the main attack force. The supporting attack force may
contain units from the weapons platoon. In fact, the two
major construction or rifle companies (Charlie and
Delta) of a construction battalion each have their own
weapons platoon. The reserve force is kept to the rear of
the attacking forces where it can readily move to the
attack should the need arise. There are no fixed
conditions to determine the most appropriate formation
for a given situation. The company commander must
weigh all circumstances of terrain, the strength and
location of the enemy, and the friendly fire support
available to decide on one of the following attack
formations (fig. 4-23).
One Platoon in Attack
A formation of one platoon in attack and two
platoons in reserve provides limited firepower to the
front and a strong reserve. This formation should be used
when information about the enemy is vague or when the
company attacking has one or both flanks exposed. This
formation may be used when only a single, narrow
avenue of approach is available or when you are
attacking to seize an objective deep in enemy territory.
The reserve platoons may follow the attacking platoon
in company column, or they maybe positioned to protect
one or both flanks. This formation provides a lot of
Figure 4-23.--Rifle company attack formations.
variety in positioning and moving reserve platoons and
allows the company commander maximum flexibility in
maneuvering and controlling these platoons.
Changing the Platoon Formation
Two Platoons in Attack
Generally, the relative positions of the squads within
the platoon remain fairly constant. However, since
Two platoons in attack and one platoon in reserve
combat is unpredictable, changes are often necessary.
provide moderate firepower to the front while retaining
As usual, these changes must be made as rapidly and
a reserve large enough to influence the action. This
smoothly as possible.
formation may be appropriate when relatively detailed
Platoon formation changes are identical to those of
information concerning the enemy is available.
the squads, as shown in figure 4-21. The platoon
commander, along with his staff, tries to stay in a central
Three Platoons in Attack
location to best observe the situation and to control the
attack
When formation has three platoons in attack and
none in reserve, the company lacks a reserve force to
RIFLE COMPANY ATTACK FORMATIONS
influence the action. This formation provides maximum
firepower to the front and is useful when a wide area
must be cleared rapidly or when the enemy situation is
The rifle company commander distributes his
known.
company into three elements: a main attacking force, a
supporting attack force, and a reserve force. Attacking
WEAPONS UNITS FORMATIONS
forces, fire support forces, and the reserves are all
specifically designated in an ATTACK ORDER issued
Weapons platoons provide maneuvering rifle units
by the senior commander. Usually, the supporting attack
is an attack by fire, whereas one or more rifle platoons
with machine gun, rocket, and mortar fire during the
maneuvering to seize the assigned objective(s) compose
attack This is normally done by deploying the weapons
4-11
