Foot Marches FM 21-18 SSG Millington. Introduction ä Many examples of successful marches exist throughout out the history of warfare. An outstanding example.

Foot MarchesFM 21-18Foot MarchesFM 21-18

SSG MillingtonSSG Millington

IntroductionIntroduction

Many examples of successful marches exist Many examples of successful marches exist throughout out the history of warfare. An throughout out the history of warfare. An outstanding example during WW II was the outstanding example during WW II was the grueling foot march during the Sicilian grueling foot march during the Sicilian campaign from 20 to 21 July 1943, which campaign from 20 to 21 July 1943, which was made by the 3rd Battalion, 30th was made by the 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Introduction ContinueIntroduction Continue

The battalion was directed to move on foot The battalion was directed to move on foot across mountainous terrain from Aragona to across mountainous terrain from Aragona to San Stefano to participate in a coordinated San Stefano to participate in a coordinated attack against enemy forces in San Stefano. attack against enemy forces in San Stefano. The battalion made this record braking 54 The battalion made this record braking 54 miles cross-country march in a record miles cross-country march in a record braking 33 hours.braking 33 hours.

Task Taught or SupportedTask Taught or Supported

Complete a 3 km road march.Complete a 3 km road march. Complete a 5 km road march.Complete a 5 km road march. Complete a 8 km road march.Complete a 8 km road march. Complete a 10 km road march.Complete a 10 km road march. Complete a 10 km road march.Complete a 10 km road march.

Individual Task 1of 3Individual Task 1of 3

Report enemy informationReport enemy information Send radio messageSend radio message Engage targets with an M16A2 rifleEngage targets with an M16A2 rifle Employ hand grenadesEmploy hand grenades Practice preventive medicinePractice preventive medicine Move under direct fireMove under direct fire Move over, through or around obstaclesMove over, through or around obstacles

Individual Task 2of 3Individual Task 2of 3

React to indirect fire while dismountedReact to indirect fire while dismounted React to flaresReact to flares Select temporary fighting positionsSelect temporary fighting positions Camouflage yourself and individual Camouflage yourself and individual

equipmentequipment Practice noise and light disciplinePractice noise and light discipline Put on, wear, remove, and store your Put on, wear, remove, and store your

M40A2 protective mask with hood. M40A2 protective mask with hood.

Individual Task 3of 3Individual Task 3of 3

Recognize and react to chemical or Recognize and react to chemical or biological hazardbiological hazard

React to nuclear hazardReact to nuclear hazard Evaluate a casualtyEvaluate a casualty

DutyDuty

Soldier report enemy forces.Soldier report enemy forces. Soldier properly engages targets with an Soldier properly engages targets with an

M16A2 rifle.M16A2 rifle. Solder protects self using his M40A2 Solder protects self using his M40A2

protective mask.protective mask. Solder reacts to nuclear hazard.Solder reacts to nuclear hazard.

Personal CouragePersonal Courage

Solder moves under direct fire.Solder moves under direct fire. Soldier moves over, through and around Soldier moves over, through and around

obstacles.obstacles. Soldier reacts to indirect fire.Soldier reacts to indirect fire. Soldier reacts to flares.Soldier reacts to flares.

IntegrityIntegrity

Solder properly assumes a temporary Solder properly assumes a temporary fighting position.fighting position.

Soldier practice noise, light and litter Soldier practice noise, light and litter discipline.discipline.

Solder practice personal hygiene and field Solder practice personal hygiene and field conditions.conditions.

Solder practices human waste disposal in Solder practices human waste disposal in field conditions.field conditions.

Equipment for a Company 1of 2Equipment for a Company 1of 2

Bayonet, M16A2 RifleBayonet, M16A2 Rifle 240 240 Mask Protective M40A2Mask Protective M40A2 240 240 Rifle M16A2Rifle M16A2 240240 Machine gun M60Machine gun M60 4 4 Radio PRC 77 OR 119Radio PRC 77 OR 119 66 Firing AdaptersFiring Adapters 240 / 4240 / 4 Magazine, 30 RoundsMagazine, 30 Rounds 1200 1200

Equipment for a Company 2of 2Equipment for a Company 2of 2

Tool combination, M60Tool combination, M60 55 Battery Dry BA5590/UBattery Dry BA5590/U 1616

Ammunition Requirements 1 of 3Ammunition Requirements 1 of 3

CTG, 5.56 mm blank, M200CTG, 5.56 mm blank, M200 FM1FM1 20 20

RM4RM4 10 10

RM5 50RM5 50 CTG, 7.62 mm blank M60CTG, 7.62 mm blank M60 FM1FM1 500 500

RM4 200RM4 200

RM5RM5 300 300

Ammunition Requirements 2 of 3Ammunition Requirements 2 of 3

Grenade Hand Smoke HCGrenade Hand Smoke HC FM1FM1 44

RM4RM4 22

RM5RM5 22 Grenade Hand, CS M7Grenade Hand, CS M7 FM1FM1 44

RM4RM4 11

RM5RM5 11

Ammunition Requirements 3 of 3Ammunition Requirements 3 of 3

Simulator ProjectileSimulator Projectile FM1FM1 66

Ground Burst, M115A2Ground Burst, M115A2 RM4RM4 22

RM5RM5 44 Simulator Booby TrapSimulator Booby Trap FM1FM1 55

Flash, M117Flash, M117 RM4RM4 2 2

RM5RM5 3 3

Safety RequirementsSafety Requirements

Electrical StormsElectrical Storms Snake BitesSnake Bites Heat CasualtiesHeat Casualties Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries Medical SupportMedical Support

Types of Foot MarchesTypes of Foot Marches

Day MarchDay March Limited visibilityLimited visibility Forced MarchForced March Shuttle MarchShuttle March

March DisciplineMarch Discipline

Noise DisciplineNoise Discipline FormationFormation

Commanders will designate the side of the roads troops will Commanders will designate the side of the roads troops will march on.march on.

Rate of MarchRate of March Distance between individuals.Distance between individuals.

Day 2-5 Meters / Night 1-3 MetersDay 2-5 Meters / Night 1-3 Meters Distance between elementsDistance between elements

Day 100 Meters between Company / Platoons 50 metersDay 100 Meters between Company / Platoons 50 meters Limited visibility will decrease by 50%Limited visibility will decrease by 50%

Security MeasuresSecurity Measures

Passive MeasuresPassive Measures Includes the use of concealed routes and assemble areas Includes the use of concealed routes and assemble areas

and movements on protected routes, night marches, and movements on protected routes, night marches, increased intervals between elements and dispersion increased intervals between elements and dispersion when under attack using noise and light disciplinewhen under attack using noise and light discipline

Active MeasuresActive Measures Includes the use of organic and attached weapons in Includes the use of organic and attached weapons in

accordance with the units air defense plan during accordance with the units air defense plan during marches scanning sectors of observations.marches scanning sectors of observations.

Field SanitationField Sanitation

Field Water SupplyField Water Supply Disposal of Human WasteDisposal of Human Waste Poison PlantsPoison Plants Insect ControlInsect Control

Water DisciplineWater Discipline

All soldiers must hydrate before each march to aid All soldiers must hydrate before each march to aid sustainment during the movement.sustainment during the movement.

Drink only treated water from approved sources.Drink only treated water from approved sources. Drink water often. Great quantity of water should Drink water often. Great quantity of water should

be drank before, during and after.be drank before, during and after. Drink water slowly to prevent cramps or nausea.Drink water slowly to prevent cramps or nausea. Avoid spilling water and use it sparingly for Avoid spilling water and use it sparingly for

bathing .bathing .

Personnel HygienePersonnel Hygiene

Personnel cleanliness.Personnel cleanliness. Protection against the elements.Protection against the elements. Protection against disease caring insectsProtection against disease caring insects Avoidance of the sources of disease .Avoidance of the sources of disease . Special protective measures.Special protective measures.

