Chapter 3 Tactical Movement – Marines

 

 

Chapter 3

Tactical Movement

Tactical movement is the movement of a unit assigned a tactical mission under
combat conditions when not in direct ground contact with the enemy. Tactical
movement is based on the anticipation of early ground contact with the enemy, either
en route or shortly after arrival at the destination. Movement ends when ground
contact is made or the unit reaches its destination. Movement is not maneuver.
Maneuver happens once a unit has made contact with the enemy. Because tactical
movement shares many of the characteristics of an offensive action, the battlefield is
organized in a manner similar to other offensive actions. This chapter discusses the
basics and formations of tactical movement.

SECTION I — OVERVIEW

3-1. Movement refers to the shifting of forces on the battlefield. The key to moving successfully involves
selecting the best combination of movement formations and movement techniques for each situation.
Leaders consider the factors of METT-TC in selecting the best route and the appropriate formation and
movement technique. The leader’s selection must allow the moving platoon to—

z Maintain cohesion.
z Maintain communication.
z Maintain momentum.

Provide maximum protection.

z
z Make enemy contact in a manner that allows them to transition smoothly to offensive or

defensive action.

3-2. Careless movement usually results in contact with the enemy at a time and place of the enemy’s
choosing. To avoid this, leaders must understand the constantly-changing interrelationship between unit
movement, terrain, and weapon systems within their area of operations. This understanding is the basis for
employing movement formations, movement techniques, route selection and navigation, crossing danger
areas, and security (Figure 3-1).

Figure 3-1. Basics of tactical movement.

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3-3. Leaders executing tactical movement have three primary goals:

z Avoid surprise by the enemy.
z When necessary, transition quickly to maneuver while minimizing enemy effects.
z Get to the right place, at the right time, ready to fight.

3-4. Units moving behind enemy lines seek to avoid enemy contact. They choose the movement that
allows them to retain security and control. To avoid loss of surprise and initiative, casualties, and mission
failure, platoons normally—

z Avoid chance enemy contact, if possible.
z Move on covered and concealed routes.
z Avoid likely ambush sites and other danger areas.

Practice camouflage, noise, and light discipline.

z
z Maintain 360-degree security.
z Make contact with the smallest element if enemy contact is unavoidable.
z Retain the initiative to attack at the time and place of the unit’s choice.
z Take active countermeasures such as using smoke and direct and indirect fire to suppress or

obscure suspected enemy positions.

3-5.
Infantry platoons primarily move on foot. However, there are circumstances when they will move,
and even fight, mounted. Because their units may operate with vehicle support, leaders must be
comfortable employing tactical movement with a variety of vehicle platforms.

3-6.
In selecting formations and movement techniques, leaders must consider other requirements such as
speed and control as well as security. When conducting tactical movement, leaders must be prepared to
quickly transition to maneuver and fight while minimizing the effects of the enemy. This requirement calls
for the leader to determine which formation or combination of formations best suits the situation.

MOVEMENT FORMATIONS

3-7. 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. Movement formations are used in combination with movement techniques (and
other security measures), immediate action drills, and enabling tasks. Movement techniques define the level
of security one subordinate provides another within a formation. Immediate action drills are those combat
actions that enable the unit to quickly transition to maneuver during unexpected enemy contact. Enabling
tasks facilitate transitions between other combat tasks. See Section II of this chapter for more on movement
formations.

MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

3-8. 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, and
bounding overwatch.

3-9. Like formations, movement techniques provide varying degrees of control, security, and flexibility.
Movement techniques differ from formations in two ways:

z

z

Formations are relatively fixed; movement techniques are not. The distance between moving
units or the distance that a squad bounds away from an overwatching 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.

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Tactical Movement

3-10. Leaders base their selection of a particular movement technique on the likelihood of enemy contact
and the requirement for speed. See Section III of this chapter for more on movement techniques.

ROUTE AND NAVIGATION

3-11. Planning and selecting a route is a critical leader skill. One of the keys to successful tactical
movement is the ability to develop routes that increase the unit’s security, decrease the Soldier’s effort, and
get the unit to the objective on time in a manner prepared to fight. Good route selection begins with a
thorough terrain analysis and ends with superior navigation. Planning and preparation are worthless if a
unit cannot find its way to the objective, or worse, stumbles onto it because of poor navigation. See Section
IV of this chapter for more on route and navigation.

DANGER AREAS

3-12. When analyzing the terrain (in the METT-TC analysis) during the troop-leading procedures (TLP),
the platoon leader may identify danger areas. The term danger area refers to any area on the route where the
terrain would expose the platoon to enemy observation, fire, or both. If possible, the platoon leader should
plan to avoid danger areas. However, there are times when he cannot. When the unit must cross a danger
area, it should do so as quickly and as carefully as possible. See Section V of this chapter for more
information on danger areas.

SECURITY

3-13. Security during movement includes the actions that units take to secure themselves and the tasks
given to units to provide security for a larger force. Platoons and squads enhance their own security during
movement through the use of covered and concealed terrain; the use of the appropriate movement
formation and technique; the actions taken to secure danger areas during crossing; the enforcement of
noise, light, and radiotelephone discipline; and the use of proper individual camouflage techniques. See
Section VII of this chapter for more on security.

3-14. Formations and movement techniques provide security by:

z

z

z

Positioning each Soldier so he can observe and fire into a specific sector that overlaps with other
sectors.
Placing a small element forward to allow the platoon to make contact with only the lead element
and give the remainder of the platoon freedom to maneuver.
Providing overwatch for a portion of the platoon.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

3-15. In planning tactical movement, leaders should also consider the requirements for—

z Terrain.

Planning.
z
z Direct fires.
Fire support.

z
z Control.

TERRAIN

3-16. The formations and techniques shown in the illustrations in this chapter are examples only. They are
generally depicted without terrain considerations (which are usually a critical concern in the selection and
execution of a formation). Therefore, in both planning and executing tactical movement, leaders understand
that combat formations and movement techniques require modification in execution. Spacing requirements
and speed result from a continuous assessment of terrain. Leaders must stay ready to adjust the distance of
individuals, fire teams, squads, and individual vehicles and vehicle sections based on terrain, visibility, and
other mission requirements.

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PLANNING

DIRECT FIRES

FIRE SUPPORT

3-17. While moving, individual Soldiers and vehicles use the terrain to protect themselves during times
when enemy contact is possible or expected. They use natural cover and concealment to avoid enemy fires.
The following guidelines apply to Soldiers and vehicle crews using terrain for protection:

z Do not silhouette yourself against the skyline.
z Avoid possible kill zones because it is easier to cross difficult terrain than fight the enemy on

unfavorable terms.
z Cross open areas quickly.
z Avoid large, open areas, especially when they are dominated by high ground or by terrain that

can cover and conceal the enemy.

z Do not move directly forward from a concealed firing position.

3-18. One of the leader’s primary duties is to develop a plan that links together route selection and
navigation, combat formations, and appropriate security measures with enabling tasks that moves the unit
from its current location to its destination. This plan must take into account the enemy situation and control
during movement.

3-19. While moving or when stationary, each Soldier (or vehicle) has a sector to observe and engage
enemy soldiers in accordance with the unit’s engagement criteria (see Chapter 2). Individual and small unit
sectors are the foundation of the unit’s area of influence. Pre-assigned sectors are inherent in combat
formations. When formations are modified, leaders must reconfirm their subordinates’ sectors. Leaders
have the added responsibility of ensuring their subordinates’ sectors are mutually supporting and
employing other security measures that identify the enemy early and allow the leader to shape the fight.

3-20. Planning should always include arranging for fire support (mortars, artillery, CAS, attack helicopters,
naval gunfire), even if the leader thinks it unnecessary. A fire plan can be a tool to help navigate and gives
the leader the following options:

Suppressing enemy observation posts or sensors.

z
z Creating a distraction.
z Achieving immediate suppression.
z Covering withdrawal off of an objective.
z Breaking contact.

CONTROL

3-21. Controlling tactical movement is challenging. The leader must be able to start, stop, shift left or right,
and control the unit’s direction and speed of movement while navigating, assessing the terrain, and
preparing for enemy contact. Determining the proper movement formations and techniques during planning
is important, but the leader must be able to assess his decision during execution and modify or change his
actions based on the actual situation.

3-22. Without adequate procedural and positive control, it is difficult for the leader to make decisions and
give orders, lead an effective response to enemy contact, or accurately navigate. Leaders exercise
procedural control by unit training and rehearsals in the basics of tactical movement. The better trained and
rehearsed subordinates are, the more freedom leaders have to concentrate on the situation, particularly the
enemy and the terrain. Leaders exercise positive control by communicating to subordinates. They do so
using hand-and-arm signals as a method of communication. They also use the other means of
communication (messenger, visual, audio, radio, and digital) when appropriate.

