APPENDIX E
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

If the need arises to implement survival skills in a semi-permissive or non-permissive environment the Marine must be able to utilize basic skills, as referenced in the Marine Battle Skills Handbook Pvt – Lcpl, in order to avoid making contact with hostile personnel. Unfortunately, the enemy will not consider your MOS when deciding whether or not you should be captured or killed. It is imperative that every Marine live up to statement – “every Marine is a basic rifleman.”

To discuss every possible survival scenario and enemy situation would be pointless. The following outline is to be utilized as a guide. Common sense and survival skills, along with these considerations, will increase your chances of avoiding capture or possible death.

A. Apply the key word survival (ICBT – 20.01) (PVTX.14.16)

1. Size up the situation:

- Mission

- Enemy

- Troops and Fire Support available

- Terrain and Weather

- Time, Space, and Logistics

2. Undue haste makes waste:

3. Remember where you are:

4. Vanquish fear and panic:

5. Improvise and improve:

6. Value living:

7. Act like the natives:

8. Live by your wits, but for now learn basic skills:

B. Additional Individual Training Standards:

C. Additional Considerations:

When sizing up the situation you will determine whether the Mission or Cmdr’s Intent can be accomplished. Obviously, every effort must be made to accomplish the mission. If it can not be accomplished a separate mission order must be established for the group. (i.e. At 0900 the group will implement the requirements for survival in order to move to the SAFE for recovery.)

In order to tactically move and occupy the SAFE, the group must be task organized into teams. The teams are assigned additional tasks. Team tasks will usually be accomplished during occupation of the patrol base. In addition, individuals within the group are assigned tasks.

1. Teams:

2. Team Tasks:

3. Individual Tasks:

In a survival situation it is probably wiser to occupy the patrol base through reconnaissance instead of by force. Upon initial occupation the acronym SAFE (Security, Automatic weapons, Fields of fire, Entrenchment) must be enforced. The patrol base should only be entered (or exited) from one location. Communication within the group is essential. Everyone must be well informed. (i.e. current plans, alternate patrol bases or rally points, how many Marines have departed the patrol base and when are they expected to return, current challenge and pass, and near and far recognition signals.) No Marine will exercise their judgement and leave the patrol base or perform a task without permission from the patrol leader.

The patrol base is not a place for lollygagging. It is a place where noise and light discipline is enforced and security is maintained continuously. Priorities of work will be established after occupation. (i.e. weapon maintenance, hygiene, chow, and rest plans) Security or reconnaissance teams can be sent out to determine enemy threat or gather information for route selection. These patrols can also be tasked with gathering firewood or some other routine task. However, security must be maintained while the firewood is being collected.

Since you are probably evading the enemy, activity in and around the patrol base must be limited. Occupation of the patrol base must not exceed 24 hours. Depending on the tactical situation the use of fire may or may not be appropriate.

D. Conclusion:

The above information servers as a guideline. Survival is a thinking person’s challenge between life and death. As the situation changes a Marine must adapt, size up the situation, and implement a new plan in order to survive. If you are lacking in any of the Individual Training Standards it is your responsible to take corrective action. Remember that every Marine is a basic rifleman.