Submachine Gun Squad Commander

By Mike Ellis

As the Second World War progressed no other nation adopted the use of the submachine gun to the extent that the Soviet Red Army did. In 1942 every rifle regiment had a submachine gun company attached to it, and later in 1943 the rifle company converted one of the three rifle platoons into a submachine gun platoon. This article is a translation of the manual, “Pamphlet For Squad Commanders of Submachine Gun Units” on the topic of military tactics of the formation – Military Publications People’s Commissariat of Defense 1943.

The Mission of the Infantry

– The mission of infantry on the attack is to close with and destroy the enemy (or take him prisoner) in hand-to-hand combat via the skilled use of automatic fires and competent maneuver in the field. Immediately thereafter, the infantry must fortify the recently-seized positions and be prepared for counter-attack.

– The mission of the infantry on the defense is to cut-off attacking enemy forces, inflict heavy losses upon the enemy and hold an assigned area via the use of competent and accurate fires and decisive counter-attacks.

– The decisive movements of infantry on the attack and surprise defense can be the decisive factor in a battle.

– Fire, maneuver, and hand-to-hand combat are the basic actions of the infantry.

The fundamentals of success for the infantry in battle are:

Clear comprehension by all commanders and troops of their mission
Use of their arms in the most intelligent possible manner to defeat the enemy
Understanding of the enemy’s capabilities
Unwavering efforts to close with the enemy in order to engage him in close combat
Intelligent efforts in applying forces and means to achieve victory

In order to succeed in battle the infantry must:

Be ready at a moment’s notice to enter battle
Be ready to change direction of efforts without notice
Not allow the enemy to take him by surprise; maintain area security during down times, establish and maintain “sekrets”, and continue reconnaissance efforts
Fully integrate and maintain anti-tank and anti-air defenses, as well as chemical defense
In all cases maintain cooperation with assigned enablers (such as machine guns, mortars, anti-tank rifles, artillery, etc.) and with neighboring units

In contemporary battle successful attacks and defenses with minimal casualties are only possible with the capable consideration of local conditions and rapid entrenchment on site. Because of this, every soldier and squad, without waiting for orders, should immediately and rapidly entrench upon any halt in movement (aside from designated halts for rest), digging these entrenchments to complete profile, to include anti-tank and anti-air defense considerations.

Fires and the submachine gun squad – Success in a firefight can only be achieved by using the fires of the entire squad against only a small part of the enemy’s force – preferably making use of complete surprise.

TO achieve success in a firefight, it’s critical to:

Seamlessly integrate the infantry with supporting forces, pre-planning fires before the battle starts such that on the attack these supporting fires can provide suppression along the entire route of advance and on the defense engage enemy attacks piecemeal such that they are attritted and degraded before even reaching the main line of defense.
Maintain vigilant observation of the battlefield, identifying new targets, evaluating the ongoing battle and possible signs of enemy activity
Direct fires of the unit in such a manner that the most important enemy threats are rapidly and efficiently neutralized with minimum resources
Organize resupply efforts during down time between skirmishes.

TO achieve success in a firefight, it’s critical to:

Seamlessly integrate the infantry with supporting forces, pre-planning fires before the battle starts such that on the attack these supporting fires can provide suppression along the entire route of advance and on the defense engage enemy attacks piecemeal such that they are attritted and degraded before even reaching the main line of defense.
Maintain vigilant observation of the battlefield, identifying new targets, evaluating the ongoing battle and possible signs of enemy activity
Direct fires of the unit in such a manner that the most important enemy threats are rapidly and efficiently neutralized with minimum resources
Organize resupply efforts during down time between skirmishes.

The submachine gun squad commander’s role is to:

Select and clearly identify to all under his command all landmarks within the unit’s zone of fire; designate those which are most important for later reference during battle; number all landmarks from right to left and designate these with names (crossroads, clearing, butcher’s hut, etc.)
Identify to the squad the lanes of fire for the unit; identify areas which are also under possible by neighboring friendly forces
Put thought into fields of fire for each weapon and position; do not allow continued and repeated firing from a single position, but rather have several to rotate between with a pre-planned rotation for use during battle
Maintain observation of the battlefield, develop and evaluate new targets, determine the ranges of these for indirect and direct fires, and select the weapons systems which might most effectively defeat the same
Prepare reports for the application of indirect fires (target, targeting grid, form of fires, number of rounds to be expended) and create/maintain target reference points
Select the most favorable moment to open fire, identify the targets, correct fires and shift as necessary from one to another targeting reference point; concentrate fires on a single point as necessary/divide between several during complex situations; open or cease fire as a unit.

The submachine gun squad commander’s role is to:

Select and clearly identify to all under his command all landmarks within the unit’s zone of fire; designate those which are most important for later reference during battle; number all landmarks from right to left and designate these with names (crossroads, clearing, butcher’s hut, etc.)
Identify to the squad the lanes of fire for the unit; identify areas which are also under possible by neighboring friendly forces
Put thought into fields of fire for each weapon and position; do not allow continued and repeated firing from a single position, but rather have several to rotate between with a pre-planned rotation for use during battle
Maintain observation of the battlefield, develop and evaluate new targets, determine the ranges of these for indirect and direct fires, and select the weapons systems which might most effectively defeat the same
Prepare reports for the application of indirect fires (target, targeting grid, form of fires, number of rounds to be expended) and create/maintain target reference points
Select the most favorable moment to open fire, identify the targets, correct fires and shift as necessary from one to another targeting reference point; concentrate fires on a single point as necessary/divide between several during complex situations; open or cease fire as a unit.

Amongst identified targets which cannot be defeated by the means available to the squad; notify the platoon leader (hand-carrying if necessary) in order to inform the next higher commander – of artillery, mortars, anti-tank troops etc. – which targets must be destroyed or suppressed.

Duties of the commander

The commander bears sole responsibility for composition and military preparedness of his squad, for the organization of its’ efforts, and its’ performance during battle.

The commander must:

Ensure that the political education and morale of his squad is as high as possible; maintain military discipline, military readiness, and military readiness of his subordinates as soldiers
Capably take responsibility for ALL elements of the battle
Be the center of gravity and direction for his subordinates, an example of unwavering bravery, up to and including self-sacrifice. He must be an example of self-discipline, endurance, and self-composure, especially when times are tough
Competently command his unit in battle
Continually work to maintain and improve military and political readiness
Know regulations, field manuals, and general orders of the Red Army
Know all weapons systems and military technology, and how to make use of these in battle
Study the technical means and methods of the enemy
Work to educate his subordinates in the same; insisting each is fully competent on the safe and effective use of his personal weapon to tirelessly inflict losses on the enemy
Know the condition of his subordinates and squad as a whole; their morale and emotional state as well as material readiness, supplies on-hand, condition of uniforms and equipment, footwear (socks too) and above all ensure they have everything necessary for both battle and life.
Care for his soldiers and ensure they have time for rest and recuperation, living conditions and necessary items, take note of his soldier’s achievements, ensure misconduct is punished, and shepard the military traditions of the unit

Accurate, timely, and unquestioning completion of all military orders is the most basic of military duties of the commander. In the event that the situation severely differs from the expected, the commander must act under his own initiative.

A lack of orders from the higher commander must never serve as an excuse for lack of initiative or activity in battle.

For successful completion of assigned tasks the commander must understand the concept of initiative, military cunning, how to deceive the enemy – he must be “street smart”.

The submachine gun squad commander on the ground, having given orders on squad orientation, lays out tasks to his subordinates by explaining the following:

Where is the enemy and what is he doing?
What is the main mission of the squad?
Where are neighboring friendly units, and what are their missions?
For his subordinates, what are the orders for each individual man?

5) Signals and markers for leading your troops.

Having given these initial orders to his squad, the submachine gun commander designates a deputy squad commander who takes charge in the event that he is unable to continue his duties; he ensures the deputy is able to repeat back to him all standing orders for the squad.

The commander must take all actions necessary to ensure his orders are carried out, without hesitation or overthinking; he must be decisive and avoid confusion that might be caused by incomplete or multiple confusing commands. He must command full adherence to his orders, decisiveness from his subordinates in battle, stubbornness in defense, and full readiness of his forces.

During the course of battle the commander must not waver in his combat presence in leading the squad:

Conduct continuous reconnaissance of the enemy
Maintain understanding of the entire field of battle, the overhead airspace, to know the location of his subordinates, neighboring units, and higher commanders, and maintain communications with the same
Ensure both flanks and the rear areas of his unit are secure
Ensure given orders are being followed
Receive the signals and signs of his higher commander or neighboring units and as necessary respond to these
Look for indicators of of armored, aviation, and chemical threats and respond to these promptly
Rapidly exploit the results of his unit’s fires on enemy positions for rapid movement or a swift attack against the same
Oversee the construction of trenches and trench shelters
Concisely, truthfully, and accurately report all activities observed on the field of battle to the higher commander and neighboring units
Among his subordinates, support taking the initiative, encourage bravery, self-reliance, military acumen and ingenuity
Organize the treatment and evacuation of the wounded
Provide for supplies to his subordinates (including military supplies and fuel)

The commander must always consider the impact his unit’s actions will have on neighboring units and cultivate the same in his subordinates.

The commander must be an example of revolutionary vigilance, vigilance in the war against spies, sabotage, and deserters and demand the same from his subordinates; he must severely care for military secrets, he must firmly suppress all harmful and false rumors.

