Infantry Drills

B-9: Develop Contingencies



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B-9. Leaders initially develop plans based on their units’ maximum capabilities; they make backup plans for implementation in the event of casualties or weapon damage or failure. While leaders cannot anticipate or plan for every situation, they should develop plans for what they view as the most probable occurrences. Building redundancy into these plans, such as having two systems observe the same area of operation, is an invaluable asset when the situation (and number of available systems) permits. Designating alternate sectors of fire provides a means of shifting fires if adjacent elements are knocked out of action.

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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad