165. 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.

166. 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.

CLOSE ORDER.

_Rules._

167. 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.

168. The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank

opposite the file closers. To change the guides and file closers to

the other flank, the captain commands: 1. _File closers on left

(right) flank_; 2. _MARCH_. The file closers dart through the column;

the captain and guides change.

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

of the guide.

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

firings.

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual

of arms during the drill unless specially excused, when they remain at

the order. During ceremonies they execute all movements.

170. In _taking intervals and distances_, unless otherwise directed,

the right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in

the line of file closers, and, with them, take a distance of 4 paces

from the rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command _march_, the

file closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file

nearest him. In _assembling_ the guides and file closers resume their

positions in line.

171. In movements executed simultaneously by platoons (as _platoons

right_ or _platoons, column right_), platoon leaders repeat the

preparatory command (_platoon right_, etc.), applicable to their

respective platoons. The command of execution is given by the captain

only.

_To Form the Company._

172. At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position

6 paces in front of where the center of the company is to be, faces

it, draws saber, and commands: _FALL IN_.

The right guide of the company places himself, facing to the front,

where the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that the

center of the company will be 6 paces from and opposite the first

sergeant; the squads form in their proper places on the left of the

right guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who then take their

posts.

The first sergeant commands: _REPORT_. Remaining in position at the

order, the squad leaders, in succession from the 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.

173. 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.

_To Dismiss the Company._

174. 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_. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

_Alignments._

175. 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.

_Movements on the Fixed Pivot._

176. 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 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.

177. 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.

178. 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. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

_Movements on the Moving Pivot._

179. 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.

180. 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 platoon and turn at command of their

leaders.

181. 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.

182. 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.

183. 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 right squad, takes four short

steps, then resumes the full step; the right squad conforms.

184. 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.

_Facing or Marching to the Rear._

185. 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. _Squads 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. (_C.I.D.R., No.

2._)

186. 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.

_On Right (Left) Into Line._

187. 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.

_Front Into Line._

188. 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.

189. Being in column of squads to form column of platoons, or being in

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.

_AT EASE AND ROUTE STEP._

190. The column of squads is the habitual column of route, but _route

step_ and _at ease_ are applicable to any marching formation.

191. 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_.

192. 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_.

193. 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.

_TO DIMINISH THE FRONT OF A COLUMN OF SQUADS._

194. 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. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

195. 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. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

196. 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.

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.

197. The movements prescribed in the three preceding paragraphs are

difficult of execution at attention and have no value as disciplinary

exercises.

198. Marching by twos or files can not be executed without serious

delay and waste of road space. Every reasonable precaution will be

taken to obviate the necessity for these formations.

EXTENDED ORDER.

_Rules for Deployment._

199. 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. After the deployment is completed, the

guide is _center_ without command, unless otherwise ordered.

200. 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.

201. 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.

202. The base squad 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_; the squad deploys and halts abreast of him.

If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is deployed before

arriving on the line.

203. Deployed lines preserve a general alignment toward the guide.

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.

204. 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, skirmish intervals

being maintained.

205. A platoon or other part of the company is deployed and marched in

the same manner as the company, substituting in the commands,

_platoon_ (_detachment_, etc.) for _company_.

_Deployments._

206. 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.

207. 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.

208. 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

desired direction; the corporal of the base squad moves in the

direction indicated; the other corporals conform.

209. 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.

210. The intervals between men are increased or decreased as described

in the School of the Squad, adding to the preparatory command, _guide

right (left_ or _center)_ if necessary.

_The Assembly._

211. 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 re-formed in line. If assembled by platoons, these

are conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and the

company is re-formed 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.

_The Advance._

212. 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_ or by the use of a

_succession of thin lines_. 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.

213. 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 lender 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.

214. 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.

215. _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.[1] _Squad columns_ are

of value principally in facilitating the advance over rough or

brush-grown ground; they afford no material advantage in securing

cover.

[Footnote 1: Ordinarily about 20 yards wide.]

216. 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.

217. 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

re-formed in line.

218. 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.

219. 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 can not 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.

220. 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.

_The Fire Attack._

221. The principles governing the advance of the firing line in attack

are considered in the School of the Battalion.

When it becomes impracticable for the company to advance as a whole by

ordinary means, it advances by rushes.

222. 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.

223. 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.

224. 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 318 and 319.

_The Company in Support._

225. To enable it to follow or reach the firing line, the support

adopts suitable formations, following the principles explained in

paragraphs 212-218.

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.

226. 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.

The captain of a company in support is constantly on the alert for the

major's signals or commands.

227. 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.

228. A reenforcement joins the firing line as quickly as possible

without exhausting the men.

229. 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.

_The Company Acting Alone._

230. In general, the company, when acting alone, is employed according

to the principles applicable to the battalion acting alone; 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.

231. The company must be well protected against surprise. Combat

patrols on the flanks are specially important. Each leader of a flank

platoon details a man to watch for the signals of the patrol or

patrols on his flank.

