Previous: 5-67: Crossing of Linear Danger Areas (Platoon)
5-68. If the large open area is so large the platoon cannot bypass it due to the time needed to accomplish the mission, a combination of traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch is used to cross the large open area. (See figure 5-5.) The traveling overwatch technique is used to save time. The squad or platoon moves using the bounding overwatch technique any point in the open area where enemy contact may be expected. The technique also may be used once the squad or platoon comes within range of enemy small-arms fire from the far side (about 250 meters). Once beyond the open area, the squad or platoon re-forms and continues the mission.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad