Danger Areas
A danger area is any area on the movement route that might expose the unit to enemy observation, fire, or both.You should always try to avoid danger areas, but if it’s a needed area to cross it should be done as safely and quickly as possible. Technically to cross a danger area you should do three things:
- Designate rally points on both sides of the danger area in case something goes wrong and the unit breaks.
- Secure the side you’re on, both your flanks and rear.
- Recon and secure the far side of the danger area before sending over the full unit.
There are many danger areas, but the most common are roads, streams, and/or open areas.
To cross an open area, stay concealed and observe carefully from your near side. Post security units on the left and right, and also the rear for an early warning in case of enemy contact. Then send a small recon team across the area to clear and secure the far side. Once the all clear is received send the rest of the units over, the next to last being the flank security units, then finally the rear security unit.
To cross a road or trail, do it at a bend or as near to a bend as possible to minimize your exposure.
To cross a stream or river, use the same techniques as crossing a road, just make sure the stream/river is shallow enough to get your men across.
If you missed any of the other articles in the series, you’ll find them here:
- Tactical Briefing 01: Meet the Squad
- Tactical Briefing 02: Formations
- Tactical Briefing 04: Movement to Contact
- Tactical Briefing 05: How to Plan and Execute a Squad Sized Assault
Resources
- Wikipedia (what a wonderful tool)
- Armed Assault (the computer game)
- FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon
- FM 22-102 Soldier Team Development
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