Chapter 6

BATTLE DRILLS
Infantry battle drills describe how platoons and squads apply fire and maneuver to commonly encountered situations. They require
leaders to make decisions rapidly and to issue brief oral orders quickly.
Section I. INTRODUCTION
This section defines and describes the format for battle drills.
6-1. DEFINITION. FM 7-1 defines a battle drill as a collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decisionmaking process.
a. Characteristics of a battle drill are
They require minimal leader orders to accomplish and are standard throughout the Army.
Sequential actions are vital to success in combat or critical to preserving life.
They apply to platoon or smaller units.
They are trained responses to enemy actions or leaders orders.
They represent mental steps followed for offensive and defensive actions in training and combat.
b. A units ability to accomplish its mission often depends on Soldiers and leaders to execute key actions quickly. All Soldiers
and their leaders must know their immediate reaction to enemy contact, as well as follow-up actions. Drills are limited to situations
requiring instantaneous response; therefore, Soldiers must execute drills instinctively. This results from continual practice. Drills
provide small units with standard procedures essential for building strength and aggressiveness.
(1) They identify key actions that leaders and Soldiers must perform quickly.
(2) They provide for a smooth transition from one activity to another; for example, from movement to offensive action to
defensive action.
(3) They provide standardized actions that link Soldier and collective tasks at platoon level and below. (Soldiers perform
individual tasks to CTT or SDT standard.)
(4) They require the full understanding of each individual and leader, and continual practice.
6-2. FORMAT. Drills include a title, a situation to cue the unit or leader to start the drill, the required actions in sequence, and
supporting illustrations. Where applicable, drills are cross-referenced with material in other chapters, or other drills, or both. Training
standards for battle drills are in the mission training plan (MTP).
Section II. DRILLS
This section provides the battle drills for small units.
BATTLE DRILL 1
REACT TO CONTACT
SITUATION: A squad or platoon receives fires from enemy individual or crew-served weapons.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figure 6-1.
1. Soldiers immediately assume the nearest covered positions.
2. Soldiers return fire immediately on reaching the covered positions.
3. Squad/team leaders locate and engage known or suspected enemy positions with well-aimed fire, and they pass information to
the platoon/squad leader.
4. Fire team leaders control the fire of their Soldiers by using standard fire commands (initial and supplemental) containing the
following elements:
Alert
Direction
Description of target
Range
Method of fire (manipulation and rate of fire)
Command to commence firing

6-1

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Soldiers maintain contact (visual or oral) with the Soldiers on their left and right.
Soldiers maintain contact with their team leaders and indicate the location of enemy positions.
The leaders (visual or oral) check the status of their personnel.
The squad/team leaders maintain visual contact with the platoon/squad leader.
The platoon/squad leader moves up to the squad/fire team in contact and links up with its leader.
a. The platoon leader brings his RTO, platoon FO, the nearest squads squad leader, and one machine gun team.
b. The squad leader of the trail squad moves to the front of his lead fire team.
c. The PSG also moves forward with the second machine gun team and links up with the platoon leader, ready to assume
control of the base-of-fire element.
10. The platoon/squad leader determines whether or not his unit must move out of an EA.
11. The platoon/squad leader determines whether his unit can gain and maintain suppressive fires with the element already in
contact (based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fires against the element in contact). The platoon/squad leader assesses the
situation. He identifies
The location of the enemy position and obstacles.
The size of the enemy force engaging the unit in contact. The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any
vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of the enemy strength.
Vulnerable flanks.
Covered and concealed flanking routes to the enemy position.
12. The platoon/squad leader determines the next COA, such as fire and movement, assault, breach, knock out bunker, enter and
clear a building or trench.
13. The platoon/squad leader reports the situation to the company commander/platoon leader and begins to maneuver his unit.
14. Platoon leader directs platoon FO to call for and adjust indirect fires (mortars or artillery). Squad leaders relay requests through
the platoon leader. The platoon/squad leader in conjunction with the platoon FO maintains accurate battle tracking of all friendly
elements to facilitate quick clearance of fires.
15. Leaders relay all commands and signals from the platoon chain of command.
16. The PSG positions the base of fire element to observe and to provide supporting fires.
Note:
Once the platoon has executed the React to Contact drill, the platoon leader quickly assesses the situation, for example,
enemy size and location. He picks a COA. The platoon leader reports the situation to the company commander.

Figure 6-1. REACT TO CONTACT

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BATTLE DRILL 2
BREAK CONTACT
SITUATION: The squad or platoon is under enemy fire and must break contact.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figure 6-2.
1. The platoon/squad leader directs fire support for the disengagement. He accomplishes this by
Directing one squad/fire team in contact to support the disengagement of the remainder of the unit.
Considering the use of indirect fires for breaking contact.
Clearing the location, task, purpose, and method of conducting the fire mission with the platoon FO.
2. The platoon/squad leader orders a distance and direction, a terrain feature, or last ORP for the movement of the first squad/fire
team. In conjunction with the platoon FO, the leader maintains accurate battle tracking of all friendly elements to facilitate quick
clearance of fires.
3. The base of fire squad/team continues to suppress the enemy. The platoon/squad leader directs the platoon FO to execute the
fire mission, if needed.
4. The moving squad/team assumes the overwatch position. The squad/team should use M203 grenade launchers, throw
fragmentation and concussion grenades, and use smoke grenades to mask movement. The platoon/squad leader directs the
platoon FO to execute smoke mission to screen friendly elements movement, if needed.
5. The moving squad/team takes up the designated position and engages the enemy position.
6. The platoon leader directs the base-of-fire element to move to its next location. Based on the terrain and the volume and
accuracy of the enemys fire, the moving fire team or squad may need to use fire and movement techniques.
7. The platoon/squad continues to bound away from the enemy until
It breaks contact. It must continue to suppress the enemy as it does this.
It passes through a higher-level SBF position.
Its squad/fire teams are in the assigned position to conduct the next mission.
8. The leader should consider changing his unit's direction of movement once contact is broken. This will reduce the ability of the
enemy to place effective indirect fires on the unit.
9. If the platoon/squad becomes disrupted, Soldiers stay together and move to the last designated rally point.
10. The platoon/squad leaders account for Soldiers, report, reorganize as necessary, and continue the mission. With the platoon
FO, the platoon/squad develops a quick fire plan to support the hasty defense or new route of march.

Figure 6-2. BREAK CONTACT

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BATTLE DRILL 3
REACT TO AMBUSH
SITUATION: The squad or platoon enters a kill zone and the enemy initiates an ambush with a casualty-producing device and a
high volume of fire.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figure 6-3.
1. Near ambush (within hand-grenade range).
a. Soldiers in the kill zone return fire immediately. How they go about this depends on the terrain. If
Cover is not available, Soldiers immediately, without order or signal, assume prone position and throw concussion or
fragmentation and smoke grenades.
Cover is available, without order or signal, Soldiers seek the nearest covered position, assume the prone position, and
throw fragmentation or concussion and smoke grenades.
b. Immediately after the explosion of the concussion or fragmentation grenades, Soldiers in the kill zone return fire and
assault through the ambush position using fire and movement.
c. Soldiers not in the kill zone identify the enemys position. Fire is shifted as the personnel in the kill zone begin to assault.
d. Soldiers in the kill zone continue the assault to eliminate the ambush or until contact is broken.
e. The platoon/squad conducts consolidation and reorganization.
2. Far ambush (out of hand-grenade range). Soldiers receiving fire immediately return fire, take up covered positions, and
suppress the enemy by
Destroying or suppressing enemy crew-served weapons.
Sustaining suppressive fires.
3. Soldiers (squad/teams) not receiving fires move by a covered and concealed route to a vulnerable flank of the enemy position
and assault using fire and movement techniques.
4. Soldiers in the kill zone continue suppressive fires and shift fires as the assaulting squad/team fights through the
enemy position.
5. The platoon FO calls for and adjusts indirect fires as directed by the platoon leader. On order, he shifts or ceases fires to
isolate the enemy position or to attack them with indirect fires as they retreat.
6. The platoon/squad leader reports, reorganizes as necessary, and continues the mission.

Figure 6-3. REACT TO AMBUSH

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BATTLE DRILL 4
KNOCK OUT BUNKERS
SITUATION: While moving as part of a larger force, the platoon identifies the enemy in bunkers.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figures 6-4 and 6-5.
1. The platoon initiates contact.
a. The squad in contact establishes a base of fire.
b. The platoon leader, his RTO, platoon FO, and one machine gun team move forward to link up with the squad leader of the
squad in contact.
c. The PSG moves forward with the second machine gun team and assumes control of the base-of-fire squad.
d. The base-of-fire squad
Destroys or suppresses enemy crew-served weapons first.
Obscures the enemy position with smoke (M203).
Sustains suppressive fires at the lowest possible level.
e. The platoon leader directs platoon FO to call for and adjust indirect fires. The platoon leader in conjunction with the platoon
FO maintains accurate battle tracking of all friendly elements to facilitate quick clearance of fires.
2. The platoon leader determines that he can maneuver by identifying
Enemy bunkers, other supporting positions, and any obstacles.
Size of the enemy force engaging the platoon. The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and
the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.
A vulnerable flank of at least one bunker.
A covered and concealed flanking route to the flank of the bunker.
3. The platoon leader determines which bunker is to be assaulted first and directs one squad (not in contact) to knock it out.
4. If necessary, the PSG repositions a squad, fire team, or machine gun team to isolate the bunker as well as to continue
suppressive fires.
5. The assaulting squad, with the platoon leader and his RTO, move along the covered and concealed route and take action to
knock out the bunker. The following occurs.
a. On the platoon leaders signal, the support squad ceases or shifts fires to the opposite side of the bunker from which the
squad is assaulting.
b. At the same time, the platoon FO shifts indirect fires to isolate enemy positions.
6. The assaulting squad leader reports to the platoon leader and reorganizes his squad.
7. The platoon leader
Directs the supporting squad to move up and knock out the next bunker.
Directs the assaulting squad to continue and knock out the next bunker.
Rotates squads as necessary.
8. The platoon leader reports, reorganizes as necessary, and continues the mission. The company follows up the success of the
platoon attack and continues to assault enemy positions.