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Tactical Movement

3-23. All available communication is used (consistent with OPSEC and movement security) to assist in
maintaining control during movement. March objectives, checkpoints, and phase lines may be used to aid
in control. The number of reports is reduced as normally only exception reports are needed. The leader
should be well forward in the formation but may move throughout as the situation demands.
Communications with security elements are mandatory. Operations security often prevents the use of
radios, so connecting files, runners, and visual signals can be used. Detailed planning, briefing, rehearsals,
and control are valuable if there is enemy contact. Alternate plans are made to cover all possible situations.

SECTION II — MOVEMENT FORMATIONS

3-24. This section discusses movement formations of Infantry fire teams, squads, and platoons. The
platoon leader uses formations for several purposes: to relate one squad to another on the ground; to
position firepower to support the direct-fire plan; to establish responsibilities for sector security among
squads; or to aid in the execution of battle drills. Just as they do with movement techniques, platoon leaders
plan formations based on where they expect enemy contact, and on the company commander’s plans to
react to contact. The platoon leader evaluates the situation and decides which formation best suits the
mission and situation.

3-25. Every squad and Soldier has a standard position. Soldiers can see their team leaders. Fire team
leaders can see their squad leaders. Leaders control their units using hand-and-arm signals.

3-26. Formations also provide 360-degree security and allow units to give the weight of their firepower to
the flanks or front in anticipation of enemy contact.

3-27. Formations do not demand parade ground precision. Platoons and squads must retain the flexibility
needed to vary their formations to the situation. The use of formations allows Soldiers to execute battle
drills more quickly and gives them the assurance that their leaders and buddy team members are in the
expected positions and performing the right tasks.

3-28. Sometimes platoon and company formations differ due to METT-TC factors. For example, the
platoons could move in wedge formations within a company vee. It is not necessary for the platoon
formation to be the same as the company formation unless directed by the company commander. However,
the platoon leader must coordinate his formation with other elements moving in the main body team’s
formation. Figure 3-2 illustrates platoon symbols.

Figure 3-2. Legend of platoon symbols.

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NOTE: The formations shown in the illustrations in this chapter are examples only. They
generally are depicted without METT-TC considerations, which are always the most crucial
element in the selection and execution of a formation. Leaders must be prepared to adapt their
choice of formation to the specific situation.

PRIMARY FORMATIONS

3-29. Combat formations are composed of two variables: lateral frontage, represented by the line
formation; and depth, represented by the column formation. The advantages attributed to any one of these
variables are disadvantages to the other. Leaders combine the elements of lateral frontage and depth to
determine the best formation for their situation. In addition to the line and column/file, the other five types
of formations—box; vee; wedge; diamond; and echelon—combine these elements into varying degrees.
Each does so with different degrees of emphasis that result in unique advantages and disadvantages (Table
3-1).

3-30. The seven formations can be grouped into two categories: formations with one lead element, and
formations with more than one lead element. The formations with more than one lead element, as a general
rule, are better for achieving fire superiority to the front, but are more difficult to control. Conversely, the
formations with only one lead element are easier to control but are not as useful for achieving fire
superiority to the front.

3-31. Leaders attempt to maintain flexibility in their formations. Doing so enables them to react when
unexpected enemy actions occur. The line, echelon, and column formations are the least flexible of the
seven formations. The line mass to the front has vulnerable flanks. The echelon is optimized for a flank
threat—something that units want to avoid. The column has difficulty reinforcing an element in contact.
Leaders using these formations should consider ways to reduce the risks associated with their general lack
of flexibility.

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Name/Formation/
Signal (if applicable)
Line Formation

Table 3-1. Primary formations.

Characteristics

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tactical Movement

– All elements arranged in a
row
– Majority of observation and
direct fires oriented forward;
minimal to the flanks
– Each subordinate unit on the
line must clear its own path
forward
– One subordinate designated
as the base on which the
other subordinates cue their
movement
– One lead element
– Majority of observation and
direct fires oriented to the
flanks; minimal to the front
– One route means unit only
influenced by obstacles on
that one route

– Two lead elements
– Trail elements move
between the two lead
elements
– Used when contact to the
front is expected
– “Reverse wedge”
– Unit required to two
lanes/routes forward

– Two lead elements
– Trail elements follow lead
elements
– All-around security

– One lead element
– Trail elements paired off
abreast of each other on the
flanks
– Used when the situation is
uncertain

– Similar to the wedge
formation
– Fourth element follows the
lead element

– Elements deployed
diagonally left or right
– Observation and fire to both
the front and one flank
– Each subordinate unit on the
line clears its own path
forward

Ability to:
– Generate fire superiority to
the front
– Clear a large area
– Disperse
– Transition to bounding
overwatch, base of fire, or
assault

– Control difficulty increases
during limited visibility and in
restrictive or close terrain
– Difficult to designate a
maneuver element
– Vulnerable assailable flanks
– Potentially slow
– Large signature

– Easiest formation to control
(as long as leader can
communicate with lead
element)
– Ability to generate a
maneuver element
– Secure flanks
– Speed

Ability to:
– Generate fire superiority to
the front
– Generate a maneuver
element
– Secure flanks
– Clear a large area
– Disperse
– Transition to bounding
overwatch, base of fire, or
assault
See vee formation
advantages

Ability to:
– Control, even during limited
visibility, in restrictive terrain,
or in close terrain
– Transition trail elements to
base of fire or assault
– Secure the front and flanks
– Transition the line and
column
See wedge formation
advantages

– Reduced ability to achieve fire
superiority to the front
– Clears a limited area and
concentrates the unit
– Transitions poorly to bounding
overwatch, base of fire, and
assault
– Column’s depth makes it a
good target for close air attacks
and a machine gun beaten zone

– Control difficulty increases
during limited visibility and in
restrictive or close terrain
– Potentially slow

See vee formation
disadvantages

– Trail elements are required to
clear their own path forward
– Frequent need to transition to
column in restrictive, close
terrain

See wedge formation
disadvantages

– Ability to assign sectors that
encompass both the front and
flank

– Difficult to maintain proper
relationship between
subordinates
– Vulnerable to the opposite
flanks

Column/File Formation

Vee Formation

Box Formation

Wedge Formation

Diamond Formation

Echelon Formation
(Right)

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FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS

3-32. The term fire team formation refers to the Soldiers’ relative positions within the fire team. Fire team
formations include the fire team wedge and the fire team file (Table 3-2). Both formations have advantages
and disadvantages. Regardless of which formation the team employs, each Soldier must know his location
in the formation relative to the other members of the fire team and the team leader. Each Soldier covers a
set sector of responsibility for observation and direct fire as the team is moving. To provide the unit with
all-round protection, these sectors must interlock. Team leaders must be constantly aware of their team’s
sectors and correct them as required.

Table 3-2. Comparison of fire team formations.

Movement
Formation

When Most Often
Used

Control

Flexibility

Security

Fire team
wedge

Fire team
file

Basic fire team
formation

Close terrain,
dense vegetation,
limited visibility
conditions

Easy

Good

Easiest

Less
flexible than
wedge

CHARACTERISTICS

Fire Capabilities
and Restrictions

Allows immediate
fires in all directions

Allows immediate
fires to the flanks,
masks most fires to
the rear

All-round

Least

3-33. The team leader adjusts the team’s formation as necessary while the team is moving. The distance
between men will be determined by the mission, the nature of the threat, the closeness of the terrain, and by
the visibility. As a general rule, the unit should be dispersed up to the limit of control. This allows for a
wide area to be covered, makes the team’s movement difficult to detect, and makes them less vulnerable to
enemy ground and air attack. Fire teams rarely act independently. However, in the event that they do, when
halted, they use a perimeter defense to ensure all-around security.

FIRE TEAM WEDGE

3-34. The wedge (Figure 3-3) is the basic formation for the fire team. The interval between Soldiers in the
wedge formation is normally 10 meters. The wedge expands and contracts depending on the terrain. Fire
teams modify the wedge when rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors make control of the wedge
difficult. The normal interval is reduced so all team members can still see their team leader and all team
leaders can still see their squad leader. The sides of the wedge can contract to the point where the wedge
resembles a single file. Soldiers expand or resume their original positions when moving in less rugged
terrain where control is easier.

3-35. In this formation the fire team leader is in the lead position with his men echeloned to the right and
left behind him. The positions for all but the leader may vary. This simple formation permits the fire team
leader to lead by example. The leader’s standing order to his Soldiers is: “Follow me and do as I do.” When
he moves to the right, his Soldiers should also move to the right. When he fires, his Soldiers also fire.
When using the lead-by-example technique, it is essential for all Soldiers to maintain visual contact with
the leader.

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