e signals; a short last and a long
blast. A short blast means pay attention, or look out for a signal or
command.

A long blast means stop firing for a minute (suspend firing).

THE ADVANCE

The advance of a company into an engagement whether for attack or
defense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, until
the probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to
deploy. After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance of the
company may be continued in skirmish line or other suitable formations,
depending upon circumstances. The advance may often be facilitated, or
better advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the employment of
the platoon or squad columns or by the use of a succession of thin
lines. The selection of the method to be used is made by the captain or
major, the choice depending upon conditions arising during the progress
of the advance. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will
generally be best to assemble the company and proceed in close order.

Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise.

Being in skirmish line: 1. Platoon columns, 2. MARCH.

[Illustration: SHOWING HOW PLATOON COLUMNS ARE FORMED]

The platoon leaders move forward through the center of their respective
platoons: men to the right of the platoon leader march to the left and
follow him in file; those to the left march in like manner to the right;
each platoon leader thus conducts the march of his platoon in double
column of files; platoon guides follow in the

[Illustration: SQUAD COLUMN]

rear of their respective platoons to insure prompt and orderly execution
of the advance.

[Illustration: SQUAD COLUMNS]

Being in skirmish line: 1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH. See preceding
page.

Each squad leader moves to the front; the members of each squad oblique
toward and follow their squad leader in single file at easy marching
distances.

Platoon columns are profitably used where the ground is so difficult
or cover is so limited as to make it desirable to take advantage of the
few favorable routes; no two platoons should march within the area of
burst of a single shrapnel (ordinarily about 20 yards wide). Squad
columns are of value principally in facilitating the advance over rough
or brush-grown ground; they afford no material advantage in securing
cover.

To deploy platoon or squad columns: 1. As skirmishers, 2. MARCH.

Skirmishers move to th