Motorized rifle troops (MSV) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are considered the most numerous kind. The basis of the Ground Forces (SV), which is MSV, was formed in 1992. The minimum tactical unit of the SV is a motorized rifle squad (MSO). According to experts, this formation is characterized by high combat independence, versatility and firepower. Information about the composition of the motorized rifle squad, tasks performed and weapons is contained in this article.
ISO Tasks
This formation can operate both offensively and defensively. Depending on the combat capabilities of a motorized rifle squad, the military command indicates the direction of attack and objects of attack. The main target is manpower, the location of which is trenches or other fortifications. Alsomotorized rifle squad confronts various enemy weapons: tanks, artillery pieces and machine guns installed in strong points.
Vehicles
Depending on what task the motorized rifle squad performs, combat and marching order are provided for the military personnel of the MSO. They advance to the object of attack on foot or with the involvement of military equipment. These vehicles are armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.
What are MSO soldiers armed with?
According to experts, the armament of the motorized rifle squad on armored transporters and infantry fighting vehicles is the same. The differences affected only the vehicles themselves. MSO soldiers have the following types of weapons:
- Kalashnikov assault rifles of two modifications: AKSU and AK-74.
- Kalashnikov light machine guns (RPK).
- Hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPGs).
- Dragunov sniper rifles (SVD).
- Hand and cumulative grenades.
On the organization of the MCO on the APC
The composition of the motorized rifle squad on an armored personnel carrier is presented:
- Squad leader. Armed with an AK-74.
- Driver. AKSU is at his disposal.
- RMB Heavy.
- Grenade launcher shooter. Firing with an RPG.
- Sniper. SVD is provided for a soldier.
- Three arrows,using the AK-74. One of the military personnel in this MSO is appointed as a senior.
About the composition of the BMP
One infantry fighting vehicle provided for:
- Commander MSO. He also performs the functions of the commander of the BMP. He uses AK-74 as a weapon.
- Gunner. He is also the second in command. Shooting from AKSU.
- A driver armed with AKSU.
- Machine gunner with RMB.
- Grenade thrower and his assistant. At the disposal of the first RPG, the second - the 74th model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
- Sniper (SVD).
- Three shooters using AK-74s.
Motorized rifle squad on the defensive
The main task of the military personnel of the MSO is to take a position on the ground, fortify it as efficiently as possible and, due to favorable conditions and fortifications, destroy the largest number of enemy manpower. Also, the tasks of the MSO include confronting advancing tanks and other armored vehicles. One motorized rifle squad provides defense of positions along the front with a length of up to 100 m. Upon arrival at the place, the squad leader examines the territory, determines firing positions for machine gunners, grenade launchers and submachine gunners.
Next, the combat mission and information about the enemy are announced. After that, the servicemen proceed to the arrangement of fortifications: the installation of mine-explosive barriers, digging and masking trenches. The purpose of these actions isclear the area for observation and shooting as much as possible. In addition, soldiers are digging several single trenches and one separate for a vehicle. Equip several spare firing positions. Their distance to the main one should be no more than 50 m. Further, single trenches are connected into trenches in which soldiers are located at a distance of up to 15 m from each other. A place has been allocated for the commander, which is considered the most convenient for managing the MSO. Without his order, the military personnel of the squad have no right to leave the held position.
Motorized rifle squad on the offensive
The task of this type of battle is to destroy the enemy's defensive structures, his observation and control posts and capture enemy territory by expanding defense lines. When attacking, the servicemen of the motorized rifle squad destroy the enemy's manpower, capture or render unusable his weapons. The MSO advances to attack under the leadership of the squad leader, who, in turn, receives instructions from the commander of the motorized rifle troops. The military regulations provide for the execution of attacks in three ways:
- On foot. They go on the offensive in a battle chain, which is formed by the commander while still in the trench. The distance between fighters must be up to 8 m.
- Several groups of 3 soldiers. According to experts, commanders resort to this method in difficult terrain. Between soldiers in one group, a distance of up to 5 m must be observed, between threes up to 20 m.
- Onmilitary equipment.
When attacking in threes, the commander pre-assigns combat and cover groups. In the course of an offensive by a chain, a change in its line is allowed, depending on the presence of natural shelters and the features of the terrain. However, the overall focus remains the same.
Motorized infantry squad can start combat with the defending enemy. It is also acceptable to attack a retreating enemy. According to experts, counterattacks are quite effective.
