Section 4 – Planning for the March

1-67. Planning is the process by which march unit commanders translate their visualizations into specific courses of action for preparation, execution, and focus on expected results. Planning to determine relationships between the mission variables of METT-TC (I) begins with an analysis and assessment of the conditions in the OE, with particular emphasis on the enemy and terrain. Planning involves understanding and framing problems and envisioning sets of conditions representing desired end state. Based on the higher commander’s guidance, the march commanders’ planning includes formulating one or more suitable courses of action to accomplish the mission. Planning continues (with assessment throughout the operations process)as needed during preparation and execution. March commanders rely on intuitive decision-making and direct contact with subordinate leaders to integrate processes and activities during the planning process.

Note. See ATP 3-21.20 for details on conducting the operations process (specifically the military decision-making process) within the battalion. See ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.8 for details on conducting the operations process (specifically troop leading procedures) within the company and platoon, respectively.

Key Components of Planning

1-68. The march unit’s mission statement, commander’s intent, and concept of operations are key components of a plan and serve as the framework for an operation. Commanders and staffs ensure their mission and end state nest with those of their higher headquarters. While the commander’s intent focuses on the end state, the concept of operations focuses on ways or sequences of action by which forces achieve the end state. Additional components to the plan include the march unit’s task organization, tasks for subordinate units, coordinating instructions, risk acceptance, and control measures.

1-69. The concept of operations expands on the mission statement and commander’s intent. Within the concept of operations, commanders may establish objectives as intermediate goals toward achieving the operation’s end state. When developing tasks for subordinate units, commanders and staffs ensure the purpose of each task correlates with the accomplishment of another task, achievement of an objective, or direct attainment of an end state condition.

1-70. Commanders and staffs use operational variables to analyze and understand the OE. Operational variables describe military aspects of an OE and the population’s influence on it. Planners analyze an OE in terms of eight interrelated operational variables-political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time.

1-71. Commanders, staffs, and subordinate leaders use the mission variables of METT-TC (I) to focus on specific elements of an OE during mission analysis. Upon receipt of a warning order (WARNORD) or operation order (OPORD), commanders and staffs filter relevant information categorized by operational variables into categories of mission variables used during mission analysis. Commanders, staffs, and subordinate leaders use mission variables to refine their understanding of the situation. The tactical situation is defined through the mission variables of METT-TC (I). (See FM 3-96 and echelon and formation-specific Maneuver Center of Excellence Army techniques publication for additional information.)

Environmental Conditions

1-72. Environmental conditions must be considered when planning a foot march. Key environmental conditions to consider during movement planning are addressed in the following paragraphs.

Mountainous Areas

1-73. Steep grades are common in mountainous areas. Proper selection of formations for an operation enables continued movement without halting. Soldiers must be extremely careful at all times in vicinity of sharp curves and dangerous grades. Uphill or downhill grades should be traversed carefully. When entering short, steep grades, Soldiers may build up momentum on the approach, so the added momentum carries them over it. Use caution to ensure safety.

1-74. Units moving in a column must guard against bunching on approaches to grades and curves. The slow movement of columns in mountainous areas makes Soldiers vulnerable to an enemy attack at natural obstacles or in canalizing terrain. (See ATP 3-21.50 for additional information.)

Water Obstacles

1-75. Evidence of ground water such as the presence of springs, pools, or plant growth, along planned cross country routes presents problems in the movement of Soldiers. Water obstacles generally are associated with valleys or lowlands. However, side hill bogs and ridgeline swampy ground may appear where ground water emerges. For planning purposes, consider these barriers as seasonal, although seasonal conditions affect them as the water table rises or falls. Timely estimation of the sizes and characteristics of obstacles through a map reconnaissance and information collection efforts through reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operation aids in determining—

• Amount and type of added equipment needed to facilitate passage of a column.
• Probable delays and adjustments in schedule to avoid congestion.
• Advisability of using an alternate route to bypass obstacles.

