Formations

Overview

Formations are used to establish sub unit positions and responsibilities and sectors of responsibility during tactical operations. They facilitate control, alleviate confusion, and increase protection, speed, and effectiveness of fires.

Vehicle Formations

Formations are not intended to be rigid, with vehicles remaining a specific distance apart at every moment. The position of vehicle in the formation depends on the terrain and the ability of the wingman driver to maintain situational awareness in relation to the lead vehicle. At the same time, individual vehicles should always occupy the same relative position within a formation. This will ensure that the members of each crew know who is beside them, understand when and where to move, and are aware of when and where they will be expected to observe and direct fires. Weapons orientation for all vehicles should be adjusted to ensure optimum security based on the position of the platoon in the company formation.

Platoon

Column

Tank platoon, column formation

The column provides excellent control and fire to the flanks, but permits less fire to the front. It is used when speed is critical, when the platoon is moving through restrictive terrain on a specific route, and/or when enemy contact is not likely.

Staggered Column

Staggered Column Formation.

Currently not available in Steel Beasts

The staggered column is a modified column formation with one section leading and one section trailing behind to pro vide overwatch. The staggered column permits good fire to the front and flanks. It is used when speed is critical, when there is a limited area for lateral dispersion, and/or when enemy contact is possible.

Wedge

Wedge Formation.

The wedge permits excellent firepower to the front and good firepower to the flanks. It is employed when the platoon is provided with overwatch by another element and is moving in open or rolling terrain. Depending on the platoon location within the company formation, the platoon leader and PSG (with wingmen) can switch sides of the formation. When the platoon leader's tank is slightly forward, one flank has more firepower.

Echelon

Echelon Formations.

The echelon formation permits excellent firepower to the front and to one flank. It is used to screen an exposed flank of the platoon or of a larger moving force.

Vee

Vee Formation.

The vee formation provides excellent protection and con-trol, but limits fires to the front. This formation is used when terrain restricts movement or when overwatch within the platoon is required.

Line

Line Formation.

The line formation provides maximum firepower forward. It is used when the platoon crosses danger areas and is provided with over watch by another element or when the platoon assaults enemy positions.

Coil

Coil Formation.

When it is operating independently, the platoon uses the coil formation to establish a perimeter defense during extended halts or lulls in combat. The lead vehicle, normally the platoon leader, will halt his vehicle in the direction of travel (12 o'clock) while the other vehicles position themselves to form a circular formation covering all suspected enemy avenues of approach.

Herringbone

Herringbone Formation.

The herringbone formation is used when the platoon must assume a hasty defense with 360-degree security while remaining postured to resume movement in the direction of travel. It is normally employed during scheduled or unscheduled halts in a road march. If terrain permits, vehicles should move off the road and stop at a 45-degree angle, allowing passage of vehicles through the center of the formation.

Reference

FM 17-15 Tank Platoon
FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad