In the beginning the leader moves at a walk and makes only slight changes of direction. As the instructor completes each change of direction he indicates the new direction of march by extending his arm as in signal forward (par. 990), dropping the hand to the side when the guide's horse is straightened in the new direction. When the troopers have become sufficiently practiced in adjusting themselves to the movements of the instructor, the latter makes the changes of direction more marked, and moves, during such changes, on the arcs of smaller circles. Finally, he requires the squad to apply the principles of leading in the manner indicated in pars. 346-349. As each movement is taken up the principles of leading that apply are explained in detail, so that all may understand clearly the identity and position of the base. The base trooper (guide) must clearly understand his duties. (Fig. [31].)
Fig. 37, par. 367.
SQUAD FORMATIONS.
The formations of the squad for drill, march, or combat are as follows:
CLOSE ORDER.
368. (a) Line: The troopers are abreast of each other with intervals (Def.) of 6 inches (mounted) or 4 inches (dismounted) between troopers.
(b) Column of fours: The troopers of each four are arranged as in line. The fours follow successively one behind another with distances (Def.) between Successive fours of 4 feet, mounted, or 92 inches, dismounted. When a four includes less than four troopers it is an incomplete four. Places in an incomplete four are habitually filled in the following order: No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 1 (par. 374).
(c) Column of twos: The troopers of each two are arranged as in line, the twos following successively, one behind another, with distances between successive twos of 4 feet, mounted, or 40 inches, dismounted. If any two have but a single trooper the latter takes the position corresponding to the right trooper of the incomplete two (par. 374).