the situation requires. Open column movement is normally used during daylight conditions. This method may
also be used at night using infrared lights or blackout lights, or when passive night vision equipment is available.
This is also used when a moderate volume of traffic must enter the column.
Using the infiltration method, vehicles are dispatched individually in small groups or at irregular intervals.
This is done at a rate that will keep traffic density down and prevent undue massing of vehicles. Frequently the
advance party may infiltrate.
Infiltration provides the best possible passive defense against enemy observation and attack. This method is
suited for tactical movements when sufficient time and road space are available. Infiltration is also employed
when maximum security, deception, and dispersion are desired.
Security and communications must be supervised by the platoon sergeant throughout the movement. Security
requires that all members of the platoon must be alert for the enemy both on the ground and in the air. One
member of each vehicle is designated as the air guard. The air guard provides overhead security, allowing the
driver to concentrate on driving and the ground threat. Should the enemy be contacted, platoon vehicles will head
for cover on either side of the march route, as directed by the platoon sergeant. Noise discipline and proper
communications will be maintained during the movement.
Messengers are the primary means of communications during road movements. Visual signals (such as
movement control signals) are also employed. Radio communications will only be used in emergencies and when
no other means of communication is available. The enemy has excellent radio directional finding equipment.
Detected radio traffic can result in enemy attack in less than three minutes. Keep this in mind before you key the
microphone.
On entering the designated location, the platoon sergeant will perform the following four steps to establish the
platoon position.
Step 1. Determine where each squad will be located. If an advance party has been used, link up squads at the
designated control point and have each squad guided to its respective position.
Step 2. Select an exact location for the platoon CP. This position must facilitate the control of each squad and
provide access to the company headquarters and/or smoke control point.
Step 3. Immediately establish local security. Guard posts, listening posts, observation posts, and security patrols
must be employed to provide platoon security. Consider terrain and possible threat when developing security
positions.
Step 4. Direct the squad leaders to prepare a diagram showing the location of generator and individual fighting
positions.
Fields of fire, positions of crew-served weapons, and other squad positions must also be shown. Consolidate
squad diagrams into a platoon overlay. This diagram will be incorporated with other diagrams for use at the
smoke control point. Figure 13 illustrates a possible position diagram for a smoke squad.
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