Chapter 7. 5 Man Squad Tactics

Overview

All members of the PLI must have a working knowledge of these commands and the American Sign Language sign for the phonetic first letter of each command. These commands are intentionally very basic and are meant to standardize the thinking of the unit, not to supplant any individual tactics a local team may have developed. These are intended to provide a basis of commonality for all units within the PLI.

Formations:
INDIA- Line order
ECHO- Skirmish line
YANKEE- Echo slanted left or right
DELTA- Triangular protective/escort formation
Movements:
TANGO- Moving from an India to an Echo or Vice versa
VICTOR- Dual flank assault from an Echo
WHISKEY- Bounding overwatch
Actions:
ALPHA- Isolate and eliminate with a basic flanking maneuver
BRAVO- Cloverleaf assault
CHARLIE- Surround and assault
FOXTROT- Flank assault
CHARLIE FOXTROT- Total assault
ZULU- Zigzag retreating action
Direction:
ROMEO- Right
LIMA- Left
SLIDE- movement of an entire formation left or right
ECHO UP- Forward
ECHO BACK- Retreat

"There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is: to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wounds, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum of time."
General George S. Patton Jr.