Image 1
The opening sequence
We see 5 Battlestars, one far in advance of 4 others apparently in a raged line. Look closely, the ships are not approaching the viewer directly but at an angle, the ships will pass to the left of the viewer at an angle of roughly 40 degrees. The ships in the raged line are in fact in a finger four formation seen from an angle. If the ship in the foreground were to move in reverse it would fit into the left wing (on the viewers right) of a “V” formation. This Ship is moving ahead of the rest to meet the Cylons. In all probability this is the Star Kobol, where the final negotiations and treaty signing was to take place.
Now look at the last ship in line, it defines the limit of viability of the viewer. If there were any other ships in close formation with these four they would be viable. Therefore, this group of 5 ships are far enough ahead of the main fleet to constitute a separate group, an advanced guard.