Ranger Basic Course Phase 1: The Fort Phase

0 of 106 lessons complete (0%)
Exit Course

Rifleman 1a: Move 1

Move: Lesson 1 – The Basics of Patrol Formations: How to Move Tactically Outside

This is a preview lesson

Register or sign in to take this lesson.

In this short video, we attempt to give you the most basic look at patrol formations. We only show you three, and we really only scratch the surface of them. For more information on these formations, check out almost any military infantry manual, and attend some small unit tactics courses. We offer them thru Blake Flannery,  https://www.oriontraininggroup.com/s/… , and a couple other companies here and there may offer them if you look hard enough online.
There’s also other YouTube videos out there on the subject. In other videos we will expand on these topics. Some disclaimers: the demo assistants are alumni that graciously offered to assist with the video. They are a mix of cops, active and veteran military, and civilians. Their faces are covered simply because they don’t want to be on blast on YouTube. This was filmed on private property and the rifles are unloaded and chamber flagged out of an abundance of caution.

This video describes and provides employment recommendations for Squad Movement Formations & Squad Movement Techniques

Basic infantry patrol formations— wedge, file, line, and staggered column—are tactical arrangements used to maximize security, control, and fire superiority based on terrain and enemy threat. The wedge is the most common for flexibility, while the file offers speed in dense terrain. Staggered column is ideal for linear danger areas, and line is used for assaults.

In basic infantry training, patrol formations are tactical arrangements used by fire teams and squads to move efficiently while maintaining security and control. The choice of formation depends on the terrain, visibility, and the likelihood of enemy contact.

Core Patrol Formations

  • Wedge (Fire Team): Primary formation providing excellent 360-degree security and fire potential. Team leader is in front, with the automatic rifleman (saw gunner) typically on the weak side.
  • File (Column): Used in thick vegetation or low light for speed and control. Members are spaced ~10 meters apart, with each member covering a different sector (e.g., sides/rear).
  • Staggered Column: Two files on opposite sides of a road/trail. Offers maximum fire dispersion and is excellent for rapid movement along roads.
    Line: Rarely used for movement, this is for assaulting an objective. It provides maximum fire to the front but is hard to control and slow.

Squad-Level Formations

  • Squad Column, Fire Team Wedge: Standard formation, with the lead fire team followed by the squad leader, then the trailing fire team, providing 20 meters between teams.
  • Squad File: Used in dense, restrictive terrain.

Movement Techniques & Considerations

  • Traveling: Used when contact is unlikely; high speed, minimum security.
  • Traveling Overwatch: Used when contact is possible; intermediate speed/security.
  • Bounding Overwatch: Used when contact is imminent; low speed, maximum security.
  • Spacing: Crucial to avoid mass casualties; typically 10–20 meters between individuals, dependent on visibility and terrain.
  • Reacting to Contact: Generally, the goal is to form a line to maximize fire on the enemy

Key Positions

  • Point Man: Leads the patrol, navigating and spotting threats.
  • Dragman: Last man, responsible for rear security.
  • Team/Squad Leader: Positioned for maximum visibility and control, often central in a wedge.

Common Fire Team & Squad Formations

  • Fire Team Wedge: The basic formation for most tactical movements. It provides excellent all-around security and is easy to control. It allows for rapid fire to the front and flanks.
  • Column: Used when speed is essential and the terrain is restrictive (such as a trail or narrow path). It offers good firepower to the flanks but limited firepower to the front.
  • File: A single line of soldiers used in extremely dense vegetation or limited visibility where maintaining visual contact is difficult. It is the easiest to control but offers the least security and firepower to the front and rear.
  • Line: Primarily used during the final assault on an objective. It places maximum firepower to the front but is difficult to control and provides very little security to the flanks.
  • Staggered Column: Often used on roads or open trails, it consists of two parallel columns staggered to provide better spacing and overlapping fields of fire.

Movement Techniques
Formations are often used in conjunction with specific movement techniques based on the enemy situation:
Technique                                       Enemy Contact                                                                                                                       Characteristics
Traveling                                               Unlikely                                                                      Maximum speed, minimum dispersion (approx. 10m between soldiers).
Traveling Overwatch                           Possible                                                                      Medium speed and security; lead element stays 50–100m ahead.
Bounding Overwatch                           Likely                                                                         Slowest speed, maximum security; one element moves while the other provides cover.

Principles of Patrolling
Every patrol, regardless of formation, is guided by five key principles:

  • Planning: Detailed preparation for all phases of the mission.
  • Reconnaissance: Gathering information about the enemy and terrain.
  • Security: Maintaining 360-degree protection at all times.
  • Control: Using hand-and-arm signals to manage movement silently.
  • Common Sense: Adapting tactics based on the evolving situation on the ground.