Introduction to
Infantry
Operations
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
▪ TO DESCRIBE the mission of the Infantry at
different echelons.
▪ TO DETERMINE the Characteristics, Task
Organization, Capabilities & Limitations, and
Concept of Employment of the Infantry at
different echelons.
REFERENCES:
▪ PAM 3-01 (PA INF OPNS MANUAL)
▪ SP 3-014 (INF COY OPNS)
▪ PAM 3-015 (INF PLTN & SQD OPNS)
▪ FM 7-20 (INFANTRY RIFLE BATTALION)
SCOPE:
▪ INTRODUCTION
▪ INFANTRY MISSION
▪ INFANTRY ECHELONS
▪ Characteristics
▪ Table of organization
▪ Capabilities & Limitations
▪ Concept of Employment
INTRODUCTION:
The Infantry
- is the oldest and traditionally the largest component of
an Army.
- Infantry forces are organized to fight as a combined
arms team.
Infantry units conduct operations in all types
of weather and terrain.
▪ Combined arms warfare produces effects that are
greater than the sum of the individual parts.
▪ Combined armed forces operate over increasingly
large areas of the battlefield with less force density
than in the past.
▪ Modern
combined arms warfare puts added stress
on maintaining dispersed and noncontiguous
formations.
▪ Infantry forces overwhelmed the enemy’s ability to
react by synchronizing indirect and direct fires from
ground and air-based platforms assaulting with
armor, mechanized, air assault and dismounted
units, jamming the enemy’s communication,
concealing friendly operations with obscurants and
attacking from several directions at once. ,
The
goal is to confuse, demoralize, and
destroy the enemy with the coordinated
impact of combat power. The enemy
cannot comprehend what is happening;
the enemy commander cannot
communicate his intent nor can he
coordinate his actions. The sudden and
devastating impact of combined arms
paralyzes the enemy’s response, leaving
him ripe for defeat.
The Importance of the Infantry
▪ The importance of the infantry has been vividly
described by T.B Fehrenbach when he said,
“You may fly over land forever; you may bomb it,
atomize it, pulverize it and wipe it clean of life -
but if you desire to defend it, protect it, and keep
it for civilization, you must do this on the ground,
the way the Roman Legions did, by putting your
young men into the mud.” For a contested piece
of land can never be declared as conquered
without the Infantry occupying it.
▪ They are the dominant arms in fast-paced
operations because of their rapid deployment
capability.
▪ They are particularly effective in urban territory.
They can infiltrate and move rapidly to the enemy
rear and exfiltrate easily.
▪ Their tactical mobility is greatly improved with
helicopter support and tactical airlift.
▪ Infantry units are capable of rapid deployment
due to their austere but lethal organization.
They may operate all over the battlefield and
can be rapidly reinforced for any task or
situation.
▪ They operate exceptionally at night or during periods
of limited visibility in close or difficult terrain. Infantry
units attain decisive results by using organic and
supporting forces and weapons systems.
Section 1-2 The Beginning of the Infantry in the
Philippine
Army
3. Development of the Philippine Army Infantry
The present-day Philippine Army Infantry is by and large
influenced by the US Army Infantry. The PA Infantry traces
its roots to the Katipuneros of the Filipino-Spanish War era,
then to the Revolutionary Government of Gen Emilio
Aguinaldo during the Filipino–American war of the late
1800s.
▪ The Commonwealth Government was mainly
responsible for the development of the Philippine
Army whose core was the Infantry. Prior to the
establishment of the Commonwealth Government
the United States had assumed all obligations for
national defense and maintained a garrison in the
Islands for defense purposes.
▪ The creation of the Philippine Constabulary in
1901 overtook the development of the
Philippine Army. When the National Defense
Act was enacted, there was no Army to start
with - there was only the Infantry coming from
the Philippine Constabulary
▪ INFANTRY ECHELONS:
An infantry unit is echeloned into the following….
DIVISION
BRIGADE
BATALLION
COMPANY
PLATOON
SQUADS
▪ The Infantry is echeloned into infantry
divisions then brigades, battalions,
companies,
▪ Platoons and the smallest is the squad.
INFANTRY DIVISION
▪ Is the largest composition of Infantry units in the
Philippine Army.
▪ It is rapidly deployable and can respond quickly to
Army situations anywhere in the country
▪ It is effective in any spectrum of conflict.
