This presentation discusses different military formations, including single file, file, extended line, arrowhead, and diamond formations. It provides the objectives of learning the different formation types, their pros and cons, and understanding formation hand signals. Different formations are suited to different terrain and situations, providing varying degrees of firepower, control, and vulnerability from different directions. The presentation aims to educate service members on selecting the optimal formation based on conditions.

1. Fieldcraft Presentation
FORMATIONS

2. Objectives
1. Learn the different types of
formations
2. Learn the Pro’s & Con’s of each
3. Understand the formation hand
signals
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3. Choice of Formation
 Ground
 Direction of expected fire
 Visibility
 Control
 Maximum fire – minimum delay
 Air situation
Bravo Company Royal Marines Cadets

4. Single File
Used For
 Single tracks
 Very thick terrain
Pro’s
 Easy to control
 Good firepower to the flanks
Con’s
 Very poor firepower to front/rear
 Passage of orders is slow
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5. Single File
Rifleman Gunner Sec Com Rifleman Rifleman 2 I/C Gunner Rifleman
Direction of Travel
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6. File
Used For
 Roads and wide tracks
 Built up areas
Pro’s
 Easy to control
 Good firepower to the flanks
Con’s
 Poor firepower to the front/rear
 Large target
Bravo Company Royal Marines Cadets

7. File
Rifleman Gunner Sec Com Rifleman
Rifleman 2 I/C Gunner Rifleman
Direction of Travel
Bravo Company Royal Marines Cadets

8. Extended Line
Used For
 Assault Formation
 Search Patterns
Pro’s
 Excellent frontal / rear firepower
Con’s
 Very vulnerable from the flanks
 Difficult to control
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9. Extended Line
Rifleman Gunner Sec Com Rifleman Rifleman 2 I/C Gunner Rifleman
Direction of Travel
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10. Arrowhead
Used For
 Crossing open ground
Pro’s
 Good firepower to front/flanks
 Less vulnerable to frontal fire
Con’s
 Difficult to control
 Vulnerable from the rear
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11. Arrowhead
Rifleman
Rifleman Gunner
Gunner 2 I/C
Sec Com Rifleman
Rifleman
Direction of Travel
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12. Diamond
Used For
 Open ground at night
Pro’s
 Easy to control
 Good observation to all directions
Con’s
 Very concentrated target
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13. Diamond
Rifleman
Gunner Sec Com
Rifleman Rifleman
2 I/C Gunner
Rifleman Direction of Travel
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14. Summary
1. Learn the different types of
formations
2. Learn the Pro’s & Con’s of each
3. Understand the formation hand
signals
COMPLETED!
Bravo Company Royal Marines Cadets

15. Any Questions?