3-85. A movement technique is the manner a platoon uses to traverse terrain. The platoon leader determines and directs which movement technique the platoon uses. Movement at the company level and above often entails use of a security force and main body; however, Infantry platoons and squads are not large enough to separate their forces into separate security forces and main body forces. Platoons can accomplish these security functions by employing movement techniques.
3-86. As the probability of enemy contact increases, the platoon leader adjusts the movement technique to provide greater security. The essential factor to consider is that the overwatching element must be able to ensure observation and supporting fires throughout, and beyond, the depth of the bounding element’s move. Additionally, Soldiers must be able to see their fire team leader. Squad leaders must be able to see their fire team leaders. The platoon leader should be able to see the lead squad leader.
Traveling
3-87. Platoons often use the traveling technique when contact is not likely, and speed is needed. (See figure 3-17.) When using the traveling technique, all unit elements move continuously. In continuous movement, all Soldiers travel at a moderate rate of speed, with all personnel alert. During traveling, formations are essentially not altered except for effects of terrain.
Figure 3-17. Platoon traveling, example
Traveling Overwatch
3-88. Traveling overwatch is an extended form of traveling in which the lead element moves continuously but trailing elements open the distance between themselves and the lead element by dropping back, while varying their speed and sometimes pausing to provide overwatch of the lead element. (See figure 3-18 on page 3-34.) Traveling overwatch is used when enemy contact is possible but not expected. Caution is justified but speed is desirable.
3-89. The trail element maintains dispersion based on its ability to provide immediate suppressive fires in support of the lead element. The intent is to maintain depth, provide flexibility, and continue movement in case the lead element is engaged. The trailing elements cue their movement to the terrain, overwatching from a position where they can support the lead element if needed. Trailing elements overwatch from positions andat distances that do not prevent them from firing or moving to support the lead element. The idea is to put enough distance between the lead units and trail units so that if the lead unit comes into contact, the trail units will be out of contact but have the ability to maneuver on the enemy.
3-90. Traveling overwatch require leaders to control their subordinates’ spacing to ensure mutual support. This involves a constant process of concentrating (close it up)and dispersion (spread it out). The primary factor is mutual support, with its two critical variables being weapon ranges and terrain. Infantry platoons’ and squads’ weapon range and terrain limitations dictate the distance between two units that their direct fires can cover effectively. In compartmentalized terrain, this distance is closer, but in open terrain this distance is greater.
Note. Mutual support has two aspects—supporting range and supporting distance. Supporting range is the distance one unit may be geographically separated from a second unit yet remain within the maximum range of the second unit’s weapons systems. For small units (such as squads, sections, and platoons), it is the distance between two units that their direct fires can cover effectively. Visibility may limit the supporting range. If one unit cannot effectively or safely fire to support another, the first may not be in supporting range, even though its weapons have the required range. Supporting distance is the distance between two units that can be traveled in time for one to come to the aid of the other and prevent its defeat by an enemy. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)
Figure 3-18. Platoon traveling overwatch, example
Bounding Overwatch
3-91. Bounding overwatch is like fire and movement in which one unit overwatches the movement of another. (See figure 3-19.) The difference is there is no actual enemy contact. Bounding overwatch is used when the leader expects contact. The key to this technique is the proper use of terrain.
Figure 3-19. Platoon bounding overwatch, example
One Squad Bounding
3-92. One squad bounds forward to a chosen position; it then becomes the overwatching element unless contact is made en route. The bounding squad can use traveling overwatch, bounding overwatch, or individual movement techniques (low and high crawl, and 3- to 5-second rushes by the fire team or buddy teams [see note on page 3-27]).
3-93. The mission variables of METT-TC (I) dictate the length of the bounds. However, the bounding squads never should move beyond the range at which the base-of-fire squads can suppress known, likely, or suspected enemy positions. In severely restrictive terrain, the bounding squads make shorter bounds than they would in more open areas. The destination of the bounding element is based on the suitability of the next location as an overwatch position. When deciding where to send the bounding squad, a platoon leader considers—
- The requirements of the mission.
- Where the enemy is likely to be.
- The routes to the next overwatch position.
- The ability of an overwatching element’s weapons to cover the bound.
- The responsiveness of the rest of the platoon.
One Squad Overwatching
3-94. One squad overwatches the bounding squad from covered positions and from where it can see and suppress likely enemy positions. The platoon leader remains with the overwatching squad. Normally, at least one of the platoon’s medium machine guns are located with the initial overwatching squad.
One Squad Awaiting Orders
3-95. Based on the situation, one squad is uncommitted and ready for employment as directed by the platoon leader. The platoon sergeant and leader of the squad awaiting orders position themselves close to the platoon leader. On contact, this unit should be prepared to support the overwatching element, move to assist the bounding squad, or move to another location based on the platoon leader’s assessment.
Weapons Squad
3-96. Medium machine guns normally are employed in one of two ways—
- Attached to the overwatch squad or the weapons squad supporting the overwatching element.
- Awaiting orders to move (with the platoon sergeant) or as part of a bounding element.
Command and Control of the Bounding Element
3-97. Ideally, the overwatch element maintains visual contact with the bounding element. However, the leader of the overwatch element may have the ability to track the location of the bounding element digitally without maintaining visual contact. This provides the bounding element further freedom in selecting covered and concealed routes to its next location. Before a bound, platoon leaders give an order to their squad leaders from the overwatch position. (See figure 3-20.) They tell and show them the following:
- The direction or location of the enemy (if known).
- The positions of the overwatching squad.
- The next overwatch position.
- The route of the bounding squad.
- What to do after the bounding squad reaches the next position.
- What signal the bounding squad will use to announce it is prepared to overwatch.
- How the squad will receive its next orders.
Figure 3-20. Platoon leader order for bounding overwatch, example
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