Skip to main content

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):

  • Signallers

    Combat Communicators / CombatSignallers

    Communicators

  • 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 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

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.

of said

The Combat Formation.

SaidFormation Commander is responsible forfor:

  • The Strap’s immediate safety

  • Tactical employment during the attachedoperation

    individuals
    • safety,

  • Integration into movement and immediatecombat actionsplanning

    during
    • an
operation.

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

    those
    • where
  • no

    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.

Back to top