Interdiction
tactics
by Squeegie
The small
attack squad is a compact unit that is primarily used to spearhead attacks, or
start a battle on a separate front. Sometimes referred to as
"Interdiction" teams, these small squads are excellent tools for
commanders. The small crew can easily penetrate into areas unseen, cause havoc,
and move on to another objective. The interdiction team is no smaller than three
members, but may exceed as many as 6 to 12 comprised of three man cells. We will
look at what makes up a good interdiction team, the root of the team, and basic
Interdiction tactics.
The
Root
The root
refers to the basic core of the team. Three players, all with a specific duty,
but able to perform the duties of the other members. It is very critical that
the other members are able to change duties at the drop of a hat. This gives the
team more diversity and able to quickly adapt to any problems that may arise.
The root team must also be very familiar with one another’s style of play. The
players should have been playing together as a team for a very long time, and
know what each others strong points are, as well as their weaknesses. This
cohesion is critical. It should almost be second nature to know what the other
teammates are going to do.
The team
is broken down into three duties. Point, Sniper, Suppressor. These are your
basic fundamental duties. Each player will use one another as a tool for the
collective goal of completing the objective, be it overrunning a bunker or
ambushing a squad. Know what your role is and stay focused your job and the
objective. Lets take a close look at the roles.
Point -
Point
works like a typical point man normally works. He is the eyes and ears of the
squad. Usually running almost out of the sight of the rest of the quad, he
locates the enemy and advises the rest of the squad on what course of action
they should take to handle the approaching threat. When the firing starts, the
point man acts as either a flank attack or bunker runner. The point man will do
a lot of moving to say the least. He needs to be quick on his feet, have a good
eye for spotting hidden enemy, and be able to access a situation clearly to
allow the other members to understand.
Sniper -
Just as
the name suggest, the sniper is the stealth end of the squad. He uses his
talents as a force multiplier for the squad. Precision shots, stealth flanks,
and drop back retreat ambushes all fall under the duties of the Interdiction
Sniper. Usually wearing a ghillie, they are also used during the attacks as a
means to eliminate the frontal attacking force while other members of the team
provide covering fire. Once in place, the sniper can provide the same covering
fire to allow other members of the team to advance. The sniper must be able to
move quickly but quietly, and deliver accurate shots the first time. This is not
the role for a pump gunner though. The sniper must also be able to rattle off
the shots to help get out of bad situations, or provide covering fire for other
members of the team.
Suppressor
-
This is
the heavy machine gunner of the team. He is the man laying down the wall of
paint. He keeps heads behind bunkers and enemy looking for cover. During his
rain of terror, he is allowing the other members of the team to push forward
under the safety of his bunker of paint. The suppressor needs to be fast on the
trigger, carry a lot of paint, and not afraid to shoot no matter what. He is
keeping the enemy pinned down, so he must be able to shoot & still keep his
cool no matter how close the balls are getting to him.
Interdiction
Squad Tactics
All the
tactics for the team revolve around the same basic plan. Know this basic plan,
and you can pretty much make your way through anything that presents itself.
Basic
Plan
The basic
plan revolves around simple principles. Point man provides the intel, plan of
attack is laid down, suppressor applies pressure, sniper and point take flanks.
The job of the suppressor is transferred to other team members to allow one
another to move forward. It is simple, but very effective. Lets look at how this
basic plan is used to take control of an enemy fort.
Basic
Plan - Attacking Fortified Structures
Attacking
any fortification should be done with recon first. Your point man should make
his way as close as possible to gather intel about the number of enemy
occupants, areas of defilade fire, and avenues of escape should things get ugly.
Once he has relayed said information, the rest of the team moves in. The set-up
is important. All team members must be in place before the attack is executed.
Interdiction teams rely on surprise to confuse and rattle the enemies’ nerves.
Try to establish the team in as wide of a pattern as possible. The unit should
be in a "C" formation. This will help to prevent the team from being
flanked. The sniper should be on a far flank, point on the other, with the
suppressor located in the middle toward the back with a field of fire that spans
the entire group.
-squeegie