TAC's Tactical Quick Reference

Section 1: Squad Organization and Weapons

Understanding the organization and capabilities of rifle and weapons squads is fundamental to evaluating platoon operations. These organizations define the organic firepower and capabilities available to the platoon leader.

Infantry Rifle Squad (ATP 3-21.8)

The rifle squad is the primary maneuver element of the infantry platoon. It consists of 9 personnel organized into two fire teams, each led by a team leader.

Typical Combat Load (Infantry Rifle Squad)

Weapons Squad (ATP 3-21.8)

The weapons squad provides the platoon's medium machine gun and anti-armor capability. It does not maneuver independently like rifle squads but provides supporting fires to enable rifle squad maneuver.

Section 2: Movement Formations

Formations provide the framework for controlling the squad/platoon during movement. The SL/PL selects formations based on METT-TC, balancing control, flexibility, security, and speed.

Squad Formations (ATP 3-21.8)

Source: ATP 3-21.8 Doctrine Supplement, Infantry Platoon and Squad

Fire Team Formations

Figure 2-7: Fire Team Wedge

Figure 2-8: Fire Team File

Squad Formations

Figure 2-9: Squad Column (FTs in Wedge)

Figure 2-10: Squad Line

Figure 2-11: Squad File

Platoon Formations with Hand and Arm Signals (ATP 3-21.8)

Platoon formations are built from squad formations. The PL positions squads relative to each other based on threat and terrain. Hand and arm signals enable silent communication.

Section 3: Movement Techniques

Movement techniques describe HOW elements move relative to each other. The leader selects based on likelihood of enemy contact, need for speed, and terrain.

Bounding Overwatch Methods

• Successive Bounds: Overwatch element moves to a position roughly abreast of the bounding element (more secure, slower)
• Alternate Bounds: Overwatch element bounds PAST the bounding element (faster, less secure)

Section 4: Danger Area Crossings

A danger area is any place where the unit is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire. Crossing danger areas is a critical tactical task that requires planning, control, and security.

Types of Danger Areas

Linear Danger Area Crossing Procedure

1. Designate near/far side rally points – Where element halts before crossing; where it assembles after
2. Secure the near side – Element halts in covered/concealed position; establishes local security
3. Reconnoiter the crossing site – Leader or recon team moves to edge; observes far side; confirms no enemy
4. Post far-side security – Send security element across first; they establish overwatch positions
5. Cross the danger area – Main body crosses quickly (usually buddy teams); maintain dispersion
6. Secure the far side – Element consolidates at far-side rally point; accounts for personnel/equipment
7. Continue movement – Once consolidated and secure, resume mission

Key Points for Evaluation

• Did the candidate designate rally points BEFORE crossing?
• Was far-side security established BEFORE the main body crossed?
• Did the candidate maintain control and accountability throughout?
• Was the crossing executed with appropriate speed and dispersion?

Section 5: Battle Drills

Battle drills are standardized collective actions rapidly executed without a deliberate decision-making process. Soldiers execute drills instinctively based on training. Per CMP: "WTBDs were previously taught and tested in basic combat training. There is no requirement to reteach these tasks in OCS."

React to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted (Battle Drill 1A)

Situation: Squad receives direct fire from enemy while moving dismounted

Actions:

1. Soldiers immediately return fire and take cover
2. Team leaders locate and identify enemy position (direction, distance, description)
3. Squad leader reports contact to platoon leader using SALUTE format
4. Squad establishes base of fire to suppress enemy
5. Squad leader assesses situation and directs action (assault, maneuver, or break contact)
6. On order, squad executes follow-on action

React to Contact (Battle Drill 2)

Situation: Element receives fire from enemy

Actions:

1. Soldiers immediately return fire and take cover
2. Team/Squad leaders locate and report enemy position (direction, distance, description)
3. Leaders assess situation and direct fires
4. SL reports contact to PL using SALUTE format
5. Element suppresses enemy; prepares for follow-on actions (assault, break contact, etc.)

Break Contact (Battle Drill 3)

Situation: Element must disengage from enemy (outmatched, mission requires withdrawal)

Actions:

1. Leader gives command to break contact and direction of movement
2. Covering element suppresses enemy with heavy volume of fire
3. Bounding element moves to covered position to rear (uses terrain, smoke)
4. Bounding element sets and provides suppressive fire
5. Elements alternate bounds until contact is broken
6. Consolidate at rally point; account for personnel/equipment

React to Ambush (Battle Drill 4)

KEY CONCEPT: Response depends on whether ambush is NEAR or FAR

NEAR AMBUSH (within hand grenade range, ~35m) — TC 3-21.76, Battle Drill 07-3-D9502:

