How does a Marine Corps rifle squad successfully assault an enemy position? The answer, according to retired Marine B.B. McBreen, is far more complex than current doctrine suggests. In this episode, we dive deep into McBreen's groundbreaking work, "300 Assaults," a critical analysis of squad-level tactics based on hundreds of simulated combat scenarios. Join us as we unpack McBreen's findings and challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the Marine Corps rifle squad assault. We'll explore why current training manuals fall short and how computer simulations are shedding new light on the brutal realities of close-quarters combat. In this episode, we'll examine: The Flaws in Current Doctrine: Discover why McBreen argues that existing Marine Corps manuals offer vague and unhelpful guidance for squad leaders facing the chaos of an assault. The Limitations of Current Training Standards: Learn why focusing on platoon-level actions and support by fire leaves a critical gap in training for the actual squad assault. The Power of Simulation: Understand how McBreen used computer simulations to test various assault techniques against different enemy types and at various distances, revealing crucial insights. Key Findings from the 300 Assaults: Explore the critical lessons learned from the simulations, including the importance of distance, enemy capabilities, continuous suppression, and the proper execution of fire and movement. Distance Matters: Find out why assaulting a well-trained machine gun team from beyond 100 meters is a recipe for disaster. Knowing Your Enemy: Discover how the simulations highlight the need to tailor tactics based on whether you're facing conscripts or seasoned, well-trained troops. Suppression: A Fleeting Advantage: Grasp the crucial, yet temporary, nature of suppressive fire and why it must be continuous to be effective. Fire and Movement: A Detailed Breakdown: Get a practical guide to how fire and movement should be executed within a Marine rifle squad, including the use of multiple fire teams, covered terrain, and regaining fire superiority. Mastering Different Assault Techniques: We'll analyze other assault techniques beyond fire and movement, such as assault fire and close combat with grenades and smoke. The 300 Mil Rule: Learn this critical rule for avoiding friendly fire during close-quarters engagements. Support By Fire Checklist: Understand what tasks the support by fire element must accomplish, especially with the use of organic indirect fires. McBreen's Recommendations: Explore his call for improved manuals, more realistic training standards, and a greater emphasis on simulation-based training for squad leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in military tactics, leadership, and the realities of ground combat. We'll challenge assumptions, dissect tactical nuances, and ultimately gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the chaos of a rifle squad assault. Tags: US Marine Corps, Rifle Squad, Assault, Tactics, Military Training, Combat Simulation, Fire and Movement, Suppression, Close Combat, Leadership, Doctrine, B.B. McBreen, 300 Assaults, Infantry, Military Tactics.

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