Figure 6-4. KNOCK OUT A BUNKER (SQUAD)

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Figure 6-5. KNOCK OUT BUNKERS (PLATOON)

BATTLE DRILL 5
ENTER BUILDING/CLEAR ROOM
SITUATION: Operating as part of a larger force (in daylight or darkness), the squad is tasked to participate in clearing a building.
The platoon leader directs the squad to enter the building or to clear a room. An entry point or breach has already been identified or
will be created before initiating the entry. For a detailed discussion of urban entry breaching techniques, see FM 3.06-11. Enemy
forces and noncombatants may or may not be present in the room and or building to be cleared.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figures 6-6 through 6-14.
1. Platoon and squad leaders must consider the task and purpose they have been given and the method they are to use to
achieve the desired results. They must operate IAW the ROE and must be aware of the affects that platoon weapons will have on
the type and composition of the buildings.
2. To seize or gain control of a building may not always require committing troops into the structure or closing with the enemy.
Before initiating this action and exposing members of the clearing squad to direct enemy contact and risking casualties, the platoon
leader should consider/direct employment of all organic, crew-served, and supporting weapon systems onto the objective area to
suppress and neutralize the threat, providing the mission, purpose, building composition, and ROE permit.
3. When conducting urban operations, Soldiers must be equipped at all times with a properly-mounted and immediately-useable
NVD or light source to illuminate the immediate area.
Note:
The following discussion assumes that only the platoons organic weapons are supporting the infantry squad. Urban
situations may require precise application of firepower. This situation is especially true of an urban environment in which
the enemy is mixed with noncombatants. Noncombatants may be found in the room, which can restrict the use of fires
and reduce the combat power available to a squad leader. His squad may have to operate in no-fire areas. ROE can
prohibit the use of certain weapons until a specific hostile action takes place. All Soldiers must be aware of the ROE.
Leaders must include the specific use of weapons in their planning for precision operations in urban terrain. Leaders
should always consider the use of snipers or designated marksmen to apply precise fires to the objective.
4. Clearing team members must approach the entry point quickly, quietly, and in standard order. The squad leader must ensure
he is in a position to control the actions of both fire teams. This approach preserves the element of surprise and allows for quick
entry and domination of the room. If a breach is required, the order may be slightly modified based on the breach technique
(FM 3-06.11). The members of the fire team are assigned numbers one through four. The rifleman is # 1 and the grenadier is # 3.
If one member of the clearing team is armed with the SAW rather than an M16 rifle or carbine, he should be designated # 4.
The team leader is normally the # 2 man, because he will have the most immediate decision to make as he enters the room.
5. The entire team enters the room as quickly and smoothly as possible and clears the doorway immediately. If possible, the team
moves from a covered or concealed position already in their entry order. Ideally, the team arrives and passes through the entry
point without having to stop. If the team must stop to effectively stack outside the entry point, it must do so only momentarily, and it
must provide cover.
6. The door is the focal point of anyone in the room. It is known as the fatal funnel, because it focuses attention at the precise
point where the individual team members are the most vulnerable. Moving into the room quickly reduces the chance of anyone
being hit by enemy fire directed at the doorway.
7. For this battle to be effectively employed, each member of the team must know his sector of fire and how his sector overlaps
and links with the sectors of the other team members. Team members do not move to the points of domination and then engage
their targets. Rather, they engage targets as they calmly and quickly move to their designated points. Engagements must not slow
movement to their points of domination. Team members may shoot from as short a range as 1 to 2 inches. They engage the most
immediate threat first and then the less immediate threats in sector. Immediate threats are personnel who
Are armed and prepared to return fire immediately.
Block movement to the position of domination.
Are within arms reach of a clearing team member.
Are within 3 to 5 feet of the breach point.
8. The squad leader designates the assault team and identifies the location of the entry point for them.
9. The squad leader positions the follow-on assault team to provide overwatch and supporting fires for the initial assault team.

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10. Assault team members use available cover and concealment, and move as close to the entry point as possible.
a. If an explosive breach or a ballistic breach is to be performed by a supporting element, the assault team remains in a
covered position until the breach is made. They may provide overwatch and fire support for the breaching element if necessary.
b. All team members must signal one another that they are ready before the team moves to the entry point.
c If stealth is a consideration, team members avoid the use of verbal signals, which may alert the enemy and remove the
element of surprise.
d. Assault team members must move quickly from the covered position to the entry point, minimizing the time they are
exposed to enemy fire.
11. The assault team enters through the entry point or breach. Unless a grenade will be thrown prior to entry, the team should
avoid stopping outside the point of entry.
a. If required, the # 2 man throws a grenade of some type (fragmentary, concussion, stun) into the room before entry.
b. The use of grenades should be consistent with the ROE and building structure. The grenade should be cooked off before
being thrown, if applicable to the type of grenade used.
c. If stealth is not a factor, the thrower should sound off with a verbal indication (Frag out, Concussion out, Stun out) that
a grenade of some type is being thrown. If stealth is a factor, only visual signals are given as the grenade is thrown.
CAUTION
If walls and floors are thin, fragments from fragmentation grenades and debris created by
concussion grenades can injure Soldiers outside the room. If the structure has been
stressed by previous explosive engagements, the use of these grenades could cause it to
collapse. Leaders must determine the effectiveness of these types of grenades compared to
possibilities of harm to friendly troops.
12. On the signal to go, or after the grenade detonates, the assault team moves through the entry point (Figure 6-6 through
Figure 6-9) and quickly takes up positions inside the room that allow it to completely dominate the room and eliminate the threat.
Unless restricted or impeded, team members stop movement only after they have cleared the door and reached their designated
point of domination. In addition to dominating the room, all team members are responsible for identifying possible loopholes and
mouseholes in the ceiling, walls, and floor.
Note:
Where enemy forces may be concentrated and the presence of noncombatants is highly unlikely, the assault team can
precede their entry by throwing a fragmentation or concussion grenade (structure dependent) into the room, followed by
bursts of automatic small-arms fire by the # 1 man as he enters. Carefully consider the ROE and building composition
before employing this method.
13. The # 1 and # 2 men are initially concerned with the area directly to their front, then along the wall on either side of the door or
entry point. This area is in their path of movement, and it is their primary sector of fire. Their alternate sector of fire is from the wall
they are moving toward, back to the opposite far corner.
14. The # 3 and # 4 men start at the center of the wall opposite their point of entry and clear to the left if moving toward the left, or
to the right if moving toward the right. They stop short of their respective team member (either the # 1 man or the # 2 man).
15. The team members move toward their points of domination, engaging all threat or hostile targets in sequence in their sector.
Team members must exercise fire control and discriminate between hostile and noncombatant room occupants. (The most practical
way to do this is to identify whether or not the target has a weapon in his or her hands.) Shooting is done without stopping, using
reflexive shooting techniques. Because the Soldiers are moving and shooting at the same time, they must move using the careful
hurry. Figure 6-10, shows all four team members at their points of domination for a room with a center door and their overlapping
sectors of fire.
16. The first man (rifleman) enters the room and eliminates the immediate threat. He has the option of going left or right, normally
moving along the path of least resistance to one of two corners. When using a doorway as the point of entry, the team uses the path
of least resistance, which they determine initially based on the way the door opens. If the door opens inward, the first man plans to
move away from the hinges. If the door opens outward, he plans to move toward the hinged side. Upon entering, his direction is
influenced by the size of the room, the enemy situation, and furniture or other obstacles that hinder or channel his movement.
17. The direction each man moves in should not be preplanned unless the exact room layout is known. Each man should go in a
direction opposite the man in front of him (Figure 6-6). Every team member must know the sectors and duties of each position.

18. As the first man goes through the entry point, he can usually see into the far corner of the room. He eliminates any immediate
threat and continues to move along the wall if possible and to the first corner, where he assumes a position of domination facing into
the room.
Figure 6-6. FIRST MAN ENTERS A ROOM, FOLLOWED BY TEAM LEADER

Note:

Team members must always stay within 1 meter of the wall. If a team member finds his progress blocked by some object
that will force him more than 1 meter from the wall, he must either step over it (if able) or stop where he is and clear the
rest of his sector from where he is. If this action creates dead space in the room, the team leader directs which clearing
actions to take once other members of the team have reached their points of domination.
19. The second man (normally the team leader), entering almost simultaneously with the first, moves in the opposite direction,
following the wall (Figure 6-7). The second man must clear the entry point, clear the immediate threat area, clear his corner, and
move to a dominating position on his side of the room. The second man must also immediately determine if he is entering a center
door or corner door and act accordingly (Figure 6-7 and Figure 6-10).

