Infantry Drills

Chapter 5: Movement



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Tactical movement involves movement of a unit assigned a 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 and combines movement with direct fires to gain a position of advantage over the enemy.

Because tactical movement shares many of the characteristics of an offensive action, the area of operation is organized in a manner similar to other offensive actions. This chapter discusses troop movement, the basics and formations of
tactical movement.

Next: Section I: Troop Movement

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad