[211.] The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the element on which the company is to assemble and commands: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.
If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated point and the company is re-formed in line. If assembled by platoons, these are conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and the company is re-formed in line.
Platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. Platoons, assemble, 2. MARCH.
Executed by each platoon as described for the company.
One or more platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. Such platoon(s), assemble, 2. MARCH.
Executed by the designated platoon or platoons as described for the company.
The Advance.
[212.] The advance of a company into an engagement (whether for attack or defense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, until the probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy. After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance of the company may be continued in skirmish line or other suitable formation, depending upon circumstances. The advance may often be facilitated, or better advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the employment of the platoon or squad columns or by the use of a succession of thin lines. The selection of the method to be used is made by the captain or major, the choice depending upon conditions arising during the progress of the advance. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will generally be best to assemble the company and proceed in close order.
Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise.
[213.] Being in skirmish line: 1. Platoon columns, 2. MARCH.