Had .the attack on a forfitied position by'a Marine Rifle Squad taken
place on Armed Forces Day, it would have been an excellent opportun
ity to see the effectiveness of a squad leader while controlling his
squad. The squad leader is responsible to the Platoon Commander for
the discipline, appearance, training, control, and conduct of that
squad at all times. In combat, he is responsible for fire discipline
fire control, and maneuvers of his squad. He does this through three
fire team leaders. While in combat or in practice attacks,the squad
leader places himself where he can best observe and control his squad
and still maintain contact with his Platoon Commander. When it is
necessary to give instructions to the squad, he works through the
fire team leaders, communicating by means of whistles, arm and hand
signals, or verbal commands, depending on the situation. If silence
is necessary, arm. and hand signals would naturally be used.
The .squad is comprised of 13 men, including the squad leader
three fire teams of four men each. This present squad is a result of
time tested evolution, being proven many times that it is effective
and the most efficient means of completing a mission. The squad lea
der must have the qualities of leadership that his men will respect
and want to follow, This includes initiative, aggressiveness, and
dimonstratived ability to make decisions immediately. The success or
failure of the mission of a squad rests with its leader.
The squad, and the fire teams that comprise it, is the smallest of
units used in combat; and its mission is, of course, the same as the
unit which it is a part of. On the offensive, the missions are to
destroy the enemy and his will to fight or defend. When a position
or hill, ridge, etc. has been designated by the Pla.toon Commander, it
is then up to the squad leader to carry out his part of the offensive.
Constant training, perfect discipline, and the highest respect for
organization and military leadership is required in every member of
the rifle squad for it to be a good one; and time has shown that just
such squads are the ones that come rut on top and get the mission
accomplished quickest.
THREE MARINES BOARD USCGC MQCT03I FOR TRIP TO ATKA
We had three Marines board the Coast Guard Cutter MOCTOBIIast Wed
nesday for a trip to Atka and return. They stayed nn the Island of
Atka long enough to visit the village and talk to some of the Aleut
children, and overall reported that they enjoyed their small exper
ience of sea duty; although I did hear one say that dry land seemed
to be better on his system than choppy seas. Making the trip was!
Privates First Class Silas MULKEY, Robert DAVIS, and Francis ROSS.
Marine Barracks wishes to thank the skipper and crew of theMOCTOBI
for cooperating in sending Marines on cruises such as these.
Staff Sergeant Ronald A. ROPER joined this Command last week, and
is now settled into his job as Platoon Sergeant of the Starboard Pla
toon. He plans on being joined here on Adak with his wife as soon as
housing is available. Barracks Security is not new to him, having
served in that capacity at Bremerton, Treasure Island, Barstow, and
San Diego, plus two cruises as Gunnery Sergeant of Ship's Detachment