Operational Medicine 2001
Field Medical Service School
Student Handbook

OFFENSIVE COMBAT
FMST 0203
27 Oct 99

“I approve of all methods of attacking provided they are directed where the enemy’s army is weakest and where the terrain favors them the least.” 

Frederick the Great
Instruction to his Generals 1747

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1.      Given a combat environment (day and night), and individual combat equipment, participate in offensive combat per the reference.  (FMST.02.03)

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1.      Without the aid of reference materials and given a list of terms associated with offensive combat, select the purpose of offensive combat.  (FMST.02.03a)

2.      Without the aid of reference materials and given a list of terms associated with offensive combat, select the three (3) phases of offensive combat.  (FMST.02.03b)

3.      Without the aid of reference materials and given a list of terms associated with offensive combat, the two (2) types of column movement.  (FMST.02.04c)

4.      Without the aid of reference materials and given a list of terms associated with offensive combat, select the purpose of consolidation.  (FMST.02.04d)

5.      Without the aid of reference materials and given a list of terms associated with offensive combat, select the two methods for exploitation.  (FMST.02.04e

OUTLINE

A.     PURPOSE.  The purpose of offensive combat is to destroy the enemy’s will to fight.

B.     PHASES OF OFFENSIVE COMBAT.  The offensive mission of the squad is to attack.  Offensive combat is divided into three phases:

1. Preparation

2. Conduct

3. Exploitation

C.     PREPARATION.  The preparation phase begins with the receipt of the warning order.  It ends when the lead element crosses the line of departure or when contact is made with the enemy – whichever occurs first.  It is usually accomplished in three steps:  movement to the assembly area, final preparations in the assembly area, and movement to the line of departure.

1. Movement to the Assembly Area.  The disposition of the squad during the movement to the assembly area is influenced by the size and proximity of the enemy.  The route column and tactical column may be used for the movement to the assembly area.

a.       Route column.  When probability of contact with the enemy is remote, the  movement is made in route column. Units within the column are administratively grouped for ease of control and speed of movement.

b.      Tactical column. The tactical column is adopted when the enemy situation changes from contact remote to contact possible. Units within the column are grouped to permit prompt movement into combat formations.                                                                              

2. Final Preparation in the Assembly Area.  An assembly area is an area where units assemble prior to further tactical action. An assembly area should provide cover, concealment, and security from ground or air attack; it should be large enough to allow for unit dispersion and have ready access to suitable routes forward. When possible, the assembly area should be located beyond the effective range of hostile flat trajectory weapons. Final preparations for the attack are normally completed when the squad is in the assembly area.  Preparations not completed may be accomplished in the attack position.  Preparations include reconnoitering, formulating plans, and issuing orders.  Also:

1. Additional ammunition is drawn and distributed.

2. Weapons, equipment, and personnel are checked for readiness.

3. Rehearsals.

4. Extra or special equipment needed for the operation is obtained and issued.

5. Personnel are allowed to rest as much as possible.

6. Communication equipment is checked.  Leaders must ensure that the required frequencies and call signs are written down and on hand.

3. Movement to the Line of Departure.  Upon leaving the assembly area, the squad makes a rapid and continuous advance to the line of departure.  If necessary, a brief halt to effect last minute coordination and to assume initial combat formations may be made in the attack position.  If the squad is subjected to artillery or mortar fire along the route, it moves quickly through or around the impact area.  Once the squad passes through the line of departure, the conduct phase begins.

D.     CONDUCT.  The conduct phase of offensive combat begins when the squad is forced to fire on the enemy in order to advance or the leading Marines cross the line of departure.

1.       Movement From the Line of Departure to the Assault Position.  When the squad leader believes he has reached a point where his squad can no longer advance without sustaining casualties, he orders one or two fire teams to fire on the enemy positions while the remainder of the squad moves to the flank of the enemy under the protection of this covering fire.  The maneuver used in a particular situation is decided by the squad leader’s rapid estimation of the situation.

a.       Use of Maneuver.

1)      Single Envelopment.  Under cover on the base fire, the maneuvering element attacks against the flanks of  the enemy.

2)      Frontal Attack.  Moving directly forward on line to the enemy’s position after gaining fire superiority.

b.      Assault Position.  The assault position is tentatively established during the squad leader’s planning and reconnaissance.  It is the position between the line of departure and the objective from which the assault on the enemy position is launched.

2.       Movement From the Assault Position Through the Objective.

a.       Fire and Maneuver.  Using a base of fire while other elements maneuver to attack from the flank.  The base of fire draws the attention away from the maneuvering elements and keeps the enemy’s head down by putting a maximum amount of well-aimed rounds on the objective.

b.      Fire and Movement.  When the maneuver element meets enemy opposition and can no longer advance under the cover of the base of fire, it employs fire and movement to continue its forward movement to a position from which it can assault the enemy’s position.  In the squad, fire and movement consist of individuals or fire teams providing covering fire while other individuals or fire teams advance toward the enemy.

c.       Base of Fire.  Unit that supports the assaulting unit by delivering well-aimed rounds on the objective.

 Marines land on Iwo Jima.

d.      Maneuver Element.  Unit that moves under the cover of the base of fire towards the enemy.

e.       Method of Advance/Rushes

1)      Base Movement.  Unit or individual that sets the pace and momentum for the higher unit.

2)      Fire Team Rushes.  Fire teams move while another team lays covering fire on the objective.

3)      Individual Rushes.  Used when the fire team has moved so close to the objective that fire team rushes are no longer effective.

3.       Consolidation.  Is put into action immediately upon capturing an enemy position.  Security is set up and sectors of fire are assigned.  The members are formed into a 180-degree defensive perimeter and are alert and ready for a counterattack from the enemy.

4.       Reorganization.  Is a continuation process.  Spot assignments are made to fill the gaps in your lines where personnel have received wounds and cannot defend the line.  Automatic weapons are manned and ammunition is redistributed.  Casualties are moved to a covered area and tended to.  Prisoners of war are disarmed and searched.  The number of casualties and dead are reported to higher headquarters.

E.      EXPLOITATION.  Exploitation normally occurs after a successful assault and seizure of the objective.  It is a continuation of the attack aimed at destroying the enemy’s ability to conduct an orderly withdrawal or organize a defense.  Pursuit by fire and/or continuation of the attack are methods used to exploit success.

1. Pursuit by Fire.  When the assault through the assigned objective is completed, the squad fires upon the withdrawing enemy forces until they are no longer visible or are beyond effective range.

2. Continuation of the Attack.  The purpose of continuing the attack is to maintain pressure on the retreating enemy and destroy his combat power.  The squad leader repeats all the steps performed for previous attacks.

REFERENCE:

Marine Rifle Squad, FMFM 6-5

Field Medical Service School
Camp Pendleton, California

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Operational Medicine 2001
Health Care in Military Settings

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