THE RIFLE COMPANY

( Example taken from a 1980 manual and may differ from unit to unit)

The rifle company  consists of a Headquarters and three platoons. It is capable of operating on its own but would usually need outside specialist help, depending on the task.

Normal attachments would be:

• Regimental Medical orderly

• RAPC Clerk

• Cooks

• REME vehicle mechanics

The company may well also require support from tanks, artillery, mortars and anti-tank weapons.

Over the years the platoon organisation has changed to reflect tactics, operational requirements and to suit the introduction of new equipment. Also the platoon strength differs between Mechanised Infantry and regular infantry .

 DLI at Seaham Show 1983 
 By kind permission © G.Foggin 2014 

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COMPANY HEADQUARTERS

A regimental medical orderly (CPL) will join the CHQ in the field. In time of war a LCPL and 3 Privates will join from the reserve, as defence section.

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RIFLE PLATOON

Organisation #1

The Platoon with have 1x Light Mortar in the platoon HQ and each rifle section will contain 1x 84mm MAW and 1x GPMG. The platoon will also have 1x SF conversion kit for a GPMG.

Organisation #2

Platoon HQ: Platoon Commander - Subaltern Platoon Sergeant - Sergeant Signaller - Private Light Mortar No.1 - Lance-Corporal (Light Mortar No.2 - Private (Type B Battalion)) MAW No.1- Private MAW No. 2 - Private

Infantry Section (x3): Commander - Corporal 2nd In Command - Lance-Corporal GPMG No.1 -  Private GPMG No.2 - Private 4x Rifleman - Private's Total: 1 Officer and 27 Soldiers

The Platoon with have 1x Light Mortar  and 1x 84mm MAW in the platoon HQ and each rifle section will contain 1x GPMG. The platoon will also have 1x SF conversion kit for a GPMG.

 

 West Germany 1989 
 By kind permission © K.Morland 2014 

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RIFLE SECTION 

The rifle section is organised either into a gun group and a rifle group or into two equal-sized fire teams.

©Forces80 2019