Correct Fan

Requires the newest version of Macromedia's Shockwave to Play Movie

The Fan formation is used to swarm into a room and kill the targets inside. Be VERY careful before using this, and make sure the tracker has been checked before rushing in. This is the tactic to use if you have multiple enemies at the other end of the room, and clear shot at all of them.

Start this formation by stopping your Line outside the door. Support man should give a check of the tracker and the number of enemies if there is time. Then, point should open the door and rush to the left, support move in straight, and flank to the right. Rear guard will keep his weapon trained on the room they just exited from.

The front three marines will fan out and open fire on all aliens in the room. Keep moving, engage the targets that are in your area. Then, form back into the Line and proceed. This should all be done in one fluid motion, stopping only briefly to shoot at a target.

Advantages

The rush of marines should throw off the aliens inside. Given the 180-degree arc the team will try to fan out in, all areas of the room should be covered and keep aliens from moving around to attack from the sides. The rear guard also keeps watching the rear, stopping any attacks from that side.

Disadvantages

The Fan itself is pretty solid. It is only vulnerable if an alien can slip in between the marines. This should be prevented by fanning out slowly and attacking all aliens.

If the room is filled with a number of enemies, there is a pretty good chance that an alien can dodge the gunfire while marines kill other aliens, then rush up and tail away. Also, if the aliens are right outside the door from the start, this tactic will see trouble. Make sure the aliens are at the other end of the room. Also, narrow your arc if aliens are only massed in one area.

Best used in

Rushing in and killing a somewhat-low amount of aliens at the other end.