mpany Acting Alone._

230. In general, the company, when acting alone, is employed according
to the principles applicable to the battalion acting alone; the
captain employs platoons as the major employs companies, making due
allowance for the difference in strength.

The support may be smaller in proportion or may be dispensed with.

231. The company must be well protected against surprise. Combat
patrols on the flanks are specially important. Each leader of a flank
platoon details a man to watch for the signals of the patrol or
patrols on his flank.

FIRE.

232. Ordinarily pieces are loaded and extra ammunition is issued
before the company deploys for combat.

In close order the company executes the firings at the command of the
captain, who posts himself in rear of the center of the company.

Usually the firings in close order consist of saluting volleys only.

233. When the company is deployed, the men execute the firings at the
command of their platoon leaders; the latter give such commands as are
necessary to carry out the captain's directions, and, from time to
time, add such further commands as are necessary to continue, correct,
and control the fire ordered.

234. The voice is generally inadequate for giving commands during fire
and must be replaced by signals of such character that proper fire
direction and control is assured. To attract attention, signals must
usually be preceded by the whistle signal (short blast). A fraction of
the firing line about to rush should, if practicable, avoid using the
long blast signal as an aid to _cease firing_. Officers and men behind
the firing line can not ordinarily move freely along the line, but
must depend on mutual watchfulness and the proper use of the
prescribed signals. All should post themselves so as to see their
immediate superiors and subordinates.

235. The musicians assist the captain by observing the enemy, the
target, and the fire effect, by transmitting commands or signals, and
by watching for signals.

236. Firing with blank cartridges at an _outlined_ or _represented_
enemy at distances less than 100 yards is prohibited.

237. The effect of fire and the influence of the ground in relation
thereto, and the individual and collective instruction in
marksmanship, are treated in the Small-Arms Firing Manual.

_Ranges._

238. For convenience of reference ranges are classified as follows:

0 to 600 yards, close range.
600 to 1,20