ft)_, _squads right (left)
about_, _route step_ and _at ease_, _obliques_ and resumes the direct
march as explained in the School of the Company.

The regiment in column of files, twos, squads, or platoons, changes
direction, and in column of squads forms column of twos or files and
re-forms column of twos or squads, as explained in the School of the
Company. In column of companies, it changes direction as explained in
the School of the Battalion.

338. When the formation admits of the simultaneous execution, by
battalions, companies, or platoons, of movements prescribed in the
School of the Company or Battalion, the colonel may cause such
movements to be executed by prefixing, where necessary, _battalions
(companies, platoons)_, to the commands prescribed therein.

339. The column of squads is the usual column of march; to shorten the
column, if conditions permit, a double column of squads may be used,
the companies of each battalion marching abreast in two columns.
Preliminary to an engagement, the regiment or its units will be placed
in the formation best suited to its subsequent tactical employment.

340. To assume any formation, the colonel indicates to the majors the
character of the formation desired, the order of the battalions, and
the point of rest. Each battalion is conducted by its major, and is
placed in its proper order in the formation, by the most convenient
means and route.

Having halted in a formation, no movements for the purpose of
correcting minor discrepancies in alignments, intervals, or distances
are made unless specially directed by the colonel or necessitated by
conditions of cover.

341. To correct intervals, distances, and alignments, the colonel
directs one or more of the majors to rectify their battalions. Each
major so directed causes his battalion to correct its alignment,
intervals, and distances, and places it in its proper position in the
formation.

_COMBAT PRINCIPLES._

342. The regiment is deployed by the colonel's order to the commanders
of battalions and special units. The order should give them
information of the situation and of the proposed plan of action. In
attack, the order should assign to each battalion not in reserve its
objective or line of advance. In defense, it should assign to each its
sector. In either case it should designate the troops for, and the
position of, the reserve and prescribe the employment of the machine
guns and mounted scouts.

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