Individual functions

The Rifle Squad, which we emulate within our association and reenactment unit, is the basic combat unit of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It is the smallest unit capable of independent combat, movement, and coordination within a higher unit - the Platoon. The squad is a compact, highly flexible team consisting of 13 members who have precisely defined roles within the given squad.

A typical USMC squad is led by a Squad Leader and consists of three four-man and sometimes three-man Fire Teams, usually divided into Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Each team is led by a Team Leader and supplemented by key positions such as an Infantry Rifleman, Grenadier and Machine Gunner.

The strength of the team lies in the small number of Marines, mobility and maneuverability across the battlefield. The USMC has long built on the philosophy of "every Marine a rifleman" - every Marine is first and foremost a rifleman, regardless of their specialization.

The squad functions as a small, self-sufficient combat organism - capable of conducting direct combat, providing reconnaissance, defending positions, and cooperating with support units.

The following sections describe the individual functions, their equipment, tasks, and position within the squad.

INFANTRY RIFLEMAN

A versatile and basic position. The Infantry Rifleman makes up 80% of the squad. He operates the M4 carbine, M27 rifle, LAW and M136 rocket launchers as well as the M320 or M203 grenade launchers. He forms the backbone of every infantry squad or platoon.

Infantry rifleman

A versatile and basic position. The Infantry Rifleman makes up 80% of the squad. He operates the M4 carbine, M27 rifle, LAW and M136 rocket launchers as well as the M320 or M203 grenade launchers. He forms the backbone of every infantry squad or platoon.

MACHINE GUNNER

The saddest person on a long march, the happiest during a firefight. In translation, a machine gunner controls and operates the M240B universal machine gun. He provides direct fire support for the squad and forms a significant part of the firepower of an infantry squad.

Infantry rifleman

The saddest person on a long march, the happiest during a firefight. In translation, a machine gunner controls and operates the M240B universal machine gun. He provides direct fire support for the squad and forms a significant part of the firepower of an infantry squad.

NAVY CORPSMAN

In translation, a medic. He takes care of treating wounded team members in combat according to TCCC. He is also in charge of the team's medical care outside of combat operations. He is equipped with a medical backpack with all the necessary equipment.

Navy corpsman

In translation, a medic. He takes care of treating wounded team members in combat according to TCCC. He is also in charge of the team's medical care outside of combat operations. He is equipped with a medical backpack with all the necessary equipment.

SQUAD LEADER

He commands a 13-member infantry squad. He is responsible for the squad during combat operations and exercises. He is armed with an M4 carbine and during field deployments he issues orders to individual Fire Teams (3-4 people each) within the squad.

Squad leader

He commands a 13-member infantry squad. He is responsible for the squad during combat operations and exercises. He is armed with an M4 carbine and during field deployments he issues orders to individual Fire Teams (3-4 people each) within the squad.

FIRE TEAM LEADER

He commands a 3-4 member team within the squad. The squad itself consists of three of these firing teams, each with its own commander.

Fire team leader

He commands a 3-4 member team within the squad. The squad itself consists of three of these firing teams, each with its own commander.

SQUAD SYSTEMS OPERATOR

In most cases, he is responsible for carrying and deploying the reconnaissance drone. The team commander decides on the use of the drone, and the systems operator then flies the drone and conducts reconnaissance.

Squad system operator

In most cases, he is responsible for carrying and deploying the reconnaissance drone. The team commander decides on the use of the drone, and the systems operator then flies the drone and conducts reconnaissance.

FIELD RADIO OPERATOR

Operates a PRC117 radio and is responsible for radio communication with other units on the battlefield, with fire support or with higher command. Is available to the squad leader.

Field radio oeprator

Operates a PRC117 radio and is responsible for radio communication with other units on the battlefield, with fire support or with higher command. Is available to the squad leader.

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