The Field Leadership Handbook

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Field Leadership encompasses the crucial roles of leading platoons and company combined arms operations. These leaders are responsible for guiding and coordinating units at both tactical and strategic levels, ensuring operational success.

The 'Training Team' is a specialised group within the unit responsible for overseeing and managing the evaluation and improvement of a specific combat area. Comprising appointed individuals including Chief Instructors, Staff Instructors, Training Instructors, and Observers, the team operates under the guidance of Training Command. Each member has distinct roles and responsibilities, ranging from providing subject matter expertise to facilitating training sessions and assessing skill levels. Together, they ensure that training standards are met, skills are effectively taught and practiced, and feedback is provided to enhance individual and unit proficiency in specific combat areas.

• Designated member of the unit serving as a subject matter expert in a specific combat area
• Minimum of 1 and maximum of 2 may be assigned to any combat area
• Acts as a senior advisor to unit command, providing guidance on potential changes and advising on ongoing discussions
• Active participant in training, application, and observation of combat area skills
• Holds the highest weighted opinion among all other roles
• Accountable to both the Staff Instructor and Training Command
• Appointment made at the discretion of Training Command

• Member of J7 Staff responsible for overseeing a specific combat area, its training and training team
• Minimum of 1 and maximum of 2 per skill card; each staff member can oversee up to 4 skill cards in total
• Serves as the primary point of contact in the combat area for Training Command, Chief Instructors, Instructors, Observers, and the wider unit
• Ensures adequate training and practices are conducted through the training team
• Appoints and removes Training Instructors and Observers as needed, based on advice from Chief Instructors and in collaboration with Training Command
• Collaborates with Policy staff to implement changes and distribute them upon publication by Unit Command
• Holds the second highest weighted opinion among the roles involved
• Actively participates in training, application, and observation of combat area skills
• Accountable to Training Command and appointed at their discretion

• Unit member appointed as a Training Instructor in a specific combat area, having transitioned from the role of Observer
• Recognized by the training team as a well-rounded individual capable of effectively teaching relevant combat area skills in group settings
• Possesses a solid understanding of the combat area skills
• Holds the third highest weighted opinion among the roles involved
• Limited to a maximum of 6 Training Instructors per combat area
• Actively engages in training, application, and observation of combat area skills
• Accountable to both the Staff Instructor and Chief Instructors

• A member of the unit who is appointed as an Observer in a specific combat area, who in the eyes of the training team is trusted to assess others in a non-teaching capacity in the combat areas skills.
• Typically a starting role on route to Training Instructor.
• Holds the lowest weighted opinion.
• Maximum of 8 per combat area
• Active in the training, application and observation of combat area skills.
• Accountable to the Training Instructors and Chief Instructors.

Your role access is determined by your skills, experience with those skills, and the specific roles that utilize them. With over 100 roles in UNITAF, creating detailed skill breakdowns for every role is a substantial undertaking that cannot be completed overnight. 

Estimated Role Cards

To ensure the entire unit can transition to the new system immediately, some roles are tagged as **"Estimated"**. These roles use a transitional approach:

• Temporary skill blocks simulate role-specific experience
• Estimated access levels are calculated based on these placeholder blocks
• Similar to LTS functionality but with improved accuracy and fewer limitations

Current State: Estimated roles provide functional access levels that closely mirror the previous LTS system while addressing many of its shortcomings. As development progresses, estimated role cards will be upgraded to the full FTS3 standard with detailed, role-specific skill requirements.

Important Note: When roles transition from "Estimated" to "Verified" status, your access level may change (either increase or decrease) as the requirements become more precise and role-specific.

This approach allows UNITAF to:

• Maintain operations during the transition period
• Provide immediate access to the improved FTS3 system
• Ensure continuity while detailed role cards are developed
• Gradually improve role accuracy over time

The estimated system serves as a bridge, ensuring no disruption to unit operations while we build toward the comprehensive FTS3 vision.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as any Platoon Leader or Platoon Commander role until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Platoon Sergeant until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Acting Platoon Leader until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Platoon Leader until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Platoon Commander until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Platoon Commander until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Company Commander until it's role card is completed.

Your role access is determined by your skills, experience with those skills, and the specific roles that utilize them. With over 100 roles in UNITAF, creating detailed skill breakdowns for every role is a substantial undertaking that cannot be completed overnight. 

Estimated Role Cards

To ensure the entire unit can transition to the new system immediately, some roles are tagged as **"Estimated"**. These roles use a transitional approach:

• Temporary skill blocks simulate role-specific experience
• Estimated access levels are calculated based on these placeholder blocks
• Similar to LTS functionality but with improved accuracy and fewer limitations

Current State: Estimated roles provide functional access levels that closely mirror the previous LTS system while addressing many of its shortcomings. As development progresses, estimated role cards will be upgraded to the full FTS3 standard with detailed, role-specific skill requirements.

Important Note: When roles transition from "Estimated" to "Verified" status, your access level may change (either increase or decrease) as the requirements become more precise and role-specific.

