The independent reserve

The standard diagram of a standalone reserve looks like this:

R = reserve and runner
K = command
S = Spott, (Mockingbird)
L = long weapon (spears / Dane axes)
O = close combat (axes / one-handed spears / swords)

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

The peculiarity of an independent reserve is that it has no permanent command of a single, fixed person and it is formed spontaneously and simply from experienced people. Responsibilities are kept simple and clearly organized. The entire group stands side by side in two rows, each offset from the other by half a position. All stand „on gap“. The reserve keeps enough distance from the line to be supported so that even the front positions („K“ and „S“) have a good and complete view of it. These first two in the lines lead the reserve and guide them from the front, the main command lies with the foremost person (K) he is supported by the scofflaw (S). The commanding person decides where the reserve will go or if they and others will go directly into the field. If part of the reserve is sent into action, it is always done from the front under the leadership of the commanding person, since the way is shortest for the persons. The remainder of the reserve then moves up and the two front combatants form the new command.

An appropriate distance from the supporting line or group is considered to be at least 5 meters. This allows a good field of vision for the reserve itself, as well as for other reserve groups and for the main command of the whole line. Furthermore, this keeps paths clear for other groups to move well and quickly.

The staggering of the lines is such that each person in the reserve can communicate well with two people from the neighboring line without requiring special volume. In addition, this makes it clear at all times what the order of people is, who is first, second, and third, person. This ensures that it is clear to everyone who is currently the command and has the responsibility for the intervention of the reserve, as well as who is helping the command as a taunt.

The command is the foremost person in the reserve block at any given time. It decides where and how many will become active as a reserve and is itself part of this reserve becoming active. For it leads the activated part from the front into the operation.
When such a reserve has disengaged, a new person automatically takes command of the rest of the reserve. This task is again given to the foremost person of the block.

The task of the spotter is to support the person who is currently in command of the reserve. This is done by observation, brief hints, or ideas on possible courses of action. It primarily observes the opposite direction from the command in each case. Generally, each row of the block looks in its respective direction, i.e., right row looks to the right and left row looks to the left.
Another advantage in the spot activity is that another person increases their attention to what is happening on the field and has a relatively good field of view.

Hardly any reserve is able to keep their attention sustained and directed when standing in a single line. This setup is intended to strengthen communication in the group, attention, understanding of the situation and ability to act of the reserve. Due to the clear sorting and the changing tasks, it is always clear who is currently in charge of making a decision. At the same time, this person is relieved and supported in his or her decision-making. For those further back in the reserve, this distribution of roles also makes it clearer when they need to increase their attention. The structure is therefore also justified by the fact that attention and decision-making actions can be conserved as limited resources.