CHAPTER 8

Crowd Control Formations

Crowd control formations, when properly employed and

executed against a crowd of limited size, are one of the most
practical methods of crowd control. In selecting force options, the
riot baton generally is the main weapon of the control force. If the
situation is serious, the commander may consider employing a
mix of batons and rifles. For example, the first line of the forma-
tion is armed with batons and the second or supporting ranks are
armed with rifles or rifles with fixed bayonets.

Crowd control formations may be such as building searches, saturation

employed to disperse, contain, or block a patrolling, and other tactics.
crowd. When employed to disperse a crowd,
they are particularly effective in urban Rooftops must be secured to help prevent
areas because they enable the control force sniper fire from these vantage points.
to split a crowd into smaller segments. Helicopter observation is one method of
When a crowd has been dispersed, the visually securing rooftops. Occupation of
control force must not assume that they the rooftops is another. When troops are
have capitulated and returned to peaceful stationed in high buildings or on rooftops,
activities. Small groups can initiate dis- all other troops must be informed of this to
persed riotous acts. Therefore, the use of avoid the possibility of control force mem-
formations is only a part of the total dis- bers being mistaken for snipers.
persal effort. If the crowd refuses to move,
the control force may have to employ other Crowd control formations also may be
techniques, such as riot control agents or used for more than just dispersal opera-
apprehensions. tions. If the decision is made to apprehend
crowd members, the crowd control forma-
Commanders must realize the limitations tion may be used as a blocking formation.
of formations. Formations are not the Apprehension teams then escort appre-
answer to all civil disturbance situations. hended crowd members back through the
The commander must not subject his troops formation. (See Chapter 12.) A crowd con-
to unnecessary sniper fire and violence trol formation also may be used to aid
simply to impress the crowd with a show of containment operations by using blocking,
force. When small, dispersed mobs are flanking, and confrontation elements of
rampant in an area, formations are of little the formation.
value. Even when a large mob has been
split up, the problem is not necessarily Commanders analyze the threat, the
solved. The small elements that break control force’s missions, and how crowd
away from the large mob may engage in control formations can be used to aid
small-mob tactics, such as sniping, looting, mission accomplishment. Experience has
and burning. Commanders then, of neces- shown that the formations, to be effective,
sity, must revert to area control measures, must be tailored to meet the situation.

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Whatever the modification, troops must be stay in formation. Troops are much more
proficient in the basic formation move- vulnerable to attack when individual
ments to be able to react or adjust to a soldiers break ranks and chase after crowd
changing situation. members. The individual soldiers place
themselves in danger, and the entire
Civil disturbance training must ensure formation may be threatened if it begins
that the soldiers understand the need to to break down.

TYPES OF FORMATIONS
Past civil disturbances indicate that the Building shields for mobile barriers by
most frequently used formations are the mounting a wooden or metal frame
line, the wedge, and the echelon. The line strung with barbed wire across the front
formation is used more often because of its of a vehicle.
offensive and defensive applications. As an
offensive formation, the line is used to push Having foot troops in formation walk as
or drive crowds straight back, across an near the front corners of each vehicle as
open area, or up a city street. As a defen- possible to keep rioters from attacking
sive formation, the line is used to hold the the sides and rear of the vehicles.
crowd or to deny access to restricted streets
or areas. The echelon is an offensive Armored vehicles are employed when
formation used to turn or divert groups in practical. They have a strong psychological
either open or built-up areas and to move effect, and they offer protection for the oc-
crowds away from buildings, fences, and cupants. Wheeled armored vehicles are best
walls. The wedge is an offensive formation because they do not deface the pavement.
that is used to penetrate and split crowds.
The diamond, as an offensive formation, is Vehicles are used only in conjunction
used to enter a crowd and is suitable for with troops on foot. Whenever vehicles and
apprehending ring leaders. As a defensive foot troops are employed, the commander
formation, the diamond is used when all- of the foot troops commands the unit. He
around security is required. The circular joins the leader of the motor section in the
formation may be used for the same command vehicle, where he has a vantage
purposes as the diamond. The decision to point. In every instance, his commands are
use either the diamond or the circle is executed through the subordinate leaders.
based on the conformation of the crowd.
Many suitable variations of the crowd
When a control force encounters large control formations can be employed. But
riotous groups, it may be best to employ appropriate commands and signals must be
vehicles with troops on foot in crowd devised to execute the formations. Because
control formations. Although vehicles add of their somewhat complicated nature and
strength to formations, certain precautions the coordination required for these forma-
must be taken. Precautions include: tions, new variations must be practiced
Ensuring windshields of vehicles are extensively before they are used in an
upright, removed, or completely actual civil disturbance.
depressed. If the windshields are safety
glass, they offer some protection in the
upright position, minimizing the danger
of injury from glass fragments.

