Tactical Brief 02-Formations

**Magnum50** · 01-13-2007, 07:14 PM

Tactical Brief 02

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.

Here is a video of all the formations demonstrated using Armed Assault:
http://www.tacticsandteamwork.com/Vi...Formations.wmv

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.

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

Next article: Squad and fire team movements.

Rick_the_new_guy · 01-13-2007, 09:09 PM

Wow...

It would be impossible for that to be more clearer.

Outstanding work.

The video is a great touch. I'll need to study this.

Thanks again.

**Acid** · 01-14-2007, 01:52 PM

Yes, wow is right! You did an awsome job putting that all together in a nice and easy package, and then giving an example of how all could be used at the end. Mega +rep

**fr33b1rd** · 01-16-2007, 08:06 PM

Again great stuff magnum. We also use a Diamond formation for narrow pathways or trails but it can be used if contact direction is unsure its a great formation. We use it for a lot of Patrol Drills.

                                

                                                 M



                                            R        AL



                                                

                                        G       SL      M





                                            R        BL



                                                 R

**Wimpinator** · 01-18-2007, 11:57 PM

Magnum I love this stuff. You have done an outstanding job demonstrating a complex topic in an easy to understand fashion. Keep them coming!

**Grunt 70** · 01-19-2007, 01:31 PM

That diamond formation is good. @ John C...I know you are reading this at somepoint...this'd work for the 1st MIP I'm sure.

**Grunt 70** · 01-19-2007, 01:33 PM

No edit capability??

anyhow...what does AL and BL stand for in the diamond formation. I think I know all the rest, Rifleman, Grenedier, Squad Leader, Medic...

**Magnum50** · 01-19-2007, 01:38 PM

alpha and bravo team leaders I am assuming.

**fr33b1rd** · 01-19-2007, 08:14 PM

a great assumption magnum

**fr33b1rd** · 01-19-2007, 08:15 PM

oh M was machine gun.... medics count as riflemen

**WhiskeySix** · 01-19-2007, 10:17 PM

Great post Magnum. Here's an example of the column formation in use in BF2 (The Point of Existence 2 mod, to be specific).

NeODuG · 07-27-2007, 05:54 PM

This was a good read but would it be possible to upload the images again?

**Magnum50** · 10-19-2007, 07:20 PM

Well I stopped this series after Dslyecxi came out with his excellent ArmA tactical guide which comes in print and as a web site, and the web site has moving animations and stuff, how could i compete against moving animations! lol

serious, take a look at www.dslyecxi.com and for the love of god Apophis, delete this forum, D ruined it with his excellent web page and book. (just kidding D).

**Magnum50** · 10-19-2007, 07:21 PM

but if you love me just so much and must see the screens, lol..
http://www.simhq.com/_land/land.html

**Twiggy** · 01-18-2008, 11:33 AM

The diamond formation is excellent if taking fire from a machine gunner or e.t.c. It minimizes casualties.

01-13-2007, 07:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
Magnum50 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Naples, Florida USA Age: 42 Posts: 3,604	Tactical Brief 02-Formations Tactical Brief 02 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. Here is a video of all the formations demonstrated using Armed Assault: http://www.tacticsandteamwork.com/Vi...Formations.wmv 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. 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 Next article: Squad and fire team movements. __________________ Magnum www.gettacticaldammit.com Last edited by Magnum50; 01-13-2007 at 07:15 PM. Reason: mistakes

01-13-2007, 09:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rick_the_new_guy Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Beach Age: 29 Posts: 1,791	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Wow... It would be impossible for that to be more clearer. Outstanding work. The video is a great touch. I'll need to study this. Thanks again. __________________ (PO3) Marcinko_R. (BF2 PR .509) Squad Member (CPO) Marcinko_R. (BF2 PR .509) Squad Leader (LCDR) Marcinko_R. (BF2 PR .509) Commander Squad Member pledge to their SL:http://www.tacticalgamer.com/battlef...ad-leader.html Squad Leader pledge to their team:http://www.tacticalgamer.com/battlef...r-platoon.html Commander pledge to their SL:http://www.tacticalgamer.com/battlef...d-leaders.html

