Chapter VII: Part II: ) (2)

=208. Certain movements executed by company and by platoon as prescribed in Schools of the Soldier and the Squad.= The company executes the =halt=, =rests=, =facings=, =steps=, and =marchings=, =manual of arms=, =loadings=, and =firings=, takes =intervals= and =distances= and =assembles=, =increases= and =diminishes intervals=, resumes =attention=, =obliques=, resumes the direct march, preserves alignments, =kneels=, =lies down=, =rises=, =stacks=, and =takes arms=, as explained in the Schools of the Soldier and the Squad, substituting in the commands =company= for =squad=.

The same rule applies to platoons, detachments, details, etc., substituting their designation for =squad= in the commands. In the same manner these execute the movements prescribed for the company, whenever possible, substituting their designation for =company= in the commands. (165)

=209. Depleted company led as platoon.= A company so depleted as to make division into platoons impracticable is led by the captain as a single platoon, but retains the designation of company. The lieutenants and first sergeant assist in fire control; the other sergeants place themselves in the firing line as skirmishers. (166)

CLOSE ORDER

Rules

=210. Platoon guides.= The guides of the right and left, or leading and rear, platoons, are 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. (167)

=211. Guides of a column of squads; changing guides and file closers to opposite flank.= 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 the column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the side of the guide. (168)

=212. File closers do not execute loadings or firings; execution of manual of arms and other movements.= 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. (169)

=213. Action of guides in taking intervals and distances.= 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 position in line. (170)

=214. Repetition of commands by platoon leaders in platoon drill.= 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. (171)

To Form the Company

=215.= 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 succession from right, salute and report: =All present=; or, =Private(s) ---- absent.= The first sergeant does not return the salutes of the squad leaders; he then commands: =1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order, 4. ARMS=, faces about, salutes the captain, reports: =Sir, all present or accounted for=, or the names of the unauthorized absentees, and, without command, takes his post.

If the company can not be formed by squads, the first sergeant commands: =1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Right shoulder, 4. ARMS=, and calls the roll. Each man, as his name is called, answers here and executes order arms. The sergeant then effects the division into squads and reports the company as prescribed above.

The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the center of, and facing, the company in time to receive the report of the first sergeant, whose salute he returns, and then draws saber.

The lieutenants take their posts when the first sergeant has reported and draw saber with the captain. The company, if not under arms, is formed in like manner omitting reference to arms. (172)

=216.= For the instruction of platoon leaders and guides, the company, when small, may be formed in single rank. In this formation close order movements only are executed. The single rank executes all movements as explained for the front rank of a company. (173)

To Dismiss the Company

=217.= Being in line at a halt, the captain directs the first sergeant: =Dismiss the company.= The officers fall out; the first sergeant places himself faced to the front, 3 paces to the front and 2 paces from the nearest flank of the company, salutes, faces toward opposite flank of the company and commands: =1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS, 5. DISMISSED.= (174)

Alignments

=218.= The alignments are executed as prescribed in the School of the Squad, the guide being established instead of the flank file. The rear-rank man of the flank file keeps his head and eyes to the front and covers his file leader.

At each alignment the captain places himself in prolongation of the line, 2 paces from and facing the flank toward which the dress is made, verifies the alignment, and commands: =FRONT.=

Platoon leaders take a like position when required to verify alignments. (175)

Movements on the Fixed Pivot

=219.= Being in line, to turn the company: =1. Company right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT;= or, =3. Forward, 4. MARCH.=

At the second command the right-flank man[1] in the front rank faces to the right in marching and marks time; the other front-rank men oblique to the right, place themselves abreast of the pivot, and mark time; in the rear rank the third man from the right, followed in column by the second and first, moves straight to the front until in rear of his front-rank man, when all face to the right in marching and mark time; the remaining men of the rear rank move straight to the front 4 paces, oblique to the right, place themselves abreast of the third man, cover their file leaders, and mark time, the right guide steps back, takes post on the flank, and marks time.

The fourth command is given when the last man is 1 pace in rear of the new line.

The command =halt= may be given at any time after the movement begins; only those halt who are in the new position. Each of the others halts upon arriving on the line, aligns himself to the right, and executes =front= without command. (176)

=220.= Being in line, to form column of platoons, or the reverse: =1. Platoons right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT=; or, =3. Forward, 4. MARCH.=

Executed by each platoon as described for the company.

Before forming line the captain sees that the guides on the flank toward which the movement is to be executed are covering. This is effected by previously announcing the guide to that flank. (177)

=221.= Being in line, to form column of squads, or the reverse; or, being in line of platoons, to form column of platoons, or the reverse: =1. Squads right (left), 2. MARCH=; or, =1. Squads right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT=.

Executed by each squad as described in the School of the Squad.

If the company or platoons be formed in line toward the side of the file closers, they dart through the column and take posts in rear of the company at the second command. If the column of squads be formed from line, the file closers take posts on the pivot flank, abreast of and 4 inches from the nearest rank. (178)

Movements on the Moving Pivot

=222.= Being in line, to change direction: =1. Right (Left) turn, 2. MARCH, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.=

Executed as described in the School of the Squad, except that the men do not glance toward the marching flank and that all take the full step at the fourth command. The right guide is the pivot of the front rank. Each rear-rank man obliques on the same ground as his file leader. (179)

=223.= Being in column of platoons, to change direction: =1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH.=

At the first command the leader of the leading platoon commands: =Right turn.= At the command =march= the leading platoon turns to the right on moving pivot; its leader commands: =1. Forward, 2. MARCH=, on completion of the turn. Rear =platoons= march squarely up to the turning point of the leading platoons =and turn= at command of their leaders. (180)

=224.= Being in column of squads, to change direction: =1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH.=

At the second command the front rank of the leading squad turns to the right on moving pivot as in the School of the Squad; the other ranks, without command turn successively on the same ground and in a similar manner. (181)

=225.= Being in column of squads, to form line of platoons or the reverse: =1. Platoons, column right (left), 2. MARCH.=

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. (182)

=226.= Being in line, to form column of squads and change direction: =1. Squads right (left), column right (left), 2. MARCH=; or, =1. Right (Left) by squads, 2. MARCH.=

In the first case the right squad initiates the =column right= as soon as it has completed the =squad right=.

In the second case, at the command =march=, the right squad marches =forward=; the remainder of the company executes =squads right=, =column left=, and follows the right squad. The right guide, when he has posted himself in front of the squad, takes four short steps, then resumes the full step; the right quad conforms. (183)

=227.= Being in line, to form line of platoons: =1. Squads right (left), platoons, column right (left), 2. MARCH=; or, =1. Platoons, right (left) by squads, 2. MARCH=.

Executed by each platoon as described for the company in the preceding paragraph. (184)

Facing or Marching to the Rear

=228.= Being in line, line of platoons, or in column of platoons or squads, to face or march to the rear: =1. Squads right (left) about, 2. MARCH=; or, =1. Squad right (left) about, 2. MARCH; 3. Company, 4. HALT.=

Executed by each squad as described in the School of the Squad.

If the company or platoons be in column of squads, the file closers turn about toward the column, and take their posts; if in line, each darts through the nearest interval between squads. (185).

=229.= To march to the rear for a few paces: =1. About, 2. FACE, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.=

If in line, the guides place themselves in the rear rank, now the front rank; the file closers, on facing about, maintain their relative positions. No other movement is executed until the line is faced to the original front. (186)

On Right (Left) Into Line

=230.= Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line on right or left: =1. On right (left) into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.=

At the first command the leader of the leading unit commands: =Right turn.= The leaders of the other units command: =Forward=, if at a halt. At the second command the leading unit turns to the right on moving pivot. The command halt is given when the leading unit has advanced the desired distance in the new direction; it halts; its leader then commands: =Right dress.=

The units in rear continue to march straight to the front; each, when opposite the right of its place in line, executes right turn at the command of its leader; each is halted on the line at the command of its leader, who then commands: =Right dress.= All dress on the first unit in line.

If executed in double time, the leading squad marches in double time until halted. (187)

Front Into Line

=231.= Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line to the front: =1. Right (Left) front into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.=

At the first command the leaders of the units in rear of the leading one command: =Right oblique.= If at a halt, the leader of the leading unit commands: =Forward.= At the second command the leading unit moves straight forward; the rear units oblique as indicated. The command =halt= is given when the leading unit has advanced the desired distance; it halts; its leader then commands: =Left dress.= Each of the rear units, when opposite its place in line, resumes the original direction at the command of its leader; each is halted on the line at the command of its leader, who then commands: =Left dress.= All dress on the first unit in line. (188)

=232.= Being in column of squads to form column of platoons, or being line of platoons, to form the company in line: =1. Platoons, right (left) front into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.=

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. In forming the company in line, the dress is on the left squad of the left platoon. If forming column of platoons, platoon leaders verify the alignment before taking their posts; the captain commands =front= when the alignments have been verified.

When =front into line= is executed in double time the commands for halting and aligning are omitted and the guide is toward the side of the first unit in line. (189)

At Ease and Route Step

=233.= The column of squads is the habitual column of route, but =route step= and =at ease= are applicable to any marching formation. (190)

To march at route step: =1. Route step, 2. MARCH.=

Sabers are carried at will or in the scabbard; the men carry their pieces at will, keeping the muzzles elevated; they are not required to preserve silence, nor to keep the step. The ranks cover and preserve their distance. If halted from route step, the men stand =at rest=. (191)

To march at ease: =1. At ease, 2. MARCH.=

The company marches as in route step, except that silence is preserved; when halted, the men remain =at ease=. (192)

Marching at route step or at ease: =1. Company, 2. ATTENTION.=

At the command =attention= the pieces are brought to the right shoulder and the cadenced step in quick time is resumed. (193)

To Diminish The Front of A Column of Squads

=234.= Being in column of squads: =1. Right (left) by twos, 2. MARCH.=

At the command =march= all files except the two right files of the leading squad execute =in place halt=; the two left files of the leading squad oblique to the right when disengaged and follow the right files at the shortest practicable distance. The remaining squads follow successively in like manner. (194)

=235.= Being in column of squads or twos: =1. Right (Left) by file, 2. MARCH.=

At the command =march=, all files execute =in place halt= except the right file of the leading two or squad. The left file or files of the leading two or squad oblique successively to the right when disengaged and each follows the file on its right at the shortest practicable distance. The remaining twos or squads follow successively in like manner. (195)

Being in column of files or twos, to form column of squads; or, being in column of files, to form column of twos: =1. Squads (Twos), right (left) front into line, 2. MARCH.=

At the command =march=, the leading file or files halt. The remainder of the squad, or two, obliques to the right and halts on line with the leading file or files. The remaining squads or twos close up and successively form in rear of the first in like manner.

This diagram illustrates a squad executing =LEFT= front into line.

The movement described in this paragraph will be ordered =right= or =left=, so as to restore the files to their normal relative positions in the two or squad. (196)

The movements prescribed in the three preceding paragraphs are difficult of execution at attention and have no value as disciplinary exercises. (197)

EXTENDED ORDER

Rules for Deployment

=236. Designation of base squads.= The command =guide right= (=left= or =center=) indicates the base squad for the deployment; if in line it designates the actual =right= (=left= or =center=) squad; if in column the command =guide right (left)= designates the =leading= squad, and the command =guide center= designates the =center= squad, as laid down in par. 205. After the deployment is completed, the guide is =center= without command, unless otherwise ordered. (199)

=237. Action of squad leaders at preparatory command for forming skirmish line.= At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, from either column of squads or line, each squad leader (except the leader of the base squad, when his squad does not advance) cautions his squad, =follow me= or =by the right (left) flank=, as the case may be; at the command march, he steps in front of his squad and leads it to its place in line, as explained in par. 169. (200)

=238. Point on which base squad marches.= Having given the command for forming skirmish line, the captain, if necessary, indicates to the corporal of the base squad the point on which the squad is to march; the corporal habitually looks to the captain for such directions. (201)

=239. Deployment of the squads.= The base squad (par. 199) is deployed as soon as it has sufficient interval. The other squads are deployed as they arrive on the general line; each corporal halts in his place in line and commands or signals, as =skirmishers= (executed as prescribed in par. 170); the squad deploys and halts abreast of him.

If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is deployed before arriving on the line. (202)

=240. Alignment of deployed lines; deployed line faces to front on halting.= Deployed lines preserve a general alignment toward the guide, as prescribed in par. 65. Within their respective fronts, individuals or units march so as best to secure cover or to facilitate the advance, but the general and orderly progress of the whole is paramount.

On halting, a deployed line faces to the front (direction of the enemy) in all cases and takes advantage of cover, the men lying down if necessary. (203)

=241. Certain movements in extended order executed by same commands as in close order.= The company in skirmish line =advances, halts=, moves =by the flank=, or =to the rear, obliques=, resumes =the direct march=, passes from =quick to double time= and the reverse by the same commands and in a similar manner as in close order; if at a halt, the movement by =the flank= or =to the rear= is executed by the same commands as when marching. =Company right (left, half right, half left)= is executed as explained for the front rank (in par. 165) skirmish intervals being maintained. (See par. 171.) (204)

=242. Deployment of platoons and detachments.= A platoon or other part of the company is deployed and marched in the same manner as the company, substituting in the commands, =platoon= (=detachments=, etc.), for =company=. (205)

Deployments (See pars. 170-172.)

=243.= Being in line, to form skirmish line to the front: =1. As skirmishers, guide right (left or center), 2. MARCH.=

If marching, the corporal of the base squad moves straight to the front; when that squad has advanced the desired distance, the captain commands: =1. Company, 2. HALT.= If the guide be =right (left)=, the other corporals move to the =left (right)= front, and, in succession from the base, place their squads on the line; if the guide be center, the other corporals move to the right or left front, according as they are on the right or left of the center squad, and in succession from the center squad place their squads on the line.

If at a halt, the base squad is deployed without advancing; the other squads may be conducted to their proper places by the flank; interior squads may be moved when squads more distant from the base have gained comfortable marching distance. (206)

=244.= Being in column of squads, to form skirmish line to the front: =1. As skirmishers, guide right (left or center), 2. MARCH.=

If marching, the corporal of the base squad deploys it and moves straight to the front; if at a halt, he deploys his squad without advancing. If the guide be =right (left)=, the other corporals move to the =left (right) front=, and, in succession from the base, place their squads on the line; if the guide be =center=, the corporals in front of the center squad move to the right (if at a halt, to the right rear), the corporals in rear of the center squad move to the left front, and each, in succession from the base, places his squad on the line.

The column of twos or files is deployed by the same commands and in like manner. (207)

=245. Deployment in an oblique direction.= The company in line or in column of squads may be deployed in an oblique direction by the same commands. The captain points out the desire direction; the corporal of the base squad moves in the direction indicated; the other corporals conform. (208)

=246. Deployment to flank or rear.= To form skirmish line to the flank or rear the line or the column of squads is turned by squads to the flank or rear and then deployed as described. (209)

=247. Increasing or decreasing intervals.= The intervals between men are increased or decreased as described in the School of the Squad, as explained in par. 172, adding to the preparatory command, =guide right (left or center)= if necessary, as explained in par. 236. (210)

The Assembly

=248.= The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the element on which the company is to assemble and commands: =1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.=

If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated point and the company is reformed in line. If assembled by platoons, these are conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and the company is reformed in line.

Platoons may be assembled by the command: =1. Platoons, assemble, 2. MARCH.=

Executed by each platoon as described for the company.

One or more platoons may be assembled by the command: =1. Such platoon (s), assemble, 2. MARCH.=

Executed by the designated platoon or platoons as described for the company. (211)

The Advance

=249. Methods of advancing.= The advance of a company into an engagement (whether for attack or defense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, until the probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy. After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance of the company may be continued in skirmish line or other suitable formation, depending upon circumstances. The advance may often be facilitated, or better advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the employment of the =platoon= or =squad columns=, as laid down in pars. 250-251, or by the use of a =succession of thin lines=, as explained in par. 255. The selection of the method to be used is made by the captain or major, the choice depending upon conditions arising during the progress of the advance. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will generally be best to assemble the company and proceed in close order.

Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise. (212)

=250.= Being in skirmish line: =1. Platoon columns, 2 MARCH.=

The platoon leaders move forward through the center of their respective platoons; men to the right of the platoon leader march to the left and follow him in file; those to the left march in like manner to the right; each platoon leader thus conducts the march of his platoon in double column of files; platoon guides follow in rear of their respective platoons to insure prompt and orderly execution of the advance. (213)

=251.= Being in skirmish line: =1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH.=

Each squad leader moves to the front; the members of each squad oblique toward and follow their squad leader in single file at easy marching distances. (214)

=252.= Platoon columns are profitably used where the ground is so difficult or cover so limited as to make it desirable to take advantage of the few favorable routes; no two platoons should march within the area of burst of a single shrapnel[2]. =Squad columns= are of value principally in facilitating the advance over rough or brush-grown ground; they afford no material advantage in securing cover. (215)

=253.= To deploy platoon or squad columns: =1. As skirmishers, 2. MARCH.=

Skirmishers move to the right or left front and successively place themselves in their original positions on the line. (216)

=254.= Being in platoon or squad columns: =1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.=

The platoon or squad leaders signal =assemble=. The men of each platoon or squad, as the case may be, advance and, moving to the right and left, take their proper places in line, each unit assembling on the leading element of the column and re-forming in line. The platoon or squad leaders conduct their units toward the element or point indicated by the captain, and to their places in line; the company is reformed in line. (217)

=255.= Being in skirmish line, to advance by a succession of =thin lines=: =1. (Such numbers), forward, 2. MARCH.=

The captain points out in advance the selected position in front of the line occupied. The designated number of each squad moves to the front; the line thus formed preserves the original intervals as nearly as practicable; when this line has advanced a suitable distance (generally from 100 to 250 yards, depending upon the terrain and the character of the hostile fire), a second is sent forward by similar commands, and so on at irregular distances until the whole line has advanced. Upon arriving at the indicated position, the first line is halted. Successive lines, upon arriving, halt on line with the first and the men take their proper places in the skirmish line.

Ordinarily each line is made up of one man per squad and the men of a squad are sent forward in order from right to left as deployed. The first line is led by the platoon leader of the right platoon, the second by the guide of the right platoon, and so on in order from right to left.

The advance is conducted in quick time unless conditions demand a faster gait.

The company having arrived at the indicated position, a further advance by the same means may be advisable. (218)

=256. Use and purpose of advance in succession of thin lines.= The advance in a succession of thin lines is used to cross a wide stretch swept, or likely to be swept, by artillery fire or heavy, long-range rifle fire which cannot profitably be returned. Its purpose is the building up of a strong skirmish line preparatory to engaging in a fire fight. This method of advancing results in serious (though temporary) loss of control over the company. Its advantage lies in the fact that it offers a less definite target, hence is less likely to draw fire. (219)

=257. Improvised formations.= The above are suggestions. Other and better formations may be devised to fit particular cases. The best formation is the one which advances the line farthest with the least loss of men, time, and control. (220)

The Fire Attack

=258. Advance of firing line; advance by rushes.= The principles governing the advance of the firing line in attack are considered in the School of the Battalion. (See par. 342-356.)