Swamp, Bogs, and Mud

1-76. Swamps, bogs, and mud caused by water tables close to top of the ground should be avoided by all marches. Surface crust may appear dry and covered with vegetation, but breakthroughs may result in Soldiers becoming stuck. Depth of soft mud below the surface is extremely difficult to determine. Depth may vary in the same swamp from 1 to 2 feet.

1-77. When it is necessary to cross such barriers, make provisions to bridge surfaces by suitable reinforcement means such as mats, brush, or special flotation materials. By increasing flotation and avoiding concentrated loads, Soldiers may cross otherwise impassable barriers without undue loss or delay. If support of tactical operations requires movement over large marshes or swamps, assistance from engineer personnel and equipment may be available.

Ditches and Streams

1-78. Drainage ditches and canals, gullies and ravines, and streams and rivers present obstacles to foot movement especially if obstacles are large and movement is open to enemy action. Map reconnaissance and information collection through reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations may supply all information necessary to planning personnel.

1-79. When in doubt about the ease of crossing an obstacle, request engineer reconnaissance. Engineers can determine what must be done to make the crossing. Small ditches, gullies, and streams do not cause serious delays, and approach and passage at reduced speeds require control to avoid congestion. Canals, ravines, and rivers present serious obstacles to foot movement and require assistance for crossing.

1-80. Bridges and fords offer likely targets for the enemy to employ artillery, sniper, ambush, and explosives. Therefore, no movement should be made without provision for changes in plans dictated by current intelligence.

1-81. In general, canals, ravines, and river crossings of selected routes require added preparation by planners. Planners do this to—

• Avoid congestion in critical areas.
• Arrange for construction at crossing sites.
• Give adequate instructions to personnel to ensure proper conduct of missions.

Note. With proper training, a unit can emplace a rope bridge to cross a small water obstacle or other small gap (see TC 3-21.76).

Desert Areas

1-82. Movement planning for desert areas involves examining influences of climate and terrain on movement. Planners at all levels must be familiar with capabilities and limitations of Soldiers and equipment. Make necessary changes to organization, training, and equipment as early as possible. When utilized, select vehicles suitable for local climate and terrain. This ensures maximum mobility and lessens excessive supply and evacuation requirements of vehicles themselves.

1-83. Foot movement in desert areas is difficult due to the terrain and tactical situation. Dispersion increases to achieve some degree of tactical security, which expands lengths of formations. Experience with time and space schedules developed for other types of terrain may not be helpful. Routes must be general rather than specific. Point-to-point distances may be increased by unexpected obstacles.

1-84. Column control normally is exercised from within the column by radio, C2 system, or visual signals. Supply and evacuation movements in deserts usually involve greater distances. Because of force dispersion due to terrain, greater volumes of supplies and support may be required in desert operations. (See ATP 3-90.99 for additional information.)

Jungle or Heavily Forested Areas

1-85. Planning for movements in jungles or heavily forested areas requires early consideration of climate and terrain. Anticipate needing additional personnel and equipment to give timely support to movements. Distances involved may be comparatively short and foot speeds usually are reduced. Allowances must be made for route construction and clearance.

1-86. Supply and evacuation in jungle operations should be coordinated closely. Making maximum use of terrain to reduce traffic is a key factor. Tropical conditions require increased protection for supplies against effects of rain, high humidity, and solar heat. (See ATP 3-90.98 for additional information.)

Arctic Areas and Northern Temperate Zone

1-87. Planning for movements in arctic areas and northern temperate zones is based on thorough familiarity with local weather and terrain. Movement plans must account for maximum severity of seasonal weather and remain flexible to sudden weather changes.

1-88. Sudden rise in temperature accompanied by warm rain turns trafficable snow into mud and slush. Cold temperatures, even though above freezing, cause great discomfort to personnel. Midwinter thaws are often followed by subzero temperatures, creating deep frozen ruts and ice.

