Company in line two deep.
“Right Subdivision, cover the front.”
The officer commanding the right subdivision gives the words—
“Right subdivision,” “trail arms,” “quick march,” “from the centre extend.”
At the last-mentioned word, the centre file going steadily to the front, all to the right of it bring forward the left shoulder, and all to the left of it the right shoulder, so as to open out, successively, to the proper extended distances from the centre; each file turning full to the front as it gains its distance. The left subdivision has now become “the support.” When the line of skirmishers attains to a proper distance, it receives the order
“Halt.”
This interval, in a tolerably open country, under the long range, should scarcely be less than three hundred yards; though, on the drill field, to save time, this and other similar distances may be, when it is desirable, contracted.
Any body of infantry on the march in line may “extend” from any named file on the principle just described; and, on the same principle, skirmishers on the march may “close,” by bringing up the shoulder so as to join successively the file indicated which has kept its straightforward course.
For the very important duties of supports, see “The Essentials,” [Art. VIII.]
Right subdivision extended, left subdivision in support.