Five Man Squad Tactics

Below are some basic squad tactics - I will soon be getting it better organized, more info to come.

	India (Line Order) Usually used when speed and distance are of essence and contact with the enemy is not expected. The squad leader would set an interval (usually 5 to 7 paces) between each member and designates his or her position in the squad. This allows each man to fall back into his assigned position after successful contact.
	Echo (Skirmish Order) Used when contact with the enemy is in progress or expected. The squad leader sets the interval for the team and designates each man's position in the formation (P,SL,X,ASL,R). Movement is based on the squad leaders' pace. This formation offers great flexibility. The SL and ASL can take charge of their sections if necessary to perform a Foxtrot or Alpha or other attack formation. Depending on conditions, the positions of P and R can be exactly reversed. In some situations, the SL may choose to take the pivot position.
	Tango Tango is the act of going from an India to an Echo. The X or pivot man is positioned by the SL at the appropriate spot. The formation then falls in around him. The SL can command the Left or Right side of the formation. This is the set up command to execute a static defense or to get into an echo formation for assault.
	Yankee (Lima or Romeo) A Yankee is a modified Echo skirmish line that moves at an angle. This is often used when a squad is moving along a road, river, or other boundary. The command is "Yankee Lima" or "Yankee Romeo". The foremost man in the squad determines if the formation is a Lima or Romeo (Left or Right). Pictured is a Yankee Romeo (Right).
	Victor (Lima, Romeo or Double) A Victor is the action of moving an Echo skirmish line meeting a forward point of resistance with the OPFOR and swinging the "wings" of the formation in a double Foxtrot while the center man or men provide suppressive fire from the point of the V. Large squads or platoons more effectively perform this tactic. After an assault, the squad should fall back into Echo formation. Lima, Romeo or Double (Left, Right or both). Pictured is a Double Victor (both).
	Bravo (Lima, Romeo or Double) Action Bravo is a clover leaf assault where one or more units disengages, leaves the oppositions line of sight, and comes back in on the OPFOR flank. This can be done on either flank. Units that are not in position to execute the movement should provide suppressive fire. It is imperative that the assaulting units completely leave the OPFOR's line of sight. Lima, Romeo or Double (Left, Right or both). Pictured is a Double Bravo (both).
	Charlie A Charlie consists of surrounding the OPFOR position and assaulting from multiple directions. This requires a three to one advantage in manpower as casualties will be heavy. It is often used when assaulting an OPFOR flag base or bunker.

Other

1. Zulu: A zigzag movement to be used when retreating with a flag or in general. This command should not have to be given. It should be common sense when retreating under fire.
2. Slide: A movement of an entire formation to the left or right in order to properly meet a threat. The command would be "Squad…Slide Romeo 10 yards.
3. Clear: The enemy position is unmanned.
4. Romeo: Right
5. Lima: Left
6. Echo Up: Forward motion of an Echo skirmish line.
7. Echo Back: Retreat from an Echo skirmish line.

The immediate action drill is defined as the response of a soldier to enemy fire. They are individual actions to respond to a threat. The purpose of them is to standardize the response of all members of the PLIB to facilitate greater understanding and coordination.
Basically "Everyone must know what everyone else is doing".

1. Recognize the threat (They are shooting at you!)
2. Go to ground or find cover. Remember concealment will not stop a paintball. (Every man should be constantly scanning for cover at ALL times when on the march.)
3. Return fire in the direction of the enemy. (This fire does not have to be aimed.)
4. Establish the exact location of the enemy and advise the leader (when asked).
5. Listen for the commands and prepare for action. (Some members will either assault or the squad will disengage.)
6. Follow the orders of the leader.

Clock System
The clock system is used to direct a unit movement. The forward direction of movement is always at the 12 o'clock position. Orders can be given using the clock system and an estimate of distance to the enemy:

"Enemy Bunker, 3 O'clock, 30 Yards"

When in camp, the commander should establish North as the 12 O'clock position. This will allow enemy sightings or movement to be assigned a clock position to aid in locating the enemy.

Rally Points
Every unit, from the battalion to the squad must designate a rally point for reassembly in the event the unit suffers massive casualties or is overrun. A rally point is a place where a unit can meet and reorganize if spread out. It may be a place to halt to reorganize and prepare for action before an assault. Rally points must be designated in advance and must be easily recognizable to every member of the unit. They should provide cover and concealment in case elements of the rallying unit are under fire and should have some form of natural defense.

On arrival at a rally point, the unit should:

1. Establish security
2. Account for personnel
3. Establish a chain of command
4. Make a decision to abort or continue

THE COMMANDER OF EACH UNIT MUST INSURE THAT EVERY MAN KNOWS WHERE THE RALLY POINT IS!

Freeze
The Freeze command is used when a unit, not yet seen by the enemy, sees the enemy and has no time to take any other action. All men hold still until signaled to continue or to do something else. If the enemy is not alerted, the unit continues its mission after the enemy passes.
The obvious use of Freeze is to let the enemy pass the unit undetected. This could occur on any number of infiltration type missions and can be an effective ambush tactic if communications are functioning properly. There is no better position to assault than the enemy's rear. If they can be caught between a squad and the rest of the platoon, victory is nearly assured.
Additionally, some missions assigned to PLIB units will require minimum contact
with the enemy to accomplish the mission.

Hasty Ambush
The Hasty Ambush is used when the unit sees the enemy approaching and has time to do something other than Freeze. When the signal to perform a hasty ambush is given, all men move into Echo and assume firing positions (concealed if possible). The decision to initiate the ambush is made by the leader based on his mission and whether or not the unit is spotted. The Hasty ambush is generally sprung on a signal from the leader, usually PAW or SAW fire as directed.

Immediate Assault
No paintballer needs to have Immediate Assault explained to them. It is used when the enemy and the unit see each other at the same time and at such close range that no other action is possible. The man nearest the enemy shouts "CONTACT FRONT! 12 O'clock" and gives the number of enemy seen if possible. The unit moves swiftly into the assault. If the enemy stands and fights, the assault is carried through the enemy and is continued until the enemy is destroyed or retreats.

Squad Combat Drill
1. React to enemy contact
2. Locate the enemy
3. Gain fire superiority
4. Flank attack
5. Consolidate and reorganize

1. React to enemy contact

a. Go to ground or find cover. Remember concealment will not stop a paintball. (Every man should be constantly scanning for cover at ALL times when on the march.)
b. Immediately return a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy position. The other squad members initially place heavy suppressive fire in direction of the enemy.

3. Locate the enemy

a. Observe target. Place aimed/sustained fire on enemy locations.
b. Reconnoiter by fire. Place well aimed fire at suspected enemy locations.
c. Once enemy locations are located place maximum effective, sustained fire on the enemy.

4. Gain fire superiority

a. Suppress enemy positions.
b. Control distribution of fire.
c. Concentrate effective fire on critical targets; initially a heavy volume tapering to sustaining rate with no gaps in suppression.

5. Flank Attack

a. The squad members making initial contact continues to provide suppressive fire.
b. Conduct a flank attack with the movement element using speed, a covered and concealed route, and fire and movement.
c. The base of fire element lifts or shifts fires.
d. The movement element assaults through enemy positions using fire and movement.

6. Consolidate and reorganize

a. Occupy hasty defensive positions to prepare for counterattack.
b. Check casualties/eliminations, reestablish chain of command, if needed.
c. Redistribute ammo and place weapons.
d. Prepare to move out.