Army Vision: By 2028, a World-Class Army that is a source of National Pride

HEADQUARTERS
ARESCOM TRAINING SCHOOL
ARMY RESERVE COMMAND, PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp Riego De Dios, Tanza, Cavite

ATS/3 Date Updated: 01 June 2021

STUDENT HANDOUTS References: PAM 3-01

INTRODUCTION OF INFANTRY OPERATIONS

The Infantry

The Infantry is the oldest and traditionally the largest component of an

Army. Even in this modern age, the infantryman or the foot soldier is at the core
of a country’s defense forces. The history of the Philippine Army is by and large,
the history of the infantry. From the revolutionary Army to date, our Army
predominantly consists of infantry forces.

The terrain environment and our ability to support the force dictate the
type of our armed force. Infantry forces are organized to fight as a combined
arms team. Combined arms warfare is the simultaneous application of combat,
combat support, and combat service support components geared towards a
common goal. These arms and services are integrated horizontally at each
command echelon, normally from the battalion to the division. Combined arms
warfare produces effects that are greater than the sum of the individual parts.

The combined arms team strives to conduct fully integrated operations in

the dimension of time, space, purpose, and resources. Combined arm forces
operate over increasingly large areas of the battlefield with less force density
than in the past. Modern combined arms warfare puts added stress on
maintaining dispersed and noncontiguous formations. Infantry forces
overwhelmed the enemy’s ability to react by synchronizing indirect and direct
fires from ground and air-based platforms assaulting with armor, mechanized, air
assault and dismounted units, jamming the enemy’s communication,
concealing friendly operations with obscurants and attacking from several
directions at once.

The goal is to confuse, demoralize and destroy the enemy with the
coordinated impact of combat power. The enemy cannot comprehend what is
happening; the enemy commander cannot communicate he’s intent nor can
he coordinate his actions. The sudden and devastating impact of combined
arms paralyzes the enemy’s response, leaving him ripe for defeat.

The application of combined arms in this manner is complex and

demanding. It requires detailed planning and violent execution by briefly trained
soldiers and units who have thoroughly rehearsed.

Section 1-1 The Importance of the Infantry

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The importance of the infantry has been vividly described by T.B

Fehrenbach when he said, “You may fly over land forever; you may bomb it,
atomize it, pulverize it and wipe it clean of life - but if you desire to defend it,
protect it, and keep it for civilization, you must do this on the ground, the way
the Roman Legions did, by putting your young men into the mud.” For a
contested piece of land can never be declared as conquered without the
Infantry occupying it.

Infantry units conduct operations in all types of weather and terrain. They
are the dominant arms in fast-paced operations because of their rapid
deployment capability. In such events, they can take the initiative early; seize,
secure, and hold the terrain; and concentrate fires to stop the enemy in close
terrain. They are particularly effective in urban territory. They can infiltrate and
move rapidly to the enemy rear and exfiltrate easily. Their tactical mobility is
greatly improved with helicopter support and tactical airlift.

Infantry units are capable of rapid deployment due to their austere but
lethal organization. They may operate all over the battlefield and can be rapidly
reinforced for any task or situation. These units are especially advantageous for
operation in restrictive terrain and urbanized areas. They operate exceptionally
at night or during periods of limited visibility in close or difficult terrain. Infantry
units attain decisive results by using organic and supporting forces and weapons
systems.

Section 1-2 The Beginning of the Infantry in the Philippine Army

1. Development of the Philippine Army Infantry

The present-day Philippine Army Infantry is by and large influenced

by the US Army Infantry. The PA Infantry traces its roots to the Katipuneros of the
Filipino-Spanish War era, then to the Revolutionary Government of Gen Emilio
Aguinaldo during the Filipino – American war of the late 1800s.

The Commonwealth Government was mainly responsible for the

development of the Philippine Army whose core was the Infantry. Prior to the
establishment of the Commonwealth Government the United States had
assumed all obligations for national defense and maintained a garrison in the
Islands for defense purposes. The garrison numbered to about 10,000 men, half
of whom where Philippine Scouts, a US Army unit in which the enlisted men, with
some exceptions were Filipinos and most of the officers were American. The
creation of the Philippine Constabulary in 1901 overtook the development of the
Philippine Army. When the National Defense Act was enacted, there was no
Army to start with - there was only the Infantry coming from the Philippine
Constabulary.

2. Development of the Infantry Division

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a. Before World War II. The Commonwealth was divided then

into Military Districts. There were ten (10) Military Districts. These MDs were tasked
to organize Reservists forces for war.

It was envisioned that the Reserve Divisions be trained and to

be activated during the war.

The plan to activate the Military Districts into Infantry Divisions

did not fully materialize as war broke out before all MDs were activated and
equipped.

b. During the War. The Military Districts were organized,

activated and assigned to the different USAFFE units.

After the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, several guerilla units

were organized.

The Luzon area had the United States Forces in the Philippines
in Northern Luzon (USFIP-NL). This unit had the strength of two (2) divisions when
the Americans arrived.

The Hunters ROTC Guerillas in the Rizal-Laguna Provinces had

a division-sized organization composed of about 25,000 men in four (4)
Regiments.

The Central Luzon area had several guerilla units but who
were never formed into a homogenous organization.

The Mindanao and Visayas area seeing the futility of their

effort employing conventional warfare, shifted to resistance warfare employing
protracted techniques which caused them to preserve a good number of troops
and equipment until the arrival of the Americans.

c. After World War II. On May 5, 1948, the ten Pre-war Military
Districts were deactivated and were replaced by four (4) Military Areas. The first
Military Area had its headquarters in Camp Ord, Tarlac, with twelve (12)
provinces and two (2) cities in Northern and Central Luzon under its jurisdiction.
The II Military Area had its headquarters in Canlubang, Laguna with eighteen
(18) provinces and seven (7) cities in Southern Luzon as its area of responsibility.
Cebu City was the headquarters of the III Military Area and had ten (10)
provinces and four (4) cities in the Visayas under its jurisdiction. The IV Military
Area had its headquarters established in Cagayan, Misamis Oriental with
responsibility over ten (10) provinces and two (2) cities in Mindanao. It was
planned during that time an Infantry Division be assigned to every Military Area.

After the activation of these four (4) Military Areas, MAJ GEN
RAFAEL JALANDONI, the Chief of Staff, addressed the worsening peace and
order situation prevailing throughout the Philippines. He recommended the
creation of combat units designed for anti-dissident campaigns. In line with this,

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two (2) Battalion Combat Teams (BCT) were activated (the 1st and 2nd) and the
2nd Infantry Training Battalion and four (4) artillery batteries were reassigned
from the PC to the AFP.

Major changes in the organizational structure of the Army

were the activation of the 3rd Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division, a
reduction of the strength of existing BCTs and inactivation of three (3) sector
commands out of the original nine.

When the HUK rebellion worsened in the later part of 1949,

seven (7) additional Battalion Combat Teams were activated and thrown into
the forefront of the AFP’s anti-dissident campaign. These were the 3rd BCT
stationed in Fort McKinley, Rizal (now Fort Bonifacio); the 4th BCT in Umingan,
Pangasinan; the 5th BCT in Camp Ord, Tarlac; the 6th BCT in Floridablanca,
Pampanga; the 7th BCT and the 9th in Camp Evangelista, Misamis Oriental.

The BCTs also joined the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to

Korea. These BCTs were the 2nd, 10th, 14th, 19th and the 20th BCTs.

d. Advent of the Area Commands.

The rift of the Moro and the Christian settlers began to rise in
the later part of the 60s. PC and Army Forces in Southwestern Mindanao were
provided a Command-and-Control unit named South Western Command or
SOWESCOM. It composed the forces in Palawan, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and the
Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Central Mindanao Command (CEMCOM) followed suit.

Its area covered the Central Plains of Mindanao up to Davao Provinces.

Martial Law was declared in 1972 and which was followed by

the Moro uprising the following year. Infantry Divisions sent forces to augment
Army units confronting the Moro rebellion. The 4th Infantry Division which
confronted the Moro rebels was augmented by Infantry Divisions of the 1st
based in Fort Magsaysay, the 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal and the
3rd Infantry Division based in Cebu City (this was later transferred to Jamindan,
Capiz).

In the later part of the 80’s, a major reorganization of the

Army took place. The 5th in Tarlac, 6th in Cotabato City, 7th in Ft Magsaysay,
Nueva Ecija and the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan, Samar were organized.
In August of 2002 the 9th Infantry Brigade (Separate) which was envisioned to
become the 9th Infantry Division having the Bicol Region as its AOR

3. Influence of Other Countries to the Infantry.

The US Army has greatly influenced to the development of the

Infantry particularly during the formative years of the Philippine Army. Up to
today the United States Army continue to influence the growth and

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development of the Infantry in the Philippine Army. Other countries that

influenced the Infantry are Great Britain, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Singapore, Bangladesh, India and several other countries. Introduction to their
doctrines filtered to the Infantry as Filipino graduates from their military institutions
are utilized as instructors/trainors in our military schools.

