Basic Battle Skills

Basic Battle Skills
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Front cover of "Basic Battle Skills"
Author	British Army
Language	English
Publisher	Ministry of Defence
Publication Date	1980

Basic Battle Skills is a comprehensive manual published by the British Army to provide soldiers with essential skills and knowledge required for combat situations. The manual covers a wide range of topics, from individual soldier skills to small unit tactics, and is designed to be a practical guide for soldiers in the field.

Contents

The manual is structured to cover various aspects of battlefield skills, including:

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  Contents page of "Basic Battle Skills"
• Individual Skills: This section includes basic soldiering skills such as camouflage, movement, and fieldcraft.
• Weapons Handling: Detailed instructions on the use and maintenance of personal and crew-served weapons.
• Tactics: Covers small unit tactics, including fire and maneuver, patrolling, and ambush techniques.
• Survival Skills: Information on survival in different environments, including first aid, navigation, and sustenance.
• Communication: Effective use of communication equipment and protocols in the field.

Key Concepts

Camouflage and Concealment

Camouflage is the use of materials, coloration, or illumination for concealment, either by making animals or objects hard to see (crypsis), or by disguising them as something else (mimesis). The manual provides techniques for effective camouflage in various environments.

Movement Techniques

Movement techniques are crucial for maintaining stealth and avoiding detection. The manual describes different methods of movement, such as crawling, walking, and running, and when to use each technique.

Fire and Maneuver

Fire and maneuver is a military tactic that uses suppressive fire to decrease the enemy's ability to return fire, while friendly forces advance. The manual outlines the principles of fire and maneuver, emphasizing coordination and communication.

Patrolling

Patrolling is a key skill for reconnaissance and security. The manual details different types of patrols, such as reconnaissance and combat patrols, and the planning and execution of patrol missions.

First Aid and Survival

Basic first aid skills are essential for treating injuries in the field. The manual includes instructions on treating common battlefield injuries and survival techniques for various environments.

Diagrams and Illustrations

The manual includes numerous diagrams and illustrations to aid in understanding the concepts and techniques described.

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  Diagram from "Basic Battle Skills"

Also see

• Military tactics
• Infantry tactics
• Camouflage
• Survival skills
• First aid

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