What does it mean in military lingo to "take point"?

Answer 1

It's sort of like what the others have said. When a rifle team is on a mission, one person is up front "on point." They move well ahead of the rest of the team for two reasons: to reduce the possible noise made while crossing the terrain which allows an assessment of the potential danger ahead i.e. ambushes; if the point man is detected by an ambushing enemy, to hopefully alert the rest of his team before being killed. I know, sounds a little harsh. "Better to lose one man, than the whole squad." Usually the person put on point is smaller, and "stealthier," if that is a word. In the Vietnam era, soldiers were put on point as punishment, as their chances of survival are greatly reduced. In today's military, that person is usually very good.

Answer 2

A competent military leader will keep his main element moving in the center, then throw out smaller units, (one man, a pair, a squad, etc.) out to 'point' in front, to the rear 'trail' and to the flanks, left and right. Think of them as antennae on an insect.

This is so that the leader can get some warning before stumbling with his main unit into an enemy unit, or into mined or booby-trapped segments of trail. The better trained those outlying units, the more likely their side will achieve surprise, manoeuver into contact efficiently and win the firefight when the two main-force elements close to firing range.

Dug-in static units send out 'listening posts' along likely avenues of enemy approach for the same purpose, just before nightfall.

This duty is very hazardous, subject to ambush and/or mines. Good point men have a 'sixth sense' that warns them about hidden hazards that will kill rookies very quickly. Such men are rare and highly prized. On-the-job training is high-risk until you learn what you need to do by trial and error. A background as a hunter or outdoorsman is a good pre-qualifier, as are brass balls. Believing your leader and buddies will come get you, no matter what, if you get in trouble helps.

Informally, 'taking point' means taking a risk or creative responsibility for some difficult endeavor. Such acts of initiative are highly valued in officers, barring excessive casualties.

Answer 3

It is the forward position man in the squad. They do not take the lead, the Squad leader determines the way and is in charge. The point man are there to be on the look out for danger ahead and to warn the squad to keep away from it. Usually it is the lowest ranking person in the line, but in a real conflict it is best to us your most experienced, as they will be better aware of the area around them.

Answer 4

Take the lead. Not necessarily in a combat situation. Many times you will hear military lingo in their everyday conversations. It's kinda hard to avoid sometimes when you're exposed to it 24/7.

Answer 5

i agree with what most have said except dhills23 part about point man in vietnam as punishment. generally speaking, point men were very good at scoping out possible ambushes, and had good instinct about situations etc. they are like an advance scout. contrary to popular opinion, it didn't seem in reality that a point man was any more vulnerable than anyone else EXCEPT for booby traps. In ambush situations generally they would let the point man walk through and wait for the main body.

Answer 6

Take the lead of the unit in the field when out on a bivwack

Answer 7

To "take point" is to be in the most forward position of your squad as you move in a particular direction. It might be a wedge formation or not depending on the terrain constraints.

Answer 8

When walking through unsecured or enemy territory (in a wedge or single-file), one person has to be ahead of the rest -- this is the person who is frequently shot at first or who trips mines. He is "taking point" while ahead of the rest.

Answer 9

to take the "point man" position on patrol. the point man leads the way by following the pre set route to the objective and everyone else follows him.

Answer 10

Sounds interesting