MCRP 12-10B.1, page 167

Figure A-14. Selection of the Next Position 9. Crossing Open Areas. Open areas such as streets, alleys, and parks should be avoided. They are natural kill zones for enemy crew-served weapons. They can be crossed safely if certain fundamentals are applied by Marines and small-unit leaders. a. When using the correct procedure for crossing an open area, the Marine develops a plan for his/her own movement. (Smoke from hand grenades or smoke pots should be used to conceal the movement of all Marines.) The Marine runs the shortest distance between buildings and moves along the far building to the next position. By doing so, he/she reduces the amount of time during which he/she is exposed to enemy fire. b. Before moving to another position, the Marine should make a visual reconnaissance and select the position that offers the best cover and concealment. At the same time, he/she should select the route that he/she will take to get to that position. c. When moving from position to position, each Marine should be careful not to mask his/ her supporting fires. When he/she reaches his/her next position, he/she should be prepared to cover the movement of other members of his/her assault force or element. 10. Assault Element Employment. Moving as an assault element from building to building or between buildings presents a problem because an assault element presents a large target to enemy fire. When moving from the corner of one building to another, the assault element should move across the open area in groups of two, maintaining their integrity within their respective clearing or covering team (Figure A-15). The assault element leader (fire team leader) is responsible for A - 12 MCWP 3-35 .3