The =preparatory= command should be given at such an interval of time before the command of =execution= as to admit of being properly understood; the command of =execution= should be given at the instant the movement is to commence.

The tone of command is animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number of men for whom it is intended.

Each =preparatory= command is enunciated distinctly, with a rising inflection at the end, and in such manner that the command of =execution= may be more energetic.

The command of =execution= is firm in tone and brief. (38)

=88. Battalion and higher commanders repeat commands of superiors; battalion largest unit executing movement at command of its commander.= Majors and commanders of units larger than a battalion repeat such commands of their superiors as are to be executed by their units, facing their units for that purpose. The battalion is the largest unit that executes a movement at the command of execution of its commander. (39)

=89. Facing troops and avoiding indifference when giving commands.= When giving commands to troops it is usually best to face toward them.

Indifference in giving commands must be avoided as it leads to laxity in execution. Commands should be given with spirit at all times. (40)

Bugle Signals

=90. Bugle signals that may be used on and off the field of battle.= The authorized bugle signals are published in Part V of these regulations.

The following bugle signals may be used off the battlefield, when not likely to convey information to the enemy:

=Attention:= Troops are brought to attention.

=Attention to orders:= Troops to fix their attention.

=Forward, march:= Used also to execute quick time from double time.

=Double time, march.= =To the rear, march:= In close order, execute =squads right about=.

=Halt.= =a.s.semble, march.=

The following bugle signals may be used on the battlefield:

=Fix bayonets.= =Charge.= =a.s.semble, march.=

These signals are used only when intended for the entire firing line; hence they can be authorized only by the commander of a unit (for example, a regiment or brigade) which occupies a distinct section of the battlefield. Exception: =Fix bayonet.= (See par. 355.)

The following bugle signals are used in exceptional cases on the battlefield. Their princ.i.p.al uses are in field exercises and practice firing.

=Commence firing:= Officers charged with fire direction and control open fire as soon as practicable. When given to a firing line, the signal is equivalent to =fire at will=.

=Cease firing:= All parts of the line execute =cease firing= at once.

These signals are not used by units smaller than a regiment, except when such unit is independent or detached from its regiment. (41)

Whistle Signals

=91. Attention to orders.= A =short blast= of the whistle. This signal is used on the march or in combat when necessary to fix the attention of troops, or of their commanders or leaders, preparatory to giving commands, orders, or signals.

When the firing line is firing, each squad leader suspends firing and fixes his attention at a =short blast= of his platoon leader's whistle. The platoon leader's subsequent commands or signals are repeated and enforced by the squad leader. If a squad leader's attention is attracted by a whistle other than that of his platoon leader, or if there are no orders or commands to convey to his squad, he resumes firing at once.

=Suspend firing.= A =long blast= of the whistle. All other whistle signals are prohibited. (42)

Arm Signals

=92.= The following arm signals are prescribed. In making signals either arm may be used. Officers who receive signals on the firing line "repeat back" at once to prevent misunderstanding.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Forward, MARCH.= Carry the hand to the shoulder; straighten and hold the arm horizontally, thrusting it in the direction of march.

This signal is also used to execute quick time from double time.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Halt.= Carry the hand to the shoulder; thrust the hand upward and hold the arm vertically.

=Double time, MARCH.= Carry the hand to the shoulder; rapidly thrust the hand upward the full extent of the arm several times.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Squads right, MARCH.= Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it to a vertical position above the head and swing it several times between the vertical and horizontal positions.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Squads left, MARCH.= Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it downward to the side and swing it several times between the downward and horizontal positions.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Squads right about, MARCH= (if in close order) or, =To the rear, MARCH= (if in skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically above the head; carry it laterally downward to the side and swing it several times between the vertical and downward positions.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=Change direction or Column right (left), MARCH.= The hand on the side toward which the change of direction is to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal; then swing in a horizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=As skirmishers, MARCH.= Raise both arms laterally until horizontal.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=As skirmishers, guide center, MARCH.= Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; swing both simultaneously upward until vertical and return to the horizontal; repeat several times.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=As skirmishers, guide right (left), MARCH.= Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; hold the arm on the side of the guide steadily in the horizontal position: swing the other upward until vertical and return it to the horizontal; repeat several times.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

=a.s.semble, March.= Raise the arm vertically to full extent and describe horizontal circles.

[Ill.u.s.tration]