Hand on the shoulder of the guy in front of you : why?
 

I have seen in numerous pics or movies about SWAT and military that when guys are in line one in front of another,the guy behind puts his free hand on the front guy's shoulder and it goes on for the rest of the line.

Why is that done, tactically speaking?

So the guy in front knows the guy behind is still there?
So the guy in front can move and others can detect it and still follow quickly?
To allow non-verbal communication (taps and such)?
To keep a certaind maximum and minimum distance between the guys?

Thanks for your help!

Really? This isn't self-evident?

I think you even answered your own question in your question.

Our team used it so we can all move at the same time without worrying about the rear man following. Each team member is usually covering his sector and not really looking at his team mates.

I also like it prior to a breach, so everyone can tap once to tell he is ready and that way, you know the guy behind you will follow you trough that door and have your ass covered. How many time have you busted into a room alone because your team mate was picking his nose?

Walking by touching the guy in front of you is only good to maintin a tight stack. Usually when the front element is using a ballistic shield. You touch the guy in front of you, so if he stop or turn, you don't bump into him and you move at the same pace.

Suprisingly, walking like that take a little practice. Ask any ex-GITQ guys how we practiced this and looked like fools at first.

Now that was helpful... Maybe it's obvious for you. I have theories, as you saw, but I don't know the real reason.

I am not military or tactic specialist so please enlighten me *insert irony here*

Thanks man. All makes sense. I knew I was on the right track but I wondered what was the main goal or use of doing this.

Don't forget that this movement method is only good prior to breaching and in confined spaces. Also usually in covert mode.

I sometime see people doing this in game in the open... I just get free kills.

Didn't mean to sound pissy...that wasn't the intent.

But quite litterally...your questions:
"So the guy in front knows the guy behind is still there?
So the guy in front can move and others can detect it and still follow quickly?
To allow non-verbal communication (taps and such)?
To keep a certaind maximum and minimum distance between the guys?"

was about 99% all I would have been able to think of as a constructive reply.

Sometimes...the most obvious answer is simply the answer. If it makes sense to you and works for you...do it :)

Is your mangina dripping
hot rage again?

I prefer holding the butt,
we all feel better and it
boosts team spirit. Another
technique is to just use the
thumb.

Ok then sorry. Really did sound like an unhelpful comment ;)

I know all my suggestions make sense (even if I don't know about tactics I can use my logic ;) ) but I was wondering about when it's taught to SWAT members or soldiers, what reason is given to them about doing this specific action.

That's a very good technique. when people are running to a doorway in preparation for a breech. #2 can bump into #1, #1 can think this is the shoulder tap for a ready to go and run in before the rest of his team is ready. With the grab their is no mistaking it as a ready signal.

He is the reason we don't make any physical contact in CQB anymore...too much "accidental" grabs by Steve...

(now, aside from the warning of not stacking in front of Steve...that's a completely unhelpful comment for you :D)

So thats why steve keeps encouraging me to come out to these games....

Come out to the games, or come out at the games?

Nice. Worked for the Romans!

... the short sword...

Don't forget your LOF is usually where you are looking, the person behind you can easily grab the handle on your vest and pull you out of danger if there is an unseen threat. Works great!