Infantry Drills

5-138: Cigar-Shaped Perimeter



Previous: 5-137: Security Halts

5-138. When the unit halts, if terrain permits, Soldiers should move off the route and face out to cover the same sectors of fire they were assigned while moving, allowing passage through the center of the formation. This results in a cigar-shaped perimeter. Actions by subordinate leaders and their Soldiers occur without an order from the leader. Soldiers are repositioned as necessary to take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire.

Next: 5-139: Perimeter Defense

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