ng, it halts; each of the other companies is conducted away
from the indicated company and is halted in its proper order in line
of companies.

Being in close column, the extension is made on the fourth company
only. If marching, the leading company continues to march; companies
in rear are halted and successively resume the march in time to follow
at full distance. If at halt, the leading company marches; companies
in rear successively march in time to follow at full distance.

Close column is not extended in double time.

285. Being in close column: 1. _Right (left) front into line_, 2.
_MARCH_. Executed as from column of companies.

286. Being in close column: 1. _Column of squads, first (fourth)
company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

The designated company marches in column of squads to the right. Each
of the other companies executes the same movement in time to follow
the preceding company in column.

287. Being in close line: 1. _Column of squads, first (fourth)
company, forward_, 2. _MARCH_.

The designated company moves forward. The other companies (halting if
in march) successively take up the march and follow in column.

_Route Step and At Ease._

288. The battalion marches in _route step_ and _at ease_ as prescribed
in the School of the Company. When marching in column of companies or
platoons, the guides maintain the trace and distance.

In route marches the major marches at the head of the column; when
necessary, the file closers may be directed to march at the head and
rear of their companies.

_Assembly._

289. The battalion being wholly or partially deployed, or the
companies being separated: 1. _Assemble_, 2. _MARCH_.

The major places himself opposite to or designates the element or
point on which the battalion is to assemble. Companies are assembled
and marched to the indicated point. As the companies arrive the major
or adjutant indicates the formation to be taken.

COMBAT PRINCIPLES.

_Orders._

290. The following references to orders are applicable to attack or
defense.

291. In extended order, the company is the largest unit to execute
movements by prescribed commands or means. The major, assembling his
captains if practicable, directs the disposition of the battalion by
means of _tactical orders_. He controls its subsequent movements by
such _orders_ or _commands_ as are suitable to the occasion.

292. In every disposition of the battalion for combat the major's