Foot Care 1 of 2Foot Care 1 of 2

Foot hygiene and sanitation are extremely Foot hygiene and sanitation are extremely important sense feet are enclosed in heavy important sense feet are enclosed in heavy rigid footwear during most working hours rigid footwear during most working hours and are constantly in action. Foot care and are constantly in action. Foot care involves:involves: Good hygiene measure such as bathing Good hygiene measure such as bathing

frequently and using foot powder.frequently and using foot powder. Wearing properly fitted footwear to allow for Wearing properly fitted footwear to allow for

ventilation.ventilation.

Foot Care 2 of 2Foot Care 2 of 2

Wearing clean, dry, unmended, and properly Wearing clean, dry, unmended, and properly fitted socks (preferably cushion soled) with fitted socks (preferably cushion soled) with seams and knots outside.seams and knots outside.

Trimming toenails every 2-3 weeks. Toenails Trimming toenails every 2-3 weeks. Toenails should be cut short and square ( straight across)should be cut short and square ( straight across)

Common Foot TroubleCommon Foot Trouble

Blisters and abrasions.Blisters and abrasions. Treatment of blisters should be done by Treatment of blisters should be done by

qualified persons. If one is not available, qualified persons. If one is not available, procedures outlined in FM 21-18 should be procedures outlined in FM 21-18 should be followed.followed.

Feet perspiration Feet perspiration Athletes foot.Athletes foot. FrostbiteFrostbite

Special CareSpecial Care

Prior to the march.Prior to the march. Take preventive measures such asTake preventive measures such as

Trimming toenailsTrimming toenails wearing proper sockswearing proper socks alternating bootsalternating boots

During haltsDuring halts During the halt lie down with the feet elevate. If time permits During the halt lie down with the feet elevate. If time permits

massage the feet apply foot powder, change socks, and medicate massage the feet apply foot powder, change socks, and medicate and protect blisters.and protect blisters.

Special Care ContinueSpecial Care Continue

After the marchAfter the march When the march is over, repeat care of feet, When the march is over, repeat care of feet,

wash and dry socks, and dry boots. Medicate wash and dry socks, and dry boots. Medicate blisters, abrasions, corns, and calluses. Inspect blisters, abrasions, corns, and calluses. Inspect painful feet for sprains and improperly fitted painful feet for sprains and improperly fitted boots and socks.boots and socks.

HaltsHalts

During a march halts are inverse routinely to rest During a march halts are inverse routinely to rest personnel and adjust equipment. They are regulated personnel and adjust equipment. They are regulated by SOP or by the movement order.by SOP or by the movement order.

15 minute halt after first 45 minutes of marching 15 minute halt after first 45 minutes of marching after that 10 minutes for every 60 minutes is after that 10 minutes for every 60 minutes is required.required.

Soldiers should remove or loosen their gear or lie Soldiers should remove or loosen their gear or lie down with their feet elevated for optimum down with their feet elevated for optimum relaxation if situation permits. Security must be first relaxation if situation permits. Security must be first considered.considered.

Halts ContinueHalts Continue

During schedule halts local security to include at During schedule halts local security to include at least one OP for each platoon is immediately least one OP for each platoon is immediately established. OP`s should not be established established. OP`s should not be established outside the range of small arms and should be outside the range of small arms and should be retrievable so that the unit is ready to move at a retrievable so that the unit is ready to move at a moment notice. When unscheduled halts and moment notice. When unscheduled halts and actions occur, the first priority is to establish actions occur, the first priority is to establish security and to have each unit form a hasty security and to have each unit form a hasty perimeter.perimeter.

Attack During a HaltAttack During a Halt

During the halt, local security has to be During the halt, local security has to be established by the unit, if the security established by the unit, if the security element / observation post (OP) is fired element / observation post (OP) is fired upon, they return fire.upon, they return fire.

