BASIC UNIT FORMATIONS

1. INFANTRY RIFLE SQUAD FORMATION

a) Wedge Formation
The wedge is the basic formation for the fire team. The interval between
soldiers in wedge formation normally is ten (10) meters. The wedge expands
and contracts depending on the terrain. When rough terrain, poor visibility, or
other factors make control of the wedge difficult, fire team modifies the wedge.
Team Leader
Grenadier

Team Leader
A/R Man

Grenadier

Rifleman

Rifleman

A/R Man

FIGURE 1. Fire Team Wedge

(Squad leader may choose his position depending on the terrain and enemy position, and
or, where he thinks he can best command his men)
c. Squad Column Formation
The squad column is the most common formation. It provides good dispersion
laterally and depth without sacrificing, control and facilitates maneuver. The leader fire team
is the base fire team. When the squad moves independently or as the rare elements of the
platoon, the rifleman in the tail fire team provides rear security.
Team Leader
Grenadier

A/R Man
Rifleman
Squad Leader
Team Leader
A/R Man

Grenadier
Rifleman
FIGURE 2. ( Squad Column with Fire team in Column)
d.

Squad Line
The squad line provides maximum firepower to the front. When a squad is
acting as the base squad, the fire team on the right is base fire team.
Team Leader
Grenadier
Rifleman

Team Leader
A/R Man

A/R Man

Squad Leader
FIGURE 3: SQUAD LINE

Grenadier
Rifleman

e.

Squad File Formation

When not travelling in a column or line, squad travels in file. The squad file has
the same characteristic as the fire team file, if the squad leader of desire increase his control
over the formation, exert greater moral presence by leading from the front, and be immediately
available to make key decisions. He will move forward to the first or second position. Moving the
team leader to the last position can provide additional control over the rear of the formation.
Team Leader
Grenadier
A/R Man
Rifleman
Squad Leader
Team Leader
Grenadier
A/R Man
Rifleman
FIGURE 4. Squad File
2. MOVEMENTS AND TECHNIQUES
Movement technique is the manner a squad traverse terrain. The selection of
a movement technique is based on the likelihood of enemy contact and the need for
speed. Factors to consider control , dispersion, speed and security.
Three types of movement techniques:
a. Traveling is used when contact with the enemy is not likely an speed is needed
b. Traveling over Watch is used when contact is possible. Attached weapons
move near the squad leader and his command so he can employ them quickly.
c. Boarding over Watch is used when enemy contact is expected. It is most
secured, but the slowest movement technique.
RIFLE PLATOON
The Rifle Platoon fights as a part of a light infantry battalion. It is consisted with three rifle squads
with a platoon leader and a platoon sergeant. Each rifle squads with a platoon
leader. Platoon can cooperate as a single unit under the platoon leader. The
squad is also designed and trained to conduct decentralized independent
operation when required.
1.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Platoon Leader is responsible for all the platoon does or fails to do. This includes the
tactical employment, training administration and personnel management and the
logistics of the platoon.
b. Platoon SergeantAssist the platoon leader in the supervision,admin and training,
discipline and most especially in the moral and the welfare of the platoon.

2.

PLATOON MOVEMENTS
Movement formation describes the positional relationships of men during movement. The
formation used depends on the mission and the terrain. The distance between the elements
depends on the mission and the terrain visibility and control factors.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
1. RANGER SQUAD ORGANIZATION
a. Lead scout
b. Guide
c. Squad leader or team leader
d. Radio man
e. Assistant Radioman
f. Contact man
g. Tail scout
2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SQUAD MEMBERS
a. Lead Scout
1) He is the point man.
2) He ensures the security of his squad
3) He always chooses the advantageous terrain during the movement
4) He physically and mentally prepared to shoot the enemy first. Prepares himself
for a quick draw, the safety lever of his rifle is on semi-automatic the whole
time.
b. Guide
1) The guide takes on a supporting role to the lead scout.
2) That he is expected to be always at the back of the lead scout, there are times
that he will stay by the side of lead scout. When there is imminent danger to
the front, the lead scout and the guide are abreast to maintain two rifles to
unload their stinging bullets.
3) The guide often controls the pace of the squad.
4) The guide helps out in making path through the jungle
5) He makes sure that the squad is always on the right track.
c. Squad Leader/Team Leader
1) The squad leader is in effective control of the squad
2) He is responsible for what his team does or fails to do.
d. Radio Man
1) The radioman is the voice of command.
2) He is responsible for all the signal equipment of the squad.
3) He emphasizes radio security.
4) He must always be beside the squad leader
5) He always gives feedback on all instructions.
e. Assistant Radio Man
1) The assistant radio man has a lot of duties to perform for the team. He acts as
the aircraft marshal and as the sniper of the squad.
2) The assistant radioman assists the radioman with the operation of the squads
radio.
f. Contact Man
1) During commando operations, the contact man is the point man. He disguises
as a rebel and mingles with the barrio residents to fish for information of
intelligence value.
2) He is responsible for the conduct of civil military operation
3) He is the squad silent killing specialist.
4) He is the primary interrogator of the squad.
5) He is the media man of the squad.

6) The contact man must also master the dialect in the area, as the intelligence
agent of the squad and the demolisionist.
g. Tail Scout
1) Rear security.
2) Responsible for the subsistence of the squad
3) Responsibility of policing the harboring area.
4) He is in charge of counterattacking.