This approach allows UNITAF to:

• Maintain operations during the transition period
• Provide immediate access to the improved FTS3 system
• Ensure continuity while detailed role cards are developed
• Gradually improve role accuracy over time

The estimated system serves as a bridge, ensuring no disruption to unit operations while we build toward the comprehensive FTS3 vision.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent in Combat Leadership roles until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Junior Team Leader until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Fireteam Leader until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Squad Leader until it's role card is completed.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent as Squad Commander until it's role card is completed.

Every infantryman operates within a buddy team, ensuring that everyone always has someone to rely on in combat. This approach provides mutual protection and improves combat effectiveness. Standardised in the platoon, buddy teams can be adjusted by fireteam leads based on the situation. The specific composition is indicated on the ORBAT.

Responsibilities

• Always stay close to your buddy, within verbal range (shouting/talking distance) at all times.
• Keep your buddy informed of your movements and actions to maintain situational awareness.
• Cover your buddy’s movements, opposing sectors, and vulnerable moments.
• If your buddy goes down, quickly assess the situation, provide cover, and extract them to safety.
• Maintain mutual accountability, losing track of your buddy is as much your responsibility as theirs.

Each Fireteam consists of four to six players: a leader and 3 to 5 subordinates. New players will end up acting as a rifleman in one of the Fireteams. Riflemen will be under the charge of a more experienced player, acting as the Fireteam Leader (FTL). They in turn, will be under the command of a Squad Leader who leads the two Fireteams that make up each squad. Likewise, the Squad Leader will be under the command of the Platoon Commander, who commands the two or three squads that form the platoon. They are led by the Company Commander, who directs the movements of the platoons in their Company.

Above: A typical fireteam in the field

A company is composed of two to three platoons and a Company Command Element, forming the largest cohesive player-controlled formation. The company executes the overall mission assigned by higher command, coordinating all subordinate platoons and attached support assets such as logistics, air, and artillery. The Company Commander (CoyCo) provides strategic direction and overall control.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the movement and actions of all platoons to ensure unity of effort.
• Manage and allocate supporting assets in line with mission priorities.
• Maintain situational awareness of friendly platoon positions, combat effectiveness, and logistics status.
• Communicate regularly with higher command, relaying progress and requesting support as required.
• Ensure platoon commanders understand the plan’s purpose as well as its details, enabling initiative under changing conditions.
• Maintain flexibility to reinforce, recover casualties, or shift the main effort as the battle evolves.
• Conduct post-mission evaluation to identify lessons learned and improve future performance.

A standard platoon is composed of three rifle squads and a four-man Command Element, known as Platoon Headquarters (PltHQ). The PltHQ includes the Platoon Commander (PltCo), Platoon Sergeant (PltSgt), Platoon Medic (PltMed), and a Rifleman who provides security for the element.

Platoons are the core tactical formation on the battlefield, linking company-level direction to squad-level execution. The Platoon Commander leads the platoon in accordance with the Company Commander’s intent, ensuring that all subordinate squads act in concert toward a unified mission objective.

Responsibilities

• Brief squad leaders on the Commander’s intent and ensure full understanding of the mission and desired end state.
• Maintain control and coordination of all attached squads and supporting elements.
• Position command and support elements effectively to maintain visibility and control of the battle.
• Keep squads within mutually supporting distance, avoiding fragmentation of combat power.
• Delegate tasks and share workload with the Platoon Sergeant.
• Avoid micromanagement; empower Squad Leaders to adapt the fight as required.
• Gather and maintain awareness of platoon ACE (Ammo, Casualties, Equipment) status and report to company command as needed.
• Reorganise or reinforce squads when casualties or mission conditions require.

A rifle squad is a formidable unit built around flexibility and firepower. Each squad typically consists of two Fireteams and a Squad Leader element, usually totalling 14 personnel. The Squad Leader commands two Fireteam Leaders and their teams, supported by a Squad Medic who provides immediate medical care and acts as the second member of the squad lead element.

Squads form the primary fighting unit of a platoon. They execute the Platoon Commander’s intent through aggressive manoeuvre, disciplined communication, and mutual support between Fireteams.

Responsibilities

• Execute the Platoon Commander’s intent through coordinated Fireteam manoeuvre and fire.
• Maintain constant situational awareness of friendly and enemy positions.
• Keep both Fireteams within mutual support range at all times.
• Communicate regularly with other squad leaders and up to the platoon command.
• Ensure all squad members understand the current plan, ROE, and formations.
• Manage casualties within the squad and coordinate with the Platoon Medic when required.
• Reorganise and redistribute personnel or equipment as casualties occur.
• Avoid changing the squad’s structure without approval from the field leader.

Leaders must prioritize their own survival, especially at higher command levels. Reckless behaviour risks the mission and the lives of subordinates. Your strongest weapon is your team—lead from safety to keep them effective.

Leaders of all levels must know the responsibilities of the leader above and below them. This ensures continuity of command in case of casualties and allows for better coordination and assumption of duties when required.

