headquarters and headquarters company; three maneuver elements (companies), and
a CS company (Figure 2-4). All headquarters and headquarters companies and CS
companies of the combat maneuver battalions have similar organizations. The
variances in organization lie in the different missions of each type battalion.
b. The principal maneuver elements of the infantry battalion are the three rifle
companies. The mission of the rifle company is the same as that of the battalion--to
close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver in order to destroy or capture him,
or to repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack. The rifle company
consists of a company headquarters, three rifle platoons, and a weapons platoon.
Figure 2-4. Combat maneuver battalions.
c. The maneuver elements of the tank battalion are the tank companies. The
mission of the tank battalion and its companies is to close with and destroy enemy
forces using fire, maneuver, and shock effect. Each tank company consists of a
company headquarters and three-tank platoons, each of which is equipped with five
main battle tanks.
MD0002
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