In the previous section, a potential fireteam makeup was demonstrated. This fireteam consists of 4 members, a scout, a breacher, a gunner and a support player. For more details on the individual roles, please refer to this article.
Formations:
This article is going to focus on our first tactical drill, that of movement formations. This drill is one of the first that should be covered by any team, not only because of how often it is relied upon, but also due to its ability to introduce new players into various tactical concepts. To preface, this guide will highlight four of the most important formations for a fireteam, then provide and in-depth analysis why players should consider using each of them. Finally, it will conclude with some general considerations that players should always ensure are implemented during tactical movements.
The formations that will be covered here are:
- Diamond
- Box
- Line
- Column
The Diamond Formation
Figure 1: The Diamond Formation
The diamond formation will be one of the fundamental formations used in gelsoft games. Figure 1 above, shows the basic formation layout. The circled numbers indicate the players, with the legend showing which number coincides with which role. The black arrow shows the direction of travel for the team.
The primary goal of this formation, is to provide the team with as much available firepower as possible in all available directions without risking shooting past a team member. These angles, knowing in the military as “firing arcs”, are shown in figure 2 below. This formation is also extremely useful when applied to some follow-up drills, particularly when players are required to defend an area.
The downside of using this formation, is that, by design, one member of the team will not be able to engage any given target, due to having a teammate in the way. Additionally, this formation is less ideal in the event of the team having to follow a track or creek, as it will force the middle members away from cover to maintain the formation. Both these limitations can be overcome by changing formations to one of the alternatives.
Figure 2: The Diamond Formation Showing Arcs of Fire
Figure 2, likewise shows the diamond formation, however I have overlaid some additional imagery to demonstrate how and why this formation is effective. Figure 2, incorporates the same details as figure 1, with each part indicating the same meaning. The red lines in this image show how far each person can safely shoot their blaster without risking hitting a member of their own team. The coloured circles indicate how many player can shoot a certain location without risk of hitting a teammate. The green areas indicate that only 1 player can safely engage a target in this area. The blue circle indicates that 2 players can potentially engage a target in that area. Finally the yellow circle indicates that 3 players can potentially engage a target located in that particular location relative to the formation. It be remembered that how big each area is, depends on the spacing between the players, and how far away the opposing players are from the formation.
The Box Formation
Figure 3: The Box Formation
The box formation is another, basic formation that will often get used during gelsoft events. This formation is extremely similar to that of the diamond, and shares many of the same purposes. This formation is comprised of the members of the fireteam walking in a rough square shape. This formation is often used when the team are either following a track, street, or space between buildings to allow them to provide security from the enemy in all directions, however, it allows the members to be away from the middle, hopefully allowing the better use of cover during movements.
Figure 4 demonstrates the box formation, indicating the firing arcs. The colors used have the same meanings as those in figure 2. This formation provides good defensibly in all directions, without creating any particular weak point. This formation is good for impromptu defensive actions, however, it limits the potential frontal firepower compared to that of the diamond formation.
Figure 4: The Box Formation Showing Arcs of Fire
The Line Formation
Figure 5: The Line Formation
The line formation is the third fundamental formation that will be covered here. This formation is comprised of the four fireteam members standing side-by-side, advancing towards the enemy position. This formation excels when players are attempting to clear a position held by the opposing team, and when attempting to find an objective that may be hidden.
Figure 6 shows the line formation indicating the arcs of fire. Here, we can see two circle colors are used, green and red. The green circle indicates that only one member may safely engage an enemy player located in this direction. The red circle indicates that all four members may engage in these areas.
The arc of fire shown in figure 6, clearly demonstrate the advantages and limitations of this formation. It allows the most possible fire to the frontal direction, however, it fully compromises it flank, or side protection to achieve this. The line formation should be used cautiously by the team.
Figure 6: The Line Formation Showing Arcs of Fire
The Column Formation
Figure 7: The Column Formation
The column formation is formed by the team walking along in a single file. This formation is normally only used when the terrain or other conditions dictate that the other formations are unsuitable. Figure 8 shows the arcs available in this formation, with the color coding being the same as that shown in figure 6.
As can be seen here, this formation is very weak to an enemy frontal attack, and therefore extreme care must be taken when using this formation. Unless specifically needed, it would be recommended to avoid this formation if another formation is usable.
Figure 8: The Column Formation Showing Arcs of Fire
General Considerations:
Having covered our four fundamental formations, I will highlight some general considerations that should be observed during formation movements while playing gelsoft. These are applicable to all formations, and will be considered assumed knowledge for following sections.
Spacing/Alignment
While moving, players should be conscious of the spacing between themselves and their teammates. If players are too close together, or lined up, a surprise enemy player attack could result in the entire team being eliminated. Likewise, the team should ensure that there is enough space between players to prevent a single enemy grenade taking out the entire fireteam. However, the team must also ensure that they are close enough together that they can easily communicate, and be within blaster range to mutually support their teammates. This is a concept that will be elaborated upon in following sections.
Blaster ranges
All players should be aware of their blasters maximum effective range. Additionally, they should learn what the blasters used by their teammates are capable off.
Cover/Concealment
In gelsoft, cover could be considered an object that will prevent gel from the opposing team being capable of hitting them. Examples of cover may include trees, walls and buildings. Concealment, would be an object that hides the player from view, but a blaster is capably of firing though. Examples of concealment may be long grass and bushes.
Terrain and elevation
Players should observe the terrain of their field to try and learn whether it is possible to traverse a certain area. Likewise, they should take note of any area that allows the movement of player without being observed. Elevation is also a major consideration for gelsoft, as if a player is higher then their opponent, they will have a further effective range with their blaster, and will be harder to hit.
Movement Speed
If a player is moving slowly, they will be harder to spot, and make less noise. However, fast movement will make the player harder to hit, and will allow them to reach cover sooner.
Ability to Communicate
A team can only work together if they are able to somehow communicate. By playing with the same team regularly, players will learn to communicate more effectively, and thus be more effective. Likewise, communicating with friendly players outside of your fireteam, will help enable better teamwork. IN some fields, particularly large outdoor spaces, players may find the use of short range radios effective in aiding longer ranger communication.
This concludes the section on fireteam formations.
Comments
Post a Comment