A look at where are the US Army's and US Marine Corps' combat capabilities of the infantryman are headed.The infantry rifle platoon is the lowest level ground combat unit able to conduct tactical fire and movement. Typically, each platoon is composed of three or four squads, plus the platoon leader's section. The unit is primarily equipped with a mix of direct fire weapons with the tactical function of each squad member defined by the characteristics of that weapon. The key principle for successful employment of the unit is 'mutual support,' whereby the actions of each soldier and element of the unit directly cover and assist those of the others. It is the ability to work as a team that defines the effectiveness of the small combat unit. Individual skill and proficiency and the arms that each soldier carries are relevant primarily as they contribute to the performance of the unit.
展开▼
