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Bounding Overwatch
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Bounding overwatch is used when contact is expected. It is the most secure, but slowest, movement technique.
When two teams move into enemy territory the fire teams can move in support of each other just as team members cover each other. When moving together in hostile territory the teams use the Bounding Overwatch method to make a controlled and well defended advance. Each team advances to a good distance and takes positions while the alternate team comes up and moves ahead to cover the first team. |
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The purpose of bounding overwatch is to deploy prior to contact, giving the unit the ability to protect a bounding element by immediately suppressing an enemy force. In all types of bounding, the overwatch element is assigned sectors to scan while the bounding element uses terrain to achieve cover and concealment. The bounding element should avoid masking the fires of the overwatch element; it must never move beyond the range at which the overwatch element can effectively suppress likely or suspected enemy positions. The company can employ either of two bounding methods, alternate bounds or successive bounds.
(1) Alternate Bounds. Covered by the rear element, the lead element moves forward, halts, and assumes overwatch positions. The rear element advances past the lead element and takes up overwatch positions. This sequence continues as necessary, with only one element moving at a time. This method is usually more rapid than successive bounds.
(2) Successive Bounds. In the successive bounding method the lead element, covered by the rear element, advances and takes up overwatch positions. The rear element then advances to an overwatch position roughly abreast of the lead element and halts. The lead element then moves to the next position, and so on. Only one element moves at a time, and the rear element avoids advancing beyond the lead element. This method is easier to control and more secure than the alternate bounding method, but it is slower.
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