Squad Tactical Guide

Red Vs. Blue (The Great Escape)

A Company/ 2^nd Platoon/ 1^st Squad

Introduction: Welcome to the squad level tactical guide for 1^st squad. The following guide will outline some basic maneuvers the squad may be called upon to perform in the course of its actions. The guide will deal with three main issues, movement, defensive setup, and offensive maneuver.

Movement: The squad will concentrate on two formations. Line and staggered column.

Line movement: Line movement is very simple. It is simply a line of our infantry abreast of each other. The center of the line will contain our vital soldiers, with a point man out in front directing and spotting for the main line. Here is a picture of our squad in line formation.

This can be expanded to include the whole platoon. In the following example is our platoon in line formation.

Staggered Column: Staggered column involves the squad forming into a column, with each soldier in the column?s placement moves from left to right then back to left. This formation ensures maximum coverage of the area with a moderate pace of movement. Following picture shows 1^st squad in staggered column. Note the lines indicating field of view to be watching.

Defensive setup: In our objective, we will have to establish a defensive perimeter and await the bomber crews. We will form our defensive perimeter based on our cover, but here is a general guideline to how the squad should setup.

The squad will shift left or right depending on our position with the other squads. In the event we are in the center (or all three squads are in line), the following could represent our setup.

The LMG should be prepared to shift wherever it might be needed most. At all times the LMG should have a guard, either the sapper soldier or myself.

Offensive Maneuver: We will only deal with one type of offensive maneuver, a slight variation on bounding over-watch. The following picture will detail this maneuver.

This is a normal bounding over-watch, with a slight twist to maximize the LMG. In the initial setup the squad is in line formation. 4 members of the unit will advance to a new forward position. The remaining 4 members, plus the LMG and his guard will provide watch. Once the initial 4 members are set, the remaining 4 members will advance past the new line to setup a new advanced line. Here is the twist, the LMG and his guard will advance only to the rear line and reset. (Stage 2) Once the new line is formed, the rear line will advance to farther position, with the LMG/guard supporting the new rear line. (Stage 3) This will repeat until the squad is in final position.

This maneuver may also be used in conjunction with the whole platoon. In this case, the whole squad will advance or cover on command of the platoon CO.

Other Notes: Roles.

Point Man: The point man will be guiding the squad. At his discretion, the squad will move forward or halt. Periodically the point man should halt the squad to recon the area and allow everyone to scan/rest.

Rear guard: Rear guard will periodically scan behind the squad to ensure we are not flanked. They will also be a double check on anyone falling behind.

O.P.S. The observation points are forward troops who sole goal is to spot approaching units (hostile or friendly). They should avoid contact at all cost. At the sight of a unit, they should report immediately to the squad Sgt. then fall back to the main line.

LMG: The LMG should try to stay in cover at all times, be prepared to reposition to confront the angle of an attack upon our position, and only engage when prudent.

LMG guard: The guard main goal is to ensure the safety of the LMG. They are to provide lookout for the LMG and direct his fire when needed.

In closing?

I tried to keep things simple. Try to be somewhat familiar with these few rules/formations/etc. as well as the special roles. As always, be prepared to follow new orders on the fly. Report all contacts to me, the Sgt.

Hold your fire. Discharging weapons wastes ammo and gives away our position.

Remember our primary goal, rescue of those pilots. Each pilot gives us 10 points to victory. 1 pilot rescued is worth a whole squad!