Single File For following linear features such as hedges, ditches, walls and narrow tracks. ADVANTAGES 1. Least vulnerable to flank fire. 2. Useful for moving along linear features such as hedges and ditches. 3. Good for control on a very dark night. DISADVANTAGES 1. Bad for fire protection to the front. 2. Vulnerable to frontal fire. 3. Bad for observation to the flanks as men tend to follow the person in front. 4. Passage of commands and information is slow.
Single File Hand Signal
File For wide tracks and paths and allowing alternate men on ether side of feature. ADVANTAGES 1. Easy to command 2. Useful at night DISADVANTAGES 1. Presents a concentrated target
File Hand Signal
Arrowhead ADVANTAGES 1. Easy to control 2. Very good all round observation and protection. For moving on a broad front in open country. DISADVANTAGES 1. If too concentrated presents a vulnerable target.
Arrowhead Hand Signal
Extended Line ADVANTAGE 1. Maximum firepower available. The assault formation DISADVANTAGE 1. Difficult to control
Extended Line Sand Signal
Diamond Only used when crossing open country at night.
ADVANTAGE 1. All round defence 2. Good control DISADVANTAGE 1. Is vulnerable target after dark when illuminated.