Chapter IX: Part II: Elementary Collective Instruction (1)

=Section 5. Elementary collective instruction.=

GENERAL PROVISIONS.

=321.= The elementary collective instruction of the trooper includes the instruction in the =School of the Squad= and in the mechanism of the movements prescribed in the =School of the Platoon=. This latter instruction is given as prescribed in par. 444.

=Section 6. Basic principles of the drill.=

=322.= The following provisions apply generally to the =School of the Squad and to all subsequent drill=. Previous provisions of a similar general character are to be found in pars. 43-49.

=323.= =Leading=: A commander leading his unit marches in the direction and at the gait desired. He is followed at a specified distance by the base (Def.), which conforms to his gait and direction. The commander thus controls the movements of the base, and may at any time by his indication conveyed in the most convenient way (as by his own movements, his commands, or signals) cause the base to change its direction or to increase or decrease the pace or gait or to halt, according to the object in view. Elements of the same kind as the base regulate upon the latter conforming to its gait and direction.

=324.= =Directing leader=, =directing guide=: A commander who desires to become temporarily free in his movements may leave his position as leader, first indicating: =DISREGARD= (_see_ Signals) for the information of the leader of the base unit, who then becomes the =directing leader= (Def.). The latter then ceases to follow in the trace of the commander and temporarily conducts the march. In the absence of other indication from the leader he maintains the existing direction and gait.

=When necessary= the conduct of the march of a group (e.g., a platoon) having no subordinate leader may similarly be intrusted to the guide. The latter then becomes the =directing guide= (Def.).

=325.= Whenever a change of formation involves a break in the continuity of the leading the leader habitually moves at once to his new position, so as to resume leadership with the least practicable delay. He usually starts at the command of execution for the movement. Should he start for his new position before the command of execution he first cautions or Signals: =DISREGARD= for the information of the base.

=326.= =Change of directing unit (base)=: Whenever a change of formation results in a change of the base, the base of the formation from which the movement is executed continues, in the absence of specific indication to the contrary, to be the base until the new base is indicated.

In movements from line by which column is formed directly to a flank, the element of the column on the flank toward which the column is formed is the base upon which other similar elements regulate during the formation of the column as well as after the column is formed.

=327.= =Changes of direction=: Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If executed from the halt the command =forward= need not be prefixed to any other preparatory command that indicates a direction of march; thus, being at a halt, 1. =Column right=, 2. =MARCH=; but, 1. =Forward trot=, 2. =MARCH.=

=328.= To insure certainty of prompt execution, commands (and signals) must be so given that their meaning is unmistakable. The preparatory command must be given at such an interval of time before the command of execution as will admit of the former being properly understood, and should be followed by a distinct pause that properly varies in length with the size of the body of troops that is to execute the movement. The command of execution should be given the instant the movement is to begin.

=329.= All changes of direction are simply applications of the principle of leading as explained in pars. 323 and 367.

(_a_) The =turn= (par. 386) and =half turn= (par. 388) are _special_ cases of the change of direction =in line= in that they involve a change of direction of _90°_ and _45°_, respectively; _as executed by the platoon and squad_, they differ further from the general case of the change of direction in that the leader follows a _specially prescribed arc_ during the turn (par. 387); in the troop and larger units, the leader in each case regulates the arc upon which he moves during the turn in accordance with the length of the front and the requirements of the special case.

(_b_) For a change of direction in any column formation, the elements of the column successively change direction _on the same ground_, the change in each successive element being made in accordance with the principles that regulate the change of direction in line (_a_). In each successive element the leader (if any) and the guide move over the _same path that is followed by the leader at the head of the column_.

=330.= The principles and methods laid down in the =School of the Trooper= (dismounted and mounted) are, except as may otherwise be indicated, or where clearly applicable only to individual instruction, to be followed in corresponding instruction in the =School of the Squad= and in all subsequent training. The same commands apply unless otherwise stated.

Certain modifications in the execution of some of the movements, incident to their use in collective instruction, are noted in appropriate places in the =School of the Squad=.

=331.= =Column of twos and of troopers=: Movements, involving the use of column of twos or troopers, although simple in principle, are not adapted to execution as movements of precision, and the details of their execution will be regulated accordingly (pars. 393-400). Familiarity with the practical use of these formations must be insisted upon, but they will be taken in the simplest manner consistent with efficiency in their use.

=382.= To avoid repetition the detailed descriptions and explanations of collective movements are, as a rule, based only upon the execution of the mounted movements.

=383.= _Gaits for mounted movements._--All mounted movements not specially excepted may be executed at the trot or gallop (par. 239).

For the execution of a movement at the =trot or gallop= the command =trot= or =gallop= precedes the command =march= unless marching at the gait desired or unless it be otherwise prescribed. When the indication for the =trot= or =gallop= is included in the command for the movement it precedes the command =march=; thus, 1. =Forward, trot=; 2. =MARCH.=

=334.= When the troopers of any element (Def.) move at different gaits, if the gait of such =element= be referred to, the gait of its =base= is to be understood.

=335.= A gait is said to be =correspondingly faster or correspondingly slower= than another gait when there is a difference of one degree between the two (par. 239).

=336.= In the rules included in pars. 333 to 337 the expression "other elements" (Def.) means in each case elements of the _same kind as the base_.

=337.= (_a_) In movements from the halt the base moves at the walk unless another gait be stated in the command or indicated by the leader's movements.

