If in column, the head of the column follows the corporal.

TO DEPLOY AS SKIRMISHERS.

124.  Being in any formation, assembled:  1. Asskirmishers_, 2.  MARCH.

The corporal places himself in front of the squall, if not already there.  Moving at a run, the men place themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals, Nos. 1 and 2 on his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men on the left of No.4; all then conform to the corporal’s gait.

When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly formed on No. 2 of the front rank, who stands fast or continues the march, as the case may be; the corporal places himself in front of the squad when advancing find in rear when halted.

When deployed us skirmishers, the men march at ease, pieces at the trail unless otherwise ordered.

The corporal is the guide when in the line; otherwise No. 2 front rank is the guide.

125.  The normal interval between skirmishers is one-half pace, resulting practically in one man per yard of front.  The front of a squad thus deployed as skirmishers is about 10 paces.

TO INCREASE OR DIMINISH INTERVALS.

126.  If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease the interval:  1. Asskirmishers,_(so_many)_paces_, 2.  MARCH.

Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces.  If already deployed, the men move by the flank toward or away from the guide.

THE ASSEMBLY.

127.  Being deployed:  1. Assemble, 2.  MARCH.

The men move toward the corporal and form in their proper places.

If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double time, form, and follow him.

The assembly while marching to the rear is not executed.

KNEELING AND LYING DOWN.

128.  If standing:  KNEEL.

Half face to the right; carry the right toe about 1 foot to the left rear of the left heel; kneel on right knee, sitting as nearly as possible on the right heel; left forearm across left thigh; piece remains in position of order arms, right hand grasping it above the lower band.

129.  If standing or kneeling:  LIE DOWN.

Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry back the left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body about 35 deg. to the right; piece horizontal, barrel up, muzzle off the ground and pointed to the front; elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, right hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the neck.  This is the position of order arms, lying down.

130.  If kneeling or lying down:  RISE.