FIRE.

232. Ordinarily pieces are loaded and extra ammunition is issued

before the company deploys for combat.

In close order the company executes the firings 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.

233. 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.

234. 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. 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_. 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.

235. 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.

236. Firing with blank cartridges at an _outlined_ or _represented_

enemy at distances less than 100 yards is prohibited.

237. 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.

_Ranges._

238. 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.

239. 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.

240. 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.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 17._)

_Classes of Firing._

241. _Volley firing_ 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_.

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.

242. _Fire at will_ is the class of fire normally employed in attack

or defense.

243. _Clip fire_ 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.

_The Target._

244. 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.

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.

245. 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.

246. 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.

247. 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.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 17._)

_Fire Direction._

248. 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.

249. 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. Before beginning the fire action

he determines the range, announces the sight setting, and indicates

the class of fire to be employed and the time to open fire.

Thereafter, he observes the fire effect, corrects material errors in

sight setting, prevents exhaustion of the ammunition supply, and

causes the distribution of such extra ammunition as may be received

from the rear.

_Fire Control._

250. In combat the platoon is the _fire unit_. From 20 to 35 rifles

are as many as one leader can control effectively.

251. 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.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 17._)

252. 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. The _platoon

guides_ watch the firing line and check every breach of fire

discipline. _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.

253. 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.

_Fire Discipline._

254. "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." (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.

255. To create a correct appreciation of the requirements of fire

discipline, men are taught that the rate of fire 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.

256. In an advance by rushes, 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.

257. In defense, when the target disappears behind cover, platoon

leaders suspend fire, prepare their platoons to fire upon the point

where it is expected to reappear, and greet its reappearance instantly

with vigorous fire.

SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION.

258. 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.

259. 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.

260. 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.

261. 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.

262. 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 shown in Plate IV.

CLOSE ORDER.

_Rules._

[Illustration: Plate III. THE BATTALION.]

263. 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.

264. 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.

265. 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: Beside 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_. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

266. The battalion executes the _halt_, _rests_, _facings_, _steps_

and _marchings_, _manual of arms_, resumes _attention_, _kneels_,

_lies down_, _rises_, _stacks_ and _takes arms_, as explained in the

Schools of the Soldier and Squad, substituting in the commands

_battalion_ for _squad_.

The battalion executes _squads right (left)_, _squads right (left)

about_, _route step_ and _at ease_, and _obliques_ and resumes the

_direct march_, as explained in the School of the Company.

267. The battalion in column of platoons, squads, twos, or files

changes direction; 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.

268. 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.

269. 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.

_To Form the Battalion._

270. 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.

271. 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.

The right company is conducted by its captain so as to arrive from the

rear, parallel to the line; its right and left guides precede it on

the line by about 20 paces, taking post facing to the right at order

arms, so that their elbows will be against the breasts of the right

and left files of their company when it is dressed. The guides of the

other companies successively prolong the line to the left in like

manner and the companies approach their respective places in line as

explained for the right company. The adjutant, from his post, causes

the guides to cover.

When about 1 pace in rear of the line, each company is halted and

dressed to the right against the arms of the guides.

The band, arriving from the rear, takes its place in line when the

right company is halted; it ceases playing when the left company has

halted.

When the guides of the left company have been posted, the adjutant,

moving by the shortest route, takes post facing the battalion midway

between the post of the major and the center of the battalion.

The major, staff, noncommissioned staff, and orderlies take their

posts.

When all parts of the line have been dressed, and officers and others

have reached their posts, the adjutant commands: 1. _Guides_, 2.

_POSTS_, 3. _Present_, 4. _ARMS_. At the second command guides take

their places in the line. The adjutant then turns about and reports to

the major: _Sir, the battalion is formed_; the major directs the

adjutant: _Take your post, Sir_; draws saber and brings the battalion

to the order. The adjutant takes his post, passing to the right of the

major.

_To Dismiss the Battalion._

272. _DISMISS YOUR COMPANIES._

Staff and noncommissioned staff officers fall out; each captain

marches his company off and dismisses it.

_To Rectify the Alignment._

273. Being in line at a halt, to align the battalion: 1. _Center

(right_ or _left)_, 2. _DRESS_.

The captains dress their companies successively toward the center

(right or left) guide of the battalion, each as soon as the captain

next toward the indicated guide commands: _Front_. The captains of the

center companies (if the dress is _center_) dress them without waiting

for each other.

274. To give the battalion a new alignment: 1. _Guides center (right_

or _left) company on the line_, 2. _Guides on the line_, 3. _Center

(right_ or _left)_, 4. _DRESS_, 5. _Guides_, 6. _POSTS_.

At the first command, the designated guides place themselves on the

line (par. 271) facing the center (right or left). The major

establishes them in the direction he wishes to give the battalion.

At the second command, the guides of the other companies take posts,

facing the center (right or left), so as to prolong the line.

