TOC TTP CQB Formations

Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Section: CQB Formations

In this section, we will discuss 'CQB Formations', in which a small team element, on a tactical level can prescribe specific positions to help in enhancing its efficacy in a range of maneuvers in a closed environment. Further topics shown include:

Formation Definition 

Formation

/fɔːˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/

(Mass Noun)

            I. A group of individuals or objects in a particular arrangement or pattern.

            "...Their formation indicated a sense of discipline, order and structure..."

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.

Formation: Column or File
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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control
 * 3) Operator (Minimum)
 * 4) * Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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: 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control
 * 3) Operator (Minimum)
 * 4) * Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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


 * 1) Pointman (Minimum x 2)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed by the team leader or control
 * 3) Operator (Minimum x 2)
 * 4) * Potentially the leader, a marksman or other Operator roles
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum x 2)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 4) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 5) Recommended
 * 6) * 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 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Center Support
 * 4) * Assists the Middle-front of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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
The 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Center Support (Minimum x 2)
 * 4) * Assists the Middle-front/back of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Center Support (Minimum x 3)
 * 4) * Assists the Middle-front/back of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 6) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 7) Recommended
 * 8) * 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Operator, Right (Minimum)
 * 4) * Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Operator, Left (Minimum)
 * 6) * Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 7) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 8) * Covers the rear of the element, and makes up team security
 * 9) Recommended
 * 10) * 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Operator, Right (Minimum)
 * 4) * Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Operator, Left (Minimum)
 * 6) * Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 7) Operator, Rear Support
 * 8) * Assists the Rear Guard and contributes to team security
 * 9) Rear Guard (Minimum)
 * 10) * 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)
 * 2) * Negotiates the terrain, directed via close-scale teamworks
 * 3) Operator, Right (Minimum)
 * 4) * Assists the Front-right of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 5) Operator, Left (Minimum)
 * 6) * Assists the Front-left of the formation, abridging the AOR
 * 7) Rear Guard (Maximum x 3)
 * 8) * 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.