rank count _one_, _two_,
_three_, _four_; each man turns his head and eyes to the front as he
counts.
Pieces are then inspected.
_Alignments._
107. To align the squad, the base file or files having been
established: 1. _Right (Left)_, 2. _DRESS_, 3. _FRONT_.
At the command _dress_ all men place the left hand upon the hip
(whether dressing to the right or left); each man, except the base
file, when on or near the new line executes _eyes right_, and, taking
steps of 2 or 3 inches, places himself so that his right arm rests
lightly against the arm of the man on his right, and so that his eyes
and shoulders are in line with those of the men on his right; the rear
rank men cover in file.
The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks from the right
flank and orders up or back such men as may be in rear, or in advance,
of the line; only the men designated move.
At the command _front_, given when the ranks are aligned, each man
turns his head and eyes to the front and drops his left hand by his
side.
In the first drills the basis of the alignment is established on, or
parallel to, the front of the squad; afterwards, in oblique
directions.
Whenever the position of the base file or files necessitates a
considerable movement by the squad, such movement will be executed by
marching to the front or oblique, to the flank or backward, as the
case may be, without other command, and at the trail.
108. To preserve the alignment when marching: _GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT)_.
The men preserve their intervals from the side of the guide, yielding
to pressure from that side and resisting pressure from the opposite
direction; they recover intervals, if lost, by gradually opening out
or closing in; they recover alignment by slightly lengthening or
shortening the step; the rear rank men cover their file leaders at 40
inches.
In double rank, the front-rank man on the right, or designated flank,
conducts the march; when marching faced to the flank, the leading man
of the front rank is the guide.
_To Take Intervals and Distances._
109. Being in line at a halt: 1. _Take interval_, 2. _To the right
(left)_, 3. _MARCH_, 4. _Squad_, 5. _HALT_.
At the second command the rear-rank men march backward 4 steps and
halt; at the command _march_ all face to the right and the leading man
of each rank steps off; the other men step off in succession, each
following the preceding man at 4 paces, rear-rank men marching abreast
of
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