Final answer:
The squad leader prioritizes rapid movement and spacing when enemy contact is unlikely, as speed and surprise are key in warfare. Insights from 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu highlight these tactics, advocating for immediate and unpredictable advances as well as maintaining unit cohesion for strategic benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The squad leader uses rapid movement and spacing tactics when enemy contact is not likely. Extracting insights from classical texts such as Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," we can understand that speed and the element of surprise are crucial in military maneuvers. For instance, Sun Tzu states that "to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of DEVIATION" (LibreTexts™), highlighting the importance of rapid and unpredictable movement to gain a strategic advantage.
Additionally, the concept that "penetrating deeply brings cohesion; penetrating but a short way means dispersion" (LibreTexts™) reminds the squad leader that maintaining close proximity, not more than 20 meters apart in a squad column, could be essential for unit cohesion and rapid advancement.
Lastly, the emphasis on being more rapid than the enemy to be safe from pursuit resonates with the tactics the squad leader employs when there's a low likelihood of enemy contact.