Infantry fight. Tactical properties and basic tactics of coastal troops

The doctrine of fighting tanks among most armies of the world before the war was a speculative construction that did not have any experience behind it. Pre-war conflicts in which tanks were used (the war in Spain, Italian expansion in Ethiopia) provided little information for analysis when only light tanks were used, and in relatively small quantities. There were also too few anti-tank weapons to evaluate their effectiveness. The results of the maneuvers turned out to be uninformative, since it is very difficult to accurately simulate the actions of enemy tanks. Obviously, real experience in the massive use of tanks was required.

There were two schools that viewed the use of the tank differently. Some specialists insisted on carrying out massive breakthroughs of the enemy’s defenses, followed by a quick and deep wedge into enemy territory. Other specialists They saw the tank as just a means of supporting infantry. Practice has shown that both schools were right. However, a tank is an expensive weapon, so in all armies there was a tendency to save tanks. Even in the German army, where the first school had absolute predominance, tanks were supposed to be kept 100 meters behind the infantry chain, from where they should support the infantry’s actions with fire from machine guns and cannons.

The evolution of anti-tank tactics

1939-42

Infantry anti-tank tactics developed in different ways in different armies, which was determined by local specifics. In general, two approaches to this issue can be distinguished.

Passive protection. Includes patrols and outposts designed to warn of the appearance of tanks, anti-tank barriers and minefields, the use of artificial barriers to natural barriers, the use of other factors that can delay the movement of tanks, strengthen anti-tank protection, camouflage.

Active defense. Selecting successful positions for anti-tank weapons, determining sectors of fire, using anti-tank weapons, forming infantry detachments of tank destroyers, using reserves for a counterattack.

Since mobility is an integral property of a tank, and infantry anti-tank defense is usually static in nature, the initiative always belongs to tanks. According to J.F.K. Fuller: " Tanks conquer, infantry hold"As a rule, this principle is correct, but anti-tank defense does have a certain offensive potential. Even the very first primitive self-propelled anti-tank guns mounted on the chassis of trucks or outdated tanks could, to some extent, conduct offensive operations.

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Regardless of the country, the infantry company built its defensive positions according to the same pattern.

Regardless of the country, the infantry company built its defensive positions according to the same pattern. The differences were caused only by what anti-tank weapons were available and in what quantities. Usually two platoons of the company moved forward, and the third was in reserve. However, the formation could change depending on the tactical situation.

The outpost (1) is moved far forward in order to notice the approaching enemy in advance and prevent him from conducting reconnaissance. The forward posts of the battalion, regiment and division were moved even further forward. Majority anti-tank weapons(2) covers a tank-dangerous direction, and machine guns (3) keep an eye on terrain impassable for tanks, where enemy infantry may appear. Anti-tank barriers (4) are presented here in the form of gouges. These barriers are installed when time permits and applied to natural barriers (5). The bridge over the river has been blown up (6), a minefield has been created at a key point (7), the road is blocked by a rubble (8) of fallen trees. Infantry anti-tank weapons - anti-tank rifles, bazookas or PIATs - are available one for each platoon, but the company commander can concentrate them in one place. The company's defensive positions can be reinforced with one or more anti-tank guns (9), especially if there is a tank-dangerous direction. This area is additionally targeted with field artillery and mortars, the fire of which helps to cut off the infantry from the tanks. Anti-tank defense is layered in depth. To do this, some infantry anti-tank weapons are left in the rear or on the flank. One or more armor-piercing teams (10) are preparing to intercept tanks that managed to break through the forward positions of the company. Sometimes anti-tank mines cover the nearest approaches and flanks (11).

Spoiler: Company anti-tank defense

Infantry mobility is limited, especially when repelling a tank attack. Motorized infantry differs little from regular infantry, as trucks or armored personnel carriers are too vulnerable to tank fire, and also have limited maneuverability compared to tanks. The armament of motorized infantry differs little from that of ordinary infantry. Infantry tank destroyer squads can only move within within limited limits, their actions are purely defensive in nature.

Anti-tank defensive measures were carried out during the organization of any defense. The determining factors were the extent of enemy tank operations, known enemy tank tactics, the number and type of anti-tank weapons available, and terrain conditions. Infantry Regiment(in the English army, an infantry brigade), as a rule, took up defensive positions, having two battalions in the first line and one battalion in reserve. Each battalion had two rifle companies on the front line and one company in reserve. The same formation scheme was used at the company-platoon level. That is, approximately a third of the available forces were in reserve. This ensured adequate defensive depth. The effectiveness of anti-tank weapons depended largely on infantry support. This required a high degree of coordination.

German Panzerkampfgruppe in ambush (1944-45):

Click on the diagram to enlarge

Near the end of World War II german army found herself in a difficult situation. The Germans increasingly had to resort to infantry tactics to combat Allied tanks. The situation was somewhat saved by the fact that the German infantry now had very effective anti-tank weapons at its disposal. This diagram shows the positions of a battle group (vorgeschobene Stellung) covering one of the approaches to an anti-tank defense stronghold (Panzerabwehrgeschutz), located in a village outside the diagram. Typically, such groups were tasked with holding out until they received orders to withdraw or until a predetermined time. This tactic often baffled the Allies., as the fierce battle suddenly stopped and the enemy disappeared. As a rule, the abandoned positions were immediately covered by German artillery. To stop the advance British tanks(1), the Germans laid minefields (2), where anti-tank mines are used along with anti-personnel mines.

