ADP 3-90, page 51

The Offense 31 July 2019 ADP 3-90 3-11 Movement Formations 3-64. A movement formation is an ordered arrangement of forces for a specific purpose and describes the general configuration of a unit on the ground. Commanders can use seven different movement formations depending on the mission variables: column, line, echelon (left or right), box, diamond, wedge, and vee. Terrain characteristics and visibility determine the actual arrangement and location of the unit’s personnel and vehicles within a given formation. (FM 3-90-1 describes these combat formations.) 3-65. Movement formations allow a unit to move on a battlefield in a posture suited to the commander’s intent and mission. A unit may employ a series of movement formations during the course of an attack; each has its advantages and disadvantages. Subordinate units within a movement formation can also employ their own movement formations, consistent with their particular situation. To determine the appropriate formation, commanders consider the advantages and disadvantages of each formation in the areas of command, control, maintenance, firepower orientation, ability to mass fires, and flexibility. All movement formations use one or more of the three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch. (See FM 3-90-1 for a description of the movement techniques.) 3-66. The use of standard formations allows units to shift from one formation to another, giving additional flexibility when adjusting to changes in the tactical situation and terrain. By designating the movement formation planned for use, commanders—  Establish the geographic relationship between units.  Indicate probable reactions once an enemy makes contact with the formation.  Indicate the level of security desired.  Establish the primary orientation of subordinate weapon systems.  Posture friendly forces for the attack. The number of subordinate maneuver units available to a headquarters may make some movement formations impractical. Soldiers’ Load 3-67. The load that Soldiers carry is an important planning consideration. How much Soldiers carry, how far, and in what configuration are critical mission considerations requiring command emphasis and inspection. Historical experience and research show that Soldiers can carry 30 percent of their body weight and retain much of their agility, stamina, alertness, and mobility. At times conditions dictate that a Soldier’s load must exceed this recommended weight. Effective commanders and subordinate leaders account for how excess weight influences the effectiveness of their units and adjust planning accordingly. ASSURED MOBILITY 3-68. Assured mobility is a framework—of processes, actions, and capabilities—that assures the ability of a force to deploy, move, and maneuver where and when desired, to achieve the commander’s intent (ATP 3-90.4). The assured mobility fundamentals of prediction, detection, prevention, avoidance, neutralization, and protection support framing staff planning of subordinate unit tasks and activities. The assured mobility framework enables planners to recommend COAs that achieve the commander’s intent. Assured mobility emphasizes integrated proactive mobility, countermobility, and protection tasks to increase the probability of mission accomplishment. 3-69. While engineers are principal staff integrators for the assured mobility framework, all staff planners are essential to ensuring the effective application and integration of mobility, countermobility, and protection tasks. (See ATP 3-90.4 for more information on combined arms mobility.) Mobility 3-70. Mobility tasks are those combined arms activities that mitigate the effects of obstacles to enable freedom of movement and maneuver (ATP 3-90.4). Mobility has six primary tasks:  Conduct breaching.  Conduct clearing (areas and routes).