Introduction An echelon formation is a (usually military) formation in which its units are arranged diagonally. Each unit is stationed behind and to the right (a “right echelon”), or behind and to the left (“left echelon”), of the unit ahead. The name of the formation comes from the French word échelon, meaning a rung of… Read More
Introduction A point d’appui (French for fulcrum), in military theory, is a location where troops are assembled prior to a battle. Outline Often a monument is erected to commemorate the point d’appui for notable battles. In some battles there may be more than a single point d’appui. An example is the Catto Long Barrow in… Read More
Introduction The phalanx (pl.: phalanxes or phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar polearms tightly packed together. The term is particularly used to describe the use of this formation in ancient Greek warfare, although the ancient Greek writers used it to also… Read More
Introduction The line formation is a standard tactical formation which was used in early modern warfare. It continued the phalanx formation or shield wall of infantry armed with polearms in use during antiquity and the Middle Ages. The line formation provided the best frontage for volley fire, while sacrificing manoeuvrability and defence against cavalry. It… Read More
Introduction A military column is a formation of soldiers marching together in one or more files in which the file is significantly longer than the width of ranks in the formation. The column formation allows the unit rapid movement and a very effective charge (due to weight of numbers), and it can quickly form square… Read More
Introduction Night attack formation refers to the arrangement of soldiers in advancing in attack at night. Refer to Tactical Formation and Military Tactics. Outline With the advances in arms that led to trench warfare, daytime attacks across open ground toward defensive positions became prohibitive and often futile. Night attacks may have the advantage of maintaining… Read More
Introduction A tactical formation (or order) is the arrangement or deployment of moving military forces such as infantry, cavalry, armoured vehicles, military aircraft, or naval vessels. Formations were found in tribal societies such as the pua rere of the Māori, and ancient or medieval formations which include shield walls (skjaldborg in Old Norse), phalanxes (lines… Read More
