echelon etymology

Etymology

The word "echelon" is derived from the French word "échelon," which in turn comes from the Old French word "eschelon," meaning "step" or "rung." The ultimate origin of the word is the Latin word "scala," meaning "ladder."

Meaning

An echelon is a formation of troops or aircraft arranged in a series of steps, with each step being higher or lower than the one in front of it. This formation allows the troops or aircraft to advance or retreat in a coordinated manner, while maintaining a secure distance from each other.

Origin

The echelon formation was first used in military tactics in the early 16th century by the Spanish army. The Spaniards found that this formation was effective for advancing against enemy lines, as it allowed the troops to support each other and to respond quickly to changes in the battle situation.

The echelon formation was later adopted by other armies throughout Europe, and it has remained a standard military tactic to this day. It is also used in aviation, where aircraft are arranged in a stepped formation to allow them to take off or land in a more efficient manner.

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