tactics:firefight

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tactics:firefight [2016/03/21 19:17] – created snipperstactics:firefight [2025/08/03 14:24] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-====== Anatomy of a firefight ====== +====== Firefights ====== 
 +In this page we aim to provide the reader with the knowledge to understand and exercise tactical thinking in a firefight. We start by introducing the basics of a firefight. We then discuss the tactics that are typically employed in firefights. Lastly we discuss how to use these tactics as part of a plan to win a firefight.
 ===== What makes up a firefight? ===== ===== What makes up a firefight? =====
  
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 The first thing to consider when planning is the LOS any given location provides. If troops are in positions with poor lines of sight they will not be able to support in a firefight. If two elements are to support each other they must have LOS on positions where enemies can engage the other unit.  The first thing to consider when planning is the LOS any given location provides. If troops are in positions with poor lines of sight they will not be able to support in a firefight. If two elements are to support each other they must have LOS on positions where enemies can engage the other unit. 
  
-**The more rifleman with LOS on a target the faster he will die.**+**The more riflemen with LOS on a target the faster the target will die.**
  
 Hills and high ground tend to offer good LOS. In return though they can also be engaged from a multitude of positions. Cover and concealment (trees/rocks/forests/buildings) block line of sight. It is often wise to at least place some infantry on high ground to find the enemy. Hills and high ground tend to offer good LOS. In return though they can also be engaged from a multitude of positions. Cover and concealment (trees/rocks/forests/buildings) block line of sight. It is often wise to at least place some infantry on high ground to find the enemy.
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 ===== Fire and movement tactics ===== ===== Fire and movement tactics =====
  
-Fire and movement tactics work on the principle that while some units they should be covered by other units. If the covering element notice any enemies that may endanger the moving element they should suppress the enemy. The enemy’s ability to engage the moving element is thus impeded as they will be forced to attempt to return fire. This offers protection for the moving element. Movement should not be conducted without fire and movement tactics in territory where there is a possibility of being engaged by the enemy.+Fire and movement tactics work on the principle that when units move they should be covered by other units. The covering element/s provide security to the exposed and vulnerable moving element. If the covering element notice any enemies that pose any danger to the moving element they will suppress and engage those enemies. The enemy’s ability to engage the moving element is thus impeded as they will be forced to attempt to return fire on the overwatching element. This offers protection for the moving element. Any advance through territory where the possibility of enemy contact exists should be done with fire and movement tactics.
  
 +//The following fire and movement tactics can be applied at any level of command pair/fireteam/squad/platoon.//
 ==== Bounding overwatch ==== ==== Bounding overwatch ====
 +Bounding overwatch is commonly used tactic. Elements take turns in moving (bounding) or overwatching the other element. Ingame we refer to it pair/fireteam/squad bounding depending on the size of the bounding element. This is an extremely effective tactic to advance while offering security to the advancing troops.
  
 +For example in pair bounding: one pair provides over-watch while the other bounds. 
  
 +{{:tactics:bound_1.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 1) Fireteam is a line formulation and order to bound is issued
 +
 +//Fireteam leader who doubles up as red pair lead says:// A1 pair bounding, blue team overwatchs first. Blue say when set.
 +
 +//Blue pair lead:// Blue set
 +
 +{{:tactics:bound_2.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 2) Red team starts moving.
 +
 +//Red pair lead:// Red bounding
 +
 +{{:tactics:bound_3.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 3) Red pair setups and communciates back to blue team when they are ready to overwatch
 +
 +//Red pair lead:// Red set.
 +
 +{{:tactics:bound_4.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 4) Blue pair acknowledges and starts bounding
 +
 +//Blue pair lead:// Blue bounding.
 +
 +{{:tactics:bound_5.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 5) Blue pair reaches the next step
 +
 +//Blue pair lead:// Blue set.
 ==== Peeling ==== ==== Peeling ====
 +Peeling generally used to shift an element to the left or right. It provides the opportunity to have more guns on target than bounding overwatch as the moving element can be smaller. Peeling is typically employed when the unit is already in a line formation. The number of people peeling at once can be specified by the leader. By default just one person will peel at a time.
 +
 +Example: Peeling used in a fireteam.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_1.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 1) Fireteam is a line formulation and order to peel is issued
 +
 +//Fireteam leader says:// A1 peel left.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_2.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 2) Right most person starts peeling and says he is moving. The new right most person keeps firing but alert so that he can move as soon as soon as the previous man is in position.
 +{{:tactics:peel_3.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 3) He arrives.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_4.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 4) The next right most person starts peeling and says he is moving.  The new right most person keeps firing but alert so that he can move as soon as soon as the previous man is in position.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_5.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 5) He arrives.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_6.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 6) The next right most person starts peeling and says he is moving.  The new right most person keeps firing but alert so that he can move as soon as soon as the previous man is in position.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_7.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 7) He arrives.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_8.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 8) The next right most person starts peeling and says he is moving.  The new right most person keeps firing but alert so that he can move as soon as soon as the previous man is in position.
 +
 +{{:tactics:peel_9.jpg?300|}}
 +
 +Step 9) He arrives.
 +
 +The peeling move should be repeated as long as necessary to reach the intended final position.
  
