This publication is an extract from FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad. It provides the tactical standing operating procedures for infantry platoons and squads. The procedures apply unless a leader makes a decision to deviate from them based on the factors of METT-T. In such a case, the exception applies only to the particular situation for which the leader made the decision.

Click
here
to download this file. 
 

This publication is an extract from FM 7-8
Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad.  It provides the tactical standing operating
procedures for infantry platoons and squads and is tailored for ROTC cadet use. 
The procedures apply unless a leader makes a decision to deviate from them based
on the factors of METT-T. In such a case, the exception applies only to the
particular situation for which the leader made the decision.  
 

ANNEX A.  TASK ORGANIZATION (page 2) 
 

ANNEX B.  COMMAND AND CONTROL (page
3) 
 

      Appendix 1. Duties and
Responsibilities (page 5)

      Appendix 2.  Communication (page 8)

      Appendix 3.  Estimate of the Situation
(page 10)

      Appendix 4.  Troop Leading Procedures
(page 12)

                         
Orders (page 13)

                         
Reports (page 18)

      Appendix 5.  Movement (page 19) 
 

ANNEX C.  OPERATIONS (page 21) 
 

      Appendix 1.  Assembly Area Procedures
(page 29)

      Appendix 2.  Patrolling Planning (page
31)

      Appendix 3.  Patrolling:  Patrol Base
Activities;  Friendly Unit Coordination (page 32)

      Appendix 4.  Conduct an Ambush and
Hasty Ambush (page 33)

      Appendix 5.  Area Recon, Actions on
Capturing POW’s and Land Navigation (page 34)

                     Range Cards and
Breaching (SOSR) (page 35) 
 

ANNEX D.  NBC (page 36) 
 

ANNEX E.  AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY (page
37) 
 

ANNEX F.  FIRE SUPPORT (page 38) 
 

ANNEX G.  FIRE CONTROL AND
DISTRIBUTION (page 40) 
 

ANNEX H   OPERATIONAL SECURITY (page
43) 
 

ANNEX I.   COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
(page 45) 
 

ANNEX J.  SAFETY (page 48) 
 

      Appendix 1.  Reports (page 49)

      Appendix 2.  Risk Management (page 51)

            Tab 1.  Risk Assessment Matrix
(page 52)

            Tab 2.  Training Safety List
(page 53)

      Appendix 3.  MEDEVAC Procedures
(page 54)

            Tab 1.  Evaluate a Casualty
(page 54) 
 

ANNEX K.  LDP (page 55) 
 

ANNEX L.  INFANTRY PLATOON WEAPONS
CAPABILITY REFERENCE GUIDE

ANNEX A (TASK ORGANIZATION)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

Task organizations may vary according to METT-T. 
The following items are considered before task organizing for a particular
mission. 
 

1.  MAIN EFFORT.  The platoon leader
designates the main effort.  He sufficiently weighs the main effort for each
mission (for example, machine guns and antiarmor weapons) to ensure success.  
 

2.  SUPPORTING EFFORT.  The platoon
leader also designates supporting efforts that will aid in the accomplishment of
the mission.  
 

3.  PLATOON HEADQUARTERS.   The platoon
headquarters normally consists of the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, platoon
RATELO, forward observer and his RATELO, platoon aidman, two machine gun teams,
and any other elements that may be attached, under operational control, or in a
supporting role. 
 

4.  ATTACHMENTS. 

   a. Engineers.  Engineers normally
have already been assigned a priority of work by the company commander. The
platoon leader will not dictate the employment or further suballocate or task
organize any supporting engineer elements. He is responsible for coordinating
with all engineers operating in his area to ensure the commander’s priorities
are being adhered to. He must also ensure that engineer assets are not wasted
and he must also provide guides to and from his platoon area. The platoon leader
may be required to provide labor support and or security to assist the
engineers. 

   b.  Stinger Teams.  Stinger teams are
usually in direct support of the company during the defense and under OPCON
during the offense. The platoon leader does not change the priority of air
defense protection established by the commander. The Stinger leader positions
the Stingers where they can best provide support. The infantry platoon will
frequently need to provide security for the Stinger team.  

   c.   Antiarmor Sections.   The
antiarmor section’s primary mission is to destroy armor vehicles. The platoon
leader does not change the priority of antiarmor engagements established by the
commander. He locates the section where it can best support the mission. The
infantry platoon will frequently be required to provide security for the
antiarmor section.  

   d.   GSR, IPW, and CI Teams.  Often
collocated with the infantry platoon. These elements are usually in direct
support to the battalion.  The platoon leader coordinates with these teams to
ensure a mutual understanding of the mission exists.  
 

ANNEX B (COMMAND AND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP
 
 

1.   COMMAND.   Platoon leaders are
responsible for effectively using the platoon’s resources and for employing,
organizing, and directing the platoon during combat operations. Effective
command allows subordinate leaders to exercise their initiative, take risks, and
seize opportunities during the mission.

   a.  Succession of Command.  During
combat, any member of the platoon may be required to assume command. Frequently,
the platoon FO or RATELO may need to continue operations and direct the
operation until the chain of command can be reestablished. Under normal
conditions, the platoon succession of command will be– 

• Platoon leader.
• Platoon sergeant.
• Main effort squad leader.
• Supporting effort squad leaders by rank.
  

   b.   Assumption of Command.  When it
is necessary for a new leader to assume command of the platoon, if and when the
situations allows it, he will accomplish the following tasks: 

      (1) Inform higher headquarters of the
change. 

      (2) Reestablish the platoon chain of
command and ensure all subordinates are made aware of changes. 

      (3) Check the platoon’s security and the
emplacement of key weapons. 

      (4) Check the platoon’s equipment and
personnel status.  

      (5) Pinpoint the platoon’s location. 

      (6) Assess the platoon’s ability to
continue the mission.  

      (7) Inform higher command of assessment.
 

      (8) Continue the mission.   
 

2.  CONTROL.   The challenge to the
leader is to use the minimal amount of control required to synchronize the
operation, while still allowing decentralized decision making. 

3. COORDINATION.   Adjacent unit
coordination is accomplished from left to right and from front to rear. Adjacent
unit coordination is done face to face when possible. The following information
is exchanged by adjacent units:  
 

• Unit identification.
• Mission.
• Unit locations
• Frequencies and call signs.
• Security plans.
• Fire support plans.
• Obstacle plans.
• CP and OP locations.
• Challenge and passwords.
• Sector sketches and or scheme of maneuver.
  
• Routes.
• Pyrotechnic signals.
• Fire control measures.

APPENDIXES:  

1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

2. COMMUNICATION 

3. ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION 

4. ORDERS AND REPORTS 

5. MOVEMENT 

 

APPENDIX 1 (DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES)

to

ANNEX B (COMMAND AND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP
 
 
 

1. PLATOON LEADER.  The platoon leader
is responsible for accomplishing the platoon’s mission. He is responsible for
positioning and employing all assigned and attached crew-served weapons. He must
also know how to employ supporting weapons.  

   a. He leads the platoon in support of
company and battalion missions. 

   b. He informs his commander of his actions
at all times. 

   c. He plans missions with the help of the
platoon sergeant, squad leaders, and other key personnel. 

   d. He stays abreast of the situation and
goes where he is needed to supervise, issue FRAGOs, and accomplish the mission. 

   e. He requests support for the platoon from
the company commander to perform its mission.  

   f. He directs the platoon sergeant in
planning and coordinating the platoon’s CSS effort.  

   g. During planning, he receives on-hand
status reports from the platoon sergeant and squad leaders.  

   h. He reviews platoon requirements based on
the tactical plan.  

   i. He develops the casualty evacuation plan.
 

   j. During execution, he checks the work of
the platoon sergeant and the squad leaders.  

   k. He ensures the soldier’s load is
reasonable.  

2.  PLATOON SERGEANT.   The platoon
sergeant is the senior NCO in the platoon and second in command.  

   a. He supervises the logistics,
administration, and maintenance activities of the platoon. 

   b. He organizes and controls the platoon
alternate CP. 

   c. He trains the crews and employs the
platoon’s machine guns IAW the platoon leader’s orders. 

   d. He receives the squad leaders’ requests
for rations, water, and ammunition.  He works with the company XO and first
sergeant to request resupply. He also directs the routing of supplies and mail.
 

   e. He maintains platoon strength
information, consolidates and forwards the platoon’s casualty reports.( DA Forms
1155 and 1156) and receives replacements.  

   f. He monitors the morale, discipline, and
health of platoon members. 

   g. He commands task-organized elements in
the platoon during tactical operations. This can include, but is not limited to,
quartering parties, security forces in withdrawals, support elements in raids or
attacks, and security patrols.  

   h. He coordinates and supervises company
directed platoon resupply operations. 

   i. He ensures that ammunition and equipment
are evenly distributed. (This is a critical task during consolidation and
reorganization.)  

   j. He ensures that the casualty evacuation
plan is complete and executed properly by directing the platoon’s aidman, and
aid and litter teams.  
 

3.   SQUAD LEADER.   The squad leader is
responsible for the squad. 

   a. He controls the maneuver of his squad and
its rate and distribution of fire. 

   b. He exercises his command through the fire
team leaders. 

   c. He manages the logistical and
administrative needs of his squad. He requests and issues ammunition, water,
rations, and special equipment. 

   d. He maintains accountability of his
soldiers and equipment. 

   e. He completes casualty feeder reports and
reviews the casualty reports completed by squad members. 

   f. He supervises the maintenance of the
squad’s weapons and equipment. 

   g. He conducts inspections of his soldiers,
their weapons and their equipment. 

   h. He keeps the platoon sergeant and platoon
leader informed on his squad’s supply status and equipment readiness. 

   i. He ensures that supplies and equipment
are internally cross-leveled. 

   j.  He designates and supervises special
teams to include:  Enemy POW and Aid & Litter teams. 

   k.  He ensures compass and pace count duties
are assigned.  

4.  TEAM LEADER.  The team leader is a
fighting soldier who leads by personal example and helps the squad leader as
required.   

   a.  He controls the movement of his fire
team

   b.  He controls the rate and placement of
fire by leading from the front and using the proper commands and signals. 

   c.  He maintains accountability of his
soldiers and equipment 

   d.  He ensures his soldiers maintain the
unit standards in all areas 

   e.  He is responsible for  one Automatic
Rifleman, one Rifleman, and one Grenadier 

   f.  He ensures that  his Specialty Teams are
trained to standard 
 
 

5.  SPECIALTY TEAMS 

   a.  Enemy Prisoner of War Team: 

      (1)  Search

      (2)  Silence

      (3)  Segregate

      (4)  Safeguard

      (5)  Speed EPWs to collection points 
 

   b.  Aid & Litter Team: 

      (1)  Evaluate A Casualty

      (2)  Administer First Aid to a Nerve
Agent Casualty

      (3)  Perform Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation

      (4)  Put on a Field or Pressure Dressing

      (5)  Prevent Shock

      (6)  Give First Aid for Burns, Heat
Injuries, Frostbite

      (7)  Transport a Casualty using a Litter
to Collection Points

      (8)  Transport a Casualty using a Two-Man
Carry to Collection Points

      (9)  Perform Search, Recovery,
Evacuation, and/or Burial of Remains  
 

APPENDIX 2 (COMMUNICATION)

to

ANNEX B (COMMAND AND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1. GENERAL.  The three primary means of
communication available to the infantry platoon are radio, wire, and messenger.
Normally, the platoon uses one or all of these during an operation.
Additionally, the platoon leader plans an alternate means of communication in
case the primary means fails. 

   a.  Radio.  Radio is the least secure
means of communication. Radio is susceptible to interception and jamming. Proper
radio procedures must be used to reduce the enemy’s opportunity to hamper radio
communications. 

      (1)   Radio procedures: 

        (a) Change frequencies and call signs
IAW unit SOI.  

        (b) Use varied transmission schedules
and lengths.  

        (c) Use established formats to expedite
transmissions such as SALUTE. 

        (d) Encode messages or use secure
voice.  

        (e) Use brevity codes when possible.  

      (2)   Actions if jamming is suspected: 

        (a)  Continue to operate. (Do not let
the enemy know that he is having any affect on communications.)  

        (b) Disconnect the antenna.   If
interference stops, communications are probably being jammed.  

        (c) Switch to highest power. 

        (d) Relocate the radio. Terrain may
mask the enemy’s jamming signal.  

        (e) Use a directional antenna. 

        (f) Turn the squelch off. 

(3) Radio nets: The platoon must monitor
and operate on several radio nets. These include–  

        (a)  Company command net.  The platoon
leader will continuously monitor the company command net.  

        (b) Platoon net.  The platoon
headquarters controls the platoon net. The platoon net is be continuously
monitored by all elements of the platoon.  

        (c) Fire support net.  The fire support
net is controlled by the battalion FSO and is monitored by the platoon’s FO.  

   b.  Wire.  Wire is more secure than
radio and is effected less by weather and terrain. When possible, the platoon
uses wire in lieu of radio. When the tactical situation permits, the platoon
establishes a wire net or hot loop.; This is accomplished as follows:  

      (1) Each element is responsible for
running wire to the platoon headquarters. 

      (2) Each element of the platoon is
responsible for running wire to the element on its left.  

      (3) Each element is responsible for
running wire to their OP. 

      (4) Once established, each element is
responsible for the maintenance of the wire it laid. Additionally, each element
continuously monitors the wire net.  

      (5) When breaking down the wire net, each
element is responsible for recovering its wire.  

      (6) The platoon headquarters maintains
overall control of the wire net. 

   c.   Messenger.   Messenger is the
most secure means of communications. Messengers should vary their routes and
schedules. Platoon leaders weigh the risk associated with using messengers.
Although secure, messengers are the slowest form of communication.  

2.  CODE WORDS AND SIGNALS. 

   a.  Code Words.  Code words are used
for a multitude of reasons. Code words are established to speed up
communications, add a degree of security, and help with command and control.
Code words are usually established during tactical operations for (but not
limited to) objectives, phase lines, check points, link ups, and so forth. 

   b. Signals.   Signals can be used in
many forms on any operation. Signals are usually either audio or visual. The key
to the use of signals is ensuring everyone is aware of the signal and its
meaning, (See FM 21-60.)   
 

APPENDIX 3 (ESTIMATE OF THE
SITUATION)

to

ANNEX B (COMMAND AND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  MISSION ANALYSIS. 

   a. Mission and intent of commander two
levels up. 

   b. Mission and intent of immediate
commander. 

   c. Assigned tasks (specified and implied). 

   d. Constraints and limitations. 

   e. Mission-essential tasks. 

   f. Restated mission. 

   g. Tentative time schedule. 

2.  ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION AND DETERMINE
COURSES OF ACTION. 
 

   a.  Terrain and weather 

      (1) Terrain – OCOKA.

            Observation and Fields of
Fire

            Cover and Concealment

            Obstacles

            Key Terrain

            Avenues of Approach 
 

      (2) Weather – visibility, mobility,
survivability.  

   b.  Enemy situation and most probable
courses of action. 
 

      (1) Composition.  

      (2) Disposition.  

      (3) Recent activities. 

      (4) Capabilities. 

      (5) Weaknesses. 

      (6) Most probable course of action (enemy
use of METT-T).   
 

c.  Friendly Situation. 
 

      1.  METT-T

            Mission

            Enemy

            Terrain

            Troops

            Time 
 

   d.  Friendly Courses of Action.  
(Develop at a minimum two courses of action.) 
 

3.  ANALYSIS OF COURSES OF ACTION 

   a.  Significant factors 

   b.  Wargame 

4.  COMPARISON OF COURSES OF ACTION 

5.  DECISION. 
 

 
 

APPENDIX 4 (TROOP LEADING
PROCEDURES, ORDERS AND REPORTS)

to

ANNEX B (COMMAND AND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 

1.  TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES 

      1.  Receive the Mission

      2.  Issue a Warning Order

      3.  Make a Tentative Plan

      4.  Start Necessary Movement

      5.  Reconnoiter (5 point contingency
plan:  Where leader is going, Who he’s taking with him, Amount of time he plans
to be gone, Actions taken if he does not return, Unit’s and leaders actions on
chance contact while the leader is gone.)

      6.  Complete the Plan

      7.  Issue the Complete Order

      8.  Supervise – The best plan may fail if
it is not managed right.  Briefbacks, rehearsals, inspections, and
continuous coordination of plans must be used to supervise and refine
troop-leading procedures.  Rehearsals focus on mission execution.  They are
essential to ensure complete coordination and subordinate understanding.  The
warning order should provide subordinate leaders with sufficient level of detail
for them to schedule and conduct rehearsals of drills/SOPs before receiving the
OPORD.  Rehearsals conducted after the OPORD can then focus on mission specific
tasks.  Rehearsals should be conducted in a training area as much like the
objective as possible.  Mock-ups of the objective should be used for these
practices.  Rehearsals include holding soldier and leader briefbacks of
individual tasks and using sand tables or sketches to talk through the execution
of the plan.  These are followed by walk through exercises and then full speed
blank-fire or live-fire rehearsals.  The leader should establish a priority for
rehearsals based on available time.  The priority of rehearsals flows from the
decisive point of the operation.  Thus the order of precedence is:  actions on
the objective, battle drills for maneuver,  actions on enemy contact, special
teams, movement techniques, and others as required.  Security must be maintained
during the rehearsal. 
 

      TAKE CHARGE MINUTE 

      1.  Stand Up and Introduce Yourself

      2.  Designate Team Leaders

      3.  Establish Security

      a.  Designate 12 O’clock

      b.  Assign Sectors

      4.  Initiate Troop Leading Procedures  
 

2.  ORDERS. 
 

   a.  Orders Group 

      (1)  Company orders.  As a
minimum, the platoon leader, platoon FO, and attachments leaders will attend
company orders. 

      (2)  Platoon orders.  As a
minimum, the following individuals will attend platoon orders: 

• Platoon leader.
• Platoon sergeant.
• Squad leaders.
• Platoon FO.
• Aidman.
• Attachment leaders.

b.  Orders Formats

      (1)  Warning order.

      1.  Situation

      2.  Mission

      3.  Execution – Concept – Time Schedule –
Rehearsal – Tasks to Subordinates

      4.  Service Support

      5.  Command and Signal 
 

      (2)  Fragmentary order.  The
format for a FRAGO is that portion of the current OPORD that has changed. If
significant changes have occurred since the last OPORD, a new OPORD should be
prepared. 

      (3)  Operation Order.    
 

The format for a Platoon OPORD
follows:

1.  Situation

      a.  Enemy Forces

        (1)  Disposition, composition, and
strength

        (2)  Capabilities

        (3)  Most probable course of action

      b.  Friendly Forces

        (1)  Higher Unit

        (2)  Left Unit’s Mission

        (3)  Right Unit’s Mission

        (4)  Forward Unit’s Mission

        (5)  Mission of Unit in Reserve or
Following

        (6)  Units in Support or Reinforcing
Higher Unit

      c.  Attachments and Detachments 
 

2.  Mission (Who, What, When, Where, Why) 

3.  Execution – Intent 

      a.  Concept of the Operation.  How unit
will accomplish the mission.  Identify tasks.

        (1)  Maneuver.  Designate main effort. 
ID tasks.

        (2)  Fires.  Concept of fire support. 
Address priority of fires, priority targets, restrictive control measures.

        (3)  Additional combat support
elements.  Concept of employment and priority of effort. 

      b.  Tasks to Maneuver Units.  Specify
tasks and purpose for each. 

      c.  Tasks to combat support units.  List
specific tasks that must be accomplished. 

      d.  Coordinating Instructions.

        (1)  Priority intelligence requirements
and report tasks.

        (2)  MOPP level

        (3)  Troop safety and operational
exposure guide.

        (4)  Engagement and disengagement
criteria and instructions.

        (5)  Fire distribution and control
measures.

        (6)  Consolidation and reorganization
instructions.

        (7)  Reporting requirements.

        (8)  Specified tasks that pertain to
more than one.

        (9)  Rules of engagement.

        (10)  Order of march and other MMNT
procedures 

      e.  Safety 

4.  Service Support

      a.  General.  Provide trains location,
Casualty and damaged equipment collection points, and routes to and from them.

      b.  Material and services

        (1)  Supply

            –Class I – Subsistence

            –Class II – Clothing, ind. equip.,
tools and tentage

            –Class III – Petroleum, oil, and
lubricants

            –Class IV – Construction Materials

        –Class V – Ammunition

            –Class VI – Personal demand items

            –Class VII – Major end items

            –Class VIII – Medical Supplies

            –Class IX – Repair parts

        (2)  Transportation.  Schedule and
distribution

        (3)  Services.  Type, designation,
location.

        (4)  Maintenance

        (5)  Medical evacuation (See appendix 3
Annex J) 
 

      c.  Personnel.  EPW collection point and
handling instructions. 

      d.  Miscellaneous. 

5.  Command and Signal

      a.  Command

        (1)  Location of higher unit commander
and CP.

        (2)  Location of unit leader or CP.

        (3)  Location of second in command or
alternate CP.

        (4)  Succession of command. 

      b.  Signal

        (1)  SOI index in effect.

        (2)  Listening silence if
applicable.   

        (3)  Methods of communication in
priority

        (4)  Emergency signals.

        (5)  Code words. 

