Fireteam

SFMC symbol for a Light Infantry Fireteam Fireteam Affiliation SFMC Larger Unit Squad Commanded by Lance Corporal or Corporal
	[Source]

A fireteam is the smallest sub-unit used by the SFMC. It is the term used to describe four Marines trained to work in unison in combat. The concept, with slight variations, was common to most of the Federation's armed forces prior to amalgamation. Fireteams usually consist of four Marines.

Tactically the fireteam works, where one set of Marines fires suppressive fire while the other advances to a more forward position. The forward Marines then fire suppressive fire, allowing the rear Marines to "leapfrog". A variation of the leapfrog is the "rolling" where the Marines move in a continual forward motion from rearmost to forward position.

The main strength of a fireteam is psychological; where the individual Marines regard for the small, close knit group of comrades in arms encourages performance.

As all Marines belong to a fireteam the leader can be of any rank, although usually the minimum rank is that of Lance Corporal. The leadership position is usually simply refered to as "Lead".

Naming convention

Fireteams do not have a consistent naming convention although Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or One, Two, Three are used by many regiments.

Organization

Almost all detachments using 8-man squads use the 4-man fireteam.

Starfleet Marine Corps Units
Fire & Manoeuvre	Fireteam	Squad	Section	Platoon	Company	Battalion	Regiment	Marine Expeditionary Unit	Division