This technique works for small groups that cannot provide normal security for crossing a small road or danger area. The main security for this is speed. With practice 9 people can cross the road in 10 seconds. Once across everyone is still in their position for marching (pointman, compassman, pace counter, TL etc).

Before you do a road crossing or go on patrol, your OPORDER should include actions for danger areas and road crossings, chance enemy contact (engage or withdraw) names of those who are designated for recon and search teams (R&S), security teams, passwords, "number of the day" codes, etc. Your route should also be know in advance so you can anticipate most danger areas and cross at points providing the most cover and security.

Upon spotting a road crossing (or danger area) the Pointman (PM) sends the hand signal to the rest of the team.

The team leader (TL) can decide to cross or not cross the road as well as choosing another site in which to cross. Do not cross where you are if it is in a poor location or a more secure area is available. If the TL decides to inspect the area the group either goes into a 360 degree formation or if in a column or staggard column each member takes 2 steps out and takes cover while providing security. Pointman and rear security remain watching their respective areas of responsibilty.

The team leader may decide to have the recon and security team deploy to inspect the far side of the danger area or parallel to the team's direction of travel. He will give the hand signal for the R&S team and instructions on what he wants checked out. The TL may want to provide instructions for GOTWA, number of the day etc. Remember you may also be doing this at night and need a way to signal to each other in the dark you are a friendly returning.

The R&S team will return and provide the TL with any info they gather regarding the area. If unsafe they may move to another location to cross or not cross.

If they decide to cross the TL will designate near and far side rally points in case they are ambushed before, during or after the crossing. SOPs can be set up prior to movement for example designating 200 meters before and after the road crossing as an ORP if contact is made. If members are across the road and an enemy force attacks from the left or right, do not cross back into their fire. Move to another postion 50 meters or more away and recross to rejoin your team.

If SOP or the TL decides you will cross and use the patch to road technique you will.

1. Give signal to use the patch to road technique by tapping your unit patch on your left arm. Members will line up shoulder to shoulder even during the daytime. Again the main security here is speed.

2. The pointman will procede into the road where he can get a good look to his left to check for enemy activity. If none he will then turn to his right and take up security to his right with his unit patch facing towards the road.

3. Number 2 man will move next to the pointman to provide security and either quietly tell him "go" or squeeze his shoulder to let him know his position is now covered. The pointman will now cross the road and take up security to his left so his unit patch is again facing in towards the road.

4. Number 3 man will take number 2 man's position in the same way and number 2 will take the place of the pointman who will continue in the direction of travel.

This is repeated till all members are across. If done at night a head count can be conducted to ensure all have crossed without gaining any extra people. If the second person does this he can count up (including himself and the pointman) and go back into line.

First is an animated Gif made by E-Rock