The leader takes position in front of the guide of the column (No. 2).
Gaits are further regulated as in movements from column into line (par. 337-a, b).
Column of fours, from column of troopers is formed by the same commands and in accordance with the same principles.
Column of twos from column of troopers is formed in a similar manner at the commands: 1. Column of twos, 2. MARCH. The column of twos will be right in front or left in front (par. 370), according as the column of troopers was right in front or left in front prior to the movement.
In the dismounted execution of the above movements in quick time the leader habitually commands: 1. Squad, 2. HALT, immediately following the command of execution (par. 339-b, c). Only the leading element halts (par. 339f-f), each of the rear elements halting when it reaches its prescribed position in the column. If executed in double time the leader similarly follows the command of execution by the command for quick time (par. 339-b, c), which is successively taken by the elements, as above. If marching in quick time, and double time be commanded, only the rear elements take the increased gait, each taking quick time on arriving in its place. (Fig. [41].)
400. Being in column of fours, twos, or troopers, to form line to a flank: 1. Fours right (left), 2. MARCH.
Each, four turns to the right (par. 389). Each rear four regulates on the leading four until the fours unite in line (par. 326), when, unless the leader halts the squad, all take up the march in the new direction without further command, regulating on the new guide (pars. 325, 372). If the squad is to form line without advancing in the new direction, the leader gives the preparatory indication for the halt immediately following the second command, so as to add the command halt as the four unite in line.
In an emergency a similar movement may be executed from columns of twos at the commands: 1. Twos right (left), 2. MARCH. Loss of order may result. In the absence of other indication, intervals are closed toward the guide (par. 372). A similar movement executed from column of troopers results in a line of foragers, which may be assembled or rallied to form line (pars. 414, 416).
Gaits are regulated as in par. 337d-d. (Fig. [36].)