Infantry Drills

5-109: Combat Vehicles and Infantry Squad Formations



Previous: Section VII: Movement with Combat Vehicles

5-109. The principles of METT-TC guide the leader in selecting formations for combat vehicles and Infantry. The same principles for selecting combat formations with Infantry Soldiers apply when selecting combat formations for combat vehicles moving with Infantry Soldiers. The platoon leader can employ the fundamental column, line, echelon, vee, and wedge formations for combat vehicles to meet the needs of his mission. The column, line, echelon, vee, and wedge are fundamental combat formations for combat vehicles. After the leader combines the mounted and Infantry elements into one combat formation, it is his responsibility to ensure proper communication and fire control measures are implemented to maximize lethality and prevent fratricide.

5-110. After selecting the combat formations for combat vehicles and Infantry, the leader can decide whether to lead with combat vehicles, Infantry Soldiers, or a combination of the two. The default technique is to lead with Infantry Soldiers.

Next: 5-111: Lead With Infantry

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad