Marine Rifle Squad

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SUPPLEMENTARY POSITION
•1
(ONLY ONE OF THE THREE SQUAD AUTOMATIC RIFLES ARE
CRITICAL TO THE DEFENSE OF THE ENTIRE PLATOON.)
Figure 5.8. Squad Fighting Position.
(2) Fire teams are placed generally abreast. They face the expected direction
of enemy attack so as to be able to deliver their heaviest volume
of fire against the enemy forward of the platoon battle position. Fighting
positions of individual fire team members may be staggered in an
irregular line to take advantage of the terrain; however, care must be
taken not to mask the fires of members of the fire team.
(3) Selection of fire team fighting positions must be coordinated with the
location of crew-served weapons in the squad fighting position so as to
provide for the close-in protection of these weapons.
d. Automatic Rifles
(1) The platoon commander designates the general fighting positions and
principal directions of fire for specific automatic rifles.
5.15