Move Under Direct Fire is a tactical task where a Soldier or team must advance toward or away from an enemy position while being targeted by enemy fire. It requires the use of specialized Individual Movement Techniques (IMT)—the low crawl, high crawl, and 3-5 second rush—to minimize exposure while maintaining forward momentum.
Core Individual Movement Techniques (IMT)
Soldiers select a technique based on the intensity of enemy fire and the available cover or concealment on the terrain.
Movement Standards
During evaluation, a Soldier must typically move from their starting position to within 100 meters of the enemy position. Upon reaching the final position, they must occupy a firing position and engage the enemy.
Move Under Direct Fire is a fundamental task (Standard Training Procedure 071-COM-0502) where soldiers learn to maneuver toward an enemy while being shot at. The goal is to reach a firing position within 100 meters of the enemy using three specific individual movement techniques based on terrain and the intensity of enemy fire.
Technique
When to Use
Technique
Key Mechanics
Low Crawl
Used when crossing areas with very low cover/concealment and facing intense (cyclic) enemy fire.
Low Crawl
Keep body as flat as possible. Grasp weapon at the upper sling swivel. Push with one leg while pulling with both arms.
High Crawl
Used when cover/concealment is good but rapid enemy fire still prevents standing.
High Crawl
Rest weight on forearms and lower legs. Keep knees behind the buttocks to maintain a low profile. Cradle the weapon in arms.
3-5 Second Rush
The fastest way to move; used to cross open areas quickly when time is critical.
3-5 Second Rush
Quickly rise, run for 3-5 seconds, then drop into a prone firing position using “Point, Post, Sprawl”.
Critical Components of the Task
- Suppression: Before moving, Soldiers must achieve fire superiority by delivering a high volume of accurate fire to degrade the enemy’s ability to return fire. Failing to suppress allows the enemy to engage moving troops with high accuracy.
- Route Selection: Soldiers must search for a path that utilizes natural cover (protection from fire) and concealment (hiding from view), such as gullies, ravines, or thick vegetation.
- Communication: Intent to move must be communicated to a buddy or team leader using hand-and-arm signals or voice.
- Buddy System: This task is most effectively performed in two-man teams where one individual provides covering fire while the other moves, alternating roles until the objective is reached.
Core Movement Techniques
Soldiers are taught to select the correct technique by balancing the need for speed against the level of protection required:
- Low Crawl: Used when you are under intense direct fire or when cover/concealment is less than one foot high.
- How: Keep your body as flat as possible. Grasp the weapon’s sling at the upper swivel and let the handguard rest on your forearm. Move by pushing with one leg and pulling with both arms.
- High Crawl: Used when you need more speed than the low crawl but enemy fire still prevents you from standing up.
- How: Keep your body off the ground, resting weight on your forearms and lower legs. Cradle the weapon in your arms and advance by alternating opposite elbows and knees (e.g., right elbow/left knee).
- 3-5 Second Rush: The fastest way to move, used to cross open areas or move between cover.
- How: Raise your head to pick your next spot, get up quickly, and run for no more than 5 seconds (to prevent the enemy from tracking you). Hit the ground with a “Point, Post, Sprawl” technique to immediately return to a firing position.
Key Performance Steps
To successfully complete this task, a soldier must:
- Select a Route: Choose a path that offers the most cover (e.g., ditches, rocks, walls) and does not cross in front of teammates.
- Communicate: Use hand and arm signals to tell a “buddy” or team leader when they are moving so others can provide covering fire.
- Suppress the Enemy: Fire accurately at enemy positions to keep their heads down while you or your teammates move.
- Occupy a Firing Position: Reach a final position within 100 meters of the enemy and effectively engage them