Leaders must keep orders simple and concise. Clear, direct communication reduces confusion, especially in high-stress combat situations. Avoid long, complex instructions. Brevity improves understanding and execution.

Leaders must make timely decisions, even under pressure. A good decision made quickly is better than a perfect one made too late. Decisiveness drives momentum and avoids paralysis in dynamic situations.

Leaders must assign tasks directly to individuals or elements. Vague orders like “someone needs to...” cause confusion. Use names, colour codes, or callsigns to ensure accountability and rapid task execution.

Leaders must avoid micromanaging. Provide clear intent and objectives but leave the execution method to sub-leaders. Tactical flexibility is vital at lower levels and should not be constrained unnecessarily.

Leaders must allow situations to develop before acting. Premature decisions can misallocate forces or compromise positioning. Wait for key indicators and act with informed intent.

Leaders must act independently when needed, in alignment with the commander’s intent. This builds trust across the chain of command and allows rapid adaptation when communications are limited.

Leaders should take notes using pen and paper. This supports recall of mission details such as ROE, timings, objectives, or observations both during execution and for post-mission review and commendations.

Read the operation order beforehand and take notes. Actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and avoid assumptions. Conduct a "read back" of your understanding to confirm alignment with intent. Stay focused and minimise distractions to ensure full situational awareness.

Platoon and squad leaders must repeat mission details clearly to subordinates. Clarify roles, responsibilities, and expected actions, including contingencies and coordination methods (e.g., coloured smoke for marking). Emphasise ROE, especially around friendly aircraft and enemy vehicles. Allow questions and ensure all understand the plan before mission start.

A command brief starts with accountability, ensure all element leaders are present. Begin with orientation, followed by a simplified rephrasing of the mission, then provide the Commander's Intent. Pass detailed assignments to each element using verbal SMEAC structure. End with a Q&A and instruct subordinates to brief their elements and report readiness.

Leaders must issue verbal briefings clearly and concisely. Begin by identifying yourself and ensuring your audience is focused. Use precise, unambiguous language. Set clear, measurable goals and communicate your Commander's Intent. Confirm that subordinates understand their orders and allow time for questions or clarification. Whenever practical, deliver orders while physically orienting subordinates to the terrain to ensure shared understanding.

When leadership casualties occur, others must step up. Every player should understand the roles one level above and below them to ensure leadership continuity when necessary.

Seniority Hierarchy: CoyCo → PltCo → PltSgt → 1SL/2SL/3SL → 1:1/2:1/3:1 FTLs → Most senior member

If your Fireteam Leader is killed or incapacitated, take these steps:

Announce: Declare on comms that you're taking command.

Act: Choose one:

• Continue the previous order
• Request new orders from SL
• Exercise disciplined initiative aligned with the squad intent

If your Squad Leader is killed or incapacitated, take these steps:

• Announce: Notify the squad on the net that you’re taking command.
• Respond: Either:
  • Continue the current mission
  • Go firm to reassess if tactical situation permits
• Report: Notify PltCo. Request CASREPs from teams.
• Assess: Determine combat effectiveness.
• Execute: Continue or adjust plan per PltCo’s intent.

If your Platoon Commander is killed, take these steps:

• Announce: Declare on command net that you’ve taken over.
• Decide: Continue the mission or go firm to assess.
• Delegate: Appoint a new SL to replace your previous role.
• Report: Gather CASREPs/SITREPs from SLs and assess.
• Command: Issue new orders aligned with the original intent.

A unit is combat ineffective if it cannot fulfill its mission or typical tasks. Common causes include:

• Loss of leadership
• Heavy casualties (KIA/WIA)
• Lack of weapons/ammo

Indicators include:

• Lack of movement or cohesion
• Silence or no response to orders
• Absence of return fire
• Numerous KIAs/WIAs
• Unit reduced to a small fraction of its size

If a callsign is not answering you, try to reach them for a total of three times with several seconds passing in between. Each additional time they may add the information that they haven’t received anything, to make other stations aware of it.

If the suspected station is your superior you may assume that they may be incapacitated and/or killed and the next station in the Chain of Command needs to take command in their place.

Example

This example will cover a squad net on channel 250 consisting of Outlaw 1-0, 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3. 1-2 is trying to reach 1-0 without success: 

Trying to contact

1-2: Actual, this is 2.

1-0: (1-0 is not responding so after a couple of seconds 1-2 tries again)

1-2: Actual, this is 2, nothing heard.

1-0: (1-0 is not responding so after a couple of seconds 1-2 tries for the last time)

1-2: Actual, this is 2, nothing heard OUT.

1-0: (1-0 is not responding so 1-1 needs to take command)

 

Succession of command

1-2: 1, this is 2.

1-1: 2 this is 1.

1-2: You need to take command.

1-1: This is 1, taking command..

Leaders must preserve combat power by consolidating forces:

Steps to merge elements:

1. Identify suitable element to merge into.
2. Join the appropriate comms channel.
3. Report status to new leader.
4. Link up with the element if feasible.
5. Merge using ACE interaction or as directed.
6. Prompt, confident action in these moments preserves operational effectiveness.

