18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
6-19
Civil Disturbance Formations
Platoon Echelon Right and Left Formations
6-65. The command for forming a platoon echelon right is “Platoon Echelon
Right, Move.” After the platoon leader's preparatory command, the squad
leader of the 1st squad commands, “Follow Me.” The squad leaders of the 2d
and 3d squads command, “Stand Fast.” On the command of execution, the 1st
squad moves out and executes an echelon right at the location designated by
the platoon leader. As the 1st squad clears the column, the 3d and 2d squads
extend the echelon. The 2d squad performs support to this formation in the
same ways it supports a line formation.
6-66. The command for forming a platoon echelon left is “Platoon Echelon
Left, Move.” The platoon echelon right is formed in the same manner as the
echelon left (see Figure 6-14). Figures 6-15; 6-16, page 6-22 ; and 6-17,
page 6-23 show support formations in a left echelon.
Figure 6-14. Platoon Echelon Left Formation
6-67. To assemble the platoon, the commander takes his position to the rear
of the formation with the platoon HQ. On the preparatory command, “Platoon
Assemble,” the 1st squad leader does an about-face movement while all other
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-15. Platoon Echelon Left Formation With 2d Squad in
General Support
members assume the port arms position and face the baseman. On the
command, “Move,” the 1st squad moves first, followed by the 3d and 2d
squads. Each squad dresses with the 1st squad as it reaches the AA. The
assembly of the echelon right formation is the same as the echelon left.
Platoon Wedge Formation
6-68. The command for forming the platoon wedge formation is “Platoon
Wedge, Move.” After the platoon leader's preparatory command, the squad
leaders of the 1st and 3d squads command, “Follow Me.” At the same time, the
2d squad leader commands, “Stand Fast.” On the platoon leader's command of
execution, the 1st and 4th squads move directly to the front. The 1st squad
executes an echelon left on the baseman while the 3d squad executes an
echelon right. When the last man of the 1st and 4th squads clear the 2d squad, the 2d squad leader commands, “Follow Me,” and moves out to the left and
right. The 2d squad splits and the A and B teams go to the right and the C
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-16. Platoon Echelon Left Formation With 2d Squad in
Lateral Support
team goes to the left to extend the formation (see Figure 6-18). Assembly of the wedge formation is the same as the platoon line.
Platoon Wedge Formation With General Support
6-69. The command for forming a platoon wedge formation with support is
“Platoon Wedge, 2d Squad in Support, Move.” The 1st and 3d squads execute
the wedge while the 2d squad remains in a column formation (see Figure 6-19,
page 6-24).
Platoon Wedge Formation With Lateral Support
6-70. The command for forming a platoon wedge formation with lateral
support is “Platoon Wedge, 2d Squad in Lateral Support, Move.” The 1st and
3d squads execute the wedge while the 2d squad stands fast. After the 1st and
3d squads have cleared the column, the 2d squad leader commands, “Follow
Me.” If no direction is given, the 2d squad splits to cover both flanks. A squad 6-22
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-17. Platoon Echelon Left With 2d Squad in Direct Support
Figure 6-18. Platoon Wedge Formation
may be used to cover one flank by commanding, “2d Squad Right (or Left)
Lateral Support” (see Figures 6-20 and 6-21, page 6-25).
6-71. To move the 2d squad from general support to lateral support, the
platoon leader commands, “2d Squad, Lateral Support, Move.” To have the 2d
squad join the wedge from general or lateral support, the platoon leader
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FM 3-19.15
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-19. Platoon Wedge Formation With 2d Squad in General Support
commands, “2d Squad, Extend the Wedge, Move.” To extend the wedge, the 2d
squad splits and the teams move to the left and right, respectively.
Platoon Wedge Formation With Direct Support
6-72. The command for forming a platoon wedge formation with the 2d squad
in direct support is “Platoon Wedge, 2d Squad in Direct Support, Move.” The
1st and 3d squads execute a wedge. The 2d squad waits for the squad and/or
team leaders to move to the rear, as in the line formation, before executing a wedge directly behind and centered on the main formation. The individuals in
the supporting wedge cover the intervals between individuals in the leading
wedge (see Figure 6-22, page 6-26).
Platoon Diamond and Circle Formations
6-73. These formations are used in open areas or where the crowd may be
able to envelop the formation. The diamond and circle formations are
primarily defensive in nature and difficult to maneuver. The decision about
which formation to use is based on the ability of the platoon to perform them.
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FM 3-19.15
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-20. Platoon Wedge Formation With 2d Squad in Lateral Support
Figure 6-21. Platoon Wedge Formation With 2d Squad in Right Lateral
Support
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FM 3-19.15
6-25
Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-22. Platoon Wedge Formation With 2d Squad in Direct Support
The command for having a platoon form in a diamond or circle formation is
“Platoon Diamond (or Circle), Move.” On the command of execution, the 1st
squad leader moves the baseman to the place indicated by the squad leader.
The baseman becomes the 12 o’clock position while the 1st squad lines up to
the left of the baseman covering the 8 to 12 o’clock positions. The 3d squad
aligns itself to the right of the baseman, covering the 12 to 4 o’clock positions and the 2d squad aligns itself, covering the 4 to 8 o’clock positions (see Figures
6-74. To assemble from a platoon diamond or circle formation, the HQ
element takes the same steps as that of a line formation. The 1st squad leads
the platoon back to the AA followed by the 2d and 3d squads. Squads fall into
a column formation as they file back to the AA.
RELIEF ELEMENTS IN PLACE
6-75. During crowd control operations, the platoon leader may rotate his
squads to give them a rest. He is not limited to using only those squads
specified in the preceding examples as the lead elements of the formations. He can replace the base elements by commanding direct support to the 1st squad
and then directing the 1st squad into general support. The support element
(the 2d squad) then passes through the 1st squad. Once the 2d squad is
formed directly behind the 1st squad, the 1st squad leader commands, “Right
Face.” The members of the 1st squad do a right-face movement and the 2d
squad steps quickly though the 1st squad and forms the base formation. The
1st squad leader then commands, “Follow Me,” and leads his squad to the
general support position. This procedure is often necessary when protective
masks are used and chemical irritants employed. The 1st squad then replaces
the 3d squad in the same manner. Platoons participating in company
operations are relieved in the same manner.
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-23. Platoon Diamond Formation
Figure 6-24. Platoon Circle Formation
FOUR-SQUAD PLATOON FORMATIONS
6-76. When forming control force formations from the column, the platoon
leader moves to the right of the platoon and faces it when giving his
commands. He gives the hand-and-arm signal and the preparatory command.
On the command of execution, “Move,” he points to the approximate location
where he wants the platoon to form. The platoon leader pauses between the
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Civil Disturbance Formations
preparatory command and the command of execution to allow each squad
leader to issue a preparatory command to his squad.
Platoon Line Formation
6-77. The command for forming a platoon line formation is “Platoon Line,
Move.” Immediately following the platoon leader's preparatory command, the
squad leaders of the 1st and 4th squads command, “Follow Me.” The squad
leaders of the 2d and 3d squads command, “Stand Fast.” On the platoon
leader's command of execution, the 1st and 4th squads move forward to the
point designated by the platoon leader. The 1st A team member of the 1st
squad is the baseman for the platoon formation. The 1st squad forms a squad
line to the left of the baseman and the 4th squad forms a squad line to the
right of the baseman with all lines dressed to the right. After the 1st and 4th squads have cleared the platoon, the 2d and 3d squad leaders command,
“Follow Me.” The 2d squad forms a squad line to the left of the 1st squad. The 3d squad forms a squad line to the right of the 4th squad. All squads dress
with the 4th squad (see Figure 6-25).
Platoon Line Formation Assembly
6-78. When assembling from the platoon line formation, the platoon leader
and his HQ personnel take a position to the rear of the platoon. He then gives the command, “Platoon Assemble,” while raising his right arm and making a
circular motion above his head. Platoon members automatically assume the
port arms position. The 1st squad leader and the baseman do an about-face
movement. All other platoon members do an about-face movement toward the
baseman. On the platoon leader's command of execution, he points to where
he wants the platoon to assemble. He commands, “Follow Me,” and moves his
squad toward the AA. The 1st squad files to the baseman position, followed by
the 2d squad. As the 2d squad clears the baseman position, the 4th squad
leader then commands, “Follow Me,” and leads his squad to the AA, followed
by the 3d squad. As the 1st squad comes to a halt facing the crowd in the AA,
the 2d squad assumes its position to the right of the 1st squad. As the 4th
squad assembles, it dresses on the 1st squad, leaving space for the 3d squad to return to its place in the formation. Once the platoon is formed into a column formation, HQ personnel take their position in the formation. The PSG then
commands, “Countercolumn, March,” and moves the platoon to the rally point.
Platoon Line Formation With General Support
6-79. Whenever the command for establishing a crowd control formation
contains the phrase “In Support Without Modification,” it means that the
support element is to remain in general support. The command for forming a
platoon line with two squads in general support is “Platoon Line, 2d and 3d
Squads in Support, Move.” The 1st and 4th squads execute the line, while the
2d and 3d squads remain in the column (see Figure 6-26, page 6-30). To assemble a platoon with two squads in general support, the procedure is the
same as that of the platoon line, except that the 1st and 4th squads dress on
with the 2d and 3d squads.
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-25. Platoon Line Formation With Four Squads
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FM 3-19.15
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-26. Platoon Line Formation With d and 3d Squads in General
Support
Platoon Line Formation With Lateral Support
6-80. The command for forming a platoon line formation with two squads in
lateral support is “Platoon Line, 2d and 3d Squads in Lateral Support, Move.”
The 4th and 1st squads execute the line as before, and the 2d and 3d squads
stand fast. After the line has been formed, the squad leaders of the 2d and 3d squads command, “Follow Me.” The 2d squad forms a column behind the last
man of the 1st squad. The 3d squad forms a column behind the last man of the
4th squad (see Figure 6-27).
6-81. Squads may be moved from general support to lateral support at any
time by the platoon leader. He commands, “2d and 3d Squads, Lateral
Support, Move.” To have the 2d and 3d squads join the line from either
support position, the platoon leader commands, “2d and 3d Squads, Extend
the Line, Move.” The 2d and 3d squad leaders command, “Follow Me.” On the
command of execution, the squads set up individual lines, closing and
dressing with the existing line. To assemble the platoon from a platoon line
with lateral support, the procedure is the same as that of the platoon line,
except lateral support squads face forward until they move to the AA.
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-27. Platoon Line Formation With 2d and 3d Squads in Lateral Support Platoon Line Formation With Direct Support
6-82. The command for forming a platoon line with two squads in direct
support is “Platoon Line, 2d and 3d Squads in Direct Support, Move.” The 1st
and 4th squads execute a line as before. The 2d and 3d squads execute a 2d
line directly to the rear and centered on the 1st line. The members in the
direct support line cover the intervals between members in the baseline. To do
this, the squad and team leaders of the 1st and 4th squads must take two
steps to the rear to allow space for the 2d and 3d squads to move into place.
After seeing the squad and team leaders move back from the line, 2d and 3d
squad leaders command, “Follow Me,” and lead their squads into position (see
Figure 6-28).
Figure 6-28. Platoon Line Formation With 2d and 3d Squads in Direct Support 6-83. To assemble the support squads from any position to general support,
the platoon leader commands, “2d and 3d Squads in Support, Move.” The 2d
and 3d squads then return to a column behind the line formed by the 1st and
4th squads. To assemble the entire platoon, the procedure is the same as that
of a platoon line, except that the 2d squad moves to the AA first, followed by the 3d, 1st, and 4th squads.
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Platoon Line Formation With One Support Squad
6-84. The command for forming a platoon line formation with one squad in
support is “Platoon Line, 3d Squad in Support, Move.” The 1st squad moves
out and executes a squad line. The 2d and 4th squads form a line on the side of the left and rights sides of the 1st squad. The 3d squad remains in column
formation. The support squad may be used in lateral support on one or both
sides of the formation or in direct support of any segment of the formation. To assemble the platoon, the procedure is the same as that of a platoon line,
except that all squads dress with the 3d squad.
