On the Use of Formations in Land Warfare : a statistical analysis

Abstract: This paper investigates military formations and tries to give an answer to the question of how geometry affects outcomes of battles. The investigation has primarily been done with the aid of a model based on Markov chains. This method was then complemented with simulations made in Unity 3D. Special focus has been laid on analysing the flanking maneuver and comparisons have been made with recommendations from official sources in the military. The conclusions drawn point toward the importance of geometry during battles.