TAC's Tactical Quick Reference

Section 1: Squad Organization and Weapons

Understanding the organization and capabilities of rifle and weapons squads is fundamental to evaluating platoon operations. These organizations define the organic firepower and capabilities available to the platoon leader.

Infantry Rifle Squad (ATP 3-21.8)

The rifle squad is the primary maneuver element of the infantry platoon. It consists of 9 personnel organized into two fire teams, each led by a team leader.

Typical Combat Load (Infantry Rifle Squad)

Weapons Squad (ATP 3-21.8)

The weapons squad provides the platoon's medium machine gun and anti-armor capability. It does not maneuver independently like rifle squads but provides supporting fires to enable rifle squad maneuver.

Section 2: Movement Formations

Formations provide the framework for controlling the squad/platoon during movement. The SL/PL selects formations based on METT-TC, balancing control, flexibility, security, and speed.

Squad Formations (ATP 3-21.8)

Source: ATP 3-21.8 Doctrine Supplement, Infantry Platoon and Squad

Fire Team Formations

Figure 2-7: Fire Team Wedge

Figure 2-8: Fire Team File

Squad Formations

Figure 2-9: Squad Column (FTs in Wedge)

Figure 2-10: Squad Line

Figure 2-11: Squad File

Platoon Formations with Hand and Arm Signals (ATP 3-21.8)

Platoon formations are built from squad formations. The PL positions squads relative to each other based on threat and terrain. Hand and arm signals enable silent communication.

Section 3: Movement Techniques

Movement techniques describe HOW elements move relative to each other. The leader selects based on likelihood of enemy contact, need for speed, and terrain.

Bounding Overwatch Methods

• Successive Bounds: Overwatch element moves to a position roughly abreast of the bounding element (more secure, slower)
• Alternate Bounds: Overwatch element bounds PAST the bounding element (faster, less secure)

Section 4: Danger Area Crossings

A danger area is any place where the unit is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire. Crossing danger areas is a critical tactical task that requires planning, control, and security.

Types of Danger Areas

Linear Danger Area Crossing Procedure

1. Designate near/far side rally points – Where element halts before crossing; where it assembles after
2. Secure the near side – Element halts in covered/concealed position; establishes local security
3. Reconnoiter the crossing site – Leader or recon team moves to edge; observes far side; confirms no enemy
4. Post far-side security – Send security element across first; they establish overwatch positions
5. Cross the danger area – Main body crosses quickly (usually buddy teams); maintain dispersion
6. Secure the far side – Element consolidates at far-side rally point; accounts for personnel/equipment
7. Continue movement – Once consolidated and secure, resume mission

Key Points for Evaluation

• Did the candidate designate rally points BEFORE crossing?
• Was far-side security established BEFORE the main body crossed?
• Did the candidate maintain control and accountability throughout?
• Was the crossing executed with appropriate speed and dispersion?

Section 5: Battle Drills

Battle drills are standardized collective actions rapidly executed without a deliberate decision-making process. Soldiers execute drills instinctively based on training. Per CMP: "WTBDs were previously taught and tested in basic combat training. There is no requirement to reteach these tasks in OCS."

React to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted (Battle Drill 1A)

Situation: Squad receives direct fire from enemy while moving dismounted

Actions:

1. Soldiers immediately return fire and take cover
2. Team leaders locate and identify enemy position (direction, distance, description)
3. Squad leader reports contact to platoon leader using SALUTE format
4. Squad establishes base of fire to suppress enemy
5. Squad leader assesses situation and directs action (assault, maneuver, or break contact)
6. On order, squad executes follow-on action

React to Contact (Battle Drill 2)

Situation: Element receives fire from enemy

Actions:

1. Soldiers immediately return fire and take cover
2. Team/Squad leaders locate and report enemy position (direction, distance, description)
3. Leaders assess situation and direct fires
4. SL reports contact to PL using SALUTE format
5. Element suppresses enemy; prepares for follow-on actions (assault, break contact, etc.)

