Fire & Manoeuvre

Fire and Manoeuvre
SFMC symbol for a Light Infantry Fire and Manoeuvre or Fireteam
Affiliation	SFMC
Larger Unit	Fireteam
Smaller Unit	None
Commanded by	any rank

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A fire and manoeuvre team, or buddy team, is the smallest sub-unit used by the SFMC. It is the term used to describe two Marines trained to work in unison both in and out of combat, similar in nature to the lead and wingman concept used by aerospace, atmospheric craft and infantry fighting vehicles. The concept, with slight variations, was common to most of the Federation's armed forces prior to amalgamation.

Fire and manoeuvre teams are almost always paired up to form a 4-man fireteam and some regiments use the term fire and manoeuvre and fireteam interchangeably, not bothering to distinguish between the two sub-units.

Tactically the fire and manoeuvre team operates with one Marine firing suppressive fire while the other advances to a more forward position. The forward Marine then fires suppressive fire, allowing the rear Marine to "leapfrog" to the forward position. By repeating this manoeuvre the pair can advance on an enemy position under constant suppressive fire.

In non-combat situations the buddy team has shown to be advantageous as well. Psychological studies indicate that the willingness to fight is more heavily influenced by the desire to avoid failing to support a comrade or a small group. Further, the ability to have someone you trust check your gear, watch your back and to help stay alert or awake during long periods of activity results in a more efficient unit. Basically, one pair of Marines is more effective than two single Marines.

As all Marines belong to a F&M team the leader can be of any rank. The leadership position is usually simply refered to as "Lead".

Naming convention

Fire and manoeuvre teams do not a consistent naming convention although Alpha/Bravo and Charlie/Delta or One/Two and Three/Four or Lead/Ready/Fire/Assist are used by many regiments.