Which concept is described by troops marching in column formation, 2 to 3 ranks, shoulder to shoulder, and using successive volleys of fire to mass firepower?

• A. Linear Tactics
• B. Friction
• C. Smoothbore Musket
• D. Battle of Bunker Hill

Answer: (A)

Linear tactics revolve around infantry fighting in close, coordinated lines to smash the enemy with massed fire. Troops march in column for movement but deploy into long lines that are two to three ranks deep and shoulder to shoulder, creating a dense formation. With their smoothbore muskets, this arrangement lets soldiers deliver successive volleys in unison, producing a large volume of fire that’s more effective than scattered single shots. The strength lies in the synchronized volley fire and the disciplined, tight formation, making every volley count even though the muskets aren’t highly accurate.

This contrasts with options that point to a general wartime force factor (friction), the weapon itself (the smoothbore musket), or a specific historical engagement (a battle), none of which capture the broad tactic of how troops were organized and fired to maximize firepower.