Marine Corps Operations & Tactics Flashcards

Which tactical formation provides the best all-around security while a unit is halted in a defensive position?

Answer: Herringbone formation

The herringbone formation positions vehicles at angles off the road to provide all-around security and fields of fire when a column halts.

In Marine Corps doctrine, what is the primary purpose of a supporting attack?

Answer: To fix the enemy in place and prevent reinforcement of the main effort

A supporting attack fixes the enemy and prevents them from reinforcing the area threatened by the main effort.

What does the term 'METT-TC' stand for in Marine Corps planning?

Answer: Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain, Time, Civilians

METT-TC stands for Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available, and Civil Considerations.

During an amphibious assault, the EABO concept allows Marine forces to operate from which type of locations?

Answer: Expeditionary Advanced Bases that are small and distributed

Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) employs small, distributed, low-signature bases to project power while complicating enemy targeting.

What is the Marine Corps term for the phase of an attack where the assault element closes with and destroys the enemy at the objective?

Answer: Assault

The assault phase is when the attacking element closes with and destroys or captures the enemy at the objective.

In urban operations, which technique involves advancing through buildings by breaching walls rather than using exposed streets?

Answer: Mouseholing

Mouseholing is the technique of breaching holes through walls to move between buildings while avoiding exposure in open streets.

What is the purpose of a passage of lines operation?

Answer: To withdraw a unit from combat by moving through a stationary friendly unit

A passage of lines allows one unit to pass through the positions of another to continue an operation or withdraw from combat.