▪ MISSION: To destroy enemy military forces and
to control land areas in support of the unified
command mission
INFANTRY
DIVISION
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Primary maneuver force of the Philippine Army
▪ Self-sustaining force requiring austere logistics
▪ Capable of independent operations for extended
periods
▪ Equips the Army with strategic flexibility
▪ Effective in any spectrum of conflict
▪ Soldier-powered organization
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Average of nine (9) Infantry BNs under three (3) Brigade
headquarters form the DIV’s fighting core
▪ Proposed to have Air Defense Capability
▪ Combat Engineer Support is provided by the Engineer
Combat BN
▪ CSS is provided by Support BN
▪ C2 is provided by the DIV HQ, HHSB, SIG BN
CAPABILITIES
▪ Conduct independent offensive and defensive operations
▪ Conduct sustained combat operations against similarly or
less equipped land forces independently or as part of a
larger force
▪ Conduct operations in most local weather and terrain
conditions
▪ Participate in Air Assault Operations
CAPABILITIES
▪ Participate in Amphibious Operations
▪ Control population & restore order
▪ Operate in conjunction with heavy forces
▪ Rapidly accept and integrate augmenting
forces
LIMITATIONS
▪ Limited vehicular mobility
▪ No organic airlift capability
▪ Limited protection against armor and artillery
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ Designed for Rapid Deployment Missions
(Interim)
▪ Can be deployed to any part of the country
▪ Placed OPCOM to Unified Command
▪ Normally employed against light forces but
can confront heavy forces in certain situations
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ Capitalize on its dismounted Infantry Units
▪ Brigades and BNs can engage in small unit
actions and operate at a considerable
distance from the Division Headquarters
▪ Effective in areas restricted for heavy or
mechanized forces
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ The Division’s strength is in fighting in rough and
restrictive terrain conditions
▪ Can conduct TRIAD Operations (ISO) in a Conflict
Situation
▪ Employed to thwart threats from the CTM or SPSG
INFANTRY
BRIGADE
▪ Is a combination of infantry battalions and other
supporting units grouped under the command of a
brigade headquarters.
▪ Unlike other modern armies in the world, there is
only one type of infantry brigade in the Philippine
Army
▪ MISSION: To provide command & control, and
supervision of the tactical operations of the brigade
and attached units
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Division’s maneuver element
▪ Can Command & Control up to five (5) five Infantry
BNs with attendant CS & CSS elements
▪ Has no Organic unit assigned except the Brigade
HQ and the Headquarters Company
▪ Several Combat, Combat Support, and Combat
Service Support units of the DIV can be placed
OPCON/Attached to the BDE
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Normally, three (3) Infantry BNs are placed OPCON
to the Brigade
▪ The BDE HQ & Headquarters Company provides
Command & Control of Infantry Brigade
▪ Its Rifle Platoon provides security to the Brigade
Headquarters
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Its Support Platoon caters to supply, transportation,
and maintenance requirements of the Brigade HQ
& HQ Company
▪ The Coy Ex-O, HQ Coy serves as the concurrent
Support Platoon Leader
▪ CS & CSS are provided by OPCON/Attached units
from the Division
CAPABILITIES
▪ Command OPCON/Attached elements of the
Division’s Combat & Combat Support elements in
offensive and defensive operations
▪ Accept or release OPCON/Attached elements on
short notice
▪ Supervise the movement and security of attached or
supporting administrative elements
CAPABILITIES
▪ Emergency successor operational headquarters
for the Division if DIV C2 is neutralized
▪ Provide OPCON of up to five (5) maneuver BNs
▪ Provide unit-level maintenance of organic
equipment
LIMITATIONS
▪ Medical/Dental Support
▪ Signal Communication Support
▪ Logistics Support
▪ Field Artillery Support
▪ Engineer Support
▪ Personnel & Administrative Support
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ Placed ORGANIC/OPCON to Infantry DIVs
▪ Capable of Independent Operations for extended period of
time
▪ Its BNs can be employed in a contiguous or non-contiguous
Area of Operations
▪ In ISO, employed according to the “One-on-One” Concept
INFANTRY
BATALLION
▪ Close
combat force of the Division.
▪ Has Three (3) Maneuver Companies
▪ MISSION: To close with the enemy by means of
fire and maneuver, to destroy or capture him, or
repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counter-
attack; to conduct stability operations in an internal
defense and internal development environment
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Division’s Close Combat maneuver force
▪ Composed of foot-mobile fighters to fight light
enemy forces
▪ Can defeat heavy forces in close terrain especially
when augmented with anti-armor weapons
▪ Rapidly deployable and light enough to respond
quickly to situations anywhere in the country
▪ No logistical base for extended self-sustenance
CAPABILITIES
▪ Participate in amphibious operations
▪ Can operate in most types of local terrain and weather
conditions
▪ Participate in counter-insurgency operations
▪ Provide unit-level health service support for the BN and
attached units
▪ Provide unit-level maintenance of Organic equipment
LIMITATIONS
▪ Heavy Lift Transportation
▪ Artillery Fire Support
▪ Engineer Support
▪ Higher Level Maintenance of Equipment
▪ Dental & Medical Services
▪ Passive Air defense capability
▪ Short-range sustenance
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ Designed for rapid deployment missions
▪ Can be deployed to any part of the country in
response to any contingency
▪ May be employed with minimal external support in a
variety of scenarios
▪ Usually deployed as part of the Brigade
▪ Normally employed against light forces
▪ Effective in Close Combat or Restricted terrain
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
▪ Can be deployed for Internal Security Opns
▪ Can be employed to fight heavy forces in restricted terrain
▪ Can be organized as a Task Force
▪ Can be employed as part of a larger force ME, SE,
Reserve
▪ Can be part of Brigade Deep Opns and Advance Guard of
the Division
INFANTRY COMPANY
▪ Is organized and equipped to close with the enemy to
kill him, destroy his equipment and shatter his will to
resist.
▪ Has Three (3) Maneuver Platoons
▪ MISSION: To close with the enemy by means of fire
and maneuver, to destroy or capture him, or repel his
assault by fire, close combat, and counter-attack.
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ Rapidly deployable soldier-powered organization
▪ Austere combat support and relies on
professionally trained and disciplined soldiers
▪ Fighters are trained in day and night combat
operations
▪
CHARACTERISTICS
▪ The entire company can be transported in a
single C-130 aircraft
▪ All weapons are man-portable
▪ Company requires minimal support
CAPABILITIES
▪ Provide a base of fire and maneuver elements
▪ Close with the enemy to destroy or capture him
▪ Repel enemy assault by fire, close combat, and counter
attack
▪ Seize and hold terrain
▪ Operate in most types of local terrain & weather
▪ Provide light anti-tank protection
▪ Conduct combat operations under limited visibility
▪ Foot mobile
CAPABILITIES
▪ Participate in Air Assault/Airborne Operations
▪ Participate in Amphibious/Waterborne Operations
▪ Operate in conjunction with heavy forces
▪ Can fight with 80% personnel combat capability
▪ Effective in Infiltration
▪ Employ accurate small arms
▪ Effective in search and attack
▪ Effective in Close Quarter Combat and Trench Fighting
LIMITATIONS
▪ No mobility
▪ Vulnerable in open terrain
▪ Needs additional firepower
▪ Higher Level Maintenance of Equipment
▪ Dental & Medical Services
▪ Passive Air defense capability
▪ Short range sustenance
CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
[Link] for Economy of Force
[Link] be employed in Internal Security Operations
[Link] in restricted terrain
[Link] employed as part of a bigger unit:
➢ BN Main Effort, Supporting Effort, or Reserve
➢ Perform as Brigade/Div Economy of Force
➢ BN Detachment Left in Contact
➢ BDE Security Force or Counter Recon
➢ BDE Advance Guard
INFANTRY
PLATOON
▪ Is the
smallest deployable unit having elements that
will confront the enemy face to face.
▪ It is organized and equipped to fight with swift and
lethality
▪ Has Three (3) Maneuver Squads
▪ MISSION: To confront the enemy in order to
defeat, capture, repel his assault, and weaken his
fighting capability.