1. Soldiers IN the kill zone immediately return fire, throw fragmentation grenades, and assault through the ambush position
2. No orders are given — this is an immediate action drill; speed and violence of action are the only chance of survival
3. Soldiers OUTSIDE the kill zone identify enemy positions and provide suppressive fire; shift fires as the assault element moves through
4. Assault continues through the enemy position to the far side; element consolidates and reorganizes
5. SL reports to PL; element prepares for follow-on actions

FAR AMBUSH (beyond hand grenade range, >35m):

1. Soldiers IN the kill zone immediately return fire, seek cover, and suppress the enemy position
2. Soldiers OUTSIDE the kill zone maneuver to a support-by-fire position or flank the enemy
3. SL reports to PL (SALUTE); leader assesses the situation
4. Leader directs follow-on action: assault the ambush position or break contact (based on METT-TC)
5. If assaulting: support element suppresses while assault element maneuvers to destroy the enemy
6. If breaking contact: execute Battle Drill 3 (Break Contact) — elements alternate bounding to the rear under covering fire

Knock Out a Bunker (Battle Drill 5)

Situation: Element identifies enemy bunker during movement

Actions:

1. Element reacts to contact; suppresses bunker
2. SL reports, evaluates situation, maneuvers team to flank
3. Support element maintains suppressive fire on bunker
4. Assault element approaches from blind side/flank
5. Assault element destroys bunker with grenades and fire
6. Element consolidates and reorganizes

Enter and Clear a Room (Battle Drill 6)

Situation: Team must clear a room during urban operations

Actions:

1. Team stacks on entry point
2. #1 soldier enters first, moves to first corner and clears to center
3. #2 soldier enters, moves opposite direction, clears to center
4. #3 and #4 enter and clear remaining corners
5. Team leader announces "CLEAR" when room is secure

Section 6: Actions on the Objective

This section covers the basic framework for offensive operations that candidates will plan and execute during FLX. The candidate must demonstrate understanding of the purpose and organization of each element.

Basic Offensive Framework

Objective Rally Point (ORP) Procedures

The ORP is the last covered and concealed position before the objective where the patrol halts to finalize preparations.

1. Occupation: Typically 200-400m from objective; Establish 360° security; Account for personnel
2. Leader's Recon: PL takes key leaders forward to confirm objective location and finalize plan
3. Final Preparations: Issue final guidance; Conduct rehearsals; PCC/PCI
4. Departure: Elements depart on time; Move to assault/support positions

Consolidation and Reorganization

After seizing the objective, the element must secure the position and prepare for the next mission.

CONSOLIDATION (security):

• Establish hasty defensive positions facing likely enemy avenues of approach
• Position crew-served weapons to cover key terrain
• Establish observation posts and listening posts as needed

REORGANIZATION (sustainment):

• Account for all personnel and sensitive items
• Treat and evacuate casualties
• Redistribute ammunition and supplies
• Process EPWs and captured equipment
• Report to higher (SALUTE, ACE)

Section 7: Ambush Operations

The ambush is one of the primary STX lane missions for OCS candidates. It is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target. Understanding ambush types, formations, and execution sequence is critical for evaluating whether candidates can plan and lead this operation.

Reference: TC 3-21.76 Ranger Handbook, Chapter 7 (Patrols); ATP 3-21.8, Chapter 4

Categories of Ambush

Ambush Formations (TC 3-21.76)

Deliberate Ambush Sequence (TC 3-21.76)

The deliberate ambush is the primary ambush type used in STX lanes. The sequence below follows the Ranger Handbook methodology.

Hasty Ambush (TC 3-21.76)

A hasty ambush is triggered when the patrol detects an enemy force and can set up without being detected. There is no time for a formal order — execution relies on previously rehearsed SOPs.

1. Patrol detects enemy; PL is notified via hand and arm signals
2. Patrol halts, remains motionless
3. PL gives the signal for hasty ambush left or hasty ambush right (direction relative to direction of march)
4. Elements move to covered and concealed positions; security moves to flanks
5. PL establishes the kill zone and control measures
6. PL initiates and controls the ambush
7. PL directs hasty search; patrol consolidates, reorganizes, withdraws, and reports

Section 8: Connecting Tactics to the FLER

The Field Leadership Evaluation Report (FLER) evaluates candidates on the 8 TLPs, not tactical execution. Understanding how tactical tasks connect to TLP evaluation helps focus your assessment.

References

• ATP 3-21.8, Infantry Platoon and Squad (April 2016) - Interactive Doctrine Supplement
• TC 3-21.76, Ranger Handbook (April 2017) - Chapter 7 (Patrols/Ambush), Chapter 8 (Battle Drills/React to Ambush)
• ARNG OCS Course Management Plan (1 JAN 2024)
• ARNG OCS Individual Student Assessment Plan (1 JAN 2024)
• Platoon Trainer Guide (15 November 2024)

FOR TRAINING USE ONLY | TAC's Tactical Quick Reference – ATP 3-21.8 / TC 3-21.76

Created by Matt Wagner | Source: github.com/mattgwagner/tlp-opords