Movement Techniques
Objective
Action: Apply the movement techniques necessary to
lead a patrol.
Condition: As a patrol leader in a simulated combat
environment.
Standard: Understood the principles of squad movement
IAW FM 3-21.8, The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad,
and SH 21-76 Ranger Handbook.
Movement Formations
Movement formations are the ordered arrangement of
forces that describes the general configuration of a unit
on the ground.
They determine the distance between Soldiers, sectors of
fire, and responsibilities for 360-degree security.
They provide the Leader:
– Control
– Flexibility
– Security
Movement Techniques
Like formations, movement techniques provide varying degrees
of control, security, and flexibility. Movement techniques differ
from formations in two ways:
Formations are relatively fixed; movement techniques are not.
The distance between moving units or the distance that a squad
bounds away from an over watching squad varies based on factors
of METT-TC.
Formations allow the platoon to weight its maximum firepower in
a desired direction; movement techniques allow squads to make
contact with the enemy with the smallest element possible. This
allows leaders to establish a base of fire, initiate suppressive fires,
and attempt to maneuver without first having to disengage or be
reinforced.
Movement Techniques
Movement techniques describe the position of
squads and fire teams in relation to each other
during movement. Platoons and squads use three
movement techniques:
– Traveling,
– Traveling Overwatch
– Bounding Overwatch.
METT-TC
Mission
Enemy
Terrain
Troops
Time
Civilian
OKOCA
Observation / fields of fire
Key terrain
Obstacles
Cover and concealment
Avenues of approach
Fire Team Formations
Wedge
Modified Wedge
File
Diamond
Line
Vee
Formations can change due to terrain, visibility, and
speed of movement
Fire Team Wedge
TL
AR GRN
RFLM
5-10m
Modified Wedge
TL
AR
GRN
RFLM
Fire Team File
Fire Team Diamond
Fire Team Line
Fire Team Vee
Fire Team Leaders
Up front in formations
Lead by example
Use hand and arm signals
Use voice commands
Four Basic Squad Formations
Squad Column
Modified Wedge
Squad File
Squad Line
Staggered Column
10m
Squad column, Fire Teams in Wedge
Modified Wedge
Squad File
RFLM
GRN AR
TL
SL
GRN
RFLM
AR
TL
Squad Line
TL TL
AR GRN AR GRN
RFLM SL RFLM
Staggered Column
Weapons Squad Movement Formations
The weapons squad is not a rifle squad and should not be treated
as such.
The weapons squad can either travel together as a separate entity,
or can be broken up and distributed throughout the formation.
The platoon leader places the weapons using two criteria: ability
to quickly generate fire superiority, and protection for these high
value assets.
Weapons Squad
AH AT AH MG AG MG AG
SL AT
Movement Techniques
Movement techniques are not fixed formations.
They refer to the distances between Soldiers, teams, and squads
that vary based on mission, enemy, terrain, visibility, and any
other factor that affects control. (METT-TC)
There are three movement techniques:
– Traveling
– Traveling Overwatch
– Bounding overwatch
The selection of a movement technique is based on the likelihood
of enemy contact and the need for speed. Factors to consider for
each technique are control, dispersion, speed, and security.
Squad Basic Movement Techniques
Traveling
Traveling Overwatch
Bounding Overwatch
– Successive
– Alternate
Squad Traveling
20m
10m
Contact Not Likely, Speed is Desired
Squad Traveling
Squad Traveling Overwatch
50m
10m
Contact is Likely, Speed is Slower
Bounding Overwatch Successive
If the squad uses successive bounds, the lead team, covered by
the trail team, advances and occupies a support-by-fire position.
The trail team advances to a support-by-fire position abreast of the
lead team and halts.
The lead team moves to the next position and the move continues.
Only one team moves at a time, and the trail team avoids
advancing beyond the lead team.
Contact is expected, movement is the slowest.
Bounding Overwatch Successive
4th move
3rd move
2nd move
1st move
Initial Position
Bounding Overwatch Alternate
Covered by the rear team, the lead team moves forward, halts,
and assumes overwatch positions.
The rear team advances past the lead team and takes up overwatch
positions.
The initial lead team then advances past the initial rear team and
takes up overwatch positions.
Only one team moves at a time. This method is usually more rapid
than successive bounds.
Contact is expected, movement is the slowest.
Bounding Overwatch Alternate
4th move
3rd move
2nd move
1st move
Initial Position
Review
Three movement techniques
– Traveling
– Traveling Overwatch
– Bounding Overwatch
