What is the mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad?

• A. To locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat.
• B. To provide area security and reconnaissance only.
• C. To resupply front-line units with ammunition only.
• D. To remain in place and avoid engagement.

Answer: (A)

The mission of the Marine Corps rifle squad is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. This defines the squad as the primary close-quarters fighting element, capable of both offensive action—finding the enemy, maneuvering to gain an advantage, and destroying them—and defensive action—stiffing an assault with sustained fire and coordinated movements to hold ground. In practice, the squad uses its fire teams and leader-directed maneuver to apply pressure, pin the enemy, flank when possible, and deliver decisive blows to seize or defend terrain.

Other options describe tasks not central to the rifle squad’s purpose: area security and reconnaissance are tasks more typical of security or reconnaissance elements; resupplying front-line units with ammunition is a logistics function; remaining in place and avoiding engagement would fail to achieve mission objectives in combat.