nts are not changed; vacancies are filled
by non-commissioned officers of the platoon, or by the nearest available
officers or non-commissioned officers arriving with reinforcing troops.

CLOSE ORDER

In column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the side
of the guide.

Men in the line of file closers do not execute loadings and firings.

TO FORM THE COMPANY

At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position 6
paces in front of where the center of the company is to be, faces it,
draws saber, and commands: Fall in.

The right guide of the company places himself, facing to the front,
where the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that the
center of the company will be 6 paces from and opposite the first
sergeant; the squads form in their proper places on the left of the
right guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who then take their
posts.

The first sergeant commands: Report. Remaining in position at the order,
the squad leaders, in succession from the right, salute and report: All
present; or Private(s)---- absent. The first sergeant does not return
the salutes of the squad leaders; he then commands: 1. Inspection, 2.
ARMS, 3. Order, 4. ARMS, faces about, salutes the captain, reports:
Sir, all present or accounted for, or the names of the unauthorized
absentees, and without command, takes his post.

If the company cannot be formed by squads, the first sergeant commands:
1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Right shoulder, 4. ARMS, and calls the roll.
Each man, as his name is called, answers here and executes order arms.
The sergeant then effects the division into squads and reports the
company as prescribed above.

The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the center of, and
facing, the company in time to receive the report of the first sergeant,
whose salute he returns, and then draws saber.

The lieutenants take their posts when the first sergeant has reported,
and draw saber with the captain.

Generally in camp the saber is not worn. The officers and first
sergeants carry pistols. The hand salute is rendered when so armed.

In the School of the Squad we gave three movements that formed the basis
of the squad drill. There are six movements in the School of the Company
that should be thoroughly understood. When the beginner knows these he
will have no difficulty with the remainder of the close order.

1ST MOVEMENT ON THE FIXED PIVOT

B