5-53: Develop a Leg - Infantry Drills

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5-53. The best way to manage a route is to divide it into segments called “legs.” By breaking the overall route into several smaller segments, the leader is able to plan in detail. Legs typically have only one distance and direction. A change in direction usually ends the leg and begins a new one.

5-54. A leg must have a definite beginning and ending, marked with a control measure
such as a checkpoint or phase line. (When using GPS, these are captured as waypoints.) When possible, the start point and end point should correspond to a navigational aid (catching feature or navigational attack point).

5-55. To develop a leg, leaders first determine the type of navigation and route best suiting the situation. Once these two decisions are made, the leader determines the distance and direction from the start point to the end point. He then identifies critical METT-TC information as it relates to the specific leg. Finally, leaders capture this information and draw a sketch on a route chart. (See figure 5-3.)

Figure 5-3. Example of sketching of legs

Next: 5-56: Execute the Route

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