What distinguishes an assault fire team from a support fire team?

The distinction between an assault fire team and a support fire team lies significantly in their roles and tactical approaches during operations. An assault team is primarily focused on offensive operations, meaning they actively engage enemy forces to secure or capture positions. Their actions are characterized by direct engagement, maneuvering into advantageous locations to attack the enemy effectively.

In contrast, a support fire team plays a different role by providing covering fire and suppressing enemy positions. Their purpose is not to directly assault enemy forces but to create conditions that allow the assault team to operate more effectively, either by pinning down the enemy or neutralizing threats prior to the assault.

Understanding this difference is crucial for maintaining tactical efficiency during operations. The assault team's offensive capabilities complement the support team's suppressive functions, allowing for coordinated, effective maneuvers on the battlefield. This teamwork maximizes the effectiveness of the squad in achieving mission objectives while minimizing risk to personnel involved in the assault.