Basic Laws of Combat
1. You are not Superman.
2. Suppressive fires - won't.
3. If it's stupid but works - it isn't stupid.
4. Don't look conspicuous - it draws fire.
5. When in doubt, empty the magazine.
6. Never share a fighting hole with anyone braver than you are.
7. Never forget your weapon was made by the lowest bidder.
8. If your attack is going really well - it's an ambush.
9. No plan survives the first contact - intact.
10. All five-second grenade fuses will burn down in three seconds.
11. Try to look unimportant, because the bad guys might be low on ammo.
12. If you are forward of your position - arty will fall short.
13. The enemy diversion you are ignoring is the main attack.
14. The important things are always simple.
15. The simple things are always hard.
16. The easy way is always mined.
17. If you are short of everything except enemy - you are in combat.
18. If you have secured an area, don't forget to tell the enemy.
19. Incoming fire has the right of way.
20. No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
21. If the enemy is in range - so are you.
22. Beer math: 37 men times 2 beers each equals 50 cases.
23. Body count math: 3 goomers plus one probable plus 2 water buffalo = 40 enemy killed in action.
24. Friendly fire - isn't.
25. Things that must go together to work - usually aren't shipped in the same container.
26. Radios will fail as soon as you desperately need fire support.
27. Anything you do can get you shot - including doing nothing.
28. If you make it too tough for the enemy to get in - you can't get out.
29. Tracers work BOTH ways.
30. The only thing more accurate than enemy fire is incoming friendly fire.
31. If you can take more than your fair share of objectives - you will have more than your fair share to take.
32. When both sides are convinced they are about to lose - they're both right.
33. Professional soldiers are predictable - but the world is full of amateurs.
34. Any significant military action will occur at the junction of two or more map sheets.
35. When the pin is pulled - Mr. Grenade is not our friend.
36. Don't draw fire - it annoys the people around you.
37. Never tell a Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do.
LowCarb Marine does not claim originality to these items - only collection and editing - special thanks to Gene at Bluejacket.com
Add your favorite USMC sarcasm and wit to the list.
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