At the command _dress_, each captain dresses his company to the flank

toward which the guides of his company face.

At the command _posts_, given when all companies have completed the

dress, the guides return to their posts.

_To Rectify the Column._

275. Being in column of companies, or in close column, at a halt, if

the guides do not cover or have not their proper distances, and it is

desired to correct them, the major commands: 1. _Right (left)_, 2.

_DRESS_.

Captains of companies in rear of the first place their right guides so

as to cover at the proper distance; each captain aligns his company to

the right and commands: _FRONT_.

_On Right (Left) into Line._

276. Being in column of squads or companies: 1. _On right (left) into

line_, 2. _MARCH_, 3. _Battalion_, 4. _HALT_.

Being in column of squads: At the first command, the captain of the

leading company commands: _Squads right_. If at a halt each captain in

rear commands: _Forward_. At the second command the leading company

marches in line to the right; the companies in rear continue to march

to the front and form successively on the left, each, when opposite

its place, being marched in line to the right.

The fourth command is given when the first company has advanced the

desired distance in the new direction; it halts and is dressed to the

right by its captain; the others complete the movement, each being

halted 1 pace in rear of the line established by the first company,

and then dressed to the right.

Being in column of companies: At the first command, the captain of the

first company commands: _Right turn_. If at a halt, each captain in

rear commands: _Forward_. Each of the captains in rear of the leading

company gives the command: 1. _Right turn_, in time to add, 2.

_MARCH_, when his company arrives opposite the right of its place in

line.

The fourth command is given and the movement completed as explained

above.

Whether executed from column of squads or column of companies, each

captain places himself so as to march beside the right guide after his

company forms line or changes direction to the right.

If executed in double time, the leading company marches in double time

until halted.

_Front into Line._

277. Being in column of squads or companies: 1. _Right (Left) front

into line_, 2. _MARCH_.

Being in column of squads: At the first command, the captain of the

leading company commands: _Column right_; the captains of the

companies in rear, _column half right_. At the second command the

leading company executes column right, and, as the last squad

completes the change of direction, is formed in line to the left,

halted, and dressed to the left. Each of the companies in rear is

conducted by the most convenient route to the rear of the right of the

preceding company, thence to the right, parallel to and 1 pace in rear

of the new line; when opposite its place, it is formed in line to the

left, halted, and dressed to the left.

Being in column of companies: If marching, the captain of the leading

company gives the necessary commands to halt his company at the second

command; if at a halt, the leading company stands fast. At the first

command, the captain of each company in rear commands: _Squads right_,

or _Right by squads_, and after the second command conducts his

company by the most convenient route to its place in line, as

described above.

Whether executed from column of squads or column of companies, each

captain halts when opposite or at the point where the left of his

company is to rest.

_To Form Column of Companies Successively to the Right or Left._

278. Being in column of squads: 1. _Column of companies, first

company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

The leading company executes _squads right_ and moves forward. The

other companies move forward in column of squads and successively

march in line to the right on the same ground as the leading company

and in such manner that the guide covers the guide of the preceding

company.

_To Form Column of Squads Successively to the Right or Left._

279. Being in column of companies: 1. _Column of squads, first

company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

The leading company executes _squads right_ and moves forward. The

other companies move forward in column of companies and successively

march in column of squads to the right on the same ground as the

leading company.

_To Change Direction._

280. Being in column of companies or close column: 1. _Column right

(left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

The captain of the first company commands: _Right turn_.

The leading company turns to the right on moving pivot, the captain

adding: 1. _Forward_, 2. _MARCH_, upon its completion.

The other companies march squarely up to the turning point; each

changes direction by the same commands and means as the first and in

such manner that the guide covers the guide of the preceding company.

281. Being in line of companies or close line: 1. _Battalion right

(left)_, 2. _MARCH_, 3. _Battalion_, 4. _HALT_.

The right company changes direction to the right; the other companies

are conducted by the shortest line to their places abreast of the

first.

The fourth command is given when the right company has advanced the

desired distance in the new direction; that company halts; the others

halt successively upon arriving on the line.

282. Being in column of squads, the battalion changes direction by the

same commands and in the manner prescribed for the company.

_Mass Formations._

282 1-2. Being in column of squads, to form a line of columns of

companies or company subdivisions, facing in any desired direction, at

any desired interval, on the right or left of the leading element of

the battalion: 1. _Line of companies (half companies, platoons), at

(so many) paces, guide right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_, 3. _Battalion_, 4.

_HALT_.

The leading company (or subdivision) marches in the direction

previously indicated by the major until the command halt is given and

then halts. Each succeeding company (or subdivision) marches by the

most direct route to its place at the prescribed interval on the left

(right) of the next preceding company (or subdivision), halting when

it is abreast of the leading element of the battalion.

