Formation of Troops

The term formation is applied to that particular arrangement of the troops composing any unit, when this latter is ready for battle, or is prepared to execute a movement. That portion of the formation on the side towards the enemy is called the front ; the side opposite to the front is termed the rear ; the lateral extremities are called flanks . Any row of soldiers placed parallel to the front is called a rank ; a row perpendicular to the front is called a file ; the number of ranks measures the depth of the formation. Troops drawn up so as to show an extended front, with slight depth, are said to be deployed ; when the depth is considerable and the front comparatively small, they are said to be in ployed formation. See Order , Order of Battle , Concave , Order of Battle , Convex .