Section 1-3 The Infantry Echelons

The Infantry is echeloned into infantry divisions then brigades, battalions,

companies, Platoons and the smallest is the squad.

1. Infantry Divisions

Mission: To destroy enemy military forces and to control land areas

in support of the unified command mission.

The Infantry Division is the largest composition of Infantry units in the

Philippine Army. It is a self-sustaining force requiring austere logistical support and
is capable of independent operation for long periods of time. The division equips
the Army with strategic flexibility. It is rapidly deployable and can respond
quickly to Army situation anywhere in the country. It is effective in any spectrum
of conflict, and it can operate in any type of local weather and terrain. Figure 1-
1 shows an Infantry Division (Light) Organization.

Figure 1.1 Infantry Division (Light) Organization.

2. The Infantry Brigade

Mission: To provide command, control and supervision of the

tactical operations of the brigade and attached units.

The Infantry Brigade controls three (3) or four (4) infantry battalions. It
has a Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company to provide the
Command and Control and supervision of the tactical operation. It has also

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attached units, to provide Combat Support and Combat Service Support. Figure
1–2 shows how an Infantry Brigade is tasked organized.

Figure 1.1 Infantry Brigade Task Organization

3. The Infantry Battalion

Mission: To close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver, to

destroy or capture him or repel his assault by fire, close combat and
counterattack. To conduct stability operations in an internal defense and
internal development environment.

The Infantry Battalion is composed of a Headquarters and

Headquarters Service Company and three (3) rifle companies. Figure 1-3 depicts
the Battalion Organization.

Figure 1-3 Infantry Battalion (Light) Organization

4. The Infantry Company

Mission: To close with enemy by means of fire and maneuver, to

destroy or capture him or repel his assault by fire, close combat and
counterattack.

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The Infantry Company is composed of a company headquarters

and three (3) rifle platoons, which is organized as depicted in Figure 1-4.

Figure 1-4 Infantry Company Organization

5. The Infantry Platoon

The Infantry Platoon is composed of a platoon headquarters and

three (3) rifle squads as shown in Figure 1-5.

Figure 1-5 Infantry Platoon Organization

6. The Infantry Squad

The PA Infantry squad is a 9-man squad.

RIFLE SQUAD AND WEAPONS

a. SQD LDR/TM LDR “A”/Basic Infantry weapon

b. GUNNER/Squad Automatic Weapon

c. Basic Infantry Weapon/Light Anti-tank Weapon

d. SNIPER/Basic Infantry weapon with Grenade Launcher

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e. RIFLEMAN-AIDEMAN/Basic Infantry Weapon

f. ASST SQD LDR/TM LDR “B”/ Basic Infantry Weapon/ Grenade

Launcher

g. GUNNER/Squad Automatic Weapon

h. Basic Infantry Weapon/Light Anti-tank Weapon

i. Basic Infantry Weapon with Grenade Launcher PLTN HQS

Section 3-1 Philippine Army’s Doctrine

The Philippine Army Infantry Operations’ doctrine was shaped from the
national interests, objectives, and concern for unity, independence, culture, and
the Filipino people’s pursuit for a democratic way of life. It links Army roles and
missions to the National Military Strategy and the military’s ability to respond
quickly and decisively to national requirements.

The Philippine Army’s war fighting doctrine is by and large of US origin. It

was designed to make the organization an effective and efficient army that
could perform its mandated missions.

The Philippine Army has been basing its doctrine on the development of
the US Army’s doctrine from the Active Defense of the early 70’s to the Airland
Battle Doctrine of today. From the sequential operations to simultaneous
operations in depth.

Active Defense versus Airland Battle Doctrine. The Active Defense Doctrine
was a product of the post-Vietnam War when the US established defense bases
in Europe to deter the Soviet expansion. For fear of the emergence of a
Communist bloc, US forces established strong Defense positions with European
Allies. The Active Defense was for defense purposes. The defending forces were
prepared to defeat the enemy’s attacking forces then conduct a
counterattack. The Active Defense Doctrine was espousing a counter-action to
the sequential operations of the attacking enemy.