Anti-personnel mines not only made it difficult for sappers to work, but also interfered with the evacuation of exploded tanks and prevented infantrymen from using tank hulls as cover. The few available anti-tank guns, in this case the 5 cm Pak 38 (3), are used singly rather than in concentration. The flank was covered with a 20-mm anti-aircraft gun (4). A squad with six 8.8 cm RP 54 Panzerschreck is located in the center (5). Each crew dug a V-shaped cell for itself, with both ends directed forward. The trench was usually dug around trees. If it was necessary to dig a trench in an open field, it was additionally camouflaged. This form of trenches allowed the crew to fire at tanks regardless of the direction of their approach. If the first number of the crew occupied one shoulder of the trench, then the second took refuge in the second shoulder. In a few buildings, snipers take a position (6). The buildings attracted allied fire. Pairs of panzergrenadiers armed with panzerfausts (7) were scattered throughout the depth of the defense. Their task is to intercept tanks that managed to break into the depths of the position. The shortage in manpower was partially compensated by the rapid-firing MG 34 or MG 42 (8) machine guns, capable of maintaining unusually dense fire along the front. Machine guns cut off infantry from tanks. English tank crews joked that as soon as machine-gun bullets clicked on the armor, the infantrymen hid in holes like rabbits.

For support, the German infantry was often given other types of weapons. For example, the forefield of the German defense is targeted with 80-mm and 120-mm mortars, which will cover the enemy with fire as soon as they approach the positions (9). In the rear, assault guns (10) are in position, dug in and awaiting the order to engage in battle in the event of a deep enemy breakthrough. According to American estimates, permanent fortifications like the Siegfried Line strengthened the German defenses by only 15% relative to their usual field fortifications. Digging in German tanks and self-propelled guns increased their effectiveness by 40%; they represented a more difficult target than a pillbox.

When the division organized defensive positions, the division's reconnaissance units, as well as units allocated from the reserve, provided cover. Units pushed forward prevent enemy patrols from moving forward, monitor enemy activity, prevent a surprise attack, warn of the start of an attack, and are also the first to engage the enemy. This combat guard can use anti-tank weapons allocated from regimental and divisional reserves. After the main line of defense is equipped, part of the combat guard moves back, but the cover is not completely removed. Each regiment and battalion also provides itself with additional cover by establishing forward posts, observation and listening posts, and sending out patrols. Anti-tank guns can be moved forward if there is a very high risk of enemy tanks being used. However at the beginning of the Second World War, anti-tank weapons were in too great a supply, to put them at risk by pushing them forward.

Ideally anti-tank obstacles should be located in front of the main front of the defenders. These could be minefields, anti-tank ditches, natural barriers (rivers, swamps, ravines). It is also possible to create simplified obstacles: rubble, individual mines installed at key points, blown up bridges. Lack of time often prevents the organization of serious anti-tank obstacles.

The infantry battalion had two to six anti-tank guns. These guns were assigned to rifle companies and installed in tank-hazardous areas. The reliability of the defense depended on its depth. Several enemy tanks could easily break through, so a reserve was needed. Anti-tank rifles located in battalions and companies were usually located together with rifle platoons. The effectiveness of anti-tank guns could be increased by concentrating fire from several guns on one tank. The infantry also prepared anti-tank hand and rifle grenades, anti-tank hand mines and improvised anti-tank weapons for battle.

Actions of English armor-piercing soldiers (1943-44),
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Mountainous terrain of Italy

The mountainous terrain of Italy was not conducive to the use of tanks. Settlements here they are located on mountain ridges, usually leading to a single road, easily blocked by mines and rubble. However, blockages were rarely used, as they warned the enemy of an impending ambush. Instead, the infantrymen hiding in an ambush disabled the lead vehicle of the column. As a result, the entire column lost momentum and became a target for an artillery attack. In this illustration, they will be ambushed assault gun 7.5 cm StuG III and SdKfz 251/1 armored personnel carrier.

There was no way to dig in in the rocky ground. Therefore, soldiers use available shelters: rocks, the remains of a stone wall, as well as stones collected in a heap. The last shelter of the British was called "sangar". Outwardly, the sangar looked like a simple pile of stones. In mid-1943, the British army adopted the PIAT (1) grenade launcher, which replaced the Boys anti-tank rifles and rifle grenades No. 68. Before the first shot, the 90-kg spring had to be cocked, then the grenade should be placed in a semi-cylindrical tray. When fired, the spring pushed the rocket out and pierced the capsule. rocket engine. The recoil of the rocket engine again cocked the spring into the firing position, but sometimes this did not happen. Then the soldier had to manually cock the spring. It was almost impossible to do this under fire, since you had to lean on your entire body weight. The 3.5-inch Mk 1A missile with a cumulative warhead (2) weighed 1.2 kg and penetrated armor up to 100 mm thick. However, the design of the rocket was imperfect.

The Hawkins No. 75 (3) anti-tank grenade was actually a small mine that was buried in the ground or thrown like a grenade. Five or six of these grenades are tied to a rope stretched across the road. Heavier anti-tank mines could be used in a similar way. One infantryman holds a No. 77 phosphorus smoke grenade (4) and a No. 73 anti-tank grenade (5) at the ready. Grenade No. 73 was a one and a half kilogram charge of ammonal or nitrogelatin. This grenade penetrated armor up to 50 mm thick, but was especially effective against tank tracks. At total mass Weighing 2 kg and measuring 30x8 cm, this grenade could be thrown only 10-15 meters. The grenade was equipped with a percussion fuse of the "Allways" system. During the flight, the fixing tape unwound from the fuse, after which the pin fell out. The group’s actions are covered by calculation light machine gun"Bren" (6), taking aim at an armored personnel carrier.

Slider: Description of the actions of English armor-piercing soldiers

If a defensive position passed through a forest, it was organized in the depths of the forest, and not along the edge. As a result, the enemy lost the opportunity to conduct direct fire. The forest limited the mobility of tanks, and also provided shelters that facilitated the actions of infantry squads of tank destroyers and camouflage anti-tank weapons. The infantry dug into the ground as deep as possible. A trench or rifle cell allowed a soldier to lie down with at least half a meter of height above him. Separate firing positions They were connected to each other by trenches, allowing infantry to move safely between positions depending on the tactical situation. For sustainable defense it was important so that the infantrymen know the vulnerable points of the tank, had confidence that tanks could be fought. Otherwise, the infantry will simply scatter when the tanks appear. Infantrymen must be able to pass the tank above them, lying between the tracks on the ground or at the bottom of the trench. Infantrymen should be aware that the closer a tank is, the less dangerous it is to humans and the more vulnerable it becomes to hand-held anti-tank weapons. In the immediate vicinity of the tank there is a dead zone that is not covered by tank machine guns. Depending on the situation, the infantryman can either let the tank pass by or attack it hand grenades. In any case, the task of the defending infantry is to fight the enemy infantry accompanying the tanks.

Infantry anti-tank guns are sometimes deployed to the front line, but more often they are kept in the depths of the defense: in a tank-hazardous direction or where it would be more convenient to advance in one direction or another. Early defensive doctrines generally dictated that enemy tanks should be engaged at the greatest possible range. However, the experience of the first battles showed that it is much more efficient to wait until the tanks approach a minimum distance, maybe up to several hundred meters. Fire at short distances is highly accurate. This principle turned out to be effective even for the flat North African desert. Machine guns and mortars must concentrate their fire on the infantry, cutting them off from the tanks.

Anti-tank guns are located in the depths of the defense, taking on tanks that have broken through the front line of defense. If necessary, regimental reserves should be brought into battle. If the battle is fought in a closed area, it is convenient for infantry to fight tanks with the help of hand-held anti-tank weapons. A divisional tank destroyer battalion is usually held in reserve, although individual guns can be used to reinforce rifle units. If a division is reinforced with tanks, they are kept in reserve in case of a possible counterattack. During the offensive, anti-tank crews accompany the infantry, staying slightly behind. If enemy tanks are encountered, anti-tank guns roll forward and engage in battle. Anti-tank guns can also be used to combat enemy pillboxes and bunkers, as well as to cover the flanks.

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The coastal forces of the Russian Navy include:

• coastal missile and artillery troops (BRAV),
• Marine Corps (MP),
• Coastal Defense Troops (CD).

The main tactical properties of coastal troops:

• versatility, high combat readiness, ability to conduct independent and joint actions in coastal areas;
• high combat stability, firepower;
• mobility;
• low dependence on GMU.

TO negative combat properties The need for combat support, especially reconnaissance and target designation, can be attributed.

Purpose BRAV:

• destruction of ships, CON, DesO;
• fire cover of bases, coastal fleet facilities, coastal sea communications and groupings of troops operating in coastal areas from enemy surface forces;
• destruction of enemy bases and ports;
• destruction and suppression of enemy personnel and firepower on the shore.

Marines capable of landing in an independent amphibious assault or as part of the amphibious landing forces of the ground forces.

Goals Marine Corps in amphibious assault:

• creation of a landing site;
• assistance ground forces, advancing on the coastal flank;
• improving the conditions for basing fleet forces, etc.

Tasks Marine Corps:

• capture landing points, create and hold landing bridgeheads, defend the landing base;
capture important objects and positions on the coast, hold them until your forces arrive; capture ports and bases of enemy fleet forces; destroy elements of the enemy’s control system and high-precision weapons located on the coast (islands), air defense, missile defense facilities, coastal airfields, etc.

Tactical formations MP - division, brigade. Tactical units of the MP - regiment, battalion.

The main organizational structure of BRAV is the coastal missile regiment, capable of solving problems independently in a range of up to 300 km along the front and in depth.

A missile regiment consists of: headquarters and control units, combat units, support and service units. Depending on the weapons, a coastal missile regiment can be mobile or stationary, long-range or short-range.

basis organizational structure Coastal Artillery is a separate coastal artillery battalion: control units, 2-4 artillery batteries, support and maintenance units.

BRAV combat operations are a set of actions involving the movement of units, their placement in firing positions and the delivery of strikes.

The purpose and objective of the action are indicated in the combat order. Based on the order, the commander makes a decision, manages preparations for combat, exercises control during combat, and organizes support for combat operations.

Having received a fire mission, the commander carries out the tactical deployment of the formation (advancement to the designated area, deployment to the combat formation and transfer to the designated level of combat readiness), takes measures to detect and identify the target, generates firing data, and carries out missile strike at the designated time.

After the strike, the units are withdrawn from the enemy's retaliatory strike and their combat effectiveness is restored.

In order of battle the shelf is called mutual arrangement on the ground of units deployed in the designated area for combat, oriented relative to the enemy and each other in the main directions of fire, ensuring the use of weapons, camouflage, self-defense, etc.

Includes: command post, battle formations of combat and support units.

The regiment is located in the area, the starting division is at the starting position, the technical division is at the technical position, and the artillery battery is at the artillery position.

Marine Division includes: combat units, combat support units and units; service units and units; headquarters and control units.

Combat units: These are regiments of marines, reinforced by tank and artillery regiments, and sometimes an anti-aircraft missile regiment.

The main combat units of the Marine Corps regiment are:

• a battalion of marines with armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles with an artillery battery of self-propelled guns;
• air assault battalion;
• tank battalion;
• reactive battery;
• anti-tank guided missile battery, anti-aircraft missile and artillery battery.

Marine units are designed to conduct combat operations in an operational (operational-tactical) amphibious assault independently and in cooperation with units of ground forces.

In a tactical landing, a Marine battalion is capable of independently destroying enemy personnel, tanks and armored personnel carriers, artillery and anti-tank weapons, chemical attack weapons, helicopters and aircraft, in order to capture and hold enemy positions until the main forces arrive.

Tactical amphibious assault it is applied for:

• breaking through enemy defenses sea ​​coast and assistance to units advancing in the coastal direction, encircling and defeating the enemy on the coast;
capturing and holding ports, airfields, coastal islands and other important coastal objects until the main forces arrive; disruption of enemy command and control and rear operations.

Upon receiving the task for operations in the amphibious assault, the battalion commander understands:

• the task of the amphibious assault and its battalion, the procedure for ensuring the landing;
• evaluates the nature of the enemy's anti-landing defense and the terrain in the area of ​​the landing point and the battalion's upcoming actions, the system of its obstacles in the water and on the shore;
• specifies the location, order of landing (loading) of the battalion, methods of fighting for the landing point and the order of landing;
• studies conditions during the sea crossing and at the disembarkation point.

When preparing for an amphibious landing, the battalion commander additionally determines:

• tasks for units to destroy the enemy at the landing point and in the specified area on the shore;
• distribution of staff units and reinforcements among landing vehicles;
• the order of boarding (loading) and disembarking (unloading) of units.

When organizing interaction, the battalion commander additionally agrees:

• actions of units to capture a landing point, during landing and overcoming anti-landing barriers;
• interaction of units with naval artillery fire, air strikes and airborne assault operations (if used).

Increased inventories are created in departments material resources. The battalion's medical center is being reinforced with medical personnel and medical aid.

Before landing (loading), the battalion unit occupies a holding area and completes preparations for landing.

To board (load) the battalion onto landing vehicles, a boarding (loading) point is designated.

Advancement to the landing (loading) point is carried out in columns of units, taking into account the order of approach of landing ships according to signals from commanders.

Loading of weapons, equipment, missiles, ammunition, fuel and other materiel onto the ship is carried out taking into account ensuring their fastest unloading and combat on shore. The sequence of loading weapons and equipment should be in the reverse order of their unloading.

Personnel are boarded after loading weapons, equipment and supplies.

From the moment the order is received to board units on landing vehicles and until the end of the landing, the battalion commander becomes subordinate to the commander of the detachment of ships on which the battalion is making the transition by sea.

Amphibious tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), as a rule, launch into the water before the landing ships approach the landing point and proceed to the shore under their own power. Behind them, landing ships approach the landing point, landing units directly on the shore.

Subunits of the battalion, under the cover of air strikes and naval artillery fire, their own assets and the actions of the air assault group, move to the shore in infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), high-speed landing craft. The battalion lands on the shore and deploys its battle formation on the move. When going on the attack, it destroys the enemy and captures the landing point to a depth that ensures the landing of the main landing forces. Subsequently, the battalion, in cooperation with units of the first echelon of the landing force, expands the captured area and continues to carry out the task on the shore.

Units advancing in the direction of the airborne assault area quickly connect with it and continue to carry out the combat mission together.

THE MAIN TACTICAL PROPERTIES OF COASTAL FORCES ARE HIGH COMBAT READINESS AND COMBAT STABILITY.

In an offensive, the peculiarities of firing from small arms are shooting on the move and from short stops, from armored vehicles or on foot order of battle. These conditions make it difficult to carry out combat missions and reduce the effectiveness of fire. Not only fire skills are of great importance here, but also the ability of personnel to board and disembark from vehicles, occupy and change positions in shortest time, that is, make full use of the maneuverable capabilities of the weapon. When attacking, you often have to operate in unfamiliar terrain. This makes it difficult to navigate, especially when driving cars; The issues of fire control, observation of the battlefield and detection of targets, determination of distances to them, target designation and shooting adjustments become more complicated.

That's why special meaning soldiers gain independence in finding and hitting targets, taking into account the position of neighboring units, especially when fighting in the depths of enemy defenses.

