Which tactic is essential for moving across large open areas during an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, using cover and concealment is essential for safety when moving across large open areas. Cover refers to physical objects that can protect a person from gunfire, such as walls or vehicles. Concealment involves being hidden from the shooter's view, which can reduce the chance of being targeted. This tactic allows individuals to move strategically and minimize exposure to danger by taking advantage of any objects or structural features that can provide protection.

The need to utilize cover and concealment becomes critical in open environments where there are few places to hide. By maneuvering from one point of cover to another, individuals can safely navigate through these areas, making it more difficult for a shooter to effectively aim at them.

In contrast, other tactics like talking loudly could risk drawing attention and potentially escalating the situation, moving in a straight line exposes individuals to continuous gunfire, and rushing to the scene could lead to recklessness without proper assessment of the environment and immediate threats. Thus, employing cover and concealment increases the chances of surviving while navigating hazardous situations.