1-5. A dismounted movement is a movement of troops and equipment mainly by foot, with limited support by vehicles (FM 3-90). It is also called a foot march. Foot marches are characterized by combat readiness, ease of control, adaptability to terrain, slow rate of movement, and increased Soldier fatigue. Foot marches do not depend on the existence of roads.
March Mission
1-6. A foot march is successful when Soldiers arrive at their destination at the prescribed time and are physically and mentally able to execute their mission immediately. Physical and mental conditioning are normally done through unit conditioning programs and acclimatization of Soldiers to an area of operations (AO).
1-7. A foot march depends on control of units during movement. Such control is accomplished through the chain of command by proper supervision and organization of units. Movement of Soldiers over extended distances has extensive sustainment considerations.
1-8. Commanders must determine the amount and type of equipment carried and rate of march–length and number of rests equates with Soldiers’ physical endurance. Detailed planning and good leadership move Soldiers and equipment to the right place at the right time ready for combat. Commanders ensure Soldiers arrive in good condition to accomplish their mission. March units should receive notification of an impending move early enough to allow for planning.
1-9. When necessary, conducting a forced march can hurry foot marches. Forced marches require speed, exertion, and more hours marched per day. This is normally accomplished by increasing marching hours for each day rather than the rate of march. Forced marches are employed only when needed since they decrease unit effectiveness. (See chapter 2 for additional information.)
1-10. Shuttle marches alternate riding in vehicles and movement by foot during foot marches. This normally occurs due to an insufficient number of vehicles to carry the entire unit. Shuttling transports Soldiers, equipment, and supplies by a series of round trips with the same or different vehicles. Alternatively, shuttle marches may haul a load an entire distance then return for another or may carry successive elements of loads for short distances while remaining elements continue on foot.
Tactical Movement
1-11. Commanders use tactical road marches (see paragraph 2-2), approach marches (see paragraph 2-23), and forced marches (see paragraph 2-29) to relocate units rapidly within an AO to conduct combat operations. Tactical road marches are useful when contact with the enemy is possible. Approach marches are useful when contact is anticipated or intended. The approach march emphasizes tactical considerations such as security and de-emphasizes efficiency and ease of movement. Both the tactical road march and forced march emphasize speed and security over tactical deployment. A tactical road march provides excellent speed, control, and flexibility, but sacrifices flank security. Forced marches require speed, exertion, and an increase in the number of hours marched each day beyond normal standards. Commands task-organize units conducting an approach march before the march begins to allow them to transition to an on-order or be-prepared mission without making major organizational adjustments.
1-12. Units generally maintain integrity throughout tactical movements and plan for enemy interference either en route to or shortly after arrival at their destination. When units conduct tactical movement, they use movement formations and techniques consistent with the mission variables of METT-TC (I), which stands for mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations, and informational considerations. Units may conduct tactical movement, primarily the approach march, over unsecured routes, if there are no friendly forces between the forward elements of the moving force and enemy.
Note. METT-TC (I) represents the variables leaders use to analyze and understand a situation in relationship to the unit’s mission. The first six variables are not new. However, the increased use of information (both military and civilian) to generate cognitive effects requires leaders to assess the informational aspects and impacts on operations continuously. Because of this, informational considerations, represented with (I) has been added to the familiar METT-TC mnemonic. Informational considerations are expressed as a parenthetical variable in that it is not an independent variable, but an important component of each variable of METT-TC that leaders pay particular attention to when developing understanding of a situation. (See FM 6-0 for additional information.)
1-13. When relocating in an AO, units may conduct tactical movement by dismounted or mounted movement—the movement of troops and equipment by combat and tactical vehicles (FM 3-90)–or in combination. This occurs prior to maneuver when speed is vital, and security requirements are minimal. Units generally move by this type of tactical movement to an assembly area where units prepare to conduct combat operations.
1-14. During these types of tactical movements, commanders must be prepared to maneuver against an enemy force. Once a unit is deployed in its assigned AO, it normally moves using proper movement formations and movement techniques for assigned missions. When contact is made maneuver is executed. (See chapter 2 for additional information.)
Next Page : Section 3 – General Consideration for the March