Basic Officer Course
Operations
“Continuous Ops”

In Week 18 of the Basic Officer Course, your Marine will dive into defensive tactics, focusing on platoon operations and mastering the Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA). They’ll learn to call in fire support and draft defensive plans. Midweek, they’ll watch Combat Engineers blow things up to clear paths or fortify positions. The week ends with hands-on Sandboxx Table Exercises (STEX), a land navigation exam, and some classroom drills that test tactical decision-making.

Continuous Defensive Operations

Week 18 kicks off with Marines transitioning from classroom instruction and Tactical Decision Games (TDGs) into the field, where they will apply their knowledge of defensive positions during continuous defensive operations. These exercises are designed to simulate sustained combat conditions, requiring Marines to establish, maintain, and defend their positions against persistent enemy pressure.

In these operations, your Marine will work to fortify defensive positions by constructing barriers, digging trenches, and using obstacles to slow or divert enemy forces. They will also practice employing cover and concealment tactics to minimize exposure while holding the defensive line. This involves utilizing both natural terrain features, such as hills and tree lines, and man-made structures to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Coordination with supporting units plays a key role in these exercises, as your Marine will learn to integrate indirect fire support, including artillery and mortars, into the defense plan. The exercise will focus on establishing a Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA), a critical line of defense where friendly forces engage the enemy. Marines will practice setting up this defensive line, continuously adapting to enemy movements, and using troop movements to shift their defenses and counter enemy advances.

Throughout the operations, Marines will develop leadership skills, refine their tactical decision-making under stress, and learn how to balance offensive and defensive strategies to maintain control of the battlefield. This hands-on training ensures they are well-prepared to command and defend in high-pressure combat situations.

Weapons Maintenance

They will conclude the week with much-needed weapons maintenance, ensuring their gear is clean, functional, and ready for future operations. This will be followed by company commanders’ time, where they will have the opportunity to receive guidance, feedback, and any necessary instructions directly from their leadership.

Tidbit of the Week

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)  is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, education, and support to Sailors, Marines, and their families. For over a century, NMCRS has offered interest-free loans, grants, scholarships, and budgeting assistance to help military families handle unexpected expenses, emergencies, and the challenges of everyday life. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for service members and ensure that they have the resources and support needed both during and after their service.

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

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret)