Battle Drill 2B: Conduct a Platoon Assault
CONDITIONS: The platoon is moving as part of a company conducting a movement to contact or an attack. The enemy initiates direct fire contact.
CUE: This drill begins when the enemy initiates direct fire contact.
STANDARDS: The platoon locates and suppresses the enemy, establishes supporting fire, and conducts an assault using fire and maneuver. The platoon destroys or causes the enemy to withdraw, then consolidates and reorganizes.
Task Steps
- The PL designates one squad as the engaging element and another squad as the flanking element.
- The engaging element finds cover and concealment, provides rear security for the flanking element, and suppresses fire on the enemy.
- The flanking element's Squad Leader (SL), with command from the PL, determines a favorable position/path to flank the enemy. The flanking element then displaces and bounds to that position.
- Once the flanking element is in position, the PL gives the order to assault through. The engaging element calls "SHIFT FIRE" and directs their fire away from the flanking element's entrance point.
- When the flanking element comes in close contact with the enemy, the engaging element calls "CEASE FIRE" to reduce the possibility of a Blue on Blue.
- The flanking element eliminates all enemies and moves through the enemy position, halting on the far side and calling "LOA!" (Limit of Advance). They get prone and form a line, continuing to face the direction they were flanking, and call over the radio that they are "set".
- The engaging element moves to and through the enemy position, stopping when their formation has formed a 90-degree angle with the flanking element, with the final product looking like an L.
- Both squads consolidate and proceed in formation dictated by the PL.
Leadership Actions
- The PL assesses the situation and determines the need for a Platoon Assault.
- The PL designates the engaging and flanking elements and communicates their roles and objectives.
- The PL coordinates with the SL of the flanking element to determine a favorable position/path for flanking the enemy.
- The PL gives the command to "SHIFT FIRE" when the flanking element is in position and ready to assault.
- The PL monitors the progress of both the engaging and flanking elements, ensuring proper execution of the assault.
- The PL gives the command to "CEASE FIRE" when the flanking element comes in close contact with the enemy to avoid Blue on Blue incidents.
- The PL ensures the flanking element moves through the enemy position and establishes a Limit of Advance (LOA).
- The PL directs the engaging element to move through the enemy position and form a 90-degree angle with the flanking element, creating an L-shaped formation.
- The PL consolidates both squads and dictates the formation for continued operations.