When it becomes impracticable for the company to advance as whole by ordinary means, it advances by rushes. (221)

=259. Advancing by rushes.= Being in skirmish line: =1. By platoon (two platoons, squad, four men, etc.), from the right (left), 2. RUSH.=

The platoon leader on the indicated flank carefully arranges the details for a prompt and vigorous execution of the rush and puts it into effect as soon as practicable. If necessary, he designates the leader for the indicated fraction. When about to rush, he causes the men of the fraction to cease firing and to hold themselves flat, but in readiness to spring forward instantly. The leader of the rush (at the signal of the platoon leader, if the latter be not the leader of the rush) commands: Follow me, and running at top speed, leads the fraction to the new line, where he halts it and causes it to open fire. The leader of the rush selects the new line if it has not been previously designated.

The first fraction having established itself on the new line, the next like fraction is sent forward by its platoon leader, without further command of the captain, and so on successively, until the entire company is on the line established by the first rush.

If more than one platoon is to join in one rush, the junior platoon leader conforms to the action of the senior.

A part of the line having advanced, the captain may increase or decrease the size of the fractions to complete the movement. (222)

=260. Rush of company as whole led by captain.= When the company forms a part of the firing line, the rush of the company as a whole is conducted by the captain, as described for a platoon in the preceding paragraph. The captain leads the rush; platoon leaders lead their respective platoons; platoon guides follow the line to insure prompt and orderly execution of the advance. (223)

=261. Advance by crawling or otherwise.= When the foregoing method of rushing, by running, becomes impracticable, any method of advance that =brings the attack closer to the enemy=, such as crawling, should be employed.

For regulations governing the charge, see paragraphs 355 and 356. (224)

(All rushes should be made with life and ginger, and all the men
should start together. All rushes should be made under covering
fire, and when a unit rushes forward the adjoining unit or units
make up for the loss of fire thus caused by increasing the rate of
their fire.

A unit commander about to rush forward, will not do so until he
sees that the adjoining unit or units have started to give him the
protection of their covering fire and, if necessary, he will call
to them to do so. Each unit must be careful not to advance until
the last unit that rushed forward has had time to take up an
effective fire. When sights have to be adjusted at the conclusion
of a rush, the men should do so in the prone position even though
it be necessary for the men to kneel for firing. The same as the
men who rush should start simultaneously from the prone position,
so should they stop simultaneously, all men dropping down to the
ground together, wherever they may be, at the command "Down,"
given by the unit commander when the leading men have reached the
new position. The slower members who drop down in rear will crawl
up to the line after the halt. So that the slower members may not
be crowded out of the line, and also to prevent bunching, the
faster men should leave room for them on the line.--Author.)

The Company in Support

(Being part of a battalion)

=262. Formations adopted by support.= To enable it to follow or reach the firing line, the support adopts suitable formations, following the principles explained in paragraphs 249-255.

The support should be kept assembled as long as practicable. If after deploying a favorable opportunity arises to hold it for some time in close formation, it should be reassembled. It is redeployed when necessary. (225)

=263. Support controlled by major: size of reenforcement; captain on look out for major's signals.= The movements of the support as a whole and the dispatch of reenforcements from it to the firing line are controlled by the major.

A reenforcement of less than one platoon has little influence and will be avoided whenever practicable. (See par. 353.)

The captain of a company in support is constantly on the alert for the major's signals or commands. (226)

=264. Reenforcement to join firing line deployed as skirmishers and occupy existing intervals.= A reenforcement sent to the firing line joins it deployed as skirmishers. The leader of the reenforcement places it in an interval in the line, if one exists, and commands it thereafter as a unit. If no such suitable interval exists, the reenforcement is advanced with increased intervals between skirmishers; each man occupies the nearest interval in the firing line, and each then obeys the orders of the nearest squad leader and platoon leader. (227)

=265. Promptness in reenforcing firing line.= A reenforcement joins the firing line as quickly as possible without exhausting the men. (228)

=266. Original platoon divisions to be maintained; duties of officers and sergeants upon joining firing line.= The original platoon division of the companies in the firing line should be maintained and should not be broken up by the mingling of reenforcements.

Upon joining the firing line, officers and sergeants accompanying a reenforcement take over the duties of others of like grade who have been disabled, or distribute themselves so as best to exercise their normal functions. Conditions will vary and no rules can be prescribed. It is essential that all assist in mastering the increasing difficulties of control. (229)

The Company Acting Alone

=267. Employed according to principles of battalion acting alone.= In general, the company, when acting alone, is employed according to the principles applicable to the battalion acting alone as laid down in pars. 327-363; the captain employs platoons as the major employs companies, making due allowance for the difference in strength.

The support may be smaller in proportion or may be dispensed with. (230)

=268. Protection against surprise.= The company must be well protected against surprise. Combat patrols on the flanks are especially important as explained in par. 410. Each leader of a flank platoon details a man to watch for the signals of the patrol or patrols on his flank. (231)

FIRE

=269. Issuing of ammunition and loading of pieces before deployment; firings in close order.= Ordinarily pieces are loaded and extra ammunition is issued before the company deploys for combat.