Break Contact (Battle Drill 3)

Situation: Element must disengage from enemy (outmatched, mission requires withdrawal)

Actions:

1. Leader gives command to break contact and direction of movement
2. Covering element suppresses enemy with heavy volume of fire
3. Bounding element moves to covered position to rear (uses terrain, smoke)
4. Bounding element sets and provides suppressive fire
5. Elements alternate bounds until contact is broken
6. Consolidate at rally point; account for personnel/equipment

React to Ambush (Battle Drill 4)

KEY CONCEPT: Response depends on whether ambush is NEAR or FAR

NEAR AMBUSH (within hand grenade range, ~35m) — TC 3-21.76, Battle Drill 07-3-D9502:

1. Soldiers IN the kill zone immediately return fire, throw fragmentation grenades, and assault through the ambush position
2. No orders are given — this is an immediate action drill; speed and violence of action are the only chance of survival
3. Soldiers OUTSIDE the kill zone identify enemy positions and provide suppressive fire; shift fires as the assault element moves through
4. Assault continues through the enemy position to the far side; element consolidates and reorganizes
5. SL reports to PL; element prepares for follow-on actions

FAR AMBUSH (beyond hand grenade range, >35m):

1. Soldiers IN the kill zone immediately return fire, seek cover, and suppress the enemy position
2. Soldiers OUTSIDE the kill zone maneuver to a support-by-fire position or flank the enemy
3. SL reports to PL (SALUTE); leader assesses the situation
4. Leader directs follow-on action: assault the ambush position or break contact (based on METT-TC)
5. If assaulting: support element suppresses while assault element maneuvers to destroy the enemy
6. If breaking contact: execute Battle Drill 3 (Break Contact) — elements alternate bounding to the rear under covering fire

Knock Out a Bunker (Battle Drill 5)

Situation: Element identifies enemy bunker during movement

Actions:

1. Element reacts to contact; suppresses bunker
2. SL reports, evaluates situation, maneuvers team to flank
3. Support element maintains suppressive fire on bunker
4. Assault element approaches from blind side/flank
5. Assault element destroys bunker with grenades and fire
6. Element consolidates and reorganizes

Enter and Clear a Room (Battle Drill 6)

Situation: Team must clear a room during urban operations

Actions:

1. Team stacks on entry point
2. #1 soldier enters first, moves to first corner and clears to center
3. #2 soldier enters, moves opposite direction, clears to center
4. #3 and #4 enter and clear remaining corners
5. Team leader announces "CLEAR" when room is secure

Section 6: Actions on the Objective

This section covers the basic framework for offensive operations that candidates will plan and execute during FLX. The candidate must demonstrate understanding of the purpose and organization of each element.

Basic Offensive Framework

Objective Rally Point (ORP) Procedures

The ORP is the last covered and concealed position before the objective where the patrol halts to finalize preparations.

1. Occupation: Typically 200-400m from objective; Establish 360° security; Account for personnel
2. Leader's Recon: PL takes key leaders forward to confirm objective location and finalize plan
3. Final Preparations: Issue final guidance; Conduct rehearsals; PCC/PCI
4. Departure: Elements depart on time; Move to assault/support positions

Consolidation and Reorganization

After seizing the objective, the element must secure the position and prepare for the next mission.

CONSOLIDATION (security):

• Establish hasty defensive positions facing likely enemy avenues of approach
• Position crew-served weapons to cover key terrain
• Establish observation posts and listening posts as needed

REORGANIZATION (sustainment):

• Account for all personnel and sensitive items
• Treat and evacuate casualties
• Redistribute ammunition and supplies
• Process EPWs and captured equipment
• Report to higher (SALUTE, ACE)

Section 7: Ambush Operations

The ambush is one of the primary STX lane missions for OCS candidates. It is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target. Understanding ambush types, formations, and execution sequence is critical for evaluating whether candidates can plan and lead this operation.

Reference: TC 3-21.76 Ranger Handbook, Chapter 7 (Patrols); ATP 3-21.8, Chapter 4

Categories of Ambush

Ambush Formations (TC 3-21.76)

Deliberate Ambush Sequence (TC 3-21.76)

The deliberate ambush is the primary ambush type used in STX lanes. The sequence below follows the Ranger Handbook methodology.

Hasty Ambush (TC 3-21.76)

A hasty ambush is triggered when the patrol detects an enemy force and can set up without being detected. There is no time for a formal order — execution relies on previously rehearsed SOPs.

1. Patrol detects enemy; PL is notified via hand and arm signals
2. Patrol halts, remains motionless
3. PL gives the signal for hasty ambush left or hasty ambush right (direction relative to direction of march)
4. Elements move to covered and concealed positions; security moves to flanks
5. PL establishes the kill zone and control measures
6. PL initiates and controls the ambush
7. PL directs hasty search; patrol consolidates, reorganizes, withdraws, and reports

Section 8: Connecting Tactics to the FLER

The Field Leadership Evaluation Report (FLER) evaluates candidates on the 8 TLPs, not tactical execution. Understanding how tactical tasks connect to TLP evaluation helps focus your assessment.

