ft, instead
of right is given that simply means that the leading or base squad is to
be the left of the skirmish line.

Now we come to the last variation. It is difficult for the new man. The
command as skirmishers, guide center, the company being in column of
squads, simply means that the center squad is to be the base squad. All
other squads are to regulate their movements on the base squad as in all
other cases.

This is a peculiar case and for it the authorities have adopted a rule
of thumb. All squads in front of the base squad go to the right, those
in rear to the left. That's all there is to it. But that must be
remembered. Corporals will conduct their squads to their proper places
by the shortest and easiest routes.

We will use a platoon of four squads to illustrate the idea.

[Illustration]

Note that the leading corporal turns his squad well to the right rear
and then to the left.

We have assumed the company to be at a halt; suppose it is moving
forward. In that case the base squad simply continues moving forward
after it has deployed until the captain gives the command halt. The
other corporals conduct their squads by the shortest routes to their
proper places and deploy them on the general line.

[Illustration]

When the company, while moving, is deployed, it is a common error for
squads in rear of the base squad to take long and fast steps and come up
on the line of the base squad. This should not be done unless the
command double time is given. In which case all the squads take up the
double time, except the base squad.

Extended Order

RULES FOR DEPLOYMENTS

The command guide right (left or center) indicates the base squad for
the deployment; if in line it designates the actual right (left or
center) squad; if in column the command guide right (left) designates
the leading squad, and the command guide center designates the center
squad. After the deployment is completed, the guide is always center
without command, unless otherwise ordered.

At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, from either column
of squads or line, each squad leader (except the leader of the base
squad, when his squad does not advance) cautions his squad, follow me or
by the right (left) flank, as the case may be; at the command march, he
steps in front of his squad and leads it to its place in line.

Having given the command for forming skirmish line, the captain, if
necessary, indicates to the corpo