Diamond

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The Diamond is a defensive formation, offering a 360-degree arc of coverage. It is best used in an open area, ideally a large square room. The team should take up their position in the center of the room to allow each man the maximum time to engage their target.

As seen in the diagram, the team will align in a diamond shape with one man at the four cardinal directions. That man will cover a 90-degree angle - ahead and slightly to each side.

Each man should attack targets incoming from his designated direction only. However if one side of the triangle is being overrun, the two men beside him may want to overlap and assist long enough to fend off the attack, or move into a new formation.

Keep in mind though, every second more than one man is concentrating fire in one direction, one side of the diamond is exposed. So overlap only in emergeny situations, and only for extremely short periods of time.

Advantages

Offers supreme 360-degree coverage. No enemy should be able to move upon the team without being seen and engaged.

Disadvantages

This formation is vulnerable to rush attacks. As only one man is covering one direction, a concentrated attack from one side has an excellent chance of getting through to the marine. This can also be used as a diversionary tactic, as if the marines turn to concentrate in one direction, they are vulnerable to attack from the other sides.

This formation is also useless without all 4 marines. Should one marine die, a new formation should be taken immediately. Formations should also be changed if being swarmed constantly, especially from one direction.

Finally, be aware that the center of the formation is the most vulnerable. If the marines are poorly formed and leave an open area, an alien could slip through and massacre all four marines while their backs are turned. Also, do not attempt this formation near a vent, and use caution in an area where an alien has the height to jump up and land in the center.

Best used in

A large open area, with light resistance. This formation will offer excellent four-point defense against a few aliens. The Diamond is one of the better choices for defending a single target (in the center of the formation), or for cautiously entering and moving through an open room.