How to plan for & integrate individuals attached to Combat Formations

1. Purpose

This SOP defines the principles, responsibilities, and standard practices for planning and integrating attached individuals (hereafter referred to as “Straps”) into Combat Formations within UKCF operations.

It ensures attached personnel are employed effectively while preserving their primary specialist capabilities.

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2. Definition

Individuals attached to Combat Formations (e.g. Strike Teams) are colloquially referred to as “Straps”, reflecting that they are attached to, but not organically part of, the formation.

Typical Strap roles include (but are not limited to):

• Combat Communicators / Signallers

• Intelligence Personnel

• Combat Team Medics / Combat Medical Technicians

• Combat Unmanned Systems Operators

All Straps are Marines first and must be capable of self-defence. However, their primary specialist capability takes precedence over routine rifleman tasks during combat operations.

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3. Command and Responsibility

When assigned as a Strap to a Combat Formation, the individual is, for the duration of that operation, under the command of the Combat Formation’s Officer Commanding (OC), or a delegated commander within that formation’s chain of command.

The Combat Formation Commander is responsible for:

• The Strap’s immediate safety

• Tactical employment during the operation

• Integration into movement and combat planning

Exclusions:

• Actions governed by the Strap’s parent formation SOPs or specialist doctrine remain the responsibility of the parent formation.

• Specialist tasking outside the intent or SOP of the Combat Formation must be coordinated proactively between the parent formation commander and the receiving Combat Formation commander.

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4. Integration Principles

Straps are considered conditionally part of the formation, depending on the activity being conducted.

4.1 When Straps ARE Part of the Formation

Straps integrate fully with the formation when conducting:

• Non-combat operational activity, including:

  • P, R & E (PRESAR)

  • Movement planning and execution

  • Reaction to enemy contact

  • Enemy detection and target acquisition

• Complex or high-risk movements, including:

  • FIBUA

  • VBSS

  • Amphibious / naval landings

  • Fast roping and insertion techniques

During these activities, Straps should move, position, and react in accordance with the formation SOP unless otherwise directed.

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4.2 When Straps Are NOT Part of the Formation

Straps are considered detached from formation manoeuvre when:

• The formation is engaged in sustained or intensive combat actions

• The Strap must execute their primary mission task for the attached formation

• The Strap is required to execute their primary mission task in support of another formation

In these cases, Straps are expected to prioritise mission output, while maintaining situational awareness and coordination with the Combat Formation commander.

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5. Assignment Structure

Strap assignments are task-organised unless otherwise specified.

5.1 Combat Communicators

• Strike Team Level:
  Combat Communicators are assigned to 2 Section, Charlie Fire Team.
  They coordinate closely with the Assistant Team Commander to ensure effective communications support.

• Troop Level:
  Combat Communicators form part of the Troop HQ and coordinate directly with the Troop Commander or Troop Sergeant, as dictated by the tactical situation.

No fixed assignment structure exists for other Strap roles unless directed by tasking or mission requirements.

6. Example Scenarios

SCENARIO 1

If you are in a FIBUA Situation you should not be pro-actively be using your Signaller as a point man or breacher. This is not their job.

IF an emergent situation presents where a Signaller is forced to clear a building as the point, then they can still do this. But it should not be a default.

SCENARIO 2

A fire fight has broken out and a combat medic is on baseline with Delta Fire Team. Charlie Fire Team experiences a MAS CAS. The Combat Medic instantly jumps into action and runs to Charlie Fire Team to treat them. In doing so he calls on radio "Moving to Charlie now!".

This expected behaviour.

SCENARIO 3

An intelligence officer is attached to a Strike Team conducting clearance operations in Sector A. He has been called by a fellow intelligence officer and was informed that they require support in Sector B and that he should move to said Sector.

The intelligence officer in question then informs his Strike Team that he is moving and when/if he will be back, before making his way over to Sector B.