Eli5 Why do military units carry the same formation through history such as the 450 year old 2nd dragoon regiment in France.
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History and tradition is a big thing in the military of many nations. It generates a sense of “belonging” that the current personnel are the inheritors of a line of battle honours dating back through the years. Maintaining that tradition is a big motivating factor for new recruits.
It also has to do with span of control. An individual leader can only control a finite number of subordinates. Depending on the situation and leadership philosophy somewhere between 4 and 10 so you end up with ten men squads led by squad leaders 4 of whom report to the platoon leaders. 5 of them report to a company commander. 6 of them report to and so on
Arranging formations of these groups hasn’t changed a great deal since armies were invented.
If it works why change it. There have been minor tweaks throughout the history of battles that have taken place. What worked for the Spartans many years ago wouldn’t work today against guns. IN the future what works today against guns won’t work against lasers, phasers, and AI’s.
What do you mean formation? They changed and adapted to modern technology.
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