At a time when infantry were trained to fight in formation, the Highlanders' method was more informal.

But we can't fight in close formation, where a hull breach of one ship could take out the next.

By the late 19th century the concept of fighting in formation was on the wane and the distinctions between light and heavy infantry began to disappear.

They were highly disciplined, fought in formation, and obeyed orders.

The military parade is now almost entirely ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th century fought in formation.

Light infantry were also fully trained to fight in formation and so functioned as both line and light infantry when required.

He also organized warriors into disciplined units known as Impis that fought in close formation behind large cowhide shields.

These tactics required fighting in tight formation with good military discipline and control.

But a lot of the time, the Americans also fought conventionally in linear formation against the British.

Paks could see something back in the trees-brigands, or perhaps orcs-waiting for a chance, but unwilling to fight in close formation.