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In Close Quarter Combat, a fireteam is a small military unit designed to operate as part of a larger platoon or squad structure. Typically consisting of four to six members, a fireteam is the smallest unit within the infantry organization but plays a critical role in executing precise and coordinated actions in tight, complex environments like urban areas, buildings, or dense terrain. The concept of a fireteam is fundamental in modern infantry tactics, providing a balance between firepower, maneuverability, and versatility.

Composition & Roles

A standard fireteam might be composed of:

Team Leader: Usually a non-commissioned officer responsible for leading the fireteam, making tactical decisions, and communicating with higher command or adjacent units. The team leader carries a rifle and may also be equipped with additional communication or navigation gear.

An NCO, or Non-Commissioned Officer, in the military is a member of the armed forces who has been given authority by warrant from their superiors, but is not technically considered a commissioned officer. NCOs are often referred to as the backbone of the military because they serve as the primary and most visible leaders for most military personnel, bridging the gap between the enlisted ranks and the commissioned officers.

Automatic Rifleman: Armed with a General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) or similar, this member provides the bulk of the fireteam’s suppressive fire, covering movements and engaging enemy positions to pin them down.

Rifleman: The rifleman carries a standard service rifle/carbine and may also be equipped with grenades, anti-tank weapons, or other specialized equipment. This role is versatile, capable of fulfilling various tasks within the team.

Grenadier: Equipped with a grenade launcher, either as a standalone weapon or an attachment to a service rifle, the grenadier can deliver high-explosive ordnance at range, effective against enemy personnel and light fortifications.

In some contexts, the composition and armament of a fireteam can vary based on the mission, the operational environment, and the specific tactics employed by the military force.

Tactics & Operations

In CQC scenarios, fireteams are instrumental due to their size and the close cooperation among members. Typical scenarios for the fireteam to handle is:

Room Clearing: Fireteams break down into buddy teams or individual roles to clear rooms and buildings, using techniques that maximize speed and minimize exposure to enemy fire.

Flanking and Maneuvering: Fireteams can maneuver to engage the enemy from multiple directions, using their small size to navigate through confined spaces effectively.

Security and Overwatch: While part of the fireteam moves to breach or clear, others may provide security, ensuring that the team is not ambushed from other directions. This includes securing entry points, covering exits, and maintaining a perimeter.

Communication and Coordination: Effective CQC requires constant communication, both within the fireteam and with other units. This ensures that all members are aware of their roles, movements, and any changes in the operational environment.

Training & Proficiency

The efficiency of a fireteam in CQC is heavily reliant on rigorous training and the cohesion among its members. Fireteams train extensively in various CQC tactics, including entry techniques, room-clearing protocols, and urban navigation. The close-knit nature of a fireteam allows for a high degree of mutual trust and understanding, essential qualities for operating in the high-risk, high-intensity situations characteristic of CQC.

Overall, the fireteam represents a critical element in modern infantry tactics, combining the flexibility, firepower, and close coordination necessary to succeed in Close Quarter Combat scenarios.