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Figure 6-7. SECOND MAN (TEAM LEADER) ENTERS A ROOM

20. The third man (normally the grenadier) simply goes opposite of the second man inside the room, moves at least 1 meter from
the entry point, and takes a position that dominates his sector (Figure 6-8).
Figure 6-8. THIRD MAN ENTERS A ROOM

21. The fourth man (normally the SAW gunner) moves opposite of the third man, clears the doorway by at least 1 meter, and
moves to a position that dominates his sector (Figure 6-9).
Figure 6-9. FOURTH MAN IN A ROOM

Note:

If the path of least resistance takes the first man to the left, then all points of domination are the mirror image of those
shown in the diagrams.
22. Points of domination should not be in front of doors or windows so team members are not silhouetted to the outside of the room
(Figure 6-10). No movement should mask the fire of any of the other team members.
Figure 6-10. POINTS OF DOMINATION AND SECTORS OF FIRE, CENTER DOOR VERSUS CORNER DOOR

23. On order, any member of the assault team may move deeper into the room overwatched by the other team members. The
team leader must control this action.
24. Once the room is cleared, the team leader signals to the squad leader that the room has been cleared. The squad leader
marks the room IAW unit SOP (see FM 3.06-11). The squad leader determines whether or not his squad can continue to clear
through the building.
25. The squad reorganizes as necessary. Leaders redistribute the ammunition. The squad leader reports to the platoon leader
when the room is clear.
Note:
If at any point a team member experiences a weapon malfunction in the presence of enemy combatants, he has to make
an immediate decision. If the enemy is outside immediate danger distance from the Soldier, then the Soldier should drop

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to one knee, which indicates that he has experienced a weapon malfunction and prevents fratricide by ensuring that the
next Soldiers fields of fire are clear. Once on a knee, the Soldier must remain there until the team leader directs him to
stand up. If the kneeling Soldier corrects his weapon malfunction, he can continue to engage targets from his kneeling
position. If, however, the enemy Soldier is so close that he presents an immediate threat, and if dropping to a knee would
expose the US Soldier to immediate harm, then the US Soldier must try to subdue or disable the enemy Soldier. He can
strike the enemy with the muzzle of his weapon or a bayonet to the face, throat, or chest. Or, he could grapple with the
enemy soldier and take him to the ground immediately to clear the other team members fields of fire. Once they have
cleared their sectors and eliminated any other threats in the room, the other members of the clearing team assist.
26. Although this battle drill is effective, leaders might have to modify it for the situation. Some reasons and methods for modifying
the technique are shown in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1. REASONS FOR AND METHODS OF MODIFYING ENTRY TECHNIQUES
REASON

METHOD

Objective rooms are consistently small

Clear in teams of 2 or 3

Shortage of personnel

Clear in teams of 2 or 3

Enemy poses no immediate threat

2 or 3 men search rooms to ensure no

enemy or noncombatants are present

No immediate threat, speed is critical

1 to 3 men visually search each room

27. When full four-man teams are not available for room clearing, two- and three-man teams can be used. If the # 1 or # 2 man
discovers that the room is very small, he can yell, Short room or Short, which tells the # 3 or # 4 man (whoever following the # 1
or # 2 man) to stay outside the room. Figures 6-11 and 6-12 show the points of domination and sectors of fire for a two-man clearing
team. Figures 6-13 and 6-14 show the actions for a three-man team.

DANGER
RICOCHETS POSE A HAZARD. ALL SOLDIERS MUST BE AWARE OF THE TYPE OF
WALL CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROOM BEING CLEARED. THE WALLS OF AN
ENCLOSED ROOM PRESENT MANY RIGHT ANGLES. COMBINED WITH HARD
SURFACES SUCH AS CONCRETE, A BULLET MAY CONTINUE TO RICOCHET
AROUND A ROOM UNTIL ITS ENERGY IS SPENT. AFTER HITTING THREAT
PERSONNEL, BALL AMMUNITION MAY PASS THROUGH THE BODY AND RICOCHET.
BODY ARMOR AND THE KEVLAR HELMET PROVIDE SOME PROTECTION FROM
THIS HAZARD.

Figure 6-11. POINTS OF DOMINATION AND SECTORS OF FIRE (TWO-MAN TEAM, CENTER DOOR)

Figure 6-12. POINTS OF DOMINATION AND SECTORS OF FIRE (TWO-MAN TEAM, CORNER DOOR)

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Figure 6-13. POINTS OF DOMINATION AND SECTORS OF FIRE (THREE-MAN TEAM, CENTER DOOR)

Figure 6-14. POINTS OF DOMINATION AND SECTORS OF FIRE (THREE-MAN TEAM, CORNER DOOR)

28. While moving through a building Soldiers may encounter the following architectural building features.
a. Multiple Team/Multiple Rooms. Figure 6-15 shows this.
STEP 1:
First team enters and clears Room 1.
STEP 2:
Squad leader determines the direction from which the second clearing team must enter Room 1, based
on the location of the Room 2 entry point.
STEP 3:
First team collapses inward to allow the second team to move into the room.
STEP 4:
Second team 'stacks left' and prepares to enter Room 2.
Figure 6-15. MULTIPLE TEAMS / MULTIPLE ROOMS

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b. Open Stairwell. This is a gap between flights of stairs that allows a person to look up and down between the flights.
Figure 6-16 shows an open stairwell.
STEP 1:
The # 1 man pulls security on the highest point he can see / engage.
STEP 2:
The # 2 man moves up the stairs on the inside with the # 3 man to a point that he can see / engage the
next landing, where he turns around and continues to move up to the next landing.
STEP 3:
The # 3 man moves up the stairs with the # 2 man on the outside and engages the threat on the
immediate landing.
STEP 4:
The # 4 man moves up the stairs with the # 1 man, on the squeeze, the # 2 man turns around to engage
the next landing.
STEP 5:
The flow continues with the # 2 man picking up the sector of the # 1 man had. The # 3 man picks up
where the # 2 man was. The # 4 man picks up where the # 3 man was. The # 1 man picks up where the
# 4 man was.
Note:
Most stairwells require a second team.
Figure 6-16. OPEN STAIRWELL

c.

Note:

Closed Stairwell. This is any stairwell with walls separating the flights of stairs. Figure 6-17 shows a closed stairwell.
STEP 1:
The # 1 man checks high to ensure there is no opening on the landing or between the stairs.
STEP 2:
The # 2 man pulls long security to the next bend or landing.
STEP 3:
The # 1 or # 3 man moves up the steps with the # 2 man. As they approach the corner, the # 2 man
signals his presence by tapping the # 1 man on the shoulder.
STEP 4:
Keying off the # 1 mans movement, the other men simultaneously break around the corner.
STEP 5:
If no fire is received, the # 2 man moves to the opposite wall. Both men continue to move up until they
reach their objective.
STEP 6:
The # 3 and # 4 men will continue to move 3 to 4 steps behind.
Avoid getting locked into a security position such as inside a stairwell. Also, avoid spreading yourselves thin or getting
separated by more than one floor of stairs.
Figure 6-17. CLOSED STAIRWELL

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d. Hallway Movement. Clearing team(s) move down the hallway using the frontal security (cross cover) technique
(Figure 6-18).
Figure 6-18. HALLWAY MOVEMENT

e. T-Shaped Intersection. See Figure 6-19. This technique can incorporate the dynamic corner clear (Figure 6-20).
STEP 1:
STEP 2:

Each # 1 man goes to a knee covering his sector.

On a predetermined signal, each two-man team will break the corner, picking up their sectors of fire.
Figure 6-19. T-SHAPED INTERSECTION

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f.

Dynamic Corner. (See Figure 6-20.)

STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
STEP 6:
STEP 7:

The #1 and #2 man, as they approach the corner, have to clear. Do not slow down.
The #2 man will tap the #1 man on the shoulder about 2-3 meters away from the corner letting the #1
man know the #2 man is with him.
Keying off of the #1 man's movement, they both break the corner simultaneously.
The #1 man goes low to a knee, the #2 man stays high.
If the Rangers are not receiving fire the #2 man rabbits, or moves, to the far side.
The #1 and #2 man take up sectors of fire.
The #3 and #4 man take long security in the direction of movement.
Figure 6-20. DYNAMIC CORNER

g. Three-Way Intersection. (See Figure 6-21.)

STEP 1:
STEP 2:

STEP 3:

The #1 through #4 man will use one of the corner clearing techniques to clear the intersection.
When the intersection is secure, the #5 and #6 man move through the intersection and enter either more
hallway or a room. If they are entering more hallway, the #1 through #4 man provide cross coverage as
the #5 and #6 man move through the intersection into more hallway. If they are moving into a room, the
#5 and #6 man move to one side of the door and signal the #1 and #3 or #2 and #4 man to enter the
stack depending on which side of the door they stack on. The remaining members of the team, not in the
stack, will continue to provide security down the hallway.
If the #5 and #6 man move into more hallway the #1 through #4 man will enter the stack and proceed
down the hallway with the #3 and #4 man providing rear security.
Figure 6-21. THREE WAY INTERSECTION

BATTLE DRILL 6
ENTER/CLEAR A TRENCH
SITUATION: The platoon is attacking as part of a larger force and identifies the enemy in a trench line. The platoon deploys and
establishes a base of fire. The platoon leader determines that he has sufficient combat power to maneuver and assault the
trench line.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figure 6-22 and Figure 6-23.
1. The platoon leader directs one squad to enter the trench and secure a foothold.
2. The platoon leader designates the entry point of the trench line and the direction of movement once the platoon begins
clearing.
3. The PSG positions Soldiers and machine guns to suppress the trench and isolate the entry point.
4. Platoon leader directs platoon FO to initiate fire mission, if necessary, in support of assault. They maintain accurate battle
tracking of all friendly elements to facilitate quick clearance of fires. The platoon FO ceases or shifts fires to isolate the OBJ as
assault team advances.
5. The assaulting squad executes actions to enter the trench and establish a foothold. The squad leader signals to the platoon
leader that the foothold is secure, and the follow on elements can move into the trench. The squad leader remains at the entry point
and marks it. The platoon follows the success of the seizure of the foothold with the remainder of the platoon as part of the platoon
actions to clear a trench line.
6. The platoon leader moves into the trench with the assaulting squad.