Let's consider the question combat use small arms on the main stages of the actions of motorized rifle units in the offensive. In an offensive from a position of direct contact with the enemy, motorized rifles are located in the first trench of the unit’s starting position, and combat vehicles- next to your squads or at a distance of up to 50 m from them. During fire preparation for an attack, when our artillery fire is transferred into depth, machine gun fire and machine gun fire hits the enemy’s fire weapons and manpower in the direction of the platoons’ advance. Unit commanders control the fire of their subordinates, issuing commands to destroy detected targets to individual fire weapons or concentrating the fire of a squad (platoon) on the most important target.

When advancing on the move, motorized rifles, during the period of fire preparation for the attack, advance to the line of transition to attack in columns on infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers). As they approach the line of attack, the platoons, at the command of the company commander, deploy into battle formation. From this moment on, small arms fire through loopholes and over hatches hits targets on the front line of the enemy’s defense. When approaching the established dismounting line (when attacking on foot), infantry fighting vehicles catch up with the tanks, the personnel put their weapons on safety, remove them from the loopholes and prepare to dismount. After this, motorized rifle platoons are deployed in a chain and advance directly behind the battle line of tanks. Submachine gunners and machine gunners, operating in a chain, fire on the move and from short stops at the enemy in the trenches of the unit’s target of attack.

For ease of firing and best use Towards the terrain, soldiers in a chain can move slightly forward or to the side without disturbing the general direction of the unit’s advance. When overcoming a barrier in front of the enemy’s front line of defense, the personnel of motorized rifle units, at the commands of platoon commanders, put their weapons on safety and, in columns of two (three), following the tanks along their ruts, run along the passages in the mine-explosive barriers.

Having overcome them, the motorized riflemen deploy in a chain, open massive fire from their weapons and quickly attack the enemy. Soldiers fire, as a rule, independently choosing a target in the area of ​​the enemy stronghold indicated by the commander before the attack. Having approached the enemy trench to 25-40 meters, the personnel throw grenades at him, destroy him with point-blank fire from machine guns, machine guns, pistols and continuously continue the attack in the indicated direction.

When attacking on infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), their battle line operates behind the tanks at a distance of 100-200 m. Machine gunners and machine gunners fire through loopholes (over hatches) at targets on the front line of the enemy’s defense in the gap between their tanks. The effective range of small arms fire from short stops is 400 m, on the move 200 m. For firing, cartridges with armor-piercing incendiary and tracer bullets are used (in a ratio of three to one), especially to engage fire weapons, primarily anti-tank ones. Following the tanks, combat vehicles rush into the front line of the enemy’s defense and, using the results of fire damage, quickly advance into the depths.

When fighting in the depths of enemy defenses, the advancement of units occurs unevenly, so small arms fire usually has to be fired into the gaps and from behind the flanks of friendly units. At the same time, it is necessary to comply with shooting rules that ensure the safety of your troops. Thus, the mandatory rule for firing from behind the flanks is two conditions.

Firstly, the smallest angle between the direction of the target and the nearest flank of friendly troops should be 50 thousandths, in order to exclude direct hits of bullets on friendly troops due to errors in aiming and lateral dispersion. Secondly, when moving your troops ahead of those shooting up to 200 m, the target must be chosen at a distance of at least 500 m. This is necessary to prevent bullets from hitting your troops in the event of possible ricochets. Shooting from behind the flanks is only allowed from a standing position.

In an offensive in hard-to-reach areas of terrain, where motorized rifles operate in front of tanks, small arms should first of all hit anti-tank grenade launchers, recoilless rifles and other close-combat anti-tank weapons. Directed fire from machine guns and machine guns should be fired at bushes and various masks behind which one can assume the presence of fire weapons.

During an enemy counterattack, small arms fire is conducted in conjunction with the fire of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Submachine gunners and machine gunners destroy groups of infantry and fire crews, starting from a range of 800 m (with concentrated fire from squads). Snipers hit officers, ATGM crews and other important targets. Then the defeat of the enemy ends with an attack. At the same time, small arms fire is conducted on the move at its lying down and retreating groups.

When pursuing, motorized riflemen usually take seats in infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and fire their weapons through loopholes (on top of hatches) at groups of infantry and anti-tank weapons on the move and from short stops.

I am quite sure that no one should hesitate for a moment to resort to arms in defense of the priceless gift of freedom, on which depends all the good and evil in life, but arms, I dare add, are the last resort.

George Washington

An interesting article about the “Martial Arts Program of the US Marine Corps” - the predecessor of the modern one (Marines Martial Arts Training Program) published in the eighth issue of the magazine “Foreign” military review" for 2008. That is, according to by and large it turns out that the program MCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program- this is not some kind of invention (or invention) of American military experts in hand-to-hand combat, but rather just the next stage evolutionary development applied hand-to-hand combat system for special units.

USMC Martial Arts Program

B. Bogdan, Candidate of Technical Sciences

The combat training program for Marines, including newly drafted recruits, traditionally included in the last century and currently includes training in bayonet and hand-to-hand combat. She was given great importance in terms of developing the necessary fighting qualities of a fighter: endurance, fearlessness, aggressiveness, reaction, agility, etc. Over time, this turned out to be not enough, and the MP command came to the conclusion that it was necessary further development and expansion of this program.

