Move as a Member of a Team (often designated as task 071-326-0501) refers to the tactical techniques and formations a fire team uses to traverse terrain while maintaining security and control. It focuses on how individual Soldiers operate collectively as a small unit to provide 360-degree security and ensure they can transition smoothly to offensive or defensive actions upon enemy contact.
Core Components of Team Movement
Tactical movement as a team is defined by three primary elements that work together based on the likelihood of enemy contact:
- Individual Movement Techniques (IMT): The foundational building blocks used by individual team members to navigate terrain, especially under fire. These include the low crawl, high crawl, and 3-5 second rush.
- Movement Formations: The ordered arrangement of team members on the ground, which determines distances between Soldiers, sectors of fire, and security responsibilities.
- Movement Techniques: The manner in which the team traverses terrain, specifically defining the level of security one element provides another. The three standard techniques are traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch.
Standard Fire Team Formations
Leaders select formations based on the mission, enemy threat, terrain, and visibility (METT-TC).
1. Fire Team Wedge
The wedge is the basic formation for a fire team.
Configuration: The team leader is at the point, with other members flanking behind in a V-shape.
Spacing: Standard interval is approximately 10 meters between Soldiers.
Advantages: It is easy to control, flexible, allows for immediate fire in all directions, and provides all-around security.
2. Fire Team File
The file is used when terrain or visibility (such as dense vegetation or night operations) makes the wedge impossible to maintain.
Configuration: All members follow the team leader in a single line, about 10 meters apart.
Advantages: It provides maximum control in difficult terrain and facilitates speed.
Disadvantages: It is the least secure formation; it is less flexible and masks fires to the front and rear, making it difficult to engage contact from those directions.
Critical Rules for Team Members
Maintain Visual Contact: Soldiers must always be able to see their fire team leader to receive and respond to hand and arm signals.
Mutual Support: Movement is often coordinated with a “buddy” to ensure one Soldier provides covering fire while the other moves.
Stealth and Discipline: Teams must practice noise, light, and litter discipline, as moving carelessly can result in unnecessary casualties.
Environmental Awareness: Soldiers are trained to use “Stop, Look, Listen, and Smell” (SLLS) before moving and to seek routes that offer both cover (protection from fire) and concealment (hiding from observation
In Basic Combat Training (BCT),
“Move as a Member of a Team” refers to the tactical movement of a small unit (typically a fire team or squad) where individuals coordinate their positions and actions to maintain security and control. It transitions soldiers from individual movement techniques—like the high crawl, low crawl, and 3-5 second rush—to collective maneuvers that provide 360-degree security and maximum firepower in a desired direction.
Core Components of Team Movement
The training focuses on how individuals fit into structured arrangements to achieve tactical objectives.
Formations: These are the physical arrangements of soldiers. They are used for control, flexibility, and security.
Fire Team Wedge: The basic formation for a fire team, typically with 10-meter intervals between soldiers for moderate dispersion and coverage.
Fire Team File: Used when terrain or visibility (like dense vegetation) is too restrictive for a wedge. Soldiers follow in a single line, emphasizing control over firepower.
Movement Techniques: These define the level of security and distance between elements based on the likelihood of enemy contact.
Traveling: Used when contact is unlikely; focuses on speed.
Traveling Overwatch: Used when contact is possible; trailing elements monitor the lead element.
Bounding Overwatch: Used when contact is expected. One element stays stationary to provide “overwatch” (covering fire) while the other “bounds” (moves) forward.
Key Performance Standards
To successfully “move as a member of a team,” soldiers must demonstrate the following:
Maintain Cohesion: Keep the specified interval and position relative to the team leader.
Situational Awareness: Constantly scan assigned sectors of fire to maintain 360-degree security.
Communication: Use visual hand signals to pass information without making noise.
Responsiveness: Transition smoothly between formations or into immediate action drills (like “React to Contact”) if the team is engaged