INTRO.: Not unlike moving on one's own, group movements require getting its members to act and traverse terrain as one.Difficulty occurs since it is not possible to know exactly what the other member is seeing or thinking. As such, comminucation through talking, hand signals, sounds, etc. becomes critical in keeping the group co-ordinated. This is important not only when moving, but also when attacking.

GENERAL MOVEMENT TIPS: Before the group even considers heading out, a preliminary decisions must be made. If the group is experienced in working together, traversing unknown terrain can be done with minimal difficulty. However, if the group is not accustomed to each other's styles and habits, it is often a good idea to send a scout/recon ahead of the group to try and minimize surprises/ambushes. The worst thing that can happen to an inexperienced attack group is to be surprised and lose focus. This will undoubtedly result in more of one's group getting drenched than drenching the enemy.

For general group formations, see Formations.

Aside from the scout/recon, the group members should always remain within eyesight of the next member. That way, if any member should come under enemy fire, the rest of the group will be able to quickly determine where the attack is coming from. It is often a good idea to have the faster, more mobile fighters leading the group as they will be able to move quickly to avoid any potential surprise attacks. Granted, a surprise can come from almost any direction but it is more likely for the front members to engage the enemy first.

To see how a well-trained group moves well together, one should watch Arnold Schwarzenegger's group in Predator.

COMMUNICATION: Communication is the force that binds a group's actions together. Quick and efficient communication will allow the group to quickly respond to any potential situation.

The most natural method one can use to communicate between group members is talking. As the group should have a designated leader, the leader should have a fairly loud and confident voice. Orders to the group should be stated clearly and accurately. It is often useful to set up a verbal directional code. One of the most common is the "o'clock" system which has 12 o'clock referring to directly forward, 6 o'clock referring to behind, 3 o'clock referring to directly to the right and 9 o'clock referring directly to the left. The "o'clock" system rotates about the direction the leader is facing to prevent confusion. As all members should be within eyesight of the leader, a quick glance over will allow all to get their bearings if the statement "Incoming at 4 o'clock" is stated.

Though most natural, verbal communication does not work well if on a covert mission or if attempting to make a surprise attack. In these cases, varying forms of non-verbal communication become necessary.

Hand-signals are one of the most common forms of non-verbal communication. This is when maintaining a clear line of sight to other group members becomes essential. When using hand-signals to communicate, the leader should be the one actually leading the group (that is, the one in the front). Since the one at the front often has the best view of who/what is approaching, he/she can direct the group appropriately to deal with the situation.

Common Hand-Signals:

• Open hand with fingers together pointing up - approach slowly with caution
• Closed fist - stop and await further instructions
• Index finger pointing up and drawing a horizontal circle in the air - spread out and recon the local area
• Open hand, fingers together waving from back to front - come here/ follow me
• Thumb and index finger making a circle with three remaining fingers pointing up and spread apart - OK, coast is clear
• Index finger pointing in a direction - Look in the direction pointed towards