In 1999, the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, General D. Jones, ordered the development and, in 2001, the introduction of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) into the training process for recruits. The commandant of the Marine Corps borrowed the idea of ​​​​creating such a program from the Korean Marines, with whom he fought in Vietnam as a lieutenant. He saw their behavior in battle and their training after the battle. All Asian martial arts, in addition to the arsenal of fighting techniques, are based on certain philosophical knowledge and moral principles, which also need to be mastered in order to move to a higher level of skill.

The US Marine Corps martial arts program consists of three disciplines: intellectual training, training of fighting qualities and direct physical training for combat. The system of colored belts, which determines and stimulates the skill of a warrior, was also borrowed from oriental martial arts.

Unlike the eastern arts, where they operate with archaic weapons, the physical readiness of the Marines involves mastering techniques with a knife, improvised objects, a rubber baton, a rifle with a bayonet and bare hands. All these techniques are accompanied by psycho-emotional, tactical and combat training. Fire training, like many military disciplines, is also considered a martial art, but was not included in the PBIMP.

The US Marine Corps command has taken advantage of the enormous popularity of eastern martial arts among young people who cannot master them due to lack of free time or financial situation. PBIMP allows you to serve in prestigious airborne troops, be financially secure and study modern system martial arts, which is a necessity and guarantees career advancement.

The implementation of this program began in 2001. In advance, a center for improving the martial arts of the MP was organized on the basis of MP Quantico (Virginia). He prepared all management and methodological literature, as well as martial arts instructors from MP sergeants who master the techniques of karate, judo, sambo, aikido, freestyle wrestling and other martial arts. By 2001, the center had equipped 150 training places and trained 700 certified instructors, and in 2002 their number doubled accordingly.

A training place is understood as a site equipped with all the equipment necessary for training a platoon. The equipment includes: boxing bags, gloves, paws, mouthguards, shells, dummy weapons, as well as a wrestling pit with a diameter of at least 10 m with sawdust or sand, lined with sandbags along the parapet. The regular MP platoon consists of 45 people, and training center there are more than 70 people in the platoon.

Intellectual preparation includes two subjects: tactical training and professional military self-education. Tactical training involves studying the history of military art, techniques and methods of action in battle of units corresponding to the rank and position of the military personnel being trained, developing the skills to take command, make decisions in stressful situations combat situation, as well as during leisure and recreation. PBIMP covers military personnel from private to colonel, and the US Marine Corps has the slogan “Every corporal is a strategist.” Self-education comes down to studying military professional literature, memoirs, life stories of outstanding military personnel of the US Armed Forces and other countries, fiction according to lists compiled by the MP command.

Discipline “Cultivating the character of a warrior-defender” also includes two sections: the basic moral and spiritual values ​​of the US MP; training a team leader. It is aimed at shaping the moral character of the Marine, creating a self-disciplined and self-confident warrior-defender, faithful to the precepts of the US Marine Corps: honor, courage, reliability.

Together with intellectual training, this discipline promotes acceptance right decisions both in battle and in Peaceful time(for example, when on vacation).

The MP command proceeds from the fact that any private, after several months of service, will find himself in a situation where he will be appointed as a junior commander of less experienced military personnel. The “Educating a Leader” program involves studying the basic principles of team management, and first of all, “do as I do, not as I say.”

Discipline "Physical readiness" includes three components: attack and self-defense techniques, combat physical training, combat types sports Techniques of attack and self-defense, in turn, are divided into four topics: bayonet fighting, knife use, use of improvised objects, and unarmed combat.

All three disciplines are divided into blocks and are studied at the appropriate color belt level. But in the arsenal of any belt there are techniques from all four topics.

Colored Belt System includes five levels: initial - yellow-brown, then gray, green, brown and black. A black belt has six degrees. The colors of the belts differ from those accepted in traditional martial arts and are determined by the requirements of the field uniform camouflage manual. The belt itself has a black buckle with the emblem of the US Marines and is worn like a trouser belt of a combat field uniform.

Recruits begin their training in the PBIMP at the training center, and they will be able to graduate from it as Marines when they pass the exams to become eligible to receive Tan belt. Under the guidance of a martial arts instructor, recruits must learn a corresponding program consisting of basics and 32 techniques in 27.5 hours and devote another 7 hours to consolidating the acquired skills.

The main requirements at this stage come down to the ability to demonstrate a boxing-style stance and movement, demonstrate your striking surfaces on the hands and feet, indicate the hit points on the opponent’s body, demonstrate stretching exercises, as well as exercises to strengthen the body muscles (exchanging blows to the chest, stomach, arms and legs with a partner).

The complex for obtaining a yellow-brown belt includes: all punches in the boxing style; falls and somersaults; all blows with a bayonet and butt; participation in bayonet fights with a boxing stick imitating a rifle with a bayonet, one on one, one against two, two against two; karate-style strikes with palms, fists and elbows; kicks and knees, strangulation techniques; trip throw; protection: from kicks and punches, from strangulation from behind, from grabbing the head or over the arms, from grabbing a rifle when a fighter is standing in a cordon; painful techniques on the arm and hand; blows with a knife, the use of improvised objects in battle.

