• First: Verbal persuasion.
• Second: Show of force.
• Third: Chemical aerosol irritant projectors (subject to local and HN restrictions).
• Fourth: Use of physical force (other than weapons fire).
• Fifth: Presentation of deadly force.
• Sixth: Deadly force.

 

 
 
 

• Self-defense and the defense of others . Deadly force is authorized to protect an MP, a guard, or any person who believes he or others are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.
• Protection of assets involving national security . Deadly force is authorized to prevent the theft or sabotage of assets vital to national security.
• Protection of assets inherently dangerous to others . Deadly force is authorized to prevent the theft or sabotage of resources, such as operable weapons or ammunition, that are inherently dangerous to others.
• Serious offenses against persons . Deadly force is authorized to prevent a serious offense involving violence or a threat of death or serious bodily harm.
• Arrests and apprehensions . Deadly force is authorized to arrest or apprehend a person who has committed an offense as specified in bullets 2 through 4 above.
• Escapes . The law of land warfare permits deadly force to prevent an EPW or an RP from escaping if he poses a threat of serious bodily harm to security personnel or others. If a CI tries to escape, force can only be used when the ROE authorizes it (see AR 190-8).

 

 
 
 

B-4. The I/R facility commander ensures that soldiers understand the ROE, including the use of the term halt, the use of deadly force, and the ban on using physical or imaginary deadlines. He also ensures that EPWs and RPs understand the meaning of the English word halt .

B-5. When a prisoner tries to escape, the guard shouts HALT three times. He then uses the least amount of force necessary to stop the escape. If there is no other effective means of preventing escape, deadly force can be used. Do not fire on a prisoner unless he has cleared the outside fence (barrier, concertina wire, or razor tape) and is making a further effort to escape. Do not fire on a prisoner attempting to escape outside a fenced enclosure unless he does not halt after the third command. An escape is successful if a prisoner—

• Reaches the lines of a force of which he is a member or the allies of that power.
• Leaves a territory that is not controlled by the US or its allies.

 

 
 
 

B-7. The political situation may influence the ROE and conflict with physical-security needs. In these cases, commanders weigh the political gains against the risk to the force. They clearly state their objectives with defined operational limits that allow mission accomplishment and protect deployed forces.

B-8. Restrictions on combat operations and the use of force are clearly explained in the ROE and understood and obeyed at all levels. Soldiers study and train in the use of the ROE and discuss the ROE for their mission. Misunderstandings and actions, no matter how minor, may have far-reaching repercussions because friendly and enemy media can exploit incidents rapidly.

B-9. The ROE address specific distinctions between internee categories and the instruments of control available for each. Use the following issues to develop guidelines:

• What is considered deadly force?
• Under what conditions—
• Will deadly force be used?
• Will nonlethal technology be used?

 

 
 
 

• What are the required warnings (see ARs 190-8 and 190-14) before using force (nonlethal or lethal)?

 

 
 
 

B-11. The NLW doctrine and concepts of operation are designed to reinforce deterrence and expand the range of options available to commanders. They enhance the capability of US forces to accomplish the following objectives:

• Discourage, delay, and prevent hostile actions.
• Limit escalation.
• Take military action in situations where the use of lethal force is not the preferred option.
• Protect US forces.
• Disable equipment, facilities, and personnel.

 

 
 
 

B-14. Facility commanders consider the use-of-force options discussed in this appendix and AR 190-14 when dealing with disruptions. They substitute nonlethal devices for firearms when they are adequate for MP to safely perform their duties. Currently, MP have the following nonlethal options available for crowd control:

• Riot control agents.
• O-chlorobenzylidine malonitrile (CS).
• Oleoresin capsicum (OC).

 

 
 
 

• MWDs.
• MP clubs.
• Riot batons.

 

 
 
 

B-17. The NLWs are less likely to provoke others; however, they may provoke a negative response. Demonstrated restraint greatly diminishes feelings of anger and remorse when deadly force is required after nonlethal options fail. The NLWs facilitate postincident stabilization by reducing internee alienation and collateral damage.

B-19. Many NLWs have maximum-effective and minimum-safety ranges. Individuals struck short of the minimum safety range often suffer severe injuries or death, while the effects of most nonlethal devices are greatly mitigated at longer ranges. Engage the threat within the nonlethal zone, which is beyond the lethal zone and short of the ineffective zone (see Table B-1).

B-20. When training with and planning for the use of NLWs—

• Never apply them in situations where deadly force is appropriate.
• Never apply them in situations that will place troops in undue danger.
• Always cover them with deadly force.

 

 
 
 

B-22. During a nonlethal engagement, a designated marksman supplies lethal overwatch to provide confidence and safety to those facing a riot. The marksman is in an overwatch position and armed with a standard infantry rifle, mounted with a high-powered scope. If a lethal threat is presented, he can scan the crowd to identify agitators and riot leaders for apprehension. He can also fire lethal rounds if warranted. Designated marksmen are ideally suited for flank security and countersniper operations.

NOTE: See FM 90-40 for an in-depth discussion on the tactics associated with employing NLWs.

B-24. Simply being a part of a crowd affects a person. Each person is open to actions that are different from his usual behavior. For example, crowds provide a sense of anonymity because they are large, often temporary, congregations. Crowd members often feel that their moral responsibility has shifted from themselves to the crowd as a whole. Large numbers of people discourage individual behavior, and the urge to imitate is strong in humans. People look to others for cues and disregard their own background and training. Only well-disciplined persons with strong convictions can resist conforming to crowd behavior. Crowd behavior influences the actions of disorderly participants and the authorities tasked to control them.

B-25. Under normal circumstances, a crowd is orderly and does not present a problem to authorities. However, when crowd behavior violates laws or threatens life or property, a disturbance ensues.

B-27. Crowd behavior may be affected by panic or emotional contagion, which provides psychological unity. The unity is usually temporary, but it may be long enough to push a crowd to mob action. When emotional contagion prevails, normal L&O are suppressed, increasing the potential for violence. Panic can occur during a disturbance when—

• Crowd members perceive that their safety is at risk and they attempt to flee the area.
• Crowd members cannot disperse quickly after exposure to riot control agents.
• Escape routes are limited, blocked, or congested.

 

 
 
 

B-31. In compounds where women, children, and elders are interned, they may be placed in the front ranks of the demonstration to discourage countermeasures by the control force. When countermeasures are taken, agitators try to stir public displeasure and embarrass the control force through the media. Internees may form human blockades to impede movement by sitting down in footpaths or entrances to buildings within the compound. This disrupts normal activity and forces control personnel to remove demonstrators physically. Demonstrators may lock arms, making it hard for the control force to separate and remove them, so that it appears the control force is using excessive force.

B-32. Nonviolent tactics include the following types of disorders:

• Demonstrations . Demonstrations are actions by groups of people whose behavior, while not violent, is in conflict with those in authority. They are characterized by unruliness and vocal expressiveness without violence. Demonstrations may be organized in celebration of national holidays or as protests against food, clothing, living conditions, or treatment.
• Refusal to work or eat . Housed personnel may refuse to work or eat, collectively or individually, as a means of harassing the detaining power or in an attempt to gain concessions from the detaining power. This type of disorder can normally be controlled by promptly isolating and segregating offenders and ringleaders.
• Work slowdown . Housed personnel may initiate a deliberate work slowdown to delay the completion of projects, thereby harassing the detaining power. Disorders of this nature can also be controlled by promptly isolating and segregating offenders and ringleaders.
• Damage or destruction of property . Housed personnel often damage or destroy property to harass the detaining power, to impede or prevent normal operation of the facility, or for tactical purposes. This type of disorder can normally be controlled by identifying, isolating, and segregating offenders.
• Unorganized disorders . Unorganized disorders are spontaneous and are started by the actions of a single individual. Like all disturbances, their prompt control is essential.

 

 
 
 

B-34. Crowd members can erect barricades to impede movement or to prevent the control force from entering an area or a building. They may use vehicles, trees, furniture, fences, or other material to build barricades. In an effort to breach barriers, rioters may throw grapples into wire barricades and drag them. They may use grapples, chains, wires, or ropes to pull down gates or fences to effect a mass escape. They may use long poles or homemade spears (tent poles) to keep control forces back while removing barricades or to prevent the use of bayonets.

