Squad formations are an essential part of military training, and they play a crucial role in the success of any military operation. Several different types of squad formations are used for other purposes, and each formation has its own set of drill commands that are used to control and direct the movements of the squad. This article will identify the different types of squad formations and their related drill commands.
Line Formation
The line formation is the most basic and commonly used in the military. In this formation, soldiers stand in a straight line facing the same direction. The drill commands used to control this formation include:
Fall in: The authority is given to assembling the squad in formation.
Dress right (or left) dress. The command is used to align the squad members in a straight line.
Ready front: The order used to bring the squad members' attention back to the show.
Column Formation
The column formation is used when the squad needs to move in a narrow space or when it needs to move quickly. In this formation, the soldiers stand one behind the other. The drill commands used to control this formation include:
Column right (or left): The order to turn the squad to the right or left.
Forward march: The command used to move the squad forward.
Column halt: The command used to stop the squad.
Wedge Formation
The wedge formation is used when the squad needs to move through narrow passages or obstacles. In this formation, the squad members form a triangle with the point facing forward. The drill commands used to control this formation include:
Wedge, fall in The order given to assemble the squad in the wedge formation.
Forward march: The order used to move the squad forward.
Wedge, halt The command used to stop the squad.
Echelon Formation
The echelon formation is used to protect the flank of the squad. In this formation, the squad members stand in a diagonal line, with the soldiers on one end farther forward than those on the other. The drill commands used to control this formation include:
Echelon right (or left): The command turns the squad to the right or left.
Forward march: The command used to move the squad forward.
Echelon, halt The command used to stop the squad.
Skirmishers Formation
The skirmishers' formation is used to move ahead of the squad and scout the area for potential threats. The squad members are spread out in a loose line in this formation. The drill commands used to control this formation include:
Skirmishers fall in The command given to assemble the squad in the skirmisher's formation.
Skirmishers forward: The command used to move the squad forward.
Skirmishers halt The command used to stop the squad.
In conclusion, squad formations and drill commands are critical in military operations. The different formations provide flexibility and adaptability to soldiers in different situations. By understanding the various formations and the related drill commands, squad members can work together more efficiently and effectively to accomplish their mission.