=317.= Being in column of companies or close column. (Plate III, page 90); =1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH.=

[Ill.u.s.tration]

The captain of the first company commands: =Right turn.=

The leading company turns to the right on moving pivot, the captain adding: =1. Forward, 2. MARCH=, upon its completion.

The other companies march squarely up to the turning point; each changes direction by the same commands and means as the first and in such manner that the guide covers the guide of the preceding company.

(280)

=318.= Being in line of companies or close line. (Plate III, page 90): =1. Battalion right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Battalion, 4. HALT.=

[Ill.u.s.tration]

The right company changes direction to the right, as prescribed in par. 224; the other companies are conducted by the shortest line to their places abreast of the first.

The fourth command is given when the right company has advanced the desired distance in the new direction; that company halts; the others halt successively upon arriving on the line. (281)

=319.= Being in column of squads, the battalion changes direction by the same commands and in the manner prescribed for the company, as explained in par. 224. (282)

Ma.s.s Formations

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM LINE.]

=319a.= Being in column of squads, to form a line of columns of companies or company subdivisions, facing in any desired direction, at any desired interval, on the right or left of the leading element of the battalion: =1. Line of companies (half companies, platoons), at (so many) paces, guide right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Battalion, 4. HALT.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM LINE OF COMPANIES.]

The leading company (or subdivision) marches in the direction previously indicated by the major until the command halt is given and then halts. Each succeeding company (or subdivision) marches by the most direct route to its place at the prescribed intervals on the left (right) of the next preceding company (or subdivision), halting when it is abreast of the leading element of the battalion.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM COLUMN OF SQUADS.]

If the battalion be in any formation other than column of squads, the major indicates the desired direction to the leading element. The entire command forms column of squads and executes a movement in conformity with the principles indicated above. (282-1/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM COLUMN OF COMPANIES.]

=320.= Being in line, line of companies, or column of companies.

(Plate III, page 90): =1. Close on first (fourth) company, 2. MARCH.=

If at a halt, the indicated company stands fast; if marching, it is halted; each of the other companies is conducted toward it and is halted in proper order in close column.

If the battalion is in line, companies form successively in rear of the indicated company; if in column of squads, companies in rear of the leading company form on the left of it.

In close column formed line on the first company, the left guides cover; formed on the fourth company, right guides cover. If formed on the leading company, the guide remains as before the formation. In close line, the guides are halted abreast of the guide of the leading company.

The battalion in column closes on the leading company only. (283)

(In closing from line of companies and in extending from close line, the companies other than the base one, may be moved either by the commands, (a) =1. Squads, right (left), 2. MARCH=; (b) =1.

Right (left) oblique, 2. MARCH=; (c) =1. Forward, 2. MARCH=; (d) =1. Squads left (right) 2. MARCH=; (e) =1. Company, 2. HALT=; or, (a) =1. By the right (left) flank, 2. MARCH=; (b) =1. Company, 2.

HALT=; (c) =1. Left (right), 2. FACE=; or if at a halt by the commands, (a) =1. Right (left), 2. FACE=; (b) =1. At Trail, 2.

Forward, 3. MARCH=; (c) =1. Company, 2. HALT=; (d) =1. Left (right), 2. FACE.= In some commands it is customary to use one method while in other commands another is used. For the sake of uniformity all companies of a given command should use the same method.--Author.)

To Extend the Ma.s.s

=321.= Being in close column or in close line; =1. Extend on first (fourth) company, 2. MARCH.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM CLOSE COLUMN.]

Being in close line: if at a halt, the indicated company stands fast; if marching, it halts; each of the other companies is conducted away from the indicated company and is halted in its proper order in line of companies.

Being in close column, the extension is made on the fourth company only. If marching, the leading company continues to march; companies in rear are halted and successively resume the march in time to follow at full distance. If at halt, the leading company marches; companies in rear successively march in time to follow at full distance.

Close column is not extended in double time. (See author's note, par.

320.) (284)

=322.= Being in close column: =1. Right (left) front into line, 2.

MARCH.= Executed as from column of companies, as explained in par.

314. (285)

=323.= Being in close column: =1. Column of squads, first (fourth) company, squads right (left), 2. MARCH.=

The designated company marches in column of squads to the right. Each of the other companies executes the same movement in time to follow the preceding company in column. (286)

=324.= Being in close line: =1. Column of squads, first (fourth) company, forward, 2. MARCH.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: FROM CLOSE LINE.]

The designated company moves forward. The other companies (halting if in march) successively take up the march and follow in column. (287)

Route Step and at Ease

=325.= The battalion marches in =route step= and =at ease= as prescribed in the School of the Company. (See par. 233.) When marching in column of companies or platoons, the guides maintain the trace and distance.

In route marches the major marches at the head of the column; when necessary, the file closers may be directed to march at the head and rear of their companies. (288)

a.s.sembly

=326.= The battalion being wholly or partially deployed, or the companies being separated: =1. a.s.semble, 2. MARCH.=

The major places himself opposite to or designates the element or point on which the battalion is to a.s.semble. Companies are a.s.sembled, as explained in par. 248, and marched to the indicated point. As the companies arrive the major or adjutant indicates the formation to be taken. (289)

COMBAT PRINCIPLES