The core idea in both the phalanx and the infantry square is the same: keep a tight, disciplined formation so that every man can protect his neighbor and present a unified front. In the phalanx soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with long spears pointed forward, a wall of pikes that could not be broken without a huge loss of life. The infantry square in the age of muskets and rifles was a way to fight a mob of cavalry or to defend against massed artillery; each side of the square faced all directions, letting the soldiers fire in volleys from every angle. The modern equivalent is still a tight, well‑trained unit that can bring mass firepower, but with better weapons and tactics. What carries over is the value of cohesion, discipline, and a clear command structure. What doesn’t is the static line of the phalanx; today we need mobility and flexibility, and we rely on rifles, machine guns, and artillery instead of spears. So the lesson is simple: a united front and strong leadership still win battles, even if the weapons and mobility have changed.

You’re right, a rigid line can be a weakness if it’s cut off. That’s why a good rear guard and reserves keep the line breathing, let the troops regroup, and give us a chance to counterattack. A solid formation is only as good as the flexibility built into it.

That’s the truth. A line that can’t breathe is a line that will crumble. Keep the reserves ready and the whole unit stays alive.