Leaders must ensure their element executes the operations order effectively while adapting to real-time developments. Leadership involves supervising movement, enforcing tactical discipline, and adjusting plans based on enemy contact or environmental changes.

Identify and track the enemy

• Constantly ask: "Where is the enemy?"
• Use terrain and likely avenues of approach to infer enemy positions. 

Maintain formation and discipline

• Confirm elements are following orders; address deviations promptly.
• Monitor spacing, formation integrity, and mutual support.
• Adjust formations to match terrain and threat levels. 

Avoid gaps and exposed flanks

• Identify and close any gaps between units that could be exploited.
• Maintain overwatch and support relationships between elements. 

Position key assets effectively

• Ensure anti-tank and other special assets are placed forward and ready.
• Confirm recon and point elements are in use where applicable. 

Clarify contact drills and ROE

• Reiterate ROE and reaction-to-contact drills.
• Adapt SOPs to mission-specific threats if necessary.

Confirm operational reality

• Compare the actual situation to the OPORD.
• Adjust plans if discrepancies arise due to faulty intel or unexpected contact.

Assess the tactical picture

• Identify enemy strength, weaponry, and disposition.
• Determine friendly deployment and positioning.

Achieve fire superiority

• Ensure the enemy is suppressed and fixed.
• Position elements for tactical advantage and cover.

Employ and coordinate assets

• Bring special teams and vehicles into action.
• Request artillery, CAS, or indirect fire when available.

Evaluate and adapt tactics

• Determine if the current plan can win the fight.
• Consider flanks, rear approaches, and terrain for alternate tactics.

Exploit enemy weakness

• Identify vulnerable enemy positions or exposed flanks.
• Use fire and manoeuvre, or assaults to gain the upper hand.

Monitor the fight continuously

• Track casualties and effectiveness.
• Disengage if unable to win the engagement.

Establish security immediately

• Secure the area with 360° coverage.
• Clear enemy combatants and occupy strong positions.

Conduct status and ACE reports

• Collect SITREPs and ACE Reports from all elements.
• Determine remaining combat capability.

Address casualties and medical needs

• Confirm medics are treating wounded effectively.
• Avoid clustering around aid stations; establish triage.

Reorganize and redistribute

• Reassign leadership if casualties occurred.
• Merge understrength teams as needed.
• Redistribute key equipment and ammunition.

Prepare for the next objective

• Once stabilized, determine the next phase of the mission.
• Rebrief units if needed and resume movement with discipline.

A far ambush occurs when the enemy is over 50 meters away. Immediate fire and coordination enable manoeuvre to neutralize the threat.

Actions

• If in the kill zone:
  • Return fire and move to cover.
  • Target enemy high-volume weapons (e.g., MGs).
  • Deploy smoke to obscure friendlies or enemy line of sight.
• If outside the kill zone:
  • Move via cover to flank and assault.
  • Inform base-of-fire team before initiating assault to avoid friendly fire.

A near ambush occurs when the enemy is within grenade-throwing distance. Immediate aggression is essential to survive and suppress the ambush.

Actions

• If in the kill zone:
  • Return fire immediately.
  • Throw grenades or smoke.
  • Assault enemy position swiftly once cover is created.
• If outside the kill zone:
  • Provide suppressive fire on enemy position.
  • Shift or cease fire when friendlies assault to avoid fratricide.

Breaking contact allows an element to disengage from the enemy while maintaining suppressive fire to avoid becoming decisively engaged.

Steps

1. Leader announces intent to break contact.
2. Assign a base-of-fire element (e.g., buddy-team, fireteam, or larger).
3. Base-of-fire takes hasty cover and suppresses enemy.
4. Other elements bound to the rear under fire protection.
5. Deploy smoke to conceal movement.
6. On signal, base-of-fire element bounds back to new position.
7. Repeat until disengagement is complete.

The Squad Leader manages the squad’s response to contact by gaining fire superiority, reporting upwards, and deciding whether to hold, manoeuvre, or break contact.

Actions

• Achieve fire superiority.
• Confirm fireteams are reacting appropriately.
• Report contact to the Platoon Commander when possible:
• Prioritize squad command over reporting if needed.
• Assess the position:
  • Hold if viable.
  • Manoeuvre fireteams using bounding overwatch if needed.
  • Break contact if untenable.
• Coordinate with adjacent squads and listen for higher orders.
• Monitor flanks and casualty status via Squad Medic.

The Fireteam Leader is responsible for quickly assessing the situation and ensuring their team responds effectively to sudden enemy contact.

Actions

• Order team to move to covered or concealed positions.
• Identify and report the enemy's position to the Squad Leader.
• Begin engaging the enemy.
• Direct team fire as needed.
• Prepare to manoeuvre as ordered by the Squad Leader.

Convoy ambushes must prevent vehicles from escaping the kill zone and neutralize armoured threats rapidly.

Tactics

• Prioritize disabling the lead, then the rear vehicle.
• Engage soft targets by aiming for tires and drivers.
• Eliminate armored threats immediately—double up AT gunners if possible.
• Stay clear of wreckage due to secondary explosions.
• Use decoy vehicles to bait convoys into halting.

An L-shaped ambush uses two elements forming a right angle, enabling simultaneous frontal and flank fire into the kill zone.

Advantages

• Highly effective due to crossfire.
• Even a single flanking rifleman or marksman significantly increases ambush lethality.
• Can be employed by varied team sizes and roles.

Above: Visual representation of an L-shaped ambush

The linear ambush positions all friendly elements in a single firing line parallel to the enemy's expected path of travel. It is fast to set up and commonly used in hasty situations.

Considerations

• Works well with limited time and mobility.
• A longer line reduces enemy cover options.
• Avoid excessive spacing—ambushed enemies should not be able to breach the line.

Above: Visual representation of a linear ambush

Explosive devices can enhance ambush effectiveness by adding shock and confusion, especially against vehicles or in deliberate setups.

Applications

• Satchel charges and claymores are ideal for deliberate or vehicle ambushes.
• Initiating the ambush with explosives increases lethality.
• Not typically suited for hasty ambushes due to setup time.

An ambush is a surprise attack from concealment against a moving or halted enemy. Ambushes capitalize on surprise and firepower to destroy or disrupt enemy elements.

Key Elements

• Friendly Positioning: Use concealment and elevation to maximize survivability and lethality.
• Kill Zone: Select open terrain with minimal cover; ensure clear, overlapping fields of fire.
• Initiation of Fire: Initiated by the leader, usually with a verbal warning. Fire must be immediate, heavy, and accurate.

Contingency: If fire is accidentally initiated early, all elements must immediately engage to salvage effectiveness.

Snipers pose a long-range precision threat. Quick movement, cover usage, and coordinated suppression are key to survival.

Actions

• Identify direction of fire and seek hard cover.
• If sniper fire is suspected, call out "Sniper!" to alert others.
• If exposed, move unpredictably and avoid direct paths.
• Relay sniper’s position to friendly elements; use map marking if possible.

Snipers are best countered by coordinated team action rather than individual efforts. Flanking and suppression are critical.

Best Practices

• Suppress suspected sniper positions if feasible.
• Flank as a team to neutralize threat.
• Avoid peeking from the same spot repeatedly.
• Use smoke to conceal intended movement route, not current position.

Above: Visual representation of how to utilise smoke in a counter sniper situation

The crack/bang method uses sound delay between bullet crack and muzzle blast to estimate sniper range and direction.

Technique

• Listen for the supersonic "crack" of the round, followed by the "bang" of the rifle.
• Long delay = distant shooter; short delay = closer shooter.
• Use the muzzle blast direction to orient toward the shooter.

Jets are fast-moving threats that rely on visual detection and powerful area-of-effect weapons. Survivability depends on movement and concealment.

Best Practices

• Move perpendicular to attack run to throw off aim.
• Use reverse slopes to block line of sight and reposition after each pass.
• Avoid exposure, jets struggle to detect infantry at speed.

Rotary-wing aircraft are the most dangerous CAS threat due to precision and persistence. Prevention through stealth is preferred.

Best Practices

• Avoid detection via low, concealed movement routes.
• If equipped with AA assets, engage helicopters on approach.
• If no AA is present, rely on concealment and avoid engagement unless certain of success.
• Engage low-and-slow helicopters only when confident in a kill.

If spotted by enemy aircraft, quick dispersion and terrain masking reduce casualties from guided or area-effect weapons.

Actions

• Spread out immediately, avoid clustering.
• Move to terrain that limits aircraft attack angles: forests, urban areas, reverse slopes.
• Only engage aircraft with small arms if escape or survival depends on it.

Artillery and mortars can inflict heavy casualties. Early warning, rapid response, and dispersion are key to survival.

Actions

• Stay alert for distant firing sounds or incoming shells.
• Shout "Incoming!" at the first sign of artillery to warn others.
• If static, spread out and take cover immediately.
• If mobile, follow the element leader’s direction to escape impact area.

Indirect fire threats can be neutralized through accurate location, counter-battery efforts, or direct assault.

Countermeasures

• Call for counter-battery or CAS if available.
• Mortar positions can sometimes be attacked directly.
• Use triangulation with separated elements and compass bearings to identify artillery source.
• Expect delayed repeat barrages—stay in cover until confirmed clear.

Keep proper spacing and offset from lead.

• Communicate speed/distance issues.
• Observe sectors based on offset:
  • Left offset = watch left/front
  • Right offset = watch right/front
  • Rear = observe rear
  • Share rear security if no dedicated element

Leading elements set the pace and direction.

• Guide movement based on orders.
• Prevent outpacing of trail elements.
• Maintain observation forward and to flanks.
• Provide point element if needed.

Formation control ensures spacing and cohesion throughout movement.

• Leaders correct deviations using clear, relative directions.
• Control is maintained by the formation’s overall leader.

