Quantico | The Basic School

Basic Officer Course
CONTINOUS OPS
“Continuous Offensive Ops”

In Week 19 of the Basic Officer Course, your Marine will shift from defensive tactics to offensive operations. They’ll engage in a range of exercises, from Movement to Contact to Hasty and Deliberate Attacks, all focused on advancing and neutralizing enemy forces. As they push forward, they’ll practice keeping the pressure on with Exploitation and Pursuit drills. By coordinating simulated fire support and refining tactics, your Marine will build combat readiness for real missions. The week wraps up with weapons maintenance and a Tactical Performance Exam before some well-earned downtime.

Transition to Offensive Operations

Week 19 marks a significant transition as Marines shift from defensive operations to offensive tactics. They will engage in continuous offensive operations, applying a range of strategies to advance on and neutralize enemy forces.

This week will expose Marines to various types of offensive operations, including:

  • Movement to Contact: Marines will advance towards the enemy while remaining prepared to engage when contact is made, requiring quick reaction and adaptability.
  • Hasty Attacks: When the opportunity presents itself, Marines will practice launching swift, decisive attacks to exploit weaknesses in enemy defenses.
  • Deliberate Attacks: These planned, coordinated assaults involve detailed preparation and synchronization of all available assets, including fire support, air assets, and maneuver elements, to overwhelm enemy forces.
  • Exploitation: Following a successful attack, Marines will pursue retreating enemy forces, maintaining pressure to prevent their regrouping and reinforcing friendly gains.
  • Pursuit: Marines will practice rapid pursuit of a fleeing enemy to complete the destruction of their forces or capture key objectives.

Throughout these exercises, Marines will coordinate simulated fire support from artillery and air assets while refining leadership, tactical planning, and adaptability under fire. The ability to move from defense to offense sharpens their combat readiness, ensuring they are fully capable of seizing the initiative and achieving mission success.

Weapons Maintenance and Testing

They will wrap up the week with essential weapons maintenance, ensuring that all gear is cleaned, fully functional, and prepared for future operations. The week will then conclude with the completion of their Tactical Performance Exam.

Over the past two weeks, your Marine has been engaged in continuous operations and is now ready for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Stay tuned for more updates as your Marine progresses through this intense and transformative journey.

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret)