What is the mission of the Marine Rifle Squad?

The mission of the Marine Rifle Squad is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver. This definition encapsulates the fundamental combat roles and tactics that a rifle squad is trained to execute. The focus on locating and closing with the enemy underscores the importance of not just engaging from a distance but actively pursuing and confronting them on the battlefield. Maneuvering means that the squad must be adaptable and able to change positions or tactics in response to the enemy’s actions, which is crucial for maintaining the initiative and gaining advantages in combat.

This mission is central to the Marine Corps’ infantry tactics, where engagement with the enemy is essential for achieving broader objectives. While other options mention aspects like defense and intelligence gathering, they do not capture the core offensive capability that defines a rifle squad’s primary role in combat operations. Thus, the emphasis on the combination of fire and maneuver highlights the dynamic nature of infantry operations, making this answer the most fitting representation of the squad's mission.