1-89. If vehicles are attached, snow and ice accumulation may bind moving parts and wheels and lead to accidents. Sudden changes in weather often have detrimental effects on vehicle transport operations. Advance planning and preparation must include—

• Winterizing vehicles to meet severe weather conditions when applicable.
• Instructing personnel in winter hygiene (see TC 4-02.3) and first aid.
• Issuing suitable cold weather clothing and equipment.
• Requesting engineer personnel and equipment when necessary for expediting movement.

1-90. Route selection should be based on data resulting from route and area reconnaissance. Alternate routes should be used to take advantage of changes in trafficability due to weather. Despite reduced pace, column formations normally are open due to intervals required for increased distances. During periods of low visibility, columns close up to maintain control. Schedule frequent halts to allow Soldiers to rest and adjust their loads. (See ATP 3-21.50 for additional information.)

Urban Areas

1-91. Urban areas all over the world share many general characteristics. These characteristics include dense city centers, compartmentalization, sectionalism, infrastructure, mass transportation lines, varied street patterns, and continual modernization. Central to these characteristics is population. Large urban areas are often composed of more than one municipality, and large municipalities often have subordinate political units. Units should identify and consider the boundaries of these political units during planning on a case-by-case basis. Commanders and staffs analyze civil considerations (see ATP 2-01.3) in terms of the categories of areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events. These characteristics easily align with an urban area’s three main components of terrain, society, and infrastructure; and, like them, they are overlapped and interdependent. (See ATP 3-06.11 for additional information.)

Note. Subsurface areas (also known as subterranean) include underground garages, passages, subway lines, utility tunnels, sewers, and storm drains. Although these areas allow for tactical movement, a commander will generally not conduct a foot march in these areas. (See ATP 3-21.51 for additional information.)

March Distance, Rate, and Time

1-92. Basic factors of march distance, rate, and time transform into movement formulas. Formulas are then applied to known data to obtain information needed to prepare a time schedule. The time schedule is used to regulate departures and arrivals of march elements. The march rate is the physical speed at which a march unit is moving at a given time and differs from the rate of march that is the average march rate over time to include rest. For example, a march unit conducting a dismounted movement on roads in daylight can reasonably expect to maintain a march rate of 106 steps per minute with a 30-inch stride with a 10-minute rest every hour. This results in a march rate of 4.8 kilometers per hour (kph) but an overall rate of march of 4 kph.

1-93. Relationships between time and distance are the basis for march planning. Planners determine how far columns should travel (distance) and how long it takes to make the move (time). They must know the space (length of column) columns occupy on the route. They include in their computation safety factors of distance (road gap) or time (time gap) separating march columns and their elements. Each term used for distance has its corresponding term for time. The length of a column in kilometers has an equivalent travel time in minutes; road distance in kilometers or miles has a corresponding time distance (see figure 1-1).

March Rates Under Diverse Conditions

1-94. Soldiers can only move as quickly as their lungs and legs allow. A trained, conditioned, and acclimatized Soldier often has endurance and moves efficiently. Rest, good nutrition and hydration, conditioning, acclimatization, proper training, and will are vital. Terrain, weather, and light conditions affect movement rates. Movement rates should be relative to conditions. The more adverse the conditions, the slower the pace should be. Moving too quickly, even under ideal conditions, can produce early fatigue, require frequent rest halts, and result in time loss.

1-95. Movement rates, coupled with proper Soldier spacing, should be adjusted to prevent an accordion effect during movement in adverse terrain. Spacing between Soldiers largely depends on the terrain, weather, and visibility. In adverse terrain, a slow, steady pace is preferred to rapid movement with frequent halts.

Note. See ATP 3-21.50 for information on dismounted movement rates for mountain environments. See ATP 3-90.98 for information on dismounted movement rates for jungle environments.

Minimizing Soldier Fatigue

1-96. To help minimize Soldier fatigue and ensure efficiency, the following should be considered during movement rate evaluation:

• When traveling at a moderate pace, the need for rest halts can decrease and the chances of personnel overheating are less than traveling at a high rate.
• Minimization of halts enables units to cover given distances in minimal time.
• An adjustment halt should be taken during the first half hour of movement so Soldiers can loosen or tighten bootlaces as needed, adjust packs, and add or remove layers of clothing as appropriate.
• Short rest halts may be taken every 1 to 1.5 hours:
  • If possible, Soldiers should lean against a tree, rock, or hillside to relieve their shoulders of pack weight, breathe deeply, hydrate, and snack on food.
  • Halts should be short to avoid muscles stiffening.
  • Take rests on level ground, if possible, and avoid steep inclines.
• Longer rest halts may be taken later in the march if necessary due to fatigue or mission requirements:
  • At these halts, Soldiers may need to put on additional clothing to avoid becoming chilled.
  • It is much easier to keep a warm body warm, than to warm up a cold body.
• After a climb, Soldiers need a good rest to revive tired muscles:
  • Use rest stops for steep slopes, snowfields, and higher elevations.
  • Rest stops help control the pace and limits fatigue by giving lungs and legs a moment to recuperate between stops.
  • Maintain a slow and rhythmic pace.
• Soldiers should employ proper walking techniques and pause briefly after each step forward, relaxing muscles of the forward leg while resting their entire body weight on the rear leg:
  • The rear leg should be kept straight with the knee locked so the bone, not muscle, supports the weight.
  • After relaxing the forward leg, Soldiers should scan their surroundings and ensure they focus on maintaining alertness and not just traversing terrain.
• Soldiers should synchronize their breathing with each rest step:
  • The number of breaths per step changes depending upon the difficulty of the climb.
  • Steeper slopes or higher elevations may require several breaths per step.
  • It is especially important to breathe deeply when air thins at higher altitude, using the “pressure breathing” technique.
  • Soldiers should exhale strongly, enabling an easier, deeper inhale.
  • This slow, steady, halting rest step is more efficient than spurts of speed, which are rapidly exhausting and requires longer recovery.

Straggler Control

1-97. Stragglers who cannot meet or maintain the pace set for the foot march are the responsibility of their immediate chain of command. Fire team leaders, squad leaders, and ultimately the platoon sergeant must ensure Soldiers are linked up with the straggler control party at the rear of the march column.

1-98. Information concerning the number of Soldiers who fall out, their standard name lines, and medical disposition must be relayed through the chain of command to maintain accountability of personnel and equipment at all times.

Note. Soldiers who fall out and are carrying mission-essential equipment must transfer equipment to other Soldiers in the unit continuing the march according to unit SOPs.

Distance Factors-Dismounted or Mounted Movements

1-99. Battalions normally are organized into company-size march units to facilitate control and maintain unit integrity. Normal march formation is a column of twos. Normal distance is 2 to 5 meters between Soldiers (1 to 3 meters at night), 50 meters between platoons (25 meters at night), and 100 meters between companies (50 meters at night):

• Vehicle or individual distance is the space between two consecutive vehicles or individuals of an organized element of a column.
• Column gap is the space between two organized elements following each other on the same exact route and can be calculated in units of length or time as measured from the rear of one element to the front of following elements.
• Traffic density of attached vehicles is the average number of vehicles occupying 1 mile or 1 kilometer of road space, expressed in vehicles per mile or vehicles per kilometer.
• The length of a column is the length of roadway occupied by a column to include gaps in the column measured from front to rear.
• Road gap is the distance between two march elements:
  • It is the length aspect of column gap.
  • Since it is a more significant factor when columns are moving than when they are halted, road gap becomes factors of time rather than distance.

Rate Factor

1-100. Speed indicates the actual rate of speed of a dismounted movement or mounted movement column. It is gaged at a given moment by the relationship between time and distance for the dismounted column or as shown on the speedometer in kilometers per hour or miles per hour for the mounted column.

