Super Squad competitions are designed to identify squads that are a cut above — the best in their division. Time and again, competitors, competition evaluators and infantry experts have said the competition is about the basics. That doesn't mean it is easy. Quite the opposite. But to be the best takes unparalleled technical proficiency and determination paired with some intangibles.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Knight, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division's regimental gunner, outlined for Marine Corps Times a few of the attributes necessary to be top-notch in competition and deadly in combat.
1. Technical proficiency.
"Do the simple things well. There is nothing high-speed about this," Knight said.
The baseline for being a squared away squad is a sound foundation in infantry doctrine. Leaders must inspect their Marines and their weapons, create rest plans and share the load among their men. Every member of the squad should also have a solid understanding of combined arms and supporting arms at the squad level.
As important is knowing every single piece of gear inside and out.
"It starts with the individual Marine's weapons suite. How to use it in the day, how to use it in the night, how to properly zero it, how to employ it in any situation.
And marksmanship can not be overlooked. Every Marine knows how to shoot, but it is a perishable skill.
"Some junior leaders want to throw a volume of fire instead of emphasizing accuracy," Knight said.
Some of those skills have atrophied as Marines were stretched thin during more than a decade of combat.
"Just because you have a Combat Action Ribbon doesn't make you a good infantryman. Winning Super Squad shows you know what you are doing," he said.
2. Critical thinking. A squad leader must create a culture in which each and every member of his squad is a critical thinker.
"You need Marines that can think individually and act collectively," he said. "That has to be at the foundation of building a good squad in general and a Super Squad in particular."
That means squad leaders need their subordinates to comprehend why they are told to do things.
"Don't just do it because you are told. Do it because you understand why it is important."
3. Field craft. This is an area where many squads are lacking these days, Knight said.
To be a great squad there must be a culture among its members of personal ownership for individual responsibility.
That means exercising noise and light discipline, camouflage, cover and concealment, among other things.
4. Brotherhood. Every squad is expected to have a solid foundation in technical proficiency, critical thinking and field craft. So what sets a Super Squad apart from the hundreds of other squads in their division?
"Brotherhood, commitment to each other, focusing on that common goal," Knight said.
The intangibles of camaraderie and esprit de corps cannot be underestimated.
