Combat Formation/Movement Variables (CFVs/CMVs)

Learn the different types of formations and movements on the battlefield...

Intro

Combat Formations:
"Combat formations are composed of two variables: lateral frontage, represented by the line formation; and depth, represented by the column formation"



"The seven combat 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 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"

"The line, echelon, and column formations are the least flexible of the seven formations. The line mass to the front 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"

Combat Movements:
"Movement techniques are not fixed formations. They refer to the distances between Soldiers, teams, and squads vary based on mission, enemy, terrain, visibility, and other factors affecting control"

"There are three movement techniques: traveling; traveling overwatch; and bounding overwatch. The selection of a movement technique is based on the likelihood of enemy contact and need for speed. Factors to consider for each technique are control, dispersion, speed, and security."

"Individual movement techniques include high and low crawl, and three to five second rushes from one covered position to another"

Fire Team Formations

Fire team formations include the fire team wedge and fire teams file

TM LDRs lead by example: “Follow me and do as I do”

TM members move according to how their TM LDR moves (shifting to the right/left etc,)

The 'standard' interval between Soldiers in the wedge formation is normally 10 meters




Note how both TMs are formed as 'opposites' (with the ARs on the flank)



Note how the TM LDR is close to the AR, in order to better control their use

SQD Formations

SQD formations refers to the relative locations of the fire TMs between themselves (2 fire TMs back 1 SQD)

SQD formations include: squad column, the squad line, and squad file

The SQD LDR uses these 3 basic movement techniques and controls them through the 2 TM LDRs

SQD LDrs can designate 1 fire TM as a 'base of fire', while the other fire TM moves forward. This is especially true when a MG TM (or AT/AA etc.) is attached to the SQD. During a SQD movement, the SQD LDR and any attachments (MG/AT/AA/FO/CAS etc.) are located in-between the 2 fire TMs.

NOTE:
When describing a SQD movement, first describe the fire TM formation and then the SQD formation. Ex: "Fire TMs wedge, SQD column"





SQDs default formation (unless preparing to assault/attack/raid etc.)


SQD default attack/pre-attack formation (1 fire TM is the 'base', while the other fire TM moves)


Default SQD formation in restrictive terrain/limited visibility/stealth of movement (when ENY contact is not expected)

Dismounted PLT Formations

"The platoon leader designates one of the squads as the base squad. He controls the platoon’s speed and direction of movement through the base squad, while the other squads and attachments cue their movement off of the base squad"

"When moving in a company formation, the company commander normally designates a base platoon to facilitate control"

Platoon formations include the column, the line (squads on line or in column), the vee, the wedge, and the file

Normally, the PL (Platoon LDR) is positioned toward the front of the formation (along with the RTO/FO) to better control the SQD if ENY contact is made. The PSG (Platoon Sergeant) is normally placed towards the rear of the formation and is tasked with controlling the base SQD (usually WPN SQD) and MEDEVAC/CCP procedures.

When conducting dismounted PLT movement, the lead fire TM is usually moved forward 50 meters (mission/terrain dependent) to act as an early warning measure and to avoid having the entire PLT receive ENY contact. A second SQD is used to flank (R/L), WPN SQD is used as the base/SBF (Support By Fire), the third SQD acts as a reserve (to augment the SQD in contact and/or the flanking SQD. The PL will normally stay with the lead element in contact or maneuver with the flanking SQD. This is done not only to 'Lead from the front' and 'Follow me' but also to coordinate lift/shift fire with the SBF/PSG. The PSG will control the base/SBF and assist the SQD in contact. If a flanking maneuver is used, the PSG will make contact with the flanking SQD/PL via hand/arm signals; VS-17 panel; radio; smoke; flares; chemlights; IR strobe etc. and both shift and lift fires as necessary.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2055894682

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1295884384
NOTE:
When describing a PLT movement, first describe the fire SQD formation and then the PLT formation. Ex: "SQDs wedge, PLT column"




PLT column, SQD column, fire TM wedge
Normally only used when in 'travelling' movement