CHARACTERISTICS
1. Rapidly deployable soldier-powered
organization
2. All weapons are man-portable
3. It is foot mobile; but is transportable by land,
water and air assets
4. Trained in day and night combat operations
5. Requires minimal support
CAPABILITIES
1. Maneuver in all types of local weather and terrain
2. Seize and hold any terrain
3. Secure a designated area of operation
4. Infiltrate into enemy-controlled terrain or areas
5. Conducts operations in semi or urban areas
6. Performs operations under limited visibility
7. Foot mobile
LIMITATIONS
1. Unit level administration
2. Supply
3. Unit level maintenance of equipment
4. Transportation
5. Dental & Medical Support
6. Mortar fire support
CONCEPT
OF EMPLOYMENT
1. Suited to move in restricted terrain
2. Infiltrate through or around enemy
unobserved
3. Employ accurate, intense small arms fire
for short duration
4. Use the environment to protect the force
Philippine Army’s Doctrine
▪ The Philippine Army's Infantry Operations doctrine is shaped by
national interests, unity, independence, and the pursuit of a
democratic way of life. It largely draws from US-originated war-
fighting doctrines, evolving from Active Defense to the Airland
Battle Doctrine. Active Defense focused on defense against
enemy attacks, while Airland Battle prioritized offense and force
projection. The shift stemmed from the changing global
landscape and the need to win battles preemptively. The
complexity of the Airland Battle Doctrine poses challenges for
Infantry Division Commanders in effectively winning battles and
contributing to the nation's overall success in war.
Principles of War
▪ The principles of war are fundamental truths
guiding military operations. They're key factors
for success but don't encompass the entirety of
the art of war. They serve as a guide, their
application varying based on circumstances.
Understanding these principles emphasizes
that war isn't about following checklists but
about leadership and artistry.
▪ Principle
Objective - Direct military operations
toward a clear, achievable objective aligned
with national strategic goals. This objective
guides the selection of military goals and
informs operational planning. Clear
communication of objectives to subordinate
commanders is crucial for effective preparation
and execution of operations.
▪ . Principle
of Offensive - Seize, retain, and
exploit the initiative to impose your will on the
enemy, dictate terms, and choose the
battleground. It allows commanders to
capitalize on vulnerabilities, react swiftly to
changes, and keep the adversary on the
defensive. Maintaining the initiative through
offensive actions compels the enemy to react
rather than initiate their own actions.
▪ Principle
of Mass - Concentrate combat
power at the decisive place and time. Use the
strength against weakness. In the tactical
dimension, this principle suggests that a force,
even though smaller than its adversary can
achieve decisive results when it concentrates
or focuses the enemy’s critical vulnerability.
Mass further implies that ability to sustain
momentum for decisive results.
▪ Principle of Economy of Force - Allocate
minimum essential combat power to secondary
efforts. As a reciprocal of the principle of mass,
economy of force in the tactical sense requires
that the minimum means be employed in the
areas other than where the main effort is
employed. Prudent risks are required in order
to achieve combat superiority in areas where
decisions are sought.
▪ Principle of Maneuver - Place the enemy in a
position of disadvantage through the flexible
application of combat power. The objective of
maneuver is to concentrate or to disperse
forces in a manner designed to place enemy at
a disadvantage, thus achieving results that
would otherwise be more costly in men and
material. The advantage comes from exploiting
the maneuver differential the superiority in
speed and position relative to the adversary.
▪ Principle
of Unity of Command - For
every objective, ensure unity of command
under one responsible commander. This
principle ensures that all efforts are
focused on a common goal. Unity of
command means directing and
coordinating the action of all forces toward
a common goal or objective.
▪ Principle of Security - Prevent the enemy from
gaining unexpected advantages. Security is vital for
applying other war principles, involving measures to
avert surprise, maintain freedom of action, and
withhold information from the adversary. It allows
commanders to effectively employ their forces by
denying the enemy access to critical details. Security
hinges on protective measures to maintain
inviolability against hostile actions and is reinforced
through a deep understanding of the enemy's
strategy, doctrine, and tactics.
▪ Principle
of Surprise - Surprise can decisively shift
the balance of combat power. Surprise results from
striking the enemy at a time and place and in a
manner of which he is unprepared. It is not essential
that the enemy be taken unaware, but only that he
becomes aware too late to react effectively. Factors
contributing to surprise include speed, cover and
deception, application of unexpected combat power,
effective intelligence and counter-intelligence, and
variations in tactics and methods of operation.
▪ Principle
of Simplicity - Prepare clear,
uncomplicated, and concise plans and orders to
ensure thorough understanding among
common personnel. Uncomplicated plans
clearly expressed in orders promote common
understanding and intelligent execution.
