Iranian Soldiers: Structure

This is the second of a 3 part post on the Training, Structure and Equipment of Iranian soldiers on the battlefield.

A German KSK Fireteam

To best make use of improved training and possibly equipment, Iranian Armed Forces should adopt a "fireteam" structure at the micro level. This typically consists of 4 men with varying roles.

In the British Armed Forces, a fireteam consists of:

• Team Leader: The NCO will carry an L85A2 rifle with an L17A2 underslung grenade launcher. Some units vary with one of the privates carrying the grenade launcher rather than the NCO.
• Rifleman: One private carries the L85A2 rifle.
• Automatic Rifleman: One private carries L110A1 light machine gun or L86A2 light support weapon.
• Designated Marksman: One private carries the L129A1 designated marksman rifle.

(Wikipedia)

Many other armies have a grenadier as a specified role. In the British model, the Team Leader (an NCO) has an underslung grenade launcher, with the role of grenadier instead taken up by a "Designated Marksman". As the name implies, the Designated Marksman has a rifle more suited to long range engagements. This may be the better choice for Iran, which as a large mountainous country, will have range feature heavily in engagements. The other members of the fireteam are the Automatic Rifleman, who is armed with an LMG which can add firepower and suppressive fire in heavy firefights. Finally, a rifleman armed with a standard issue assault rifle adds extra flexibility.

Iran's already extensive use of the Dragunov lends this rifle well to the designated marksman role

Flexibility is a key reason for the usage of fireteams. Fireteams can engage enemies in both urban and rural combat, with their combination of range and firepower. This small unit size ensures agility, which would fit well with Iran's asymmetric warfare doctrine. Fire teams can be first implemented in professional units (if not applied already) and later adaptations could be made to incorporate them into conscripted forces.