The main body will take cover in their The main body will take cover in their assigned sectors.assigned sectors.

Artillery AttackArtillery Attack

If the unit is attacked by indirect fire during If the unit is attacked by indirect fire during the foot march, the unit in contact continues the foot march, the unit in contact continues to move quickly through the barrage.to move quickly through the barrage.

If the unit is attacked by indirect fire during If the unit is attacked by indirect fire during the foot march, the unit not in contact the foot march, the unit not in contact attempts to bypass the impact area.attempts to bypass the impact area.

AmbushAmbush

In the kill zone increase speed, fight through, In the kill zone increase speed, fight through, and report the ambush.and report the ambush.

Based on the commanders orders, conduct a Based on the commanders orders, conduct a hasty attack or establish a blocking position.hasty attack or establish a blocking position.

Units not in the kill zone on order will either Units not in the kill zone on order will either conduct a hasty attack or aid in extracting the conduct a hasty attack or aid in extracting the ambush unit through assault by fire or direct ambush unit through assault by fire or direct assault on the ambush position.assault on the ambush position.

NBC ATTACKNBC ATTACK

The first action on suspected chemical The first action on suspected chemical attack is to mask and give warning.attack is to mask and give warning.

If possible (based on the mission and If possible (based on the mission and situation) the unit should by pass the known situation) the unit should by pass the known or suspected contaminated area.or suspected contaminated area.

Cross or go Through NBC AreaCross or go Through NBC Area

Use MOPP Level 4Use MOPP Level 4 Avoid moving through or under brush.Avoid moving through or under brush. Stay on hard surface roads.Stay on hard surface roads. Cover as much as equipment as possibleCover as much as equipment as possible Avoid low areas.Avoid low areas. Avoid vehicle tracking to reduce secondary Avoid vehicle tracking to reduce secondary

contaminationcontamination Decrease speed.Decrease speed. Increase vehicle intervals.Increase vehicle intervals.

If You Must Cross An NBC AreaIf You Must Cross An NBC Area

Wear regular wet weather gear with a scarf Wear regular wet weather gear with a scarf or handkerchief over nose and mouth.or handkerchief over nose and mouth.

Avoid disturbing road dust.Avoid disturbing road dust. If possible dampen hardtop and dirt roads to If possible dampen hardtop and dirt roads to

prevent contaminated dust.prevent contaminated dust. Ensure that the IM-174 Radiacmeter is use Ensure that the IM-174 Radiacmeter is use

by the unit march.by the unit march.

Booby TrapsBooby Traps

If trap is spotted, halt the column.If trap is spotted, halt the column.

Bypass or go over the trap as directed by Bypass or go over the trap as directed by the squad leader or platoon leader.the squad leader or platoon leader.

Night MovementsNight Movements

Move around thick underbrush, dense woods, Move around thick underbrush, dense woods, and ravines.and ravines.

Note:Note: Move as quickly as circumstances Move as quickly as circumstances allows, but avoid running if possible.allows, but avoid running if possible.

Keep all lights concealed.Keep all lights concealed. Watch and feel for trip wires.Watch and feel for trip wires. Distance between soldiers depends on Distance between soldiers depends on

blackness of the night.blackness of the night.

Avoid Danger AreasAvoid Danger Areas

Open areasOpen areas Roads and trailsRoads and trails Native villagesNative villages Enemy positionsEnemy positions Mine fieldsMine fields StreamsStreams

Ground FlaresGround Flares

Aground flare set off nearby usually means Aground flare set off nearby usually means the enemy has seen out or suspects your the enemy has seen out or suspects your presence. presence.

If caught in the light of a ground flare, If caught in the light of a ground flare, move quickly out of the light.move quickly out of the light.

Keep moving until you are well away from Keep moving until you are well away from the area.the area.

Aerial FlaresAerial Flares

May be fired from mortars, artillery, or hand May be fired from mortars, artillery, or hand held projectors.held projectors.

