FILE (SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS ‘STAGGERED FILE’)
This formation can be used on a path
or track, or either side of a small
bank or hedgerow wide enough for
the team to move on opposite sides
of it. This gives good protection to
the flanks although, again, limited
protection to the front and rear when
under fire. A team patrolling in file
should alternate or stagger their
position in the patrol, so viewed
from above it would look like a ‘zig
zag’ of troops (see our example –
Team Leader is to the right of and
behind the leading scout).
This formation is easy to control
and highly useful for moving at night.
But as the formation is so much
closer together it presents a more
concentrated target and is thus
susceptible to area effect weapons
(such as pyros in airsoft). File is often
used while patrolling in an urban
environment as you can use walls
and building lines at both sides of a
ARROWHEAD
The arrowhead formation is essential
for moving across open countryside.
It offers good protection to both
flanks as well as to the front and
rear of the patrol. It is probably the
best way to move on a broad front
in open country. If the patrol has
only one support weapon it is best
SKILLS ROOM
street as cover and provide cover to
the other line of the patrol if an enemy
in a building engages you.
The signal for the team to move into
this formation is for the team leader
to raise both arms above the head,
shoulder width apart.
positioned on the flank most likely to
be attacked.
But while this formation allows
for good all-round observation, if it
gets too concentrated it presents a
vulnerable target.
The signal for the team to move into
arrowhead is for the Team Leader to
push both arms backwards behind
him forming a V wedge, parallel to
the ground. If a support weapon is
required on a particular flank this can
be indicated by holding the weapon
in the relevant hand (which can mean
a short sprint for the gunner carrying
his heavy kit).
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