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. |