In close order the company executes the firings, as prescribed in pars. 179-194, at the command of the captain, who posts himself in rear of the center of the company.

Usually the firings in close order consist of saluting volleys only. (See par. 189 for volley firing.) (232)

=270. Firing controlled by platoon leaders.= When the company is deployed, the men execute the firings at the command of their platoon leaders; the latter give such commands as are necessary to carry out the captain's directions, and, from time to time, add such further commands as are necessary to continue, correct, and control, the fire ordered. (233)

=271. Use of signals during firing.= The voice is generally inadequate for giving commands during fire and must be replaced by signals of such character that proper fire direction and control is assured. (See par. 92 for signals; pars. 285-286 for fire direction and pars. 287-290 for fire control.) To attract attention, signals must usually be preceded by the whistle signal (short blast). A fraction of the firing line about to rush should, if practicable, avoid using the long blast signal as an aid to cease firing. (See par. 91.) Officers and men behind the firing line can not ordinarily move freely along the line, but must depend on mutual watchfulness and the proper use of the prescribed signals. All should post themselves so as to see their immediate superiors and subordinates. (234)

=272. Duties of musicians.= The musicians assist the captain by observing the enemy, the target, and the fire-effect, by transmitting commands or signals, and by watching for signals. (For posts of musicians see par. 207.) (235)

=273. Blank Cartridges.= Firing with blank cartridges at an outlined or represented enemy (par. 7) at distances less than 100 yards is prohibited. (236)

=274. Effect of fire and influence of ground.= The effect of fire and the influence of the ground in relation thereto, and the individual and collective instruction in marksmanship, are treated in the Small-Arms Firing Manual. (237)

Ranges

=275. Classification.= For convenience of reference, ranges are classified as follows:

0 to 600 yards, close range.
600 to 1,200 yards, effective range.
1,200 to 2,000 yards, long range.
2,000 yards and over, distant range. (238)

=276. Determination of distance to target.= The distance to the target must be determined as accurately as possible and the sights set accordingly. Aside from training and morale, this is the most important single factor in securing effective fire at the longer ranges. (239)

=277. Method of determining the range; estimators.=

Except in a deliberately prepared defensive position, the most accurate and only practicable method of determining the range will generally be to take the mean of several estimates.

Five or six officers or men, selected from the most accurate estimators in the company, are designated as _range estimators_ and are specially trained in estimating distances.

Whenever necessary and practicable, the captain assembles the range estimators, points out the target to them, and adopts the mean of their estimates. The range estimators then take their customary posts. (240)

Classes of Firing

=278. Volley firing=, as explained in par. 189, has limited application. In defense it may be used in the early stages of the action if the enemy presents a large compact target. It may be used by troops executing =fire of position=, as set forth in par. 438. When the ground near the target is such that the strike of bullets can be seen from the firing line, =ranging volleys= may be used to correct the sight setting.

In combat, volley firing is executed habitually by platoon. (241)

=279. Fire at will=, as explained in par. 190, is the class of fire normally employed in attack or defense. (242)

=280. Clip fire= (see par. 192.) has limited application. It is principally used: 1. In the early stages of combat, to steady the men by habituating them to brief pauses in firing. 2. To produce a short burst of fire. (243)

The Target

=281. Assignment of target by major; change of target to be avoided; hostile firing line usual target.= Ordinarily the major will assign to the company an objective in attack or sector in defense; the company's target will lie within the limits so assigned. In the choice of target, tactical considerations are paramount; the nearest hostile troops within the objective or sector will thus be the usual target. This will ordinarily be the hostile firing line; troops in rear are ordinarily proper targets for artillery, machine guns, or, at times, infantry employing fire of position, as set forth in par. 438.

Change of target should not be made without excellent reasons therefor, such as the sudden appearance of hostile troops under conditions which make them more to be feared than the troops comprising the former target. (244)

=282. Distribution of fire; allotment of target to platoon leaders.= The distribution of fire over the entire target is of special importance.

The captain allots a part of the target to each platoon, or each platoon leader takes as his target that part which corresponds to his position in the company. Men are so instructed that each fires on that part of the target which is directly opposite him. (245)

=283. All Parts of target equally important.= All parts of the target are equally important. Care must be exercised that the men do not slight its less visible parts. A section of the target not covered by fire represents a number of the enemy permitted to fire coolly and effectively. (246)

=284. Use of aiming points in case of invisible targets.=

If the target can not be seen with the naked eye, platoon leaders select an object in front of or behind it, designate this as the _aiming target_, and direct a sight setting which will carry the cone of fire into the target. (247)

Fire Direction[3]

