Previous: Section II – Role of the Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
1-35. The Infantry rifle platoon and its squads can be task organized alone or as a combined arms force based upon METT-TC. (See figure 1-1.) Its effectiveness increases through the synergy of combined arms including tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles (BFVs) and Stryker Infantry carrier vehicles (ICVs), engineers, and other support elements. The Infantry rifle platoon and squad as a combined arms force can capitalize on the strengths of the team’s elements while minimizing their limitations.
1-36. Infantry units can operate in all terrain and weather conditions. They might be the dominant force because of rapid strategic deployment. In such cases, they can take and gain the initiative early, seize and retain or control terrain, and mass fires to stop the enemy. Infantry units are particularly effective in urban terrain, where they can infiltrate and move rapidly to the rear of enemy positions. The leader can enhance their mobility by using helicopters and airlift.
1-37. The fundamental considerations for employing Infantry units result from the missions, types, equipment, capabilities, limitations, and organization of units. Other capabilities result from a unit’s training program, leadership, morale, personnel strengths, and many other factors. These other capabilities constantly change based on the current situation.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad