Rifle Squad and Platoon in Defense

vii, [1], 104 pages. Illustrated cover. Illustrations. Contains Foreword and Author's Preface. Also contains chapters on The Defense in General; Fundamentals of Defense; Planning the Platoon Defense; Troop Leading Steps; Basic Considerations for Squad Defense; The Weapons Squad; The Reserve Platoon; and Conduct of the Defense. Also contains appendixes on Terrain Study for Defense; Sample Platoon Defense Order; Sample Squad Defense Order; and Terms Commonly Used in the Defense and an Index. This book is aimed on organizing and planning successful training. Here, the young officer can find the indexed, concentrated thoughts on each phase of platoon and squad defensive operation. The basic idea of defense, the methods of organizing the ground, and the detailed listing of each action necessary to mesh and coordinate the advantages of terrain, the efficiency of weapons, and the deployment of personnel, are all clearly set forth in a fashion that will help the leader to give appropriate consideration to each requirement. In military terminology, a squad is a sub-subunit led by a non-commissioned officer that is subordinate to an infantry platoon. In countries following the British Army tradition (Indian Army, Australian Army, Canadian Army, and others), this organization is referred to as a section. In most armies, a squad consists of eight to fourteen soldiers, and may be further subdivided into fireteams. A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two or more squads/sections/patrols. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the branch, but are generally around 50 strong, although specific platoons may range from 9 to 100 men. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer. The platoon leader is usually a junior officer-a second or first lieutenant or an equivalent rank. The officer is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant. Rifle platoons normally consist of a small platoon headquarters and three or four sections (Commonwealth) or squads (US). In some armies, platoon is used throughout the branches of the army. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit. A unit consisting of several platoons is called a company/battery.…