Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad - Sakai

Fundamentals of Tactics
contact occurs as expected, the leader goes through the procedure making decisions as anticipated and
minor adjustments as required.
1-164. Regardless of how thorough the leader’s visualization, there will always be cases in which the unit
makes unexpected contact with the enemy. In this case, it is essential that the unit and its leader take actions
to quickly and decisively take back the initiative.
STEP 2 – EVALUATE AND DEVELOP THE SITUATION
1-165. This step begins with the leader evaluating and developing the situation. The leader quickly
gathers the information he needs to make a decision on his course of action. He does this through either
personal reconnaissance or reports from subordinates. At a minimum, the leader needs to confirm the
friendly situation and determine the enemy situation using the SALUTE format (size, activity, location,
unit, time, and equipment), and enemy capabilities (defend, reinforce, attack, withdraw, and delay). During
this analysis, the leader should look for an enemy vulnerability to exploit.
1-166. As part of developing the situation, the leader seeks a position of advantage to maneuver his force.
During this process, the leader considers the following:
• Mutually supporting enemy positions.
• Obstacles.
• The size of the enemy force engaging the unit. (Enemy strength is indicated by the number of
enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect
fires.)
• A vulnerable flank to the position.
• A covered and concealed route to the flank of the position.
1-167. If after his initial evaluation the leader still lacks information, he may attempt one or all of the
following to get the information he needs:
• Reposition a subordinate(s) or a subordinate unit.
• Reconnaissance by fire.
• Request information from adjacent units or from the controlling headquarters.
STEP 3 – CHOOSE A COA
1-168. After developing the situation, the leader determines what action his unit must take to successfully
conclude the engagement. The leader then determines if the chosen task is consistent with the original
COA. If it still applies, he continues the mission. If it is not consistent, he issues a FRAGO modifying the
original COA. If the leader is unsure, he continues to develop the situation and seeks guidance from higher.
In general, the following options are open to the leader:
• Achieve fire superiority by assault/attack (including standard Infantry battle drills).
• Support by fire for another unit.
• Break contact.
• Defend.
• Bypass enemy position.
1-169. The order of COAs listed above is relative to the effectiveness of fire and strength of the enemy
position. If the enemy is an inferior force, the unit in contact should be able to achieve fire superiority and
still have enough elements to conduct movement to attack the enemy force. If the entire unit is needed to
gain and maintain fire superiority, the next feasible COA is to establish a support by fire so another element
can conduct movement to attack the enemy. If the unit cannot achieve fire superiority, or there is no other
element to conduct an assault, the unit breaks contact. If the unit is decisively engaged and cannot break
contact, it establishes a defense until assistance from another unit arrives. In some instances, based on
METT-TC, the unit may bypass the enemy position.
28 March 2007 FM 3-21.8 1-33