The Israel-Arab War of 1973 showed the development of Airland Battle

Doctrine. The Airland Battle Doctrine was developed with the US considering the
idea of “winning the first battle of the next war”. It was attuned to the idea of US
force projection. The Airland Battle Doctrine suggested that with the
development of weapon system’s lethality and range other countries will be
able to equal US Armed Force capability. The Airland Battle Doctrine is an
offense-oriented doctrine that supports the known fact that offense is the
decisive form of battle. Airland Battle Doctrine espouses those offensive
operations be conducted when the enemy is preparing to conduct an attack.

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The Airland Battle Doctrine is as complex as the mind itself when

capabilities are limited. The challenges lie on the Commander of the Infantry (L)
Divisions on how he will win the battle and collectively win the nation’s war.

Section 3-3 Principles of War

The principles of war are the fundamental truths governing the

prosecution of war. These principles represent the generally accepted major
factors essential to the successful conduct of military operations. The principles
represent the threshold to understanding military operations, but they do not
themselves constitute the art of war. They closely resemble an index used to fill
one’s knowledge of the military art. Consequently, the degree of application of
any specific principles varies depending upon the situation.

Wisdom gained from the study of the basic principles of war underscores
that war is not the business of managers with checklists it is the art of leaders.

1. Principle of Objective. Direct all military operations toward a clearly

defined, decisive, and attainable objective. The Army focuses their operations to
achieve the national strategic purpose designed by higher command
authorities (Commander-in-Chief, National Security Council, and Chief of Staff,
AFP). With this purpose identified, a commander can select military objectives
and form operational and tactical objectives based on specific missions and
capabilities. Whether the objective is to destroy an enemy’s armed forces or
merely to disrupt its ability to use force effectively, the most significant
preparation a commander can make is to express clearly the objective of the
operations to subordinate commanders.

2. Principle of Offensive. Seize, retain and exploit the initiative. It

permits the military commander to capitalize on the initiative, impose his will on
the enemy, set terms, and selects the place of confrontation or battle, exploit
vulnerability, and react to rapidly changing situations and unexpected
developments. No matter what level of conflict, the side that retains the initiative
through offensive action forces the enemy to react rather than to act.

3. Principle of Mass. Concentrate combat power at the decisive place

and time. Use the strength against weakness. In the tactical dimension, this
principle suggests that a force, even though smaller than its adversary can
achieve decisive results when it concentrates or focuses the enemy’s critical
vulnerability. Mass further implies that ability to sustain momentum for decisive
results.

4. Principle of Economy of Force. Allocate minimum essential combat

power to secondary efforts. As a reciprocal of the principle of mass, economy of
force in the tactical sense requires that the minimum means be employed in the
areas other than where the main effort is employed. Prudent risks are required in
order to achieve combat superiority in areas where decisions are sought.

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5. Principle of Maneuver. Place the enemy in a position of

disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power. The objective
of maneuver is to concentrate or to disperse forces in a manner designed to
place enemy at a disadvantage, thus achieving results that would otherwise be
more costly in men and material. The advantage comes from exploiting the
maneuver differential the superiority in speed and position relative to the
adversary.

6. Principle of Unity of Command. For every objective, ensure unity of

command under one responsible commander. This principle ensures that all
efforts are focused on a common goal. Unity of command means directing and
coordinating the action of all forces toward a common goal or objective.

7. Principle of Security. Never allow the enemy to acquire an

unexpected advantage. Security is essential to the application of the other
principles of war. It consists of measures necessary to prevent surprise, avoid
annoyance, pressure, freedom of action, and deny the enemy information of
forces. Security denies the enemy and retains to the commander the ability to
employ his forces effectively. It is a condition that results from the establishment
and maintenance of protective measures to ensure a state of inviolability from
hostile acts or influences. Security is enhanced by a thorough understanding of
the enemy’s strategy, doctrine and tactics.

8. Principle of Surprise. Surprise can decisively shift the balance of

combat power. Surprise results from striking the enemy at a time and place and
in a manner of which he is unprepared. It is not essential that the enemy be
taken unaware, but only that he becomes aware too late to react effectively.
Factors contributing to surprise include speed, cover and deception, application
of unexpected combat power, effective intelligence and counterintelligence,
and variations in tactics and methods of operation.