1-101. Pace is the regulated speed of a column or element that is established by a Soldier or a lead vehicle in the lead element to maintain the prescribed average speed. For foot marches, the normal pace is 30 inches at a cadence of 106 steps per minute.

1-102. Commanders consider all factors affecting marches and select a rate placing their units at their destinations in the shortest time and in combat ready condition. Unit SOPs usually state the rate for marches on roads and cross country, over normal terrain, and during day or night. Column commanders modify the rate to suit their needs, which varies greatly in mountain, jungle, desert, or arctic areas. Rates of march are usually prescribed for normal terrain.

1-103. Dismounted movement conducted in mountainous, jungle, desert, or arctic areas are characterized by—

• Increased physical effort of the individual Soldier.
• Decreased Soldier’s load.
• Increased potential for injury.

Time Factor

1-104. Time measurement includes the total time needed for units to complete marching or to pass designated points along designated routes. Time usually is measured in minutes or hours:

• Arrival time is when the head column arrives at a designated point or line.
• Clearance time is when the trail of a column passes a designated point or line.
• Completion time is when the trail of a column passes the RP.
• Pass time is the actual time between the moment the first element passes a given point and the moment the last element passes the same point.
• Road clearance time is the total time required for a column to travel over and clear a section of road and is calculated as road clearance time equals time distance plus column pass time.
• Time distance is the time required to move from one point to another at a given rate of march, and it normally represents movement at the head of the column from SP to RP.
• Time gap is the time measured between the rear and front of successive elements moving past a given point.
  • It is a time aspect of column gap or conversion of road gap to time.
  • There are no prescribed time gaps.
  • Gaps depend on the size of serials and march units, time available for movement, and tactics required for protection against air attack and CBRN threats and hazards.

March Computations

1-105. Before issuing the movement order or OPORD, commanders must compute the required time and space measurements to prepare a road movement table (see appendix B) or schedule. Distance, rate, and time are factors for march computations. During computation, if two factors are known, the third can be determined easily by dividing or multiplying one known factor by the other:

• Distance is determined by multiplying rate by time.
• Rate is determined by dividing distance by time.
• Time is determined by dividing distance by rate.

Note. March planners must determine time distance, pass time, arrival time, and completion time.

Time Distance

1-106. Time distance is determined by dividing distance being traveled by rate of march. Time distance does not include the time for long delays or extended scheduled halts. Time distance table is a valuable source for march planners. It provides a list of factors used to calculate the time required to travel certain distances at specified speeds, either by foot or on vehicle. Travel rates are expressed in foot or vehicle speeds and corresponding rates of march. Travel factors are derived from the rate of march, which includes time for short periodic halts and other minor delays that could occur.

Pass Time

1-107. Length of column is used to determine pass time of a column and includes two parts: space occupied by the Soldier alone including distance between Soldiers and sum of distances between elements of the foot column or column gaps. Total length of column is the sum of two parts:

• Length of column is determined by multiplying the number of Soldiers by the appropriate factor selected from table 1-1, which does not include the distances between units.
• Total distance or column gaps between units is obtained by—
  • Determining the number of serial distances (total serials minus one).
  • Determining the number of march unit distances (total march units minus one, minus the number of serial distances).
  • Multiplying the number of distances obtained by length in meters between the respective units.
• Add the results.

1-108. Based upon previous movements, march units accumulate past data to facilitate march planning. Accumulated data include approximate pass times for various elements. Units use these data rather than computing the data each time a march is scheduled. Data tables reduce time required to complete the computation phase of march planning. Appropriate information is integrated into the unit’s SOP.

Critical Information

1-109. Critical information used in movement formulas includes the SP and RP for the proposed march. The commander directing a march often uses a strip map or overlay to graphically depict critical information about the route to subordinates.

