Leading team/squad formations - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G232 - Leading team/squad formations

Guide

FM/BG-1074 - Purpose and flexibility of formations

Guide

Formations guide positioning to support cohesion and control. They are adaptable, not rigid templates.

Principles:

Use formations as a baseline, not a constraint.
Leaders must understand strengths and weaknesses of each formation.
Precision is less important than practicality, adapt to terrain and threat.

Guide

FM/BG-1075 - Multi-level formation stacking

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Formations can be layered across command levels with Platoons, squads, and fireteams each using different formations. Each leader determines formation appropriate to their level to enables flexibility without micromanagement.

Guide

FM/BG-1076 - Leadership positioning in formations

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Leader roles and positions differ by echelon.

Squad Leaders “push” fireteams from centre or rear.
Fireteam Leaders “pull” teams by leading from the front.

Guide

FM/BG-1077 - Issuing formations with relative offsets

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Use simple, relative directions when ordering formations.

Reference direction of movement, not bearings.
Use “front, left, right, rear” to describe offsets.

Guide

FM/BG-1078 - Controlling formations in movement

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Formation control ensures spacing and cohesion throughout movement.

Leaders correct deviations using clear, relative directions.
Control is maintained by the formation’s overall leader.

Guide

FM/BG-1079 - Responsibilities of leading elements

Guide

Leading elements set the pace and direction.

Guide movement based on orders.
Prevent outpacing of trail elements.
Maintain observation forward and to flanks.
Provide point element if needed.

Guide

FM/BG-1080 - Responsibilities of trail elements

Guide

Keep proper spacing and offset from lead.

Communicate speed/distance issues.
Observe sectors based on offset:
- Left offset = watch left/front
- Right offset = watch right/front
- Rear = observe rear
- Share rear security if no dedicated element