Battle drill

A battle drill is a type of standard operating procedure used in the training of infantry. Based on commonly encountered scenarios, battle drills are used to establish standardized actions of a team, allowing for a quick collective response without the need for deliberate decision making. Platoons and squads apply fire and maneuver accordingly, requiring leaders to rapidly make decisions and quickly issue brief oral orders.[1] In 1944, Colonel Charles Stacey defined the practice of battle drill as "the reduction of military tactics to bare essentials which are taught to a platoon as a team drill, with clear explanations regarding the objects to be achieved, the principles involved and the individual task of each member of the team."[2]

A US Army publication from 2016 identifies fourteen "essential battle drills that an Infantry platoon and squad must train on to ensure success":[3]

  • 1: React to Direct Fire
  • 2: Conduct a Platoon Attack
  • 2A: Conduct a Squad Assault
  • 3: Break Contact
  • 4: React to an Ambush
  • 5: Knock out a Bunker
  • 6: Enter and Clear a Room
  • 7: Enter a Trench to Secure a Foothold
  • 8: Conduct the Initial Breach of a Mined Wire Obstacle
  • 9: React to Indirect Fire
  • 10: React to a Chemical Attack
  • 11: React to an IED
  • 12: Dismount a BFV and ICV
  • 13: Mount a BFV and ICV
  • 14: Execute Action Left or Right While Mounted
  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Haycock1989 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Stacey1944 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference ATP3-21.8 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).