How to plan & 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.
2. Definition
Individuals attached to a Combat Formations like(e.g. Strike TeamsTeams) are colloquially referred to as a“Straps”, "Strap".reflecting This references whothat they are effectively strappedattached to, but not organically part of, the formation.
The title ofTypical Strap typically applies to individuals in roles suchinclude as:
(but are not limited to):
SignallersCombat Communicators /
CombatSignallersCommunicators-
Intelligence Personnel
-
Combat Team Medics / Combat Medical Technicians
-
Combat Unmanned Systems Operators
All Straps are to be treated as both part and not part of the formation. Whilst everyone is a MarineMarines first and shouldmust be readycapable toof fightself-defence. when needed, a "Strap's" primary capability is often more important then shootingHowever, their rifleprimary specialist capability takes precedence over routine rifleman tasks during acombat fire fight. And thus while the formation is fighting, the Strap should be ready to immediately perform their main mission duty.operations.
WHEN
ARE
3. THEYCommand PARTand OF THE FORMATION:
WHEN ARE THEY NOT PART OF THE FORMATION:
Responsible Parties
Responsibility
When peopleassigned areas assigneda Strap to a Combat FormationFormation, asthe aindividual Strapis, theyfor forthe duration of that operation are, under the command and responsibility of saidthe Combat Formation'Formation’s OCOfficer Commanding (OC), or someonea theydelegated are specifically assigned tocommander within thethat formation’s chain of commandcommand.
The Combat Formation.
SaidFormation Commander is responsible forfor:
The Strap’s immediate safety
Tactical employment during the attachedoperation
Integration into movement and immediatecombat actionsplanning
Exclusions:
Actions that are dictated by SOP or other established practicesgoverned by the Strap'Strap’s parent formation areSOPs notor specialist doctrine remain the responsibility of the Formationparent Commanderformation.
Specialist tasking outside the Strapintent isor attachedSOP to.
If issues arise whereof the Strap needs to conduct actions that are not in-line with standard Combat Formation SOP or intent, then proactive coordination shouldmust be hascoordinated proactively between the Strap's parent formation commander and the combatreceiving formationCombat Formation commander.
4. Integration Principles
Straps are considered conditionally part of the formation, depending on the activity being conducted.
Assignment4.1 StructureWhen 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.
4.2 When Straps Are NOT Part of the Formation
Straps are considered detached from formation manoeuvre when:
The followingformation is aengaged typicalin assignmentsustained structureor intensive combat actions
The Strap must execute their primary mission task for relevantthe roles.attached Forformation
The informationStrap is provided,required noto presetexecute structuretheir existsprimary 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.
5. Assignment Structure
Strap assignments are tasktask-organised organised.unless otherwise specified.
5.1 Combat Communicators
Strike Team Level:
Combat Communicators attachedare assigned to Strike Teams function as part of 2 Section'sSection, Charlie Fire Team. Team.
They are to coordinate closely with the Assistant Team Commander to ensure signallingeffective dutiescommunications are effectively carried out.support.
Troop Level:
Combat Communicators attached to Troops areform part of the Troop HQ and coordinate closelydirectly with either the Troop Commander or Sergeant,Troop dependingSergeant, onas dictated by the situationtactical to ensure signalling duties are effectively carried out.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.