Section 9: Occupying a Combat Outpost (COP)

1st Platoon, A/4-211 IN conducts a tactical road march from the RTI through two checkpoints to seize and occupy COP Seggel, a recently vacated host nation facility. Upon clearing the facility, the platoon establishes the company command post, transitions to a defensive posture, and prepares to execute follow-on missions issued as FRAGOs from the COP.

Operation Phases at a Glance

Section 10: Radio Operations and Communications Procedures

Connects to: Phase 3 dual-net communications requirement

• PACE plan structure and employment (Primary: FM radio, Alternate: FM alternate freq, Contingency: single-channel plain text, Emergency: runner)
• RTO procedures: call signs, prowords ("this is," "over," "out," "roger," "wilco"), phonetic alphabet, authentication using number combination
• Report formats — SALUTE (enemy contact), SITREP (situation update), MEDEVAC 9-line request, LACE (logistics status)
• Net discipline: brevity, no names over the net, proper call sign usage, listen-before-transmit
• Dual-net operations: monitoring both platoon and company nets simultaneously — this is required during Phase 3 CP operations
• For this FLX: Candidates must establish comms on two nets (company FH and platoon FH) and demonstrate proper checkpoint reporting during the road march and SITREP/LACE reporting from the COP

Section 11: OE-254 Antenna Setup and Employment

Connects to: Phase 3 CP establishment

• Components: 4 fiberglass mast sections, ground plane (4 radials), AB-652 base, guy wires (3), stakes, coax cable to radio
• Assembly sequence: lay out ground plane radials → assemble mast sections → attach antenna element → connect coax → raise mast → tension guy wires → stake and ground
• Site selection: highest available ground near the CP, clear of overhead obstructions (trees, power lines), within coax cable reach of the radio, away from other antennas to avoid interference
• Orientation: the antenna is omnidirectional when vertical — key concern is ensuring it is plumb (straight up) for even radiation pattern
• Guy wire tensioning: equal tension on all 3 guy wires at 120° intervals; stakes at approximately 2/3 the mast height distance from the base
• Troubleshooting: weak signal often means a loose coax connection, improperly grounded base, or mast not plumb; check connections before assuming radio fault
• For this FLX: The OE-254 extends FM range to reliably reach higher HQ from the COP. Candidates should demonstrate they can get the antenna up quickly during Phase 3 occupation so the CP is operational

Section 12: Entry Control Point (ECP) Operations

Connects to: Phase 3 ECP establishment

• ECP layout: overwatch position with clear line of fire, covered search area, separate vehicle and pedestrian lanes where possible, barriers or obstacles to slow and canalize traffic
• Manning: minimum 3 personnel — one on overwatch (armed, covering the search area), one conducting the search/check, one logging and providing backup
• Positive identification: challenge/password procedures, visual ID checks, search vehicles and personnel using a systematic 5-point or full pat-down method
• Escalation of force: Shout (verbal warning) → Show (display weapon) → Shove (physical measures) → Shoot (lethal force as last resort). Each step must be clearly understood
• Documentation: maintain a log of all personnel and vehicles entering/exiting with time, name/description, purpose, and any items of interest
• ROE with civilians: host nation personnel may be present at COP Seggel — treat respectfully, identify, report to higher. Positively identify targets before any use of force
• For this FLX: The ECP is established on Bradenton Avenue during Phase 3. Candidates use the OPORD's challenge ("Outpost") and password ("Seggel"). Cadre may send civilian role-players to test ECP procedures and ROE compliance

Section 13: Security and Defensive Planning

Connects to: Phase 3 perimeter security; See Section 6

• Priorities of work (in order): security first, then fighting positions, wire/obstacles, fields of fire, alternate positions, range cards/sector sketches, rehearsals, rest plan
• Sector sketch: drawn from the leader's position looking out; includes squad/team boundaries, primary and alternate fighting positions, key terrain features, TRPs (target reference points), FPL (final protective line), dead space, and obstacles
• Fighting positions: hasty positions immediately on occupation, then improve to deliberate positions with overhead cover, grenade sumps, and drainage; interlocking fields of fire between adjacent positions
• Observation plan: LP/OPs pushed out along likely avenues of approach; establish communication (wire, radio, or signals) back to the perimeter; cover dead space with observation or indirect fire
• Stand-to: 100% security at dawn and dusk (BMNT/EENT) — the most likely times for enemy attack. Duration typically 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after
• QRF: a designated element (typically a fire team or squad) on short-notice alert to reinforce any sector under attack; must know routes to every sector and rehearse responses
• Rest plan: for 48-hour sustained operations, must rotate 1/3 security, 1/3 improving positions, 1/3 rest — realistic scheduling is critical
• For this FLX: COP Seggel's most dangerous avenues of approach are from the north and west. The OPORD expects defensive fires oriented on the Bradenton Avenue corridor and western woodlines. REAPER probing attacks at first light are the expected threat

