The wedge is a versatile formation that is easy to establish and control. It allows for good all-around observation and security, and can be used in the majority of situations encountered. Fire can be placed in any direction in good quantity, and a shift in formation upon contact is easy to accomplish to suit where the contact came from.
If contacted from the front or rear, the wedge allows for easy transition to a line formation. If attacked from either side, one buddy team is able to return fire whilst the other maneuvers to support them.
The fireteam leader will usually take the forward-most position, with the first buddy team to their left, and the second buddy team to their right. The fireteam leader may adjust positions within the formation based on need, such as putting the automatic rifleman to the front and the medic to the rear, but should generally avoid splitting buddy teams between the two sides.
Strengths:
- Good all-around security
- Allows balanced volume of fire in all directions
- Good movement control, even with limited visibility or difficult terrain
- Easily transitions to other formations
Weaknesses:
- The balanced forward, rearward, and side firing angles are each limited compared to other formations
- May not be suitable for restrictive terrain
Above: A fireteam wedge, led by the fireteam leader
