out and naming military features of
the ground; in distinguishing between living beings; in counting
distant groups of objects or beings; in recognizing colors and forms.

158. In the training of men in the mechanism of the firing line, they
should be practiced in repeating to one another target and aiming
point designations and in quickly locating and pointing out a
designated target. They should be taught to distinguish, from a prone
position, distant objects, particularly troops, both with the naked
eye and with field glasses. Similarly, they should be trained in
estimating distances.

SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY.

159. The captain is responsible for the theoretical and practical
instruction of his officers and noncommissioned officers, not only in
the duties of their respective grades, but in those of the next higher
grades.

160. The company in line is formed in double rank with the men
arranged, as far as practicable, according to height from right to
left, the tallest on the right.

The original division into squads is effected by the command: _COUNT
OFF_. The squads, successively from the right, count off as in the
School of the Squad, corporals placing themselves as Nos. 4 of the
front rank. If the left squad contains less than six men, it is either
increased to that number by transfers from other squads or is broken
up and its members assigned to other squads and posted in the line of
file closers. These squad organizations are maintained, by transfers
if necessary, until the company becomes so reduced in numbers as to
necessitate a new division into squads. No squad will contain less
than six men.

161. The company is further divided into two, three, or four platoons,
each consisting of not less than two nor more than four squads. In
garrison or ceremonies the strength of platoons may exceed four
squads.

162. At the formation of the company the platoons or squads are
numbered consecutively from right to left and these designations do
not change.

For convenience in giving commands and for reference, the
designations, _right_, _center_, _left_, when in line, and _leading_,
_center_, _rear_, when in column, are applied to platoons or squads.
These designations apply to the actual right, left, center, head, or
rear, in whatever direction the company may be facing. The _center
squad_ is the middle or right middle squad of the company.

The designation "So-and-so's" squad or platoon may also be us