Use simple, relative directions when ordering formations.

• Reference direction of movement, not bearings.
• Use “front, left, right, rear” to describe offsets.

Leader roles and positions differ by echelon.

• Squad Leaders “push” fireteams from centre or rear.
• Fireteam Leaders “pull” teams by leading from the front.

Formations can be layered across command levels with Platoons, squads, and fireteams each using different formations. Each leader determines formation appropriate to their level to enables flexibility without micromanagement.

Formations guide positioning to support cohesion and control. They are adaptable, not rigid templates.

Principles:

• Use formations as a baseline, not a constraint.
• Leaders must understand strengths and weaknesses of each formation.
• Precision is less important than practicality, adapt to terrain and threat.

Danger areas are terrain features that expose friendly forces to heightened risk from enemy fire.

These may include:

• Bridges, streams, open lanes, streets, or other open spaces.
• Often observed or covered by enemy forces, including snipers or machine gunners.

Danger areas must be identified early and treated with deliberate caution.

Crossing a danger area is conducted using bounding overwatch principles.

• Cross in small elements to avoid detection and reduce exposure.
• Maintain continuous security throughout the process.
• Movement techniques used are an extension of basic infantry manoeuvre principles.

Step 1: Establish security

• Form a security element to cover the danger area before attempting to cross.
• Use at least half the force to provide overwatch.
• Ensure wide spacing to reduce visibility.
• Security observes flanks, rear, and the danger area itself.

Step 2: Scout the far side

• Send a scout element to cross and clear the far side.
• Typically fireteam-sized.
• Conduct limited penetration to check for threats.
• Provide overwatch for main body during their crossing.

Step 3: Controlled crossing

• Once scouts report clear, remaining elements cross sequentially.
• Cross one element at a time.
• Maintain spacing and speed.
• Do not bunch up or rush the crossing.

Step 4: Consolidate after crossing

• Once all elements are across, regroup and continue the mission.
• Re-establish control and situational awareness.
• Ensure no one is left behind or disoriented.

If taking fire during the crossing, shift to emergency reaction techniques.

• Deploy smoke to obscure movement.
• Use suppression fire to cover crossing elements.
• Maintain aggressive momentum to clear the area quickly.

Suppression uses accurate, sustained fire to force the enemy to take cover and prevent them from effectively returning fire.

• Effective only if the enemy believes exposure will result in death or injury.
• Fixes the enemy in place, enabling manoeuvre by friendly elements.

The base-of-fire provides suppressive fire to support manoeuvre elements.

• Ideally composed of troops with automatic weapons or machineguns.
• Positioned for good observation and fields of fire.
• May include multiple overlapping bases or support from vehicles.

The manoeuvre element flanks or closes with the enemy under cover of the base-of-fire.

• Executes movement to contact, assault, or flank.
• Destroys the enemy using fire & movement tactics.

Fire & manoeuvre is a coordinated action between base-of-fire and manoeuvre elements.

• Base-of-fire suppresses while manoeuvre closes with the enemy.
• Enables safe approach to contact or assault.
• Maximizes automatic and crew-served weapon support.

"Going Firm" is used to halt friendly movement for coordination and reassessment.

• Fireteams take up immediate defensive positions.
• Leaders assess situation, report casualties, and issue new plans.
• Ends with resumed movement or updated orders.

Security ensures 360° awareness and prevents surprise attacks.

• Must be maintained during halts, movement, and contact.
• Includes visual scanning, covering blind spots, and rear/flank observation.

Fire & movement occurs when assaulting within close range of the enemy.

• Used when base-of-fire can no longer provide effective support.
• Involves buddy bounds or individual rushes.
• Usually begins naturally once under effective enemy fire or within grenade range.

Screening Movement

• Used to obscure enemy vision and reduce effective fire during movement.
• Often used to extract wounded or reposition under contact
• Enemy may fire blindly into smoke, but with reduced accuracy
• Must be well-timed and well-placed to be effective 

Masking Enemy Fire

• Smoke placed directly on enemy positions can suppress their fire.
• Effective against bunkers, machine guns, or snipers
• Useful during assaults to degrade high-threat defenders

 Deception

• Used to mislead the enemy and draw fire away from the actual manoeuvre.
• Can trigger enemy responses or reveal their positions
• Creates uncertainty and divides attention during key moments

Signalling

• Used when visual cues are needed between units or for air-ground coordination.
• Can mark friendly or enemy positions
• Can identify landing zones
• Can convey pre-arranged signals in radio-silent environments

Four primary smoke delivery methods are available:

• Hand Smoke Grenades: Short-range, quick concealment for infantry
• Grenade Launcher Smoke: Mid-range concealment or marking via UGL
• Vehicle Smoke Dischargers: Instant, directional smoke for vehicles
• Artillery Smoke Rounds: Long-lasting, wide-area concealment via WP

Coloured smoke is also used for signalling (e.g., marking friendlies or enemy positions for CAS).