(_b_) =In forming line to the front from column= the other elements (par. 336) take, without command, a correspondingly faster gait than the base. =If gallop= be _commanded_ at any time, it applies only to the other elements (_f_). The base (leading element) habitually preserves the gait of march (_a_). The leader controls the movements of the base according to the object in view. He may diminish its pace or gait or halt it to hasten the formation. A command to decrease the gait or to halt, given during the execution of the movement, applies only to those elements that have already completed the movement. The leader habitually so controls the base that elements in rear need not move faster than a maneuver gallop in order to execute the movement.

(_c_) =Column to the front is formed from line= on the base at the gait of march (_a_) or at the gait ordered (_e_). The other elements (par. 336) take or maintain a correspondingly slower gait (or, if halted, remain so) until they can move at the gait of the base to take their places in the column. If an increased gait be _commanded_ at any time, it is taken at first only by the leader and base or by the leader and those elements that have already moved to enter the column (_f_)

(_d_) In cases not covered by (_b_) or (_c_), if the base and other elements have equal distances to go they move at the gait of march or at that indicated in the command (e.g., 1. =Platoons right turn, trot=; 2. =MARCH=).

(_e_) In cases not covered by (_b_), (_c_), or (_d_) (e.g., assemble from =foragers=, par. 414), or by some special provision in the description of the corresponding movement (e.g., =echelon=, par. 702) the base maintains the gait of march (_a_) or takes that of the leader; the other elements move at a correspondingly faster or slower gait as may be necessary for the execution of the movement and on arriving at their places take the gait of the base (par. 338). If a special gait be commanded, it is taken by the base or by the other elements, in accordance with the principle stated in (_f_).

(_f_) When the commander indicates a special gait, whether in the preparatory command or during the execution of the movement, the effect is always to, _hasten the completion of the movement_. This principle will assist in applying the rules in (_b_), (_c_), and (_e_).

(_g_) Changes of gait made by elements, without command, in accordance with the above rules, are, except as specially indicated in the commands, changes of one degree.

=338.= Any exceptions to the above rules are noted where they occur.

=339.= _Gaits for movements on foot._--(_a_) The general principles of gaits for mounted movements apply to movements on foot with the modifications noted in (_b_) to (_g_), below, and such others as are to be readily inferred from the application of the principles of the =School of the Trooper, Dismounted=.

(_b_) No element moves in =double time= unless the movement be executed when marching in =double time= or =double time= be commanded (par. 47) or otherwise indicated by the leader. No trooper increases the length of the step or the cadence unless specially so prescribed.

(_c_) The leader so controls the movements of the base as to facilitate the execution of the movement in accordance with (_b_), above. This will involve halting the base whenever certain movements (e.g., those from column into line) are executed in =quick time=.

(_d_) If =double time= be included in the preparatory command for a movement, the indication is obeyed in accordance with the principles of par. 337.

(_e_) In movements from line into column, and in other similar movements, if executed at =attention=, the troopers while waiting to take their places in the column do not =halt= unless halt be commanded by a platoon (or troop) commander. They =mark time= instead if necessary for the execution of the movement.

(_f_) In applying the rules for mounted movements to movements on foot =quick time= will be understood where =walk= is referred to and =double time= where any faster gait is referred to.

(_g_) Any exceptions to the above rules are stated where they occur.

=Section 7. The School of the Squad.=

=340.= As soon as the troopers are sufficiently advanced in their instruction in the =School of the Trooper= they will be grouped into temporary squads for elementary collective instruction. This instruction will be conducted in accordance with the general principles indicated in par. 42; progress therein should be so regulated that no collective movement will be taken up until the trooper, by previous individual instruction, has been properly prepared for its execution.

=341.= Instruction in the =School of the Squad= is intended primarily to teach recruits the elementary movements upon which the entire drill is based. It may be recurred to whenever necessary in cases where troopers evidence the need of further elementary work.

=342.= For elementary collective instruction groups of not to exceed six or eight men can be used to best advantage. The actual instruction of each group should be conducted by a noncommissioned officer, but the instruction must be closely supervised by a commissioned officer (par. 37).

=343.= The system of drill contained in these regulations is based largely upon the actual leading of units by their respective chiefs or commanders. During the elementary instruction of recruits, both mounted and dismounted, leading will be emphasized as indicated in par. 344. Thereafter the application of leading will conform to pars. 448 to 456.

=344.= The first collective instruction will, therefore, be in conforming to the march of a leader, thus confirming and extending the instruction given in the =School of the Trooper= (pars. 295, 298); _and reasonable proficiency in this instruction must be secured before any attempt is made to utilize either commands or signals in the execution of collective movements_, except, as prescribed in par. 363.

=345.= It is difficult for a leader to lead the squad properly and at the same time to supervise the march and correct the errors of individual troopers. For this reason it is desirable, especially in the earlier collective drills, that the instructor have as an assistant another noncommissioned officer or a well-instructed trooper. The instructor then leads the squad and requires his assistant (who takes the positions best adapted for the purpose in view) to supervise closely the movements of the troopers and to correct errors by means of cautions _addressed quietly by name to the individual man or men concerned_. Later the instructor similarly supervises the execution of the march while requiring his assistant to lead the squad. As the troopers advance in the instruction the instructor should give each of them such practice in leading the squad as the progress of the individual trooper concerned may appear to justify.

=346.= When instruction in leading (par. 367) has advanced to the point where the guide can preserve his proper distance from the leader and conform promptly and smoothly to the latter's movements, the other troopers meantime preserving their interval and alignment without undue constraint or unnecessarily abrupt changes of gait or pace, the instruction is extended progressively to include, in accordance with the methods prescribed in par. 347, the execution of the movements prescribed for the squad.

