Infantry Battle Drills

Jack T
Jack T
Last updated 
Infantry Battle Drills: Quick Reference Guide


Overview


Battle Drills are practiced, adaptable responses to common combat scenarios. These are guidelines that can be modified by squad leaders to suit field conditions. A solid understanding of these drills ensures you can effectively execute and adapt them when needed.


React to Contact Drill


Scenario: Squad is moving, and one fireteam receives contact.
  1. Lead Team:
    • Seek cover and engage the enemy with suppressing fire.
    • Remain decisively engaged (cannot retreat without taking fire).
  2. Second Team:
    • Find concealed positions; avoid engagement.
  3. Squad Leader:
    • Move to assess the situation.
    • Decide on a response: flank, break contact, or support by fire.

Break Contact Rear

Scenario: Squad is engaged from the front (12 o'clock).
  1. Step 1:
    • Squad leader orders a break contact.
    • First fireteam deploys smoke to create a screen (check wind direction).
  2. Step 2:
    • First team retreats to cover (no farther than a 1-minute sprint).
    • Signal the second fireteam to retreat.
  3. Step 3:
    • Second team repeats the process.
    • Teams alternate movements, maintaining alignment.
Assault on the Flank

Scenario: Enemy holds a strategic position; squad cannot gain fire superiority.
  1. Step 1:
    • First fireteam provides suppressive fire on the objective.
    • Second fireteam moves via a concealed route to flank the enemy.
  2. Step 2:
    • Flanking team signals readiness to the squad leader.
    • Overwatch team shifts fire away from the assault route.
  3. Step 3:
    • Flanking team assaults through the objective and halts at the far edge (limit of advance).
    • Overwatch team then assaults through the objective, completing actions like destroying equipment.

Linear Danger Areas (LDA)

Definition: Exposed areas (roads, runways, clearings) where enemy forces may spot and engage.


Crossing Methods:
  1. Deliberate Crossing:
    • First team sets security (near side).
    • Second team crosses and clears the far side, establishing security.
    • Teams alternate until the entire element crosses.
  2. Hasty Crossing:
    • Squad forms a file.
    • Move one soldier at a time across the LDA, alternating directions.
    • Continue until the formation has crossed.
  3. Crossing by Force:
    • Used when speed is critical, and contact risk is low.
    • Entire squad moves across without special security measures.

Platoon-Level Adjustments
  • Use squads instead of fireteams for drills like React to Contact or Assault on the Flank.
  • Maintain near-side security during platoon crossings.

Key Notes
  • Communication: Maintain clear radio traffic during all drills.
  • Smoke Deployment: Always check wind direction to avoid blinding overwatch positions.
  • Adaptation: Squad leaders may modify drills based on real-time situations.

Practice these drills regularly to ensure quick, efficient responses in combat scenarios.