Figure 4-14.--Skirmishers right to column.
Figure 4-16.--Squad vee, fire teams in wedge.
generally slow, especially during conditions of reduced
visibility.
CHANGING FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS
Depending upon the changing terrain features or the
tactical situation, the fire team leader should change
Figure 4-15.--Skirmishers right to wedge.
formations to meet these new conditions. Figures 4-8
through 4-15 show the manner in which each individual
moves when changing from one formation to another.
all-around protection and flexibility and is easy to
control.
RIFLE SQUAD FORMATIONS
FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS RIGHT
The squad formations are similar to those of the fire
OR LEFT
team. However, an additional formation known as the
SQUAD VEE is used by the squad, and skirmishers right
Fire team skirmishers right or left (fig. 4-7, view 3)
or left is called SQUAD LINE.
can be used most effectively when you are assaulting a
known enemy position. It is also useful for "mopping
The SQUAD LEADER designates the type of
up" operations (searching for enemy stragglers) and
formation to be used, and he places himself in a location
crossing short, open areas. Because the fire team is in a
where he can readily observe his fire teams and the
line, skirmishers right or left provides maximum
enemy. Normally, the fire team formation within the
firepower to the front. However, the formation is
squad formation is left to the discretion of the fire team
difficult to control.
leader. For example, the squad may be in SQUAD VEE,
but the fire team(s) may be in the fire team wedge
FIRE TEAM ECHELON RIGHT OR LEFT
(fig. 4-16). The exact formation is flexible at any level
and is influenced by the terrain and the circumstances.
Fire team echelon right or left (fig. 4-7, view 4) is
The grenadier always remains close to the squad
used primarily to protect an exposed flank. This
leader regardless of the formation. His exact location in
formation permits heavy firepower to both the front and
any formation depends upon the orders of his squad
the direction of echelon. As with skirmishers, the
leader.
formation is difficult to control; therefore, movement is
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