Fundamentals of Small Unit Tactics

BySpartanSix

Purpose

Standardizes squad-level actions on contact through three battle drills: BD 1-A (Squad Assault), BD-3 (Break Contact), and BD-4 (React to Ambush—Near). Emphasizes the F3F2 process (Find, Fix, Flank, Finish) for disciplined execution in urban or open terrain. Training progresses from weapons handling, movement, and communications to scenario-based practice for cohesion and speed. Principles:

  • Surprise: Gain via deception or positioning.
  • Speed: “Careful hurry” to exploit enemy disarray.
  • Controlled Violence: Neutralize threats, minimize casualties.

BD 1-A: Squad Assault

Direct attack when fire superiority and terrain allow maneuver.

When to Use

  • Enemy suppressed.
  • Terrain supports flanking.
  • Squad retains initiative.

Execution

  • Find: Identify enemy with 3Ds (Direction, Distance, Description, e.g., “Contact front—200m—PKM in building”).
  • Fix: Suppress with steady fire (Rate 4) using TRPs (e.g., building corner); red dot/IR lasers for precision.
  • Flank: Maneuver element shifts left/right, gets on line, closes on enemy.
  • Finish: Shift/lift fires (Rate 6 for final bound), assault through, consolidate, report SALTA/ACE.

Communications

Short calls via encrypted headsets; use chemlights for positioning:

  • “Contact front—200—PKM!”
  • “Flank right—on line!”
  • “Shift fire—assaulting!”

Strengths

Overwhelms enemy, maintains momentum.

Risks

Exposed flanks or misjudged enemy strength.

BD-3: Break Contact

Disengage when overmatched or casualties/ammo force withdrawal.

When to Use

  • Fire superiority lost.
  • High casualties or low ammo.
  • Enemy overmatches.

Execution

  • Find: Identify threat with 3Ds.
  • Fix: Set hasty support-by-fire; use smoke to obscure.
  • Flank: N/A—focus on disengagement.
  • Finish: Bound or peel back to rally point; maintain accountability; report SALTA/ACE.

Communications

Clear calls via secure channels:

  • “Contact front—300—squad!”
  • “Breaking—smoke out!”
  • “Rally set—sound off!”

Strengths

Preserves squad, regroups for re-tasking.

Risks

Enemy pursuit; loss of cohesion during bounds.

BD-4: React to Ambush—Near

Counter sudden fire within 25m.

When to Use

  • Ambush within 25m.
  • Immediate threat in kill zone.

Execution

  • Find: Identify ambush with 3Ds (visual/thermal cues).
  • Fix: Kill zone elements fire instantly; others suppress without crossing assault lane.
  • Flank: N/A—assault directly through ambush.
  • Finish: Consolidate on route, report SALTA/ACE; cover six and elevated positions.

Communications

Urgent calls; non-verbal signals for speed:

  • “Ambush front—20m—rifles!”
  • “Assaulting through!”
  • “Clear—consolidate!”

Strengths

Rapid response neutralizes ambush.

Risks

Friendly fire; failure to clear all threats.

Individual and Team Actions

  • On Contact: Call 3Ds, issue ADDRAC (Alert, Direction, Description, Range, Assignment, Control), suppress with Rate 4 (steady) or Rate 6 (bursts for assault/lift). Use TRPs (e.g., building, tree) for fire control; set no-fire lines to avoid fratricide.
  • Maneuver: Flank left/right in BD 1-A; bound/pee back in BD-3; assault through in BD-4. Use leans/peeks for cover; go firm to hold positions.
  • Fire Control:
    • TRPs: Pre-select terrain features (e.g., alley corner) to focus fires.
    • No-Fire Lines: Set to protect maneuvering friendlies.
    • Rates of Fire: Rate 4 (sustained), Rate 6 (bursts).
    • Kill Light: Cease lasers/lights at night to avoid exposing positions.
  • Reflexive Shooting: Red dot or IR laser for quick-kill (0-25m). Stance: Shoulder-width, firing foot back, knees bent. Shots: Cranial T-box for instant incapacitation; chest backup. Use double-tap with suppressed carbines.
  • Threat Management: PID combatants/noncombatants with visual/thermal cues; de-escalate in OOTW. Engage immediate threats (armed, blocking, within 3-5m). Callouts: “Threat down!” or “Clear!”
  • Medical/CASEVAC: Follow self-aid → buddy-aid → CLS. Report via ZMIST (Casualty ID, Mechanism, Injuries, Signs/Symptoms, Treatment/Time). Evacuate to CCP or rally point, marked with smoke/chemlights.
  • Combined Arms: Use emerging sUAS for ISR when available; C2-linked CAS/ISR for coordination. Dismount behind vehicles for cover; post MGs for overwatch.

Safety and Force Protection

Safe handling of suppressed weapons and grenades. Wear lightweight plate carriers, ballistic helmets, and glasses. Counter emerging drone/EW threats. Avoid excessive explosives to prevent terrain hazards; prioritize life to encourage tactical play.

Transitioning Between Drills

  • Assault to Break: Loss of fire superiority, high casualties, or overmatch.
  • Break to Assault: Regrouped squad regains initiative.
  • Ambush to Assault/Break: Post-ambush, assess enemy strength for assault or withdrawal.

Leader Role

Leaders direct drill transitions based on cues (e.g., enemy strength, terrain); operators adapt instantly.

Example

  • “All elements—break contact!”

Mutual Oversight

Correct lapses immediately:

  • Assault: “Bravo 2—cover flank; exposed!”
  • Break/Ambush: “Bravo 3—smoke now; pinned!”

Format: [Callsign] → [Observation] → [Fix]. Keep concise, professional.

End State

  • Tactics match threats and objectives.
  • Enemy neutralized or disengaged.
  • Squad cohesive, accounted for, ready to re-task.
  • Reports (SALTA/ACE) sent to higher.

Assault wins with aggression.
Break wins with discipline.
Ambush response wins with speed.