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WEAPON POSITIONS
At the commander’s discretion, the formation and when commanded to
members of the crowd control formation assemble.
may carry their weapons in any of the
positions prescribed in FM 22-5. Port arms Commanders use the safe-port position to
is especially useful for resting support impress rioters. However, troops should not
troops who are not in direct contact with be kept in the position very long as it is
the crowd. The positions for safe port, very tiring.
safeguard, and on guard shown below are The safeguard position is a position of
for the M16 rifle. These positions are semireadiness. It is less tiring than the on-
equally suited for the M14 rifle and the Ml guard position. It is used to rest troops
rifle. The hand grasps need only be altered when circumstances permit. For example,
where necessary. as troops advance, they maintain the
safeguard position until just before contact
The safe-port position is quite effective is made or resistance is expected. The
when making a show of force. In this safeguard position can also be used when
elevated position, bayonets can be seen by troops are pursuing a crowd that is with-
participants in the rear of the crowd. The drawing without resistance.
sight of bayonets can create an impression On guard is a position of complete readi-
of strength and numerical superiority. ness. It is used whenever troops are in
contact with a group that is showing any
Troops move into and assemble from all kind of resistance or hesitance to withdraw.
crowd control formations with weapons in It also is a tiring position to maintain for
the safe-port position. Troops automati- extended periods of time. Commanders
tally assume the safe-port position on the must rest their troops at every opportunity
preparatory command for a crowd control by using less tiring positions.

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COMMANDS
Commands can be given to crowd control are in the crowd control formation, the
units in formation either orally or with commander commands, “Safeguard,” and
hand signals. The oral commands for safe issues the proclamation. Following the
port, safeguard, and on guard are given in proclamation, the commander informs the
one count. All other commands are given participants that they have a specific time
in two counts, a preparatory command in which to comply with the order to dis-
followed by an execution command. Oral perse. If the participants fail to disperse
commands cannot be relied on completely. within the given time, the commander
Commanders must plan to use alternate employs the measures needed to disperse
methods for relaying commands. When it is the crowd.
necessary, commanders use hand and arm When the commander gives the safe-
signals with oral commands. guard and on-guard commands, the
The unit marches in column formation a commands are for the lead element only.
reasonably safe distance from the crowd When using squads in support and the
and within plain view of it. The unit halts commands for safeguard and on guard are
and remains in formation. The commander given, the support squads automatically
decides on what crowd formation he desires move to the port-arms position when the
for the situation. The unit is ordered into or command of safeguard is given to the lead
assembled from crowd control formations element. If the squads are in general or
while halted. As each soldier reaches his lateral support and must move to another
proper position, he automatically faces in support position, they assume the safe-port
the direction of the unit’s intended advance position. They move to the new support
and comes to a halt. He remains halted in position and are then commanded to port
the safe-port position and awaits further arms. The support elements give a re-
orders. On the preparatory command, the sounding stomp with the left foot when the
troops automatically assume the safe-port lead element goes to the on-guard position.
position. On the execution command, they On the command, “Forward march,” the
form the formation. Once the troops support elements maintain the same half-
step cadence as the lead element.

CADENCE
The usual cadence for moving troops into chological effect, troops using the on-guard
and out of crowd control formations is cadence may accentuate each left-foot step
double time. The troops are at safe port with a stomp.
when performing these maneuvers. When
troops in a crowd control formation are The commander may increase or decrease
moving in the safeguard position, the usual the cadence, depending on the situation.
cadence is quick time. When they are For example, the commander may call a
moving in the on-guard position, the usual quick-time cadence to keep pressure on a
cadence is 60 steps per minute. For psy- crowd that is withdrawing.

INTERVAL AND DISTANCE

Interval is the lateral space between and distance between soldiers in crowd
elements. Distance is the space between control formations are one pace or 30
elements in a column. The usual interval inches.

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Interval and distance can be adjusted for forces have found that a greater interval
particular situations. The 30-inch interval makes formation members less vulnerable
may not be sufficient in some situations. It to thrown objects.
may have to be lengthened. Some police

COMMANDER AND LEADER POSITIONS

When a unit is in a column formation, and other platoon HQ members usually
each echelon commander usually takes a take positions at the front of the column. In
position at the head of the column. In a crowd control formation, HQ personnel,
crowd control formations, squad leaders at the commander’s discretion, may be
and their assistants, platoon leaders and positioned near the commander. If the
their assistants, and company commanders situation does not allow this kind of
take positions where they can best direct positioning, HQ personnel may be
and control their units. For diamond and positioned behind the control element.
circle formations, they place themselves in Control force formations can be based on
the center of the formation. For all other 12-man squads, 4-squad platoons, 3-squad
formations, they place themselves at the platoons, and 3-platoon companies with 4-
rear of the unit. However, these are only squad platoons. However, a 9-man or a 10-
guidelines. The leaders can adjust their man squad can be adapted easily to the
position with respect to their unit as they example for a 12-man squad. Any size
see fit. squad, platoon, or larger unit can be em-
In column formations, messengers, radio ployed, and a crowd control formation can
operators, marksmen, disperser operators, be adapted to fit the unit’s organization.

SQUAD FORMATIONS
When moving a squad into a crowd preparatory command. As he gives the
control formation from a column formation, execution command, he points to where he
the squad leader takes one or more steps to wants the unit to form. The squad’s
the right of the squad and faces the squad. number two man, or base man, moves to
He gives the hand and arm signal for the that position.
. The squad forms on the base
formation that he wants. He then gives the man’s position.

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SQUAD LINE indicated by the squad leader. The squad
The command for having a squad form members align themselves in sequence on
in a line formation is "Squad as skir- the base man, one pace to the side and one
mishers, move." On the execution com- pace to the rear.
mand, the base man moves to the place
indicated by the squad leader. The squad
members align themselves in sequence on
the base man, one pace apart.

Based on the situation, the squad leader

may designate a specific interval. He does SQUAD WEDGE
this when he gives the preparatory com- The command for having a squad form
mand. If no interval is specified, the squad in a wedge formation is “Squad wedge,
automatically forms using a one-pace move.” On the execution command, the
interval. base man moves to the place indicated by
SQUAD ECHELON the squad leader. Even-numbered squad
members align themselves in sequence on
The command for having a squad form the base man, one pace to the right and
in an echelon formation is “Squad echelon one pace to the rear of each preceding man.
right (left), move.” On the execution com- Odd-numbered members align themselves
mand, the base man moves to the place in the same way to the left of the base man.

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SQUAD ASSEMBLY squad is in a column formation again, they

are ordered to port arms.
When assembling a squad from the To assemble from a squad echelon for-
line formation, the squad leader takes a mation, the squad leader takes the same
position a sufficient distance to the rear steps as for the line formation. The base
of the squad and commands, “Squad man does an about-face. The squad
assemble.” At the same time, he raises his members do either a half left face for an
right hand in the air and makes a circular echelon right or a half right face for an
motion. Squad members who hear the echelon left and follow the base man.
command automatically come to the safe-
port position. The base man does an about- To assemble from a squad wedge for-
face. The other squad members face toward mation, the squad leader takes the same
the base man. On the execution command, steps as for the line and echelon for-
“Move,” the squad leader points to the mations. The base man does an about-face.
place where he wants the base man to as- All even-numbered men do a half left face,
semble. The base man double-times to the and all odd-numbered men do a half right
designated spot, and the other members of face. They then follow the base man in
the squad follow the base man. When the sequence.