During the course of battle the commander must not waver in his combat presence in leading the squad:

Conduct continuous reconnaissance of the enemy
Maintain understanding of the entire field of battle, the overhead airspace, to know the location of his subordinates, neighboring units, and higher commanders, and maintain communications with the same
Ensure both flanks and the rear areas of his unit are secure
Ensure given orders are being followed
Receive the signals and signs of his higher commander or neighboring units and as necessary respond to these
Look for indicators of of armored, aviation, and chemical threats and respond to these promptly
Rapidly exploit the results of his unit’s fires on enemy positions for rapid movement or a swift attack against the same
Oversee the construction of trenches and trench shelters
Concisely, truthfully, and accurately report all activities observed on the field of battle to the higher commander and neighboring units
Among his subordinates, support taking the initiative, encourage bravery, self-reliance, military acumen and ingenuity
Organize the treatment and evacuation of the wounded
Provide for supplies to his subordinates (including military supplies and fuel)

The commander must always consider the impact his unit’s actions will have on neighboring units and cultivate the same in his subordinates.

Combat Operations

The most fundamental task of the Submachine Gun squad is:

Rapid, daring, and unexpected operations on the flanks and to the rear of enemy units, with the aim of inflicting severe losses on them via automatic fire, spreading panic, disrupting lines of command and control, and blocking escape routes.
Organizing ambushes, the capture of prisoners, and the destruction of enemy forces who have penetrated into Soviet rear areas
Actions as part of mechanized operations to support Armored forces (tank descent)

The submachine gun squad acts as a part of the submachine gun platoon or independently, and can be attached to standard rifle units.

Skillfully using their weapons, the squad must be prepared to attack even enemy units who number several times their own size in order to destroy or capture these.

The submachine gun squad approaches an enemy force with the goal of getting as close as possible, only opening fire at close range and all soldiers commencing fire at the same time.

Submachine gun units consume a large amount of ammunition. Because of this, the squad commander must take care to ensure that there is a consistent and continued supply with a reserve of ammunition.

A submachine gun squad operates in battle in small groups on a wide front. One of the groups is designated as leading operations [point group]. The squad leader always accompanies this group.

The Submachine Gun Squad on the attack

When advancing, the submachine gun squad moves either as a chain or in small groups of 2-3 men in the general form of an infantry formation. Upon commencing the attack phase, the squad opens concentrated fire against known and strongly-suspected enemy positions located at the leading edge of enemy defenses.

The submachine gun squad identifies unoccupied or weakly-defended areas, then boldly pushes through these areas. Having broken through front line enemy defenses, the submachine gun squad then turns and attacks enemy positions from the flanks or rear. Priority should be given to destroying or disrupting enemy heavy weapons such as machine guns, mortars, and anti-tank weapons. Immediately after, the submachine gun squad directs fires to help clear a route for advancing friendly infantry by attacking enemy command points and headquarters.

During the enemy counter-attack, the submachine gun group coordinates with the parent rifle unit to support with fires, in particular attacking enemy attacks at the flanks and attempting to penetrate behind the rear of such formations.

During an attempted enemy withdrawal, the squad quickly intercepts the main route of enemy advance using effective fires, and does not allow the enemy to withdraw any material elements. The squad destroys withdrawing enemy units or takes them prisoner wholesale.

When attacking in forests (or in overgrown areas), the squad must “comb” the area carefully and attempts to strike enemy forces from the flank undetected.

The Submachine Gun Squad on the attack

When attacking in forests (or in overgrown areas), the squad must “comb” the area carefully and attempts to strike enemy forces from the flank undetected.

The Submachine Gun Squad on the Defense

The mission of the submachine gun squad on the defense is:

Fill gaps between friendly units
Destroy or capture enemy forces that have broken through the main line of defense
Take part in defending from enemy attacks

In the moment immediately after enemy preparatory artillery shifts to target friendly areas further to the rear, the submachine gun squad quickly and secretly moves out of cover and into pre-prepared, pre-designated positions along the front line for immediate response to the enemy attack. Such movements are best executed along a known line of communication or a hidden approach away from enemy observation. As a unit, the submachine gun squad destroys attacking enemy forces with concentrated fire from all submachine guns.

To ensure gaps between rifle units are secure the submachine gun squad commander deploys his men in groups of 2-3 spread at a distance of 100-150 meters between, ensuring positions can provide mutual fire support. When the enemy approaches within 200-100 meters [closer is preferred], the submachine gunners open destructive fire using all available automatic weapons.

If the enemy manages to breach the platoon’s security perimeter, the commander must immediately report this to his senior commander, inform neighboring units, and continue engaging the enemy while awaiting further orders.

Submachine gun squads supporting a counter-attack by a friendly rifle platoon aims to flank the enemy that has infiltrated, and cooperates with the rifle squad unit to deliver fire on the enemy’s flank and rear with the goal of destroying or capturing them during the counterattack.

Upon receiving the task to eliminate the penetrated enemy, the platoon leader quickly and discreetly advances to the designated location with the automatic riflemen, stealthily approaches the enemy, launches a sudden attack from the flank and rear, and eliminates them with automatic rifle fire and hand grenades.

The rifle squad, while covering the withdrawal of the rifle squad unit, suddenly engages the pursuing enemy with fire from the flanks, ambush positions, or holds them back from advantageous positions.

The Submachine Gun Squad on the Defense

The mission of the submachine gun squad on the defense is:

Fill gaps between friendly units
Destroy or capture enemy forces that have broken through the main line of defense
Take part in defending from enemy attacks

Signals and Signs for Communications

Item Number	Symbol/Sign	Description
1	Attention	Raised hand to head-height
2	“I see…”, “I hear…” (I understand your signal)	Raise both hands to head height, then drop them
3	“Repeat…” (I did not understand your signal)	Raise both hands to head height, then wave cross-wise in front of face
4	“Assemble on me”	Raise one hand above head to full height, rotate arm several times in a small circle, then drop immediately towards ground
5	“Deploy on line” (from marching formation)	Extend both arms to the sides several times
6	“Halt!” (take cover, cease fire)	Raise arm in air, drop to ground repeatedly in-front of face
7	“Advance” (forward in a new direction)	Raise one hand to head-height, make several energetic swings with the other and leave it in the direction of movement
8	“Open fire!”	Raise both arms outward to shoulder height, hold there until fire has commenced
9	“Bring ammo!”	Raise your hand to head-height and swing it to the side outward
10	Right, Left, Forward, to the Rear (in the desired direction etc.)	Raise hand above head to maximum extension, lower it several times to shoulder height in the same direction
11	“I see the enemy…”	Extend both hands to shoulder height and hold there (do not extend outward, but upward)
12	“Route is clear…”	Raise arm to shoulder height and drop it several times
13	“Gas!!”	Raise your cap above your head

Note 1. Signals can be given with the hand, with a shovel, or other small objects.

Note 2. The commander may give signals to only a small part of the formation by slight variation; eg. a shovel with blade up (calling first detachment), shovel with blade down (calling second unit)

Note 3. If you have given a signal, you must receive a response in form of hand signal #2.

Performing Engineering Work

Upon receiving the platoon commander’s order, the squad leader leads the squad to the area of their position and specifies the location of the trench. Observation and shelling are checked while lying down, the necessary height of the parapet is established, and work to clear the shelling area is outlined.

After specifying the location of the trench, the breaking and tracing of bends and boundaries of excavations and embankments (parapets) are carried out. At the beginning of the work, the surface layer of soil (sod, plow) at the site of excavations and embankments is removed and piled up in a designated area, which will be used for camouflage after the work is completed.

Minor clearance of the observation and shelling is carried out simultaneously with the excavation of the trenches. When dealing with a large volume of shelling area clearance work, it is advisable to start with that, and after its completion, proceed with the construction of the trench.

The squad leader ensures that the correct size and shape of the trench are maintained and oversees camouflage. Upon completion of the work, they thoroughly check the convenience of firing and throwing hand grenades from the trench. The squad leader indicates the locations of additional firing positions that are not accessible from the trench. Additional positions can be constructed both within the trench itself and in the communication trenches adjacent to it. The camouflage of the trench is checked by the squad leader from the enemy’s side. The sequence of work:

First phase: clearance of observation and shelling, construction of firing positions, and false trenches, camouflage of communication trenches for movement to reserve trenches.
Second phase: construction of reserve trenches and firing positions, connection of communication trenches between the main trenches and along the front line, and adaptation to the terrain.
Third phase: construction of communication trenches to the rear, connecting communication trenches to reserve trenches, slots, under-parapet niches, and equipping trenches and communication trenches with combat and logistical equipment. It is permitted to construct both paired and single portable positions. The positions must be constructed no less than two.

A. First stage of work: half-depth foxholes for two men each

B. Second stage of work: construction of alternate firing positions and communications trenches between foxholes

C. Third stage of work: installation of overhead cover for majority of positions

Closing Thoughts

As a translation of Памятка Командиру Отделения Автоматчиков, a 1943 guide for squad leaders which summarized two years of bloody lessons for the RKKA; many of the topics covered in this document can and should be applied to modern ostfront reenactments. The same level of commitment put towards uniforms and equipment should be put towards organization, leadership, and tactics in the field. As reenactors, one of our primary goals is to take the lessons from that time and apply them to our modern day hobby.

If you are interested in reading more about how to apply these lessons in a reenactment setting, please take a look at the PDF below containing Commander’s commentary for the contemporary soviet reenactor. The added notes are several reenactors’ thoughts on the document as they pertain to us today, based on a combined 50 years in the hobby and more than ten years’ of active duty military service.