77th JSOC / Public Servers / Combat Guides
Basic unit movement and formations
General introduction into movement and sector keeping.
Basic formations
Formation - A formation is defined as an arrangement. The way something, in this case members of a squad, are arranged or coming together. The endgoal of keeping formations lies in working together as a single entity, providing cover and keeping sectors cleared so the integrity of the can be guaranteed.
Column
A column is frequently used in non-combat situations when moving towards a set point over the mainland. Whilst this formation is one of the most frequently used, goal of it gets misused even more. If one wants to make optimal use of this formation it is of the upmost importance to keep sectors.
The first person in line always keeps the sector right in front while navigating towards the objective. The second person chooses and vocalises wether he is taking the left or right side relative to the person in front. All soldiers who follow will take the opposite side of the person in front of him, while ultimately the last person checks the rear from time to time to make sure noone can creep up behind.
Staggered Column
A staggered column is frequently used in non-combat situations when moving towards a set point in urban areas or along main roads. This will also be used when escorting vehicles towards a set opjective, having the vehicle drive between both columns.
Moving as two seperate staggered columns, the leftmost column will keep the left sector clear while the rightmost column keeps the right sector clear. Just as a normal column the persons in the back of the formation keeps check of the rear so no enemies can creep up on them.
Wedge
The wedge or arrow formation is commonly used when moving through an open field while under fire or when starting an assault from an elevated position towards a set objective. This formation provides when used correctly almost 180° coverage in the direction you are moving. Just as all other formations the last person makes sure the rear end stays clear from enemies.
Echelon
Echelon or staircase formation is most frequently used on steep terrain diffrences like moving up a mountain in which the use of other formations are inefficient. It is in essence the leftmost or rightmost half of a wedge. Where sectors are being kept in par with the wedge formation.
Diamond
The diamond formation is often used when escorting a high value target(HVT). This formation is less frequently used, but when used correctly it will provide 360° coverage. Each member covers the sector relative to his position within the diamond.
Line
A line or walking line formation is either used when supressing fire from an elevated position or when you need a maximum firepower in one direction. Also proven handy to sweep areas of dense cover. The main responsability of the soldiers on the outer flanks is to prevent enemies from flanking or creeping up behind the squad.
Combat movement
Combat tactics when moving towards an objective or when retreating from hot areas to provide a maximum amount of safety and therefore ensuring a minimum amount of casualties whilst being on the move.
Bounding
The bounding tactic is a combat maneuvre frequently used to safely reach your objective when there is not much cover and when you want to keep a maximum firepower at all times.
This tactic consists of one fireteam bounding to a certain point, once that fireteam is set, the second overwatching fireteam 'bounds' up to the first fireteam's location. Which allows a maximum amount of firepower if troops come into contact with enemies. This movement gets repeated untill the full squad reaches his destination.
Alternate Bounding a.k.a. Leapfrogging
The tactic of alternating movement of coordinated units to allow, if necessary, suppressive fire in support of offensive forward movement or defensive disengagement.
In essence, a fireteam takes up an overwatch position whilst the other members advance to cover. These two fireteams continuously switch roles towards their objective. This allows the overwatch position to suppress enemy fire when necessary.
The diffrence between normal bounding and leapfrogging lies in the fact that the leapfrogging tactic overtakes the overwatch position instead of halting at the overwatching fireteam.
Peeling
Medical procedures
Clearing of buildings
Situational awareness