d follow squad leader. No advantage in
cover, but used to advance more quickly over rough or brush grown
ground.
(It might be desirable to teach men to take squad columns from
column of squads.)
In assembling from Platoon or Squad columns, the men reform by
platoons or squads and are conducted by their leaders to point
indicated by captain.
_Thin lines_ are used to cross wide stretches under artillery fire or
heavy, long range rifle fire which cannot be profitably returned.

No. 1's FORWARD, MARCH.
First line is led by platoon leader, right platoon.
Second line is led by platoon guide, right platoon.
Third line is led by platoon leader, next platoon, etc.
Quick time, unless conditions otherwise demand.

CAPTAIN POINTS OUT NEW LINE.--Original intervals preserved.

DISADVANTAGE.--Serious loss of control over company.

ADVANTAGE.--Offers less definite target and is less likely to draw
fire.

BEING IN SKIRMISH LINE.

BY PLATOON (2 PLATOONS, SQUADS, 4 MEN, ETC.), FROM THE RIGHT,
RUSH.--Leader of rush usually platoon leader.

(1) Selects new line.
(2) Cease firing.
(3) Prepare to rush.
(4) Follow me.
(5) Commence firing.

When whole company rushes, it is led by Captain. Platoon leader lead
their platoons.

COMMANDS.

Commands should be so given as to be distinctly heard by all the men
who have to execute them. It is unfair to expect good execution of a
slovenly command or one that cannot be heard. A sufficient interval
should be allowed between the preparatory command and the command of
execution, proportioned to the size of the command, so that each man
has time to grasp the movement before execution is required.

School of the Battalion.

BASIS.--4 companies to a battalion.

ARRANGEMENT.--Right to left by rank of Captains. After formation order
is not kept with reference to rank of Captains.

NUMBER.--From right to left in whatever direction.

CENTER.--Actual center or right center company.

BAND.--Places itself as if it were an adjoining battalion on right.

DRESSING.--Each company is dressed by its Captain who places himself
on the flank toward which the dress is to be made.

In battalion line beside the guide (or beside flank file of the front
rank if guide is not in line) facing front.

In column of companies--2 paces from the guide and facing down the
line.

To Form the Battalion.

OTHER THAN CEREMONIES.--Column of squads. Adjutant does not ta