e the right and left, or leading and rear, guides, respectively, of
the company when it is in line or in column of squads. Other guides
are in the line of file closers.

In platoon movements the post of the platoon guide is at the head of
the platoon, if the platoon is in column, and on the guiding flank if
in line. When a platoon has two guides their original assignment to
flanks of the platoon does not change.

168. The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank
opposite the file closers. To change the guides and file closers to
the other flank, the captain commands: 1. _File closers on left
(right) flank_; 2. _MARCH_. The file closers dart through the column;
the captain and guides change.

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

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

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual
of arms during the drill unless specially excused, when they remain at
the order. During ceremonies they execute all movements.

170. In _taking intervals and distances_, unless otherwise directed,
the right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in
the line of file closers, and, with them, take a distance of 4 paces
from the rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command _march_, the
file closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file
nearest him. In _assembling_ the guides and file closers resume their
positions in line.

171. In movements executed simultaneously by platoons (as _platoons
right_ or _platoons, column right_), platoon leaders repeat the
preparatory command (_platoon right_, etc.), applicable to their
respective platoons. The command of execution is given by the captain
only.

_To Form the Company._

172. 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 succ