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A platoon of Marines is a powerful force. The reason is the training an preparation that begins the day they step off the bus in ‘boot camp’ in Parris Island, S.C. or San Diego, CA. Marines know their way around the ‘killing fields’ of combat. Their training is the best in the world—each Marine has met the very high standards necessary to become a Marine. The culture and the traditions of the Corps. are ingrained in their character. No matter where they’re sent—no matter which unit they are assigned —they fit in and become an instant contributing member of that unit. A Marine platoon consists of three squads— each squad consists of three four man fire teams and a squad leader. the platoon Guide , platoon Sgt. and platoon leader make up the entire platoon. On occasion the platoon can be reinforced from the Company weapons platoon with a machine gun section, mortar section and rocket launchers. In addition, heavier artillery support is available from the Battalion in the form of 106 mm recoiless rifles, 81 mm mortars 4.2 in. mortar section, 105mm Howitzers, tanks, flamethrowers, etc. The Marine Rifle Company consisting of three rifle platoons and a weapons platoon fully supported by Battalion artillery and close air support is a formidable force and is the basic combat unit of the USMC. This is why Marines never feel ‘outnumbered’—the cohesive infantry unit coupled with tenacious, well trained Marines and supported with artillery and air resources is a battle tested combination that has proven time and again to be invincible on the battle field.
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