Suppose the company to be in line.
In executing:
- 1. Squads right. The guides go to the left flank.
- 2. Right by squads. The guides go to the left flank.
- 3. Squads left. The guides go to the right flank.
- 4. Left by squads. The guides go to the right flank.
If the company is in column of squads and the command is either squads right or left about, the guides simply remember to remain on the flank opposite from the file closers. It is very easy to see that a world of confusion would be caused by the file closers attempting to move to the opposite flank during squads right or left about. If the guides are in doubt look to see where the file closers are and then apply the rule of thumb: File closers and guides are always on opposite flanks.
TO DIMINISH THE FRONT OF A COLUMN OF SQUADS
Being in column of squads: 1. Right (left) by twos, 2. MARCH.
At the command march all files except the two right files on the leading squad execute "in Place Halt"; the two left files of the leading squads oblique to the right when disengaged and follow the right files at the shortest practicable distance. The remaining squads follow successively in like manner.
Being in column of squads or twos:
1. Right (left) by file, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, all files execute "In Place Halt," except the right file of the leading two or squad. The left file or files of the leading two or squad oblique successively to the right when disengaged and each follows the file on its right at the shortest practicable distance. The remaining twos or squads follow successively in like manner.