If left, instead
of right is given that simply means that the leading or base squad is to
be the left of the skirmish line.
Now we come to the last variation. It is difficult for the new man. The
command as skirmishers, guide center, the company being in column of
squads, simply means that the center squad is to be the base squad. All
other squads are to regulate their movements on the base squad as in all
other cases.
This is a peculiar case and for it the authorities have adopted a rule
of thumb. All squads in front of the base squad go to the right, those
in rear to the left. That's all there is to it. But that must be
remembered. Corporals will conduct their squads to their proper places
by the shortest and easiest routes.
We will use a platoon of four squads to illustrate the idea.
[Illustration]
Note that the leading corporal turns his squad well to the right rear
and then to the left.
We have assumed the company to be at a halt; suppose it is moving
forward. In that case the base squad simply continues moving forward
after it has deployed until the captain gives the command halt.
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