Which MWAS search pattern expands outward in a square shape?

• A. Expanding square
• B. Bar scan
• C. Rolling box
• D. Sector search

Answer: (A)

In MWAS operations, the Expanding Square search pattern begins at a point and traces square rings that get larger with each pass, so the search area grows in a square geometry around the origin. This approach provides balanced coverage outward in all four directions and makes it clear how the searched area expands as the squares increase in size. Bar scan uses parallel line sweeps, not expanding square rings. Rolling box moves a moving square along a path, again not the outward square expansion. Sector search divides the area into angular wedges around the starting point, which is angular rather than square in shape. Therefore, the Expanding Square pattern is the one that expands outward in a square shape.