Moving a unit from one point to another may seem like a simple task but in a combat situation there is much to account for. Security, stealth, and dispersion must be taken into consideration to ensure that the unit arrives efficiently and without casualties and without detection.

Formations

Formations are used to organize and arrange individuals in relation to each other. The method in how a unit moves is based on an analysis of METT-TC. Leaders are where they can best control formations. There are various formations that can be utilized for various situations.

Below are the different types of formations:

Echelon Formation

The Echelon formation is used when contact is unlikely but the unit leader wants to maintain security and observation on one flank. It allows a unit to quickly realign itself in the event of contact from the observed flank. However, it can be difficult to control, especially on rough terrain.

Line Formation

Line formation is used when the unit leader wants to maximize formation to the direction of travel. It is typically used during a Squad Assault when the assaulting element moves on the objective. It is also useful when sweeping through an open field for a hidden objective such as a weapons cache. It can be difficult to control, but an experienced unit leader will keep all members of the unit on line with each other - getting out of line will create a weakpoint in the line where the member ahead of the line will have a greater field of fire than is manageable and any member falling behind will have a reduced field of fire with the possibility of fratricide of the members to his left and right. Its downfalls are that it provides minimal security to the left and right flanks and is the most difficult formation to transition from.

File Formation

The File formation, sometimes called the column formation, provides the greatest movement speed of all formations. It provides the highest security to the left and right flanks but the least amount of security to the front and rear flanks. It is also very quick to transition into another formation from the file formation.

Wedge Formation

The Wedge formation is used when contact with the enemy is likely or information about the enemy in an area is vague. It allows a cautious approach into potential contact. It provides good firepower to the front and side flanks and allows quick transition into other formations.

Vee Formation

Vee formation is used when enemy contact is probable. It provides boosted firepower to the direction of travel while maintaining adequate firepower to the flanks and rear. It provides flexibility to the unit because the Vee formation can be quickly transformed into other formations and allows flexibility when contact is made. It does come with a cost; it can be difficult to maintain, especially on routes that have a lot of turns and terrain features to navigate.

Movement Techniques

Movement techniques go hand in hand with formations. Where formations are how a unit is organized on the field, movement techniques are how they move from point A to point B. As with formations, the situation dictates which technique is used. The three primary movement techniques are Traveling, Traveling Overwatch, and Bounding Overwatch.

The selection of technique is based off of probability of enemy contact, terrain, and the need for speed.

Traveling

Used when enemy contact is non-existent or unlikely and speed is necessary. It provides minimum security but maximum speed. The unit moves as a whole, in formation.

Traveling Overwatch

Used when enemy contact is likely but the time or location of making contact is undetermined. A lead element is sent out roughly 50 meters ahead of the main body. The idea here is that the lead element will make contact with enemy forces before the main body is detected by the enemy body, allowing the main body to move and react to the enemy contact in whatever way the unit leader desires.

Bounding Overwatch

Used when contact with the enemy is expected. The unit is split into two or more elements. One or more elements move forward while another element stays in position providing overwatch, security, and potentially suppressive fire on enemy positions. Once the element(s) that moved are in a new position, the elements switch roles and the element(s) that provided overwatch then move forward, either to a position that puts them online with the forward elements or bounding past the forward element to become the new forward element. This technique provides the greatest security but lowest speed.

Halts

Halts are when the unit stops moving when not taking enemy contact. This can be for many reasons including navigation checks, security halts, rest halts, and a few other reasons. When a unit halts, 360 degree security should be automatically set up by members of the unit without direction from leadership. When the unit comes to a halt for more than 30 seconds, the members of the unit should immediately begin establishing basic security by going prone. Total security is a necessity and not all movement formations provide it therefor some individuals may have to move themselves to provide total security for the formation. If the halt is going to last longer than 5 minutes, the unit leader should consider moving the individuals into a triangle or circle security perimeter. Teamleaders should ensure that their team members are in proper positions and that each team member is clear on their assigned firing sector.

Rally Points

Any good leader will establish rally points along a route. Rally points should be established every few hundred meters along a route and are pointed out by the unit leader to the members of the unit so that it is clear that it is the latest-and-greatest rally point. Rally points are used when the command to break contact is issued or generally when things do not go according to the plan. For example, in the event of an ambush where the command to break contact and fall back is issued, members of the unit will move to the last rally point.

Movement During Limited Visibility

There are special considerations and changes when operating in the dark or during times of limited visibility. Some of these are:
* Leader moves closer to the front of the formation.
* Use of night vision devices.
* Use of illumination such as glow-in-the-dark tape on the back of each member.
* Decrease distance between each member.
* Increase frequency of headcounts.
* Increase frequency of security halts.
* Enforcement of strict noise and light discipline.
* Reduction in radio use and lower output volumes on radios or use of headsets with radios.
* Proper use and understanding of camouflage.
* Use the terrain to block line of sight by the enemy.

Sources

* SH 21-76 US Army Ranger Handbook