Start Point

1-110. A start point is a designated place on a route where elements fall under the control of a designated march commander (FM 3-90). SPs provide all units of the march column or formation with a common point for starting their movement. When units use more than one route, each route has its own SP. The SP is a place along the route of march easily recognizable on the map and ground such as a road intersection. SPs should not be in a defile, on a hill, or on a sharp curve. SPs should be far enough away from assembly areas to allow units to organize and move at the prescribed rate and intervals when reached. No elements of a march column or formation should be required to march to the rear of or through another unit to reach the SP.

Checkpoint

1-111. A checkpoint is a predetermined point on the ground used to control movement, tactical maneuver, and orientation (FM 3-90). The commander designates checkpoints along the route to assist marching units in complying with the timetable.

Linkup

1-112. A linkup is a type of enabling operation that involves the meeting of friendly ground forces, which occurs in a variety of circumstances (FM 3-90). A linkup point is a designated place where two forces are scheduled to meet (FM 3-90). It should be an easily identifiable point on the ground that offers cover and concealment. The commander may issue instructions concerning personnel or vehicles that do not march with the unit-for example, instructions on linkup after the march. (See ATP 3-21.20 and ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Release Point

1-113. A release point is a designated place on a route where elements are released from centralized control (FM 3-90). RPs provide all units of the march column or formation with a common point for release or reverting to control of their parent units. RPs should be on the route of march and be easily recognizable on the map and ground. Units do not stay at the RP. Guides meet units arriving at the RP and lead them to new areas according to the movement order or OPORD or units’ release to continue follow-on operations. Multiple routes and cross-country movement enable units to disperse rapidly. When selecting a RP, units should avoid hills, defiles, and sharp curves along the route. Units must not countermarch or pass through other units to reach their new positions.

Strip Maps and Overlays

1-114. Strip maps (see figure 1-2) and overlays (see figure 1-3) depict critical information about the route. They are detailed but not cluttered with unreadable and unnecessary information. Both show the route over which the march travels. A strip map is not drawn to scale and should indicate this on the face of the map. Examples of information shown include—

• Route data–route numbers, major intersections, and distance between points
  • Whenever possible, insets or separate strip maps should show routes through metropolitan areas or entrances into rest halts and refueling (as required) sites.
  • Control measures, generally specific to an overlay, may include boundaries, phase lines, and assembly areas.
• Movement control data:
  • Arrival and departure times at the SP, CP, RP; country, province, or territorial boundaries or lines.
  • All halts (times must coincide with the movement order or OPORD).
• Sustainment support data: locations of all logistical support facilities and points for requesting or obtaining maintenance support and tactical combat casualty care, respectively.

1-115. Additional information shown on a strip map or overlay generally includes the following:

• CPs on routes are points used for reference in providing instructions, or places where timing might be critical.
  • A route reconnaissance report or map study provides march planners with information to designate CPs along routes of march and distances from one CP to another.
  • CPs are always identified and numbered consecutively.
  • Once identified, guides and signs usually are sufficient.
  • Leaders may be present at passing points.
• Distance between CPs are determined and listed on the strip map (in most parts of the world, distances are measured in kilometers).
• Rest areas provide rest, messing, refueling, inspection and maintenance, and schedule adjustment while allowing other traffic to pass:
  • Elements halt for 15 minutes during the first hour and 10 minutes every 50 minutes thereafter.
  • Long halts are identified for dining, refueling, and assembly area activities.
  • Every effort should be made to ensure messing, refueling, and maintenance halts coincide.
  • Halt areas must be clearly identified.
• Major cities and towns serve as valuable reference points since cities and towns indicate areas of heavy population concentrations and if possible, cities and towns should be bypassed to avoid congestion or choke points.
• North orientation (commonly referred to as the north-seeking arrow) is clearly depicted on the strip map, generally near the legend box.
• The northern orientation is a critical feature of the strip map and must align with any standard map.

Next Page : Section 5 – Preparations for the March