9. Principle of Simplicity. Prepare clear, uncomplicated, and concise

plans and orders to ensure thorough understanding among common personnel.
Uncomplicated plans clearly expressed in orders promote common
understanding and intelligent execution. Simplicity must be applied to
organization, method and means in order to produce orderliness in the area of
operations.

10. Principle of Population Support. The military must at all times be the
protector and defender of the citizenry. Citizen welfare and human rights or
constitutional rights must be respected and upheld to gain popular support.
Local government and/or popular support shall be exploited in order to win the
war.

Combat service support elements maybe generated from the civilian

industries such as communication, transportation and other support services.
These forms of services will be generated from the affiliated service support units
organized by the Reserve Command of the Philippine Army prior to war.

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In counterinsurgency, the population is the rope in the government’s tug

of war with the insurgents.

Section 3-4 Elements of Combat Power

The elements of combat power such as firepower, maneuver, protection,

and leadership when available to the commander affect the strength and
morale of the unit. In applying the principles of war, the development and
application of combat power are essential in order to attain decisive results.

The development of combat power relates directly to the principles of

mass and economy force. The application of combat power is qualified by the
intelligent application of the remaining principles of war.

The degree of combat power attained reflects the commander’s

imaginative planning and leadership, organization, training and discipline of his
forces as well as their morale, esprit de corps, tire power, mobility,
communication, condition of equipment and status of supply.

1. Elements of Combat Power

a. Firepower. Firepower is the volume of fire, which may be

delivered effectively by a position, unit or weapon system. It includes the effects
of all available weapons under the direct control of a commander or deployed
outside his command. The application of firepower enables a commander to
establish fire supremacy that the enemy can neither interfere with operations nor
effectively develop on his own.

b. Maneuver. Maneuver is an essential ingredient of combat

power. It contributes materially in exploiting success and in preserving freedom
of action and reducing vulnerability. The object of maneuver is to depose a
force in a manner that places the enemy at a relative disadvantage and thus
achieve results that would otherwise be more costly in men and material.
Successful maneuver requires flexibility in organization, combat service support,
and command and control. The successful use of this element means the
movement of combat power at the proper time, at a specific place, and under
a particular condition without placing a strain on discipline or losing unity of
command.

c. Protection. Protection conserves the fighting potential of the

force so that commander can apply it at a decisive time and place. Protection
has four components: (1) operational security and deception operations; (2)
maintenance of health and morale of soldiers; (3) safety; and (4) avoidance of
fratricide.

d. Leadership. Leadership provides purpose, direction and

motivation in combat. Leaders determine how maneuver, firepower and
protection are used, ensuring that these elements are effectively employed
against the enemy. Professional competence, personality and the will of strong

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commanders represent a significant part of any unit’s combat power. These

have positive bearing on the outcome of battles and campaigns.

2. Related Factors. Certain factors bear directly or indirectly on

combat power. When properly applied in consideration of the principles of war,
these factors ensure full development and decisive application of combat
power.

a. Terrain. Terrain is an important factor in the application of

combat power. The significance of terrain varies with the echelon of command
and the nature of operation. The commander evaluates the terrain in
conjunction with his mission and seeks to use the terrain to his advantage.

b. Climate and Weather. Climate and weather have significant

effects on all types of military operation. Weather affects observation, control,
and performances of personnel, air support, and the range and effectiveness of
weapons. Both climate and weather affect combat service support
requirements. As with terrain, the commander seeks and takes advantage of
climate and weather in developing and applying combat power in the pursuit
of his objectives.

c. Coordination and Control. The effective application of

combat power requires full coordination of effort throughout all echelons.
Coordination is a basic function of command and is particularly significant in
deriving full advantage from fire and maneuver. Coordination of all fire support
means ensure the maximum benefit from available firepower resources and
enhance the effectiveness of maneuver.

d. Vulnerability and Risk. Vulnerability is the susceptibility of a

force to be damaged by enemy action. Such measures as deception,
dispersion, cover, concealment, movement, speed of reaction, air defense,
counter battery fires, intelligence, and control may assist in reducing
vulnerability. However, measures to reduce vulnerability to one form may
increase vulnerability to other forms of attack. Risk is inherent in war and is
involved in every mission. Although the commander avoids unnecessary risk,
accomplishment of the mission is an important consideration. He carefully
evaluates each course of action in terms of relative vulnerability and risk. If the
risks are unacceptable, he must revise the plan. The commander must take
calculated risks for the accomplishing of their mission.

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