B-35. Rioters can be expected to vent their emotions on individuals, troop formations, and control force equipment. They may throw rotten fruits and vegetables, rocks, bricks, bottles, or improvised bombs. They may direct dangerous objects (vehicles, carts, barrels, or liquids) at troops located on or at the bottom of a slope. They may drive commandeered vehicles toward troops to scatter the control force formation and jump out of vehicles before reaching roadblocks and barricades. Rioters may set fire to buildings or vehicles to block the advance of the control force formation, create confusion and diversion, destroy property, and mask escapes. Types of riots include—

• Organized riots . Leaders of housed personnel reorganize the internee population into quasi-military groups. The groups are capable of developing plans and tactics for riots and disorders. Riots can be instigated for—
• Escapes . Leaders organize a riot as a diversion for an escape attempt by selected individuals or small groups or for a mass escape attempt.
• Political purposes . Riots are often organized for propaganda or to embarrass the detaining power in its relations with protecting powers and other nations. They may also be organized to intimidate individuals or groups that may have been cooperative with the detaining power.
• Grievance protests . A grievance protest can be organized as a riot. Under normal circumstances, this type of riot is not extremely violent in nature. It may turn violent when leaders try to exploit the successes of the riot or the weaknesses of the detaining power.
• Tactical purposes . Riots are often organized for the sole purpose of diverting the detaining power, thereby limiting its ability to perform the mission.

 

 
 
 

• Unorganized riots . Unorganized riots are spontaneous, although they can be exploited and diverted by leaders into different types of riots. They may begin as a holiday celebration, a group singing, or a religious gathering. Under determined leadership, the pattern of these gatherings can change to an organized riot.
• Multiple riots . When housed personnel in one compound start rioting, personnel in other compounds may also riot. To meet this situation with only one riot control force available, the force commander first subdues the most riotous compound. He also employs riot control teams to contain the other compounds where rioting is taking place until the riot control force is free to subdue offenders. If another alert force is available, it channels additional rioters to a different area than the original rioters.

 

 
 
 

• Time the incident was reported and by whom.
• Time the enclosure commander reported to his commander.
• Time the riot control force was alerted.
• Time the riot control force commander reported to the affected enclosure.
• Time the riot control force entered the enclosure.
• Weather conditions as they relate to the use of riot control munitions, the types and amounts used, and their results and effects.
• Number of US personnel injured or killed, a description of how they were injured or killed, and the medical attention they received.
• Number of housed personnel injured or killed, a description of how they were injured or killed, and the medical attention they received.
• Time the operation was completed and when the riot control force cleared the enclosure.

 

 
 
 

• Terrain features.
• Types of structures.
• Number of internees.
• Size of control forces.

 

 
 
 

B-39. Preplan riot control measures before a crisis occurs. Control forces will be prepared to react in an emergency and can successfully contain and neutralize the situation. The preplanning process includes training, planning, and intelligence gathering.

• Law of land warfare principles, specifically the provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
• Supervisory and human relations techniques.
• Self-defense methods.
• The use of force (riot batons, M16 with and without bayonet, and fatal areas of the body to avoid when using them).
• Weapons familiarization and qualification.
• Public relations.
• First aid.
• Emergency plans.
• Compound regulations.
• Intelligence and counterintelligence techniques.
• Cultural customs, habits, and religious practices.
• Simple training in internees' language.
• The use of riot control agents and the various methods of dispersing them.
• The use of NLWs.

 

 
 
 

B-43. Other planning factors to consider are the weather; the cause, nature, and extent of the disturbance; and the demeanor and intent of the gathered EPWs. Based on an analysis of these factors, the commander makes an estimate (as thorough as time permits) of the situation. He considers a course of action, selects riot control agents, and determines munition needs.

B-44. Plans also address the security of riot control agents during storage, transportation, and employment. The wind direction, the size of the area, and the proximity of civilian communities may preclude the use of large quantities of riot control agents. In such cases, it may be necessary to use low concentrations to break up a crowd into smaller groups.

B-45. When dealing with a large group of rioting EPWs, plans should indicate how the control force channels and controls EPW movement in a specific direction. This is usually to an area where another force is waiting to receive, hold, and search them. Include information on how riot control agents are employed to cover the target area with a cloud of sufficient strength to produce desired results. Once the proper concentration is reached, the control force maintains the concentration until rioters are channeled into the predetermined area. When dispersers are used, the dispersal team maintains the concentration by moving along the release line at an even rate and repeating the application as necessary.

B-46. During a riot, another riot may start in a neighboring compound, so ensure that contingency plans are in place to subdue it also. Quell the most riotous compound first, and then move to the next. Employ riot control teams to contain other compounds where rioting is taking place until a riot control force is free to subdue them.

B-47. Include serious-incident reporting procedures in riot control plans. Initiate a record of events to provide a basis for preparing and submitting a formal report to higher headquarters. (See paragraph B-36.)

B-51. Administer first aid to victims by moving them to uncontaminated areas and facing them into the wind. Caution them not to rub their eyes, and keep affected people well apart. Have victims shower with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes and then proceed with normal showering. For gross contamination, flush victims' bodies with large amounts of cool water, wash them with a 5 percent sodium bisulfite solution (except in and around their eyes), and flush them again with water. (A 1 percent sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate solution can be substituted for the sodium bisulfite solution.)

B-52. The CS is delivered by a variety means—bursting, aerosol, 37-millimeter and 12-gauge projectiles, and fogging. It has the greatest effect when there is little or no wind, and effectiveness is greatly diminished by rain. The persistency of CS varies according to wind conditions. The powder form persists longer in still air and in wooded terrain, and it should not be used in areas where lingering contamination could cause problems.

B-54. The OC is not a chemical agent, but it is 750 times more powerful than CS. It is an organic, naturally occurring, inflammatory compound that is derived from a blend of 300 varieties of pepper plants. As an inflammatory agent, OC causes swelling of eyes and breathing passages almost immediately. When inhaled, the respiratory tract is inflamed and breathing is restricted to short, shallow breaths. However, it does not shut down the respiratory system. The physiological response increases OC's effectiveness, regardless of the subject's emotional or physical state. It is effective against emotionally disturbed individuals, persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and domestic and wild animals.

B-55. The OC causes intense burning of exposed skin, dilation of capillaries, swelling of eyelids, burning and involuntary closing of eyes, uncontrollable coughing, gagging, gasping for air, temporary loss of strength and coordination, and a change in skin color (slight to bright red). The effects of OC last 30 to 40 minutes after removal to fresh air. There is no permanent damage to the respiratory system, eyes, or skin.

B-56. There is a risk of fatalities in persons with preexisting respiratory or cardiac conditions. Ensure that medical support is readily available when using OC in a civilian/refugee situation to prevent injury or death if an individual fails to recover.

B-57. Disadvantages of OC include—

• Canisters will depressurize over time if they are not checked regularly.
• Criminals have access to OC and may use it against the control force.
• Canisters must be shaken on a regular basis.
• Individuals from cultures that use cayenne pepper on a regular basis may become immune to OC.
• Rain decreases the effectiveness and requires a longer spray duration.
• Strong winds decrease effectiveness and can result in blowback that might contaminate control forces.

 

 
 
 

• May cause a fire.
• Has a very slow saturation time.
• Takes 40 to 45 seconds to completely burn.
• Can be thrown back even while burning.

 

 
 
 

• Advantages .
• Has no risk of fire.
• Cannot be thrown back.
• Disseminates quickly.
• Is very effective, easy to carry, and easy to control.

 

 
 
 

• Disadvantages .
• The canister may fragment when detonated.
• The fuse head may separate from the canister.
• The percentage of irritant disseminated is 50 to 90 percent.
• The direction of the cloud formation depends on where the device is detonated.

 

 
 
 

• Advantages .
• Is easy to carry and control.
• Can be deployed with 40-millimeter, 37-millimeter, or 12-gauge ammunition.
• Disperses contents quickly.
• Is accurate (fin-stabilized), but practice firing is necessary.

 

 
 
 

• Disadvantages .
• May cause injury if fired from close range.
• May strike a weak portion of a structure.

 

 
 
 

• Advantages .
• Is capable of producing enough irritant to cover 100,000 cubic feet of an enclosed area in 26 seconds.
• Disseminates very quickly.
• Has high-volume capabilities.

 

 
 
 

• Disadvantages .
• Is too noisy for a close-in tactical situation.
• Is cumbersome and not recommended for tactical operations.

 

 
 
 

• Parade rest position . The parade rest position is a relaxed, ready position. Your feet are shoulder width apart, both arms hang naturally in front of your body, and the baton is horizontal. Your left palm is facing out, and your right palm is facing in toward your body. Your hands are about 6 inches from the ends of the baton.
• Port position . The port position is a ready position. It is particularly well suited for individual defense. Your right hand and forearm are parallel to the ground, and your left hand is level with your left shoulder. The striking end of the baton bisects the angle between your neck and left shoulder. The baton is held about 8 inches from your body, and your feet are shoulder width apart.
• On-guard position . The on-guard position is a ready position. Do not maintain it for long periods of time, because it is tiring. Your left foot is placed forward of your right foot. Your feet are spread apart, and your knees are slightly bent. Your right hand and the butt end of the baton are placed snugly against your hip. Your body is bent slightly forward at your waist. Your left arm is bent so that your forearm protects your throat area, yet allows a thrust to be made. From the on-guard position, soldiers can execute a—
• Short thrust . Rapidly step forward with your left foot, and drive the striking end of the baton into a vulnerable point of the opponent's body. Return to the on-guard position after delivery.
• Long thrust . Rapidly step forward with your right foot, and thrust the striking end of the baton into a vulnerable point of the opponent's body. Return to the on-guard position after delivery.
• Butt stroke . Advance your body rapidly off your right foot, and snap the butt end of the baton to the left, striking the opponent's shoulder or jaw. Return to the on-guard position after delivery.

 

 
 
 

B-69. Soldiers use riot batons to defend themselves against armed and unarmed attackers. Use the baton to block or deflect an opponent's blow; then counter with a thrust, a butt stroke, or a baton smash. These defensive techniques can be performed from any position.

NOTE: See FM 19-15 for detailed information on using a riot baton.

• Safe-port position . The safe-port position is quite effective when making a show of force. It is similar to the port arms position in FM 22-5, except the weapon is raised until your left, upper arm is parallel with the ground. In this elevated position, participants in the rear of the crowd can see bayonets. The sight of bayonets creates an impression of strength and numerical superiority. Do not keep troops in this position long because it is very tiring. The control force moves into and assembles from all riot control formations with weapons in the safe-port position. Upon receiving the preparatory command to move into or assemble from a riot control formation, soldiers assume the safe-port position.
• Safeguard position . This is a position of semireadiness. It is less tiring than the on-guard position and is used to rest troops when circumstances permit. As troops advance, they maintain the safeguard position until contact is made or resistance is expected. The safeguard position is also used when troops are pursuing a crowd that is withdrawing without resistance. In the safeguard position, your right hand is against the right side of your waist, and the weapon is pivoted forward until the bayonet is at the crowd's throat level.
• On-guard position . This is a position of complete readiness. It is used when troops are in contact with a group that is showing resistance or hesitance to withdraw. Assume the on-guard position from the safeguard position. Place your feet a comfortable distance apart, and align your left heel with your right toe. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward at your waist, keeping the bayonet at throat level. Do not keep troops in this position long because it is very tiring. Rest troops when circumstances permit.

 

 
 
 

B-72. Line, wedge, and echelon formations are trained at squad level and above; but they are normally used by platoon- and company-sized units. Squad line, echelon left, echelon right, and wedge formations are the basis for platoon and company formations. Each squad must be adept in the basic formations before practicing in platoon-sized or larger formations. Any size unit can be employed, and a riot control formation can be adapted to fit a unit's organization. (See STP 19-95B1-SM for more information on formations.)

B-73. The platoon headquarters for riot control formations consists of a platoon leader, a platoon sergeant, a selected marksman, and a radio operator or messenger. Figure B-1 shows symbols for a formation element. When directed by the platoon leader, disperser operators, firefighters, and others may augment the platoon headquarters.

B-75. In a three-squad platoon, the first and third squads are usually the lead elements in formations when one squad provides general or lateral support. The support squad, when held in general support, may be in a single column or a column of twos. The following examples presume that the second squad is the support squad.

B-76. When the support squad moves from general support to lateral support or to extend the existing formation, the even-numbered members move to the right and the odd-numbered members move to the left. The squad leader usually controls the even-numbered members, and the assistant squad leader controls the odd-numbered members. To assemble the support squad from any position to general support, the platoon leader commands SECOND SQUAD IN SUPPORT, MOVE . The second squad then returns to a column behind the line formed by the other two squads.

• Second squad forms a squad line to the right of the baseman.
• First squad forms a squad line to the left of the second squad.
• Third squad forms a squad line to the right of the second squad.
• First and third squads dress on the second squad.

 

 
 
 

B-84. To assemble the platoon from an echelon left, the commander takes his position to the rear of the formation with the platoon headquarters. On the command PLATOON ASSEMBLE, MOVE , the third squad moves and forms a column at the point designated by the platoon leader. The first and second squads assemble in column formation to the left of and dressed on the third squad.

