What is the difference between line and column formations?

• A. Line: soldiers in a single file; Column: soldiers side-by-side.
• B. Line: soldiers side-by-side; Column: soldiers in a single file traveling one behind the other.
• C. Line and Column formations are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
• D. Column: soldiers in a wide formation; Line: soldiers behind one another.

Answer: (B)

Line formation means soldiers stand side-by-side in a single rank, abreast, facing the same direction to cover a wide front. Column formation means soldiers are in a single file, one behind the other, for controlled movement or passage through narrow spaces. This is why the correct description states line is side-by-side and column is a single file traveling one behind the other. The other statements mix up the definitions or claim they’re interchangeable, which doesn’t fit how formations manage frontage and movement.