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7 The platoon leader directs one of the base-of-fire squads to move into the trench and begin clearing it in the direction of
movement from the foothold.
8. The base-of-fire element repositions as necessary to continue suppressive fires.
9. The assaulting squad passes the squad that has secured the foothold and executes actions to take the lead and clear
the trench.
a. The squad leader designates a lead fire team and a trail fire team.
b. The lead fire team and the squad leader move to the forward most secure corner or intersection. The squad leader tells
the team securing that corner or intersection that his squad is ready to continue clearing the trench. The trail fire team follows,
maintaining visual contact with the last Soldier of the lead team.
Notes: 1. The fire support element must be able to identify the location of the lead fire team in the trench at all times.
2. Throughout this battle drill, the team leader positions himself at the rear of the fire team to have direct control
(physically, if necessary) of his Soldiers. Other Soldiers in the fire team rotate the lead to change magazines and
prepare grenades. Rotating the lead provides constant suppressive fires down the trench and maintains the
momentum of the attack as the squad clears the trench.
c. The lead fire team passes the element securing the foothold. The following then occurs.
(1) The lead Soldier of the fire team moves abreast of the Soldier securing the corner or intersection, taps him, and
announces, Taking the lead.
(2) The Soldier securing the corner or intersection acknowledges that he is handing over the lead by shouting, Okay! He
allows the fire team to pass him.
d. The lead fire team starts clearing in the direction of movement. They arrive at a corner or intersection. The following
then occurs.
(1) Allowing for cook-off (2 seconds maximum) and shouting, Frag out, the second Soldier prepares and throws a
grenade around the corner.
(2) Upon detonation of the grenade, the lead Soldier moves around the corner firing three-round bursts and advancing as
he fires. The entire fire team follows him to the next corner or intersection.
e. The squad leader
Follows behind the team.
Ensures that the trailing fire team moves up and is ready to pass the lead at his direction.
Rotates fire teams as necessary to keep his Soldiers fresh and to maintain the momentum of the attack.
Requests indirect fires, if required, through the platoon leader. The squad leader also directs the employment of the
M203 to provide immediate suppression against positions along the trench line.
Ensures fire teams maintain sufficient interval to prevent them from being engaged by the same enemy fires.
f. At each corner or intersection, the lead fire team performs the same actions previously described.
g. If the lead Soldier finds that he is nearly out of ammunition before reaching a corner or intersection, he announces,
Ammo, and then-(1) The lead Soldier stops and moves against one side of the trench, ready to let the rest of the team pass. He continues
to aim his weapon down the trench in the direction of movement.
(2) The next Soldier ensures that he has a full magazine, moves abreast of the lead Soldier, taps him, and announces,
Taking the lead.
(3) The lead Soldier acknowledges that he is handing over the lead by shouting, Okay. Positions rotate and the squad
continues forward.
h. The trailing fire team secures intersections and marks the route within the trench as the squad moves forward. The trailing
fire team leader ensures that follow-on squads relieve his buddy teams to maintain security.
i. The squad leader reports the progress of the clearing operation. The base-of-fire element must be able to identify the
location of the lead fire team in the trench at all times.
10. The platoon leader rotates squads to keep the Soldiers fresh and to maintain the momentum of the assault.
11. The PSG calls forward ammunition resupply and organizes teams to move it forward into the trench.
12. The base-of-fire element ensures that all friendly forces move into the trench only through the designated entry point to avoid
fratricide.

13. The platoon leader reports to the company commander that the trench line is secured, or he is no longer able to continue
clearing. If trench line is secured, then platoon leader directs platoon FO to develop a fire plan to support the defense of the
platoon position.

DANGER
FIRE TEAMS: MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT INTERVALS TO AVOID ENGAGEMENT BY THE
SAME ENEMY FIRES.
Figure 6-22. ENTER A TRENCH (SQUAD)

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Figure 6-23. CLEAR A TRENCH LINE (PLATOON)

BATTLE DRILL 7
CONDUCT INITIAL BREACH OF A MINED WIRE OBSTACLE (PLATOON)
SITUATION: The platoon is operating as part of a larger force. The lead squad identifies a wire obstacle reinforced with mines that
cannot be bypassed and enemy positions on the far side of the obstacle.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: See Figure 6-24 and Figure 6-25.
1. The squad in contact reacts to contact.
2. The platoon gains suppressive fires. The following then occurs.
a. The squad in contact establishes a base-of-fire position.
b. The platoon leader, his RTO, platoon FO, and the squad leader of the next squad with one machine gun team move
forward to link up with the squad leader of the squad in contact.
3. The platoon leader determines that he can maneuver by identifying
The obstacle and enemy positions.
The size of the enemy force engaging the squad, for example, the number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of
any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.
A breach point.
A covered and concealed route to the breach point.
4. The platoon leader directs the squad in contact to support the movement of another squad to the breach point. He indicates the
base-of-fire position and the route to it, the enemy position to be suppressed, and the breach point and route the rest of the platoon
will take to it. The platoon leader also clears the location, task, purpose, and method of conducting the fire mission with the
platoon FO.

