Basic Officer Course
MOVEMENT TO CONTACT
“Combat Ops”

As Week 16 of the Basic Officer Course begins, your Marine will dive into a series of advanced tactical exercises designed to enhance combat leadership skills. This week starts with the Movement to Contact Field Exercise (FEX), where Marines focus on engaging enemy forces while advancing as a unit. Following this, they will train in Platoon in the Offense operations, tackling the challenges of leading a platoon in coordinated attacks. The week also includes hands-on training with machine guns, endurance testing, and tactical decision-making games, culminating in a Q&A session with experienced Combat MOS Marines to provide real-world insights.

Movement to Contact FEX

Week 16 begins with a focus on tactical training as your Marine takes part in the Movement to Contact Field Exercise (FEX). This exercise sharpens their ability to rapidly engage enemy forces while advancing as a unit.

Platoon in the Offense Operations

Following the Movement to Contact exercise, your Marine will engage in Platoon in the Offense operations. This training focuses on the complexities of leading a platoon-sized unit in offensive maneuvers. Your Marine will learn to coordinate multiple fire teams, manage resources, and execute synchronized attacks on enemy positions. They’ll also practice tactical communication, supporting fire coordination, and situational decision-making, all while maintaining unit cohesion in dynamic combat environments. This crucial training hones leadership abilities and prepares them for commanding larger units in real-world scenarios.

Employing Machine Guns in Offensive Operations

The next day, your Marine will employ machine guns during offensive operations, gaining hands-on experience with these critical weapons in simulated combat conditions.

Final Endurance Course

Midweek, Marines will face their final Endurance Course, testing their physical and mental stamina through challenging obstacles that simulate combat conditions.

Fire Support Tactical Decision Games (TDGs)

Your Marine will then dive into Fire Support TDGs, focusing on how to effectively integrate fire support in tactical decision-making processes.

Q&A with Combat MOS Marines

The week wraps up with a Q&A session featuring Marines from Combat MOS roles, providing valuable real-world insights. In addition, your Marine will participate in Rifle Platoon in the Offense exercises, which include both STEX (Sand Table Exercise) and TEWT (Tactical Exercise Without Troops). The STEX offers hands-on field-based scenarios, while TEWT is a classroom or field-based exercise that emphasizes planning and tactical analysis without troop movement. Both are designed to sharpen leadership and tactical decision-making, rounding off a week of intensive training.

Stay tuned for more updates as your Marine continues this intense and transformative journey!

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret)