The leader may, by prior designation of any trooper (e.g., a flank trooper) as guide (par. 373), cause the assembly to be executed on that trooper by the commands and methods just indicated.
The troopers always start to assemble in line, but when an assembly in column is desired it may virtually be accomplished, by the leader's designation of a flank trooper as the guide before ordering the assembly and cautioning: COLUMN as soon as the assembly begins. The fours, as they successively assemble toward the base, then take their places in column of fours instead of in line; the leader takes post in front of No. 2 (par. 325).
If there be not space to advance in column of fours, the assembly in column of twos or troopers may be accomplished by corresponding commands and methods.
The squad executes assemble only when deployed as foragers and in order. Under other conditions the rally (par. 416), followed, by count fours, more easily accomplishes the purposes of the assembly (Def.).
In executing the assembly dismounted the troopers close in on the guide in double time without special command if the guide and leader continue to advance (par. 339g-g); otherwise they close in at quick time unless double time be commanded (par. 339b-b). (Fig. [42].)
Fig. 48, par. 414.
415. If to the rear (par. 412) be executed by the squad, a temporary loss of order occurs. If it be desired to pass to close order without resuming the march to the front and assembling (par. 414), the squad may rally (par. 416) and count fours.
416. Being in any formation, or not formed, or in disorder, to rally; RALLY. When the rally is ordered the signal is habitually accompanied by the oral command, both the signal and the oral command, being repeated until understood and obeyed. The signal is obeyed at once, there being no preparatory command for this movement.