Some historical combat footage dating back to 2008, shows a convoy of United States, up-armored Humvees narrowly missing a large improvised explosive device (IED) and coming under small arms fire in Iraq.

Lucky for the lead vehicle, the device detonated less than a second too late, allowing them to push through unscathed. Had the trail vehicle not maintained proper intervals, this could have been a catastrophic incident, more than likely resulting in several casualties.

For any of you out there unfamiliar with it, these same practices don't only apply to vehicle convoys, but to foot patrols and aircraft formations as well. Maintaining intervals mitigates the overall damage that can be caused by a single explosive device.