Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad - Sakai

Fundamentals of Tactics
1-189. Fixing the enemy is accomplished through isolation. “Isolate” means cutting the adversary off
from the functions necessary to be effective. Isolation has both an external aspect of cutting off outside
support and information, and an internal aspect of cutting off mutual support. Isolating the adversary also
includes precluding any break in contact.
1-190. External isolation stops any of the fixed enemy force from leaving the engagement while
preventing any other enemy force from reinforcing the fixed force. Actions outside of the objective area
prevent enemy forces from entering the engagement. Internal isolation occurs by achieving fire superiority
that prevents the enemy from repositioning and interfering with friendly maneuver elements.
1-191. Isolating the objective is a key factor in facilitating the assault and preventing casualties. Isolating
the objective also involves seizing terrain that dominates the area so the enemy cannot supply, reinforce, or
withdraw its defenders. Infantry platoons and squads may perform this function as a shaping element for a
company operation, or it may assign subordinates this function within its own organization. In certain
situations, the squads or platoon may isolate an objective or an area for special operations forces.
Depending on the tactical situation, Infantry platoons may use infiltration to isolate the objective.
1-192. The enemy is fixed when his movement is stopped, his weapons suppressed, and his ability to
effectively respond disrupted. Once fixed, the leader has a decision to make. In the offense, the leader must
determine if he has enough forces to assault the enemy, or if he needs to request a separate assault element
from the controlling headquarters. In the defense, he must determine if he has enough forces to
counterattack, or if he needs to request a separate counterattack force from the controlling headquarters.
3. FINISH
1-193. After finding and fixing the enemy, the leader finishes the fight. In the offense, this is known as the
assault; in the defense, this is known as the counterattack. Finishing the enemy normally consists of one of
the following tactical mission tasks: clear, seize, or destroy. It is extremely important that leaders
understand the necessity to “have something left” when finishing the enemy and for the next step—followthrough.
Failure to have enough combat power at the decisive point or during consolidation puts the unit at
risk to counterattack. The fight is finished when the enemy—
• No longer has the physical ability to fight (meaning he is destroyed).
• Has determined physical destruction is imminent.
• No longer believes he can resist (meaning he is in shock).
4. FOLLOW -THROUGH
1-194. Follow-through involves those actions that enable the unit to transition from close combat to
continuing the mission. It includes conducting consolidation and reorganization and exploiting success.
Transitioning the unit from the violence of close combat back to a state of high readiness is difficult. Units
are most vulnerable at the conclusion of close combat, and decisive leadership is absolutely essential to
make the transition. Continuing the attack or counterattacking may be a deliberate phase of the operation (a
“be-prepared-to” or “on-order” mission). It may also be a decision made by the controlling commander
based on a window of opportunity.
DOCTRINAL HIERARCHY OF OPERATIONS
1-195. Figure 1-14 shows the doctrinal hierarchy and the relationship between the types and subordinate
forms of operations. While an operation’s predominant characteristic labels it as an offensive, defensive,
stability, or civil support operation, different units involved in that operation may be conducting different
types and subordinate forms of operations. These units often transition rapidly from one type or subordinate
form to another. While positioning his forces for maximum effectiveness, the commander rapidly shifts
from one type or form of operation to another to continually keep the enemy off balance. Flexibility in
transitioning contributes to a successful operation.
1-196. Infantry platoons and squads conduct all the types of operations listed in the doctrinal hierarchy.
However, the Infantry platoon and squad will almost always conduct these operations and their subordinate
28 March 2007 FM 3-21.8 1-37