A Fire team is a small United Nations Space Command infantry unit. It is the base upon which all other units of the UNSC Marine Corps and Army operate and is the UNSC equivalent to the Covenant Lance.
Introduction
The concept of the fireteam is based on the need for tactical flexibility in infantry operations. They generally consist of approximately four troops, although can include up to seven soldiers (i.e. Fire Team Charlie - on Halo ), and are grouped into squads.
Function
A fire team is capable of autonomous operations as part of a larger unit. Successful fire team employment relies on quality small unit training for troops, experience of fire team members operating together, sufficient communications infrastructure, and a quality non-commissioned officer corps to provide tactical leadership for the team.
Members
Note: The number of troops, their armament, and their roles in the team may vary from fire team to fire team. For example some teams may include a Grenadier or a demolitions expert. The following is just an example.
- Fire team Leader: First in command, provides tactical leadership. A fire team can be lead by a Sergeant in the UNSC Army or a Corporal in the UNSC Marine Corps, though a Lance Corporal can lead if there is no Cpl. Usually wields an Assault Rifle or Battle Rifle but Avery J. Johnson was known to sometimes carry a Sniper Rifle.
- Scout/Designated Marksman: Looks out for any signs of hostile enemy forces. Would normally carry a scoped weapon such as the BR55HB SR Battle Rifle but could possibly carry a Sniper Rifle.
- Rifleman: The most common role in a fire team. Several riflemen may be incorporated into a fire team and in some situations is the only member needed. Usually carries an Assault Rifle and provides suppressive fire for the team. They are the most common members of a fireteam; they are considered the backbone of operations for the UNSC infantry as a whole, as every other role exists to augment and support the rifleman's capabilities. The team leader is also normally a rifleman.
- Specialist: For added firepower against a large number of enemies or vehicles, this soldier or marine may carry a heavy weapon such as a Rocket Launcher or a light machine gun. In close-quarters battle or urban combat situations, a specialist may choose to wield a Shotgun as opposed to a carbine or SMG.