s
must be particularly borne in mind, for they are by no means
universally current in the Cavalry, which has a tendency always and
everywhere in peace to revert to the levellest ground obtainable. I
have seen at Cavalry Division Exercises troops handled without the
slightest regard to the nature of the country, and without the fact
attracting attention at the 'Critique'; but these are conditions
which, thanks to the energetic action of the Inspector-General, we may
hope, are now everywhere overcome.

It must, further, be brought out in the clearest possible manner under
what conditions the employment of the units by 'Wings' is to be
recommended, and under which others their employment in 'Lines'
becomes necessary. The principles regulating this matter have already
received attention in Book I., Chap. V. The freedom which, as we have
seen, is given us by Section 346 of the Regulations must be utilized
to the fullest extent, for it alone answers to the demands of the
modern battle-field.[27]

[Footnote 27: If, in the course of time, as I fully
anticipate, the necessity should become apparent to give
further expression in the form of Regulations to the point of
view laid down in Section 346, it would certainly necessitate
a complete rearrangement of the whole Regulations, out of
which, in that case, other defects might then be eliminated.
The following ideas might then be taken into consideration:

1. Fundamental and formal separation of tactical prescription
from instructions concerning the methods of training.

2. Simplification of the Regimental drill in the direction of
conferring increased freedom of movements to the Squadrons
and double Squadrons. Limitations in the application of
Squadron Columns, and their partial replacement by more
suitable formations.

3. More precise wording of the tactical principles, and their
extension to prescriptions as to the use of 'Wing' or 'Line'
formation.

4. Re-introduction of the true idea of 'Line tactics,'
limitation of the word 'Echelon' to troops overlapping the
first line, of 'Reserve' for all held back behind it.

5. The preparation for all instructions for the movement and
combat of masses larger than Brigades without reference to
any fixed standard of strength.