The men form up in line about half a pace apart, with carbines held perpendicularly in the right hand and close to the side (the carbine “shoulder”).
On the word “Advance” all run forward steadily, keeping a fairly good line.
On the word “Halt” they drop to a sitting position (squatting naturally, as natives do, on both heels).
“Ready”—the men load with blank cartridge.
“Present”—the aim is taken.
“Fire”—the trigger is pressed.
“Advance”—the men run forward again, taking care to take out any unexploded cartridge or to open the breech.
“Halt”—they sit as before, and wait for the word “Ready” or “Advance.”
It might be advisable, if actually attacked when on the march, to retire upon the camels the better to protect them; so the men should be practised in retiring steadily and sitting down facing the enemy to fire, on the words “Retire” and “Halt.” The Somáli should in all these practices be told the supposed direction of the enemy, and also that whenever he is given the word “Halt” he is to squat down facing the enemy. I always carry a good whistle; and when the men are advancing, retiring, or halted ready for firing volleys, I sound an alarm on the whistle, and train the men to run to me and form a rough double circle round me, outer circle squatting on their heels, inner circle standing. We then fire volleys, the idea being that the enemy is trying to overwhelm the escort by a rush to close quarters.
On the word “Advance” the men run out in a rough line facing the enemy. It is wonderful how quickly Somalis get to understand the few English words of command which are necessary, and how well they grasp the idea in each movement. This is because they are brought up from childhood among raids and skirmishes.