3-39. Movement formations do not demand parade-ground precision. Platoons and squads must retain the flexibility needed to vary their formations to the situation. Using formations allows Soldiers to execute battle drills quickly and gives them the assurance their leaders and buddy team members are in the expected positions and performing the right tasks. Formations also provide 360-degree security and allow units to give most of their firepower to the flanks or front in anticipation of enemy contact
3-40. Sometimes platoon and company formations differ due to the mission variables of METT-TC (I). For example, the platoons could move in wedge formations within a company vee. It is not necessary for platoon formations to be the same as the company formation unless directed by the company commander. However, platoon leaders coordinate their formation with other elements moving in the main body’s formation.
Note. Formation illustrations shown in this chapter are examples only. They might not depict actual situation or circumstances. Leaders must be prepared to adapt their choice of formation to the specific situation. Leaders always should position themselves where they can best control their formations.
3-41. The seven movement formations can be grouped into two categories: formations with one lead element, and formations with more than one lead element. The formations with more than one lead element, as a general rule, are better for achieving fire superiority—the dominating fires of one force over another force that permits that force to maneuver at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the other(FM 3-90)—to the front but are more difficult to control. Conversely, the formations with only one lead element are easier to control but are not as useful for achieving fire superiority to the front.
3-42. Leaders attempt to maintain flexibility in their formations. Doing so enables them to react when unexpected enemy actions occur. The line, echelon, and column formations are the least flexible of the seven formations. The line formation masses fires to the front but has vulnerable flanks. The echelon is optimized for a flank threat, something units want to avoid. The column has difficulty reinforcing an element in contact. Leaders using these formations should consider ways to reduce the risks associated with their general lack of flexibility. For example, by expanding or contracting the formation depending on the terrain.
3-43. During movement, every squad and Soldier has a standard position within a tactical movement. During movement Soldiers can see their fire team leaders. Fire team leaders can see their squad leaders. Leaders control their units using dismounted hand and arm signals and intra-squad and team communications (see TC 3-21.60 and ATP 6-02.53). Movement formation considerations and hand and arm (dismounted) signals are addressed and illustrated, respectively in table 3-1.
Table 3-1. Movement formation considerations with hand and arm signals
Next Page : Fire Team Movement Formations