Simplicity must be applied to organization,
method and means in order to produce
orderliness in the area of operations.
▪ Principle
of Population Support - The
military must at all times be the protector
and defender of the citizenry. Citizen
welfare and human rights or constitutional
rights must be respected and upheld to
gain popular support. Local government
and/or popular support shall be exploited
in order to win the war.
▪ Combat service support elements maybe
generated from the civilian industries such as
communication, transportation and other
support services. These forms of services will
be generated from the affiliated service support
units organized by the Reserve Command of
the Philippine Army prior to war. In counter-
insurgency the population is the rope in the
government’s tug of war with the insurgents.
Elements of Combat Power
▪ The elements of combat power—firepower, maneuver,
protection, and leadership—profoundly impact a unit's
strength and morale. Aligning these elements with the
principles of war is pivotal for decisive outcomes.
Developing combat power corresponds to mass and
economy of force principles, while its application hinges on
utilizing other principles wisely. The commander's innovative
planning, leadership, organizational efficiency, training,
discipline, and factors such as morale, cohesion, mobility,
communication, equipment readiness, and supply status
determine the level of combat power attained.
Elements of Combat Power
▪ A. Firepower. - Firepower represents the
effective delivery of fire by a position, unit, or
weapon system, encompassing all available
weapons within or outside a commander's
direct control. Its application establishes fire
supremacy, preventing the enemy from
impeding operations or developing their own
effective fire.
▪ B. Maneuver - Maneuver is a vital component of combat
power, pivotal in leveraging success, preserving freedom of
action, and minimizing vulnerability. Its aim is to position a
force advantageously relative to the enemy, achieving
outcomes with lesser costs in manpower and resources.
Successful maneuver demands organizational flexibility,
robust combat support, and efficient command and control. It
involves moving combat power precisely, at the right
moment, to a specific location, and under specific conditions
without compromising discipline or unity of command.
▪ C. Protection - Protection conserves the
fighting potential of the force so that
commander can apply it at a decisive time and
place. Protection has four components: (1)
operational security and deception operations;
(2) maintenance of health and morale of
soldiers; (3) safety; and (4) avoidance of
fratricide.
▪ D.Leadership - Leadership provides purpose,
direction and motivation in combat. Leaders
determine how maneuver, firepower and protection
are used, ensuring that these elements are
effectively employed against the enemy.
Professional competence, personality and the will
of strong commanders represent a significant part
of any unit’s combat power. These have positive
bearing on the outcome of battles and campaigns.
Related Factors
▪ Certain factors bear directly or
indirectly on combat power. When
properly applied in consideration of
the principles of war, these factors
ensure full development and decisive
application of combat power.
▪ A. Terrain. Terrain is an important factor in
the application of combat power. The
significance of terrain varies with the
echelon of command and the nature of
operation. The commander evaluates the
terrain in conjunction with his mission and
seeks to use the terrain to his advantage.
▪ B. Climate and Weather. Climate and weather
have significant effects on all types of military
operation. Weather affects observation, control,
and performances of personnel, air support, and
the range and effectiveness of weapons. Both
climate and weather affect combat service support
requirements. As with terrain, the commander
seeks and takes advantage of climate and
weather in developing and applying combat power
in the pursuit of his objectives.
▪ C. Coordination
and Control. The efficient use
of combat power necessitates seamless
coordination across all levels. Coordination, a
fundamental aspect of command, holds
particular importance in optimizing the synergy
between fire and maneuver. Coordinating all
fire support ensures maximal utilization of
available firepower resources and amplifies the
effectiveness of maneuver operations.
▪ D. Vulnerability and Risk. Vulnerability refers to a force's
susceptibility to damage from enemy actions. Strategies like
deception, dispersion, cover, concealment, movement, rapid
response, air defense, counter-battery fires, intelligence,
and control help mitigate vulnerability. However, reducing
vulnerability in one aspect might increase susceptibility in
others. Risk is inherent in warfare, present in every mission.
While the commander avoids unnecessary risk,
accomplishing the mission is crucial. Each course of action
is carefully evaluated concerning vulnerability and risk. If
risks are deemed unacceptable, the plan must be revised.
Commanders must take calculated risks to achieve their
mission objectives.
