If executed in double time, the leading company marches in double time until halted.
_Front into Line._
277. Being in column of squads or companies: 1. _Right (Left) front into line_, 2. _MARCH_.
Being in column of squads: At the first command, the captain of the leading company commands: _Column right_; the captains of the companies in rear, _column half right_. At the second command the leading company executes column right, and, as the last squad completes the change of direction, is formed in line to the left, halted, and dressed to the left. Each of the companies in rear is conducted by the most convenient route to the rear of the right of the preceding company, thence to the right, parallel to and 1 pace in rear of the new line; when opposite its place, it is formed in line to the left, halted, and dressed to the left.
Being in column of companies: If marching, the captain of the leading company gives the necessary commands to halt his company at the second command; if at a halt, the leading company stands fast. At the first command, the captain of each company in rear commands: _Squads right_, or _Right by squads_, and after the second command conducts his company by the most convenient route to its place in line, as described above.
Whether executed from column of squads or column of companies, each captain halts when opposite or at the point where the left of his company is to rest.
_To Form Column of Companies Successively to the Right or Left._
278. Being in column of squads: 1. _Column of companies, first company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.
The leading company executes _squads right_ and moves forward. The other companies move forward in column of squads and successively march in line to the right on the same ground as the leading company and in such manner that the guide covers the guide of the preceding company.
_To Form Column of Squads Successively to the Right or Left._
279. Being in column of companies: 1. _Column of squads, first company, squads right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.
The leading company executes _squads right_ and moves forward. The other companies move forward in column of companies and successively march in column of squads to the right on the same ground as the leading company.
_To Change Direction._
280. Being in column of companies or close column: 1. _Column right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.
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.
281. Being in line of companies or close line: 1. _Battalion right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_, 3. _Battalion_, 4. _HALT_.
The right company changes direction to the right; 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.
282. Being in column of squads, the battalion changes direction by the same commands and in the manner prescribed for the company.
_Ma.s.s Formations._
282 1-2. 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_.
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 interval on the left (right) of the next preceding company (or subdivision), halting when it is abreast of the leading element of the battalion.
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 the movement in conformity with the principles indicated above. (_C.I.D.R., No. 19._)
283. Being in line, line of companies, or column of companies: 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 from 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.
(_C.I.D.R., No. 19._)
_To Extend the Ma.s.s._
284. Being in close column or in close line: 1. _Extend on first (fourth) company_, 2. _MARCH_.
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.
285. Being in close column: 1. _Right (left) front into line_, 2.
_MARCH_. Executed as from column of companies.
286. 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.
287. Being in close line: 1. _Column of squads, first (fourth) company, forward_, 2. _MARCH_.
The designated company moves forward. The other companies (halting if in march) successively take up the march and follow in column.
_Route Step and At Ease._
288. The battalion marches in _route step_ and _at ease_ as prescribed in the School of the Company. 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.
_a.s.sembly._