If the battalion be in any formation other than column of squads, the

major indicates the desired direction to the leading element. The

entire command forms column of squads and executes the movement in

conformity with the principles indicated above. (_C.I.D.R., No. 19._)

283. Being in line, line of companies, or column of companies: 1.

_Close on first (fourth) company_, 2. _MARCH_.

If at a halt, the indicated company stands fast; if marching, it is

halted; each of the other companies is conducted toward it and is

halted in proper order in close column.

If the battalion is in line, companies form successively in rear of

the indicated company; if in column of squads, companies in rear of

the leading company form on the left of it.

In close column formed from line on the first company, the left guides

cover; formed on the fourth company, right guides cover. If formed on

the leading company, the guide remains as before the formation. In

close line, the guides are halted abreast of the guide of the leading

company.

The battalion in column closes on the leading company only.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 19._)

_To Extend the Mass._

284. Being in close column or in close line: 1. _Extend on first

(fourth) company_, 2. _MARCH_.

Being in close line: If at a halt, the indicated company stands fast;

if marching, it halts; each of the other companies is conducted away

from the indicated company and is halted in its proper order in line

of companies.

Being in close column, the extension is made on the fourth company

only. If marching, the leading company continues to march; companies

in rear are halted and successively resume the march in time to follow

at full distance. If at halt, the leading company marches; companies

in rear successively march in time to follow at full distance.

Close column is not extended in double time.

285. Being in close column: 1. _Right (left) front into line_, 2.

_MARCH_. Executed as from column of companies.

286. Being in close column: 1. _Column of squads, first (fourth)

company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

The designated company marches in column of squads to the right. Each

of the other companies executes the same movement in time to follow

the preceding company in column.

287. Being in close line: 1. _Column of squads, first (fourth)

company, forward_, 2. _MARCH_.

The designated company moves forward. The other companies (halting if

in march) successively take up the march and follow in column.

_Route Step and At Ease._

288. The battalion marches in _route step_ and _at ease_ as prescribed

in the School of the Company. When marching in column of companies or

platoons, the guides maintain the trace and distance.

In route marches the major marches at the head of the column; when

necessary, the file closers may be directed to march at the head and

rear of their companies.

_Assembly._

289. The battalion being wholly or partially deployed, or the

companies being separated: 1. _Assemble_, 2. _MARCH_.

The major places himself opposite to or designates the element or

point on which the battalion is to assemble. Companies are assembled

and marched to the indicated point. As the companies arrive the major

or adjutant indicates the formation to be taken.

COMBAT PRINCIPLES.

_Orders._

290. The following references to orders are applicable to attack or

defense.

291. In extended order, the company is the largest unit to execute

movements by prescribed commands or means. The major, assembling his

captains if practicable, directs the disposition of the battalion by

means of _tactical orders_. He controls its subsequent movements by

such _orders_ or _commands_ as are suitable to the occasion.

292. In every disposition of the battalion for combat the major's

order should give subordinates sufficient information of the enemy, of

the position of supporting and neighboring troops, and of the object

sought to enable them to conform intelligently to the general plan.

The order should then designate the companies which are to constitute

the _firing line_ and those which are to constitute the _support_. In

attack, it should designate the direction or the objective, the order

and front of the companies on the firing line, and should designate

the right or left company as base company. In defense, it should

describe the front of each company and, if necessary, the sector to be

observed by each.

293. When the battalion is operating alone, the major provides for the

reconnaissance and protection of his flanks; if part of a larger

force, the major makes similar provisions, when necessary, without

orders from higher authority, unless such authority has specifically

directed other suitable reconnaissance and protection.

294. When the battalion is deployed upon the initiative of the major,

he will indicate whether extra ammunition shall be issued; if deployed

in pursuance of orders of higher authority, the major will cause the

issue of extra ammunition, unless such authority has given directions

to the contrary.

_Deployment._

295. The following principles of deployment are applicable to attack

or defense.

296. A premature deployment involves a long, disorganizing and

fatiguing advance of the skirmish line, and should be avoided. A

greater evil is to be caught by heavy fire when in dense column or

other close order formation; hence advantage should be taken of cover

in order to retain the battalion in close order formation until

exposure to heavy hostile fire may reasonably be anticipated.

297. The major regulates the depth of the deployment and the extent

and density of the firing line, subject to such restrictions as a

senior may have imposed.

Companies or designated subdivisions and detachments are conducted by

their commanders in such manner as best to accomplish the mission

assigned to them under the major's orders. Companies designated for

the firing line march independently to the place of deployment, form

skirmish line, and take up the advance. They conform, in general, to

the base company.

298. The commander of a battalion, whether it is operating alone or as

part of a larger force, should hold a part of his command out of the

firing line. By the judicious use of this force the major can exert an

influence not otherwise possible over his firing line and can control,

within reasonable limits, an action once begun. So if his battalion be

assigned to the _firing line_ the major will cause one, two, or three

companies to be deployed on the firing line, retaining the remaining

companies or company as a _support_ for that firing line. The division

of the battalion into firing line and support will depend upon the

front to be covered and the nature and anticipated severity of the

action.

