Column (formation)
A military column is a formation of soldiers marching together in one or more files in which the file is significantly longer than the width of ranks in the formation. The column formation allowed the unit rapid movement, a very effective charge (due to weight of numbers) or it could quickly form square to resist cavalry attacks, but by its nature only a fraction of its muskets would be able to open fire.
The previously prevalent formation, the line, offered a substantially larger musket frontage allowing for greater shooting capability but required extensive training to allow the unit to move over ground as one while retaining the line.
It is also applied by modern armies to vehicles, troops and naval vessels.
Read more about Column (formation): Napoleonic Wars, Column of Companies, Korean War
Famous quotes related to column (formation):
“Averageness is a quality we must put up with. Men march toward civilization in column formationformation and by the time the van has learned to admire the masters the rear is drawing reluctantly away from the totem pole.”
—Frank Moore Colby (1865–1925)