Part 18 (1/2)

Platoons may be a.s.sembled by the command: 1. Platoons, a.s.semble, 2.

MARCH.

Executed by each platoon as described for the company.

One or more platoons may be a.s.sembled by the command: 1. Such platoon(s), a.s.semble, 2. MARCH.

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

Wherever it is necessary in campaign to deploy troops there is often so much noise and confusion that it is impossible for the officers and noncommissioned officers to make themselves heard. Signals must be used instead of verbal commands.

WHISTLE SIGNALS

There are only two kinds of whistle signals; a short last and a long blast. A short blast means pay attention, or look out for a signal or command.

A long blast means stop firing for a minute (suspend firing).

THE ADVANCE

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 formations, depending upon circ.u.mstances. 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 a.s.semble the company and proceed in close order.

Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise.

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

[Ill.u.s.tration: SHOWING HOW PLATOON COLUMNS ARE FORMED]

The platoon leaders move forward through the center of their respective platoons: men to the right of the platoon leader march to the left and follow him in file; those to the left march in like manner to the right; each platoon leader thus conducts the march of his platoon in double column of files; platoon guides follow in the

[Ill.u.s.tration: SQUAD COLUMN]

rear of their respective platoons to insure prompt and orderly execution of the advance.

[Ill.u.s.tration: SQUAD COLUMNS]

Being in skirmish line: 1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH. See preceding page.

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.

Platoon columns are profitably used where the ground is so difficult or cover is 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 (ordinarily about 20 yards wide). Squad columns are of value princ.i.p.ally in facilitating the advance over rough or brush-grown ground; they afford no material advantage in securing cover.

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.