Name a common defensive formation for small units.

Name a common defensive formation for small units.

• A. An offensive spearhead mounting heavy armor.
• B. A defensive line or wedge with sectors of fire and mutual support.
• C. A dispersed spread with no mutual support.
• D. A mountain obstacle course.

Answer: (B)

In a small-unit defense, the common approach is to form a defensive line or wedge that provides sectors of fire and mutual support. This arrangement spreads the unit along a front or into a triangular shape so each element covers a specific angle of approach and can quickly support its neighbors. Overlapping fields of fire reduce the chance of a gap being exploited and keep the unit stronger against approaches from different directions. It also helps with control and communication, so a unit can shift fire to where the threat emerges and still rely on teammates to cover adjacent sectors. The other scenarios don’t fit a defensive posture: an offensive spearhead is aimed at breaking through, not holding a position; a dispersed spread without mutual support creates vulnerable gaps; a mountain obstacle course isn’t a formation used for defense.

In a small-unit defense, the common approach is to form a defensive line or wedge that provides sectors of fire and mutual support. This arrangement spreads the unit along a front or into a triangular shape so each element covers a specific angle of approach and can quickly support its neighbors. Overlapping fields of fire reduce the chance of a gap being exploited and keep the unit stronger against approaches from different directions. It also helps with control and communication, so a unit can shift fire to where the threat emerges and still rely on teammates to cover adjacent sectors.

The other scenarios don’t fit a defensive posture: an offensive spearhead is aimed at breaking through, not holding a position; a dispersed spread without mutual support creates vulnerable gaps; a mountain obstacle course isn’t a formation used for defense.