-Flanking+===== Strategy 101: Winning a firefight ===== 
 +In the previous sections we discussed some tactics you can employ to get the best out of various situations. In this section we focus on the overall strategy of winning a firefight as dictated by the platoon leader and somewhat by the squad leaders.
  
-Attack/Defend strategies+One thing often overlooked by commanders is the benefit of **mutual support** between elements. Elements that are close together such that they have line of sight on positions where the other element could be engaged from can provide mutual support. Having another element supporting will help to ensure the enemy gets engaged from yet another angle and get more fire on target greatly increasing the chances of the enemy taking causalities and lowers the chances of friendlies taking them. Ideally squads should be position to offer mutual support to other squads.
  
-===== How to win a fire fight. =====+==== Find, Fix, Flank and Finish ==== 
 +Find, fix, flank & finish (The four Fs) is a strategy created by the US army during World War 2 for winning firefights. It demonstrates the principles needed to decisively win a firefight.
  
-==== Find, Fix, Finish and Flanking ====+=== Find === 
 +Finding the enemy is a critical task. Knowing the positions and composition of the enemy forces will greatly aid in producing a viable plan to destroy them. When planning to advance through enemy territory you should typically aim to:
  
 +  * **Minimize the chance of the enemy unexpectedly ambushing your forces** (where possible). When planning an advance it is essential to consider the potential of hidden/unexpected enemy positions and consider how much damage they could inflict. 
 +  * **Maximize the visibility of friendly units**. High ground typically offers vast sight lines and having an element or two provide 360 coverage from high positions might be wise. Also spreading the platoon out offers more visibility. Friendly units will then be able to call enemy positions over the radio so the entire team can better anticipate them.
  
 +=== Fix ===
 +Fixing has the primary aim of keeping the enemy in place such that they can not withdraw or return fire. This requires using overwhelming firepower. This is typically achieved through having friendly units fire in large volume at the enemy positions. Ideally setting up in positions that offer dominate positions over the enemy positions. From these positions they will then suppress the enemy. Armoured vehicles are ideal as they can easily provide immense firepower on the enemy positions.
  
-MISC+=== Flank === 
 +Once the enemy is fixed in position. A frontal assault is typically quite dangerous due to the high likelihood of friendly fire and secondly the enemy likely to anticipate it and it may even be their most guarded flank. As such an assaulting element will be used to assault assault the enemies' weakpoint with the purpose of maximizing damage. If coordinated properly as the assaulting elements move. The units that are fixing the enemy will shift their fire to avoid friendly fire.
  
-Platoon leader – enemy’s most likely course of action.+=== Finish === 
 +The assaulting element will continue to exploit the weakness and should be able to finish the assault of the enemies position and mop up any remaining enemies.
  
-Strategy 101+Summary: Use overwhelming firepower to keep the enemy in place then use a flanking element to assault the position.
  
-Reconnaissance+==== Assault Strategy ==== 
 +Using 'Find, Fix, Flank and Finish' is a good idea for assaulting. It can even be used repeatedly. The important thing to do is to isolate at least some of the enemies then you can fix, flank and finish them. You may also be able to force their supporting elements to withdraw making an assault on the isolated force even easier.
  
-Deny the enemy the chance to block LOS/withdraw+==== Defence Strategy ==== 
 +All you need to do is make it as hard as possible for the enemy force to implement the above principles. For instance taking the high ground and spotting the enemy first will provide an early advantage. Most importantly you must focus on minimizing the effectiveness of any enemy attempt to fix and/or flank your forces. Therefore you should aim to prevent the enemy from isolating any of your forces. Having elements that can mutually support each other will help avoid isolation. Using a tiered defence with concealed withdrawal routes will help prevent the enemy from fixing your forces. Keeping elements providing security may help in preventing the enemy from flanking you. You must also anticipate and prepare for an attack from any direction.
  
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