Part 16 (2/2)
The movement described in this paragraph will be ordered right or left, so as to restore the files to their normal relative positions in column of twos or in column of squads.
[Ill.u.s.tration: RIGHT BY FILE]
The movements prescribed in the three preceding paragraphs are difficult of execution at attention and have no value as disciplinary exercises.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Executing twos left front into line.
Executing squads left front into line.]
Marching by twos or files can not be executed without serious delay and waste of road s.p.a.ce. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to obviate the necessity for these formations.
The remainder of chapter on close order drill, School of the Company, is in general for those above the grade of private, therefore, unless we are perfectly clear in what we have had so far, let us not go too deeply into these special features until we have more experience.
The captain is responsible for the theoretical and practical instruction of his officers and noncommissioned officers, not only in the duties of their respective grades, but in those of the next higher grades.
If the left squad contains less than six men, it is either increased to that number by transfers from other squads or is broken up and its members a.s.signed to other squads and posted in the line of file closers.
These squad organizations are maintained, by transfers if necessary, until the company becomes so reduced in numbers as to necessitate a new division into squads. No squad will contain less than six men.
The company is further divided into two, three, or four platoons, each consisting of not less than two nor more than four squads. In garrison or ceremonies the strength of platoons may exceed four squads.
Platoons are a.s.signed to the lieutenants and noncom-missioned officers, in order of rank, as follows: 1, right; 2, left; 3, center (right center); 4, left center.
The noncommissioned officers next in rank are a.s.signed as guides, one to each platoon. If sergeants still remain, they are a.s.signed to platoons as additional guides. When the platoon is deployed, its guide, or guides, accompany the platoon leader.
The first sergeant is never a.s.signed as a guide. When not commanding a platoon, he is posted as a file closer opposite the third file from the outer flank of the first platoon; and when the company is deployed he accompanies the captain.
Musicians, when required to play, are at the head of the column. When the company is deployed, they accompany the captain.
Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual of arms during the drill unless especially excused, when they remain at the order. During ceremonies they execute all movements.
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 a.s.sembling the guides and file closers resume their positions in line.
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, 3.
DISMISSED.
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.
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