Section 14: Satellite Imagery and Terrain Analysis

Connects to: Phase 1 route planning; Phase 3 defensive layout

• Reading satellite imagery: identify buildings, roads, tree lines, open areas, water features; understand scale and orientation (north arrow); distinguish between current and outdated imagery
• OAKOC framework:
  • Observation & Fields of Fire: Where can you see from? Where can you shoot from? Where are the blind spots?
  • Avenues of Approach: How can the enemy get to you? How can you move to the objective?
  • Key Terrain: What ground gives an advantage to whoever controls it? (high ground, road junctions, hardened buildings)
  • Obstacles: What restricts movement? (dense vegetation, water, fences, structures)
  • Cover & Concealment: Cover stops bullets (walls, berms); concealment hides you (vegetation, shadows) — they are not the same thing
• Correlating imagery to grid: match visible features (road intersections, buildings) to the map; use known grid references to orient; overlay grid lines if possible
• Facility layout proposal: using the imagery, candidates should be able to propose placement of the CP, ECP, CCP (casualty collection point), and HLZ (helicopter landing zone) and explain why each location was chosen based on terrain
• For this FLX: COP Seggel sits in a developed area with Bradenton Avenue as the main MSR, dense pine/hardwood forest to the west, and open terrain along Jacksonville Street to the north. Candidates should recognize the key terrain features and orient their defensive plan around them

Section 15: Battle Tracking and Command Post Operations

Connects to: Phases 3–4 CP operations

• Battle tracking board: a map or imagery with current friendly positions (by squad/team), known/suspected enemy positions, key control measures (phase lines, checkpoints, boundaries), and a timeline of events. Updated in real time as reports come in
• CP layout: the CP needs a battle tracking board visible to the PL/PSG, radios on both nets within arm's reach, a message log, and a working area for planning. It should be inside a hardened structure for protection
• Tracking friendly forces: know where every element is at all times — squad locations, casualty status, ammunition status, security posture. If you can't point to a squad on the map, you've lost track
• Tracking enemy: plot all SALUTE reports on the board; look for patterns (direction of movement, timing of contact, likely staging areas)
• Running estimates: maintain current counts for personnel (effective strength by squad), Class V (ammo by type), and Class I/water (remaining supply vs. consumption rate). Update with every LACE report
• Processing reports: when a report comes in, the CP logs it, posts it to the board, determines if it triggers a CCIR or requires action, and passes it to higher if required
• Transition from movement to static: during Phase 1-2, the PL leads from the front; in Phase 3, the PL/PSG must shift to leading from the CP — this is the hardest leadership transition for candidates and the one most likely to fail
• For this FLX: The company CP is established in a hardened building at COP Seggel. The OPORD requires SITREP every 4 hours and LACE every 12 hours. Candidates must demonstrate they can receive a FRAGO at the CP and conduct TLPs to issue a new order — this is the Phase 4 evaluation focus

Section 16: MEDEVAC 9-Line Request

References

• ATP 3-21.8, Infantry Platoon and Squad (April 2016) - Interactive Doctrine Supplement
• TC 3-21.76, Ranger Handbook (April 2017) - Chapter 7 (Patrols/Ambush), Chapter 8 (Battle Drills/React to Ambush)
• ARNG OCS Course Management Plan (1 JAN 2024)
• ARNG OCS Individual Student Assessment Plan (1 JAN 2024)
• Platoon Trainer Guide (15 November 2024)
• OPORD 001 (MAR 26) — Operation SPRING STRIKE, FLX Preparation and Execution
• FLX Base OPORD — Establish COP Seggel (A/4-211 IN)

FOR TRAINING USE ONLY | TAC's Tactical Quick Reference – ATP 3-21.8 / TC 3-21.76

Created by Matt Wagner | Source: github.com/mattgwagner/tlp-opords