Each grouping for movement corresponds with the organization for combat to include weapons, ammunition, and rations needed for combat at the destination. Shuttle marches aid movement and conserve energy when there are insufficient vehicles to move the entire force at one time. Foot troops to be transported by vehicle in a later echelon can march to an intermediate point where they are met and picked up by vehicles returning from an earlier echelon, or foot troops transported in an earlier echelon can disembark short of their destination and march the rest of the distance while vehicles return for a later echelon. Plans for combined foot and motor movement must be flexible since circumstances in forward areas can easily disrupt the time schedule. This technique is used to provide secrecy, deception, and dispersion in areas where enemy observation or attack is likely, but it requires more time, more detailed planning, and greater decentralization of control.
Columns consist of units having the same rate of movement.
Those having different rates of movement are assigned separate routes, or their movements are staggered along the same routes. When an unforeseen crossing of two columns occurs and no control personnel from a higher headquarters are present, the senior commander regulates the crossing, based on the situation and the missions of the two columns. The varying types of terrain over which troops must march present different problems for commanders, depending on the specific area of operations. Weather conditions combined with terrain affect the mobility of marching troops. Foot marching under adverse climatic conditions follows the same principles as under normal conditions.