Skirmish Line

A Skirmish line or firing line is a basic military formation/manuever that relies on members of a section or a platoon (normally 8-16 men) forming up in a standard line with gaps in between each member of the line. This formation can be used either for firing at the enemy or while advancing.

Forming a Skirmish Line
Forming a skirmish line will occur when the commanding officer or the NCO in charge says "Form Skirmish Line" to which every personnel under his command must form up in a line to the CO/NCO's right and space themselves out accordingly. It is recommended that a gap of about 10 studs be a measure of how far you should space yourself out.

As soon as this is perfomed, the CO/NCO will take his place either at the center of the skirmish line, at the front of it, or on the side of the skirmish line.

At this point, the CO/NCO will either order the members of the line to crouch or lie down in a prone position and begin firing.

Alternatively, the CO/NCO may also order the line to advance forward. At this stage, you must only advance at the same pace with the CO/NCO when the order is given, not before it is given.

Advantages and Disadvantages
-Advantages

Among the obvious advantage is that it provides maximum firepower of an entire section and a totally undisturbed field of fire directly ahead and behind any member of the line. It is easily controllable by the CO/NCO which can issue orders from the side or front of it. Generally, it is also an easy formation to quickly form up and quickly advance in.

-Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages of a skirmish line is that despite it's advantage of a maximum firepower, this is only offered if the enemy advances on a frontal advance. Should they choose to advance from the sides, only those on the sides of the line will have an undisturbed field of fire with the members closer to the center being unable to fire effectively without firing on their own skirmish line. Similarly, it is just as vulnerable for an attack from the back of sides.