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We expect our first-line leaders to make common-sense decisions on the battlefield every day, often under adverse or unexpected conditions. In any combat situation, many first-line leaders are inexperienced. Mistakes by combat leaders can lead to tragic losses -- that may have been preventable by a seasoned leader. History shows us action taken at company and platoon level has the greatest impact on reducing fratricide.

While fratricide cannot be eliminated, we must be constantly on guard for ways to reduce the risk. The purpose of this guide is to directly assist troop leaders in assessing and reducing that risk. While platoon leaders and their company commanders may still be gaining experience, their senior NCOs are frequently seasoned by years of field and live-fire training. Together, they can apply this Risk Assessment methodology to effectively protect their soldiers while accomplishing the mission.

This simple and straightforward approach capitalizes on the lessons learned form combat operations and from unit experiences at the Combat Training Center (CTCs). The structure will cause the combat leader to take a careful look at the most critical factors contributing to fratricide for his particular operation. This will allow leaders who have never been in a fight to make decisions as if they were veterans. Where conditions indicate a high risk of fratricide, the leader employs appropriate risk reduction measures in his scheme of fire and maneuver.

This is leader business -- if it works in training, you can count on it in the fight!

WILSON A SHOFFNER
Lieutenant General, USA
Commanding