Marine Rifle Squad

3.12
3103. Changing Formations (Battle Drill)
The squad leader may change formations to reduce casualties from hostile
fire, present a less vulnerable target, or get over difficult or exposed terrain.
Formation changes in varying or rough terrain are frequent in order to get
the squad over manmade obstacles and natural obstacles such as rivers,
swamps, jungles, woods, and sharp ridges.
Directions of movement for members of the fire team when the leader signals
for changes of formation are shown in figure 3-12 a through u. Figure 3-12
is provided only as a guide to assist fire teams in developing the most rapid
means of moving from one formation to another. When the team is to execute
a movement, the fire team leader signals with his arms and hands, indicating
the movement and direction.
The squad leader signals the squad formation to the fire team leaders.
Remember, the fire team may be in any fire team formation within the squad
formation.