5-3. General
Winter cross-country travel in the North is difficult and complex. Of necessity, travel will be slower, However, with the proper training in the use and maintenance of equipment, the proper enthusiastic leadership, and the will to accomplish the mission, nothing is impossible.
5-4. Basic Rules for Foot Movement
The following guides are based on experience factors and should be considered in preparing for cross-country movements in the northern areas.
a. Insure that all personnel participating in the move are fully aware of the mission, route, etc. Equipment must be checked and loads evenly distributed. Dispatch trailbreaking teams far enough in advance to insure continuous, uninterrupted movement of the main body. Men should be dressed as lightly as possible consistent with the weather to reduce excessive perspiring and subsequent chilling. Complete cold weather uniforms must be available while operating in cold environments. A large proportion of cold weather casualties result from too few clothes being available to individuals at such time as a severe change in the weather occurs. Therefore, unit clothing discipline must be enforced consistent with prevailing weather.
b. The first halt after initiating a march should be made in approximately 15 minutes. This will allow adjustment of clothing and equipment. Subsequent halts should be frequent and of short duration to insure rest and to prevent chilling. Halts should, so far as possible, be made in sheltered places which will provide protection from the elements. Warm drinks should be provided during the march if possible.
c. The buddy system is mandatory in the North and men must be instructed to watch their buddy carefully for early signs of frostbite. Individuals must not be allowed to fall out of the line of march, except in an extreme emergency. If this should occur, proper care must be taken to insure that he does not become a cold weather casualty. Normally, the second-in-command will bring up the rear of the column and, in each halt, will check the men and report their condition to the leader.
d. Prior detailed reconnaissance is most important to insure successful mobility in the northern areas. Maps may or may not exist and those that do exist may not always be accurate. In planning a move, maximum advantage must be taken of map studies, aerial photographs, ground and aerial reconnaissance. Without detailed reconnaissance and prior planning, unit movement may be slowed or stopped by long detours or obstacles.
e. Marching in single file is often the best formation. It maintains track discipline, camouflage, and reduces the number of trailbreakers and reconnaissance parties required. Natural obstacles may limit the use of other formations. Large units in single file however, become excessively long and will be slow to react to enemy action to the front or rear. Tactical considerations will often require the use of other formations. The double track of vehicles may be used as pathways for foot troops, but will rarely afford ease of movement for ski or snowshoe mounted troops.
