This will be part two of infantry formations in open terrain. As the part I was focused more on strictly moving formations this time I'll touch on security formations and morphing between formations.

360 or Circular

360 or Circular formation is not a moving formation like the ones mentioned before. It is used when taking a break or a defensive position. It does not have to be a perfect circle, but every direction should be covered.

The safest way to create a 360 is to stay next to cover. It is easy in a forest but can be a challenge in open terrain.

The squad leader will often say something along the lines of Create 360 around me. That’s why he will often be in the middle of the formation giving him the safety he might need to plan the route, communicate with another element etc. In other situation the squad leader can command the squad to create 360 around a terrain feature, building or a vehicle.

One of the most common uses of 360 is covering an LZ right after dismounting from a helicopter or right before boarding it.

180 or Semi-Circular

180 or Semi-Circular formation works in the same way as 360, but can be used when we know one side is safe like next to a natural feature providing cover, after moving through a gate formation or after dismounting from a helicopter with a rear ramp like the Chinook.

2 and 4 Man Gates

Gates exist to allow a column to cross a road with both directions of the road covered. The 2 man gate is created by two members of the formation who previous to encountering the road run ahead and set up on it as shown on the image. Then the rest of the column runs through the created gate with the last man hopefully saying Last man to let the gate know when to collapse.

After crossing the road the column runs to the nearest concealment (usually a forest) and either creates a 180 and waits for the gate or continues making the gate catch up by sprinting.

The 4 man gate works exactly the same but uses 4 members of the squad to cover the road.

It is imperative to conduct this maneuver smoothly and stay exposed to the road as little as possible. An alternative to this is just sprinting through the road previously checking if it’s clear, but it has its own risks.

Morphing Formations

Morphing or transforming a formation means changing it into a different one. With practice formations can be morphed on the move with ease.

Column to Line

Column to Wedge

Column to Staggered Column

Understanding what formations should look like is only one part of the problem. The most important knowledge comes with time using them. Experience lets us understand better what our role in the formation is and what to do in certain events that might be hard to anticipate otherwise.

Speed in formations

One thing that people struggle with in Arma is keeping a consistent speed to not run into each other. That's why everyone in the formation should know of all the speeds of movement in the game. There are four main speeds:

1. Walking [ctrl + C]
2. Jogging with weapon up [2x C]
3. Jogging [default speed]
4. Sprinting [shift]

All of those have their advantages and disadvantages obviously. In every situation there is also the option to lower your weapon [2x Ctrl]. It is the squad leader's job to set the speed of their formation. If they don't do it, it's up to the point man. If neither do it and the people in formation aren't experienced enough to adjust their speed on the go, the formation will either fall apart or be ineffective in watching some sectors.