299. If the battalion be part of a larger command, the number of

companies in the firing line will generally be determinable from the

regimental commander's order; the remainder constitutes the support.

If the battalion is acting alone, the support must be strong enough to

maintain the original fire power of the firing line, to protect the

flanks, and to perform the functions of a reserve, whatever be the

issue of the action. See paragraph 346.

300. If the battalion is operating alone, the support may, according

to circumstances, be held in one or two bodies and placed behind the

center, or one or both flanks of the firing line, or echeloned beyond

a flank. If the battalion is part of a larger force, the support is

generally held in one body.

301. The distance between the firing line and the supporting group or

groups will vary between wide limits; it should be as short as the

necessity for protection from heavy losses will permit. When cover is

available, the support should be as close as 50 to 100 yards; when

such cover is not available, it should not be closer than 300 yards.

It may be as far as 500 yards in rear if good cover is there

obtainable and is not obtainable at a lesser distance.

302. In exceptional cases, as in a meeting engagement, it may be

necessary to place an entire battalion or regiment in the firing line

at the initial deployment, the support being furnished by other

troops. Such deployment causes the early mingling of the larger units,

thus rendering leadership and control extremely difficult. The

necessity for such deployment will increase with the inefficiency of

the commander and of the service of information.

_Fire._

303. Fire direction and fire control are functions of company and

platoon commanders. The major makes the primary apportionment of the

target--in defense, by assigning sectors of fire; in attack, by

assigning the objective. In the latter case each company in the firing

line takes as its target that part of the general objective which lies

in its front.

304. The major should indicate the point or time at which the fire

fight is to open. He may do this in his order for deployment or he may

follow the firing line close enough to do so at the proper time. If it

be impracticable for him to do either, the senior officer with the

firing line, in each battalion, selects the time for opening fire.

_Attack._

305. The battalion is the _attack unit_, whether operating alone or as

part of a larger unit.

306. If his battalion be one of several in the firing line, the major,

in executing his part of the attack, pushes his battalion forward as

vigorously as possible within the front, or section, assigned to it.

The great degree of independence allowed to him as to details demands,

in turn, the exercise of good judgment on his part. Better leadership,

better troops, and more favorable terrain enable one battalion to

advance more rapidly in attack than another less fortunate, and such a

battalion will insure the further advance of the others. The leading

battalion should not, however, become isolated; isolation may lead to

its destruction.

307. The deployment having been made, the firing line advances without

firing. The predominant idea must be to close with the enemy as soon

as possible without ruinous losses. The limited supply of ammunition

and the uncertainty of resupply, the necessity for securing fire

superiority in order to advance within the shorter ranges, and the

impossibility of accomplishing this at ineffective ranges, make it

imperative that fire be not opened as long as the advance can be

continued without demoralizing losses. The attack which halts to open

fire at extreme range (over 1,200 yards) is not likely ever to reach

its destination. Every effort should be made, by using cover or

inconspicuous formations, or by advancing the firing line as a whole,

to arrive within 800 yards of the enemy before opening fire.

308. Except when the enemy's artillery is able to effect an unusual

concentration of fire, its fire upon deployed infantry causes losses

which are unimportant when compared with those inflicted by his

infantry; hence the attacking infantry should proceed to a position as

described above, and from which an effective fire can be directed

against the hostile infantry with a view to obtaining fire

superiority. The effectiveness of the enemy's fire must be reduced so

as to permit further advance. The more effective the fire to which the

enemy is subjected the less effective will be his fire.

309. Occasionally the fire of adjacent battalions, or of infantry

employing fire of position, or of supporting artillery, will permit

the further advance of the entire firing line from this point, but it

will generally be necessary to advance by rushes of fractions of the

line.

The fraction making the rush should be as large as the hostile fire

and the necessity for maintaining fire superiority will permit.

Depending upon circumstances, the strength of the fraction may vary

from a company to a few men.

The advance is made as rapidly as possible without losing fire

superiority. The smaller the fraction which rushes, the greater the

number of rifles which continue to fire upon the enemy. On the other

hand, the smaller the fraction which rushes the slower will be the

progress of the attack.

310. Enough rifles must continue in action to insure the success of

each rush. Frequently the successive advances of the firing line must

be effected by rushes of fractions of decreased size; that is,

advances by rushes may first be made by company, later by half company

or platoon, and finally by squads or files; but no subsequent

opportunity to _increase_ the rate of advance, such as better cover or

a decrease of the hostile fire, should be overlooked.

311. Whenever possible, the rush is begun by a flank fraction of the

firing line. In the absence of express directions from the major, each

captain of a flank company determines when an advance by rushes shall

be attempted. A flank company which inaugurates an advance by rushes

becomes the base company, if not already the base. An advance by

rushes having been inaugurated on one flank, the remainder of the

firing line conforms; fractions rush successively from that flank and

halt on the line established by the initial rush.

