Best Book/Reading on Small unit tactics, particularly squad level?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:49:21 -0400

<p>I am looking for good reading on small unit tactics other than AWTs.  Any recommendations?</p><p> </p><p>If this is a repeat post, just combine.</p>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 11:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 11:11:18 -0400

The Ranger Handbook. Maybe not what you're looking for...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 11:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 11:21:04 -0400

<h1 id="title" class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 21px; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span id="productTitle" class="a-size-large" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">The Defense Of Duffer's Drift - A Lesson in the Fundamentals of Small Unit Tactics.</span></h1><div><span class="a-size-large" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><br></span></div><div><span class="a-size-large" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">This was on my reading list as a young Marine Infantryman, I was not to enthused about having mandatory reading at that age, especially out of school finally, but once I got into this book it was awesome.  It doesn't really cover today's tactics but will help guide the mind in critical thinking about small unit tactics, and what to look for and what/how to think about the unknown or unseen when conducting small unit operations.  I would recommend this book to everyone serving in any branch of the military, its a great read to help shape the way we think other than for ourselves.</span></div>

Response by SGT James Elphick made Apr 1 at 2014 1:50 PM

SGT James Elphick — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 13:50:58 -0400

FM 7-8 the Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, USMC Small Wars Manual (A little outdated in some areas but a good starting point for small unit operations), also look at the website smallwarsjournal.com, interesting posts and ideas come up every once in a while.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 9:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 09:14:01 -0400

For the current conflict, I would recommend "The bear went over the moutain" and "The other side of the moutain". The first is written from the perspective of the Soviet Army in Afghanistan and the companion (second) book is written from the perspective of the Mujahideen fighters. Both are written in an AAR type format with insight from the ground commanders. Definitely a good read!

Response by 1LT Mike Delaney made May 11 at 2014 12:05 PM

1LT Mike Delaney — Sun, 11 May 2014 12:05:34 -0400

It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by SSgt Nolan Hernandez made Jun 9 at 2014 9:37 PM

SSgt Nolan Hernandez — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 21:37:41 -0400

"Leadership and Training for the Fight" by MSG Paul R. Howe (USA Ret).

Response by SSgt Lucas Dyer M.S. made Nov 14 at 2014 4:01 PM

SSgt Lucas Dyer M.S. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:01:47 -0500

There are several really good books out there. One of my favorites is a Marine Corps unit based book titled A Battle Won by Handshakes: The Story of Alpha Company 1/5. It is about small unit leadership in combat, using military tactics to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and its implications at the tactical and strategic levels of war, along with combining counterinsurgency (COIN). check it out at http://www.abattlewonbyhandshakes.com. Hope this helps!