For example , officers could form men from an eight - wide route march formation to a two - wide formation for passing through gates and other narrow passages , without losing time or cohesion .
Drill proved useful when marching formations of soldiers cross-country .
Officers could form men from an eight - wide route march formation to a two - wide formation for passing through gates and other narrow passages , without losing time or cohesion .
Drill proved useful when marching formations of soldiers cross-country .