Which squad-level formation places elements in an offset line to one side, creating an echelon?

• A. Fire Team Echelon Right/Left
• B. Squad Column
• C. Squad Wedge
• D. Squad Echelon

Answer: (D)

An echelon is a diagonal formation where elements are offset to one flank, one behind the other. At the squad level, placing all squad members in that offset line to one side creates the squad echelon. This arrangement allows the squad to maintain forward movement while keeping the flank protected and giving each element a clear field of fire to the chosen side; it also makes command and control easier because leaders have a visible chain of positions along the diagonal.

The other formations describe different layouts. An echelon within a fire team means only the two fire teams are arranged diagonally, not the entire squad. A squad column is a straight, single-file or linear line, not offset to a side. A squad wedge is a V-shaped, three-element-wide spread. Only the squad echelon describes the whole squad arranged in an offset diagonal to one side.