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How to plan & integrate individuals attached to Combat Formations

Individuals attached to a Combat Formations like Strike Teams are colloquially referred to as a "Strap". This references who they are effectively strapped to the formation.

The title of Strap typically applies to individuals in roles such as:

  • Signallers / Combat Communicators
  • Intelligence Personnel
  • Combat Team Medics / Combat Medical Technicians
  • Combat Unmanned Systems Operators

Straps are to be treated as both part and not part of the formation. Whilst everyone is a Marine first and should be ready to fight when needed, a "Strap's" primary capability is often more important then shooting their rifle during a fire fight. And thus while the formation is fighting, the Strap should be ready to immediately perform their main mission duty.

WHEN ARE THEY PART OF THE FORMATION:

  • When conducting any activity in op that is not directly combat related
    • Anything related to P,R & E in PRESAR
    • Movement Planning & Execution
    • Reaction to Enemy Fire
    • Enemy Target Acquisition
  • When conducting complex movements or operations (FIBUA, VBSS, naval landings, fast roping, etc.)

WHEN ARE THEY NOT PART OF THE FORMATION:

  • When conducting extensive combat actions
  • When the Strap needs to complete their main mission set for their attached formation
  • When the Strap needs to complete their main mission set for other formations

Responsible Parties

When people are assigned to a Combat Formation as a Strap they for that operation are under the command and responsibility of said Combat Formation's OC or someone they are specifically assigned to within the chain of command of said Combat Formation.

Said Commander is responsible for the attached individuals safety, and immediate actions during an operation. 

Actions that are dictated by SOP or other established practices by the Strap's parent formation are not the responsibility of the Formation Commander the Strap is attached to.

If issues arise where the Strap needs to conduct actions that are not in-line with standard Combat Formation SOP or intent, then proactive coordination should be has between the Strap's parent formation commander and the combat formation commander.

Assignment Structure

The following is a typical assignment structure for relevant roles. For those where no information is provided, no preset structure exists and Strap assignments are task organised.

Combat Communicators

Combat Communicators attached to Strike Teams function as part of 2 Section's Charlie Fire Team. They are to coordinate closely with the Assistant Team Commander to ensure signalling duties are effectively carried out.

Combat Communicators attached to Troops are part of the Troop HQ and coordinate closely with either the Troop Commander or Sergeant, depending on the situation to ensure signalling duties are effectively carried out.

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.

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