Like self-awareness, adaptability takes effort. To become adaptable, leaders must challenge their
previously held ideas and assumptions by seeking out situations that are novel and unfamiliar.
Leaders who remain safely inside their comfort zone provided by their current level of education, training, and experience will never learn to recognize change or understand the inevitable changes in their environment. Adaptability is encouraged by a collection of thought
habits. These include open-mindedness, ability to consider multiple perspectives, not jumping to conclusions about what a situation is or what it means, willingness to take risks, and being resilient to setbacks. To become more adaptable, leaders should—
• Learn to adapt by adapting. Leaders must go beyond what they are comfortable with and must get used to experiencing the unfamiliar through diverse and dynamic challenges. For example, the Army’s best training uses thinking like an enemy to help leaders recognize and accept that no plan
survives contact with the enemy. This encourages adaptive thinking. Adaptive training involves variety, particularly in training that may have become routine.
• Lead across cultures. Leaders must actively seek out diverse relationships and situations.
Today’s joint, interagency, and multinational assignments offer challenging opportunities to interact across cultures and gain insight into people who think and act differently than most Soldiers or average U.S. citizens. Leaders can grow in their capacity for adaptability by seizing such opportunities rather than avoiding them.
• Seek challenges. Leaders must seek out and engage in assignments that involve major changes in the operational environment. Leaders can be specialists, but their base of experience should still be broad. As the breadth of experience accumulates, so does the capacity to adapt. Leaders who are exposed to change and embrace new challenges will learn the value of adaptation. They
carry forward the skills to develop adaptable Soldiers, civilians, units, and organizations.
LEADING
12-9. When leading at the highest levels of the Army, the DOD, and the national security establishment, military, and Army civilian strategic leaders face highly complex demands from inside and outside the Army. The constantly changing world challenges their decision-making abilities. Despite the challenges, strategic leaders personally tell the Army story, make long-range decisions, and shape the Army culture to influence the force and its strategic partners within and outside the United States. They plan for contingencies across spectrum of conflicts and allocate resources to prepare for them, while constantly assessing emerging threats and the force’s readiness. Steadily improving the Army, strategic leaders develop their successors, spearhead force changes, and optimize systems and operations while minimizing risk.
The squad normally forms in a line formation; however, it may re-form in column when each member can identify his exact position (equipment grounded) in the formation.
a. To form at normal interval, the squad leader comes to the Position of Attention and commands FALL IN. On the command FALL IN, the following actions occur
simultaneously:
(1) Each member double-times to his position in the formation.
(2) The right flank man positions himself so that when the squad is formed it is three steps in front of and centered on the squad leader.
(3) The right flank man comes to the Position of Attention and raises his left arm laterally at shoulder level, elbow locked, fingers and thumb extended and joined, and palm
facing down. He ensures that the left arm is in line with the body.
(4) The man to the immediate left of the right flank man comes to the Position of Attention, turns his head and eyes to the right, and raises his left arm in the same manner as
the right flank man. He obtains proper alignment by taking short steps forward or backward until he is on line with the right flank man. He then obtains exact interval by taking short steps left or right until his shoulder touches the extended fingertips of the right flank man. As soon as the man to the left has obtained Normal Interval, each man
individually lowers his arm to his side, sharply turns his head and eyes to the front, and assumes the Position of Attention.
(5) The right flank man then sharply returns to the Position of Attention.
(6) All other members of the squad form in the same manner except that the left flank man does not raise his left arm.
NOTE: The right flank man raises his arm and looks straight to the front unless the squad is to align on an element to its right. If he is to align on an element to the right he turns his head and eyes to the right and aligns himself with that
element.
b. To form at Close Interval, the formation is completed in the manner prescribed for Normal Interval, except that the command is At Close Interval, FALL IN. Squad members
obtain Close Interval by placing the heel of the left hand on the left hip even with the waist, fingers and thumb joined and extended downward, and with the elbow in line with the body
and touching the arm of the man to the left.
c. To form in column, the squad leader faces the proposed flank of the column and commands In Column, FALL IN. On the command of execution FALL IN, squad members
double-time to their original positions (grounded equipment) in formation and cover on the man to their front.
NOTE: The correct distance between Soldiers in column formation is approximately 36 inches. This distance is one arm’s length plus 6 inches
d. When armed, squad members fall in at Order Arms or Sling Arms. For safety, the
commands Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; and Order (Sling), ARMS are commanded at the initial formation of the day or when the last command is DISMISSED.
The M249 is carried at Sling Arms in the same manner as the M16. All individual drill movements (as applicable) are executed while at Sling Arms. When At Ease or Rest is
commanded (from Parade Rest), the Soldier unslings the weapon and places the butt of the weapon on the marching surface beside his right foot. The only manual of arms movements that may be executed are Present Arms (Present Arms at Sling Arms), Unsling Arms, Inspection Arms, and Ready Port Arms. (Inspection Arms and Ready Port Arms may only be executed from the Order Arms position.) During all other manual of arms movements, the Soldier remains at Sling Arms.
a. Inspection Arms with the M249. The command for this movement is Inspection, ARMS.
b. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms from Order Arms in two counts. On count three, grasp the pistol grip with the right hand and reach under the weapon
with the left hand and grasp the cocking handle (the back of the hand faces toward the muzzle). On count four, sharply push the cocking handle rearward so that the bolt is locked
to the rear. On count five, sharply return the cocking handle to its original position. On count six, bring the left hand between the body and weapon, unlock the feed tray cover (with the thumb and forefinger), and raise the feed tray cover. On count seven, grasp the feed tray with the left hand, open the feed tray and feed tray cover as far as possible, and observe the chamber. On count eight, regrasp the handguard with the left hand and the comb of the stock with the right hand, and come to Inspection Arms (Figure E-2).
c. Ready, Port ARMS is the only command that is given from Inspection Arms. On the command Ready, grasp the pistol grip with the right hand and the feed tray cover with the
left hand and close the feed tray cover. On the command Port, grasp the cocking handle with the left hand and sharply push the cocking handle to its most rearward position. On the command ARMS, pull the trigger with the right forefinger and ride the bolt forward with the left hand, then return to the Port Arms position (Figure E-2).