If you set off a flare, or hear one fired, get If you set off a flare, or hear one fired, get down while it is rising and conceal yourself down while it is rising and conceal yourself before it burst.before it burst.

If in the light freeze in place until it burns If in the light freeze in place until it burns out.out.

If in open area crouch low or hit the ground.If in open area crouch low or hit the ground.

Commanders DutiesCommanders Duties

Before the march- issues warning orderBefore the march- issues warning order During the march- Marches at the head until the During the march- Marches at the head until the

SP the moves to a point for best supervision.SP the moves to a point for best supervision. During Halts- Supervise establishments of During Halts- Supervise establishments of

security, foot inspections, water discipline, security, foot inspections, water discipline, sanitation, safety,and adjustment of loads.sanitation, safety,and adjustment of loads.

After the March- Before the completion moves to After the March- Before the completion moves to the head and moves the company into the AA.the head and moves the company into the AA.

Executive Officer DutiesExecutive Officer Duties

Assist the commanderAssist the commander Takes command if commander not present.Takes command if commander not present. Supervises the pace setter.Supervises the pace setter. Post and supervises company traffic guards Post and supervises company traffic guards

and guides.and guides.

Platoon LeaderPlatoon Leader

Before: Informs the Platoon Inspects Uniforms EquipmentBefore: Informs the Platoon Inspects Uniforms Equipment During: Prescribe distance, compliance of march During: Prescribe distance, compliance of march

discipline, controls straggling, and grants discipline, controls straggling, and grants permission to fall out, scanning assigned sectors permission to fall out, scanning assigned sectors

Halts: Clear the roads, establish security, enforces march Halts: Clear the roads, establish security, enforces march discipline, checks conditions of the soldiers, and discipline, checks conditions of the soldiers, and time time

After- PLT moves to assigned areas, supervise the SQD After- PLT moves to assigned areas, supervise the SQD LDR in their duties, foot inspections, medical LDR in their duties, foot inspections, medical attention. attention.

Squad LeaderSquad Leader

Before: provides detailed instructions, inspects Before: provides detailed instructions, inspects boots, socks, prepares a medical boots, socks, prepares a medical

kit.kit. During: marches at the head, proper distance, During: marches at the head, proper distance,

scanning, rate of march, enforces scanning, rate of march, enforces march march discipline. discipline.

At Halts: assist the platoon leader.At Halts: assist the platoon leader. After: squad sectors, reports condition of soldiers, After: squad sectors, reports condition of soldiers,

prepares and continue missions. prepares and continue missions.

Pace SetterPace Setter

Experienced soldierExperienced soldier carry the same loadcarry the same load 4 - 10 meters at head of column4 - 10 meters at head of column maintain rate of marchmaintain rate of march

106 steps per min / 30 in step / 4 kph106 steps per min / 30 in step / 4 kph Should be medium height, normal stridesShould be medium height, normal strides

GuidesGuides

Lead or direct the unitLead or direct the unit Given detailed instructions Given detailed instructions Given strip mapGiven strip map Accompany the lead elementAccompany the lead element

Traffic GuardsTraffic Guards

Placed 50 meters to front and rearPlaced 50 meters to front and rear Slow or stop oncoming or passing trafficSlow or stop oncoming or passing traffic Places at road intersection and other critical Places at road intersection and other critical

locations.locations. Stop traffic while column passes and act as Stop traffic while column passes and act as

guidesguides Use flashlights or lanterns at night to control Use flashlights or lanterns at night to control

traffictraffic

SummarySummary

Individual TaskIndividual Task Duty, Personal Courage, IntegrityDuty, Personal Courage, Integrity EquipmentEquipment Safety RequirementsSafety Requirements Types of Foot MarchesTypes of Foot Marches March DisciplineMarch Discipline Security MeasuresSecurity Measures

Summary ContinuedSummary Continued

Water DisciplineWater Discipline Personnel HygienePersonnel Hygiene Foot CareFoot Care Special CareSpecial Care HaltsHalts