INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

To function effectively under both normal and hostile conditions, each individual must be mobile. The individual must be able to move from one position to another while offering the least exposure to the enemy and weapons fire. There are several ways of getting from one place to another when you deploy. Some General rules:

• Maintain noise discipline; take advantage of background noise and terrain conditions to conceal your movement.
• Move by bounds or short distances to avoid detection and scan the area in front of you for enemy and their positions.
• ALWAYS select a new position BEFORE you move
• Avoid the skyline since a dark outline stand out against the lighter sky
• Avoid clear areas when possible
• Once in position, do not move unless you must, movement is the quickest way to reveal your position

Rush

The fastest way to move on foot when there is spotty cover and the possibility of enemy fire exists. The distance covered in each rush depends on the amount of cover available, terrain features, and whether you are receiving fire. Generally a rush maneuver should be done in short bursts (a maximum of 15 meters). Move quickly to the spot selected or directed by the leader, hit the ground (prone position), then immediately roll left or right to cover and conceal yourself and confuse the enemy as to your exact location. Be prepared to move to your next location and continue this method until you have reached the final objective.

Considerations before staring your rush:

•  spot you are going to rush to

•  the distance involved

•  the probability of hostile fire

•  visibility

•  amount of cover

Crawl

If you are under observation or hostile fire, the rush will expose you to unnecessary danger. In these situations the best way to move to a new position is by crawling. There are 3 techniques and the method you use depends on visibility, availability of cover, the speed needed, and terrain features.

1. Crawling on hands and knees – When near the objective and there is some cover.
2. High crawl – When speed is required but you can't use the rushing technique. Crawl on your elbows and keeping your body as close to the ground as possible.
3. Low crawl – If cover and concealment is scarce, visibility is good, speed is not essential, or you are receiving hostile fire.

FIRE TEAM AND FORMATIONS

Terms and Definitions

1. Fire Team Formation – The arrangement of elements and fire team members in relation to each other.
2. Squad Formation – The relationship between fire teams in the squad.
3. Movement Techniques – The manner an element uses to traverse terrain

All movement formations are used for CONTROL , FLEXIBILITY , and SECURITY .

The leader must choose the best movement formation based on METT-T

Composition

The basic fire team consists of:

•  Fire Team Leader

•  Grenadier

•  Automatic Rifleman

•  Rifleman

Fire Team Formations

1. WEDGE

The Wedge is the basic formation used by the Fire Team. The interval between Fire Team members is normally about 10 meters. This distance may increase or decrease as terrain or weather dictates.

• Wedge Formation (Fire Team)

1 – Team leader (point man)

2 – Automatic Rifleman

3 – Grenadier (pace count)

4 – Rifleman (compass man)

• Characteristics

Basic formation, easy control, good flexibility, provides immediate fire in all directions, provides good security.

1. MODIFIED WEDGE

When moving through dense brush, the sides of the wedge may also contract to the point where it is almost a single file. This is called the Modified Wedge.

1. FILE

A file formation may be used if the terrain precludes the use of a wedge (Normal interval of 10 meters).

• File Formation (Fire Team)

1 – Team leader (point man)

2 – Automatic Rifleman

3 – Grenadier (pace count)

4 – Rifleman (compass man)

• Characteristics

Close terrain (for limited visibility), easiest control, less flexible than the wedge, immediate fires to flanks, fires to front are masked, provides the least security.

ACTIONS AT THE HALT

During movement, if a Fire Team is to maintain stealth and be attuned to the surrounding terrain of its operations it must periodically stop. The first rule is to maintain security at all times.

Long Halt

A Long halt is classified as anything over 3 minutes in duration.

Immediate Actions:

•  all individuals assume the prone position

•  maintain security - visual scanning of surroundings

•  minimize unnecessary movement – remain motionless

•  maintain noise discipline

•  await additional orders

Short Halt

A Short halt is classified as anything less than 3 minutes in duration.

Immediate Actions:

•  all individuals take a knee

•  maintain security - visual scanning of surroundings

•  minimize unnecessary movement – remain motionless

•  maintain noise discipline

•  await additional orders

Security Halt

A Security Halt is established after departing and before re-entering a friendly unit's front, crossing a danger area, prior to occupying an objective rally point (ORP), map checks, and whenever a Leader designates.

Immediate Actions:

•  all individuals take a knee

•  maintain security - visual scanning of surroundings

•  minimize unnecessary movement – remain motionless

•  maintain noise discipline

•  await additional orders

360 Degree Security Halt

Circle shaped Perimeter: (when moving in a Wedge/Modified Wedge) - An arrangement of individuals so as to have weapons facing outward in a complete circle. The flanks are closed to ensure 360 degree security coverage. Support weapons are facing most probable direction of the enemy.

Cigar shaped Perimeter: (when moving in a File) – The point man gets down where he is facing forward. All other members take 3 paces in the direction of their muzzle and get down behind the nearest cover and concealment. The last man in the file is responsible for rear security.