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| Figure E-2 |
Mountaineering equipment refers to all the parts and pieces that allow the trained Ranger to accomplish many tasks in the mountains. The importance of this gear to the Mountaineer is no less than that of the rifle to the
infantryman.
a. Ropes and Cords. Ropes and cords are the most important pieces of mountaineering equipment. They secure climbers and equipment on steep ascents and descents. They are also used to install rope and hauling equipment. From WWII until the 1980’s, the US military mostly used 7/16-inch nylon laid rope, often referred to as green line for all mountaineering
operations. Since the introduction of kernmantle ropes, ropes designed for more specific purposes are replacing the old all–purpose green line.
Kernmantle ropes are constructed similar to parachute cord. It consists of a smooth sheath, surrounding a braided or woven core. Laid ropes are still in use today however, should never be used in situations where rope failure could result in injury or loss of equipment. There are two classifications of
kernmantle ropes; static and dynamic.
(1) Dynamic Ropes. Ropes used for climbing are classified as dynamic ropes. These rope stretch or elongate 8 to 12 percent once subjected to weight or impact. This stretching is critical in reducing the impact force on the climber, anchors, and/or belayer during a fall by softening the catch. 11mm X 150m is generally considered the standard for military use however more specialized ropes in different length and diameters
are available.
(2) Static Ropes. Static ropes are used in situations where rope stretch is undesired, and when the rope is subjected to heavy static weight. Static ropes should never be used while climbing, since even a fall of a few feet could generate enough impact force to injure climber and belayer, and/or
cause anchor failure. Static ropes are usually used when constructing rope bridges, fixed rope installations, vertical haul lines, and so on.
(3) Sling Ropes and Cordelettes. A short section of static rope or static cord is called a “sling rope” or “cordelette.” These are critical pieces of 165 personal equipment in mountaineering operations. Diameter usually ranges from 7mm to 8mm, and up to 21 feet long. 8mm X 15 feet is the
minimum Ranger standard.
(4) Care of Rope. Rope that is used daily should be used no longer than one year. Occasionally used rope can be used generally up to five years if properly cared for.
• Inspect ropes thoroughly before, during and after use for cuts, frays, abrasions, mildew, and soft or worn spots.
• Never step on a rope or drag it on the ground unnecessarily.
• Avoid running rope over sharp or rough edges (pad if necessary).
• Keep ropes away from oil, acids and other corrosive substances.
• Avoid running ropes across one another under tension (nylon to nylon contact will damage ropes).
• Do not leave ropes knotted or under tension longer than necessary.
• Clean in cool water, loosely coil and hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light rays harm synthetic fibers. When wet, hang rope to drip dry on a rounded wooden peg, at room temperature (do not apply heat).
(5) Webbing and Slings. Loops of tubular webbing or cord, called slings or runners, are the simplest pieces of equipment and some of the most useful. The uses for these simple pieces are endless, and they are a critical link between the climber, the rope, carabiners, and anchors.
Runners are predominately made from either 9/16 inch or 1 inch tubular webbing and are either tied or sewn by a manufacturer.
CONDITIONING DRILL 1
EXERCISE 1: POWER JUMP
Purpose: This exercise reinforces correct jumping and landing, stimulates balance and coordination, and
develops explosive strength (Figure 9-2).
Starting Position: Straddle stance with hands on hips.
Cadence: MODERATE
Count:
1. Squat with the heels flat as the spine rounds forward to allow the straight arms to reach to the
ground, attempting to touch with the palms of the hands.
2. Jump forcefully in the air, vigorously raising arms overhead, with palms facing inward.
3. Control the landing and repeat count 1.
4. Return to the starting position.
Figure 9-2. Power jump
Check Points:
At the starting position, tighten the abdominals to stabilize the trunk.
On counts 1 and 3, keep the back generally straight with the head up and the eyes forward.
On count 2, the arms should be extended fully overhead. The trunk and legs should also be in line.
On each landing, the feet are directed forward and maintained at shoulder distance apart. The landing should be “soft” and proceed from the balls of the feet to the heels. The vertical line from the shoulders through the knees to the balls of the feet should be demonstrated on each landing.
Precaution: N/A
Find more exercises here:
4-6. THE 30-INCH STEP To march with a 30-inch step from the Halt, the command is Forward, MARCH.
a. On the preparatory command Forward, shift the weight of the body to the right foot without noticeable movement. On the command of execution MARCH, step forward 30 inches with the left foot and continue marching with 30-inch steps, keeping the head and eyes fixed to the front. The arms swing in a natural motion, without exaggeration and without bending at the elbows, approximately 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. Keep the fingers curled as in the Position of Attention so that the fingers just clear the trousers.
b. To Halt while marching, the command Squad (Platoon), HALT is given. The preparatory command Squad (Platoon) is given as either foot strikes the marching surface as long as the command of execution HALT is given the next time that same foot strikes the marching surface. The Halt is executed in two counts. After HALT is commanded, execute the additional step required after the command of execution and then bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot, assuming the Position of Attention and terminating the movement.
