An axis of advance arrow indicates that the commander may maneuver his forces to either side of the axis to avoid obstacles, engage the enemy, or bypass enemy forces that could threaten his security or jeopardize the accomplishment of his mission. The commander ensures that such deviation does not interfere with adjacent units, that his unit remains oriented on the objective, and that the location and size of the bypassed enemy forces are reported to higher headquarters. Boundaries may be assigned as an additional control measure when using the axis of advance if the situation so dictates.

A commander need not employ his unit in a single column on his assigned axis. He may designate the assigned axis as the axis of advance for one maneuver unit and an additional axis for another maneuver unit, or he may designate two axes of advance following the assigned axis. To minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent units, care must be exercised in assigning additional axes.

In armor and mechanized operations an axis of advance is most frequently used against light, disorganized, or discontinuous enemy resistance, which may be encountered in the exploitation, pursuit, or where a closely coordinated attack is unnecessary.

An axis of advance is shown above, identified by a code. A unit designation can also be used to identify an axis of advance.

To differentiate between a ground axis of advance and an air assault axis of advance, a twist is placed in the shaft of the open arrow, symbolic of a propeller.