What is the primary formation used by a fire team during movement?

The primary formation used by a fire team during movement is the wedge formation. This formation provides a balance of firepower and maneuverability while allowing for optimal situational awareness among team members. The configuration of a wedge allows team members to cover each other's sectors of fire effectively, which enhances the team's ability to respond to threats.

In a wedge formation, the lead team member is positioned at the point, with the other members flanking behind at angles, creating a triangular arrangement. This setup provides good visibility and reduces the team's profile, making it more difficult for adversaries to target them. Moreover, the wedge allows for easy communication and command flow among team members as they can quickly relay information about any encountered threats or hazards.

When considering other formations, the column is useful for moving through narrow spaces but limits inter-team communication and fire coverage. The line formation maximizes firepower but can be less effective in providing cover and maneuverability. The file formation offers maximum protection for movement but sacrifices the ability to engage effectively with threats. Each formation has its specific applications; however, the wedge is ideal for balancing all necessary functions during movement operations in a combat environment.