on close order drill, School of the Company,
is in general for those above the grade of private, therefore, unless we
are perfectly clear in what we have had so far, let us not go too deeply
into these special features until we have more experience.

The captain is responsible for the theoretical and practical instruction
of his officers and noncommissioned officers, not only in the duties of
their respective grades, but in those of the next higher grades.

If the left squad contains less than six men, it is either increased to
that number by transfers from other squads or is broken up and its
members assigned to other squads and posted in the line of file closers.
These squad organizations are maintained, by transfers if necessary,
until the company becomes so reduced in numbers as to necessitate a new
division into squads. No squad will contain less than six men.

The company is further divided into two, three, or four platoons, each
consisting of not less than two nor more than four squads. In garrison
or ceremonies the strength of platoons may exceed four squads.

Platoons are assigned to the lieutenants and noncom-missioned officers,
in order of rank, as follows: 1, right; 2, left; 3, center (right
center); 4, left center.

The noncommissioned officers next in rank are assigned as guides, one
to each platoon. If sergeants still remain, they are assigned to
platoons as additional guides. When the platoon is deployed, its guide,
or guides, accompany the platoon leader.

The first sergeant is never assigned as a guide. When not commanding a
platoon, he is posted as a file closer opposite the third file from the
outer flank of the first platoon; and when the company is deployed he
accompanies the captain.

Musicians, when required to play, are at the head of the column. When
the company is deployed, they accompany the captain.

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual
of arms during the drill unless especially excused, when they remain at
the order. During ceremonies they execute all movements.

In taking intervals and distances, unless otherwise directed, the
right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in the
line of file closers, and, with them, take a distance of 4 paces from
the rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command march, the file
closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest him.
In assembling the guides and file closers resume