3-77. The platoon leader determines and directs which movement technique the squad will use. Squad movement techniques include traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch.
Squad Traveling
3-78. Traveling is a movement technique used when speed is necessary and contact with enemy forces is not likely. (See figure 3-13.)
Figure 3-13. Squad traveling, example
Squad Traveling Overwatch
3-79. Traveling overwatch is used when contact with enemy forces is possible. Attached weapons move near and under the control of the squad leader so they can employ quickly. Rifle squads normally move in column or wedge formation. (See figure 3-14.) Ideally, the lead team moves at least 50 meters in front of the rest of the element.
Figure 3-14. Squad traveling overwatch, example
Squad Bounding Overwatch
3-80. Bounding overwatch is used when contact with enemy forces is expected, the squad leader feels the enemy is near (based upon movement, noise, reflection, trash, fresh tracks, or even a hunch), or a large open danger area must be crossed. The lead fireteam overwatches first. Soldiers in the overwatch team scan for enemy positions. The squad leader usually stays with the overwatch team. The trail fire team bounds and signals the squad leader when the team completes its bound and is prepared to overwatch the movement of the other team.
3-81. Both team leaders must know with which team the squad leader will be. The overwatching team leader must know the route and destination of the bounding team. The bounding team leader must know the team’s destination and route, possible enemy locations, and actions to take when they arrive there. The bounding team leader must know where the overwatching team will be and how the bounding team will receive their instructions. (See figure 3-15 on page 3-30.) The cover and concealment on the bounding team’s route dictates how its Soldiers move.
Figure 3-15. Squad bounding overwatch, example
Alternate Bounds or Successive Bounds
3-82. During bounding overwatch, the squad can employ either of two methods of this technique: alternate bounds or successive bounds (see figure 3-16). In the alternate and successive bound techniques, the overwatching elements cover the bounding elements from covered, concealed positions with good observation and fields of fire against possible enemy positions. Overwatching elements can immediately support the bounding elements with fires if the bounding elements make contact. Unless they make contact en route, the bounding elements move via covered and concealed routes into the next set of support by fire positions. The length of the bound is based on the terrain and the range of overwatching weapons.
Figure 3-16. Squad successive and alternate bounds, example
Alternate Bounds
3-83. Covered by the rear element, the lead element moves forward, halts, and assumes overwatch positions. The rear element advances past the lead element and takes up overwatch positions. This sequence continues as necessary with only one element moving at a time. This method is usually more rapid than successive bounds.
Successive Bounds
3-84. In the successive bounding method, the lead element, covered by the rear element, advances and takes up overwatch positions. The rear element then advances to an overwatch position roughly abreast of the lead element, halts, and takes up overwatch. The lead element then moves to the next position, and so on. Only one element moves at a time, and the rear element avoids advancing beyond the lead element. This method is easier to control and more secure than the alternate bounding method, but it is slower.
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