Fireteam
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
A Fireteam is the smallest organization that ground forces are assigned to in the UNSC Army and Marine Corps. As the smallest unit, it serves as the base upon which all other units are organized from. The closest organizational unit in the Covenant Army is known as a "Lance."
Background
Function
The concept of the fireteam is based on the need for tactical flexibility in infantry operations. They generally consist of approximately four soldiers or Marines that are formed into a squad. Generally, a squad contains three fireteams.
A firetime is capable of autonomous operations as part of a larger unit. Successful fire team employment relies on quality small unit training for troops, experience of its members operating together, sufficient communications infrastructure, and a quality non-commissioned officer corps to provide tactical leadership for the team.
Roles
Note: The number of troops, their armament, and their roles in the team may vary from team to fteam. For example some teams may include a demolitions expert, marksman, or other mission-critical personnel. The following is just an example.
- Team Leader: First in command, provides tactical leadership. A fire team can be lead by a Sergeant in the Army or a Corporal in the Marine Corps, though a Lance Corporal can lead if there is no Cpl. Usually wields an service rifle such as an MA5 assault rifle or a BR55 battle rifle. Generally, the Fireteam Leader will mount an underslung grenade launcher on their rifle.
- Rifleman: The most common role in a fire team. Several riflemen may be incorporated into a fire team and in some situations is the only member needed. Usually carries a service rifle and provides suppressive fire for the team. They are the most common members of a fireteam; they are considered the backbone of operations for the UNSC infantry as a whole, as every other role exists to augment and support the rifleman's capabilities.
- Automatic Rifleman: For added firepower against a large number of enemies or vehicles, this soldier or Marine will carry some type of automatic weapon, such as the M247 General Purpose Machine Gun.
- (Marine Corps only) Assistant Automatic Rifleman: Carries extra ammunition or other weapon-related kit for the designated automatic rifleman in the team. This man will normally carry a service rifle.
- (Army only) Grenadier: Unlike the Marine Corps, the Army fireteam has a dedicated grenadier instead of having the Fireteam Leader operate a grenade launcher underneath his rifle.
Notable Fireteams
Army
Marine Corps
Special Operations Forces
Trivia
- An accurate fireteam (Leader, Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, and Grenadier) hasn't been depicted in any form of Halo media.
