Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad - Sakai

Chapter 1
forms and types as part of a larger unit. In fact, many of these types of operations are only conducted at the
battalion, brigade, or division level. Only the types of operations applicable to Infantry platoons and squads
are further covered in this manual.
OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS
Figure 1-14. Doctrinal hierarchy of operations.
1-197. Offensive operations aim to destroy or defeat an enemy. Their purpose is to impose U.S. will on
the enemy and achieve decisive victory (FM 3-0, Operations). Dominance of the offense is a basic tenet of
U.S. Army operations doctrine. While the defense is the stronger form of military action, the offense is the
decisive form. Tactical considerations may call for Army forces to execute defensive operations for a
period of time. However, leaders are constantly looking for ways to shift to the offense. Offensive
operations do not exist in a vacuum—they exist side by side with defense, and tactical enabling operations.
Leaders analyze the mission two levels up to determine how their unit’s mission nests within the overall
concept. For example, an Infantry platoon leader would analyze company and battalion missions.
1-198. Effective offensive operations require accurate intelligence on enemy forces, weather, and terrain.
Leaders then maneuver their forces to advantageous positions before contact. Contact with enemy forces
before the decisive action is deliberate and designed to shape the optimum situation for the decisive action.
The decisive action is sudden and violent, capitalizing on subordinate initiative. Infantry platoon and squad
leaders therefore execute offensive operations and attack with surprise, concentration, tempo, and audacity.
1-199. There is a subtle difference between attacking and conducting an attack. Attacking in everyday
usage generally means the close combat action of fire and movement on an enemy or position. Attacking
occurs frequently on the battlefield in all types of operations. Conducting an attack is one of the four types
of offensive operations with specific doctrine meanings and requirements.
1-38 FM 3-21.8 28 March 2007