Fourth Wing Quadrants & Squads Explained: Claw, Tail, Flame Diagram

This guide breaks down the quadrants, ranks, and squads within the Dragon Rider program and explains why they play such a crucial role in Violet Sorrengail’s journey.

Introduction to Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a fantasy novel that blends military strategy, high-stakes training, and powerful dragon bonds. Basgiath War College is where elite warriors are forged, and understanding its quadrants and squad structure is essential to grasping the novel’s intense competition.

This guide breaks down the quadrants, ranks, and squads within the Dragon Rider program and explains why they play such a crucial role in Violet Sorrengail’s journey.

Basgiath War College Quadrants

Cadets at Basgiath War College are divided into four quadrants, each with a distinct function:

Infantry – These soldiers train for ground combat and lead military engagements without dragons.
Healers – Specialists in both medical care and magical healing, responsible for keeping soldiers and riders alive.
Scribes – The scholars and strategists of Navarre, responsible for recording military history, researching battle strategies, and maintaining government records.
Dragon Riders – The elite force bonded to dragons, tasked with protecting Navarre. This is the most dangerous quadrant, as only a fraction of cadets survive training and bond with a dragon.

While most cadets select their quadrant, some, like Violet Sorrengail, are forced into one due to family expectations or political reasons.

Fourth Wing Squads: Claw, Tail, and Flame

Within the Dragon Rider Quadrant, cadets are further divided into four wings. Each wing is broken into three sections, and those sections are divided into squads:

Quadrant Structure

Wings – Large divisions that encompass multiple squads; each has its own leadership.
Sections – Subdivisions within wings that focus on specialized training.
Squads – Small teams that train, compete, and battle together.

The most well-known is Fourth Wing, where Violet finds herself assigned. Her squad’s internal structure and rivalries shape much of her experience at Basgiath.

Claw, Tail, and Flame Sections

Each wing contains three sections that serve different purposes in training:

Claw Section – The most aggressive and combat-ready riders. Claw members excel in offense and direct engagement.
Tail Section – Focuses on agility, strategy, and adaptability in battle. These riders often specialize in reconnaissance.
Flame Section – A mix of defense and magic-based tactics, working closely with dragon-powered signets for specialized attacks.

Squad placement within these sections affects how cadets develop their skills and where they are expected to contribute in wartime.

The Importance of Rank & Leadership in Squads

Wingleaders & Squad Leadership

Wingleaders are the highest-ranking cadets within each wing. They are responsible for leading squads into training battles and maintaining order. Xaden Riorson, for example, serves as the Wingleader for Fourth Wing, which significantly influences Violet’s experience.

Cadets can also hold roles such as:

Squad Leaders – Responsible for maintaining squad discipline and performance.
Executive Officers (XO) – Assistants to Wingleaders who handle coordination.

Ranks within Basgiath are earned through battle performance, dragon bond strength, and strategic leadership. The higher a cadet’s rank, the more privileges and responsibilities they receive.

How Quadrants & Squads Impact Training

Every cadet’s daily routine and survival at Basgiath are influenced by their quadrant and squad placement.

Infantry and Scribes train separately from dragon riders and healers, focusing on physical combat or research.
Dragon Riders undergo the most dangerous training, facing lethal challenges, including the possibility of being burned alive if a dragon rejects them.
Squads function as small units—members must work together to survive challenges, build combat skills, and secure leadership positions.

Understanding this structure is critical for following the novel’s intense rivalries and battles.

Violet Sorrengail’s Unique Position in Fourth Wing

Violet’s placement in Fourth Wing and her rare double dragon bond immediately set her apart. Her squad sees her as both a potential asset and a liability. The way she navigates her squad’s expectations, leadership challenges, and rivalries plays a central role in her development as a rider.

Her interactions with Xaden Riorson (her Wingleader), Dain Aetos (her overprotective childhood friend), and Rhiannon Matthias (a loyal squadmate) highlight the complexities of Basgiath’s social and power dynamics.

Final Thoughts: Why Fourth Wing’s Structure Matters

The quadrant and squad system at Basgiath War College is more than just an organizational tool—it defines every cadet’s experience, influences power struggles, and determines who survives. Understanding the structure of Claw, Tail, and Flame sections, as well as the ranking system, enhances the reading experience by making battles, rivalries, and leadership shifts more impactful.

For fans analyzing character dynamics and military tactics within the novel, this system provides insight into why certain cadets rise while others fall.