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| As previously mentioned, paintball is basically a game of elimination. As such, generally all combat actions can be classified as Movement to Contact. The two most basic unit formations for moving through any given area on foot are the column and wedge. Each is nothing more than a different configuration of the same unit of forces. The choice of which formation best suits the given situation is contingent on a number of factors spelled out in the following anacronym: |
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| METT-T: MISSION. ENEMY. TERRAIN. TROOPS. TIME. |
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| What is your mission? Who is the enemy and how is he arrayed. What is the terrain like and what role will it play in the mission? What troops and equipment are at your disposal? How much time is allotted? Is it necessary to move quickly through an area or is the enemy expected to be concentrated and well fortified? Will the terrain provide adequate cover or will you be forced to cross through the open relatively unprotected? All of these factors affect your decision what tactics to use and what formations to choose. |
| The column, or Ranger File as it is often referred, is the fastest and most simple. It does, however, provide the least amount of security As its name suggests, it is little more than a single file line of soldiers often following a path or terrain feature with little or no expectation of enemy contact. The distance between individuals is dictated by the ambient light levels (Time) and the physical features of the landscape (Terrain). The greater the visibility, the further the distance between soldiers. The Ranger File is generally used to move quickly and quietly through an area where there is not considered to be a high concentration of enemy forces. |
| The wedge is an off-set upside-down "V" formation. Although it is generally slower than the Ranger File, it provides more security. Like in the column, soldiers are spread further apart as the terrain opens up. The wedge also has several variations and can be used in conjuction with other wedges to bound or overwatch one another for increased security. See the following diagram to better visualize the different formations. |
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