The column formation permits rapid, easily controlled movement and permits fire and maneuver to the flanks. It is vulnerable to enemy fire from the front. The ability to fire to the front from the column formation is limited. Usually used when speed and distance are of essence and contact with the enemy is not expected. The squad leader would set an interval (usually 5 to 7 paces) between each member.
LINE
permits maximum fire power to the front but is a difficult formation to control. The ability to fire to the flanks is very limited. Used when contact with the enemy is in progress or expected. The squad leader sets the interval for the team and designates each manís position in the formation. Movement is based on the squad leadersí pace.
WEDGE
The wedge formation is easily controlled, provides good all around security and permits fire and maneuver to both the front and the flanks.
In all formations each member has a clearly designated field of fire that he is responsible to cover. In the column each member covers the opposite direction of the person in front of him, so that both sides are completely watched, with point focusing on the front and rear stopping every 50m or so to be still and observe if there is anyone following.
The leader's selection must allow moving squads to--
* Maintain cohesion.
* Maintain momentum.
* Provide maximum protection.
* Make contact in a manner that allows them to transition smoothly to offensive or defensive action.
a. Formations. Formations are arrangements of units and of soldiers in relation to each other. Platoons and squads use formations for control, security, and flexibility.
(1) Control. Every squad and soldier has a standard position. Soldiers can see their team leaders. Fire team leaders can see their squad leaders. Leaders control their units using arm-and-hand signals.
(2) Security. Formations also provide 360-degree security and allow units to give the weight of their firepower to the flanks or front in anticipation of enemy contact.
(3) Flexibility. Formations do not demand parade ground precision. Platoons and squads must retain the flexibility needed to vary their formations to the situation. The use of formations allows soldiers to execute battle drills more quickly and gives them the assurance that their leaders and buddy team members are in their expected positions and performing the right tasks.
b. Movement Techniques. Movement techniques describe the position of squads and fire teams in relation to each other during movement. Platoons and squads use three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch.
(1) Like formations, movement [techniques provide varying degrees of control security, and flexibility.
(2) Movement techniques differ from formations in two ways:
(a) Formations are relatively fixed; movement techniques are not. The distance between moving units or the distance that a squad bounds away from an overwatching squad varies based on factors of METT-T. (Mission - Enemy - Terrain - Troops - Time)
(b) Formations allow the platoon to weight its maximum firepower in a desired direction; movement techniques allow squads to make contact with the enemy with the smallest element possible. This allows leaders to establish a base of fire, initiate suppressive fires, and attempt to maneuver without first having to disengage or be reinforced.
(3) Leaders base their selection of a particular movement technique on the likelihood of enemy contact and the requirement for speed.
