603. GROUP DEFENSE
a. One Against Two.—When one Marine is engaged by two enemy opponents, he immediately dashes to the outboard flank of the nearest enemy. Should he allow himself to be caught between the two, he will be easily killed. He always keeps an enemy between himself and the other enemy so they can be engaged and killed one at a time. A savage attack and quick disposal of one enemy, before the second can move to the aid of the first, turns the tide. (See fig. [25].)
1. Approach
2. Contact
3. Alternate attack
Figure 23.—Two Against One.
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 24.—Three Against Two.
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 25.—One Against Two.
b. Two Against Three.—When two Marines are engaged by three enemy, both move to the outboard flanks of the enemy, leaving one enemy in the middle. Each Marine savagely attacks and disposes of his adversary before the enemy in the middle can act to help one of his companions. Once one Marine has defeated his opponent he turns on the lone enemy in the middle. Again, victory will go the side which acts swiftly and aggressively. (See fig. [26].)
Two Against Three.
Figure 26.—Two Against Three.