Movement.
Movement refers to the shifting of forces on the battlefield. The key to moving successfully involves selecting the best combination of formations and movement techniques in each situation. Leaders consider the factors of mission, enemy, terrain, and troops and time available in selecting the best route and the appropriate formation and movement technique. The leader's selection must allow moving squads to

1. Maintain cohesion.

2. Maintain momentum.

3. Provide maximum protection.

4. Make contact in a manner that allows them to transition smoothly to offensive or defensive action.

Formations:
Formations are arrangements of units and of soldiers in relation to each other. Platoons and squads use formations for control, security, and flexibility.

1 Control. Every squad and soldier has a standard position. Soldiers can see their team leaders. Fire team leaders can see their squad leaders. Leaders control their units using arm-and-hand signals, and or helmet to helmet communication systems.

2 Security. Formations also provide 360-degree security and allow units to give the weight of their firepower to the flanks or front in anticipation of enemy contact.

3 Flexibility. Formations do not demand parade ground precision. Platoons and squads must retain the flexibility needed to vary their formations to the situation. The use of formations allows soldiers to execute battle drills more quickly and gives them the assurance that their leaders and buddy team members are in their expected positions and performing the right tasks.

Movement Techniques:
Movement techniques describe the position of squads and fire teams in relation to each other during movement. Platoons and squads use three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch.

1 Like formations, movement techniques provide varying degrees of control security, and flexibility.

2 Movement techniques differ from formations in two ways:
(a) Formations are relatively fixed; movement techniques are not. The distance between moving units or the distance that a squad bounds away from an overwatching squad varies based on factors
(b) Formations allow the platoon to weight its maximum firepower in a desired direction; movement techniques allow squads to make contact with the enemy with the smallest element possible. This allows leaders to establish a base of fire, initiate suppressive fires, and attempt to maneuver without first having to disengage or be reinforced.

3 Leaders base their selection of a particular movement technique on the likelihood of enemy contact and the requirement for speed.

Other Considerations:
In planning tactical movement, leaders should also consider the requirements for

5. Reconnaissance.
6. Dispersion.
7. Security.
8. Cover and concealment.
9. Speed.
10. Observation and fields of fire.
11. Maneuver space.
12. Command and control.