The mission of a rifle squad is fundamentally centered around the concepts of locating, closing with, and destroying the enemy. This encompasses the squad’s primary role in maneuver warfare, where the objective is to engage the enemy effectively and decisively. The squad is structured to work cohesively, using teamwork and tactics to identify enemy positions, advance toward them, and employ direct fire to eliminate threats. This triad of actions—locate, close with, and destroy—captures the essence of what a rifle squad is trained to do in combat situations, emphasizing offensive operations aimed at neutralizing enemy forces.
In contrast, while reconnaissance missions, establishing defensive positions, and conducting combat support operations are important military tasks, they are typically the focus of other specialized units or roles within a broader tactical framework. A rifle squad's main focus remains on offensive operations, which makes the chosen answer the most accurate reflection of its core mission.