The fractions need not be uniform in size; each captain indicates how

his company shall rush, having due regard to the ground and the state

of the fire fight.

312. A fraction about to rush is sent forward when the remainder of

the line is firing vigorously; otherwise the chief advantage of this

method of advancing is lost.

The length of the rush will vary from 30 to 80 yards, depending upon

the existence of cover, positions for firing, and the hostile fire.

313. When the entire firing line of the battalion has advanced to the

new line, fresh opportunities to advance are sought as before.

314. Two identical situations will never confront the battalion; hence

at drill it is prohibited to arrange the details of an advance before

the preceding one has been concluded, or to employ a fixed or

prearranged method of advancing by rushes.

315. The major posts himself so as best to direct the reenforcing of

the firing line from the support. When all or nearly all of the

support has been absorbed by the firing line, he joins, and takes full

charge of, the latter.

316. The reenforcing of the firing line by driblets of a squad or a

few men has no appreciable effect. The firing line requires either no

reenforcement or a strong one. Generally one or two platoons will be

sent forward under cover of a heavy fire of the firing line.

317. To facilitate control and to provide intervals in which

reenforcements may be placed, the companies in the firing line should

be kept closed in on their centers as they become depleted by

casualties during the advance.

When this is impracticable, reenforcements must mingle with and

thicken the firing line. In battle the latter method will be the rule

rather than the exception, and to familiarize the men with such

conditions the combat exercises of the battalion should include both

methods of reenforcing. Occasionally, to provide the necessary

intervals for reenforcing by either of these methods, the firing line

should be thinned by causing men to drop out and simulate losses

during the various advances. Under ordinary conditions the depletion

of the firing line for this purpose will be from one-fifth to one-half

of its strength.

318. The major or senior officer in the firing line determines when

bayonets shall be fixed and gives the proper command or signal. It is

repeated by all parts of the firing line. Each man who was in the

front rank prior to deployment, as soon as he recognizes the command

or signal, suspends firing, quickly fixes his bayonet, and immediately

resumes firing; after which the other men suspend firing, fix

bayonets, and immediately resume firing. The support also fixes

bayonets. The concerted fixing of the bayonet by the firing line at

drill does not simulate battle conditions and should not be required.

It is essential that there be no marked pause in the firing. Bayonets

will be fixed generally before or during the last, or second last,

advance preceding the charge.

319. Subject to orders from higher authority, the major determines the

point from which the charge is to be made. The firing line having

arrived at that point and being in readiness, the major causes the

_charge_ to be sounded. The signal is repeated by the musicians of all

parts of the line. The company officers lead the charge. The

skirmishers spring forward shouting, run with bayonets at charge, and

close with the enemy.

The further conduct of the charging troops will depend upon

circumstances; they may halt and engage in bayonet combat or in

pursuing fire; they may advance a short distance to obtain a field of

fire or to drive the enemy from the vicinity; they may assemble or

reorganize, etc. If the enemy vacates his position every effort should

be made to open fire at once on the retreating mass, reorganization of

the attacking troops being of secondary importance to the infliction

of further losses upon the enemy and to the increase of his confusion.

In combat exercises the major will assume a situation and terminate

the assault accordingly.

_Defense._

320. In defense, as in attack, the battalion is the tactical unit best

suited to independent assignment. Defensive positions are usually

divided into sections and a battalion assigned to each.

321. The major locates such fire, communicating, and cover trenches

and obstacles as are to be constructed. He assigns companies to

construct them and details the troops to occupy them.

322. The major reenforces the firing line in accordance with the

principles applicable to, and explained in connection with, the

attack, maintaining no more rifles in the firing line than are

necessary to prevent the enemy's advance.

323. The supply of ammunition being usually ample, fire is opened as

soon as it is possible to break up the enemy's formation, stop his

advance, or inflict material loss, but this rule must be modified to

suit the ammunition supply.

324. The major causes the firing line and support to fix bayonets when

an assault by the enemy is imminent. Captains direct this to be done

if they are not in communication with the major and the measure is

deemed advisable.

Fire alone will not stop a determined, skillfully conducted attack.

The defender must have equal tenacity; if he can stay in his trench or

position and cross bayonets, he will at least have neutralized the

hostile first line, and the combat will be decided by reserves.

325. If ordered or compelled to withdraw under hostile infantry fire

or in the presence of hostile infantry, the support will be posted so

as to cover the retirement of the firing line.

326. When the battalion is operating alone, the support must be strong

and must be fed sparingly into the firing line, especially if a

counterattack is planned. Opportunities for counterattack should be

sought at all times.

THE REGIMENT.

[Illustration: Plate IV. THE REGIMENT.]

327. Normally, the regiment consists of three battalions, but these

regulations are applicable to a regiment of two or more battalions.

Special units, such as band, machine-gun company, and mounted scouts,

have special formations for their own use. Movements herein

prescribed are for the battalions; special units conform thereto

unless otherwise prescribed or directed.

