lies in the uncertainty it
allows to exist as to the subdivision of the dismounted squadron, and
how the skirmishers on dismounting are to form.

According to Section 54 the squadron dismounted is divided into four
troops of twelve files, or if the number of files does not suffice,
into three troops. According to Section 87, eight to twelve men form a
group, two or three groups a troop. In Section 155 the skirmishers of
a troop when dismounted, with mobile horses, form one group. How many
'troops' are to be formed is not indicated. 'The skirmishers fall in,
in front of or by the side of the squadron, arranged as on horseback.'
When working with immobile detachments, then, according to Section
156, the skirmishers form in front or by the side of the squadrons in
two ranks, and in how many groups or troops they are to be told off is
not specified.

The confusion here cannot be explained away, and its consequences are
frequently manifested. It must be laid down once for all that with
mobile horses the dismounted men of a squadron form one troop in four
groups, or with immobile ones two troops, also of four groups, and
that they always form up in front of the squadrons, each troop in
line, and one behind the other. Then everyone should know exactly what
he has to do. It is altogether a misfortune that the dismounted
squadron and the squadron on foot parade are two entirely different
things. The latter is only required for ceremonial, and everything
relating to it should be consigned to Part IV. of the Regulations
(ceremonial, etc.); whilst the training of the squadron on foot should
from the beginning be based on the needs of the squadron dismounted
for action. Then there would be unity and system in the matter.

Turning now to the practical education in larger units, it is
necessary that the fundamental principles guiding the distribution of
the men in attack or defence in the typical kinds of encounter should
be taught and practised on the drill ground. The corresponding
positions of the led horses must also be represented. As typical
situations I would enumerate the following:

Attack on localities, with or without the tendency to outflank.

Attack by surprise, or after preparation.

Defence of a section or of a locality, with known direction of the
enemy's advance, or when the flanks may be threatened.

Obstinate defence and maintenance of an isolated locality.

Keeping open the entrance of a defile, and its ut