=347.= Throughout the instruction prescribed by par. 346 the squad will continue as before to be _led_. In teaching each new movement the example and movements of the instructor as leader will be supplemented at first by oral commands only, then by oral commands accompanied by the corresponding arm signals for those movements for which such signals are provided (_see_ Signals, pars. 988-996), then by signals alone. _The commands and signals will be given by the actual leader._ When the instructor is not actually leading (par. 345) he may either indicate to the leader the movements to be executed or else leave to him the selection of such movements.

=348.= After the oral commands and arm signals are thoroughly understood the instructor will practice the squad in passing from one formation to another, using oral commands for some movements, signals for some, and causing some (e.g., changes of direction) to be executed by conforming to the movements of the leader without the additional indication of either oral commands or signals.

=349.= The troopers must be accustomed to conforming, _without the assistance of any command or signal given to the squad as a whole_, to simple movements (e.g., movements =front into line=) initiated at the head of a column formation by a command so given as to be heard by only the leading troopers.

With reasonable practice the more essential changes of formation that are executed toward the direction of march can readily be taken by the squad by conforming, without other indication, to the movements of the troopers nearest the leader. As many movements in service must be executed under conditions of noise, dust, etc., that will render it difficult for the commands or signals of the leader to be understood except by those near him, _practice, in conforming promptly and intelligently to the movements of the elements nearest the leader is important and must be given careful attention_.

The object ultimately to be sought in the instruction is the quiet, rapid, and effective handling of the squad with a _minimum of either oral commands or signals_. The squad is required to pass rapidly from one formation to another, a new movement being occasionally initiated before the execution of the one preceding it has been completed.

TO FORM THE SQUAD, MOUNTED.

=350.= To form the squad =in line= (par. 368-_a_), the leader (instructor) designates a trooper to act as the base of the formation, indicates to such trooper the point where the right of the squad is to rest and the direction in which the line is to face, takes position at a convenient distance in front of and facing the point where the center of the squad is to rest, and commands: =LEAD INTO LINE=. The base trooper =leads out= (par. 188) and takes position as indicated; the other troopers lead out so as to approach the line _successively directly from the rear_ and in single rank form on the line established by the base trooper, in order from right to left. The troopers form at stand to horse (par. 187) with intervals of 18 inches between horses.

The line having thus formed, the leader calls the roll and commands, =COUNT FOURS= (par. 84).

Where there is an incomplete four the troopers in it are cautioned as to the numbers finally assigned them (par. 368-_b_).

When but a single trooper is available for an incomplete four the four is habitually broken up and a trooper is placed as an extra file closer. This rule may, however, be modified in connection with the instruction of recruits.

The squad having counted fours, the leader causes the squad to mount (par. 358).

=351.= =The formation in column of fours, twos, or troopers= (par. 368-_b_, _c_, _d_) is similarly executed. The leader commands: =LEAD INTO COLUMN (COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS)=. The trooper upon whom the formation is based (par. 350) becomes No. 1 of the leading four. The elements of the column form, in order from front to rear, with distances of 4 feet between successive, fours, twos, or troopers. In column of fours or twos each four or two forms on its right trooper as in line.

When the formation is in column of _fours_ the command =COUNT FOURS= is omitted. The leader cautions: =NOTE YOUR NUMBERS=.

=352.= =The squad may also form in similar manner after the troopers mount.= In this case the leader causes the troopers to mount individually after saddling and commands: =RIDE INTO LINE (COLUMN, COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS).= The interval between the mounted troopers is 6 inches from knee to knee.

TO FORM THE SQUAD, DISMOUNTED.

=353.= For the dismounted formation of the squad, =in line=, when not armed with the rifle, the leader designates the trooper to act as the base, indicates the latter's position, and takes his own position as described in par. 350, above. He then commands: =FALL IN=. The troopers form as in pars. 57 and 58. The leader then calls the roll and causes the squad to count fours.

If armed with the rifle, the troopers fall in with rifles at the _order_. As soon as the line or column is formed the leader commands: 1. =Inspection=, 2. =ARMS=, 3. =Right shoulder=, 4. =ARMS= (par. 91-_2d_), and calls the roll. Each man, as his name is called, answers =here= and executes =order arms=.

The formation in column of fours, twos, or troopers is conducted in accordance with the modifications indicated. The commands of the leader are: =FALL IN, IN COLUMN (COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS)=. The distance between successive fours is 92 inches; between successive twos, 40 inches; between successive troopers, 14 inches.

TO MOUNT AND DISMOUNT.

=354.= The squad being =in line=, at stand to horse, the habitual commands for mounting are: 1. =Prepare to mount=, 2. =MOUNT=; 3. =Form=, 4. =RANK.= At the first command the odd numbers lead out 4 yards directly to the front, and all execute the movements and take the final positions prescribed in par. 191-_a_. At the second command all the troopers complete, simultaneously, the movements of mounting as prescribed in par. 191-_b_. At the fourth command the even numbers move up into their intervals in the line. If the squad has dismounted from line and has formed rank (par. 356), the odd numbers stand fast at the command =Prepare to mount= and all mount in place.

If the squad be mounted in column of fours; the third and fourth commands are omitted. At the first command the troopers of each four open out fanwise, Nos. 1 and 2 to the right, Nos. 3 and 4 to the left. Nos. 1 and 4 open out a little more than Nos. 2 and 3, all opening only enough to permit the troopers to mount without interfering with each other. The troopers habitually straighten their horses in the column as soon as they have mounted, but this requirement may be relaxed whenever mounting in unison is not required (par. 358). The squad in =column of twos= is mounted by commands and methods conforming to those used for mounting from column of fours.

=355.= The preparatory oral command for mounting may be omitted. The squad then executes at the command =MOUNT= all the movements prescribed in par. 354 for the commands, 1. =Prepare to mount=, 2. =MOUNT.= The troopers mount promptly, but not =in unison=.

The preparatory _signal_ for mounting, when followed _immediately_ by the signal of execution, will be understood as equivalent to the oral command =MOUNT=, and will be executed accordingly.

=356.= The squad being in line, the habitual commands for dismounting are: 1. =Prepare to dismount=, 2. =DISMOUNT=; 3. =Form=, 4. =RANK.= At the first command the odd numbers ride 4 yards directly to the front, regulating on the right, and all the troopers execute the movements and take the final position prescribed in par. 192-_a_. At the second command the troopers execute, simultaneously, the movements prescribed in par. 192-_b_. At the fourth command the even numbers lead into their intervals in the rank. The third and fourth commands are given only in case it is desired to form rank. The squad may be dismounted and, without forming rank, execute =rest= or =at ease= (par. 359), or be inspected, mounted, or dismissed. The modifications indicated for dismounting in column of fours and column of twos correspond to those prescribed in par. 354 for mounting from the corresponding formation, except that the horses are not habitually straightened in the column after dismounting unless the dismounted squad moves forward (the troopers leading their horses).

=357.= The preparatory oral command for dismounting, may be omitted. The squad then executes at the command =DISMOUNT= all the movements prescribed in par. 356 for the commands: 1. =Prepare to dismount=, 2. =DISMOUNT.= The troopers dismount promptly but not in unison.

The preparatory _signal_ for dismounting, when followed _immediately_ by the signal of execution, will be understood as equivalent to the oral command =DISMOUNT=, and will be executed accordingly.

=358.= Until the individual instruction of recruits has advanced to a point where they have acquired reasonable proficiency in mounting and dismounting, these movements will be executed at collective as well as at individual instruction by the commands and methods indicated in pars. 355 and 357. After such proficiency has been acquired, mounting and dismounting at close-order drills, at ceremonies, and at all occasions of a ceremonial nature will habitually be executed in unison by the commands and methods prescribed in pars. 354 and 356, respectively. The commands and methods prescribed in pars. 355 and 357, respectively, may, in the discretion of the commander, continue to be employed on all other duty.

THE RESTS AND ROUTE ORDER.

=359.= The mounted squad executes the =rests= and =route order= as prescribed in par. 221. After dismounting from line, =rest= or =at ease= may be given either before or after forming rank.

The dismounted squad executes the =rests= and =route order= as prescribed in pars. 60 and 61.

TO DISMISS THE SQUAD.

=360.= The squad, in =column of troopers=, is dismissed as prescribed for that formation in par. 222. The squad in =column of fours= is dismissed at the same command. The trooper on the right of the leading four leads out as indicated in par. 222 and is followed, in turn, by the other troopers of that four, then by the troopers of the next four, and so on successively to the rear of the column. In each four the troopers lead out in order from right to left. The dismissal from =column of twos= is similarly executed. The squad being =in line= is dismissed by the commands and methods prescribed in par. 222 for a line with intervals, except that the troopers, in order to have their proper distance, move out successively from right to left instead of simultaneously. At the commands: 1. =By the right and left=, 2. =FALL OUT=, the movement is executed in a similar manner from both flanks of the line. After having dismounted from line the squad may be dismissed without forming rank.

Dismounted, without horses and not under arms, the command is =DISMISSED=.

Dismounted, without horses but armed with the rifle, the squad is dismissed as in par. 114.

ALIGNMENTS.

=361.= At the preliminary instruction (conducted without formal command) the instructor has two troopers on the right of the rank move forward a convenient distance and halt. He then aligns these two troopers carefully, with the proper interval as =in line= (par. 368-_a_), and causes the other troopers to note the details of the alignment. The other troopers are then required to move up one at a time and align themselves, with the correct interval, on the line thus established. The troopers move forward, in order from right to left, at successive repetitions by the instructor of the caution =NEXT=. Each trooper, when on or near the line, executes =eyes right= (par. 64), aligns himself accurately on the line established by the trooper or troopers on his right, and looks to the front as soon as he thinks himself correctly aligned. The instructor explains and corrects any errors. Similar instruction is given the troopers in aligning themselves to the left. As soon as reasonable proficiency is attained but a single trooper is moved forward, and the alignment is made in the same manner upon the single trooper established as the base.

The instruction is similarly given with the center trooper moved to the front as a base. Two troopers, one on the right, the other on the left of the base, then move forward at each repetition of the caution =NEXT=.

The instructor observes in the mounted instruction: That each trooper moves his horse promptly and halts with his horse correctly disposed; that he sits squarely on his horse without advancing either shoulder or leaning his body to the front or rear; that he dresses promptly as he arrives on the line; and that he makes proper use of the aids (pars. 200 to 208).

In the first drills the basis of the alignment is established parallel to the front of the section; afterwards in oblique directions.

