Marine Rifle Squad

f. Constructing Obstacles. The squad may be ordered to construct
obstacles such as barbed wire, log and brush barriers, ditches, and hasty
protective minefields; and may be ordered to improve natural obstacles
such as creek beds and river banks. Usually antitank and other extensive
obstacles are constructed by engineers. When obstacles which affect the
squad's fighting position are constructed, the squad leader ensures that —
• The obstacle is located beyond hand grenade range of the individual
fighting positions of squad members.
• The obstacle is covered by fire.
g. Selecting Supplementary and Alternate Fighting Positions. The
squad prepares supplementary fighting positions organized the same as the
primary fighting positions but oriented in a different direction. If crewserved
weapons are attached to the squad or employed in the squad fighting
position, alternate fighting positions should also be prepared for the crewserved
weapons.
h. Camouflage Measures. Concealmentfrom enemy ground and aerial
observation is very important in selecting and organizing each fighting position.
The squad must take advantage of natural concealment whenever
possible. Camouflage measures are begun from the moment the position
is occupied and are continued as long as the Marines are there. Specific
camouflage measures are:
(1) Do not disclose the position by excessive or careless clearing of fields
of fire.
(2) Use the same turf or topsoil that has been removed from the area
of the fighting hole to camouflage the parapet.
(3) Dispose of all soil from the fighting hole not used on the parapet.
Carry the soil away in sandbags or shelter halves. Dispose of it under
low bushes, on dirt roads or paths, in streams or ponds, or camouflage it.
(4) Avoid digging in next to an isolated bush, tree, or clump of
vegetation.
(5) Conceal the fighting hole from observation by the use of a
camouflaged cover. Construct the cover from natural materials.
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