=285. Impracticability in combat of commanding company directly.= When the company is large enough to be divided into platoons, it is impracticable for the captain to command it directly in combat. His efficiency in managing the firing line is measured by his ability to enforce his will through the platoon leaders. Having indicated clearly what he desires them to do, he avoids interfering except to correct serious errors or omissions. (248)

=286. Captain directs the fire.= The captain =directs= the fire of the company or of designated platoons. He designates the target, and, when practicable, allots a part of the target to each platoon, as prescribed in par. 340. Before beginning the fire action he determines the range, as explained in par. 277, announces the sight setting, as prescribed in par. 188, and indicates the class of fire to be employed (See par. 278) and the time to open fire. Thereafter, he observes the fire effect (See pars. 428-429), corrects material errors in sight setting, prevents exhaustion of the ammunition supply, as explained in par. 432-433, and causes the distribution of such extra ammunition as may be received from the rear. (249)

Fire Control

=287. Platoon the fire unit.= In combat, the platoon is the fire unit. From 20 to 35 rifles are as many as one leader can control effectively. (250)

=288. Special duties of platoon leaders.= Each platoon leader puts into execution the commands or directions of the captain, having first taken such precautions to insure correct sight setting and clear description of the target or aiming target as the situation permits or requires; thereafter, he gives such additional commands or directions as are necessary to exact compliance with the captain's will. He corrects the sight setting when necessary. He designates an aiming target when the target can not be seen with the naked eye. (251)

=289. General duties of platoon leaders; duties of platoon guides and squad leaders.= In general, =platoon leaders= observe the target and the effect of their fire and are on the alert for the captain's commands or signals; they observe and regulate the rate of fire, as laid down in par. 191. The =platoon guides= watch the firing line and check every breach of fire discipline. (See pars. 291-294.) =Squad leaders= transmit commands and signals when necessary, observe the conduct of their squads and abate excitement, assist in enforcing fire discipline and participate in the firing. (252)

=290. Importance of fire control.= The best troops are those that submit longest to fire control. Loss of control is an evil which robs success of its greatest results. To avoid or delay such loss should be the constant aim of all.

Fire control implies the ability to stop firing, change the sight setting and target, and resume a well directed fire. (253)

Fire Discipline

=291. What fire discipline implies.= "Fire discipline implies, besides a habit of obedience, a control of the rifle by the soldier, the result of training, which will enable him in action to make hits instead of misses. It embraces taking advantage of the ground; care in setting the sight and delivery of fire; constant attention to the orders of the leaders, and careful observation of the enemy; an increase of fire when the target is favorable, and a cessation of fire when the enemy disappears; economy of ammunition." (See pars. 432-433.) (Small-Arms Firing Manual.)

In combat, shots which graze the enemy's trench or position and thus reduce the effectiveness of his fire have the approximate value of hits; such shots only, or actual hits, contribute toward fire superiority.

Fire discipline implies that, in a firing line without leaders, each man retains his presence of mind and directs effective fire upon the proper target. (254)

=292. Rate of fire.= To create a correct appreciation of the requirements of fire discipline, men are taught that the rate of fire, as prescribed in par. 191, should be as rapid as is consistent with accurate aiming; that the rate will depend upon the visibility, proximity, and size of the target; and that the proper rate will ordinarily suggest itself to each trained man, usually rendering cautions or commands unnecessary.

In attack the highest rate of fire is employed at the halt preceding the assault, and in pursuing fire. (See pars. 490-494.) (255)

=293. Position fire in advance by rushes.= In an advance by rushes, as explained in par. 259, leaders of troops in firing positions are responsible for the delivery of heavy fire to cover the advance of each rushing fraction. Troops are trained to change slightly the direction of fire so as not to endanger the flanks of advanced portions of the firing line. (256)

=294. Action in defense, when target disappears.= In defense, when the target disappears behind cover, platoon leaders suspend fire, as prescribed in par. 193, prepare their platoons to fire upon the point where it is expected to reappear, and greet its reappearance instantly with vigorous fire. (257)

SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION

=295. Battalion a tactical unit; duties and responsibilities of major.= The battalion being purely a tactical unit, the major's duties are primarily those of an instructor in drill and tactics and of a tactical commander. He is responsible for the theoretical and practical training of the battalion. He supervises the training of the companies of the battalion with a view to insuring the thoroughness and uniformity of their instruction.

In the instruction of the battalion as a whole, his efforts will be directed chiefly to the development of tactical efficiency, devoting only such time to the mechanism of drill and to the ceremonies as may be necessary in order to insure precision, smartness, and proper control. (258)

=296. Movements explained for battalion of four companies.= The movements explained herein are on the basis of a battalion of four companies; they may be executed by a battalion of two or more companies, not exceeding six. (259)

=297. Arrangement of companies in formations.= The companies are generally arranged from right to left according to the rank of the captains present at the formation. The arrangement of the companies may be varied by the major or higher commander.

After the battalion is formed, no cognizance is taken of the relative order of the companies. (260)

=298. Designation of companies.= In whatever direction the battalion faces, the companies are designated numerically from right to left in line, and from head to rear in column, =first company=, =second company=, etc.