=362.= When the troopers have acquired reasonable proficiency in aligning themselves, as above, the alignment is executed at the command =DRESS=, given by the instructor from his position as leader. The trooper designated as the guide (par. 371) is always the base trooper of the alignment and places himself accurately 3 yards in rear of the leader. All the other troopers align themselves promptly on the base trooper, continuing to look toward him until the command, =FRONT=. At this last command, given when the alignment is completed, all turn the head and eyes quickly to the front and take the position of =attention= (pars. 59, 198). Movements in the rank then cease. The instructor then habitually faces the squad or goes to either flank to verify the accuracy of the dressing, first cautioning the guide to remain in place.

=363.= The troopers and their mounts must be so trained as to enable alignment and interval to be kept with sufficient accuracy to maintain cohesion in the mounted charge and to, present a creditable appearance at ceremonies and at other occasions of a formal or ceremonial character. A disproportionate amount of time and energy will not be devoted to this detail.

=364.= The use of dressing _by command_ is ordinarily confined to elementary instruction (as preparation for the march in line) and to formations of a distinctly ceremonial character. At all other times the troopers are required habitually to align themselves on the base trooper without special command and to look to the front as soon as aligned.

Formal dressing is employed only when the squad is at a halt.

=365.= The caution: =DRESS=, may, if necessary, be given to the squad when marching (par. 367); but it will not be employed when it is practicable to use instead cautions addressed by name to the individual trooper or troopers who are at fault.

=366.= Alignments, dismounted, are executed by the same general methods as when mounted. At the command: =DRESS=, the hand is placed upon the hip to verify the interval (par. 57). Each trooper in dressing so places himself that his right arm rests lightly against the arm of the man on his right and that his eyes and shoulders are in line with those of the man on his right. The left hand is dropped to the side at the command =FRONT=.

LEADING THE SQUAD.

(_See also_ pars. 322-332.)

=367.= The squad being in line at a halt, the instructor directs the guide (par. 371) to maintain a position at a distance of 3 yards (about one horse length) in rear of him and to follow accurately in his path, whether such path be a straight line or a curve. He explains to the other troopers that in marching they are so to regulate on the guide as to preserve as nearly as practicable their alignment and interval in the rank, individually increasing and decreasing the gait or pace (Def.) as may be necessary to do this. All are cautioned that they must learn to keep their proper positions in the rank without unnecessary rigidity without making sudden changes in gait or pace and without keeping their eyes constantly fixed on the guide. They are instructed that while riding with the head and eyes habitually directed as in par. 198 they will keep an alert lookout over the ground in front, cast frequent glances toward the leader so as to observe the latter's movements, and glance occasionally toward the guide to assure that the alignment is being correctly maintained. Having given these instructions, the leader places himself, facing to the front, 3 yards in front of the guide, commands: =FOLLOW ME=, and moves forward. The leader must be, careful to march steadily, so regulating his direction and gait at first as to enable the guide to conform without difficulty.

Each trooper keeps his horse straight in the rank, maintaining his alignment with the guide and his proper interval (par. 368-_a_) from the man next him on the side of the guide. The troopers yield to pressure from the side of the guide and resist pressure from the opposite direction. All adjustments are made gradually without crowding or confusion.

In the beginning the leader moves at a walk and makes only slight changes of direction. As the instructor completes each change of direction he indicates the _new_ direction of march by extending his arm as in signal =forward= (par. 990), dropping the hand to the side when the guide's horse is _straightened in the new direction_. When the troopers have become sufficiently practiced in adjusting themselves to the movements of the instructor, the latter makes the changes of direction more marked, and moves, during such changes, on the arcs of smaller circles. Finally, he requires the squad to apply the principles of leading in the manner indicated in pars. 346-349. As each movement is taken up the principles of leading that apply are explained in detail, so that all may understand clearly the identity and position of the base. The base trooper (guide) must clearly understand his duties. (Fig. 31.)

SQUAD FORMATIONS.

The formations of the squad for drill, march, or combat are as follows:

CLOSE ORDER.

=368.= (_a_) =Line=: The troopers are abreast of each other with intervals (Def.) of 6 inches (mounted) or 4 inches (dismounted) between troopers.

(_b_) =Column of fours=: The troopers of each four are arranged as =in line=. The fours follow successively one behind another with distances (Def.) between Successive fours of 4 feet, mounted, or 92 inches, dismounted. When a four includes less than four troopers it is an =incomplete four=. Places in an incomplete four are habitually filled in the following order: No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 1 (par. 374).

(_c_) =Column of twos=: The troopers of each two are arranged as =in line=, the twos following successively, one behind another, with distances between successive twos of 4 feet, mounted, or 40 inches, dismounted. If any two have but a single trooper the latter takes the position corresponding to the right trooper of the incomplete two (par. 374).

(_d_) =Column of troopers=: The troopers of each four follow successively, one behind another, with distances between consecutive troopers of 4 feet when mounted, or 14 inches when dismounted.

EXTENDED ORDER.

(_e_) =Foragers=: The troopers are abreast of each other, with intervals of 3 yards between troopers, unless some other interval be specially designated.

The dismounted formation corresponding to =foragers= is =skirmishers=. The interval between troopers in line of skirmishers is one-half pace unless some other interval be designated.

_In the employment of a squad or other small detachment the designation of a greater interval than one-half pace is habitual rather than exceptional (par. 408)._

In a line of skirmishers at one-half pace interval each man may be considered as occupying, including his interval, about 1 yard of front.

The squad may also be extended in depth as prescribed in par. 413.

ORDER IN THE SQUAD.

=369.= When it is said that a unit is =in order= in any formation it is meant that the arrangement and condition of the component elements is such that the unit is ready to execute, in the accustomed manner, any movement that is intended to be executed from the formation in question. The conditions essential to =order= in each formation of the squad are stated in paragraph 370. The squad, =in line=, for example, would not be =in order= if the troopers did not know their numbers, for it could then execute no movement based upon the division into fours, twos, or troopers.

=370.= The squad =in line=, =column of fours=, or =foragers= is =in order= when the troopers of each four are arranged, from right to left in the four, in the order of their respective numbers, and each knows his number.

The squad =in column of twos= is =in order= when the twos of each four are next to each other in the column, odd numbers on the right, and each trooper knows his number.

When the two composed of 1 and 2 is in front, the column is said to be =right in front=; when the two composed of 3 and 4 is in front, the column is said to be =left in front=.

The squad =in column of troopers= is =in order= when the troopers of each four are next to one another in the column, are arranged from front to rear in the order 1, 2, 3, 4, or 4, 3, 2, 1, and each trooper knows his number. When the order is 1, 2, 3, 4, the column is said to be =right in front=; when the order is 4, 3, 2, 1, =left in front=.

It is not necessary to order in the squad, in any of the above formations, that a particular trooper or troopers be in any designated four, nor that the fours have any special relative order from right to left or front to rear.

GUIDE OF THE SQUAD.

(_see also_ Def. =Base=, and par. 326.)

=371.= At the original formation of the squad =in line=, the leader designates a trooper by name as =guide= of the squad. The guide of the squad =in line= and =foragers= is habitually a trooper at or near the center of the squad; any trooper may, however, be designated as guide.

=372.= A trooper having once been designated as guide of the squad in line continues to act as such, =in line= or =foragers=, until another trooper be specifically designated as guide. With a view, however, to avoiding possible doubt as to the identity of the guide, the leader at each change of formation that terminates in line or foragers habitually indicates the guide of the new formation.

=373.= To designate the guide the leader cautions: (So-and-so) =THE GUIDE=, and habitually places himself 3 yards in front of the trooper named if not already in that position. A trooper designated as guide will, at the time of the designation, raise his hand or weapon to a position vertically above his head, hold the position for a moment, and then lower his arm to his side without further command. The leader or his assistant may at any time cause the guide thus to indicate his identity to the other troopers by cautioning: =GUIDE=. The leader may change the guide of the squad in line at any time by indicating =disregard= (par. 990), placing himself in front of another trooper and designating the latter as guide in the manner prescribed above.

=374.= The base of the squad in each of the column formations is the leading element (four, two, or trooper, respectively).

The guide of the leading (base) element is also the guide of the squad. In each four No. 2 is the guide; in each two the right trooper (No. 1 or No. 3). In an incomplete four or two the position of the guide is always filled. The guide of each element in rear of the base follows in the trace of the guide of the base (leading) element at the prescribed distance.

=375.= Whenever in the execution of any movement a four or two moves to its new position by an oblique (or movement approximating an oblique) the trooper on the side toward which the oblique is made acts as guide of the element during the oblique. At all other times the guide in a four or two is as indicated in par. 374 unless specially otherwise stated.

=376.= The guide of the squad habitually follows the leader at 3 yards distance, but the leader may designate a greater distance, in which case the guide marches accordingly.

=377.= When a guide temporarily is =directing guide= (par. 324), it is necessary that he continue accurately in the direction of march or in the direction indicated for him by the leader. This is an application of the marching upon fixed points prescribed in the =School of the Trooper= (par. 232).

MOVEMENTS EXECUTED BY THE SQUAD.

=378.= Any formation (close or extended order) prescribed for the squad may be taken directly from any other _close-order_ formation. Being in extended order the squad, to pass directly to close order, must execute the assembly or rally.

=379.= Subject to such modifications as are indicated under the respective paragraphs describing the movements, the =dismounted squad= executes, at the same commands as prescribed for the mounted squad, such movements as are not obviously inapplicable to dismounted duty. The execution of the dismounted movements will, where differences in the mounted and dismounted methods necessarily exist, be in accord with the principles explained in the =School of the Trooper, Dismounted=, corresponding changes in the details of execution being made.

=380.= The general principles regulating gait and pace for both mounted and dismounted movements are stated in pars. 333-339. Modifications of those principles, if any, are stated under the corresponding paragraphs in the =School of the Squad=.

COMMANDS AND CORRESPONDING ARM SIGNALS.

=381.= Following is a list of the principal commands employed in the =School of the Squad=, together with the corresponding arm signals, if any. The list includes only a few of the commands also found in the =School of the Trooper= (mounted or dismounted.) The commands are arranged alphabetically for convenient reference. The description of the signals will be found in par. 990.