FOUR-SQUAD PLATOON FORMATIONS

Platoon headquarters consists of the PLATOON LINE

following four people:
The command for forming a platoon line
Platoon leader. is “Platoon as skirmishers, move.” Imme-
Platoon sergeant. diately following the platoon leader’s pre-
Selected marksman. paratory command, the squad leaders of the
Messenger or radio operator. first and fourth squads command, “Follow
When directed by the platoon leader, other me.” The squad leaders of the second and
people, such as disperser operators and third squads command, “Stand fast.” On
firefighters, may augment the platoon the platoon leader’s execution command,
headquarters. the first and fourth squads move forward
to the point designated by the platoon
In forming all crowd control formations leader. The number two man of the fourth
from the column, the platoon leader moves squad is the base man for the platoon
to the right of the platoon and faces them formation. The fourth squad forms a squad
when giving his commands. He gives the line to the right of the base man, and the
arm and hand signal and the preparatory first squad forms a squad line to the left of
command. On the execution command, the base man, dressed on the fourth squad.
“Move,” he points to the approximate After the first and fourth squads have
location where he wants the platoon to cleared the platoon, the second and third
form. The platoon leader pauses between squad leaders command, “Follow me.” The
the preparatory command and the exe- second squad forms a squad line to the left
cution command to allow each squad leader of the first squad. The third squad forms a
to issue a preparatory command to his squad line to the right on the fourth squad,
squad. all squads dressing on the fourth squad.

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When assembling the platoon from the the platoon facing back in the direction of
platoon line formation, the platoon leader the crowd control formation, he commands,
and his HQ personnel take a position to the “Counter-column, march.”
rear of the platoon. He then gives the PLATOON LINE WITH GENERAL
command, “Platoon assemble,” raising his SUPPORT
right arm and making a circular motion
above his head. The members of the pla- Whenever the command for establishing
toon automatically assume the safe-port a crowd control formation contains the
position. All squad leaders go to their phrase, in support, without modification, it
number two men and face the platoon means that the support element is to re-
leader. All number two men do an about- main in general support.
face. All other squad members do a facing The command for forming a platoon line
movement toward their respective number with two squads in general support is
two men. On the platoon leader’s execution “Platoon as skirmishers, second and third
command, he points to where he wants the squads in support, move.” The first and
platoon to assemble. The squad leaders of fourth squads execute the line, while the
the fourth and third squads command, second and third squads remain in the
“Follow me,” and together they move column. The number two man of the fourth
toward the platoon leader. As the fourth squad is the base man for the formation.
and third squads clear the line formation,
the first and second squad leaders com- To assemble a platoon with two squads
mand, “Follow me,” and together they in general support, the procedure is the
move toward the platoon leader, dressing to same as for the platoon line, except the
the left of the fourth and third squads. All second and third squads do a counter-
squads halt automatically behind the column. The fourth squad then dresses
platoon HQ and dress. After the squads are to the right of the third squad, and the
in column, the platoon leader commands, first squad dresses to the left of the
“Port arms.” If the platoon leader wants second squad.

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support at any time by the platoon leader.

He commands, “Second and third squads,
lateral support, move.” To have the second
and third squads join the line from either
support position, the platoon leader com-
mands, “Second and third squads, extend
the line, move.” The second and third
squad leaders command, “Follow me.” On
the execution command, the squads set up
PLATOON LINE WITH LATERAL individual lines, closing and dressing on
SUPPORT the existing line.
The command for forming a platoon To assemble the platoon from a platoon
line with two squads in lateral support line with lateral support is the same as for
is “Platoon as skirmishers, second and the platoon line, except the number two
third squads in lateral support, move.” men of the second and third squads do a
The fourth and first squads execute the right face and a left face, respectively,
line as before, and the second and third toward their squad leaders. On the execu-
squads stand fast. After the line has been tion command, the fourth and third squads
formed, the squad leaders of the second move to the point designated by the
and third squads command, “Follow me.” platoon leader. As the fourth and third
The second and third squads move out to squads clear the formation, the first and
their respective flanks. The second squad second squads move.
forms a column behind the last man on PLATOON LINE WITH CLOSE
the line to the left. The third squad forms SUPPORT
a column behind the last man on the The command for forming a platoon
line to the right.
line with two squads in close support is
The second and third squads may be “Platoon as skirmishers, second and third
moved from general support to lateral squads in close support, move.” The first

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and fourth squads execute a line as before.
The second and third squads execute a
second line to the rear of the first line and
close in on the first line. The men in the
supporting line cover the intervals between
men in the first line. To do this, the squad
leaders of the second and third squads
command, “Stand fast.” After the first and
fourth squads are in position, the second
and third squads form lines as indicated.
To assemble the support squads from any
position to general support, the platoon
leader commands, “Second and third
squads in support, move.” The second and
third squads then return to a column
behind the line formed by the other two
squads.