5. On the platoon leaders signal, the base-of-fire squad

Destroys or suppresses enemy weapons that are firing effectively against the platoon.
Obscures the enemy position with smoke.
Continues suppressive fires at the lowest possible level.
6. The platoon leader designates one squad as the breach squad and the remaining squad as the assault squad once the breach
has been made. The assault squad may add its fires to the base-of-fire squad. Normally, it follows the covered and concealed route
of the breach squad and assaults through immediately after the breach is made.
7. The base-of-fire squad moves to the breach point and establishes a base of fire.
8. The PSG moves forward to the base-of-fire squad with the second machine gun and assumes control of the squad.
9. The platoon leader leads the breach and assault squads along the covered and concealed route.
10. The platoon FO calls for and adjusts indirect fires as directed by the platoon leader. The platoon leader in conjunction with the
platoon FO maintains accurate battle tracking of all friendly elements to facilitate quick clearance of fires.
11. The breach squad executes actions to breach the obstacle.
a. The squad leader directs one fire team to support the movement of the other fire team to the breach point.
b. The squad leader identifies the breach point.
c. The base-of-fire element continues to provide suppressive fires and isolates the breach point.
d. The breaching fire team, with the squad leader, moves to the breach point using the covered and concealed route. From
there, the following takes place:
(1) The squad leader and breaching fire team leader employ smoke grenades to obscure the breach point. The platoon
base-of-fire element shifts direct fires away from the breach point and continues to suppress key enemy positions. The platoon FO
ceases indirect fires or shifts them beyond the obstacle.
(2) The breaching fire team leader positions himself and the automatic rifleman on one flank of the breach point to
provide close-in security.
(3) The grenadier and rifleman of the breaching fire team probe for mines and cut the wire obstacle, marking their path as
they proceed. If available, a bangalore is preferred.
(4) Once the obstacle has been breached, the breaching fire team leader and the automatic rifleman move to the far side
of the obstacle and take up covered and concealed positions with the rifleman and grenadier. The team leader signals to the squad
leader when they are in position and ready to support.
(5) The squad leader signals the base-of-fire team leader to move his fire team up and through the breach. He then
moves through the obstacle and joins the breaching fire team, leaving the grenadier (or anti-armor specialist) and rifleman of the
supporting fire team on the near side of the breach to guide the rest of the platoon through.
(6) Using the same covered and concealed route as the breaching fire team, the base-of-fire team moves through the
breach and takes up covered and concealed positions on the far side.
12. The squad leader reports the situation to the platoon leader and posts guides at the breach point.
13. The platoon leader leads the assault squad through the breach in the obstacle and positions them beyond the breach to
support the movement of the remainder of the platoon or assaults the enemy position covering the obstacle. Platoon leader directs
the platoon FO to shift indirect fires off the enemy position.
14. The breaching squad continues to widen the breach to allow vehicles to pass through.
15. The platoon leader reports the situation to the company commander, and then he directs his base-of-fire squad to move up
and through the obstacle. The platoon leader appoints Soldiers to guide the company through the breach point.
16. The PSG brings the remaining elements forward and through the breach on the platoon leaders command.
17. The company follows up the success of the platoon as it conducts the breach and continues the assault against the
enemy positions.

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Figure 6-24. CONDUCT INITIAL BREACH OF A MINED WIRE OBSTACLE (SQUAD)

Figure 6-25. CONDUCT INITIAL BREACH OF A MINED WIRE OBSTACLE (PLATOON)

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BATTLE DRILL 8
REACT TO INDIRECT FIRE
SITUATION: A platoon or squad while moving or at the halt (not dug in) receives indirect fire.
REQUIRED ACTIONS: NA
Any Soldier announces, Incoming. Then, if the platoon/squad is moving, the following takes place:
1. The platoon/squad leader gives direction and distance for the platoon/squad to move to a rally point by ordering direction and
distance, for example, Four oclock, three hundred meters.
2. Platoon/squad members move rapidly along the direction and distance to the rally point.
3. At the rally point, the leader immediately accounts for personnel and equipment, and forms the platoon/squad for a move to an
alternate position.
4. The senior leader submits a SITREP to higher headquarters.
5. If the platoon/squad is halted (not dug in) or is preparing to move because they hear incoming artillery, the following takes
place:
a. The platoon/squad leader gives direction and distance for the platoon/squad to move to a rally point by ordering direction
and distance, for example, Four oclock, three hundred meters.
b. Platoon/squad members secure all mission-essential equipment and ammunition and move rapidly along the direction and
distance to the rally point.
c. At the rally point, the leader immediately accounts for personnel and equipment, and forms the platoon/squad for a move
to an alternate position.
d. The senior leader submits a SITREP to higher headquarters.
Note:
If platoon/squad members are in defensive (dug in) positions, then members will remain in those positions if appropriate.
Senior leader submits SITREP.
NOTES