Who is positioned between fire teams during a squad column fire team wedge?

In a squad column with fire teams arranged in a wedge formation, the squad leader, Radio Telephone Operator (RTO), and Machine Gun team are positioned centrally among the two fire teams. This setup is essential for maintaining cohesion and effective communication within the squad while allowing for the fire teams to have defined roles and responsibilities.

The squad leader is critical as he provides overall tactical guidance and oversight, ensuring that both fire teams can operate effectively. The RTO enables communication with higher command and ensures that orders and information are relayed smoothly. The Machine Gun team adds firepower and can create support by providing suppressive fire, which is valuable during movement or during engagements. The wedge formation allows the squad to respond flexibly to threats from multiple directions while ensuring that the leadership and support elements remain accessible and coordinated.

By placing these individuals in the center, the squad also benefits from a strategic arrangement that enhances situational awareness and responsiveness to the tactical scenario at hand.