3-75. Movement techniques are not fixed formations. They refer to the distances between Soldiers, teams, and squads, and vary based on mission, enemy, terrain, visibility, and other factors affecting control. There are three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch.
- Traveling is a movement technique used when speed is necessary and contact with enemy forces is not likely (FM 3-90).
- Traveling overwatch is a movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is possible (FM 3-90).
- Bounding overwatch is a movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is expected (FM 3-90).
3-76. The selection of a movement technique is based on the likelihood of enemy contact and need for speed. Factors to consider for each technique are control, dispersion, speed, and security. (See table 3-5.)
Table 3-5. Movement techniques and characteristics
Note. In addition to walking Soldiers may move, dependent on the situation, in one of three other methods known as individual movement techniques. The three methods include the low crawl, high crawl, or rush. The low crawl method provides the Soldier with the lowest silhouette. Use the low crawl to cross places where the cover and/or concealment are very low and enemy fire or observation prevents a Soldier from getting up. The high crawl lets the Soldier move faster than the low crawl while still providing the Soldier with a low silhouette. Use the high crawl when there is good cover and concealment, but enemy fire prevents you from getting up. The rush is the fastest way to move from one covered position to another. Each rush should last from 3 to 5 seconds. Rushes are kept short to prevent enemy machine gunners or riflemen from tracking you. However, do not stop and hit the ground in the open just, because 5 seconds have passed. Always try to hit the ground behind some cover. Before moving, pick out your next covered and concealed position and the best route to it. (See TC 3-21.75 for additional information on each method.)
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