Tactical formation

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This article is about is about military tactics. For other uses, see Formation.
United States Navy amphibious assault ships sailing in formation for a photo opportunity. The ships would not sail this close together during combat operations.
United States Navy amphibious assault ships sailing in formation for a photo opportunity. The ships would not sail this close together during combat operations.

A tactical formation is the arrangement or deployment of moving military ground forces (infantry, cavalry, or AFVs), military aircraft, or naval vessels. Examples of different tactical formations are the wedge, square, column, and line. A vanguard is the forward element of a formation. Examples of ancient or medieval formations include shield walls (skjaldborg in Old Norse), phalanxes (lines of battle in close order), and skirmishers. Examples of military aircraft tactical formations are the vee formation, echelon, the combat box, and the finger four (also known as the "fluid four.")

A tactical formation is not to be confused with military organization or the table of organization and equipment (TOE).

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