What are Formations in the military or tactical sense?

The Formation is a predetermined set of positions, that while employed during

maneuvers provide an advantage over an encroaching enemy force, or stationary
hostile presence. They can be deployed in open-terrain, or in close-quarter battle
(CQB) environments, where formations can provide a sense of order, structure
and safety in an otherwise hostile conflict.

The "Column", "Single-file" or "File" formation is used by an element that is

facing a tight-knit environmental situation. Deployed ad hoc via the leader of the
element, or via pre-planned procedures as prescribed by their operation planners
and operational control. It is likened to a mobile stack, in the field.

Critical Elements: Column or File Requirements

1. Pointman (Minimum)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control
2. Operator (Minimum)
 Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles
3. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
4. Recommended
 3-6 Personnel, incl. a Breacher, Rifleman (upto x 3), Leader, Support;
equipment including flashbangs and demo charges.
Formation: Staggered Column or File

The Staggered "Column" or "File" formation is used by an element that is facing

a tight-knit environmental situation. Deployed ad hoc via the leader of the
element, or via pre-planned procedures as prescribed by their operation planners
and operational control. It is likened to a mobile stack, in the field.

Critical Elements: Staggered Column or File Requirements

1. Pointman (Minimum)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control
2. Operator (Minimum)
 Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles
3. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
4. Recommended
 3-6 Personnel, incl. a Breacher, Rifleman (upto x 3), Leader, Support;
equipment including flashbangs and demo charges.

In summary, the formation is scalable, with supports for up to 6+ personnel to

achieve mobility. At a minimum, it requires a front, middle and back, or rather a
Pointman, an Operator, and a Rear Guard (note, Operator is the generalist term,
all members in this formation are considered Operators).
Formation: Double Column or File

The Double "Column" or "File" formation is used by an element that is facing a tight-knit environmental
situation. Deployed ad hoc via the leader of the element, or via pre-planned procedures as prescribed by
their operation planners and operational control. It is likened to a mobile stack, in the field.

Critical Elements: Double Column or File Requirements

Pointman (Minimum x 2)

Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control

Operator (Minimum x 2)

Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles

Rear Guard (Minimum x 2)

Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security

Recommended

3-6 Personnel, incl. a Breacher, Rifleman (upto x 3), Leader, Support; equipment including flashbangs
and demo charges.

In summary, the formation is scalable, with supports for up to 6+ personnel to achieve mobility. At a
minimum, it requires a front, middle and back, or rather a Pointman, an Operator, and a Rear Guard
(note, Operator is the generalist term, all members in this formation are considered Operators).
Formation: 3-Man Y Formation

The 3-Man "Y" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy wide AOR
support, while maintaining mobility with a tight-knit environment. It is typically
deployed in lieu of suspected heavy threats, and as such, any unit deploying it
will then use significant force to maintain the element's safety.

Critical Elements: 3-Man Y Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum x 2)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
3. Recommended
 Both point members will negotiate the terrain with teamwork and
indicate clear directions, to maintain rear guard inclusion.
Formation: 4-Man Y Formation

The 4-Man "Y" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy wide AOR
support, while maintaining mobility with a tight-knit environment. It is typically
deployed in lieu of suspected heavy threats, and as such, any unit deploying it
will then use significant force to maintain the element's safety.

Critical Elements: 4-Man Y Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum x 2)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Center Support
 Assists the Middle-front of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
4. Recommended
 Both point members will negotiate the terrain with teamwork and
indicate clear directions, to maintain rear guard inclusion.

In summary, this formation is a high-speed technique that utilises both point

members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.
Formation: 5-Man Y Formation

he 5-Man "Y" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy wide AOR
support, while maintaining mobility with a tight-knit environment. It is typically
deployed in lieu of suspected heavy threats, and as such, any unit deploying it
will then use significant force to maintain the element's safety.

Critical Elements: 5-Man Y Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum x 2)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Center Support (Minimum x 2)
 Assists the Middle-front/back of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
4. Recommended
 Both point members will negotiate the terrain with teamwork and
indicate clear directions, to maintain rear guard inclusion.

In summary, this formation is a high-speed technique that utilises both point

members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.
Formation: 6-Man Y Formation

The 6-Man "Y" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy wide AOR
support, while maintaining mobility with a tight-knit environment. It is typically
deployed in lieu of suspected heavy threats, and as such, any unit deploying it
will then use significant force to maintain the element's safety.

Critical Elements: 6-Man Y Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum x 2)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Center Support (Minimum x 3)
 Assists the Middle-front/back of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
4. Recommended
 Both point members will negotiate the terrain with teamwork and
indicate clear directions, to maintain rear guard inclusion.

In summary, this formation is a high-speed technique that utilises both point

members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.
formation: 4-Man Diamond Formation

The 4-Man "Diamond" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy

even AOR support, while maintaining security in a tight-knit environment. It is
typically deployed in lieu of suspected medium threats, and as such, any unit
deploying it will then use significant force to maintain the team's safety.

Critical Elements: 4-Man Diamond Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Operator, Right (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Operator, Left (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
4. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
5. Recommended
 All Operators provide overlapping overwatch, while transitioning from
room to room, carefully with a Rear Guard's fire-support.

In summary, this formation is a low-speed technique that utilises both point

members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.
Formation: 5-Man Diamond Formation

The 5-Man "Diamond" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy

even AOR support, while maintaining security in a tight-knit environment. It is
typically deployed in lieu of suspected medium threats, and as such, any unit
deploying it will then use significant force to maintain the team's safety.

Critical Elements: 5-Man Diamond Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Operator, Right (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Operator, Left (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
4. Operator, Rear Support
 Assists the Rear Guard and contributes to team security
5. Rear Guard (Minimum)
 Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
In summary, this formation is a low-speed technique that utilises both point
members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.

Formation: 6-Man Diamond Formation

The 6-Man "Diamond" formation is used by an element that wishes to deploy

even AOR support, while maintaining security in a tight-knit environment. It is
typically deployed in lieu of suspected medium threats, and as such, any unit
deploying it will then use significant force to maintain the team's safety.

Critical Elements: 6-Man Diamond Formation

1. Pointman (Minimum)
 Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
2. Operator, Right (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
3. Operator, Left (Minimum)
 Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
4. Rear Guard (Maximum x 3)
  Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security

In summary, this formation is a low-speed technique that utilises both point

members, with expansive AOR coverage. The Rear Guard will be required to
keep up communications, to maintain position and combat effectiveness.