This is followed by 14 topics on which theoretical classes are conducted. The list of topics includes: “Recognizing and preventing suicide of a co-worker”, “Fundamentals of management science”, “Prevention and consequences of sexual harassment” (immediate dismissal from the Armed Forces, the same in civilian work), “Combating drug use”, “MP for equal opportunities for all”, “Personal combat readiness and combat readiness of family members”, “Brotherly relations between military personnel”, “Sexual responsibility”. Candidates for obtaining a yellow-brown belt have a relaxation: the “Intellectual Preparation” discipline is absent - it is replaced by communication with drill sergeants.

Gray belt(29 + 14 hours) Marines must receive during training in a military specialty (VS) in training battalions. This will require 29 hours plus 14 hours to repeat tan belt techniques and improve. For aviation specialists and representatives of logistics services (musicians, cooks, etc.) such a belt is sufficient. But no one will forbid a Marine to continue to improve further in PBIMP, since the presence of a high-ranking belt contributes to promotion.

Green belt(30+21 hours) is necessary for tank crews, artillerymen, signalmen, sappers - everyone except infantrymen. It provides the rank of lance corporal in rear units.

Brown belt(35+28 hours) is the minimum required in infantry and reconnaissance. The MP command believes that a reconnaissance officer is not always obliged to engage in close combat with the enemy, but an infantryman “must get close to the enemy and destroy him in hand-to-hand combat.” In other branches of the military, except infantry, such a belt is the basis for obtaining the rank of corporal.

Holder Black belt 1st degree (34.5+35 hours) can qualify for the rank of sergeant. All black belts must compete in martial arts competitions conducted by civilian athletes. The 2nd degree can be obtained in a year, the 3rd and 4th in three, and the 5th and 6th in five years. The rank of lieutenant corresponds to a 2nd degree black belt, captain - 3rd degree, major - 4th degree, lieutenant colonel and above - 5th and 6th degrees. NCO ranks are distributed accordingly. In addition, to obtain the 5th and 6th degrees, you must have a rank in karate, judo, sambo, aikido or other throwing and striking sports.

Training is carried out mainly in combat uniform, which includes: a helmet, body armor, unloading belts, two flasks in cases, two pouches for six magazines for the M16A2 rifle or for magazines for the M9 pistol, a case with a dressing bag. Protective equipment (mouthguards, shells, glasses, shields) must be worn.

Weekly on physical training Allotted from 3 hours in rear units to 5 hours in combat units, and 2 hours for training in PBIMP. The commandant of the Marine Corps in his order noted that the Marines should also train independently during the lunch break, after service (from 16.00 for all, who is not dressed up - in free time) and on weekends. Training is conducted under the guidance of martial arts instructors. They can become junior commanders, starting with lance corporal, who have a green belt. It is accepted that the holder of a belt of a higher degree can be an instructor for those military personnel who have a belt of a lower degree. Instructors become instructors after 40 hours of training and receipt of a certificate that is considered valid for three years. Minimal amount There are 30 hours of training per year that an instructor must conduct. Otherwise, he will be deprived of his license. Black belts can be certified as martial arts instructors.

Conducting classes on PBIMP is regulated by several instructions. The most difficult task is to overcome the combat course, which is 12 km long. Two teams enter the course and compete with each other to see who can complete the trail faster and at the same time score fewer penalty points. Each team has its own obstacle course. The combat course begins with an accelerated descent from a tower along a rope. After this, half of the team puts on paws, other gloves and performs 10 all types of strikes with each hand. Team members then switch roles.

Having completed the exercise, the group quickly moves to the next training place. On the way, on the instructions of the instructor, she changes lanes and overcomes wire fences crawling on all fours. Open areas of terrain, roads intersect, as in a combat situation. In this way, all movements between training places are carried out.

The next exercise is clearing a house using live grenades. The house (several rooms without a roof) is made from old car tires. Blank cartridges are used to fire at premises.

The new training place is a bayonet fighting zone. Each team has its own track where targets are set up - old tires with a stick attached to a movable joint, simulating a weapon that must be repelled and then an attack technique be performed. After running the strip, the Marine returns to the start. After all team members have passed the strip, all together they do it again with “frog” jumps.

At the new place, the team again performs 10 punches of all types with their hands. Next comes an obstacle course, between which there are minefields with push-and-pull mines. In this case, tension mines must be bypassed, and mines buried in the ground must be detected using improvised probes. If the training mine goes off, the team is awarded penalty points, and the “wounded” person must be dragged to the end of the obstacle course. There are pillboxes installed between the obstacles, which must be detected and tactically attacked using blank cartridges and practice grenades. At the end of the obstacle course there are pits for fighting. Here everyone needs to perform all types of throws (there are three of them) 10 times, after which the team must take the log and take it to the next training place.

Next comes the crossing of a river, pond or lake on improvised floating craft. After leaving the water, there is a fight with a member of the opposing team for 1 minute, and then crossing the river using one rope using the “from above” method. After its completion, the weapons are placed in the trestles, the Marines receive boxes of food and cans of water, which must be delivered to the “refugees.” Along the way, “hungry refugees” attack in order to take away food and drink. The team needs to use techniques that do not cause bodily harm to prevent the capture of products and deliver them to the location. Then they have to overcome another crossing, but this time along two ropes, after which each infantryman performs six times techniques for freeing himself from chokeholds.

