The rifle fire team is the basic combat unit of the rifle squad and is formed around the automatic rifle, which is an M16 service rifle, with the selector lever always turned to frilly automatic. The fire team normally consists of four men, although it may contain as few as three and as many as seven men. All members are armed with the M16 service rifle. The four basic members are the following:

1. Fire team leader

2. Automatic rifleman

3. Rifleman number 1

4. Rifleman number 2

Fire Team Leader

The fire team leader, generally a second class petty officer (E-5), carries out the orders of his squad leader and is responsible to him for the effective employment of his fire team. His primary responsibility is to control his fire team in combat. In addition, he is responsible for the care and condition of the weapons and equipment of the fire team. The fire team leader stations himself where he can best control the fire of the automatic rifles of the team. He usually controls his men through real and visual communications, since there are normally no radio or telephone communications below the platoon commander's level. Although he is armed with the service rifle, his primary duty as a leader comes first; and he serves as a rifleman only when absolutely necessary. The senior fire team leader serves as assistant squad leader and is prepared to take over the squad in the event that the squad leader becomes a casualty.

Automatic Rifleman

The automatic rifleman, generally a third class petty officer (E-4), provides heavy firepower and is the backbone of the fire team. He is responsible to the fire team leader for the effective employment of his automatic rifle as well as its condition and care. The automatic rifleman acts as the fire team leader's assistant and takes over in his absence.

Rifleman Number 1

Rifleman number 1, generally a constructionman (E-3), carries extra ammunition for the automatic rifleman. The automatic rifle must be kept in action at all times; if the automatic rifleman becomes a casualty, rifleman number 1 moves up and replaces him. In addition, rifleman number 1 is armed with the service rifle and acts as a rifleman and a scout. He assists rifleman number 2 in protecting the flank (exposed side) of the fire team.

Rifleman Number 2

Rifleman number 2, a constructionman (E-3) or an apprentice (E-2), serves as a rifleman and protects the flank of the fire team. He is point man for all team formations and may also serve as a scout. If more than four men are assigned to the fire team, the additional men have the same general duties as rifleman number 2. All are armed with the service rifle.