To indicate, for any column, a change of direction of 90° or 45°, the leader may command, respectively: 1. Column, right (left), or 1. Column half right (left); 2. MARCH.
The leader may indicate a slight change of direction by the caution: INCLINE TO THE RIGHT.
The dismounted execution of the change of direction conforms in each element of the column to the modifications noted in pars. 386 and 387 for the execution of the turn dismounted. The leader regulates the length of his own step accordingly during his actual change of direction, and the guide of each successive element does the same when he reaches the turning point.
397. Being in column of fours, twos, or troopers, to form line to the front: 1. Right (left) front into line, 2. MARCH.
Fig. 40, par. 397.
The leading element (four, two, or trooper) of the column is the base of the movement and moves forward.
Each element in rear of the base, leaves the column by a movement approximating a right oblique and proceeds (par. 375) to a place abreast of the leading element, the elements taking successively, from left to right in the new line, positions in the same order as that in which they previously appeared from head to rear in the column.
The guide of the leading element, when the movement begins, acts as directing guide (Def.) of the squad from the moment the leader starts to his new position until he indicates the guide of the new line (pars. 326, 373) when all regulate on the latter guide.