VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
3110 GENERAL TYPES
Formations are formed by linear or circular methods. Line formations consist of single and multiple
line formations and are described in ATP 1, Vol. II. Formations are listed in Table 3-2.
3115 CIRCULAR FORMATIONS
a. Formation Center and Axis. The direction of a formation axis is signaled as a true bearing;
however, if there is any doubt as to the position of formation center, the OTC is to indicate it by true bearing
and distance from the Guide or an indicated ship.
b. Circular Stationing. The circular method of stationing is shown in Figure 3-1. The station in
the center is called station zero and the circles are numbered consecutively outward from the center. Circle
spacing is 1,000 yards, unless otherwise ordered; thus the circle of radius 5,000 yards is known as Circle 5
and that of 7,300 yards as Circle 7.3. The location of a station is described by the number of the circle on
which it lies followed by its direction relative to the formation axis measured clockwise from 000° to 359°.
c. Taking Station. Upon execution of the signal to form a circular formation, ships move to their
new stations independently and, when ordered, are to hoist station numbers by day.
d. Stationing Units of More Than One Ship. A unit stationed in a circular formation is
normally a single ship, but exceptions will occur when it becomes necessary for a unit consisting of more
than one ship to occupy a station. Unit(s) so stationed shall not be of such size as to hamper adjacent
units(s) and shall take station according to tactical requirements (see ATP 1, Vol. II).
Table 3-2. Table of Allocated Formations
Type Number Purpose
Single Line 1, 2, 3, 4 Maneuvering in Close Company
Multiple Line 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11,
12
Maneuvering in Close Company
THIS SECTION
NOT
RELEASABLE
Transport/
Logistic
THIS SECTION
NOT
RELEASABLE
Departure and
Entry
50
NOT RELEASABLE
51
NOT RELEASABLE
NOT RELEASABLE
90D
90E
Rectangular, Ready
NOT RELEASABLE
Circular, Ready
NOT RELEASABLE
NOT RELEASABLE
Departure/Sortie
Entry
3-3 ORIGINAL