Conditions
The squad is conducting operations in a live training environment independently or as part of a platoon or larger force.
The squad is dismounted.
While stationary or moving, the enemy engages the squad with direct fire.
Some iterations of this task should be performed in MOPP 4 and at night.
Standards
The squad reacts to direct fire contact while dismounted according to ATP 3-21.8.
The team in contact returns fire immediately and seeks cover.
The team in contact locates the enemy and places well-aimed fire on known enemy positions.
Leaders point out enemy positions and identify the types of weapons, such as small arms and light machine guns.
The team not in contact assumes the nearest covered and concealed position.
The squad leader (SL) reports the contact.
Cue
The drill begins when the enemy initiates direct fire contact.
TASK STEPS
(Asterisks indicate a leader performance step.)
- The team in contact immediately returns well-aimed suppressive fire on known or suspected enemy positions while taking up a covered position.
- The team not in contact assumes the nearest covered and concealed position.
(See figure 8-3.)
Figure 8-3. Squad’s return fire and nearest covered and concealed position
* 3. The team leaders engage known or suspected enemy positions with well-aimed suppressive fire and report information to the squad leader.
* 4. The team leaders control the fire of their teams by using standard fire command (initial and supplemental) containing the following information:
a. Alert.
b. Weapon or ammunition (optional).
c. Target description.
d. Direction.
e. Range.
f. Method.
g. Control (optional).
h. Execution.
i. Termination.
- Soldiers maintain visual or vocal contact with their team leader and the other Soldiers on their left or right (if applicable).
- Soldiers maintain contact with the team leader and indicate the location of enemy positions.
* 7. Leaders visually or vocally check the status of their personnel.
* 8. The team leaders maintain visual contact with the squad leader.
* 9. The squad leader moves up to a covered and concealed position where best to observe, communicate, and control the engagement.
(See figure 8-4.)
Figure 8-4. Well-aimed fires and squad leader control
* 10. The squad leader determines whether or not the squad can gain and maintain suppressive fires with the team already in contact (based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fires against the team in contact).
* 11. The squad leader confirms the commander’s criteria to disengage and determines whether or not the squad must move out of the engagement area.
* 12. The squad leader makes an assessment of the situation and identifies the—
a. Location of the enemy position and obstacles.
b. Size of the enemy force engaging the team in contact.
(The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.)
c. Vulnerable flanks.
d. Covered and concealed flanking routes to enemy positions.
* 13. The squad leader decides whether to conduct an assault, bypass (if authorized by the platoon leader), or break contact.
* 14. The squad leader reports the situation and begins to maneuver the squad.