191-378-4302 (SL3) - Form Squad-Size Riot Control Formations

Note. Any size squad, platoon, or large unit can be employed
and a crowd control formation can be
adapted to fit the unit organization.
A leader should be able to employ a
unit sized to fit the circumstances.

1.   Prepare the squad for formation.

a.
Form the squad in a
single column behind you, with the
base member directly behind you and
the assistant squad leader at the
end.

b.
Direct squad members to
count off from front to rear with
yourself as number one and the base
member as number two.

Note. The purpose for counting off is so each squad member has
a number and will know where his
position will be in each type of
formation.

2.   Direct the squad in forming a squad line (figure 191-378-4302-1).

Figure 191-378-4302-1.
Squad Line Formation with Squad Leader
and
Assistant Squad Leader

Note.  As an
offensive formation, this formation is
used to push or drive crowds straight
back across an open area or up a city
street. As a defensive formation, it
is used to hold a rioting group in
place or to deny them access to
restricted streets or areas.

a.
Face the squad and give
the command, "Squad as
skirmishers……"
Simultaneously, give hand signals
with the command by raising your
arms straight out, horizontal to the
shoulders, hands extended, palms
down.

b.
Point to where you want
the squad to assemble and complete
the command, "Move." (Make
sure the base member moves to where
you pointed and the rest of the
squad forms up according to their
number.)

c.
Take your position behind
the formation.

3.   Direct the squad in forming a squad echelon, right
or left (figure 191-378-4302-2).

Figure 191-378-4302-2.
Squad Echelon, Right and Left

Note. This formation is used offensively to turn groups in
either open or built-up areas and to
move crowds away from buildings,
fences, or walls.

a.
Face the squad and give
the command, "Squad echelon
right (or left)."
Simultaneously, give hand and arm
signals by extending one arm 45
degrees above the horizon and the
other arm 45 degrees below the
horizon, arms and hands extended.
(When facing the squad, the upper
arm shows the direction of the
echelon.)

b.
Point to where the squad
should assemble and complete the
command, "Move." (The base
member will move to where you
pointed. The rest of the squad will
align themselves on the base member,
one pace behind the member in front
and one pace to the right or left,
depending on the echelon.)

c.
Position yourself behind
the formation.

4.   Direct the squad in forming a squad wedge (figure 191-378-4302-3).

Figure 191-378-4302-3.
Squad Wedge

Note. This formation is used as an offensive formation to
penetrate or to split crowds.

a.
Face the squad and give
the command, "Squad
wedge." Simultaneously, give
hand and arm signals in conjunction
with the command. (Extend both arms
down and to the sides at an angle of
45 degrees below the horizon, arms
and hands extended, palms down.)

b.
Point to where the squad
will assemble and complete the
command, "Move." (The base
member will move to where you
pointed. The odd numbered members
align themselves behind the base
member, one pace to the left and one
pace to the rear of the preceding
member. Even numbered personnel will
do the same except to the right.)

5.   Tell the squad members which weapon positions to
use. Each position has a specific use
and is discussed below.

a. Safe port. Use when making
a show of force (figure 191-378-4302-4).

Figure 191-378-4302-4.
 Safe
Port

b. Safe guard. Use for
semi-readiness (figure 191-378-4302-5).

Figure 191-378-4302-5.
 Safe
Guard

c. On guard. Use for complete
readiness and when troops are in
contact with a group showing any
kind of resistance or hesitance to
withdraw (figure 191-378-4302-6).

Figure 191-378-4302-6.
 On
Guard

6.   Reassemble the
squad.

a.
Take a position a
sufficient distance to the rear of
the squad and command, "Squad
assemble." 
Simultaneously, raise your
right hand in the air and make a
circular motion. (The squad members
who hear the command automatically
come to the safe-port position. The
base member faces the squad leader.
The other squad members face toward
the base member.)

b.
Point to the place you
want the squad to assemble and give
the command of execution
"Move." (The base member
double-times to the designated spot,
and the other members of the squad
follow the base member. The squad
forms in a column behind the base
member and waits for further
instruction.)

1.   Prepared the squad for formation.

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2.   Directed the squad in forming a squad line.

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3.   Directed the squad in forming a squad echelon,
right and left.

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4.   Directed the squad in forming a squad wedge.

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5.   Told the squad members which weapon positions to
use.

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6.   Reassembled the squad.

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FM
19-15

STP
19-95B1-SM