Basic Officer Course
DEFENSE IN DEPTH
“Forward Edge of The Battle Field (FEBA)”
In Week 17 of the Basic Officer Course, your Marine will dive into defensive tactics, focusing on platoon operations and mastering the Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA). They’ll learn to call in fire support and draft defensive plans. Midweek, they’ll watch Combat Engineers blow things up to clear paths or fortify positions. The week ends with hands-on Sandboxx Table Exercises (STEX), a land navigation exam, and some classroom drills that test tactical decision-making.
Platoon Defensive Operations and TDGs
Week 17 begins with an in-depth focus on platoon defensive operations, enhanced by Tactical Decision Games (TDGs). Your Marine will study the Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA), which marks the front line where friendly forces face the enemy. Understanding FEBA is crucial for establishing defensive positions and managing battlefield engagements.
Utilizing Fire Support and Writing Defensive Orders
In this phase, your Marine will learn to integrate fire support into defensive strategies effectively. They’ll practice writing defensive orders and creating fire plan sketches, ensuring they can coordinate indirect fire assets like artillery and mortars to defend their positions.
Engineers Up!
Midweek at The Basic School (TBS), Marines will have the unique opportunity to witness Combat Engineers in action. Combat Engineers play a critical role in battlefield operations, providing mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability to support infantry units. During this training session, Marines will observe the execution of a demolition package, gaining firsthand insight into how engineers use explosives to breach obstacles, fortify positions, or disable enemy infrastructure. This practical demonstration not only showcases the technical skills of Combat Engineers but also highlights the importance of their role in ensuring mission success in combat scenarios.
STEX and TEWT Drills
Later in the week, your Marine will participate in Sandboxx Table Exercises (STEX) and Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWT). The STEX focuses on hands-on execution of defensive operations, while the TEWT offers a more conceptual, classroom-based review of tactical decision-making without troop movement. Both exercises are designed to refine your Marine’s ability to lead in defensive situations.
Land Navigation Performance Exam
The week concludes with a challenging land navigation performance exam, where your Marine will be tested on their ability to navigate using a map and compass, reinforcing their navigation skills in both day and night conditions.
Stay tuned for more updates as your Marine continues this intense and transformative journey!
Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret)