m skirmish line to the flank or rear the line or the column
of squads is turned by squads to the flank or rear and then deployed
as described.

210. The intervals between men are increased or decreased as described
in the School of the Squad, adding to the preparatory command, _guide
right (left_ or _center)_ if necessary.

_The Assembly._

211. The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the
element on which the company is to assemble and commands: 1.
_Assemble_, 2. _MARCH_.

If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated point
and the company is re-formed in line. If assembled by platoons, these
are conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and the
company is re-formed in line.

Platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. _Platoons, assemble_, 2.
_MARCH_.

Executed by each platoon as described for the company.

One or more platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. _Such
platoon(s), assemble_, 2. _MARCH_.

Executed by the designated platoon or platoons as described for the
company.

_The Advance._

212. 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
formation, 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.

213. Being in skirmish line: 1. _Platoon columns_, 2. _MARCH_.

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 lender thus conducts the march of
his platoon in double column of files; platoon guides follow in rear
of their respective platoons to insure prompt and orderly execut