01-14-2007, 01:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
Acid Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MA Posts: 3,581	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Yes, wow is right! You did an awsome job putting that all together in a nice and easy package, and then giving an example of how all could be used at the end. Mega +rep __________________

01-16-2007, 08:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
fr33b1rd Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 31	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Again great stuff magnum. We also use a Diamond formation for narrow pathways or trails but it can be used if contact direction is unsure its a great formation. We use it for a lot of Patrol Drills. M R AL G SL M R BL R __________________

01-18-2007, 11:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wimpinator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: United states, TN Age: 35 Posts: 2,726	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Magnum I love this stuff. You have done an outstanding job demonstrating a complex topic in an easy to understand fashion. Keep them coming! __________________ \|TG-6th\|Wimpinator [TGU Staff] BF2 Rules and SOP's\|Teamspeak information\|TG on IRC

01-19-2007, 01:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Grunt 70 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Patriot Nation Age: 42 Posts: 2,210	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations That diamond formation is good. @ John C...I know you are reading this at somepoint...this'd work for the 1st MIP I'm sure. __________________ \|TG-X\| Grunt 10th Tactical Guard Server Rules and SOP \| Kicked? Banned? READ THIS FIRST! Contact an Admin \| Nominate your teammates for a ribbon "When force is necessary, it must be applied boldly, decisively, and completely. But one must know the limitations of force; one must know when to blend force with maneuver" - Leon Trotsky

01-19-2007, 01:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Grunt 70 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Patriot Nation Age: 42 Posts: 2,210	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations No edit capability?? anyhow...what does AL and BL stand for in the diamond formation. I think I know all the rest, Rifleman, Grenedier, Squad Leader, Medic... __________________ \|TG-X\| Grunt 10th Tactical Guard Server Rules and SOP \| Kicked? Banned? READ THIS FIRST! Contact an Admin \| Nominate your teammates for a ribbon "When force is necessary, it must be applied boldly, decisively, and completely. But one must know the limitations of force; one must know when to blend force with maneuver" - Leon Trotsky

01-19-2007, 01:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Magnum50 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Naples, Florida USA Age: 42 Posts: 3,604	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations alpha and bravo team leaders I am assuming. __________________ Magnum www.gettacticaldammit.com

01-19-2007, 08:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
fr33b1rd Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 31	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations a great assumption magnum __________________

01-19-2007, 08:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
fr33b1rd Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 31	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations oh M was machine gun.... medics count as riflemen __________________

01-19-2007, 10:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
WhiskeySix Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gillette Stadium, Section 309, Row 12, Seat 24 Age: 32 Posts: 7,648	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Great post Magnum. Here's an example of the column formation in use in BF2 (The Point of Existence 2 mod, to be specific). __________________

07-27-2007, 05:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
NeODuG Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations This was a good read but would it be possible to upload the images again?

10-19-2007, 07:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
Magnum50 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Naples, Florida USA Age: 42 Posts: 3,604	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations Well I stopped this series after Dslyecxi came out with his excellent ArmA tactical guide which comes in print and as a web site, and the web site has moving animations and stuff, how could i compete against moving animations! lol serious, take a look at www.dslyecxi.com and for the love of god Apophis, delete this forum, D ruined it with his excellent web page and book. (just kidding D). __________________ Magnum www.gettacticaldammit.com

10-19-2007, 07:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
Magnum50 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Naples, Florida USA Age: 42 Posts: 3,604	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations but if you love me just so much and must see the screens, lol.. http://www.simhq.com/_land/land.html __________________ Magnum www.gettacticaldammit.com

01-18-2008, 11:33 AM	#15 (permalink)
Twiggy Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 327	Re: Tactical Brief 02-Formations The diamond formation is excellent if taking fire from a machine gunner or e.t.c. It minimizes casualties.

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