The format for a Squad Operations
order follows: 
 

1.  Situation

     A.  Enemy

     B.  Friendly

     C.  Attachments and Detachments 
 

2.  Mission

      Who, What, When, Where, Why 
 

3.  Execution

      A.  Concept of the Operation

      (1)  Scheme of Maneuver

      (2)  Fire Support

      B.  Fire Team Tasks

      C.  Coordinating Instructions

      D.  Safety  
 

4.  Service Support 
 

5.  Command and Signal
 

PLATOON OPORD 
 

 
 

 
 

SQUAD OPORD 
 

 
 

WARNING ORDER 
 

 
 

3.  REPORTS.  The following reports are
used. 

      (1)  SALUTE–Size, Activity,
Location, Unit/uniform, Time, Equipment. 

      (2)  SITREP–(situation report)
given IAW OPORD. 

      (3)  ACE–(ammunition, casualty,
equipment) normally, squad leaders give ACE reports to the platoon sergeant
after contact with the enemy. 

      (4)  Logistics–team leaders and
squad leaders report twice daily up the chain of command. 

      (5)  Sensitive item--status
reported by team leaders and squad leaders up the chain of command twice daily. 

      (6)  Personnel status–team
leaders and squad leaders report twice daily. Normally, reports are given at
stand-to and before nightfall. 

      (7)  NBC 1 and NBC 4–whoever
recognizes an NBC attack will report on the platoon net and preface the message
with FLASH-FLASH-FLASH. NBC 1 and 4 reports are sent to the company CP and then
forwarded to battalion. 

      (8)  After Action Report 
 

      1.  PLAN 

• Establish Objectives for the AAR
• Select Qualified Observers
• Review the Training and Evaluation Plan
  
• Identify the Participants
• Plan Stop Points During Exercises for AARs
  
• Make Potential Site Selections
• Select Training Aids
• Draft an AAR Plan
• Review the Unit’s Training Objectives,
  Plans, and Prep.
• Observe the Training
• Organize the Selected AAR Site
• Collect Information From Other Observers
  
• Develop a Discussion Outline
• Organize and Rehearse

         2.  Conduct.  

• Restate the Unit’s Mission and Event’s
  Training Objectives
• Generate Discussions
• Orient on Training Objectives
• Seek Maximum Participation
• Summarize and Emphasize Key Learning
  Points

 

APPENDIX 5 (MOVEMENT)

to

ANNEX B (COMMAND CONTROL)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  MOVEMENT. 

   a.  Formation.  Leaders choose the
formation based on their analysis of METT-T and likelihood of enemy contact. 

      (1)  Fire team formations. 
All soldiers in the team must be able to see their leader. 

        (a)  Wedge.  This is the basic
fire team formation; it will be used unless modified because of terrain, dense
vegetation, terrain or mission. 

        (b)  File.  Used in close
terrain, dense vegetation, limited visibility.  

      (2) Squad formations. 
Squad formations describe the relationships between fire teams in the squad. 

        (a) Column.  Primary squad
formation and will be used unless METT-T dictates otherwise. 

        (b)  Line.  Used when maximum
fire power is needed (to the front). 

        (c)  File.  Used in close
terrain, dense vegetation, or limited visibility. 

      (3) Platoon formations. 
METT-T will determine where crew-served weapons move in the formation. They
normally move with the platoon leader so he can quickly establish a base of
fire. 

        (a) Column.  Primary platoon
formation–used unless METT-T dictates otherwise. 

        (b)  Platoon line, squads on line. 
Used when the platoon leader wants all soldiers on line for maximum firepower
forward. Used when the enemy situation is known. 

      (c)  Platoon line, squads in column. 
Used when the platoon leader dots not want everyone forward, but wants to be
prepared for contact such as near the objective. 

      (d)  Platoon Vee.  Used when enemy
situation is vague, but contact is expected to the front. 

      (e)  Platoon wedge.  Used when
enemy situation is vague and contact is not expected. 

      (f)  Platoon file.  Used when
visibility is poor due to terrain or light.  
 

   b.  Movement Techniques.  Leaders
choose a movement technique based on their mission analysis of METT-T and
likelihood of enemy contact. 

      (1)  Traveling.  Used when
contact is not likely and speed is important. 

      (2)  Traveling overwatch. 
Used when contact is possible but speed is important. 

      (3)  Bounding overwatch. 
Used when contact is likely or imminent and speed is not important. 

   c.  Foot Marches. When moving along a
road in a relatively secure area, the platoon will move with one tile on each
side of the road. Fire teams are not split up. There will be 3 to 5 meters
between soldiers and 25 to 50 meters between platoons.  

      (1) The normal rate of march for an
8-hour march is 4 kmph. The interval and rate of march depend on the length of
the march, time allowed, likelihood of enemy contact (ground, air, artillery),
terrain and weather, condition of the soldiers, and the weight of the soldiers’
load. 

      (2) A 15-minute rest will be conducted at
the end of the first 45 minutes of a road march. During this halt, the aidman
and squad leaders will check the soldiers’ feet and report the physical
condition of the soldiers to the platoon leader and platoon sergeant.
Thereafter, a 10-minute rest is conducted every 50 minutes.  

2.  ACTIONS AT HALTS.  During halts,
security is posted and all approaches into the platoon’s area are covered by key
weapons. The platoon sergeant moves forward through the platoon, checking
security as he goes, and meets the platoon leader to determine the reason for
the halt. 

   a. During halts of 30 seconds or less, the
soldiers drop to one knee and cover their assigned sector. 

   b. During halts longer than 30 seconds, a
cigar-shaped perimeter is formed, and the soldiers assume the prone position. 

3.  ACTIONS ON CONTACT.  On contact, the
platoon executes the appropriate battle drill.  

   a.  React to Contact. 

   b.  Break Contact. 

   c. React to Ambush.  
 
 

 
 

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  OFFENSE.  The platoon leader
receives the mission from the company commander. 

   a.  Preparation 

      (1) The platoon leader conducts a mission
analysis (see operations section). 

      (2) The platoon leader issues a warning
order. 

      (3) The platoon members concurrently
perform readiness, maintenance, and functional checks under the supervision of
their leaders. The chain of command checks weapons, night observation devices,
communications equipment, NBC equipment, and any special equipment.  

      (4) Weapons will be test fired if the
situation permits. 

      (5) The platoon leader makes his
tentative plan. 

      (6) The platoon initiates movement as
required–quartering party, selected elements, or the entire platoon. 

      (7) The platoon conducts required
reconnaissance–determines location, strength, disposition, and activity of the
enemy, and accurate in formation on the terrain (OCOKA). 

      (8) Based on METT-T considerations,
intelligence from the reconnaissance, and other sources, the platoon leader
completes the plan. If time is available, he always gives a briefback to the
commander before issuing the order.

      (9) The platoon leader issues his order
to his subordinates providing them with adequate time to develop their plans,
brief the soldiers, and conduct rehearsals.   

 (10) The PSG requests CSS assets.   
 

 (11) The platoon leader or responsible
representative coordinates with higher, supporting, and adjacent units:  

• Fire plans.
• Scheme of maneuver.
• Current intelligence.
• Control measures.
• Communications and signals.
• Time schedules.
• Support requirements.

      (12) The platoon leader supervises
mission preparation. Subordinate leaders conduct briefbacks of the plan to
ensure his intent is understood. Key platoon actions are rehearsed as time
permits. Certain rehearsals should take place before the OPORD (wise use of
time). First priority for rehearsals is actions on the objective.  
 

      (13) The platoon leader plans for
sustainment of combat operations. 
 

        (a) Platoon leader, platoon sergeant,
squad leaders determine ammunition requirements and other supply needs.  
 

   (b) Platoon leader issues guidance on
soldier’s load and ensures loads are distributed equally. The combat load
includes the fighting load and approach march load. The sustainment load
includes the equipment required for sustained operations and are stored by the
battalion at the BSA and brought forward as needed.   
 

   (c) Platoon leader/platoon sergeant
determine the transportation needed to support the operation and request it.   
 

        (d) Platoon sergeant coordinates with
the lSG, supply sergeant, and XO for support. He distributes supplies according
to the plan. 
 

        (e) Platoon leader establishes and
enforces a rest plan for all platoon members, particularly for key personnel.

 

      (14) Platoon continues to conduct
reconnaissance during operation.   
 

      (15) The platoon leader monitors the
actions of higher, adjacent, and supporting units.  
 

      (16) The platoon leader issues orders or
modifies original plan as needed.

 

      (17) The platoon headquarters reports
combat critical information to higher, adjacent, and supporting units:

 

• SALUTE on enemy contact.
• Terrain information.
• Changes in platoon actions from the plan.
  
• Changes in the friendly situation
  (including attachments).
• Initiation of action by the platoon.
  
• CS or CSS requests required to execute
  tasks.
• Friendly information from other units that
  higher headquarters cannot monitor

b.  Execution.  The two types of attacks
are hasty and deliberate. 
 

      (1)  Hasty attack.  When
the platoon or squad makes unexpected contact with the enemy, the platoon or
squad executes the contact drill.

• Deploy. 
• Establish a base of fire.
• Find the enemy flank, gap, or weak point. 
  
• Suppress the enemy. 
• Attack through the flank, gap, or weak
  point. 
• Report to the commander.

     (2)  Deliberate attack.   A
planned attack against the enemy.

        (a) The platoon leader organizes the
platoon for the attack–assault element and support element. 

        (b) The platoon positions for the
assault. The platoon leader, PSG, or squad leader reconnoiter the tentative
support position, establish local security, ensure the position provides
observation of the objective and overwatch for the assault element.  

The support element moves by a covered and
concealed route into the support position. The support element occupies the
support position. The platoon sergeant and squad leaders assign covered and
concealed positions, sectors of fire, and necessary fire control measures. The
enemy positions are located. All weapons are oriented along sectors of fire
toward the enemy positions. 

The support element overwatches the assault
element’s movement. The support element maintains continuous communications with
the assault element. If possible, the support element maintains observation of
the assault element and its route. The support element ensures the assault
element’s route does not cross into the support positions’ sectors of fire. The
support element alerts the platoon leader of any movement on the objective or
change in the enemy situation.  

The support element suppresses the objective
with direct or indirect fires.  

The platoon leader leads the assault element
into the last covered and concealed position before the objective.  

The assault element uses smoke, if available,
to cover its movement. The assault element ensures it does not move into the
support element’s sector of fire.  

The platoon leader or FO calls for preparatory
indirect fire on the objective. 

The platoon leader ensures all elements are in
position before beginning the assault.  

      (c) The platoon performs the assault. The
platoon leader signals to lift or shift the suppressive fires of the support
element. (Primary signal is FM radio; alternate signal is visual.) 

The support element lift or shifts fires and
continues to observe the objective. 

The assault element begins to deliver
suppressive fire on the objective once the support element shifts fire. The
assault element assaults the objective from the flank, a gap, or a known
weakness. The assault element tights through the objective using available cover
and concealment, appropriate movement techniques, and appropriate battle
drills.   

On order, the support element moves onto the
objective and clears the objective of any remaining enemy.  

      (d) The platoon consolidates, then
reorganizes. (Many events that occur during consolidation and reorganization
will be concurrent.)    
 
 

   c.  Consolidation. 

      (1) The platoon occupies a hasty fighting
position and prepares for counterattack. 

            (a) The platoon leader assigns the
squad sectors of fire. 

            (b) The squad leaders assign
positions and sectors of fire. 

            (c) The platoon leader positions
key weapons systems. 

      (2) The platoon leader positions OPs to
provide security and early warning. 

   d.  Reorganization. 

      (1) The platoon leader reestablishes the
chain of command and fills key positions: 

• PSG, squad leaders, and team leaders.
  
• Machine gunners.
• Dragon gunners.
• RATELOs.
• M203 gunners.

      (2) The platoon leader establishes
communications with the company commander, adjacent units, and battalion FSO. 

      (3) Leaders redistribute ammunition and
equipment. 

        (a) The squad leaders give the ACE
report to the platoon leader. 

        (b) The platoon leader reports the
status to higher headquarters and requests any required resupply. 

        (c) The PSG redistributes ammunition
and equipment between the squads as necessary. 

      (4) The platoon evacuates casualties. The
platoon handles all EPWs IAW the five S’s. The platoon evacuates all KIA. 

2.  DEFENSE.  The platoon leader
receives the operations order from the company commander. 

   a. Preparation of the Defense. 

      (1) The platoon leader performs a mission
analysis and issues a warning order to the platoon. 

      (2) Platoon members begin performing
readiness, maintenance, and functions checks on all assigned weapons and
equipment. 

      (3) The platoon leader makes an estimate
of the situation and a tentative plan. 

      (4) The platoon leader and squad leaders
conduct a leader’s reconnaissance. They check for past or present enemy
activity. They determine the enemy’s most probable course of action. They
confirm or adjust the tentative plan. 

• Squad positions.
• Key weapons positions.
• CP and OP locations.

      (5) The platoon sergeant does an initial
inspection of all the platoon’s weapons and assigned equipment. 

      (6) The platoon leader completes the plan
and issues the platoon operations order. 

      (7) The platoon sergeant ensures the
platoon has a basic load of Class I, IV, V, and VIII. 

      (8) The platoon sergeant requests
additional Class I, IV, V, and VIII to be brought forward to the platoon battle
position. 

      (9) All platoon members camouflage
themselves and their equipment. 

      (10) The platoon leader conducts adjacent
unit coordination. 

      (11) The platoon test fires all assigned
weapons.   

      (12) The platoon leader conducts the
final inspection. 
 

      (13) The platoon conducts rehearsals. The
most critical tasks are rehearsed first. Movement to alternate and subsequent
positions is rehearsed. When possible, a full-force rehearsal is conducted. If
the platoon is designated as a reserve, it rehearses those actions as stated in
the OPORD. As a minimum, briefback rehearsals are conducted with key leaders. 

      (14) The platoon begins movement to the
platoon battle position. 

   b.  Execution. 

      (1) The platoon stops at the last covered
and concealed position before the platoon battle position.   

      (2) The platoon leader and squad leaders
move forward to the battle position. They ensure there has been no change to the
enemy situation. They clear the area and establish local security.   

      (3) The platoon leader assigns squad
battle positions and sectors of fire, locations of the PEWS and the M8 chemical
alarm, and positioning of key weapons systems.   

      (4) The platoon leader returns to the
platoon and leads them to the platoon battle position. The squad leaders guide
their squads into their squad battle positions. The squad leaders assign
temporary positions and sectors of fire.  

      (5) The platoon leader coordinates for
indirect fire.   

      (6) The platoon begins executing
priorities of work.   

   (a)  Establish security.   As a
minimum, each squad has one OP forward of its position during preparation of the
defense.   

        (b)  Position key weapons.  The
platoon leader positions the platoon’s key weapons and assigns them sectors of
fire.   

        (c)  Position squads.   The
platoon leader verities each squad’s position and assigns the squad a sector of
fire. The squad leader assigns individual fighting positions and sectors of
fire.   

        (d)  Establish communications.  
As a minimum, the platoon establishes a “hot loop” wire net.   

        (e)  Coordinate with adjacent units.  
Each squad coordinates with the squad on its left ensuring all sectors of fire
are interlocking and all dead space is covered by indirect fire. 

        (f) Clear fields of fire.  Each
position clears its sectors of fire. 

        (g)  Prepare range cards.  Each
gunner prepares an original and one copy of the range card. The original copy
remains with the weapon, and the copy is turned in to the squad leader. 

        (h)  Prepare squad sector sketches. 
The squad leaders prepare an original and one copy of the sector sketch. The
original remains in the squad CP, and the copy is turned in to the platoon
leader. As a minimum, the squad sector sketch includes– 

• Key terrain within the squad sector.
  
• Each individual fighting position and its
  primary and secondary sectors of fire.
• Key weapons positions and their primary
  sector of fire, secondary sector of fire, and any fire control measures.
  
• All CP and OP locations.
• All dead space within the squad sector.
  
• Any obstacles and mines within the squad
  sector.

        (i)  Prepare platoon sector sketch. 
The platoon leader prepares an original and one copy of the sector sketch. The
original remains in  the platoon CP, and the copy is turned in to the company
commander. As a minimum, the platoon sector sketch includes– 

• Squad positions and sectors of fire.
  
• Key weapons positions and their sectors of
  fire and fire control measures.
• CPs, OPs, and patrol routes.
• Platoon maximum engagement lines.
• All dead space within the platoon sector.
  
• All mines and obstacles within the platoon
  sector.
• Any TRPs or FPFs within the platoon
  sector.

        (j)  Prepare fighting positions. 

        (k)  Emplace minefields and
obstacles.  Prepare IAW the company or battalion obstacle plan.   

        (l)  Establish fire control measures. 
Establish and mark all required fire control measures.   

        (m)  Assign alternate and
supplementary battle positions.  The platoon leader assigns each squad and
key weapons system an alternate and a supplementary battle position.   

        (n)  Improve fighting positions. 

        (o)  Prepare alternate and
supplementary positions. 

        (p)  Establish a rest plan. 

      (7) The platoon conducts a rehearsal.  

        (a) Movement from primary positions to
alternate and supplementary position. 

        (b) Initial engagements at trigger
lines and TRPs.  

        (c) Casualty evacuation.  

        (d) Any planned counterattacks.  

      (8) The platoon sergeant stockpiles
additional Class I, V, and VIII. 

      (9) If time allows, communications
trenches are dug between positions and CPs.  

      (10) As time allows, the platoon’s
positions are continually improved. 

   c. React to Indirect Fire. 
 

      (1) When in defensive positions, soldiers
seek the protection of their fighting positions. (Fighting positions require a
minimum of 18 inches of overhead cover to provide protection from artillery
rounds impacting nearby.)  

      (2) While moving or halted in unprotected
positions, soldiers immediately assume prone positions. After the initial
incoming rounds impact, the platoon leader determines the extent of the impact
area (its length and width) and the nearest edge out of it (still heading
roughly in the direction of travel, if possible). Then, he gives the direction
and distance to move out of the impact area (for example, “Two o’clock, two
hundred meters, follow me”). 

      (3) Leaders report and continue the
mission.  

NOTE: In some cases, the platoon may
immediately don protective masks. If shells with other than an HE burst (for
example, smoke) or if there is an indication of a chemical attack, the platoon
should mask.  

   d.  Consolidation. 
 

      (1) The platoon leader adjusts squad
positions, if required, and reassigns sectors of fire. The squad leaders and
team leaders adjust positions to cover assigned sectors of fire. The platoon
leader adjusts crew-served weapons to cover most dangerous avenues of approach. 

      (2) The platoon leader positions OPs to
provide security and early warning.  
 

  e.  Reorganization. 

      (1) The platoon reestablishes the chain
of command and fills key positions: 

            (a) Platoon leader, platoon
sergeant, squad leaders, and team leaders. 

            (b) Key weapons: machine guns,
M203s, antiarmor. 

      (2) The platoon establishes
communications with the company commander, the adjacent units, the battalion FSO,
and the squads. 

      (3) Leaders redistribute ammunition and
equipment. The platoon leader receives ACE report from squad leaders. The
platoon leader reports the status to the company commander and requests any
supplies that are required. The platoon sergeant redistributes ammunition and
equipment among the squads. 
 

      (4) The platoon evacuates casualties,
handles all EPWs IAW the five S’s, and evacuates KIA. 

      (5) The platoon repairs fighting
positions as required.   
 

APPENDIX 1 (ASSEMBLY AREA
PROCEDURES)

to

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 

When directed to occupy an assembly area, the
platoon leader designates a quartering party. Each squad will provide two men
for the quartering party. The platoon sergeant or selected NCO will be in charge
of the quartering party. 

1. The quartering party reconnoiters the
assembly area to ensure no enemy are present and to establish initial security. 

2. The quartering party determines initial
positions for all platoon elements. 

3. The quartering party provides security by
forcing enemy reconnaissance probes to withdraw and providing early warning of
an enemy attack. 

4. As the platoon clears the release point,
quartering party members, waiting in covered and concealed positions, move out
and guide the platoon to its initial position without halting. 

5. The platoon establishes and maintains local
security. The platoon leader assigns each squad a sector of the perimeter to
ensure mutual support and to cover all gaps by observation and fire. The platoon
leader designates OPs and squad leaders select OP personnel. OPs have
communications with the platoon CP. OPs warn the platoon of enemy approach
before the platoon is attacked. 

6. The platoon leader establishes a priority of
work, to include– 

      a.  Positioning of crew-served weapons,
chemical agent alarms, and designating PDF, FPL, and FPFs. 

      b.  Constructing individual and crew
served fighting positions. 

      c. Setting up wire communications between
the squads and the platoon CP.  (Radio silence is observed by the platoon) 

      d.  Preparing range cards. 

      e.  Camouflaging positions 

      f.  Clearing fields of fire 

      g.  Distributing ammo., rations, water,
supplies, and special equipment. 

      h.  Conducting preventative checks and
services on weapons and equipment. 

      I.  Preparing dragon night sight. 

      J.  Inspecting platoon members and
equipment. 

      k.  Rehearsing critical aspects of the
upcoming mission. 

      l.  Test firing small – arms weapons (As
tactical situation permits). 

      m.  Conducting personal hygiene and field
sanitation. 

      n.  Instituting a rest plan. 

      o.  Completing the work priorities as
time permits. 

7.  The platoon leader conducts adjacent unit
coordination.  The platoon leader assigns security patrols, if applicable.  The
platoon leader establishes responsibility for the overlapping enemy avenues of
approach between adjacent squads and platoons.  The leaders ensure there are no
gaps between elements.  The platoon leader exchanges information on OP locations
and signals.  The platoon leader coordinates counterattacks.   

8. The platoon leader forwards a copy of the
sector sketch to the company commander

and keeps one for platoon use.

 
 

APPENDIX 2 (PATROLLING
PLANNING)

to

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  ORGANIZATION:

      a.  Headquarters Element

      b.  Aid and Litter Team

      c.  Enemy Prisoner of War Team

      d.  Surveillance Team

      e.  Enroute Recorder

      f.  Compass Man

      g.  Pace Man  
 

2.  INITIAL PLANNING and COORDINATION:

      a.  With Higher HQ

      b.  With FFU

      c.  Adjacent Patrol Leaders 
 

3.  COMPLETION OF THE PLAN:

      a.  Essential and Supporting Tasks

      b.  Key Travel and Execution Times

      c.  Primary and Alternate Routes

      d.  Signals

      e.  Challenge and Password Forward of
Friendly Line

      f.  Location of Leaders

      g.  Actions on Enemy Contact

      h.  Contingency Plans 
 

4.  DEPARTURE FROM FRIENDLY LINES

      a.  Coordination

      b.  Planning 
 

5.  RALLY POINTS

      a.  Selection of Rally Points

      b.  Types of Rally Points

         (1)  Initial Rally Point

         (2)  En Route Rally Point

         (3)  Objective Rally Point

         (4)  Reentry Rally Point

         (5)  Near and Far – Side Rally Points 
 

6.  LEADER’S RECONNAISSANCE OF THE OBJECTIVE 
 

7.  REENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES 
 

8.  DEBRIEFING  

 
 

APPENDIX 3 (PATROLLING: 
PATROL BASE ACTIVITIES; 

       FRIENDLY UNIT
COORDINATION)

to

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  PATROL BASE ACTIVITIES: 
 

      a.  Establish Security

      b.  Alert Plan

      c.  Withdrawal Plan

      d.  Maintenance Plan

      e.  Sanitation and Personal Hygiene Plan

      f.  Mess Plan

      g.  Water Resupply  
 

2.  FRIENDLY UNIT COORDINATION: 
 

     1.  Patrol Leader

      a.  Identifies Self and Unit

      b.  Size of Patrol

      c.  Time of Departure and Return

      d.  Area of Patrol’s Operation 
 

     2.  Forward Unit Representative

      a.  Information on Terrain

      b.  Known or Suspected Enemy Positions

      c.  Likely Enemy Ambush Sites

      d.  Latest Enemy Activity

      e.  Detailed Information on Friendly
Position and Obstacles

      f.  Location of Operations

      g.  Friendly Unit Fire Plan

      h.  Support the FFU Can Provide  
 

     3.  Leader Action Sequence

      a.  Contact Friendly Guides at Contact
Point

      b.  Move to Coordinated Initial Rally
Point

      c.  Complete Final Coordination

      d.  Move to and Thru Passage Point

      e.  Establish Security – Listening Halt
Beyond Forward Friendly Unit’s FPF 
 

 
 

APPENDIX 4 (CONDUCT AN AMBUSH
AND HASTY AMBUSH)

to

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

CONDUCT AN AMBUSH: 
 

   1.  Planning Considerations

      a.  Covering the Entire Kill Zone by Fire

      b.  Use Existing Obstacles to Keep Enemy
in the Kill Zone

      c.  Protecting the Assault and Support
Elements With Mines, Claymores, or Explosives

      d.  Using Security Teams to Isolate the
Kill Zone

      e.  Assaulting Into the Kill Zone to
Search Dead and Wounded, Assemble Prisoners, and Collect Equipment

      f.  Timing the Actions of all Elements of
the Platoon to Preclude Loss of Surprise

      g.  Using only one Squad to Conduct the
Entire Ambush and Rotating Squads Over Time From the ORP. 
 

   2.  Formations

      a.  Linear

      b.  L – Shaped   
 
 

CONDUCT A HASTY AMBUSH 
 

   1.  Patrol Member Alerts Patrol That Enemy
is in Sight and Gives Direction from the Platoon.

   2.  Patrol Halts and Remains Motionless

   3.  Leader Decides to Conduct Hasty Ambush

   4.  Leader Gives Hand and Arm Signals to
Move Personnel to Covered and Concealed Positions and Designate
Kill                     Zone

   5.  Security Elements Emplaced to Front and
Rear

   6.  Patrol Leader Initiates Ambush

   7.  Assault Element Moves Into Kill Zone and
Conducts Hasty Search of Enemy Soldiers

   8.  Security Elements Rejoin Patrol

   9.  Withdraw From the Ambush Site and Return
to the ORP

   10.  Collect and Disseminate Information

   11.  Reorganizes As Needed and Continues the
Mission

 
 

APPENDIX 5 (AREA
RECONNAISSANCE, ACTIONS ON CAPTURING POW’S, LAND NAVIGATION, RANGE CARD
PREPARATION, AND BREACHING (SOSR))

to

ANNEX C (OPERATIONS)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

A.  AREA RECONNAISSANCE 
 

   1.  Occupy Objective Rally Point

   2.  Emplace Security Team at ORP As Needed

   3.  Conduct A Leader’s Recon.

   4.  Issue FRAGO at ORP

   5.  Conduct Recon.

   6.  Return to ORB

   7.  Gather/Report Information

   8.  Disseminate Information to all Patrol
Members 
 

B.  ACTIONS ON CAPTURING POW’S 
 

   1.  Search

   2.  Segregate

   3.  Silence

   4.  Speed

   5.  Safeguard 
 

C.  LAND NAVIGATION 
 

   1.  Back Azimuth

      a.  Greater than 180 degrees subtract 180

      b.  Less than 180 degrees add 180 
 

   2.  G-M Angle Conversion

      a.  Westerly G-M Angle

            (1)  Grid to Magnetic – Add G-M
Angle

            (2)  Magnetic to Grid – Subtract
G-M Angle

      b.  Easterly G-M Angle

            (1)  Grid to Magnetic – Subtract
G-M Angle

            (2)  Magnetic to Grid – Add G-M
Angle 
 

   3.  INTERSECTION:  To Locate an Unknown
Point 
 

      a.  Orient Map Using Compass

      b.  Locate and Mark Your Position on the
Map

      c.  Determine Magnetic Azimuth From Your
Position to Unknown Point Using Compass

      d.  Convert the Magnetic Azimuth to a
Grid Azimuth

      e.  Plot the Grid Azimuth From Your
Position in the Direction of the Unknown Point

      f.  Move to a Second Known Position and
Repeat Steps c, d, e.

      g.  The Unknown Point is Where the Lines
Intersect on the Map 
 
 

   4.  RESECTION:  To Locate Your Own Position 
 

      a.  Orient Map Using Compass

      b.  Locate two Known Points on the Ground
and Mark Them on Your Map

      c.  Measure the Magnetic Azimuth to one
of  the Known Locations

      d.  Convert the Magnetic Azimuth to a
Grid Azimuth

      e.  Convert the Grid Azimuth to a Back
Azimuth

      f.  Use a Protractor to Plot the Azimuth
and Draw a Line From the Known Point to Your Location

      g.  Repeat Steps c, d, e, f For the
Second Known Point

      h.  Your Location is Where the Lines
Cross 
 

D.  RANGE CARD PREPARATION:

           (Refer to page 2-76 of FM 7-8,
Infantry Platoon Operations)

   1.  Fill in the Marginal Information at the
Top of  the Card

   2.  Draw Weapon Symbol in the Center of the
Small Circle

   3.  Draw Left and Right Limits

   4.  Determine Value for Each Circle

   5.  Draw all TRPs and Reference Points
Consecutively

   6. Draw Read Space

   7.  Draw Maximum Engagement Line for Anti –
Armor Weapons

   8.  Number Weapon Reference Point Last or
Determine 8 Digit Grid Coordinate

   9.  Fill in Data Section at the Bottom of
the Card 
 

E.  BREACHING (SOSR) 
 

   1.  Suppress the Enemy to
Allow the Breach Element to Create a Breach

   2.  Obscure the Breach Site From
Enemy Observation

   3.  Secure the Breach Site, Execute
the Breach, and Secure the Far Side

   4.  Reduce the Obstacle to Facilitate
Movement of Follow on Forces  
 

 
 

ANNEX D (NBC)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  REACT TO NUCLEAR ATTACK.  All
soldiers assigned to the platoon react to an unwarned nuclear attack by doing
the following: 
 

   a. Immediately drop to a prone position and
close their eyes. Turn their bodies so their heads face toward the blast. Place
their thumbs into their ears. Cover their faces with their hands. Place their
arms under their bodies. Tuck their heads down into their shoulders and keep
their faces downward.  

   b. Remain in the prone position until the
second blast wave passes, and the debris has stopped falling. 

   c. Check themselves and their buddies for
injuries and damage to assigned equipment.  

   d. Give first aid to any casualties and
prepare them for evacuation. 

   e. Report the situation to higher
headquarters using the NBC 1 report. 

2.  REACT TO CHEMICAL ATTACK.  All
soldiers assigned to the platoon reacts to a chemical attack by doing the
following:  
 

   a. Stop breathing.

   b. Within 9 seconds, put on their protective
masks.

   c. Within an additional 6 seconds, pull
their hoods over their heads.

  d. Shout Gas; and give the appropriate
arm-and-hand signal. 
 

3.  UNMASKING PROCEDURES.  Selected
soldiers use the M256 kit to determine if the area is clear. If the area is
clear, the platoon leader selects two soldiers and begins unmasking procedures.
He moves the soldiers to a shady area and has the soldiers unmask for 5 minutes.
He observes soldiers for 10 minutes. If no symptoms occur, he reports to higher
headquarters; based on the response, he issues all clear. He continues to
observe soldiers for delayed reactions.  
 

4.  HASTY DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES.
The platoon leader ensures each soldier has one M258 personal decontamination
kit. Each soldier decontaminates himself and his equipment IAW instruction on
the M258 kit.  
 

5.  MOPP GEAR EXCHANGE.  MOPP gear
exchange is always conducted in buddy teams in the following sequence:   
 

• Decontaminate protective mask and hood.
  
• Remove overgarment, overboots and gloves,
  and undergarment.
• Put on undergarment, overgarment, and
  overboots and gloves.
• Secure protective mask hood.

 
 

ANNEX E (AIR DEFENSE
ARTILLERY)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  PASSIVE AIR DEFENSE.  Passive air
defense is always used. By using available cover and concealment, camouflage,
and dispersion, the platoon avoids being detected from the air. 

2.  ACTIVE AIR DEFENSE.   Once detected,
the platoon leader decides, based on the weapons control status, if he uses
active air defense. Active air defense is conducted in one of the following
ways: 

   a. For a high-performance aircraft, soldiers
aim at a point two football field lengths in front of the aircraft and fire on
automatic. This makes the aircraft fly through a “wall” of bullets. 

   b. For a low-performance aircraft or a
rotary aircraft, soldiers aim at a point half of a football field length in
front of the aircraft and fire on automatic.  

   c. For any aircraft heading directly at the
platoon, soldiers aim at a point directly above the nose of the aircraft and
fire on automatic. 
 

ANNEX F (FIRE SUPPORT)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  TARGETING.  During mission planning,
the platoon leader makes adjustments to the company’s indirect fire support
plan. Possible targets include– 
 

   a. Known or suspected enemy locations not
targeted by higher.

   b. Dead space not covered by organic
weapons.

  c. Gaps between adjacent units not targeted
by higher.

   d. Likely mounted and dismounted avenues of
approach and withdrawal.

    e. Key terrain or obstacles not targeted by
higher. 
 

2.  FORWARD OBSERVER. 
 

   a. Duties and Responsibilities. 

      (1) The FO is the platoon’s link to the
battalion fire support system. 

      (2) He assists the platoon leader in
developing a platoon fire support plan that supports the platoon scheme of
maneuver. 

      (3) He advises the platoon leader on the
capabilities, limitations, and effects of the various types of available
munitions. 

      (4) He continually updates the battalion
FSO on his position and situation. ensuring the platoon is able to receive
responsive fire support. 

      (5) He submits targets into the battalion
fire support system and updates them as necessary throughout the mission. 

   b.   Positioning.  The position of
the FO always depends on METT-T Generally, he moves as a member of the platoon
headquarters. On rare occasions, the FO might be separated from the platoon
leader. The FO must be readily available to the platoon leader, maintain
communication with the battalion FSO, and be able to observe the battlefield. 
 

3. FIRE SUPPORT IN THE OFFENSE. 
 

   a. Targets are planned in front of and on
the objective to support the platoon’s approach, deployment, and assault during
the attack. 

   b. Targets are planned beyond the objective
to support the platoons consolidation and reorganization after the attack. 

   c. Targets are planned on all known or
suspected enemy positions. 

   d. Targets are planned on likely enemy
withdrawal and counterattack routes. 

   e. Targets are planned on key terrain
features throughout the platoon area of operations. 

   f. Smoke is planned to obscure the platoon’s
movement through or across danger areas.  
 

4.  FIRE SUPPORT IN THE DEFENSE 
 

   a. Targets are planned on all known or
suspected enemy positions. 

   b. Targets are planned along likely enemy
avenues of approach. 

   c. Targets are planned in front of, on top
of, and behind the platoon battle position. 

   d. An FPF is planned along the enemy’s most
dangerous avenue of approach. 

   e. Smoke is planned to screen the platoons
withdrawal to alternate or supplementary positions. 

   f. Illumination is planned BEHIND THE ENEMY.
This exposes the enemy without exposing the platoon. 

5.  INDIRECT FIRE CONTROL 
 

   a. Before the start of any operation, the
platoon leader ensures the FO knows the following: 

      (1) Target locations and descriptions. 

      (2) The effects required or purpose of
the target. 

      (3) The priority of targets.  

      (4) Target engagement criteria. 

      (5) The method of engagement and control
for the target. 

      (6) The location of all TRPs, trigger
lines, and any other fire control measure used by the platoon leader. 
 

6.  CALL FOR FIRE.  A call for fire is a
message prepared by an observer. It has all the information needed to deliver
indirect fires on the target. Any soldier in the platoon can request indirect
fire support by use of the call for fire. Calls for fire must include– 
 

   a. Observer identification and warning
order: adjust fire, fire for effect, suppress, immediate suppression (target
identification).  

   b. Target location methods: grid, polar,
shift from a known point. 

   c. Target description. A brief description
of the target using the acronym SNAP is given: Size/shape, Nature/nomenclature,
Activity, Protective/posture.

 
 

ANNEX G (FIRE CONTROL AND
DISTRIBUTION)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 

1.  FIRE CONTROL 
 

   a.  Fire control measures. 

      (1)  Graphic measures. 

        (a)  Boundaries or sectors. 
Divide areas of tactical responsibility between units. 

        (b)  Battle positions.  Defensive
position oriented along likely enemy avenues of approach.  

        (c)  Engagement areas.  The area in
which the leader intends to destroy the enemy.  

        (d)  TRPs.  TRPs are used to reference
enemy locations. They can be man made or natural. TRPs must be easily
identifiable.  

        (e)  Maximum engagement lines.  
Imaginary line which identifies the point where a particular weapon system is
engaging at its maximum effective range.  

        (f)  Trigger lines.  An imaginary line
where, once the enemy crosses, friendly units can engage. Trigger Lines can be
oriented to terrain, obstacles, TRPs, or maximum engagement lines. 

        (g)  Phase lines.  Imaginary line
placed along identifiable terrain which is used to control movement or
coordinate fires.  

        (h)  Final protective fire.   A
preplanned barrier of both direct and indirect fire designed to prevent or
disrupt the enemy assault.  

      (2)  Rules of engagement.  Rules of
engagement are directives issued by military or political authorities that
specify circumstances under which the platoon will initiate or continue combat
operations. Rules of engagement will generally be issued with the company
operations order. Ensure everyone understands ROE.  

      (3)  Engagement priorities.  Targets
appear in random order at different times and locations throughout the
battlefield. Engagement priorities allow the leader to designate which target he
wants destroyed first. Engagement priorities are usually done by weapons
systems.  
 

       (a)   Antiarmor weapons systems.  The
platoon antiarmor weapons engage targets in the following priority:  

• Most threatening armor.
• Armor in primary sector.
• Armor in secondary sector.
• Unarmored command and control vehicles.
  

        (b)  Platoon machine guns.  Machine
gunners should always attempt to engage at their maximum effective range and
should strive for grazing fire. Machine guns have the following target
priority: 

• The FPF, if directed.
• The most dangerous or threatening target.
  
• Groups of dismounted infantry in primary
  sector.
• Enemy crew-served weapons.
• Groups of dismounted infantry in secondary
  sector.
• Unarmored command and control vehicles.
  

      (c)  M203s.  The grenadiers are used to
cover the platoon’s dead space. The target priority for M203s is– 
 

• The most dangerous or threatening target.
  
• Light-armored vehicles.
• Groups of three or more in primary sector.
  
• Groups of three or more in secondary
  sector.

   b.  Fire Commands.  Leaders use fire
commands to direct the fires of the unit. A subsequent fire command adjusts or
changes information given in the initial fire command. Only the elements that
change are given. Fire is terminated by the command or signal for CEASE FIRE,
END OF MISSION. A fire command has the following six parts. 

      (1)   Alert.  The leader
can alert the soldiers by name or unit designation, by some type of visual or
sound signal, by personal contact, or by any other practical way. 

      (2)  Direction.  The leader
tells the soldiers the general direction or pinpoint location of the target. 

      (3)  Description.  The
leader describes the target briefly but accurately. The formation of enemy
soldiers is always given.  

      (4)  Range.  The leader
tells the soldiers the range to the target in meters.  

      (5)  Method of fire.  The
leader tells the soldiers which weapons to fire. He can also tell the type and
amount of ammunition to fire, and the rate of fire. 

      (6)  Command to fire.  The
leader tells soldiers when to fire. He can use an oral command, a sound or a
visual signal. When he wants to control the exact moment of fire, he says AT MY
COMMAND (then pauses until ready to commence firing). When he wants to start
firing upon completion of the fire command, he just says FIRE. 

c.  Fire Control During Limited Visibility. 
During limited visibility, leaders ensure that the platoon’s fires are
controlled. To do this, they can use aiming stakes, T&Es for all machine guns,
illumination, TRPs, and night vision devices.  
 

2.  FIRE DISTRIBUTION.  The two methods
of fire distribution are point fire and area fire. 

   a. Point Fire.  The platoon’s fires
are directed at one target. The platoon leader accomplishes this by marking the
desired target with tracer fire or by M203 file. 

   b.  Area Fire.  The platoon’s fires
cover an area from left to right and in depth. The platoon leader accomplishes
this four ways.  

      (1)  Frontal fire.  Frontal
fire is used when the enemy is moving perpendicular to the platoons direction of
fire. Each squad engages the targets to their immediate front. As targets are
destroyed, fires are shifted toward the center of the enemy. 

      (2) Cross fire.  Cross fire
is used when the enemy is moving perpendicular to the platoon’s direction of
fire and terrain does not allow frontal fire. It is also used when the enemy is
moving oblique to the platoons direction of fire. When using cross fire, squads
engage targets from left to right or from right to left depending on their
location. 

      (3)  Depth fire.  Depth
fire is used when the enemy is moving parallel to the platoon’s direction of
fire. Squads engage targets from front to rear or from rear to front. As targets
are destroyed, fires are shifted toward the center of the enemy. 

      (4)  Combination. 
Depending on the METT-T, the platoon may use any combination of the above
techniques. 
 

 
 

ANNEX H (OPERATIONAL
SECURITY)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  COVER AND CONCEALMENT. 

   a.  Camouflage.  All soldiers use
camouflage paint to cover exposed skin. The outline of an individual is broken
using vegetation, burlap, or any other available means. Fighting positions arc
camouflaged using all exposed dirt to breakup the outline of a position. The
position is checked from the enemy’s view. Equipment is camouflaged using
vegetation to break up the outline of the equipment and to cover all reflective
surfaces. 

   b.  Protection.  Fighting positions
have 18 inches of overhead. Helmets are worn during tactical operations.  

   c. Concealment.  In order to avoid
detection, soldiers operate using terrain and vegetation. 

2.  OBSERVATION POSTS 
 

   a.  Positioning.  OPs always contain
a minimum of two soldiers and have communication with the platoon headquarters
(land line, FM, or signaling device). OPs are positioned IAW METT-T Routes to
and from the OP are recorded and rehearsed. Each member of the OP is thoroughly
briefed on the rules of engagement before departing for their post. Signals
for the return of OPs (running password, challenge/password, light signals) will
be established and briefed to all platoon personnel. 

   b. Relief of OPs.  When an OP is
relieved, the relieving personnel meet with the current OPs and receive a
briefing that contains, as a minimum: 
 

• Call signs and frequencies.
• Routes to and from perimeter.
• All signals and passwords.
• Area of responsibility for observation.
  

3.  STAND-TO.  A stand-to will be
conducted 30 minutes before dawn and 30 minutes after sunset. 

   a. Team leaders and squad leaders check
every individual soldier to ensure he is awake and alert, to ensure his
equipment is packed in his rucksack, and to ensure he is observing his sector in
his assigned fighting position.  

   b. Team leaders and squad leaders gather
sensitive items report and weapons operational status, and passes the report to
the platoon sergeant. 

   c. The platoon sergeant gathers the reports,
spot checks squad position, and passes the reports to platoon leader.  

   d. The platoon leader reports to higher
headquarters, spot checks squad and crew-served weapon positions.   
 
 

4.  NOISE, LIGHT, AND LITTER DISCIPLINE. 

   a. During preparation for combat, each
platoon conducts final inspections. Shortcomings in noise discipline are
identified. Clanking, rattling, and so forth, is subdued by the use of tape or
cloth as required.  

   b. When lights are necessary for planning or
map reading, a poncho is used to conceal them.  

   c. Cigarettes and cooking fires are not lit
during daylight or darkness without permission of the company commander, or the
leader of an independent element. 

   d. Nonverbal means of communication are used
to the maximum extent possible. 

   e. During stationary operations, trash is
collected and backhauled during logistics runs. If this is not practical (and in
all other operations), soldiers carry trash until it can be disposed of securely
(it is not buried or hidden unless specifically authorized). 
 

 
 

ANNEX I (COMBAT SERVICE
SUPPORT)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP  
 
 

1.  SOLDIER’S LOAD.  Determining the
soldier’s load is a critical leader task.  The soldier’s load is always METT-T
dependent and must be closely monitored.  Soldiers cannot afford to carry
unnecessary equipment into the battle.  Every contingency cannot be covered. 
The primary consideration is not how much a soldier can carry, but how much he
can carry without impaired combat effectiveness. 
 

      a.  Combat Load.  The mission
essential equipment, as determined by the commander responsible for carrying out
the mission, required for soldiers to fight and survive immediate combat
operations.  When possible, a soldier’s combat load should not exceed 60
pounds. 
 

(1)  Fighting Load 
 

      BDU (COMPLETE)

      HELMET, KEVLAR

      ID TAGS

      LBE, TO INCLUDE: CANTEEN CUP

                              
FIRST-AID CASE

      
                        FLASHLIGHT WITH RED LENS (Only for Land Nav, SQD, PLT
STX)

                              
 LENSATIC COMPASS WITH CASE

                              
TWO AMMO POUCHES WITH 6 MAGAZINES

                             
 TWO CANTEENS WITH COVERS

      M-16 RIFLE WITH BLANK ADAPTER (not
required for Land Navigation)

      MAP AND PROTRACTOR

      NOTEBOOK WITH PENCIL

      RIFLE CLEANING KIT (not required for Land
Navigation) 
 

(2)  Approach March Load

      BAG, WATERPROOF    TACSOP       CAMO
STICK     MRE’S (2)       CAP, BDU     PERSONAL HYGIENE KIT     CHAPSTICK     PONCHO       COAT,
COLD WEATHER BDU (See Note 1) PONCHO LINER (SeeNote 4)    SOCKS (10
PR)    E-TOOL WITH CARRIER    TERRAIN MODEL KIT   FM 7-8      TROUSERS, BDU
    FOOT POWDER    TROUSERS, RAIN    GLOVE, LEATHER, BLACK  UNDERSHIRTS, BROWN
(5)   GLOVE, WOOL INSERT   UNDERWEAR (5)    INSECTREPELLENT     ZIP-LOCK BAGS
(5)    JACKET, BDU      550 CORD (50 FT)    JACKET, RAIN 
 

(3)  A-Bag (2 Cadets Per Bag)

      Land Navigation (See Note 2):   SQD/PLT
STX:

      BAG, SLEEPING (1 EA CDT)   BAG, SLEEPING
(1 EA CDT)

      BOOTS, COMBAT, BLACK (1 EA CDT) BOOTS,
COMBAT, BLACK (1 EA CDT)

      JACKET, BDU (2 EA CDT)   JACKET, BDU (2
EA CDT)

      MAT, SLEEPING (1/CDT) (See Note 3) MAT,
SLEEPING (1/CDT) (See Note 3)

      TROUSERS, BDU (2 EA CDT)   TROUSERS, BDU
(2 EA CDT)

      SHELTER HALF (1 EA CDT)           POLES
(3 EA CDT)            ROPES (2 EA CDT)

      STAKES (5 EA CDT)  
 

Note 1:  It is at the discretion of the RTO to
substitute the Cold Weather BDU coat with the wool blanket.  If the RTO decides
to do so the Cold Weather BDU Coat will be carried in the A-bag and the entire
regiment will do likewise. 

Note 2:  In instances where two cadets have the
extreme cold weather sleeping bags, all of the equipment may not fit in the same
A-bag.  Under these circumstances, each cadet may use a separate A-bag. 

Note 3:  It is at the discretion of the RTO to
allow the sleeping mat to be carried on the ruck in lieu of the A-bag.  If the
RTO decides to do so, the sleeping mat is carried on the top of the ruck and
secured with the ruck tightening straps and the entire regiment will do
likewise. 

Note 4:  Poncho and Poncho Liner are tied
together with sleep mat (bed roll).    

      b.  Sustainment Load.  The
remaining equipment and materials needed for sustained combat operations must be
carried by company and battalion assets.  

2. SUPPLY.  Policies and procedures are
applied for supply requests and resupply operations.  CSS operations are
driven by the tactical setting for the infantry platoon.  Resupply operations
arc planned in advance so as to not interfere with combat operations. The
team leader and squad leader implement CSS by inspecting their soldiers
for shortages and shortcomings in equipment and supplies. once the squads
have compiled their lists, they report their status to the platoon sergeant who
in turn reports his status to the company XO. To standardize resupply operations,
requests are submitted to the company XO for resupply. 

   a.  Requests for Resupply.  During
the reorganization phase of combat operations, the squad leader, within 10
minutes, must access his squad’s status of ammunition, equipment, food and
water, and submit his report to the platoon sergeant. Any time a weapon is fired
by a soldier, the resupply system begins to work to prevent soldiers from being
without ammunition and equipment. The system will not wait for minimum
allocations, but it will be aggressive to anticipate future demands. 

   b.  Priority of Resupply.  Class V,
ammunition; Class VII, weapons systems; Class IX, repair parts; Class VIII,
medical supplies; and Class I, food and water. 

2.  MAINTENANCE.  All weapons systems
and equipment are cleaned by the user and inspected by squad leaders. 

   a.  Priority for Cleaning and Maintenance. 
The priority is mission and situational dependent but will normally be antiarmor,
crew-served weapons, and individual weapons. 

   b.  Stand-Down for Maintenance. 
Stand-down occurs by having no more than 50 percent of the antiarmor and
crew-served weapons at any time out of actions for maintenance. The rest of the
squads’ small-arms weapons will stand-down at no more than 33 percent at one
time.  

   c. PMCS Requirements.  All weapons
systems and equipment receive an operator’s cleaning inspection. 

   d.  Evacuation Responsibilities and
Procedures.  Once the soldier completes the inspection of his weapons
system, the squad leader verifies the work, and if a problem occurs, the squad
leader fixes it or informs the platoon sergeant of the problem. The platoon
sergeant then consolidates all of the maintenance requests, and informs the
company XO during scheduled resupply. The XO evacuates the weapons and equipment
to the battalion trains. The XO makes arrangement for a float from higher
support.

3. PERSONNEL 

   a.  Strength Reports.  The platoon’s
strength is reported at least twice daily on a secure net or land line from the
platoon battle roster. 

   b.  Replacements.  Care should be
taken when integrating new soldiers into the platoon. They are briefed by their
entire chain of command. Their equipment is inspected by their squad leader, and
any problems that have surfaced during in-processing are immediately remedied.
Squad leaders explain the current situation and inform new soldiers of their
duties and SOPs. 

   c.  EPWs and Civilian Internees and
Detainees.  All EPWs and civilians are handled IAW with international law.
The platoon sergeant monitors all activities dealing with EPWs and civilian
internees and detainees. He ensures that they are searched, segregated,
silenced, safeguarded and sped to the rear. He is in charge of providing their
medical treatment and their physical security. In addition, he assigns a team or
squad to help with this mission, and to help maintain control throughout this
process. 

4.  HEALTH SERVICES. 

   a. Medical Evacuation.  Each platoon
contains at least one MOS qualified aidman. Every effort is made to train as
many personnel as possible as combat lifesavers. However, their primary skills
areas infantrymen not aidmen. Each squad appoints one man as an assistant aidman
to help the platoon aid man with treatment of the casualties. The platoon
sergeant coordinates with the platoon aidman and squad leaders for the
location of the casualty collection point. The squad’s chain of command is
responsible for evacuating their troops to the location. Once the mode of
evacuation has been established, the platoon sergeant secures the casualties’
weapons, equipment, and ammunition and cross levels them, if need be. Requests
for medical evacuation is handled by the platoon sergeant and routine sick is
handled by the platoon aidman. Priority categories for medical evacuation are
urgent, urgent surgical, priority, routine, and convenience.  

   b.  Field Sanitation.  Field latrines
are dug at least 100 meters from platoon positions, if the tactical situation
permits. If not, the trench is constructed within the platoon perimeter. The
trench is constructed under the supervision of the platoon aidman. The only
water to be consumed by soldiers should be potable or treated water. If located
near a stream, the latrine is constructed downstream from the platoon’s
positions.

 
 

ANNEX J.  SAFETY

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

General.  Safety is
embedded in everything we do…

 
 

APPENDIX 1 (REPORTS)

to

ANNEX  J (SAFETY)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  Accident / Injury Report 
 

PURPOSE: To provide a record of
information concerning accidents or injuries involving Advanced Camp personnel. 

PROCEDURE: Record all pertinent 
information using the prompts provided below.  A copy of this form will be
retained with the daily log (DA 1594). 

1.  Date/Time/Location of Injury or
Accident:    

2.  Rank/Full Name of person(s) involved: 

3.  Type of injury or damage (brief
description): 

4.  Circumstances (brief description of
cause): 

5.  Status of Individual: 

             Treated on site and returned to
training                .

             Taken to CCC                    
.   

             Taken to Madigan
Hospital                  
 

6.  Report submitted
by:                                                        
Time:                           
 

7.  Emergency phone numbers:

                                                  Range Control:      xxx-xxxx

                                                  MP Desk               xxx-xxxx

                                                  Madigan Hosp.      xxx-xxxx

                                                  Medevac                xxx-xxxx

         
                                        Chief of Staff         xxx-xxxx 
 

distr.:   xxxxxxx

           xxxxxxx

           xxxxxxxx 
 
 

 
 

2.   Hazard Reporting / Control
Process 

   1.  PURPOSE.  To outline policies and
procedures for hazard reporting.  Unless specified, the provisions of this
appendix apply to garrison and training operations only. 