B-86. To assemble a platoon from an echelon right, the commander takes his position to the rear of the formation with the platoon headquarters. On the command PLATOON ASSEMBLE, MOVE , the first squad moves and forms a column at the point designated by the platoon leader. The second and third squads assemble in column formation to the right of and dressed on the first squad.

B-93. To assemble a platoon with a squad in general support, the procedure is the same as for a formation without support, except the second squad does a countercolumn. The third squad then dresses on the right of the second squad, and the first squad dresses on the left of the second squad.

B-96. To assemble the platoon from a platoon formation with lateral support is nearly the same as for the platoon line. However, the number two men of the second and third squads do a right face and a left face, respectively, toward their squad leaders. On the execution command, the first and third squads move to the point designated by the platoon leader. As the first and third squads clear the formation, the second squad moves.

• A windshield with safety glass offers some protection in the upright position and minimizes the danger of injury from glass fragments. However, if paint or other obscurants strike the glass, the operator may be unable to see well enough to operate the vehicle safely.
• A wooden or metal frame strung with razor wire and mounted across the front of a vehicle enhances the vehicle's usefulness as a mobile barrier and increases its psychological impact.
• A dismounted formation walking alongside the vehicle may be needed to keep rioters from reaching the sides and rear of the vehicle.

 

 
 
 

B-101. The platoon leader may also relieve squads in the lead element by forming the same formation with support squads. The support element then passes through the lead element. This procedure is often necessary when soldiers don protective masks to employ riot control agents.

B-103. The formation commander faces the troops and gives the preparatory oral command, accompanied by the appropriate visual command. On the execution command, the leader drops both arms and points to the position where he wants the element to form. The formation commander gives the following visual commands:

• Echelon left . Extends left arm upward at a 45-degree angle and right arm downward at a 45-degree angle, simulating the intended formation.
• Echelon right . Extends right arm upward at a 45-degree angle and left arm downward at a 45-degree angle, simulating the intended formation.
• Line formation . Extends both arms parallel to the ground.
• Wedge formation . Extends both arms downward at a 45-degree angle, forming a wedge.
• Diamond formation . Extends both arms above his head, bending elbows slightly and touching fingertips together.
• Circle formation . Extends both arms above his head, bending elbows slightly and touching fingertips together, then makes a circular motion with his right hand.
• Assemble from a riot control formation . Extends right arm upward and makes a circular motion.

 

 
 
 

B-105. While in the assembly area, each squad leader has his squad count off. The squad leader is always number 1, and the baseman for the formation is number 2. The number each soldier is assigned during the count off determines his position in his unit's control formation. The unit marches in column formation from the assembly area to the disturbance site. It halts a reasonably safe distance from the crowd, within plain view of it. The on-site commander decides the riot control formation to use and the size of the element to commit.

B-106. On the preparatory command, troops assume the safe-port position. On the execution command, troops form the formation with the baseman posting himself at the location pointed to by the element leader. As troops reach their proper positions, they face the direction of the unit's intended advance and come to a halt. They remain halted in the safe-port position and await further orders. Once the troops are in the riot control formation, the commander commands SAFEGUARD and issues the proclamation. Following the proclamation, the commander informs disturbance participants that they have a specific time in which to comply with the order to disperse. If participants fail to disperse within the given time, the commander employs measures needed to disperse the crowd.

B-107. When a rifle-equipped formation is commanded to safeguard or on guard, the commands are for the lead element only and the support elements come to port arms. Similarly, when a baton-equipped formation is commanded to port or on guard, the general or lateral support elements assume the port position. Members of support elements give a resounding stomp with their left feet when the lead element goes to on guard. On the command FORWARD, MARCH , the support element maintains the same half step as the lead element.

• Into and out of a riot control formation . Double time (180 steps per minute). Troops are at safe port with a rifle or at port with a baton when performing these maneuvers.
• Safeguard position . Quick time (120 steps per minute).
• On-guard position . Cadence is 60 steps per minute. For psychological effect, troops usually accentuate each left step with a stomp.

 

 
 
 

B-112. In column formations, messengers, radio operators, marksmen, disperser operators, and other platoon headquarters members usually take positions at the front of the column. In riot control formations, headquarters personnel can be positioned near the commander at his discretion. If the situation does not allow this, headquarters personnel can be positioned behind the control element.