Squad React to Contact: Battle Drill 1A [Army Basics]

[@nkoehler337]

Was it changed recently that Battle Drill 1 was switched to "React to Contact" and not "Platoon Attack"?

[@militaryartandscience]

Yup. FM 7-8 "Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad" (1992 w/C1 in 2001) had Battle Drill 1 Platoon Attack and 1A Squad Attack with Battle Drill 2 being Reat to Contact. That was superceeded by the FM 3-21.8(FM 7-8) "The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad" in 2007 which removed all battle drills from that manual. (Im not sure if they moved somewhere else, but the change notes dont say that, just "removed") I dont know if there was another in between (doubt it) but the 2016 ATP 3-21.8 "Infantry Platoon and Squad" had Battle Drill 1 React to Direct Fire Contact, Battle Drill 2 Conduct a Platoon Assault, and Battle Drill 2A Conduct a Squad Assault. (Note, this manual consolidated the dismounted and mounted platoon manuals all together- which was broken back up by the lates editions) The latest 2024 ATP 3-21.8 "Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad" has Battle Drill 1 React to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted-Platoon, and Battle Drill 1A Rect to Direct Fire Contact While Dismounted-Squad, and 2 and 2A for the assaults.

[@nkoehler337]

@@militaryartandscience good to know! I recall that FM 3-22.8 was to be used along side 7-8 back when I was first in. I had both of them. I’ll have to pick up the newest ATP 3-21.8!