Leaders and Team Leaders need to be chosen for leadership ability and physical prowess. Once the Squad has been together for some time you will be surprised at what they can accomplish, certainly taking out two minor objectives will seem like small work. Consider your application of fires because once shifts on the battlefield occur you are susceptible to fratricide.
I honorably served five (three as an NCO) years in the Regular U.S. Army, Infantry with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Careful thought, time and experience provided the inspiration for this suggested doctrinal shift in what I will deem American-Civilian Infantry Tactics. Part modern, part WWII and part football, this application may work for some and not others. If you read and see a way to improve upon these tactics please comment, I am always willing to learn and adapt. If uncomfortable always go with what works for you. Most of the missing pieces to this puzzle are found in the 7-8 (Infantry Rifle Platoon & Squad) manual or other manuals you currently utilize for basis of group TTPs. A few words in closing: Pray before every mission, plan every mission understanding the situation, never get complacent, always shift and lift fires, never ignore the “hinky vibe,” do not overlook command and signal, true leadership, or the occasional true daring. God Bless.
JWR Adds: The author’s mention of suppressors (often mistakenly called silencers) deserves some explanation: In some nations like Finland, a firearms sound suppressor is correctly considered a piece of safety equipment designed to protect the shooter’s hearing. These can be purchased without any special license. But sadly here in the United States there is a $200 transfer stamp required to purchase (or construct) a suppressor. Under the terms of National Firearms Act of 1934, construction of a suppressor without the requisite tax and registration paperwork is a felony. There are also some separate state and local level laws restricting suppressors in a few states. I beg my readers: Do not risk prosecution! If you see the need to own a suppressed firearm or a machinegun, then do so legally. Do not risk a felony conviction (and hence losing your rights to vote and to own firearms for the rest of your life) over a $200 tax.