Formations
Formations
Introduction:
In today’s brief we will be discussing the squad and fire team formations and when to use them. Of course we will also discuss when not to use them.
Formations:
Formations are arrangements of elements and soldiers in relations to each other. Squads/fire teams use formations for control and security. Leaders choose formations based on their analysis of the different factors of the mission. Leaders are up front in formations. This allows the leader to lead by example, set the pace, and direct the action. All members of a fire team should be able to see there fire team leader at all times.
Different formations:
Column formation:
Column formations are also known as file formations because you are in a single file line behind the fire team leader. Column formations are usually used when the terrain is dense, full of vegetation, or close. The column is the easiest to control because you simply follow the man in front of you, who is following the fire team leader. But the downside is that there is less flexibility in a column formation. It takes longer to get your men adjusted to a certain situation. The column formation is the least secure, you have fire capabilities on your left and right flanks but hardly any in the front or rear.
The best time to use a column formation is when you are pretty sure the area you are in is secured, (in front of enemy lines), and you need to get from point A to point B pretty fast.
Staggered column formation:
Staggered column is just a sloppy column formation. Every other man is slightly offset to the left or right and able to cover and see just a little bit more then a column formation. If your in a desert or open area, then the staggered column could be more useful then the strait and narrow column formation.
Line formation:
A line formation is when all your men come up shoulder to shoulder with you. You still can keep a set interval but for explanation purposes, we will say shoulder to shoulder. This formation is best for heavy forward firepower, like when assaulting a forward objective. But this formation leaves your flanks completely open, and if you don’t control the battlefield you can easily be outflanked and eventually destroyed. It’s always best to have other fire teams or squads on your left and right to control the flanks or move up to your forward targets flank while your line formation of heavy fire keeps the enemy suppressed.
Wedge formation:
The wedge is the basic, and most popular fire team and/or squad formation. The intervals between team members is usually ten meters. The wedge expands and contracts, depending on the terrain. When rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors make controlling the fire team difficult the normal interval is reduced. The sides of the wedge can collapse into a column/file formation for very difficult terrain, then re-open as needed. The wedge formation is very flexible.
The wedge formation should be used the most, especially in an enemy controlled zone, (behind enemy lines.) The wedge formation provides excellent front and flank coverage, but no back coverage.
Vee formation:
The vee formation is a reverse wedge formation. The fire team and/or squad form a V with the fire team leader or squad leader at the point. This formation gives a lot of firepower on a known enemy, almost surrounding the enemy. But it is very hard to control and adjust. It is not recommended unless you have an enemy pinned and want to move in to squeeze the enemy to death.
Echelon formation (left or right):
The echelon formation is used to cross open areas where you know the enemy is on one side or the other of your flank. It gives you good firepower forward and to either the left or right of your direction of movement. The downside side means that your opposite flank is totally open and in danger. Moving with an enemy on one or both of your flanks is always dangerous and should be avoided.
Delta Formation:
Used mainly for a tight defensive hold. Very good command and control, but not much firepower due to be so close to each other. If waiting for an extraction, or maybe defending a high priority person or target. Kind of like a circle around the important command and control elements.
So how to use formations in a computer game:
Say you’re the squad leader of a 9 man squad (including yourself), or even just a 4 man fire team leader (including yourself.) Your objective is to leave your forward base of operations on foot, cross over enemy lines, infiltrate a enemy forward supply point and destroy it. (All other things, like crossing danger zones and proper movements aside, lets talk about the formations you use only.)
You leave your base in a column formation because you want to get from point A to point B pretty quickly, and the friendlies have a pretty good hold on this side of the enemy line. You approach the enemy lines, you then order your squad/team into a wedge formation for the best overall protection. You go through some rough woodland area, the wedge constricts in size in order to maintain visibility. At some point it gets so thick you order your men into a staggered column. Once you exit through the thick woodland, the wedge expands back to proper size. You continue on and right before you crest the hill that you already map recon’ed, you order your men into a line formation. This will give maximum firepower to the front where the enemy better be. Your squad/team goes prone and you crest the hill and on your command engage the enemy. Ok, the enemies are about gone, but you want to sweep in and clear it. You order a vee formation, so you can put the squeeze on the enemy position and close in for the final kills.
There, that covered a few of the formations and what they might be used for. Realize that we didn’t discuss cover fire and bounding overwatch maneuvers, or any of the other things you have to consider and take into account. The purpose was just to explain the formations at this time. More advance lessons will come later in other tactical briefs.
Resources:
Wikipedia (what a wonderful tool)
Armed Assault (the computer game)
FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon
FM 22-102 Soldier Team Development
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