Group

Working as an infantry element

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The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

The key aspect of our organization is that of closely-knit teams. A rifleman by himself is not nearly as useful as a group of players working as one cohesive unit. Fireteams look out for their own members as well as those of their fellow fireteams. Fireteams are the tip of the infantry spear.

You will find yourself grouped with different players in different missions and your comprehension of this guide is what will allow you to all act as a cohesive and combat-effective group, regardless of who is in your fireteam specifically.

Within each fireteam, buddy teams are formed, typically composed of two members: a leader and a buddy. The leader guides the pair, making decisions and setting the pace, while the buddy supports the leader, covers blind spots, and helps maintain the effectiveness of the team.

Know who is in your element and what their role is. This makes it easier to understand and act on orders given by the element leader.

Remain within an appropriate distance of the other members of the element, such that:

• Mutual support is possible
• In-person communication, without using a radio, is possible
• The element leader is aware of your position

Actively listen for and follow the orders given by the element leader.

Do not intentionally ignore the orders given by those in leadership positions.

When it comes to infantry spacing, i.e. the appropriate distance between one individual and another, the specific distance should be dependent on terrain and circumstance, usually called out by the lead element e.g. the fireteam leader. For infantry, in thick, low visibility terrain or atmosphere, such as jungle or night-time forest, spacing should be as close as 3-5m, whereas in high visibility open terrain, such as desert or open fields in broad daylight, spacing can and should be up to 25m between each individual. The likelihood of mines/IEDs, or Indirect Fire (IDF) should also factor into the chosen spacing with higher risk, increasing the recommended spacing size.

Spacing is the distance that should be held in standard situations both when on the move and holding position, though it is allowable for individuals to move closer for specific reasons such as: buddy team medical assistance, ammo distribution, spotting etc, but individuals should always move back to an effective spacing as soon as these are completed.

Maintain an effective distance between yourself and others, striking a balance between cohesion and minimising potential casualties, based on:

• The terrain being traversed
• The threats faced
• Visibility (foliage, fog,…)

Maintain situational awareness, avoid tunnel vision, and know where friendly forces are. This all helps to prevent being surprised by enemy contacts, prevents friendly-fire incidents by knowing where friendly forces are operating, and gives you an idea of what areas may need more observation based upon how the squad or platoon is oriented.

Players should, at any time, know roughly where their nearest friendly element is, where enemies are most likely to come from, and what the current tasking for their callsign is.

If context is not being provided on what we are doing and what friendlies are doing around us, ask!

Maintain awareness of:

• Your position
• The position of the members of your team
• The general position of other friendly elements
• Potential dangers

When moving, cover the direction appropriate for the given position in the formation.

When stationary, cover the direction instructed by the element leader. When no direction is specified, cover a direction and communicate that direction, such that the element combined has the best all-round coverage.

Avoid crossing through lines of fire as much as possible, instead preferring to go behind the element that is (potentially) engaging. This includes elements providing base of fire, even if they are not actively engaging at the time.