To Form the Battalion.
Other Than Ceremonies.—Column of squads. Adjutant does not take his post until companies are formed. Each Captain halts company and salutes Adjutant. Adjutant returns salutes and when last Captain has saluted, faces Major and reports "Sir, the Battalion is formed." He joins Major without command.
For Ceremonies.—Or when directed, Battalion is formed in line. Adjutant places himself 6 paces to right of right company and facing in direction line is to extend. Guides precede companies on line by 20 paces. Adjutant causes guides to cover. Companies are halted one pace in rear of line and dressed to right against arm of guide. When guides of left company have been posted, Adjutant by shortest route moves to post facing Battalion midway between post of Major and center of Battalion. Adjutant commands: 1. Guides, 2. Posts, 3. Present, 4. Arms. He then faces about and reports, "Sir, the Battalion is formed." Major commands, "Take your post, sir."
To Dismiss The Battalion.—Dismiss your companies.
To Rectify The Alignment.—See Infantry Drill Regulations, paragraphs 273-274.
To Rectify The Column.—See Infantry Drill Regulations, paragraph 275.
Helpful Hints To Beginners.—These hold good with few exceptions.
When in column of squads; first command of Captain begins with word "Column."
When in column of companies; first command of Captain begins with word "Squads."
In Column Of Squads.—