The terms =right= and =left= apply to actual right and left as the line faces; if the about by squads be executed when in line, the right company becomes the left company and the right center becomes the left center company.

The designation center company indicates the right center or the actual center company according as the number of companies is even or odd. (261)

=299. Post of special units.= The band and other special units, when attached to the battalion, take the same post with respect to it as if it were the nearest battalion. (262)

CLOSE ORDER

Rules

=300. Repetition of commands by captains.= Captains repeat such preparatory commands as are to be immediately executed by their companies, as =forward=, =squads right=, etc.; the men execute the commands =march=, =halt=, etc., if applying to their companies, when given by the major. In movements executed in route step or at ease the captains repeat the command of execution, if necessary. Captains do not repeat the major's commands in executing the manual of arms, nor those commands which are not essential to the execution of a movement by their companies, as =column of squads=, =first company=, =squads right=, etc.

In giving commands or cautions captains may prefix the proper letter designations of their companies, as =A Company, HALT=; =B Company, squads right=, etc. (263)

=301. Captains repeating command for guide.= At the command =guide center (right or left)=, captains command: =Guide right or left=, according to the positions of their companies. =Guide center= designates the left guide of the center company, as explained in 3d Sec. par. 298. (264)

=302. Position of captains in dressing companies; action of guides in dressing.= When the companies are to be dressed, captains place themselves on that flank toward which the dress is to be made, as follows:

The battalion in line: Besides the guide (or the flank file of the front rank, if the guide is not in line) and facing to the front.

The battalion in column of companies: Two paces from the guide, in prolongation of and facing down the line.

Each captain, after dressing his company, commands: =FRONT=, and takes his post.

The battalion being in line and unless otherwise prescribed, at the captain's command =dress= or at the command =halt=, when it is prescribed that the company shall dress, the guide on the flank away from the point of rest with his piece at right shoulder, dresses promptly on the captain and the companies beyond. During the dress he moves, if necessary, to the right and left only; the captain dresses the company on the line thus established. The guide takes the position of order arms at the command =front=. (265)

=303. Certain movements executed as in Schools of the Soldier, Squad and Company.= =The battalion executes the halt= (See par. 116), =rests= (See pars. 100-101), =facings= (See par. 104), =steps= and =marchings= (See pars. 107-109), =manual of arms= (See pars. 120-147), resumes =attention= (See par. 102), =kneels= (See pars. 174-177), =lies down= (See par. 175), =rises= (See par. 176), =stacks= and =takes arms= (See pars. 160-161), as explained in the Schools of the Soldier and Squad, substituting in the commands =battalion= for =squad=.

The battalion executes =squads right (left)= (See par. 221), =squads right (left) about= (See par. 228), =route step= and =at ease= (See par. 233), and =obliques= and resumes the =direct march= (See pars. 162-163), as explained in the School of the Company. (266)

=304. Certain movements executed as in School of the Company.= The battalion in column of platoons, squads, twos, or files changes direction. (See pars. 223-224); in column of squads, forms column of twos or files and re-forms columns of twos or squads, as explained in the School of the Company. (See pars. 234-235.) (267)

=305. Simultaneous execution by companies or platoons of movements in School of the Company.= When the formation admits of the simultaneous execution by companies or platoons of movements in the School of the Company the major may cause such movement to be executed by prefixing, when necessary, =companies (platoons)= to the commands prescribed therein: As =1. Companies, right front into line, 2. MARCH.= To complete such simultaneous movements, the commands =halt= or =march=, if prescribed, are given by the major. The command =front=, when prescribed, is given by the captains. (See par. 302.) (268)

=306. Execution of loadings and firings by battalion.= The battalion as a unit executes the loadings and firings only in firing saluting volleys. The commands are as for the company, substituting =battalion= for =company=. At the first command for loading, captains take post in rear of the center of their respective companies. At the conclusion of the firing, the captains resume their posts in line.

On other occasions, when firing in close order is necessary, it is executed by company or other subdivision, under instructions from the major, as prescribed in pars. 179-194. (269)

To Form the Battalion

=307. For purposes other than ceremonies:= The battalion is formed in column of squads. The companies having been formed, the adjutant posts himself so as to be facing the column, when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be occupied by the leading guide of the battalion; he draws saber; =adjutant's call= is sounded or the adjutant signals =assemble=.

The companies are formed, at attention, in column of squads in their proper order. Each captain, after halting his company, salutes the adjutant; the adjutant returns the salute and, when the last captain has saluted, faces the major and reports: =Sir, the battalion is formed.= He then joins the major. (270)

=308. For ceremonies or when directed:= The battalion is formed in line.

The companies having been formed, the adjutant posts himself so as to be 6 paces to the right of the right company when line is formed, and faces in the direction in which the line is to extend. He draws saber; =adjutant's call= is sounded; the band plays if present.