COMBAT MANEUVERS, FORMATIONS, PATROLS, AND AMBUSHES

In this chapter, moving through enemy controlled terrain either on your own or in small groups is discussed. Usually in such instances, your movement must not be seen or heard. When this cannot be avoided, you must at least be able to move quickly with a minimum of exposure. Actions, such as moving, rushing, hitting the deck crawling, moving silently, and taking action under flares, are also discussed in this chapter.

MOVEMENT

When you move about, it is best to travel a short distance quickly; then stop, listen, observe, and move on again. Before moving from the concealment or cover of one position, always pick out your next position. In addition, look for an alternate new position in case you are unable to reach your first choice. Observe the area carefully for enemy activity; then select the best available routes to the new location. Take advantage of darkness, fog, smoke, or haze to assist in concealing your movement.

Change direction from time to time when moving through tall grass. When you move in a straight line, the grass waves with an unnatural motion that could attract attention. The best time to move is when the wind is blowing the grass.

When stopping between movements, you should observe briefly whether birds or animals are alarmed. Their flight or movement may attract the attention of the enemy, or they may provide a clue as to the location of the enemy.

Take advantage of distractions caused by noises, such as bombing, shelling, rifle fire, or vehicle movement.

Travel across roads, trails, and rivers where the most cover and concealment exist. Search for a large culvert, a low spot, or a curve; keep in mind that these are the most likely spots for enemy mines and booby traps. Avoid steep slopes and areas with loose stones or gravel. Also, avoid ridges or clearings where you would make a good silhouette.

RUSHING

Rushing is the fastest means of moving from one position to another. It should always be used when you are moving but not concealed. Generally, you should start rushing from the prone position (fig. 4-1, view 1). Slowly move your head to select the new position to which you will move (fig. 4-1, view 2). Avoid raising your head too high, and always look around the side of an object rather than over the top, so you do not make a sharp silhouette. Slowly lower your head; then draw your arms in close to your body; keep your elbows down, and pull your right leg forward (fig. 4-1, view 3). With one movement, raise your body by straightening your arms (fig. 4-1, view 4). Spring to your feet quickly, step off with your left foot (fig. 4-1, view 5), and run to the new location by the quickest and shortest route. Keep low and use all available cover (fig. 4-1, view 6).

HITTING THE DECK

After reaching your new position at the end of the rush, you must quickly get into the prone position again. Getting into the prone position from rushing is known as hitting the deck or dirt. To do this, plant your feet firmly, about 18 inches apart, and while sliding your hand to the heel of the rifle butt (fig. 4-1, view 7), drop to your knees (fig. 4-1, view 8). Fall forward, breaking your fall with the butt of your rifle (fig. 4-1, view 9) unless you are armed with the M16; then, after shifting your weight to your left side, bring your rifle forward (fig. 4-1, view 10). Place the butt of the rifle in the hollow of your shoulder; then roll into a firing position (fig. 4-1, view 11). If your weapon has a stock made of plastic or fiber glass, such as the M16, you should not use it to break your fall. Instead, grasp your rifle in one hand and break your fall with the other.

Lie as flat as possible. If you think you were observed, move to the right or left, preferably where there is cover and concealment.

CRAWLING

There are times when you must move with your body close to the ground to avoid enemy fire or

Figure 4-1.-Rushing and hitting the deck or dirt.

observation. There are two ways of doing this, the LOW CRAWL and the HIGH CRAWL. It is up to you to decide which method is best suited to the conditions of visibility, cover and concealment, and the speed required.

Use the LOW CRAWL method when cover and concealment are scarce, when visibility permits good enemy observation, and when speed is not essential. Keep your body as flat as possible against the ground. Grasp your rifle sling near the upper sling swivel. Allow

Figure 4-2.-The low crawl.

Figure 4-3.-The high crawl.

the balance to rest on your forearm, and let the butt drag along the ground. Keep the muzzle and operating rod clear of the ground (fig. 4-2, view 1).

To start forward, push your arms ahead and pull your fight leg forward (fig. 4-2, view 2). Move by pulling with your free arm and pushing with your right leg. Every so often, change your pushing leg to avoid getting tired (fig. 4-2, view 3).

Use the HIGH CRAWL method when cover and concealment are available, when poor visibility reduces enemy observation, and when more speed is needed. Keep your body free of the ground and rest your weight on your forearms and lower legs. Cradle the rifle in your arms, keeping the muzzle off the ground. Keep your knees well behind your buttocks so your rump remains low. Move forward by alternately advancing your right elbow and left knee and then your left elbow and right knee (fig. 4-3).

Figure 4-4.-Crawling silently.

The low crawl and high crawl are not suitable for moving silently. To crawl silently, you must move on your hands and knees (fig. 4-4): Start by laying your weapon carefully on the ground to your side. With your right hand, feel or make a clear spot for your knee. While keeping your hand on the spot, bring your right knee forward until it meets your hand. Next, clear a spot with your left hand and move your left knee up in the same reamer. Be sure your weapon is always within reach! To move your weapon, feel for a place, clear it, and lift the weapon into position. Crawl very slowly and keep your movements absolutely silent.