MCRP 12-10B.1, page 108

Figure 3-15. Defense of a Strongpoint a. The rifle platoon should be organized into a series of firing positions located to cover avenues of approach, cover obstacles, and provide mutual support. Snipers may be located on the upper floors of the buildings. Unengaged units should be ready to counterattack, fight fires, or reinforce other elements of the rifle platoon. b. Depending on the length of the mission, the rifle platoon should have available: Pioneer equipment (axes, shovels, hammers, picket pounders) MCWP 3-35 .3 Section IV Rifle Platoon Operations This section discusses some missions the rifle company might assign to a rifle platoon. 3401. Defense of a Strongpoint. A rifle platoon may be given the mission to provide or conduct the strongpoint defense of a building, part of a building, or a group of small buildings (Figure 3-15). The rifle platoon’s defense is normally integrated into the rifle company’s defense. The rifle platoon must keep the enemy from gaining a foothold in its assigned buildings. It makes the best use of its weapons and supporting fires, organizes all-around defense, and counterattacks or calls for a rifle company counterattack to eject an enemy that has a foothold. The platoon leader analyzes his/her defensive sector to recommend to the company commander the best use of obstacles and supporting fires. (See Appendices B and D.) 3-36