PLT line, SQD line, fire TM wedge
Default PLT assault formation


PLT line, SQD, column, fire TM wedge


PLT vee, 2 SQDs upfront in column, 1 SQD to the rear in column, fire TMs in wedge


PLT wedge; 1 SQD upfront in column, 2 SQDs to the rear in column and on-line, fire TMs in wedge
The rear 2 SQDs are overwatching the lead SQD
Can be used in 'overwatch/travelling overwatch'


PLT file, 3 SQDs in file (with fire TMs in file); lead fire TM in wedge;
1 SQD flank security (1 fire TM on each flank) with fire TMs in wedge
Normally only used for 'travelling'

Mounted PLT Formations

"When mounted, the platoon uses the column, wedge, line, echelon, coil, and herringbone formations"

Generally speaking, mounted movements follow the same formations and considerations as dismounted movements

Additionally, mounted movements use distinct hand and arm signals as well as flag signals to convey commands

SQD Movement Techniques

Travelling


Travelling Overwatch

Bounding Overwatch

Dismounted PLT Movement Formations

"While moving, leaders typically separate their unit into two groups: a security element and main body. In most scenarios, the Infantry platoon and squad are not large enough to separate its forces into separate security forces and main body forces. However, it is able to accomplish these security functions by employing movement techniques."

"A movement technique is the manner a platoon uses to traverse terrain"

The platoons often use the traveling technique when contact is unlikely and speed is needed


Travelling


Travelling Overwatch

Bounding Overwatch

Bounding Overwatch

Mounted PLT Movement Formations

"The movement techniques while mounted are:
traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch"

Mounted travelling is best used to:

• cover long distances

• when ENY contact is not likely

If ENY contact is expected while mounted, then utilize the bounding overwatch and/or have dismounted Infantry to scout ahead and provide flank security


Travelling


Traveling Overwatch


Bounding Overwatch

Note:
A 'break in contact' occurs when 1 or more vehicles loses visual sight of the remaining convoy. This happens quite often, especially in large convoys. If this occurs, it is best to maintain current speed and attempt radio contact, utilize GPS, employ NVGs/thermal etc. sensors. If no contact is immediately established, then stop/slow down in your current position and await for the remaining portion of the convoy to catch-up to you. If there is a continued lack of contact, then relocate to a more tactical position, ie the 'ALAMO' option.

The ALAMO option is when a forces decides or cannot move any further (vehicle breakdown, casualties, equipment failure etc.). The isolated unit then seeks the best defensive position until they can be reached by a QRF (Quick Reaction Force). An ideal defensive position is one that has an: elevated position (tower/tall building); offers 360 degrees of vantage/firing points; only a few AAs (Avenues of Approach) and is otherwise 'non-descript'.

Maneuver

"Maneuver begins once a unit has made contact with the enemy. Direct fire is inherent in maneuver, as is close combat. At the mounted platoon level, maneuver forms the heart of every tactical operation and task. It combines maneuver, direct and indirect fire, and other combat power. The platoon leader maneuvers his mounted element and dismounted squads to close with, gain positional advantage over, and ultimately destroy the enemy."

The method a unit reacts to a contact is called a 'maneuver' and will be covered in separate guide

Conclusion

"The platoon leader uses formations for several purposes: to relate one squad to another on the ground; to position firepower to support the direct-fire plan; to establish responsibilities for area of operation security among squads; or to aid in the execution of battle drills. Just as he does with movement techniques, the platoon leader plans formations based on where he expects enemy contact, and on the company commander’s plans to react to contact. The platoon leader evaluates the situation and decides which formation best suits the mission and situation."

Formations can be broken down into several categories

Mode of travel:

• Mounted (vehicles)

• Dismounted

Chance of ENY contact:

• Travelling (not expected)

• Travelling Overwatch (possible)

• Bounding Overwatch (likely)

Most dismounted/mounted formations are very similar in nature

LDRs must be positioned to best control their unit/formation

Each section may have a different formation (company file; PLTs on-line; SQDs in wedge)

[Greybeard]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

[dadoomslayer]

jokes aside very cool

[dadoomslayer]

peen formation

[twinkolumu]

Great guide cheers.