Smoke provides on-demand concealment and can be used to:

• Mask friendly movement or positions
• Obscure enemy observation or fire
• Deceive enemy forces
• Signal to friendly units or aircraft

Correct integration of smoke enhances survivability and effectiveness.

Firefights are direct engagements with the enemy and the foundation of infantry combat. Understanding firefight dynamics allows units to adapt, maintain tempo, and defeat the enemy through coordinated action.

Firefights progress through four phases:

• Find: Locate the enemy.
• Fix: Prevent their movement.
• Flank: Attack from an unexpected angle.
• Finish: Assault and destroy.

This cycle underpins nearly all infantry engagements.

Finding the enemy first gives initiative, enabling friendly forces to strike on their terms. Early detection enables surprise, superior positioning, and more effective first fire. Finding the enemy can come from a number of methods: 

• Point Man: A point man or scout team, ~50m ahead of the formation, helps detect threats early and provides a buffer against ambush. Their survival is vital to preserving initiative. 
• Reconnaissance: Recon assets (scouts, UAVs, recon aircraft) gather intelligence on enemy forces and terrain, informing tactical decisions and reducing the risk of unexpected contact. 
• Stealth and Trigger Discipline: Covered movement, good spacing, and terrain use enable stealth. Combined with fire discipline, this allows friendly forces to withhold fire until a coordinated strike is ready. 
• Security and Awareness: Maintaining 360° situational awareness is critical. Security must be maintained during all movement and halts, especially in the rear and flanks.

Fixing is achieved by suppressing and limiting enemy movement. Effective fixing requires dominant positions, volume of fire, and ideally, coordination with indirect assets. Suppression is only effective if the enemy believes exposure will result in death. Without sustained, lethal fire, the enemy may manoeuvre or return fire freely.

Before flanking, confirm:

• Fireteam is unsuppressed
• Terrain supports movement
• Enemy location is known
• Base-of-fire is stable 

The flanking team moves undetected to attack from a new angle. Simultaneously, the base-of-fire maintains pressure. Flank movements must be rapid, concealed, and decisive.

Once flanking forces are in position, they assault the enemy while base-of-fire shifts. Speed and violence of action are critical to overwhelming remaining resistance.

Establish security immediately

• Secure the area with 360° coverage.
• Clear enemy combatants and occupy strong positions.

Conduct status and ACE reports

• Collect SITREPs and ACE Reports from all elements.
• Determine remaining combat capability.

Address casualties and medical needs

• Confirm medics are treating wounded effectively.
• Avoid clustering around aid stations; establish triage.

Reorganize and redistribute

• Reassign leadership if casualties occurred.
• Merge understrength teams as needed.
• Redistribute key equipment and ammunition.

Prepare for the next objective

• Once stabilized, determine the next phase of the mission.
• Rebrief units if needed and resume movement with discipline.

If flanking fails or is infeasible, a direct assault may be necessary. Pincer movements (simultaneous flank and front assaults) maximize shock and reduce exposure.

If manoeuvre becomes unfeasible, adopt a defensive posture:

• Use strong terrain
• Cover likely approaches
• Establish overlapping sectors

Transition to defence is not permanent, readiness to counterattack remains key.

If the enemy cannot be flanked or defeated, disengage under cover of smoke or suppressive fire. Withdraw in bounds to prevent pursuit and reposition for advantage.

Security elements screen the assault from external threats:

• Protect flanks and rear from enemy reinforcements or counterattacks
• Can be integrated into the support element
• Key for maintaining operational integrity during larger attacks

The support element (base of fire) enables assault by suppressing the enemy:

• Provides high volume of fire, typically using crew-served weapons
• Should comprise 2/3 of the force
• Must shift or cease fire as assault teams close in

The assault element closes with and destroys the enemy using fire and movement:

• Use covered routes to stay concealed
• Attack aggressively, maintain momentum
• Leave casualties to follow-on forces to avoid stalling

Observation & Fields of Fire

• Choose support positions with visibility but avoid obvious spots
• Consolidate ARs for better support-by-fire (SBF)
• Identify observation posts for recon or coordination
• Evaluate enemy overwatch and cover areas
• Use smoke or stealth to bypass dangerous ground

Cover & Concealment

• Assess enemy cover to anticipate positions
• Use available micro-terrain for movement
• Urban and dense terrain increases risk and slows assaults
• Open terrain allows better coordination and support

Obstacles

• Identify obstacles and plan how to bypass or breach them
• Use satchels or AT to clear paths if needed
• Expect enemy to cover obstacles—use smoke to mask approach

Key or Decisive Terrain

• Seize vantage points, mission objectives, or tall structures
• Expect heavier enemy presence on decisive ground
• Exploit terrain to limit enemy strength or visibility

Avenues of Approach

• Choose concealed approaches when possible
• Identify opportunities for feints or unexpected routes
• Multiple simultaneous approaches can overload enemy response
• Unlikely or audacious routes may catch the enemy off-guard

No plan survives first contact. Leaders must remain flexible and ready to adapt to unexpected resistance or opportunity. Maintain the initiative by shifting tactics mid-attack when necessary.

