Re: Infantry Tactical Formations

**Tophatter94** · 03-14-2009, 04:44 AM

Originally Posted by Crux

The 3rd spent a lot of time trying to make formations work in 2142. They just don't. Lyra is 100% correct - it is all about intelligent use of cover.

They do to a degree. Things like "stacking-up" around the console doorways (in the titan) and breaching the hallway in a controlled manner. Also, keeping a good spread when crossing open terrain is good. Little things like that help out ALOT. A good spread will keep grenades and rockets from wiping out the whole squad, meaning if you are attacked and killed, there is greater chance of you being revived by a surviving teammate.

But, in my own opinion, exact formations aren't as important as dividing squads into "fire-teams," or co-operating with other squads to form fire-teams. Like Squad A gives supportive fire while Squad B moves up, sets up a base-of-fire and allows Squad A to move up with them.

**RogueTheory** · 03-14-2009, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Tophatter94

They do to a degree. Things like "stacking-up" around the console doorways (in the titan) and breaching the hallway in a controlled manner. Also, keeping a good spread when crossing open terrain is good. Little things like that help out ALOT. A good spread will keep grenades and rockets from wiping out the whole squad, meaning if you are attacked and killed, there is greater chance of you being revived by a surviving teammate.

But, in my own opinion, exact formations aren't as important as dividing squads into "fire-teams," or co-operating with other squads to form fire-teams. Like Squad A gives supportive fire while Squad B moves up, sets up a base-of-fire and allows Squad A to move up with them.

Agreed, and this is probably what Crux meant - not exact formations, but rather being able to adapt intelligently to the physical environment, structure, and situation. Good post though OP, very interesting read.

-rT

**WhiskeySix** · 03-14-2009, 11:12 AM

It's more like hockey than American-football. Each players Area of Responsibility depends on the situation/formation you find yourself in. So, for example, if you find yourself on the far left of the squad, watch the left flank. If, a minute later, you're moving forward and find yourself on the right flank, watch the right... etc..

**Razcsak** · 03-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by pred011586

The most effective "formation" I've seen is SL runs ahead, with medics behind to revive the SL when they catch up if/when he dies. Just be careful with how far ahead of your squad you run , you might lose some SMs!

This is not the most effective formation, even if it is the most common. Typically, it happens because the SL is the most skilled person on the squad and assumes a pointman position, in addition to being the one who always knows which way the squad is heading. Trailing behind the SL doesn't improve your response time and does make you more vulnerable to grenades and rockets. Most people are far better at getting their throws on a line with the SL's approach when compared to the SL's distance. Coming in perpendicular to the defense, you're likely to catch grenades, rockets, and gunfire aimed at the pointman completely accidentally.

Spread out next to your SL, not behind!

**pred011586** · 03-14-2009, 08:54 PM

I wouldn't say it's because the SL is the most skilled, as much as it's because the SL has the fastest reaction time to his own orders. You are right, however. Most "effective" was a poor choice in words on my part, I should've said common as you pointed out, thanks. =)

Thread Tools

Display