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UNITAF members taking orders before an operation
Force Manual

The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

FM/G233 · Leadership of combat elements

Crossing danger areas

Passages
4
Reading time
1 min
Views
86
Owned by
Unit Command
Platforms
Every platform
Role cards
14 cards
Published
23 Sep 2026
On this page

Recognising danger Areas

Danger areas are terrain features that expose friendly forces to heightened risk from enemy fire.

These may include:

  • Bridges, streams, open lanes, streets, or other open spaces.
  • Often observed or covered by enemy forces, including snipers or machine gunners.

Danger areas must be identified early and treated with deliberate caution.

Principles of crossing danger areas

Crossing a danger area is conducted using bounding overwatch principles.

  • Cross in small elements to avoid detection and reduce exposure.
  • Maintain continuous security throughout the process.
  • Movement techniques used are an extension of basic infantry manoeuvre principles.

Danger area crossing procedure

Step 1: Establish security

  • Form a security element to cover the danger area before attempting to cross.
  • Use at least half the force to provide overwatch.
  • Ensure wide spacing to reduce visibility.
  • Security observes flanks, rear, and the danger area itself.

 

Step 2: Scout the far side

  • Send a scout element to cross and clear the far side.
  • Typically fireteam-sized.
  • Conduct limited penetration to check for threats.
  • Provide overwatch for main body during their crossing.

 

Step 3: Controlled crossing

  • Once scouts report clear, remaining elements cross sequentially.
  • Cross one element at a time.
  • Maintain spacing and speed.
  • Do not bunch up or rush the crossing.

 

Step 4: Consolidate after crossing

  • Once all elements are across, regroup and continue the mission.
  • Re-establish control and situational awareness.
  • Ensure no one is left behind or disoriented.

Crossing under fire

If taking fire during the crossing, shift to emergency reaction techniques.

  • Deploy smoke to obscure movement.
  • Use suppression fire to cover crossing elements.
  • Maintain aggressive momentum to clear the area quickly.

On role cards

Next in Leadership of combat elements

FM/G316 Decision making