Frequently, in D&C, we get confused when we read the drill manual and don't exactly understand what it is that the manual is trying to explain.  Because this is the Visual Dictionary of Drill, we'll try to use plain old English and more than just a few nifty graphics to explain some of the terms and concepts that commonly trip people up in drill and ceremonies.

In the interest of keeping things fairly simple, we'll look at things from the basis of a flight formation, instead of a squadron or higher formation. Occasionally we'll reference a squadron or higher formation by way of explaining why an element or flight formation might execute a command a certain way.

Concepts

Let's start with some definitions to put us all on the same page: AFMAN 36-2203 defines these formations as follows:

1.5.20. In Column. The arrangement of units side by side with guide and element leaders to the head.

1.5.21. In Line. The arrangement of units one behind the other with the guide and element leader to the extreme right flank.

I Just Wanted a Closer Look

So, let's start off with a look at the line formation a little more closely:

Here is a flight formation In Line.

As per the definition, we see that the units (in this case, the individual elements) are arranged one behind the other, with the element leaders to the extreme right flank (or side) of the formation. Notice the position of the guide.

How you get into this formation is covered elsewhere, some important things to remember about the power and need for line formations:

• A line formation is the basic formation from which all drill and ceremonies is started. When you fall into a formation, it is a line formation.


• A unit in line formation only marches for minor changes of position.

Therefore, it is incorrect while your flight is formed in line to give the command "Forward, MARCH!" to just march away. Normal marching is reserved for column formations, so lets look at column formations.

Here is a diagram of a flight formed In Column formation:

Again, as per the definition, we see that the units (the individual elements) are arranged side-by-side, with the guide and element leaders at the head. This is the basic formation from which we then go marching.

Those of you who have been paying attention all along may now notice something peculiar: That column formation sure looks a lot like that line formation did, except that everybody is facing to the right of where they were in line.

If you're thinking this, give yourself a prize, because that's exactly how you get a LINE formation into a COLUMN formation, by giving the command "Right, FACE!"

(Honest, I've seen some cadets try to switch formation by falling out from a line formation and falling in again in a column formation. Its just not pretty, and technically, you're not supposed to fall in "in column.")

Why is it that we march only in column formation?

One reason is size.  Remember, drill & ceremonies (originally it was "battle drill") originated with the Romans. A line formation of a platoon of centurions could, in theory, be more than 30 feet across. When marching from place to place as a legion, a line formation would be unwieldy on the Roman's road system. 

Instead the Romans marched in column for both administrative and tactical reasons: The road size dictated a narrow formation, and presenting a narrow front to the enemy effectively hid the size of your force.

Another reason is leadership: The element leaders, who are likely to be the most experienced individuals in a formation, are placed at the head of each column or file along with the guide. Since the element leaders are the flight sergeant or flight commander's "deputies," they assist in maintaining the correct direction of march, etc. With their leaders in front of them, the airmen merely "follow the leader.

Then why do we fall into line formation instead of column?

Probably because traditionally during ceremonial occasions, the king or emperor would have have his men fall into a formation that is wider than it is deep in order to make his legions look as large as possible (which could serve as a deterrent to potential enemies). From this formation it was also more convenient to inspect the men. Also, it provided a much easier position from which the troops in-ranks could see the king or commander.