COMBAT FORMATIONS
Combat formations are designed to group
individuals into effective fighting teams that can move
to and assault an enemy position with minimum
confusion. The use of combat formations, with related
arm-and-hand signals (as shown in chapter 8), enables
a squad leader to control the fire and to maneuver his
unit just as the quarterback of a football team uses plays
and signals. A person who cannot remember the plays
or signals on the ball field endangers the ability of the
team to win the game. On the battlefield, the stakes are
much higher. The success of your mission, as well as
your survival, depends on teamwork.
When the situation, terrain, or enemy activity does
not permit close formations, the unit leader should
deploy his men in an extended formation. Deployment
is executed on signals or commands. The leader may
deploy his units in a variety of formations at any one
time, depending on the situation. Relative positions
within these formations are flexible, and the leader
should take advantage of the cover and concealment
offered by the terrain; however, he must take care not to
mask the fire of another unit. Maintaining exact
distances between individuals and units is unnecessary
as long as control is not lost; however, under ideal
conditions, the recommended space between
individuals is 5 yards. All leaders and units must
maintain sight and voice contact with each other. Any
changes information should be by the shortest practical
route. Leaders must take full advantage of cover and
Figure 4-7.--Basic formations, fire team.
concealment and avoid backward or lateral movement.
FIRE TEAM MOVEMENT
RIFLEMAN NO. 2 is at the place in the fire team
formation that enemy action or probable enemy action
The FIRE TEAM LEADER controls the use of the
threatens. He acts as a security element; for example,
formations. He places himself in a position where he can
when the team is moving toward the enemy, he is in the
best observe and control the fire team and, in addition,
foremost position.
receive orders from the squad leader. The fire team
The basic fire team formations are COLUMN,
leader must also be in a position to quickly and
WEDGE, SKIRMISHERS RIGHT or LEFT, and
effectively control the employment of the automatic
ECHELON RIGHT or LEFT.
rifle.
The AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN is an interior man.
FIRE TEAM COLUMN
He should position himself between the fire team leader
and rifleman No. 1. Here, he can quickly deliver fire to
either flank, as directed by the fire team leader, and
The fire team column formation (fig. 4-7, view 1)
receive help and protection from the adjacent rifleman.
is used when speed and control are governing factors,
such as moving through woods, fog, smoke, and along
RIFLEMAN NO. 1 assists the automatic rifleman
roads and trails. This formation is favorable for fire
by supplying him with loaded magazines and by keeping
and maneuvers to either flank but is vulnerable to fire
the automatic rifle in action. He coordinates both his
from the front because its own fire in that direction is
position and movement with those of the automatic
rifleman.
limited.
4-5
