The squad line provides maximum firepower to the front ( Figure 2-8). Squad Column with Fire Teams in Column.ī. When the squad moves independently or as the rear element of the platoon, the rifleman in the trail fire team provides rear security ( Figure 2-7).įigure 2-7. The lead fire team is the base fire team.
It provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without sacrificing control, and facilitates maneuver. The squad column is the squad's most common formation. A comparison of the formations is in Figure 2-6.įigure 2-6. They include the squad column and squad line. Squad formations describe the relationships between fire teams in the squad. When the terrain precludes use of the wedge, fire teams use the file formation ( Figure 2-5).Ģ. When moving in less rugged terrain, where control is easier, soldiers expand or resume their original positions. The sides of the wedge can contract to the point where the wedge resembles a single file. The normal interval is reduced so that all team members can still see their team leader and the team leaders can still see their squad leader. When rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors make control of the wedge difficult, fire teams modify the wedge.
The wedge expands and contracts depending on the terrain. The interval between soldiers in the wedge formation is normally 10 meters. The wedge is the basic formation for the fire team. This facilitates control and allows the fire team leader to lead by example, "Follow me and do as I do." All soldiers in the team must be able to see their leader.Ī. Leaders choose formations based on their analysis of the factors of METT-T. Squads use formations for control flexibility and security. Formations are arrangements of elements and soldiers in relation to each other.