   2.  APPLICABILITY.  Applies to all. 

   3.  HAZARD REPORTING.   

      a.  All soldiers and cadets will correct
identified hazards if they are capable of doing so without endangering
themselves or others. 

      b.  Where soldiers and cadets cannot
correct a hazard, they will report informally to their supervisors or to the
regiment/committee Safety Coordinator.  Such reports may also be submitted
directly to the Camp  Safety Office or other appropriate points with in the
command. 

      c.  A formal method of reporting of
unsafe or unhealthy working conditions is the completion of DA Form 4755
(Employee Report of Alleged Unsafe or Unhealthy Working Conditions).   Normally
reports will be signed.  However, anonymous reports will be investigated in the
same manner as those signed.  Submission may be made directly to the  Camp
Safety Office or through supervisory and command channels. 

      d.  All hazard reports will be
investigated, and the originator (if known) will be notified in writing within
10 working days of receipt of the report.  Notification will include the results
of the investigation or an interim response of actions taken or anticipated. 

      e.  If investigation determines that a
hazardous condition does not exist, the reply to the soldier will include the
basis for that determination and a point of contact for further explanation. 

      f.  Hazard Reporting Appeal Process. 
Appeals may be submitted through the Camp Safety Office.  
 

 
 

APPENDIX 2 (RISK MANAGEMENT)

to

ANNEX  J (SAFETY)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

RISK ASSESSMENT 
 

1.  PURPOSE.  To identify the tactical
risk management program for  accident prevention in both the Advance Camp
garrison and training operations. 

2.  APPLICABILITY.  Applies to all
sections of Advance Camp. 

3.  GENERAL.  The Camp Safety Office
provides risk management instruction materials for training all  Advance Camp
personnel in principles and techniques of risk management.  The Risk Assessment
Management Program (CDT CMD Reg 145-3) provides leaders with a systematic
approach to controlling and reducing risk.  It is  a process which requires
leaders to identify hazards or risks associated with training events,  minimize
or control these risks and weigh them against overall training value.  Leaders
will conduct risk assessments whether formally, during the planning process of a
training event, or informally, while making a hasty plan.  All training and
activities required risk assessment. 

4.  GUIDANCE. 
 

      a.  Integrate risk management into all
training and activities from concept through termination.   

      b.  Accept no unnecessary risk. 

      c.  Make risk decisions at the proper
level. 

      d.  Document risk decisions. 

5.  HAZARD CONTROL PROCESS. 
 

      a.  Identify the Hazards.  Hazards are a
potential source of danger which may cause injury, damage or mission
degradation.  They may be encountered during training or other activities and
include such obvious things as weather, terrain, weapons and equipment.  Hazards
can be also be less obvious, such as a stream that appears shallow, but is
actually deep in some places.  Record identified hazards on a Risk Assessment
Management Program Countermeasure Worksheet. 

      b.  Hazard Inventory.  The
Committees/Regiments/Sections and the Camp Safety Office will assess identified
hazards and file them on site utilizing the RAMP Countermeasure Worksheet.  
 

TAB 1 – RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX to APPENDIX 2
– RISK ASSESSMENT  to 

ANNEX J – SAFETY- to INFANTRY PLATOON
TACTICAL SOP

            Hazard Probability

  FREQUENT  Individual Item  Occurs often in
life of system

       Inventory of Items Continuously
experienced

       Individual Person Occurs often in career

       All Persons Exposed Continuously
experienced 
 

  PROBABLE  Individual Item  Occurs several
times in life of system

       Inventory of Items Occurs frequently

       Individual Person Occurs several times
in career

       All Persons Exposed Occurs frequently 
 

  OCCASIONAL Individual Item  Occurs sometime
in life of system

       Inventory of Items Occurs several times
in life of system

       Individual Person Occurs sometime in
career

       All Persons Exposed Occurs sporadically 
 

  REMOTE  Individual Item  Unlikely, but
possible in life of system

       Inventory of Items Unlikely, but
expected sometime

       Individual Person Unlikely, but possible
in career

       All Persons Exposed Occurs seldom 
 

IMPROBABLE  Individual Item  Too unlikely to
occur in life of system

       Inventory of Items Unlikely, but
possible in life of system

       Individual Person Too unlikely to occur
in career

   All Persons Exposed Occurs very rarely 
 

            Hazard Severity

CATASTROPHIC Death or permanent total
disability;  system loss; major property damage 

CRITICAL Permanent partial disability;
temporary total disability (more than 3 months); major system damage;
significant property damage 

MARGINAL Minor injury; lost workday;
compensable injury or illness; minor system damage;  minor property
damage 

NEGLIGIBLE  First aid or minor medical
treatment;  minor system impairment

 
 

TAB 2 – TRAINING SAFETY LIST
to APPENDIX 2 – RISK ASSESSMENT  to

ANNEX J – SAFETY- to INFANTRY
PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 

A.  TRAINING SAFETY LIST 
 

  1.  Incorporate the buddy system into all
training and other events.  Ensure buddy teams understand the importance of
individual safety overwatch.  (e.g. recognition and first aid for heat/cold
injuries) 
 

  2.  Designate safety officers to assist in
the planning and execution of training. 

  3.  Use training SOPs that include the use of
the Risk Assessment Management Program (RAMP).  Continuously update them. 

  4.  Check appropriate qualifications for
instructors, trainers, drivers, lifeguards, etc. 

  5.  Require special or preliminary training
prior to engaging in medium or high risk training. (e.g. PMI)   

  6.   Establish/enforce appropriate uniform
and equipment requirements and prohibitions 

  7.  Make known the dangers inherent in a
training event (risks associated with terrain, off – limits areas, weather,
animals, vegetation, water, vehicles, equipment, weapons, ammunition and pyro.) 

  8.  Make known the location and
responsibilities of safety personnel 

  9.  Make known the location/use of safety
equipment/materials. 

  10.  Make known the type of medical support,
evacuation plans and medical facility to be used if evacuation is needed.  Make
known emergency radio frequencies/call-signs and telephone numbers. 

  11.  Conduct safety briefings for all
participants prior to and, as appropriate, during training. 

  12.  Establish reporting procedures for
unsafe acts/conditions and accidents. 

  13.  Conduct awareness campaigns shortly
before holidays periods and at other times when greater numbers of accidents
commonly occur.  At a minimum, such campaigns should include reminder briefings
given by cadre or senior cadets and visual reminders in classrooms and on unit
bulletin boards. 

  14.  Integrate sensitive items (weapons,
night vision equipment, COMSEC, etc.) in RAMP and incorporate appropriate
operational and security safeguards.  
 
  
 
 

APPENDIX 3 (MEDEVAC
PROCEDURES)

to

ANNEX  J (SAFETY)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

1.  Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) 
 

Precedence 

URGENT Evacuation is required as soon as
possible but not later than two hours to save life, limb, or eyesight.

PRIORITY Evacuation is required
within four hours or the patient’s medical condition could deteriorate to an
URGENT precedence.

ROUTINE Evacuation is required within 24
hours. 
 

TACTICAL IMMEDIATE     The patient’s
medical condition is not URGENT or PRIORITY but evacuation is required as soon
as possible so as not to endanger the unit’s tactical mission.

Line

1.  Location of pick up site

2.  Radio freq., call sign and suffix at
pick up site

3.  Number of patients by precedence

4.  Special equipment required

5.  Number of patients

6.  Security of pick up site (war time)

6.  # and type of wounded, injury, or
illness (peace time)

7.  Method of marking pick up site

8.  Patient nationality and status

9.  NBC contamination (wartime)

9.  Terrain description (peacetime) 
 

                    

TAB 1 – EVALUATE A CASUALTY to APPENDIX 3 –
MEDEVAC PROCEDURES to ANNEX J – SAFETY to INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP 
 

Check for:

1.  Responsiveness

2.  Breathing

3.  Bleeding

4.  Shock

5.  Fractures

6.  Burns

7.  Head Injuries 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

ANNEX K (LDP)

to

INFANTRY TACTICAL SOP 
 
 

VALUES: The Army’s values are loyalty,
duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. 
 

      LOYALTY (LO):  bears true faith
and allegiance to the Constitution, Army, units and soldiers 

      DUTY (DU):  fulfills professional,
legal and moral obligations 

      RESPECT (RE):  promotes dignity,
consideration, fairness and EO 

      SELFLESS SERVICE (SS):  places
Army priorities before self 

      HONOR (HO):  adheres to ARMY’S
CODE OF VALUES 

      INTEGRITY (IT):  exhibits high
personal moral standards 

      PERSONAL COURAGE (PC):  manifests
physical and moral courage 

ATTRIBUTES: are parameters that are
more-or-less permanent (or long-standing), yet can develop over time through
correct and habitual practices. 

      MENTAL (ME):  possess desire,
will, initiative, and discipline 

      PHYSICAL (PH):  maintains
appropriate level of physical fitness and military bearing 

      EMOTIONAL (EM):  displays self
control; calm under pressure 

SKILLS: (or competencies).  Leaders
develop competence by developing four types of skills:  interpersonal,
conceptual, technical, and tactical. 

      CONCEPTUAL (CN):  demonstrates
sound judgment, critical/creative thinking, moral reasoning 

INTERPERSONAL (IP):  shows skill with
people:  coaching, teaching, counseling, motivating, and empowering 

      TECHNICAL (TE):  possess the
necessary expertise to accomplish all tasks and functions 

      TACTICAL (TA):  demonstrates
proficiency in required professional knowledge, judgment, and warfighting 

INFLUENCING:  method of reaching goals
while operating/improving 

      COMMUNICATE (CO):  displays good
oral, writing, and listening skills for individuals/groups 

      DECISION MAKING (DM):  employs
sound judgment, logical reasoning, and uses resources wisely 

      MOTIVATING (MO):  inspires,
motivates, and guides others toward mission accomplish  
 

OPERATING:  short-term mission
accomplishment 

      PLANNING (PL):  develops detailed
executable plans that are feasible, acceptable, and executable 

      EXECUTING (EX):  shows tactical
proficiency, meets mission standards, and takes care of people resources 

      ASSESSING (AS):  uses after action
and evaluation tools to facilitate consistent improvement 

IMPROVING:  long-term improvement in the
Army its people and organizations 

      DEVELOPING (DE):  invests adequate
time and effort to develop individual subordinates 

BUILDING (BD):  spends time and
resources improving individuals, teams, groups, and units:  fosters ethical
climate 

LEARNING (LR):  seeks self-improvement
and organizational growth:  envisioning, adapting, and leading change  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX L (INFANTRY PLATOON
WEAPONS CAPABILITY

REFERENCE GUIDE)

to

INFANTRY PLATOON TACTICAL SOP

ORGANIC WEAPONS:

Organic weapons are weapons that are assigned
to the platoon over which the platoon leader has direct control.  All leader
must know how to employ these weapons effectively in all tactical situations
(Table 1).  The infantry platoon routinely uses anti-armor weapons (Table 2). 
  
 
 

                 Table 1. Organic
Weapons

Table 2.  Anti-armor Weapons

SUPPORT WEAPONS: 
 

Supporting weapons provide the platoon and
squad leaders additional firepower.  They must know how to effectively integrate
the fires of these weapons with the fires of their organic weapons.  See
Supporting Weapons (Table 3) and Fire Support (Table 4). 
 
 

Table 3.  Supporting Weapons

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

     Table 4.   Fire Support

NOTES