Which of the following is NOT a method to load into defense?

• A. Bent L
• B. Z-Pattern
• C. Crows Foot
• D. Combination

Answer: (B)

In defense, you arrange soldiers into specific layouts that give you strong sectors of fire and mutual support from multiple directions. A Bent L setup places firing positions along two intersecting lines, quickly covering a main avenue and the adjacent flank so threats from those directions are met with overlapping fields of fire. A Crows Foot layout branches out to cover front and both flanks, like the three prongs of a foot, which helps you respond to threats coming from multiple directions. A Combination mixes elements to maximize coverage and support across the front and along the flanks, adapting to terrain and the expected avenues of approach.

The Z-Pattern isn’t used to load into defense because it’s a movement or entry pattern rather than a defensive layout. It’s the kind of path you’d use when moving through a space (like room or corridor clearing) to minimize exposure as you advance, not to establish fixed firing positions and sectors of fire. So the method that isn’t used to load into defense is the Z-Pattern.