text: Movement and Forms of Maneuver
  Figure 2-2. Line formation
  WEDGE FORMATION
  2-7. The wedge formation is a movement formation with one lead element and the trail elements are
  paired off abreast of each other on the flanks. Units use this formation to attack an enemy appearing to
  the front and flanks. Figure 2-3 on page 2-4 depicts a wedge formation. Any unit can conduct a wedge
  formation; if there are an even number of maneuver elements, one side will be longer that the other. Leaders
  designate which side they want longer by directing a “heavy side.” For example, if a leader said they wanted
  the unit in a “wedge formation—heavy left,” then the left side of the unit would have more elements than the
  right side of the element. A unit uses the wedge when contact with an enemy force is possible or expected,
  but the enemy force’s location and dispositions are vague. It is the preferred formation for a movement to
  contact in an organization with three subordinate maneuver units because it initiates contact with one unit
  while retaining two other subordinate uncommitted units positioned to maneuver and further develop the
  situation. Within the wedge, subordinate units employ the formation best suited to the terrain, visibility, and
  likelihood of contact. Employing a wedge formation—
  * Provides maximum firepower forward and allows units to use a large portion of their firepower
  on the flanks.
  * Allows rapid crossing of open terrain when enemy contact is not expected.
  * Facilitates control.
  * Allows for rapid changes in the direction of movement.
  * Facilitates the rapid change to other movement formations.
  2-8. The primary disadvantages to the wedge formation are that it—
  * Requires sufficient maneuver space or multiple routes for dispersion laterally and in depth.
  * Lacks ease of control in restricted terrain or poor visibility.