s in rear of the color, in order of rank
from right to left. In column of squads they march as file closers.

29. Other than for ceremonies, noncommissioned staff officers and
orderlies accompany their immediate chiefs unless otherwise directed.
If mounted, the noncommissioned staff officers are ordinarily posted
on the right or at the head of the orderlies.

30. In all formations and movements a noncommissioned officer
commanding a platoon or company carries his piece as the men do, if he
is so armed, and takes the same post as an officer in like situation.
When the command is formed in line for ceremonies, a noncommissioned
officer commanding a company takes post on the right of the right
guide after the company has been aligned.

ORDERS, COMMANDS, AND SIGNALS.

31. _Commands_ only are employed in drill at attention. Otherwise
either a _command_, _signal_, or _order_ is employed, as best suits
the occasion, or one may be used in conjunction with another.

32. Signals should be freely used in instruction, in order that
officers and men may readily know them. In making arm signals the
saber, rifle, or headdress may be held in the hand.

33. Officers and men fix their attention at the first word of command,
the first note of the bugle or whistle, or the first motion of the
signal. A signal includes both the preparatory command and the command
of execution; the movement commences as soon as the signal is
understood, unless otherwise prescribed.

34. Except in movements executed at _attention_, commanders or leaders
of subdivisions repeat orders, commands, or signals whenever such
repetition is deemed necessary to insure prompt and correct execution.

Officers, battalion noncommissioned staff officers, platoon leaders,
guides, and musicians are equipped with whistles.

The major and his staff will use a whistle of distinctive tone; the
captain and company musicians a second and distinctive whistle; the
platoon leaders and guides a third distinctive whistle.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 15._)

35. Prescribed signals are limited to such as are essential as a
substitute for the voice under conditions which render the voice
inadequate.

Before or during an engagement special signals may be agreed upon to
facilitate the solution of such special difficulties as the particular
situation is likely to develop, but it must be remembered that
simplicity and certainty are indispensable qualities of a signal.

_Orders._