I'm not too sure if that's the proper application of the formation.
I personally use it quite often, and with great success as a movement formation, as they retain formation and unit cohesion better weaving through the enemy, their ultimate goal being the rear of the enemy. Once they are in a favorable postion, I deploy in a line formation, and let the loose.

This might not be the correct, or intended way, but for me it works out well.