Orders/formations: fleets, task forces, and ship

[Dogboy]

Is there a FAQ on strategies and formations, for fleets, task forces and ships?

What does each control, and what is the best practice? Say I have a fleet with formation A and orders to fire at optimal range, task forces with formation B and orders to fire point blank, and individual ships in each with orders to fire at maximum range (and not to break formation immediately). Which level (fleet, task force) determines how the ships in the fleet will be laid out, and which order will hold sway?
Thanks!