c. When all four bearers are in position, they move forward, carrying the litter
overhead. Should one of the bearers slip or fall (while crossing a stream, for example),
the three remaining bearers can keep the litter in position.
d. After completing the crossing or moving through the trench, the bearers
change to an appropriate carry, usually the four-man carry.
3-37. LOW CRAWL
The low crawl is used to maintain a low silhouette, such as moving under enemy
fire or under low wire entanglements. The litter team moves to this carry from the
four-man litter carry formation.
a. On the preparatory command, "Low Crawl," the litter bearers lower the litter to
the ground.
b. On the command, "MOVE, the bearers lie on their sides so their heads are in
the direction of travel and they are facing each other.
c. On the command, "Ready," the bearers prepare to lift the litter.
d. On the command, "LIFT," the bearers raise the litter off the ground (4 to 6
inches), move it forward (6 to 8 inches), and gently replace it on the ground. The bearers
then crawl forward and position themselves for the next "Ready" command.
e. These procedures are repeated until the obstacle is cleared.
f. To recover, the command is, "Four-Man Carry, MOVE."
3-38. LOWERING THE LITTER
The command to lower the litter from the four-man carry formation is "Lower,
LITTER." On the command of execution, each bearer slowly kneels on the knee closest
to the litter while placing his free hand on his other knee for balance and support. (The
outside knee remains in an upright position.) When the litter is completely lowered and
resting on the stirrups, the bearers are in the same positions as shown in the "Prepare to
Lift" portion of figure 3-28. Once the litter is lowered, the bearers release the handles
and stand up.
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