E-Book Resource: Small Unit Tactics for the Survival Retreat

So when I discussed some of the more general sources of info recently, I generally listed some major repositories with the warning that you would need to explore those repositories to find the books and information that might interest you. But I thought I would periodically post more specific links to a collection, library, or specific titles that would be of interest to the prepper/survivalist.

     Today's topic is small unit tactics for the survivalist and prepper. Before doing so, however, I want to add this caveat that James Wesley Rawles appended to an article on small unit tactics:

       Learning military tactics could indeed prove crucial, depending on the severity of WTSHTF. However, keep in mind that standard military doctrine is far more aggressive and risky than would be appropriate for most foreseeable situations faced by survivalists. Keep in mind that military tactics are geared toward offensively, boldly, and rapidly taking and then holding ground, while at the same time incurring “acceptable losses.” It also assumes that advanced medical care is available rapidly via helicopter Medevac. Modern military organizations also have the advantage of helmets and Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) being available for every soldier. Your mileage may vary substantially. (As a survivalist, your tactical concerns will more likely be primarily defensive, less hurried, and with a premium placed on minimizing casualties.)

      Also, keep in mind that unless you are sitting on a stockpile of a lifetime supply of ammunition, then the typical military “suppressive fire” doctrine will probably be either out of the question, or curtailed substantially.

     I recommend modifying military tactics to suit your particular circumstances. Typically, this would mean operating with less speed, greater stealth, and an emphasis on camouflage. Also, depending on circumstances, it would also mean conservation of precious ammunition and pyrotechnics.

    Under current U.S. Army doctrine, there is just one Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) per squad. But for TEOTWAWKI, I would advocate having as many as three per squad, especially in open terrain. That will increase your standoff distance and hence minimize friendly casualties. I would also recommend having every member of your patrol wear full ghillie suits in all but the hottest weather.

      The bottom line: When you are out patrolling with members of your own family, then the concept of “acceptable losses” takes on a whole new meaning.

And now, for some e-books:

• Light Infantry Tactics for Small Teams by Christopher E. Larsen (PDF). I've mentioned this book before, but it is probably as good a book as any (and better than most) for learning small unit tactics. The author developed the material for this book while training Iraqi security forces in tactics. He covers not just tactics, but hand signals, individual camouflage, radio communications, and other materials. 
• Small Unit Tactics: Leading, Planning & Conducting Tactical Operations (PDF) by The Lightening Press. This book is part of their Smartbook series for military commanders. It is a compilation of material from various military manuals, distilled and summarized for the military leader. This is a sample book, so even though the book is complete, it has a "SAMPLE" watermark across each page.
• Infantry Small-Unit Mountain Operations (ATTP 3-21.50) (PDF). 
• Offense and Defense (ADP 3-90) (PDF). 
• Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad (FM 7-8) (PDF). This is the 2001 edition.
• Common Battle Drills for all Infantry Units (PDF). This appears to have been created for training ROTC members.
• Basic Tactics by Mao Zedong (HTML). This 1937 pamphlet is more in the form of suggestions rather than hard and fast rules. Nevertheless, suggestions for encountering an unknown force or larger force are probably applicable to preppers/survivalists that will also be outnumbered in most cases.
• The Survival Retreat: A Total Plan for Retreat Defense by Ragnar Benson (PDF). 

This next one is not related to retreat defense, but I though you might find interesting anyway:

• Cyber Warfare: Techniques, Tactics And Tools For Security Practitioners by Jason Andress and Steve Winterfeld (PDF). A text.

Disclaimer: I'm not the author of any of the documents or things in the collection and/or library linked above and cannot vouch for their accuracy or completeness--use them at your own risk. I am not responsible for the posting or offering of any of the documents or things in the collections and/or libraries and have no control over whether they are posted or taken down.