text: Chapter 5
  5-73. In the second method, the security force crosses the LD with the main body and then deploys out into
  the zone. This method is appropriate when the division makes its own penetration of the enemy defenses
  along the line of contact. The security force may follow the lead battalion TF of the protected force through
  the gap and deploy when the situation permits. Alternatively, the security force follows the combat elements
  of the lead brigade. This method is slower but provides security for the security force before it begins their
  flank guard mission.
  5-74. The security force regulates movement along the route of advance by the pace of the protected force,
  distance to the objective, and the enemy situation. There are three methods of movement that the security
  force may use:
  * Successive bounds.
  * Alternate bounds.
  * Continuous marching.
  5-75. Table 5-2 summarizes these methods. If the protected force stops, the security force occupies blocking
  positions. As the speed of the main body changes, the security force changes movement methods. The
  security force commander must not allow the security force to fall behind the main body or present a lucrative
  target by remaining stationary along the route.
  Table 5-2. Moving flank guard movement method comparison
  Method Considerations Advantages Disadvantages
  • Enemy contact likely Most secure Slowest
  • Main body slow
  Successive Bounds • Bound by troops in
  succession or
  simultaneously
  • Enemy contact likely More secure than Slower than continuous
  • Main body slow continuous marching, marching, less secure than
  Alternate Bounds faster than successive successive bounds
  • Troops bound from rear
  bounds
  to front
  • Enemy contact not likely Fastest Least secure
  • Main body fast
  Continuous Marching • Troops remain in march
  column on route, air
  screen on flank
  5-76. The moving flank guard is an incredibly complex operation requiring detailed planning. A moving
  flank guard has many of the same considerations as the moving flank screen; however, while conducting a
  moving flank guard, the unit occupies a series of battle positions along the axis of advance. The security unit
  also occupies a series of observation posts forward of the battle positions and those observation posts are
  either designated by the security force commander or delegated to subordinate commanders. The tasks for
  the moving flank guard include maintaining continuous surveillance of enemy avenues of approach,
  reconnoitering the zone between the main body and the flank guard’s position, maintaining contact with the
  lead combat elements of the main body, defeating enemy reconnaissance forces, and defeating, disrupting,
  or fixing enemy ground forces before they can engage the main body with direct fire.
  5-77. The lead element of the security force performs a critical three-fold mission. They must maintain
  contact with the protected force, reconnoiter the zone between the main body and the security force route of
  advance, and reconnoiter the security force route. The lead element performs zone reconnaissance to
  accomplish these three tasks. The speed of the protected force determines how thoroughly to perform
  reconnaissance. Planners must consider METT-TC (I) during the planning phase to identify their formations’
  lead unit capabilities to determine if augmentation is required. When the zone exceeds the organic capability
  of the lead element (typically 10 kilometers for an armored Cavalry troop in open terrain), units augment the
  lead element with additional forces to ensure the lead element maintains contact with the protected force,
  does not become over tasked, and can match the tempo of the protected force. During planning, the staff