The team crawls to the new training site and then competes with another team in bayonet combat. Next, each participant takes a running jump onto a vertical rope hanging over the ditch and must, by the force of inertia, be transported across the ditch, climb onto the ship's cargo net and go down the drainpipe. Here the team receives a “wounded” person who must be treated and taken on a stretcher to the “sanitary” unit. After moving to a new training site, the teams will have to meet in bayonet combat in a trench. Then you need to overcome an underground tunnel filled with water without weapons. When negotiating a tunnel, the cadet uses a guide rope. Upon exiting it, a fight with a member of the opposing team is planned for 1 minute. The goal is to knock the enemy to the ground without using blows. Next, the teams crawl through the enemy’s defenses, attacking pillboxes and other fortified points using training grenades and blank cartridges. Donning protective gear, team members and armed with improvised weapons face each other in hand-to-hand combat. From here, through tactical movement, the teams, overcoming obstacles, are sent to a new training place, where they will have one-on-one training battles with bayonets and knives.

The next training location is called “Kosovo”. This is a three-rope bridge over a water hazard. Before crossing it, team members put on safety belts and receive a zinc can of ammunition that must be delivered to the other side. On the other side, the cadet is met by several “Serbs” who want to cross to the “Albanian” side. It is necessary, using techniques with and without weapons, to stop them. Each team member then receives a pair of trays of 81mm mines, which must be transported to the new training site. Having arrived there, they put on protective equipment and engage in hand-to-hand combat with representatives of the other team, using “boxing” sticks.

Then the cadets will again have to rappel from high tower, after which - a wrestling match for 1 minute. Next, overcoming obstacles, they move to a training place called “Cu-Chi”. This is a system of underground tunnels and rooms that each team member must overcome in turn. Historically, the MP faced these obstacles in the 60-70s in South Vietnam. Specifically, the Cu Chi tunnel was built under the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division. There are mines and traps in the tunnel, gas and smoke screens are placed, and noise is created. Part of the path must be covered in a gas mask. Upon exiting the tunnel, each cadet meets with the instructor in a boxing match with the task of surviving for 1 minute.

Having finished the boxing matches, the team members tie themselves with a rope and run to the helipad. Here they free themselves from the rope and perform 10 falls forward, backward and to the sides. The space in front of the fall zone is sprayed with pepper gas, which forces the cadet to make a jump before falling. The teams then equip themselves with protective gear and meet one-on-one in the "octagon" (a wooden shed with two gates and a horizontal slot around the perimeter), where hand-to-hand combat is carried out with boxing sticks simulating rifles with a bayonet. Despite the protective equipment, in the absence of clear control, a boxing stick can knock out an opponent. Repeated blows during an unstopped fight can be fatal.

The last training place is the shooting range. Teams remove shooting equipment blank cartridges, receive live ammunition and move to the firing line. After completing the exercise, the weapon is checked and unused ammunition is returned.

Testing. In order to receive the next belt, the applicant must:
- know 90 percent. everyone theoretical disciplines;
- master 70 percent. combat techniques of the next belt;
- attend all theoretical classes and discussions necessary to obtain the desired belt;
-completely complete the self-education program;
- spend the number of hours specified by order in order to master and consolidate new techniques and improve old ones.

Each applicant receives a personal card recording the time spent studying and mastering new ones, as well as practicing previously learned techniques. The martial arts instructor personally marks the card with the number of the technique or topic and the number of hours spent studying or mastering it. He confirms his entry by indicating his rank and surname, securing the entry with his signature. This allows you to study the program while on business trips, etc. The applicant presents to the qualification commission his sheet, a recommendation from his commander, a certificate stating that he has read the required books and discussed their content. All this is necessary for admission to the exam. The exam begins with the fact that, at the choice of the commission, the applicant must perfectly perform five techniques from the arsenal of his belts. So, when passing for a gray belt, you need to demonstrate five techniques, and when passing for a brown belt, 15. If the technique is performed technically incorrectly, there is no speed, no investment of force, then the applicant is not allowed to qualify. If this stage is passed, he must perform all the techniques required to obtain the desired belt.

This is followed by theoretical exams. Here the applicant must not only give definitions, but also be able to prove that the Marine Corps policy on this issue is the only true, fair and time-tested practice. After successful completion of all disciplines, he is awarded the earned belt and the designation of his VUS changes. If the cadet received a yellow-brown belt, then three letters are added to the designation of his VUS - MMV, when he receives a gray belt, the designation will be MMS, etc. In addition, he may be assigned the following military rank after receiving the belt corresponding to this rank.

Undoubtedly, any of such types of martial arts as judo, karate, wushu and sambo contains a much richer and more complex arsenal of throwing and striking techniques than PBIMP, but they fight in sports uniforms. Classes in this program are accompanied by carrying the wounded, ammunition, overcoming obstacles, and repeated repetition of techniques. Some methods of preparing for hand-to-hand combat are clearly borrowed from the practice of the Airborne Forces.

PBIMP has been in effect for more than seven years. During this time, it has been repeatedly changed and improved in order to achieve optimal results. The program combined elements of psychological preparation for combat into a single block, increased the moral and ethical level of the Marines, and improved combat and physical training. The Navy Command also adopted a similar program for its medical instructors, who traditionally provide medical care Marines at the landing site. The Marine Command believes that he was able to develop a training program for modern martial art, which is a reliable tool in the education and training of Marine Corps personnel.

Foreign Military Review No. 8 2008 P.62-67