Surprise can outweigh preparatory fires. A fast, violent, unexpected attack may disorganize the enemy more effectively than bombardment. The decision to prioritize surprise over preparation lies with the assault commander.

Preparation involves striking the objective with available firepower, artillery, mortars, CAS, or heavy weapons prior to the assault. Targets should be based on recon intel. Fires should ideally continue during the assault and shift just before the assaulting element reaches the objective to maximize confusion and shock.

Isolation prevents the enemy from reinforcing or retreating. This can be achieved through:

• Positioning heavy weapons to cover likely escape routes
• Pre-plotting artillery on fall-back routes
• Using deception, such as leaving a gap to bait retreat

Isolation is not always perfect, but should be attempted as thoroughly as possible using recon and terrain advantage.

Reconnaissance is the first phase of any attack. Knowing the enemy’s location, strength, and positions in advance increases the likelihood of a successful assault. Ideally, recon should be completed before the enemy becomes aware of friendly presence.

To take and hold ground, infantry must move forward and decisively engage the enemy. Fire alone cannot accomplish this. Movement must be protected by supporting fire to suppress and distract the enemy, enabling assault elements to close in and seize the objective.

A direct assault on the enemy’s weakest point, supported by fire and smoke:

• High risk, only used when alternatives aren't viable
• Must have strong suppression and concealment
• Use bounding overwatch to maintain momentum

The support element fixes the enemy while the assault flanks one side:

• Conceal movement for as long as possible
• Shock and surprise enhance effectiveness
• Shift fires as assault nears the objective

Above: Visual representation of a single envelopment

Assault elements strike both flanks while support suppresses:

• Synchronization is key to avoid friendly fire
• Simultaneous flank attacks disorient defenders
• Staggered timing can draw enemy focus to one side

Above: Visual representation of double envelopment

Assault manoeuvres behind enemy lines:

• Splits enemy attention front and rear
• Requires tight coordination to avoid friendly fire
• Best executed from one side, splitting the assault element is risky

Above: Visual representation of deep envelopment

A spoiling attack disrupts the enemy’s plans by launching a surprise counterattack from defensive positions. Best conducted with armor or small infantry raids, it can fracture enemy cohesion. Only attempt if the force can afford the risk and spare the assets.

Urban defences combine linear and perimeter features. Key considerations:

• Dominate streets and choke points with MGs and snipers.
• Establish fall-back positions for fluid defence.
• Support vehicles with infantry, especially in close quarters.
• Use observers in tall buildings, but avoid obvious or predictable locations.
• Disperse units between buildings to reduce explosive casualties.

Position defenders on the side of a hill opposite the enemy. This limits enemy observation and firepower until they crest. Benefits include protection from direct fire and artillery, but it requires forward observers and a plan for difficult withdrawals. If possible, include a rear slope security element.

Above: Visual representation of reverse slope defence

Used when threats may come from multiple directions or when isolated. Forces are arranged in a loop or triangle, using all available cover. Squad-level perimeter defences are vulnerable, platoon-scale is more effective. Ideal for holding terrain without a defined enemy axis of advance.

Linear defences align perpendicular to the expected enemy approach. They excel in chokepoints and with limited flanking risk. Strengths include strong frontal firepower and simplicity. Ensure flank security and avoid using this setup against mechanized threats unless terrain supports it.

Observation & Fields of Fire

• Position weapons to cover expected approaches with interlocking fire
• Use elevation and open terrain for long sightlines
• Assign sectors and clear kill zones of obstruction

Cover & Concealment

• Select terrain that offers protection and concealment
• Use fortifications and camouflage to reduce visibility
• Prepare alternate firing positions

Obstacles

• Use terrain, wire, or mines to channel enemy movement
• Cover obstacles with direct or indirect fire
• Avoid blocking friendly fields of fire

Key or Decisive Terrain

• Hold terrain that controls movement or offers advantage (e.g. high ground)
• Reinforce positions likely to be attacked
• Use terrain to protect flanks and enable movement

Avenues of Approach

• Identify all likely enemy routes
• Funnel the enemy into kill zones
• Maintain security on flanks and rear

• Security: Observation of all avenues of approach must be maintained. Sentries, OPs, and rear/flank watch are essential. Without 360° awareness, the defense is vulnerable to surprise and flanking. 
• Positioning: Every position should offer cover from fire, concealment from observation, and effective fields of fire. Terrain and fortifications must be used to the defender’s advantage, while minimizing exposure to likely threat angles. 
• Depth: A layered defense absorbs shocks and enables fallback. Forward elements slow the enemy, while reserves counterattack or hold rear lines. Depth provides both resilience and flexibility. 
• Mutual Support: Defensive positions must overlap in fields of fire, allowing them to support one another. No position should be isolated; any attack on one should trigger fire from others. 
• Flexibility: Plans must account for contingencies. Have fallback positions, repositioning routes, and mobile reserves. Defenses that cannot adapt are easily overrun.