Platoon Echelon Right and Left Formations
6-85. The command for forming a platoon echelon right formation is “Platoon
Echelon Right, Move.” After the platoon leader's preparatory command, the
squad leader of the 1st squad commands, “Follow Me.” The squad leaders of
the 2d, 3d, and 4th squads command, “Stand Fast.” On the command of
execution, the 1st squad moves out and executes an echelon right at the
location designated by the platoon leader. As each squad clears the column,
the next successive squad moves out and extends the echelon that has been
formed. To assemble the platoon, the procedure is the same as that of a
platoon line, except that all squads file back in order.
6-86. The command for forming a platoon echelon left formation is “Platoon
Echelon Left, Move.” The platoon echelon left is formed in the same manner as
the echelon right, but in reverse order (see Figure 6-29). To assemble the platoon, the procedure is the same as that of an echelon right. See
Figures 6-30, page 6-34 ; 6-31, page 6-35 ; and 6-32, page 6-36, for examples of echelon formations with support.
Platoon Wedge Formation
6-87. The command for forming the platoon wedge formation is “Platoon
Wedge, Move.” After the platoon leader’s preparatory command, the 1st and
4th squad leaders command, “Follow Me.” At the same time, the 2d and 3d
squad leaders command, “Stand Fast.” On the platoon leader’s command of
execution, the 1st and 4th squads move directly to the front. When the last
members of the 1st and 4th squads clear the 2d and 3d squads, the 2d and 3d
squad leaders command, “Follow Me,” and move out to the left and right. The
1st squad executes an echelon left on the baseman and the 4th squad executes
an echelon right. The 2d squad forms an echelon left on the last man of the 1st squad. The 3d squad forms an echelon right on the last man of the 4th squad.
This completes the wedge formation (see Figure 6-33, page 6-36). To assemble the platoon, the procedure is the same as that of a platoon line.
Platoon Wedge Formation With General Support
6-88. The command for forming a platoon wedge formation with two squads in
support is “Platoon Wedge, 2d and 3d Squads in Support, Move.” The 1st and
4th squads execute the wedge while the 2d and 3d squads remain in column
formation (see Figure 6-34, page 6-37).
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Figure 6-29. Platoon Echelon Left Formation With Four Squads
Platoon Wedge Formation With Lateral Support
6-89. The command for forming a platoon wedge formation with lateral
support is “Platoon Wedge, 2d and 3d Squads in Lateral Support, Move.” The
1st and 4th squads execute the wedge while the 2d and 3d squads stand fast.
After the 1st and 4th squads have cleared the column, the 2d and 3d squad
leaders command, “Follow Me,” and move out to the left and right. The 2d
squad forms a column formation behind the last man of the 1st squad. The 3d
squad forms a column formation behind the last man of the 4th squad (see
Figure 6-35, page 6-38).
6-90. To move the 2d and 3d squads from general to lateral support, the
platoon leader commands, “2d and 3d Squads, Lateral Support, Move.” To
have the 2d and 3d squads join the wedge from general or lateral support, the
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Civil Disturbance Formations
Figure 6-30. Platoon Echelon Left Formation With 2d and
3d Squads in General Support
platoon leader commands, “2d and 3d Squads, Extend the Wedge, Move.” The
2d and 3d squad leaders command, “Follow Me,” and move out to the left and
right to extend the wedge on the 1st and 4th squads.
Platoon Wedge Formation With Direct Support
6-91. The command for forming a platoon wedge with two squads in direct
support is “Platoon Wedge, 2d and 3d Squads in Direct Support, Move.” The
1st and 4th squads execute a wedge. The 2d and 3d squads execute a wedge
and close in on the leading wedge. The members in the supporting wedge
cover the intervals between members in the leading wedge. To do this, the
squad and team leaders of the 1st and 4th squads must take two steps to the
rear to allow space for the 2d and 3d squads to move into place. After seeing
the squad and team leaders move back from the line, the 2d and 3d squad
leaders command, “Follow Me,” and lead their squads into position (See
Figure 6-36, page 6-38). To move the 2d and 3d squads back to general support, the platoon leader commands, “2d and 3d Squads Support, Move.”
Then the 2d and 3d squads move to their general support positions. To
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