, when in
line, as _right_, _center_, or _left battalion_; when in column, as
_leading_, _center_, or _rear battalion_. These designations apply to
the actual positions of the battalions in line or column.

332. Except at ceremonies, or when rendering honors, or when otherwise
directed, after the regiment is formed, the battalions march and stand
_at ease_ during subsequent movements.

CLOSE ORDER.

_To Form the Regiment._

333. Unless otherwise directed, the battalions are posted from right
to left, or from head to rear, according to the rank of the battalion
commanders present, the senior on the right or at the head. A
battalion whose major is in command of the regiment retains its place.

334. For ordinary purposes, the regiment is formed in column of squads
or in column of masses.

The adjutant informs the majors what the formation is to be. The
battalions and special units having been formed, he posts himself and
draws saber. _Adjutant's call_ is sounded, or the adjutant signals
_assemble_.

If forming in column of squads, the adjutant posts himself so as to be
facing the column when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be
occupied by the leading guide of the regiment; if forming in column of
masses, he posts himself so as to be facing the right guides of the
column when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be occupied
by the right guide of the leading company. Later, he moves so as best
to observe the formation.

The battalions are halted, at attention, in column of squads or close
column, as the case may be, successively from the front in their
proper order and places. The band takes its place when the leading
battalion has halted. Other special units take their places in turn
when the rear battalion has halted.

The majors and the commanders of the machine-gun company and mounted
scouts (or detachment) each, when his command is in place, salutes the
adjutant and commands: _At ease_; the adjutant returns the salutes.
When all have saluted and the band is in place, the adjutant rides to
the colonel, reports: _Sir, the regiment is formed_, and takes his
post. The colonel draws saber.

The formation in column of squads may be modified to the extent
demanded by circumstances. Prior to the formation the adjutant
indicates the point where the head of the column is to rest and the
direction in which it is to face: he then posts himself so as best to
observe the formation. At _adjutant's c