PLATOON LINE WITH ONE

SUPPORT SQUAD
The command for forming a platoon line
with one squad in support is “Platoon as
skirmishers, third squad in support, move.”
The second squad moves out and executes
a squad line right. The first and fourth
squads form lines on the second squad to
the left and the right, respectively. The
third squad remains in column formation.

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The support squad may be used in lateral

support on one or both sides of the forma-
tion. It also can be used in close support of
any segment of the formation.
To assemble the platoon, the commander
takes his position as before. On the exe-
cution command, the third squad does a
counter-column. The fourth squad moves
and dresses to the right of the third squad.
The first and second squads then move and
dress to the left of the third squad.
When the third squad is in lateral support,
the commander assembles the third squad
first. He then assembles the fourth, second,
and first squads as before. The same pro-
cedure applies when the third squad is in
close support.

PLATOON ECHELON RIGHT

The command for forming a platoon
echelon right is “Platoon echelon right,
move.” After the platoon leader’s pre-
paratory command, the squad leader of the
first squad commands, “Follow me.” The
squad leaders of the second, third, and
fourth squads command, “Stand fast.” On
the execution command, the first squad
moves out and executes an echelon right at
the location designated by the platoon
leader. As each squad clears the column,
the next successive squad moves out and
extends the echelon that has been formed.

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To assemble the platoon, the commander

takes his position to the rear of the forma-
tion with the platoon HQ. On the prepara-
tory command, “Platoon assemble,” all
squad leaders go to their number two men
and face the platoon leader. The number
two man of the first squad does an about-
face. The number two men of the second,
third, and fourth squads do a left face. All
other platoon members do a half left face.
On the command, “Move,” the first squad
moves first, then the second squad, third
squad, and fourth squad. Each squad
dresses as it reaches the column formation.

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PLATOON ECHELON LEFT
The command for forming a platoon
echelon left is “Platoon echelon left, move.”
The platoon echelon left is formed in the
same manner as the echelon right, but in
reverse order. The fourth squad is the base
squad and the remaining squads extend
the echelon in reverse sequence.
Assembly of the echelon left formation is
the reverse of the echelon right. The fourth
squad assembles first, followed by the
third, second, and first squads.

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PLATOON WEDGE
The command for forming the platoon
wedge is “Platoon wedge, move. ” After the
platoon leader’s preparatory command,
the squad leaders of the first and fourth
squads command, “Follow me.” At the
same time, the squad leaders of the second
and third squads command, “Stand fast.”
On the platoon leader’s execution com-
mand, the first and fourth squads move
directly to the front. When the last men of
the first and fourth squads clear the second
and third squads, the squad leaders of the
second and third squads command,
"Fo11ow me," and move out to the left and
right, respectively. The number two man of
the fourth squad is the base man for the
formation. The fourth squad executes an
echelon right. The first squad executes an
echelon left on the base man. The second
squad forms an echelon left on the last
man of the first squad. The third squad
forms an echelon right on the last man of
the fourth squad, completing the wedge
formation.
Assembling the wedge formation is
basically the same as assembling the pla-
toon line. The fourth and third squads
assemble first. The first and second squads
assemble to the left of the fourth and third
squads.

