UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

School of Infantry

Training Command

PSC Box 20161

Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-0161

SQUAD FORMATIONS

CS0903

LESSON PLAN

MARINE COMBAT TRAINING COURSE

M03M924

4 MAY 2004

Lesson Title: Squad Formations

Total Lesson Time: 1.50 hrs

Reference and Pages: FMFM 6-5 Marine Rifle Squad, pages 3-1 through 3-33.

INSTRUCTOR PREPARATION

1. A primary instructor is assigned to teach this period of instruction in accordance with the current Master Lesson File.

2. The primary instructor ensures the equipment and media is set up in the appropriate classroom at least 15 minutes prior to beginning the lecture.

3. Before beginning the lecture, the primary instructor conducts a meeting with the appropriate company personnel to coordinate the execution of the Assistant Instructor Guide.

4. All students are seated with their student handouts and note taking material per the time listed on the training schedule. The primary instructor implements the instruction per the times and locations listed on training schedule.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Any weapon used for a demonstration is physically cleared before each demonstration by conducting “unload, show clear.”

2. The associated Operational Risk Assessment Worksheet in the Assistant Instructor Guide will be applied throughout training.

3. Prior to conducting practical application/performance examination, students will be briefed on safety concerns during the conduct of training.

INTRODUCTION

LECTURE (5 MIN)

(CS0903, SLIDE 1)

1. GAIN ATTENTION. Since the age of the Roman Empire and beyond, military units have organized in combat formations to maintain control, help communications, minimize fratricide, and maximize combat power. The history books are filled with stories of armies who were decimated by well-organized, disciplined combat formations. In this aspect, today’s battlefield has changed little since the earliest days of human conflict as chaos and confusion are still a constant presence and battles are won and lost thanks at least in part to the organization and discipline of the fighting units.

2. OVERVIEW. Good morning or afternoon. My name is __________. The title of this lesson is, “Squad Formations”. The purpose of this lesson is to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to assume an assigned position in fire team and squad formations. You will apply this knowledge and skill when performing fire team and squad movement during the tactical events executed in this course, and may be called upon to employ these techniques in a combat enviroment.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Have the students read the learning objectives to themselves as you read them

out loud. Emphasize the task in the learning objective to the students. Check for understanding by asking questions, as required.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

a. Terminal Learning Objective. Given a graphic of fire team and squad formations, and a list of choices, identify formations in accordance with FMFM 6-5. (MCCS.14.02)

b. Enabling Learning Objective. None.

4. METHOD/MEDIA. I will present this lesson using the lecture and practical application methods. I will be aided by a multimedia presentation.

5. EVALUATION. You will be evaluated on this instruction by a written examination on TD-____. To achieve mastery, you will be required to identify fire team and squad formations.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Explain to the students the procedure for completing the Instructional Rating Forms (IRF). Inform students that you, the primary instructor, will collect the IRF once the entire period of instruction, to include the performance examination. The primary instructor is responsible for his lesson’s IRF collection.

TRANSITION. Are there any questions concerning the learning objectives or how you will be evaluated? I encourage each of you to take your own notes in your student handout. Let's begin the lesson by discuss the purpose of combat formations.

(CS0903, SLIDE 2)

Instructor Note

Words in bold indicate blank spaces in student handout.

BODY (1 HR 24 MIN)

1. Combat Formations. Fire team and squad formations are groupings of individuals and units for efficient tactical employment. The factors influencing the leader's decision as to the selection of a particular formation are the mission, terrain, situation, weather, speed, and degree of flexibility. Combat formations and signals enable the leader to control the movement, and maneuver of his unit when moving to and assaulting an enemy position.

(CS0903, SLIDE 3)

a. Basic Combat Formations

(1) Normally each unit leader will determine the formation for his unit. Thus, a unit may contain a variety of formations at any one time, and these formations may change frequently.

(2) The relative position of the units within the formation should be such that one will not mask the fire of the others. It is not important that exact distances and intervals be maintained between units and individuals as long as control is not lost.

(3) Visual contact will be maintained within the fire team, and between fire team leaders and squad leaders.

(4) All movement to change formations is by the shortest practical route.

(CS0903, SLIDE 4)

b. Military Symbols. In all fire team formations remember: "Ready, Team, Fire, Assist", for positioning fire team members. Each member of the fire team is identified by his own symbol.

(1) Ready identifies the riflemen. The symbol for the riflemen is a blank circle or the letter "R" encased by a circle.

(2) Team identifies the team leader. The symbol for the team leader is a circle with a diagonal line through it.

(3) Fire identifies the automatic riflemen. The symbol for the automatic riflemen is an arrow encased by a circle.

(4) Assist identifies the assistant automatic riflemen. The symbol for the assistant automatic riflemen is the letter "A" encased by a circle.

(CS0903, SLIDE 5)

c. Squad Leader Symbol. The symbol that identifies the squad leader is the letter “X” encased by a circle. The lower part of the “X” is darken in.

TRANSITION. Thus far we have covered the purpose of combat formations and the characteristics of fire team formations. Are there any questions?

Question. Describe the symbol that identifies the rifleman?

Answer. The symbol for the riflemen is a blank circle, or the letter "R" encased by a circle.

Question. Describe the symbol identifies the automatic rifleman?

Answer. The symbol for the automatic riflemen is an arrow encased by a circle.

Next we will discuss fire team formations.

(CS0903, SLIDE 6)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

The instructor points out, on the slide, the location of each member of the fire team for each fire team formation.

2. Fire Team Formations

a. Column

(1) Used when speed is essential and enemy contact is not probable, or the enemy position is known.

(2) Permits rapid, controlled movement.

(3) Favors fire and maneuver to the flanks.

(4) Vulnerable to fire from the front and provides the least amount of fire to the front.

(5) The formation is organized rifleman, team leader, automatic rifleman, and assistant automatic rifleman (ready, team, fire, and assist).

(6) The ready will start to the left and alternate right then left covering down behind the Marine in front of them and at least ten meters in between you and the Marine in front of you.

(7) At night, each member of the column is close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(CS0903, SLIDE 7)

b. Wedge

(1) Used when enemy contact is probable, and/or enemy position is unknown.

(2) Permits good control of the formation.

(3) Provides all-round security, in all directions.

(4) Formation is flexible; Marines are able to move quickly into other formations.

(5) Fire is adequate in all directions.

(6) Team leader and assistant automatic riflemen can be on either side.

(7) The formation is organized ready, team, fire, and assist in a counter clockwise direction.

(8) The Marines are at least ten meters apart.

(9) At night, the Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact.

(CS0903, SLIDE 8)

c. Skirmishers Right (Left)

(1) While in the skirmishers right, all members of the fire team are to the right of the riflemen. Skirmishers left is just the opposite.

(2) The Marines are staggered ready, team, fire and assist, front to back and aligned to each other. Skirmishers left is organized in the same manner.

(CS0903, SLIDE 9)

(3) The Marines are at least ten meters apart.

(4) At night they will be close enough to maintain visual contact.

(5) Used when the location and the strength of the enemy are known. For example, during the assault, when mopping up, or when crossing short open areas.

(6) This formation provides maximum firepower to the front.

(CS0903, SLIDE 10)

d. Echelon Right (Left)

(1) While in the echelon right, all members of the fire team are to the right of the riflemen. Echelon left is just the opposite.

(CS0903, SLIDE 11)

(2) Used to protect an open or exposed flank by providing security and firepower in the designated direction.

(3) Provides heavy firepower to the front and echelon flank.

(4) The formation is organized ready, team, fire, and assist. All Marines will be to the right or left of the rifleman at a forty-five degree angle, depending on the formation.

(5) The team leader may be on line or slightly back from the formation as needed for better control of his Marines.

(6) The Marines will be at least ten meters apart.

(7) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with each other.

TRANSITION. Now that we have completed our discussion of fire team formations, are there any questions about anything that we have covered thus far?

Question. What formation permits rapid and controlled movement?

Answer. Column formation.

Question. What formation provides all-round security?

Answer. Wedge formation.

Next, we will discuss squad formations.

(CS0903, SLIDE 12)

3. Squad Formations

a. The squad leader prescribes the formation for his squad. Based on his assessment of the situation, the squad leader may prescribe the initial formation for his fire teams, if the situation dictates. In all formations, the squad leader positions himself where he can best control the unit. More often then not, this is toward the center of the formation.

(1) Fire team leaders may make subsequent changes to their fire team formation.

(2) The characteristics of squad formations are similar to those of the fire team.

(3) The fire team is the maneuver element in squad a formation.

(CS0903, SLIDE 13)

b. Characteristics of Squad Formations

(1) Squad Column. Fire teams are arranged in succession one behind the other.

(a) Used when speed is essential and enemy contact is not probable, or the enemy position is known.

(b) Easy to control and maneuver.

(c) Excellent for speed of movement or when strict control is desired.

(d) Especially suitable for narrow covered routes of advance, maneuvering through gaps between areas receiving hostile artillery fire, moving through areas of limited observation, and moving under conditions of reduced visibility.

(e) Vulnerable to fire from the front or rear.

(f) Often used at night.

(g) The formation is organized first, second, third team, and in order, rifleman, team leader, automatic rifleman, and assistant automatic rifleman for all three fire teams.

(h) The ready will start to the left and alternate right then left covering down behind the Marine in front of them and at least ten meters in between you and the Marine in front of you.

(i) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(j) The squad leader is positioned in between the first and second fire teams, but he may move throughout the squad in order to maintain control.

(CS0903, SLIDE 14)

(2) Squad Wedge

(a) Used when enemy contact is probable and the enemy position is unknown.

(b) Permits good control so Marines can react to the enemy quickly.

(c) Provides all-round security, so there is firepower in all directions.

(d) Formation is flexible so that Marines can change directions or formations rapidly.

(e) Firepower is adequate in all directions.

(f) The formation will go by teams, in order, in a counter clockwise direction. The first team will be in front, the second team to the left and the third team directly to the right of the second team. No team will be covered down on each other. All teams will be in a fire team wedge.

(g) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(h) The squad leader will be in the middle of the teams, but he may move throughout the squad to best control his squad.

(CS0903, SLIDE 15)

(3) Squad Line

(a) Used when the location and strength of the enemy are known. For example, during the assault, when mopping up, or when crossing short open areas.

(b) Maximum firepower to the front.

(c) The formation is organized by teams, in order. The first team is in the middle, the second team to the left and the third team directly to the right of the first team. No team is covered down on another. All teams are in a fire team wedge. The Marines are positioned at least ten meters apart.

(d) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(e) The squad leader positions himself directly behind the middle of the teams, but he may move throughout the squad to maintain control.

(f) The formations of the fire teams are determined by what side of the squad they are on and the assessment of the squad leader.

(CS0903, SLIDE 16)

(4) Squad Echelon

(a) Used to protect an open or exposed flank by selecting this formation for the given terrain.

(b) Provides heavy firepower to front and echelon flank.

(c) The formation is organized by teams, in order. The first team to the left and in front, the second team in the middle, and the third team at the end. No team is covered down on another. All teams are in a fire team wedge. The squad is at a forty five degree angle to the left or right. The Marines are at least ten meters apart.

(d) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(e) The squad leader positions himself in the middle of the first and second team, but may move throughout the squad to maintain control.

(f) The formations of the fire teams are determined by the squad leader.

(CS0903, SLIDE 17)

(5) Squad Vee

(a) Used when the enemy is to the front and his strength and location are known. May be used when crossing large open areas. Primarily used as a final formation before coming on line in the assault.

(b) Facilitates movement into squad line.

(c) Provides excellent firepower to front and flanks.

(d) Provides all-round security, so there is firepower in all directions.

(e) The formation is organized by teams, in order. The first team in the middle, the second team to the left and in front of the first team, the third team directly to the right and in front of the first team. No team is covered down on another. All teams are in a fire team wedge. The Marines are at least ten meters apart.

(f) At night, Marines stay close enough to maintain visual contact with the Marine in front of them.

(g) The squad leader positions himself in the middle of the teams, but he may move throughout the squad to maintain control.

(h) The formations of the fire teams are determined by what side of the squad they are on and the assessment of the squad leader.

TRANSITION. Now that we have covered squad formations, are there any questions on anything we have covered thus far?

Question. What formation is used to protect an open or exposed flank?

Answer. Echelon formation.

Question. What squad formation is used when the enemy is to the front and his strength and location are known?

Answer. Squad Vee Formation.

Next, we will discuss the process for changing formations.

(CS0903, SLIDE 18)

4. Changing Formations

a. The squad leader may change formations to place more concentrated, intense fire on the enemy, present a less vulnerable target, or to get over difficult or exposed terrain. Formation changes in varying or rough terrain are frequent in order to get the squad over, or through man-made or natural obstacles.

(1) The squad leader signals the team leaders with the squad formation and direction of movement. Remember, the fire team may be in any fire team formation within the squad formation that suits the mission.

(2) When the team leaders receive the formation and direction signal from the squad leader, the fire team leader signals, with his hands and arms, the formation for that fire team will assume and the direction of movement.

(3) Fire team members move in the most direct route to assume their position in the new formation.

(4) Each Marine in all formations will look back every three to five paces to their team leader to see is any new signals are being passed.

(5) Some examples are:

(CS0903, SLIDE 19)

a. Fire team column to wedge

(CS0903, SLIDE 20)

b. Fire team column to skirmishers right

(CS0903, SLIDE 21)

TRANSITION. Are there any questions regarding anything that we have covered in this lesson.

Question. What are the four fire team formations?

Answer. Column, Wedge, Skirmishers, and Fire team Echelon.

Question. What are the five squad formations?

Answer. Column, Wedge, Line, Echelon, and Squad Vee.

Next, we will perform practical application. During practical application you will have an opportunity to assume assigned positions in fire team and squad formations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION (60 MIN)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Refer to the Assistant Instructor Guide (AIG) for the requirements and procedures for conducting the practical application portion of this lesson.

TRANSITION. We have just completed practical application for squad formations. You will continue to perform and practice these formations during each tactical event you perform throughout training. Are there any questions about anything that we have covered or performed in this lesson?

SUMMARY (1 MIN)

During this period of instruction we have covered the characteristics and configurations of fire team and squad formations. Please respond to the questions or make comments on your Instructional Rating Forms, as appropriate. Hold on to the forms until after the practical application for this lesson. Once the practical application is complete, I will collect all of the forms.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Provide the students with instructions regarding what to do and where to form in preparation for the next training event.