c. Button all pockets and remove blousing garters. This prevents the water from creating added drag against the individual, which it would do if it could flow into open pockets. d. Wear boots to protect the feet, but remove socks and insoles to keep them dry: e. Wear the minimum amount of clothing. This reduces the amount of clothing that must be dried after the crossing. f. Wear helmet in slow moving, shallow water. NOTE: If you are in a tactical situation, the actual situation will dictate which of the above precautions will be taken. 4. INDIVIDUAL CROSSING METHODS. There are three individual methods that may be used. a. Staff Method. (FMST.07.30d) A strong staff or pole about 6 feet long is used as a crossing aid. It should be strong enough to support the Marine's weight and trimmed clean of any branches. Placing both hands on the pole, the Marine should place the staff just upstream of his intended path. He should use the staff as the third leg of a tripod and should move only one leg or the staff at a time. He should face upstream using the staff to retain his balance. The staff is also used as a probe to discover bottom irregularities that could trip the Marine. The Marine should drag his feet instead of picking them up.
b. Swimming. This is an obvious method, if your Marines are good swimmers. This is not always the case, so usually this method is not a preferred one.
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