Battle Drill 3A: Break Contact – Squad (07-SQD-D9505)

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The squad is conducting operations in a live training environment independently or as part of a platoon or larger force.

The squad is moving as part of a larger force, conducting a movement to contact or an attack.

Following direct fire contact with the enemy, the squad leader decides to break contact.

Some iterations of this task should be performed in MOPP 4 and at night.

The squad breaks contact according to ATP 3-21.8.

Using fire and movement, the squad continues to move until the enemy cannot observe or place fire on them.

The squad leader reports the contact.

The drill begins when the squad leader orders the squad to break contact.

TASK STEPS

(Asterisks indicate a leader performance step.)

* 1. While receiving direct fire from the enemy or on orders, the squad leader orders the squad to break contact.

* 2. The squad leader directs one team to suppress by fire to support the disengagement of the remainder of the squad.

* 3. The squad leader orders a distance and direction, terrain feature, or last rally point of the movement of the team in contact.

Note. This distance should not exceed small arms range to ensure supporting fire.

* 4. The squad leader employs direct fires to suppress enemy positions.
(See figure 8-8.)

The moving team moves to occupy the overwatch position, employs smoke (M203/M320, smoke grenades, and other options) to screen movement.

Note. If necessary, [the moving team] employs fragmentation and concussion grenades to facilitate breaking contact.

The base-of-fire team continues to suppress the enemy.
The moving team occupies their overwatch position and engages enemy positions.
(See figure 8-9.)

* 8. The squad leader directs the base-of-fire team to move to its next covered and concealed position.
(See figure 8-10.)

Note. Based on the terrain[ and the] volume and accuracy of the enemy’s fire, the moving team may need to use fire and movement techniques.

a. It breaks contact (the squad must continue to suppress the enemy as it breaks contact).

b. Its teams are in the assigned positions to continue the mission.

* 10. Leaders account for Soldiers, report the situation, reorganize as necessary, and continue the mission.

* 11. The squad leader moves the squad onto an azimuth or alternate route away from enemy forces.

Note. The squad leader should consider changing the unit’s direction of movement once contact is broken.

This reduces the ability of the enemy to place effective indirect fire on the squad.

Teams and Soldiers that become divided stay together and move to the last designated rally point.