NOTE: The section has to be numbered off, one through the last man: one, two, three, etc.
Distances between men are variable from situation to situation. The standard will be five paces or five yards between each soldier, unless specified by the leader. The section leader may direct lesser or greater intervals and distances and individual skirmishers vary their position so as to take full advantage of cover and concealment.
The dispositions for a section are as followed: Section File, Single File, Extended Line, Left Hand Flanking, Right Hand Flanking, and the Arrowhead
Section File
This formation is the most common that will be used. It is a staggered formation with no one directly behind the man in front of them. 5 to 7 yard and 10 to 12 yard intervals will be used for reenacting purposes. This is the mode of traveling on roads, through dense woods, and when contact is not expected. While in this formation, the front man is the reaction leader, and will disseminate orders upon the situation.
The hand signal is given with the leader holding both arms fully extended upwards. This will look just like an American Football Referee giving the touchdown signal.
Verbal commands were not found in the research and for our purposes the verbal command will be: 1, In File 2. Forward 3. March.
This signal can be modified to indicate a single file:
The section file will look like this:
The Bren Group would follow behind this formation with the Lance Corporal bringing up the rear.
NOTE: If contact is expected, each member of the section is responsible for the outward security of the unit.
Deploy as Extended Line
(AKA the skirmish line)
Most of the fighting will be done in this formation. It is a staggered line running parallel to the line of advance with the individual utilizing the available cover. Soldiers should try to maintain a five yard interval unless told otherwise. Soldiers will maintain eye contact with the soldier on the leader side of him (Center). This will ensure that orders are disseminated down the line of battle.
The hand signal is arms extended to full extent over the head and waved slowly from side to side, the hands to open and to come down as low as the hips on both sides of the body.
Once again, no verbal orders for this maneuver were found. For our purposes the Royal Ulster Rifles will use the verbal command: 1. Extend Line 2. Advance.
The Extended Line will look like this:
Five yards is the interval. The numbers next to the Riflemen represent their assigned number. As a section is deployed from a column to an extended line, the odd numbers will deploy to the Right of the leader and the even numbered soldiers will deploy to the left.
Extend Line Right or Left Flanking
Depending on the situation, the section can be deployed to the left or right of the section leader.
The signal is giving as the "Extend Line." After the section sees it will be deployed on line, the flank is indicated. If it is required to deploy to a flank, the commander will point to the required flank after finishing the "Extend Line."
Verbal Command: 1. Extend Line to the Left 2. Advance
Verbal Command: 1. Extend Line to the Right 2. Advance
The Arrowhead
This formation is used when contact is expected in the direction of travel and the terrain allows the formation to spread out. The section can react quickly, being put into a firing line in seconds. This formation is best used while out in open areas, protecting the flanks.
The hand signal is given by extending the arms straight and in a forty-five degree angle off the body.
Verbal Command: 1. Arrowhead 2. Forward 3. March.
