Previous: 2-133: Traveling Overwatch
2-134. When the platoon leader expects enemy contact, he uses bounding overwatch. He initiates it based on planning reports received earlier about the enemy situation and on SITREPs received during movement. He bounds elements using successive or alternate bounds. (See figure 2-34.)
2-135. Before bounding, the leader shows the bounding element the location of the next overwatch position. Ideally, the overwatch element keeps the bounding element in sight. Once the bounding element reaches its overwatch position, it signals READY by voice or visual means to the element that overwatched it’s bound. (See figure 2-35, page 2-56.) The platoon leader makes sure the bounding element stays within two-thirds of the weapons range of the overwatch element.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad