Infantry rifle platoons and squads undergo extensive training to conduct combat operations in all operational environments. In preparation for these operations, battle drills are conducted to mitigate the risk of making contact with the enemy before maneuvering. Battle drills are rehearsed and well understood actions made in response to common battlefield occurrences (ADP 3-90).
Overview
E-1. Battle drills are tasks (individual and collective) designed to teach a Soldier or small unit to react and survive in common combat situations. A platoon, squad, team, or crew performs these actions when initiated by a predetermined cue (verbal or visual). Battle drills are performed instinctively; they require minimal leader direction and have little to no notice. When initiated they are considered vital to the success of the combat operation or critical to preserving life (see FM 7-0). A drill has the following advantages:
- It is based on unit missions and the specific tasks, conditions, standards, and performance measures required to support mission proficiency.
- It builds from simple to complex but focuses on the basics.
- It links how-to-train and how-to-fight at the small-unit level.
- It provides an agenda for continuous coaching and analyzing.
- It develops leaders and builds teamwork and cohesion under stress.
- It enhances the chance for individual and unit survival on the battlefield.
Selected Battle Drills
E-2. This section identifies essential battle drills that an Infantry rifle platoon and squad must train on to ensure success. (See the Army Training Network or the Central Army Registry websites to view selected battle drills.) They include:
- Battle Drill 1: React to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted – Platoon (07-PLT-D9501).
- Battle Drill 1A: React to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted – Squad (07-SQD-D9501).
- Battle Drill 2: Conduct a Platoon Assault (07-PLT-D9514).
- Battle Drill 2A: Conduct a Squad Assault (07-SQD-D9515).
- Battle Drill 3: Break Contact – Platoon (07-PLT-D9505).
- Battle Drill 3A: Break Contact – Squad (07-SQD-D9505).
- Battle Drill 4: React to Ambush (Dismounted) – Platoon (07-PLT-D9502).
- Battle Drill 4A: React to Ambush (Dismounted) – Squad (07-SQD-D9502).
- Battle Drill 5: Knock Out a Bunker – Squad (07-SQD-D9406).
- Battle Drill 6: Enter and Clear a Room – Squad (07-SQD-D9509).
- Battle Drill 7: Enter a Trench to Secure a Foothold – Platoon (07-PLT-D9510).
- Battle Drill 8: Breach of a Mined Wire Obstacle – Platoon (07-PLT-D9412).
- Battle Drill 9: React to Indirect Fire While Dismounted – Platoon (07-PLT-D9504).
- Battle Drill 9A: React to Indirect Fire While Dismounted – Squad (07-SQD-D9504).
- Battle Drill 10: React to Aircraft While Dismounted – Platoon (07-PLT-D8015).
- Battle Drill 11: Establish Security at the Halt – Platoon (07-PLT-D9508).
- Battle Drill 12: Conduct a Hasty Attack – Platoon (07-PLT-D9511).
- Battle Drill 13: Dismount a Vehicle Under Direct Fire – Squad (07-SQD-D9506).
- Battle Drill 14: React to Nuclear Attack – Platoon (07-PLT-D9483).
- Battle Drill 15: React to a Chemical Agent Attack – Platoon (03-PLT-D0071).
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