-------------------------------+-------+---------------------------
COMMANDS. | PARS. | ARM SIGNALS.
-------------------------------+-------+---------------------------
=1. Assemble, 2. MARCH= | 414 | =Assemble.=[7]
| |
=1. Backward, 2. MARCH= | 384 | None.
| |
=1. By the right (left) flank, | |
2. MARCH= | 411 | =March to the flank.=[7]
| |
=CIRCLE HORSES= | 428 | None.
| |
=1. Column, 2. MARCH= | 399 | =Column.=[7]
| |
=1. Column half right (left), | |
2. MARCH= | 396 | Change direction.[7]
| | (_See_ par. 386.)
| |
=1. Column of twos, 2. MARCH= | 399 | =Column--twos.=[8]
| |
=1. Column right (left), | |
2. MARCH= | 396 | =Change direction.=[7]
| | (_See_ par. 386.)
| |
=COUPLE HEAD AND TAIL= | 427 | None.
| |
=DISMOUNT= | 357 | =Prepare to dismount.=[7]
| | (Given as explained in par.
| | 357.)
| |
=1. Foragers, 2. MARCH= { 408 } =Foragers.=[7]
{ 410 }
| |
=1. Forward, 2. MARCH= { 382 } =Forward.=[7]
{ 412 }
| |
=1. Fours right (left), { 391 } =March to the flank.=[7]
2. MARCH= { 400 }
| |
=1. Fours right (left) about, { 401 } =To the rear[7] (left about
2. MARCH= { 402 } only).=
| |
=1. Fours right (left), |403-_c_| None.
column left (right)=; | |
=2 MARCH.= | |
| |
=1. Fours (twos or troopers) | 413 | None.
at so many yards distance, | |
2. MARCH.= | |
| |
=1. Gallop, 2. MARCH= | 382 | From the trot only:
| | =Increase the gait.=[7][9]
| |
=HORSES BACK= | 432 | None
| |
=INCLINE TO THE RIGHT= { 390 } None
{ 396 }
| |
=1. Nos. 1, 2, and 4; | 436 | None.
2. FORM ON FOOT MOUNT= | 355 | =Prepare to mount.= (Given
| | as explained in par. 355.)
| |
=1. Prepare to dismount, { 356 } =Prepare to dismount.=[7]
2. DISMOUNT= { 358 }
| |
=1. Prepare to mount, { 354 } =Prepare to mount.=[7]
2. MOUNT= { 358 }
| |
=RALLY= | 416 | =Rally= (no preparatory signal).
| | Oral command habitually
| | accompanies signal.
| |
=1. Right (left) by fours, |403-_a_| None.
2. MARCH= | |
| |
=1. Right (left) by troopers, {393-_b_} None.
2. MARCH= {403-_b_}
| |
=1. Right (left) by twos, |393-_a_| None
2. MARCH= |403-_b_|
| |
=1. Right (left) forward, |403-_d_| None.
fours right (left)=; | |
=2. MARCH.= | |
| |
=1. Right (left) half turn, | 388 | =Change direction.=[7] The
2. MARCH; 3. Forward, | | signal of execution for the
4. MARCH=; or 3. =Squad=, | | change of direction is
4. =HALT.= | | followed by =forward or
| | halt=[7] (par. 386).
| |
=1. Right (left) front into | 409 | None.
foragers= | |
(or =skirmishers=), | |
2. MARCH.= | |
| |
=1. Right (left) front into | 397 | None.
line, 2. MARCH= | |
| |
=1. Right (left) turn, | 386 | Change direction.[7] The
2. MARCH; 3. Forward | | signal of execution for the
4. MARCH; or 3. Squad, | | change of direction is
4. HALT= | | followed by =forward=[7] or
| | =halt=.[7]
| |
=1. Skirmishers, 2. MARCH= { 408 } =Skirmishers.=[7]
{ 410 }
| |
=1. Squad, 2. HALT= | 383 | =Halt.=[7]
| |
=TO FIGHT ON FOOT.= When given | 430 | =To fight on foot.= (No
orally the indication =ACTION| | preparatory signal.)
RIGHT= (=LEFT, FRONT=) is | |
habitually added to the above| |
command. =FIRE AT WILL= may | |
also immediately follow the | |
above command (par. 430). | |
| |
=1. To the rear, 2. MARCH= | 412 | =To the rear.=[7]
| |
=1. Troopers right (left) | 402 | To the rear[7] (left about
about, 2. MARCH.= (Given | | only).
only from column of troopers.) |
| |
=1. Troopers right (left) | 385 | None.
oblique, 2. MARCH.= | |
| |
=1. Trot, 2. MARCH= | 239 | From the =walk=: =Increase
| | the gait.=[7][9]
| | From the =gallop=: =Decrease
| | the gait.=[7][9]
| |
=1. Twos right (left), | 400 | =March to the flank.=[7]
2. MARCH.= (Given only from | |
column of twos and as an | |
exceptional movement.) | |
| |
=1. Twos right (left) about, | 402 | To the =rear=[7] (left about
2. MARCH.= (Given only from | | only).
column of twos.) | |
| |
=1. Walk, 2. MARCH= | 239 | From the trot only: =Decrease=
| | =the gait.=[7][9]
-------------------------------+-------+-------------------------------

[Footnote 7: Signals marked thus are preparatory signals; the
signal of execution in each case is made as prescribed in
par. 990.]

[Footnote 8: In signals marked thus (combination signals) the
preparatory signal consists of more than one element; the
signal of execution follows the last element of the
preparatory signal.]

[Footnote 9: See pars. 239, 333. When a gait signal is added
to the preparatory command the resulting signal is given as a
combination signal.]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MOVEMENTS, CLOSE ORDER.

=382.= =Being in line at a halt, to march to the front:= 1. =Forward=, 2. =MARCH.=

The leader moves forward, followed at a distance of 3 yards by the guide (par. 371). The other troopers conform to the march of the guide as explained in par. 367.

=Being at a halt, to move forward at a trot or gallop=, the commands are (par. 333): 1. =Forward, trot=, or 1. =Forward, gallop=; 2. =MARCH.=

Increases of gait are habitually made progressively (par. 239).

The march of the squad in line, dismounted, is conducted in accordance with the provisions of pars. 68-74.

=383.= =Marching in line, to halt=: 1. =Squad=, 2. =HALT.=

All halt at the second command.

The troopers, if not already aligned, align themselves without command on the guide as they halt (par. 364). Movement in the rank then ceases.

If marching at the trot or gallop, the gait is ordinarily decreased progressively, the halt being executed from the walk (par. 239).

=384.= =Being in line at a halt, to march backward=: 1. =Backward=, 2. =MARCH.=

All the troopers rein back (par. 280), regulating on the guide, who maintains his distance from the leader. The execution of the march backward as a _collective movement_ is habitually limited to cases where the movement may be necessary; it is then executed for short distances only. It is not executed at an increased gait.

=385.= =Being in line, to oblique and resume the original direction=: 1. =Troopers right (left) oblique=, 2. =MARCH.=

Executed by each trooper as in par. 230. During the oblique march the right knee of each trooper should be just in rear of the left knee of the trooper on his fight; the trooper on the flank toward which the oblique is made acts temporarily without special indication as directing guide (Def.) of the squad. The line during the oblique march should be parallel to its original direction. The leader does not take position in front of the flank trooper during the oblique.

Halting the mounted squad while at the oblique should be avoided. If the squad has to be halted thus, the troopers upon halting turn their horses to the original front in so far as practicable.

To resume the original direction by similar means, the commands are: 1. =Forward=, 2. =MARCH.=

In executing the oblique by trooper, dismounted, each trooper preserves his relative position, keeping his shoulders parallel to those of the directing guide and so regulating his step that the rank may remain parallel to its original front. In resuming the original direction, the troopers half face to the left in marching, then move straight to the front. If at =half step= or =mark time= while obliquing, the oblique march is resumed by the commands: 1 =Oblique=, 2. =MARCH.= Should the halt be commanded while the squad is obliquing, the troopers halt faced to the front (fig. 32).

=386.= =Being in line, to turn to the right or left=: 1. =Right (left) turn=, 2. =MARCH=; 3. =Forward=, 4. =MARCH=; or 3. =Squad=, 4. =HALT.=

The principle of the movement is explained in par. 329-a.

The form of the third and fourth commands is determined by whether the turn is to terminate with the advance in line or with the halt.

In the turn the squad is led by its leader (par. 367) through a change of direction of 90°. The leader (and, therefore, the guide) are restricted not only to this particular change of direction but also to a particular arc or path during the turn (par. 387).

There is no special arm signal for the _turn_ as such; but, as the turn is a change of direction, the signal for the latter movement is applicable. The signal for the change of direction does not in itself indicate the degree of the turn, but the leader's subsequent signal forward or halt indicates when the change of direction is to cease.

In the turn, as in any case of the march in line, the leader, subject to the restrictions just indicated, regulates the direction and gait of march, the guide conforms to the movements of the leader, and all the other troopers regulate their alignment and interval on the guide. The rate of march of the leader and the guide should not be so rapid as to make it impracticable for the troopers on the marching flank of the squad to preserve their alignment on the guide during the turn. The guide moves in the _trace of the leader during the turn_, as well as before and after the turn. When the turn is executed by the _marching squad_ the leader gives the command after he has begun to change direction and at the moment when the guide arrives at the _point where the leader straightened his horse in the new direction_ (par. 471). When executed from a _halt_ the second command can not be given as above indicated. The leader in that case begins to turn at the command of execution, while the guide, instead of beginning the actual turn at once, moves forward so as to move, during the turn, _in the trace of the leader_ (par. 367).

In executing the turn dismounted the leader so regulates the length of step of the guide that the _trooper on the marching flank_ can keep the regular step corresponding to the gait at which the turn is made. The other troopers lengthen or shorten the step accordingly, maintaining the cadence and their alignment and interval with respect to the guide. If the turn be terminated by the commands: 3. =Forward=, 4. =MARCH=, all the troopers resume the regular step at the fourth command.

=387.= In executing the turn in a _squad_ or _platoon_, the leader, followed by the guide, so turns on the arc of a circle that the pivot trooper, in _conforming to the guide's movements_, marches on the arc of a circle whose radius varies with the gait of the guide, this radius being 2 yards at a walk, 4 yards at a trot, and 6 yards at a gallop. When the turn is executed dismounted the corresponding radius, in either quick or double time, is 1 yard.

=388.= At the command: 1. =Right (left) half turn=, 2. =MARCH=; 3. =Forward=, 4. =MARCH=; or 3. =Squad=, 4. =HALT=, a change of direction of 45° may be made in accordance with the principles explained in pars. 386 and 387. The arm signal for the half turn follows the rule indicated for the full turn (par. 386).

=389.= In all movements in these regulations in the course of which =fours=, =twos=, or =troopers= execute a turn or half turn this last movement is made by each element in accordance with the principles explained in pars. 386 and 387, except that the commands 3. =Forward=, 4. =MARCH=, are omitted and each element continues the march in the new direction, upon completion of the turn, unless the commands: 3. =Squad=, 4. =HALT=, are given. The guide of a four in the turn is always No. 2; the guide of a two the right trooper.

=390.= Where only a slight change in the direction of march is desired; it is habitually accomplished by leading without any special command or signal therefor. The leader may caution: =INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT)=. The execution of this movement, like that of the turn, is a special case of leading applied to the march in line. The leader slightly alters the direction of march, the guide conforms to the leader's movements, and the other troopers conform to the movements of the guide.

=391.= =Being in line, to form column of fours to a flank=: 1. =Fours right (left)=, 2. =MARCH.=