328. The colonel is responsible for the theoretical instruction and

practical training of the regiment as a whole. Under his immediate

supervision the training of the units of the regiment is conducted by

their respective commanders.

329. The colonel either gives his commands or orders orally, by bugle,

or by signal, or communicates them by staff officers or orderlies.

Each major gives the appropriate commands or orders, and, in

close-order movements, causes his battalion to execute the necessary

movements at his command of execution. Each major ordinarily moves his

battalion from one formation to another, in column of squads, in the

most convenient manner, and, in the presence of the enemy, in the most

direct manner consistent with cover.

Commanders of the special units observe the same principles as to

commands and movements. They take places in the new formation as

directed by the colonel; in the absence of such directions they

conform as nearly as practicable to Plate IV, maintaining their

relative positions with respect to the flank or end of the regiment on

which they are originally posted.

330. When the regiment is formed, and during ceremonies, the

lieutenant colonel is posted 2 paces to the left of, and 1 pace less

advanced than the colonel. In movements subsequent to the formation of

the regiment and other than ceremonies, the lieutenant colonel is on

the left of the colonel.

331. In whatever formation the regiment may be, the battalions retain

their permanent administrative designations of _first_, _second_,

_third battalion_. For convenience, they may be designated, when in

line, as _right_, _center_, or _left battalion_; when in column, as

_leading_, _center_, or _rear battalion_. These designations apply to

the actual positions of the battalions in line or column.

332. Except at ceremonies, or when rendering honors, or when otherwise

directed, after the regiment is formed, the battalions march and stand

_at ease_ during subsequent movements.

CLOSE ORDER.

_To Form the Regiment._

333. Unless otherwise directed, the battalions are posted from right

to left, or from head to rear, according to the rank of the battalion

commanders present, the senior on the right or at the head. A

battalion whose major is in command of the regiment retains its place.

334. For ordinary purposes, the regiment is formed in column of squads

or in column of masses.

The adjutant informs the majors what the formation is to be. The

battalions and special units having been formed, he posts himself and

draws saber. _Adjutant's call_ is sounded, or the adjutant signals

_assemble_.

If forming in column of squads, 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 regiment; if forming in column of

masses, he posts himself so as to be facing the right guides of the

column when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be occupied

by the right guide of the leading company. Later, he moves so as best

to observe the formation.

The battalions are halted, at attention, in column of squads or close

column, as the case may be, successively from the front in their

proper order and places. The band takes its place when the leading

battalion has halted. Other special units take their places in turn

when the rear battalion has halted.

The majors and the commanders of the machine-gun company and mounted

scouts (or detachment) each, when his command is in place, salutes the

adjutant and commands: _At ease_; the adjutant returns the salutes.

When all have saluted and the band is in place, the adjutant rides to

the colonel, reports: _Sir, the regiment is formed_, and takes his

post. The colonel draws saber.

The formation in column of squads may be modified to the extent

demanded by circumstances. Prior to the formation the adjutant

indicates the point where the head of the column is to rest and the

direction in which it is to face: he then posts himself so as best to

observe the formation. At _adjutant's call_ or _assemble_ the leading

battalion marches to, and halts at, the indicated point. The other

battalions take positions from which they may conveniently follow in

their proper places.

335. For ceremonies, or when directed, the regiment is formed in line

or line of masses.

The adjutant posts himself so as to be 6 paces to the right of the

right or leading company of the right battalion when the regiment is

formed and faces in the direction in which the line is to extend.

_Adjutant's call_ is sounded; the band plays.

The adjutant indicates to the adjutant of the right battalion the

point of rest and the direction in which the line is to extend, and

then takes post facing the regiment midway between the post of the

colonel and the center of the regiment. Each of the other battalion

adjutants precedes his battalion to the line and marks its point of

rest.

The battalions, arriving from the rear, each in line or close column,

as the case may be, are halted on the line successively from right to

left in their proper order and places. Upon halting, each major

commands: 1. _Right_, 2. _DRESS_. The battalion adjutant assists in

aligning the battalion and then takes his post.

The band, arriving from the rear, takes its place in line when the

right battalion has halted; it ceases playing when the left battalion

has halted. The machine-gun company and the mounted scouts (or

detachment) take their places in line after the center battalion has

halted.

The colonel and those who accompany him take post.

When all parts of the line have been dressed, and officers and all

others have reached their posts, the adjutant commands: 1. _Present_,

2. _ARMS_. He then turns about and reports to the colonel: _Sir, the

regiment is formed_; the colonel directs the adjutant: _Take your

post, Sir_, draws saber and brings the regiment to the order. The

adjutant takes his post, passing to the right of the colonel.

_To Dismiss the Regiment._

336. Being in any formation: _DISMISS YOUR BATTALIONS_. Each major

marches his battalion off and dismisses it.

