Certain modifications in the execution of some of the movements, incident to their use in collective instruction, are noted in appropriate places in the School of the Squad.
331. Column of twos and of troopers: Movements, involving the use of column of twos or troopers, although simple in principle, are not adapted to execution as movements of precision, and the details of their execution will be regulated accordingly (pars. 393-400). Familiarity with the practical use of these formations must be insisted upon, but they will be taken in the simplest manner consistent with efficiency in their use.
382. To avoid repetition the detailed descriptions and explanations of collective movements are, as a rule, based only upon the execution of the mounted movements.
383. Gaits for mounted movements.—All mounted movements not specially excepted may be executed at the trot or gallop (par. 239).
For the execution of a movement at the trot or gallop the command trot or gallop precedes the command march unless marching at the gait desired or unless it be otherwise prescribed. When the indication for the trot or gallop is included in the command for the movement it precedes the command march; thus, 1. Forward, trot; 2. MARCH.
334. When the troopers of any element (Def.) move at different gaits, if the gait of such element be referred to, the gait of its base is to be understood.
335. A gait is said to be correspondingly faster or correspondingly slower than another gait when there is a difference of one degree between the two (par. 239).
336. In the rules included in pars. 333 to 337 the expression "other elements" (Def.) means in each case elements of the same kind as the base.
337. (a) In movements from the halt the base moves at the walk unless another gait be stated in the command or indicated by the leader's movements.
(b) In forming line to the front from column the other elements (par. 336) take, without command, a correspondingly faster gait than the base. If gallop be commanded at any time, it applies only to the other elements (f). The base (leading element) habitually preserves the gait of march (a). The leader controls the movements of the base according to the object in view. He may diminish its pace or gait or halt it to hasten the formation. A command to decrease the gait or to halt, given during the execution of the movement, applies only to those elements that have already completed the movement. The leader habitually so controls the base that elements in rear need not move faster than a maneuver gallop in order to execute the movement.