FORT KNOX, Ky., — There is no doubt that the tactics modern troops use to move around the battlefield would surprise the early American Soldiers. Perhaps no other tactic would surprise them more than the concept of Fire and Maneuver.
A squad tactic that involves the use of two elements, maneuver and fire support, Fire and Maneuver revolutionized the way wars are fought by replacing the rigid line-up tactics of the past with a dynamic approach that allows for movement, cover and concealment on the battlefield.
On July 18, Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, learned how to apply this tactical knowledge by running patrol simulations and surviving imaginary enemy fire.
“You got to learn how to communicate effectively with a buddy, how to move with them and how to survive,” said Candida Rojas, a Cadet from Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
To survive, Cadets moved inside a training lane in pairs using a combination of low Crawl, high Crawl and 3-5 second rush movement techniques while providing simulated fire support for each other.
According to Cadre, the purpose of the simulation is to expose Cadets to a high stress situation where they need to rely on muscle memory to perform the different movement techniques.
Cadets coached each other and tapped into their individual life experiences to create a battle plan with their partners.
“Some of us here have served for a few years so we know what we are doing; some have never touched a rifle before,” said Dylan Samson, a Cadet from Central Washington University, “so, is important that we go through the basic motions.”
According to Samson, the best way to train for the event is by creating a connection to something that you already know how to do. “Think of it like a sport; like you are playing baseball,” he said.
Unlike baseball, Cadets must safely transition between different firing modes while they move from running to providing firing support, and the best way to create this discipline, is through these kind of training environments.
Regardless of their individual battle plan, all Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, performed their Fire and Maneuver training with the discipline of seasoned Soldiers, and gained a huge moral boost for the incoming challenges ahead in their Cadet Sumer Training.
