(d) The combat exercise, a form of field exercise of the company, battalion, and larger units, consists of the application of tactical principles to assumed situations, employing in the execution the appropriate formations and movements of close and extended order.
Combat exercises must simulate, as far as possible, the battle conditions assumed. In order to familiarize both officers and men with such conditions, companies and battalions will frequently be consolidated to provide war-strength organizations. Officers and noncommissioned officers not required to complete the full quota of the units participating are assigned as observers or umpires.
The firing line can rarely be controlled by the voice alone; thorough training to insure the proper use of prescribed signals is necessary.
The exercise should be followed by a brief drill at attention in order to restore smartness and control. (6)
[56]. Imaginary, outlined and represented enemy. In field exercises the enemy is said to be imaginary when his position and force are merely assumed; outlined when his position and force are indicated by a few men; represented when a body of troops acts as such. (7)
General Rules for Drills and Formations
[57]. Arrangement of elements of preparatory command. When the preparatory command consists of more than one part, its elements are arranged as follows:
(1) For movements to be executed successively by the subdivisions or elements of an organization: (a) Description of the movement; (b) how executed, or on what element executed.
(For example: 1. Column of Companies, first company, squads right. 2. March.—Author.)