Battle drill

An Infantry battle drill describes how platoons and squads apply fire and maneuver to commonly encountered situations. They require leaders to make decisions rapidly and to issue brief oral orders quickly.[1]

"Battle Drill", according to the manual Fieldcraft and Battle Drill, means the reduction of military tactics to bare essentials which are taught to a platoon as a team drill, with clear explanations regarding the objects to be achieved, the principles involved and the individual task of each member of the team.[2]

The Ranger Handbook defines a battle drill as "A collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decision-making process". In modern US Military doctrine there are 14 battle drills.

Army Training Publication (ATP 3-21.8) lists 14 battle drills. 1: React to Direct Fire 2: Conduct a Platoon Attack 2A: Conduct a Squad Assault 3: Break Contact 4: Knock Out a Bunker 5: React to an Ambush 6: Enter and Clear a Room 7: Enter a Trench to Secure a Foothold 8: Conduct the Initial Breach of a Mined Wire Obstacle 9: React to Indirect Fire 10: React to a Chemical Attack 11: React to an IED 12: Dismount a BFV and ICV 13: Mount a BFV and ICV 14: Execute Action Left or Right While Mounted