What is the goal of a Marine rifle squad's defense?

The primary goal of a Marine rifle squad's defense is to repel enemy assaults through strategic combat. This involves organizing the squad to utilize their training, weapons, and tactics effectively to deny the enemy access to vital positions, protect friendly forces, and maintain control of the area. The squad employs various defensive actions, such as establishing firing positions, utilizing cover and concealment, and coordinating movement and engagement strategies to thwart enemy advances.

In a defensive operation, the emphasis is placed on maximizing the strengths of the squad while exploiting the vulnerabilities of the adversary. This approach may include fortifying positions, anticipating enemy tactics, and conducting counterattacks when opportunities arise. Achieving these objectives ensures that the squad can maintain operational effectiveness and integrity in the face of enemy threats.

Other choices, such as engaging in dialogue, controlling territory through negotiation, or focusing solely on gathering intelligence, do not align with the immediate and decisive nature of a defensive combat strategy. Defensive operations are fundamentally about combat readiness and response rather than communication or negotiation.