Tactical Formation Theory
Module 1: Tactical Formation Lead - Ground Instruction
OBJECTIVE
Develop leadership proficiency in T-38C tactical formations, focusing on lead responsibilities, formation types, tactical maneuvers, and lead changes for deconfliction and mutual support.
CONTENT
Lead Duties & Responsibilities
- • Mission planning: Route, fuel, contingencies, threat awareness.
- • Briefing: Comprehensive brief covering all formation aspects.
- • Deconfliction: Maintain 1,000 ft bubble, altitude/time separation.
- • Decision authority: Tactical decisions for the formation.
- • Predictability: Smooth, predictable maneuvers - critical for wingman SA.
LEAD AXIOM
"Be predictable." - Smooth, telegraphed maneuvers enable wingman success. Sudden or erratic movements compromise formation safety.
Tactical Formation Types
- • LAB (Line Abreast): 4,000-6,000 ft lateral spacing, mutual support.
- • Wedge: 30-45° AA, stacked for altitude separation.
- • Fluid: Variable geometry based on threat/terrain.
- • Easy: Relaxed formation for transit, reduced workload.
TAC FORMATION PARAMETERS
LAB
4,000-6,000 ft lateral
Co-altitude or stacked
WEDGE
30-45° AA
±1,000 ft stack
Tactical Maneuvers
- • Tactical turns: Delayed 90°/45° turns for formation geometry.
- • Hook turn: Lead turns away, wingman crosses behind.
- • Cross turn: Flight members cross paths during turn.
- • In-place turn: All aircraft turn simultaneously on call.
TACTICAL TURN SEQUENCE
- Lead calls "[Formation], tactical right/left"
- Lead initiates turn at briefed bank angle
- Wingman delays per briefed timing
- Wingman executes turn to maintain geometry
- Roll out on new heading, verify spacing
Lead Changes
- • Radio lead change: Verbal handoff - "[C/S] 2 has the lead."
- • Visual lead change: Wing rock or pre-briefed signal.
- • Responsibilities: New lead assumes all lead duties immediately.
- • Acknowledgment: Former lead confirms handoff complete.
LEAD CHANGE CALLS
"[C/S] 2, you have the lead"
Lead initiates handoff
"[C/S] 2 has the lead"
Wingman accepts lead
Four-Ship Formations
- • Wall: Four abreast, maximum visual coverage.
- • Box: Element lead/wing pairs in echelon.
- • Offset: Staggered for terrain/threat masking.
- • Element coordination: Lead/wingman pairs within four-ship.
Procedures
- • Radio/visual signals: Standardized calls and wing movements.
- • BD checks: Battle Damage checks post-engagement.
- • AGSM: Awareness during tactical maneuvering.
- • Mutual support: Visual, comm, firepower priorities.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate understanding through oral quizzing. Must be able to:
- • Explain lead duties and the importance of predictability
- • Describe formation types: LAB, wedge, fluid, easy
- • Explain tactical maneuvers including hook/cross turns
- • Describe lead change procedures (radio and visual)
Completion: Demonstrate understanding via oral quizzing per vTAC vAETC standards