The fireteam column is the opposite of a fireteam line in that, instead of being lined up left-to-right, the fireteam is lined up front-to-back. In other words, a single column line. Each team member after the point man should walk the exact same path as the person in front of them, to minimize risk of exposure to environmental hazards (such as mines or IEDs), and to keep the team together in low-visibility environments and on difficult terrain. When available, a role with a mine detector, such as an EOD Specialist or combat engineer, should take point if such hazards are known or suspected in the area.
A column must be used with caution, as only the point man can immediately react to any contact from the front, while the rest of the team must maneuver to support. If the team is in a column because the area is dangerous, those maneuvers are especially risky.
Strengths:
- Easiest formation to control, especially on difficult or restrictive terrain
- Allows largest possible volume of fire on both sides
- Easy to maintain at higher movement speeds
- Ideal for maintaining stealth
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to the front and rear
- Allows very limited volume of fire forward
- Often has poor dispersion of troops, especially with limited visibility
- Difficult to transition to base of fire, bounding overwatch, or flanking maneuvers
Above: A fireteam column, led by the fireteam leader
