Part of this training was to address the observed behaviour of FT's simply stalling when faced with enemy. As a result, they often become the target of enemy suppression leading them to report in that they are "pinned". Keeping movement during a fire fight is a key component of avoiding being suppressed by the enemy and creates opportunities to flank the enemy as they react to your movement.
The training performed during this workshop is most effective when the FT comes under fire. This battle drill assists in regaining the advantage when coming under fire although, in many situations, it can also be used effectively as a tactic for offensive maneuvers.
Organisation of the FT
In a column formation the FT should be organised as:
FTL in the lead. Covers an arc of fire between 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock. ie. The front of the column.
Automatic Riflemen (AR) . Covers an arc of fire between 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. ie. The right side of the column.
Assistant Automatic Rifleman (AAR). Covers an arc of fire between 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock. ie. The left side of the column.
AT Rifleman (ATR). Covers an arc of fire between 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock. ie. The rear of the column.
In a wedge formation the FT should be organised as:
FTL at the front tip of the wedge. Covers an arc of fire between 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock. ie. The front of the column.
Automatic Riflemen (AR) to the right and behind the FTL . Covers an arc of fire between 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. ie. The right side of the column.
Assistant Automatic Rifleman (AAR) to the left and behind the FTL. Covers an arc of fire between 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock. ie. The left side of the column.
AT Rifleman (ATR) to the left/right of the AAR/AR depending on where the greatest threat comes from (right or left). Covers an arc of fire between 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock. ie. The rear of the column.
When possible it is preferable to travel in a wedge formation. This gives the FT the greatest possibility of concentrating fire on the target ahead of them as well as to the their flanks if required.
Column formations are used when terrain is difficult to traverse and when conditions mean it is difficult to maintain visual contact with the team. It can be used for moving to target areas when it is known the threat level is low.
Line formations are organised similarly to wedge formations except that the units are in line with FT and behind them. The order still stays the same as if the FT was in a wedge. The ART will take the side that has the most threat or as direct by the FTL.
The Buddy Team system.
The buddy team is the core foundation of fire and movement in the FT. Buddy teams are color coded to aid in brevity of communications and for clearly identifying elements for orders. Every FT member should make a habit out of identifying and remembering their buddy team color when the mission starts.
Buddy teams are structured as:
Red Team - The FTL and ATR
Blue Team - The AR and AAR
This structure ensures the AR always has access to extra ammo as provided by the AAR and ensures the FTL can work with the ATR to make effective use of AT weapons should the need arise.
Buddy teams should move together and practice should ensure each buddy team moves fluidly as a individual fighting unit.
Orders may be issued by the FTL using the color coding system (eg. Blue team flank left).
Blue team should be the preferred team to provide a base of fire during first contact as the AR is able to provide more effective suppression of the enemy due to the higher rate of fire and mag capacity of the SAW.
Notes on FT bounding and movement
It is very important, that when moving under fire, each buddy team does not bound more than 20m. This is because the purpose of the bound is to move whilst the stationary buddy team can still fire on the enemy. If a boaund is too far (and therefore takes too long) the team providing the base of fire will need to change mags and will lose their ability to suppress the enemy as the bounding teams move.
Always change mags whilst running when in contact and under fire. If you have to change mags whilst a team is bounding then they are bounding too far or you have not been changing mags as you move.
Communication is a vital part of FT movement. It is VITAL that teams communicate when they have completed their bound and when moving to perform another bound.
When a team has completed their bound they should immediately communicate "Red Team set!" or "Red Set!". Following this the team about to bound will communicate "Blue moving!". Once Blue team completes their bound they will communicate "Blue set!" and wait for confirmation Red is moving. This process repeats itself until the FTL calls for a stop to movement.
Summary
- FT's consist of buddy teams color coded Blue and Red
- FT formation is a key component of being able to project firepower quickly.
- Communication during bounding is vital and necessary.
- Do not over reach on bounding. Keep them sharp and tight to ensure you have the enemy suppressed when moving.
- Bounding teams (those with carbines/rifles at least) should reload whilst moving and engaged in a fire fight.
