The Line Cohort

A standard lineage cohort formation looks like this:

R = Reserve and Runner
K = Command
S = Spott
L = long weapons (spears / Dane axes)
O = close combat (axes / one-handed spears / swords)

Blue = has the regular group
Gray = has the command of the subgroup

The entire cohort is made up of lines that are placed one behind the other, resulting in a compact formation. At the center of the first line is the anchor. At both ends of each line are the spotts. The command stands outside this order and is free to move around, in and through it.

The anchor is the person to whom the whole lineup is oriented in the structure. It is therefore necessary for the anchor to position himself as quickly as possible in the build-up phase at the position required by the command and to stand aligned in the corresponding direction. All others position themselves according to the required orientation to the anchor. During a training session, the position for the next set-up is often predefined, if this does not happen, the set-up will always be in the same place. So it is necessary that the anchor memorizes the exact position on the training ground. Ground markings or bearings to clearly visible positions help with this.

In the cohort, the spotts have a leadership role of the respective line in addition to the general observation task with which they support the command. They watch for proper spacing in both lineup and line movements.

The movements of the individual lines are each led by the spotts. They make sure that the line does not take up too much space, in each case the spotts who are at the edge of the cohort lead in which direction it goes and are supported by the other spotts in each case.

In the movement of the cohort, the spotts of the first line have a particularly important role. In case of a movement command to the whole cohort, they move in fast appropriate speed to the future position of the cohort and define so, the appropriate positions. The rest of the cohort follows them and goes back to the corresponding positions.

The task of the command is to free the cohort from the task of overview and decision action regarding tactical actions. Also, if the command is allowed to move freely around, in, and through the cohort, the person leading it does so only judiciously, because there are some movements that can lead to the irritation of order. Therefore, one's own movement should be used sparingly. In addition, attention must be paid to visibility and acoustic intelligibility.

More compact, clearer, more responsive, faster: these are all characteristics of this formation. Thanks to the anchor, it sets up faster. Thanks to the spotts, it is more attentive and coordinated. Thanks to the spot tasks defined in each case, it is very easy to practice and execute.