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PLATOON WEDGE WITH GENERAL squads execute the wedge while the second
SUPPORT and third squads stand fast. After the first
The command for forming a platoon and fourth squads have cleared the column,
wedge with two squads in support is the second and third squad leaders com-
“Platoon wedge, second and third squads mand, “Follow me,” and move out to the
in support, move.” The first and fourth left and right, respectively. The second
squads execute the wedge while the second squad forms in column behind the last man
and third squads remain in column for- of the first squad. The third squad forms in
column behind the last man of the fourth
mation. squad.
To move the second and third squads
from general support to lateral support, the
platoon leader commands, “Second and
third squads, lateral support, move.” To
have the second and third squads join the
wedge from either general support or
lateral support, the platoon leader com-
mands, “Second and third squads, extend
the wedge, move.” The second and third
squad leaders command, “Follow me,” and
move out to the left and right, respectively,
to extend the wedge on the first and fourth
squads.

PLATOON WEDGE WITH LATERAL

SUPPORT
The command for forming a platoon
wedge with lateral support is “Platoon
wedge, second and third squads in lat-
eral support, move.” The first and fourth

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PLATOON WEDGE WITH CLOSE
SUPPORT
The command for forming a platoon
wedge with two squads in close support is
“Platoon wedge, second and third squads
in close support, move.” The first and
fourth squads execute a wedge. The second
and third squads also execute a wedge and
close in on the leading wedge. The men in
the supporting wedge cover the intervals
between men in the leading wedge. To do
this, the squad leaders of the second and
third squads command, “Stand fast.” After
the first and fourth squads are in position,
the second and third squads then form a
second wedge.
To assemble the support squads from any
position to general support, the platoon
leader commands, “Second and third
squads in support, move.” The second and
third squads then form a column behind
the wedge formed by the other two squads.

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PLATOON WEDGE WITH ONE move.” The second squad moves out and
SUPPORT SQUAD executes a squad wedge. The first and
fourth squads form echelons left and right,
-
The command for forming a platoon respectively, on the second squad. The
wedge with one squad in support is third squad remains in the column
"Platoon wedge, third squad in support, formation.

FORMATION VARIATIONS formations. By changing his preparatory

command, he may choose other squads to
During crowd control operations. the lead his unit. If he wants the first and
platoon leader may rotate his squads in the third squads to lead his platoon wedge, he
lead elements of the formation to give the issues the command, “Platoon wedge,
squads a rest. He is not limited to using second and fourth squads in support,
only those squads specified in the preced- move.” By designating the support
ing examples as the lead elements of the squad or squads in the preparatory

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command, the platoon leader tells the same formation with the support squads.
remaining squads that they will lead the The support element then passes through
formation. The number two man of the the lead element. This procedure is often
third squad becomes the base man. necessary when protective masks are
donned for riot control agent employment.
The platoon leader also may relieve
squads in the lead element by forming the

THREE-SQUAD PLATOON FORMATIONS

The execution of crowd control forma- The support squad, usually the second
tions using a three-squad platoon is squad, may be held in general support in
essentially the same as a four-squad single column or in column of two’s.
platoon. The exceptions are that—
The command for forming a platoon
The first and third squads usually are formation with one squad in support in a
used as the lead element in all single column is “Platoon as skirmishers
formations in which one squad provides (echelon right, echelon left, or wedge),
general support or lateral support. second squad in support, move.” The first
The second squad is the base squad in a and third squads execute the formation
platoon line when all three squads are while the second squad
-
remains in column
committed to the lead element. formation.

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The command for forming a platoon

formation with one squad in general sup-
port in a column of twos is “Platoon as
skirmishers (echelon right, echelon left, or
wedge), second squad in support in column
of twos, move.” The first and third squads
execute the formation. The second squad,
at the command of its squad leader, exe-
cutes a column of twos to the right.
When the support squad moves to either
lateral support or to extend the existing
formation, the even-numbered men move to
the right, and the odd-numbered men move
to the left. They execute these movements
in the same manner as the support squads
for a four-squad platoon. The squad leader
usually controls the even-numbered men,
and the assistant squad leader controls the
odd-numbered men.
A three-squad platoon is assembled in
the same manner as a four-squad platoon.

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COMPANY FORMATIONS
When a company commander orders his platoon leader gives the command, “Pla-
company into crowd control formations toon as skirmishers.” The squad leaders
from a column, he moves to the left or the follow with their respective commands to
right near the head of the column so he can their squads to form the platoon line. On
be seen by the platoon leaders. He the execution command, each platoon
then faces the company. As he gives his establishes a platoon line immediately to
preparatory command, he points to where its front.
he wants the formation. If he does not If the company commander wants a
indicate a location, the company forms more formidable formation, he commands,
immediately in front of the lead platoon.
“Second platoon, close support, move.” The
COMPANY LINE IN DEPTH second platoon moves forward and covers
the intervals between the men of the lead
The command for forming a company platoon. The second platoon automatically
line in depth is “Company as skirmishers assumes the same weapons position being
in depth, move.” After the company com- used by the lead platoon, usually the on-
mander’s preparatory command, each guard position. The platoon leader of the

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FM 19-15
third platoon then moves his platoon COMPANY LINE IN MASS
forward to occupy the position formerly The command for forming a company
held by the second platoon. line in mass is “Company as skirmishers
in mass, move.” The company line in mass
If the third platoon is called on to sup- is the same as a company line with both
port the company line, it moves forward platoons in close support. Instead of
and takes up a position directly behind forming it in stages, the company com-
the second platoon. The men of the third mander indicates his desire for this
platoon hold their weapons at safe port. formation in his initial command. The
Platoon and squad leaders and their platoons each form a line, and the second
assistants help each other in controlling and third platoons close on the first
the company. platoon without further commands.

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 FM 19-15
COMPANY LINE WITH SUPPORT the same manner as the support squads in
platoon formations. One platoon can be
In company formations, the first platoon relieved from the lead element by another
usually forms the lead element and the platoon while in formation by having a
second and third platoons provide support. support platoon pass through the lead
The support platoons can be employed in platoon.

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FM 19-15

COMPANY ECHELONS AND WEDGE the formation and commands, “Company

assemble.” The platoon leaders take charge
Company echelons and the company of their respective platoons. Usually, the
wedge are formed in the same manner third platoon assembles first, just behind
and with the same variations as the com- the formation. After the third platoon is
pany line. assembled, the second platoon assembles in
A company assembles from a crowd front of the third platoon. Then the first
control formation the same way a platoon platoon assembles in front of the second
or a squad does. However, due to the size platoon. All platoons assemble facing the
of company formations, the commander commander. The second and third platoons
must consider the area that the company then dress on the first platoon. As each
is operating in when he assembles the platoon is assembled, they are ordered to
company. If he follows the guidelines of port arms by the platoon leader to await
platoon assembly, he will have no diffi- further orders from the commander. If four
culty. When assembling the company, the platoons are used, the fourth platoon
commander takes a position to the rear of assembles first.

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 FM 19-15

fold in
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FM 19-15

fold out 8-26

 FM 19-15

COMPANY FORMATIONS WITH faces the formation and gives the vehicle
VEHICLES section the hand signal for assembly.
Immediately, the vehicles return to their
The commands for vehicles and foot proper positions in column behind the
troops are the same as for foot troops command vehicle while the troops stand
alone. Because of the additional noise fast. The second in command then assem-
and distances involved, the company com- bles the troops in the usual manner.
mander gives the arm and hand signal for
the line. The command and the signal
apply to the lead platoon only. The other
platoons remain in general support until
further directed.
The motor section moves out first. The
number two vehicle, moving to the right,
passes the lead vehicle and establishes the
position for the center of the line. At the
same time, the third and fourth vehicles
swing out to the left and right, respectively.
They form to the left and right and slightly
to the rear of the number two vehicle. The
first and fourth squads of the lead platoon
then move forward and form lines to the
left and right, respectively, on the front end
of the number two vehicle. As soon as the
troops are in position, the third and fourth
vehicles close in on the squads and tighten
the formation. The second and third squads
of the lead platoon then form a line to the
left and right of the third and fourth
vehicles to complete the company line.
The command (number one) vehicle takes
up a position behind the line where the com-
mander can direct and control the unit.
The second and third platoons move for-
ward and are used in general, lateral, or
close support. In some instances, the foot
troops may move into position first, and
the vehicles join the formation as needed.
To form company echelons or a company
wedge with vehicles, the company follows
the same procedures used for company
formations without vehicles. Vehicles are
moved into appropriate positions using
procedures similar to those used for a
company line.
To assemble troops and vehicles, the
command vehicle moves to a position
behind the formation. The commander

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FM 19-15

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