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The Rifle Squad
By
Joseph Hewes
Throughout history, freedom has always been won on the battlefield. The Declaration of Independence and Constitution would not be worth anything if we had lost. The battles were not won by aircraft, tanks, nor artillery, but rather by the soldiers on the ground, fire teams, and squads---GRUNTS! The mission of the rifle squad is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. My goal here is to educate the reader in regards to forming fire teams and rifle squads. The information is of a typical Marine Corps infantry squad. Therefore, some things may differ from Army, or other services, but the essentials should remain the same. Let's look at the organization of an infantry squad.
Organization of Rifle Squad: The rifle consists of three fire teams, each of which is built around an automatic weapon and controlled by a fire team leader.
Organization of Fire Team: The fire team consists of a rifleman, assistant automatic rifleman, automatic rifleman, and fire team leader.
Take a youngster out to shoot today.
They will be the future. That is why the other side places such emphasis on "educating" the young. So you too, must hand down the skills that you have learned. Do something even if they don't really seem to be interested, because someday their life may depend on a little lessen their grandfather taught them.
Squad Leader: The squad leader carries out the orders issued to him by the platoon commander. He is responsible for the discipline, appearance, training, control, conduct, and welfare of his squad at all times, as well as the condition, care, and economical use of its weapons and equipment. In combat, he is also responsible for the tactical employment, fire discipline, fire control, and maneuver of his squad. He takes position where he can best carry out the orders of the platoon commander; and observe and control the squad.
*Shooter's note. To get the Battle Site Zero (BZO) on an AR-15/M-16 simply zero in the rifle at 36 yards. The bullet will be at the same arc at 36 yards as 300 yards.
Fire Team Leader/Grenadier: The fire team leader carries out the orders of the squad leader. He is responsible for the fire discipline and control of his fire team and for the condition, care, and economical use of its weapons and equipment. In carrying out the orders of the squad leader, he takes a position to best observe and control the fire team. Normally, he is close enough to the automatic rifleman to exercise effective control of his fires. In addition to his primary duties as a leader, but not to the detriment of them, he serves as a grenadier and is responsible for the effective employment of the grenade launcher, his rifle, and for the condition and care of his weapons and equipment. The senior fire team leader in the squad serves as assistant squad leader.
Automatic Rifleman: The automatic rifleman carries out the orders of the fire team leader. He is responsible for the effective employment of the automatic rifle and for the condition and care of his weapon and equipment.
*Shooter's note. If you get a hold of a SAW, Squad Automatic Weapon, use magazines as a last resort. It will jam and cause problems when you try to use magazines rather than linked ammo.
Assistant Automatic Rifleman: The assistant automatic rifleman assists in the employment of the automatic rifle. He carries additional magazines and/or ammunition boxes for the automatic rifle and is prepared to assume the duties of the automatic rifleman. He is responsible for the effective employment of his rifle and for the condition and care of his weapon and equipment.
Rifleman: The rifleman in the fire team carries out the orders of the fire team leader. He is responsible for the effective employment of his rifle and for the condition and care of his weapon and equipment. The rifleman is trained as a scout.
The militia can use the same outline. A fire team may have 2-5 people. Also, you can designate a person with an AK-47, AR-15, etc. and have them rapidly fire 3-6 rounds simulating an automatic rifle. The most important task is that each member knows his responsibility.