_Movements by the Regiment._

337. The regiment executes the _halt_, _rests_, _facings_, _steps_ and

_marchings_, _manual of arms_, resumes _attention_, _kneels_, _lies

down_, _rises_, _stacks_ and _takes arms_, as explained in the Schools

of the Soldier and Squad, substituting in the commands, when

necessary, _battalions_ for _squad_.

The regiment executes _squads right (left)_, _squads right (left)

about_, _route step_ and _at ease_, _obliques_ and resumes the direct

march as explained in the School of the Company.

The regiment in column of files, twos, squads, or platoons, changes

direction, and in column of squads forms column of twos or files and

re-forms column of twos or squads, as explained in the School of the

Company. In column of companies, it changes direction as explained in

the School of the Battalion.

338. When the formation admits of the simultaneous execution, by

battalions, companies, or platoons, of movements prescribed in the

School of the Company or Battalion, the colonel may cause such

movements to be executed by prefixing, where necessary, _battalions

(companies, platoons)_, to the commands prescribed therein.

339. The column of squads is the usual column of march; to shorten the

column, if conditions permit, a double column of squads may be used,

the companies of each battalion marching abreast in two columns.

Preliminary to an engagement, the regiment or its units will be placed

in the formation best suited to its subsequent tactical employment.

340. To assume any formation, the colonel indicates to the majors the

character of the formation desired, the order of the battalions, and

the point of rest. Each battalion is conducted by its major, and is

placed in its proper order in the formation, by the most convenient

means and route.

Having halted in a formation, no movements for the purpose of

correcting minor discrepancies in alignments, intervals, or distances

are made unless specially directed by the colonel or necessitated by

conditions of cover.

341. To correct intervals, distances, and alignments, the colonel

directs one or more of the majors to rectify their battalions. Each

major so directed causes his battalion to correct its alignment,

intervals, and distances, and places it in its proper position in the

formation.

_COMBAT PRINCIPLES._

342. The regiment is deployed by the colonel's order to the commanders

of battalions and special units. The order should give them

information of the situation and of the proposed plan of action. In

attack, the order should assign to each battalion not in reserve its

objective or line of advance. In defense, it should assign to each its

sector. In either case it should designate the troops for, and the

position of, the reserve and prescribe the employment of the machine

guns and mounted scouts.

Both in attack and defense the order may fix the front to be covered

in the deployment.

Encroachment upon the proper functions of subordinates and unnecessary

details should be studiously avoided. When the regiment deploys, the

colonel habitually places the band at the disposal of the surgeon for

employment in caring for the wounded. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

343. The regiment, when operating alone and attacking, should

undertake an enveloping attack if it does not result in overextension.

Assuming a regiment of 1,500 rifles, an extension of more than 1,000

yards between its extreme flanks when making an enveloping attack

alone is seldom justifiable; when part of a battle line, a front of

500 yards can rarely be exceeded.

344. In defense the front occupied when acting alone or posted on or

near the flank of a battle line should seldom exceed 600 yards; when

posted as an interior regiment, the front may be increased to 800

yards. The front may be somewhat longer than in the attack, since

smaller battalion supports are justifiable. When the regiment is

operating alone, however, the regimental reserve should be as strong

in the defense as in the attack unless the flanks are secure.

345. The colonel should always hold out a reserve--generally one

battalion; but when the regiment is operating alone, it is generally

advisable to hold out more at first.

346. Whereas the support held out in each battalion of the firing line

is intended to thicken the diminishing firing line at the proper times

and sometimes to lengthen it, the reserve held out in a regiment

operating alone is used for this purpose only as a last resort. Its

primary functions are: In attack, to protect the flanks, to improve

fully the advantage following a victory, or to cover defeat; in

defense, to prolong the firing line, to effect a counterattack, or to

cover withdrawal. It is the colonel's chief means of influencing an

action once begun. It should be conserved to await the proper moment

for its employment; the combat will seldom come to a successful issue

without its employment in some form.

The reserve of a regiment operating as part of a large force becomes a

local reserve. It replaces depleted supports and in attack strengthens

and protects the firing line in the charge.

THE BRIGADE.

347. The brigade does not engage in prescribed drills. It engages in

route marches and battle or other tactical exercises. These are

conducted pursuant to commands or orders formulated to suit the

conditions of the proposed movement or exercise, and, in general, in

accordance with the principles applicable to the regiment.

348. A brigade of about 4,000 rifles, as part of a general battle

line, would be deployed on a front of not more than 1,200 yards in

attack or 1,600 yards in defense.

When acting alone the distance between extreme flanks in an enveloping

attack should not exceed 2,000 yards at the time the attacking

infantry opens fire.

When acting alone, the front in defense should not exceed 1,600 yards.

These limits apply to the original deployment of the brigade for

combat and presuppose an enemy of equal or nearly equal training and

morale. The limits necessitated by the subsequent progress of the

combat can not be foreseen.

349. Units larger than the brigade are generally composed of all arms.

Combined tactics are considered in the Field Service Regulations.