Move as a Member of a Fire Team
Performance Steps - Answer 1. Fire team formations describe the relationship of the
Soldiers in the fire team to each other.
(wedge, modified wedge, diamond, file)
2. The distances between Soldiers in the formation depend on the terrain,visibility, and
control factors. The normal interval in daylight is about 10 meters.
Fire team wedge - Answer (1) Is easy to control.
(2) Is flexible.
(3) Allows immediate fires in all directions.
(4) Offers all round local security.
Fire team modified wedge - Answer When rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors
reduce control of the wedge formation, the sides are closed up to (almost) a single file.
When moving in less rugged terrain and control becomes easier, resume your original
positions. The modified wedge is also used for extended periods when traveling on
roads or trails.
(1) Is easier to control in reduced visibility or rough terrain than are other formations.
(2) Offers less flank security than a wedge but more than a file.
(3) Masks fires initially to the front and rear for the majority of the team.
Fire team diamond - Answer It is most often used when the fire team is operating
alone or is the lead security element (point) for a column or file.
(1) Has reduced frontage.
(2) Allows increased security to the rear.
(3) Allows immediate fires in all directions, although one Soldier's fires are always
masked.
Fire team file - Answer (1) Provides maximum control.
(2) Provides minimum frontage. It is the easiest formation to use in close terrain or
vegetation.
(3) Facilitates speed of movement.
(4) Is less flexible than the wedge or diamond.
(5) Provides immediate fires to flanks, but it masks most Soldier's fires to the front and
rear.
Performance Steps - Answer 1. Fire team formations describe the relationship of the
Soldiers in the fire team to each other.
(wedge, modified wedge, diamond, file)
2. The distances between Soldiers in the formation depend on the terrain,visibility, and
control factors. The normal interval in daylight is about 10 meters.
Fire team wedge - Answer (1) Is easy to control.
(2) Is flexible.
(3) Allows immediate fires in all directions.
(4) Offers all round local security.
Fire team modified wedge - Answer When rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors
reduce control of the wedge formation, the sides are closed up to (almost) a single file.
When moving in less rugged terrain and control becomes easier, resume your original
positions. The modified wedge is also used for extended periods when traveling on
roads or trails.
(1) Is easier to control in reduced visibility or rough terrain than are other formations.
(2) Offers less flank security than a wedge but more than a file.
(3) Masks fires initially to the front and rear for the majority of the team.
Fire team diamond - Answer It is most often used when the fire team is operating
alone or is the lead security element (point) for a column or file.
(1) Has reduced frontage.
(2) Allows increased security to the rear.
(3) Allows immediate fires in all directions, although one Soldier's fires are always
masked.
Fire team file - Answer (1) Provides maximum control.
(2) Provides minimum frontage. It is the easiest formation to use in close terrain or
vegetation.
(3) Facilitates speed of movement.
(4) Is less flexible than the wedge or diamond.
(5) Provides immediate fires to flanks, but it masks most Soldier's fires to the front and
rear.
