The movement described in this paragraph will be ordered RIGHT or LEFT, so as to restore the files to their normal relative positions in the two or squad.

197.  The movements prescribed in the three preceding paragraphs are difficult of execution at attention and have no value as disciplinary exercises.

198.  Marching by twos or files can not be executed without serious delay and waste of road space.  Every reasonable precaution will be taken to obviate the necessity for these formations.

EXTENDED ORDER.

RULES FOR DEPLOYMENT.

199.  The command GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT or CENTER) indicates the base squad for the deployment; if in line it designates the actual RIGHT (LEFT or CENTER) squad; if in column the command GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT) designates the LEADING squad, and the command GUIDE CENTER designates the center squad.  After the deployment is completed, the guide is CENTER without command, unless otherwise ordered.

200.  At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, from either column of squads or line, each squad leader (except the leader of the base squad, when his squad does not advance), cautions his squad, FOLLOW ME or BY THE RIGHT (LEFT) FLANK, as the case may be; at the command MARCH, he steps in front of his squad and leads it to its place in line.

201.  Having given the command for forming skirmish line, the captain, if necessary, indicates to the corporal of the base squad the point on which the squad is to march; the corporal habitually looks to the captain for such directions.

202.  The base squad is deployed as soon as it has sufficient interval.  The other squads are deployed as they arrive on the general line; each corporal halts in his place in line and commands or signals, as skirmishers; the squad deploys and halts abreast of him.

If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is deployed before arriving on the line.

203.  Deployed lines preserve a general alignment toward the guide.  Within their respective fronts, individuals or units march so as best to secure cover or to facilitate the advance, but the general and orderly progress of the whole is paramount.

On halting a deployed line faces to the front (direction of the enemy) in all cases and takes advantage of cover, the men lying down if necessary.

204.  The company in skirmish line ADVANCES, HALTS, MOVES BY THE FLANK, or TO THE REAR, OBLIQUES, resumes the DIRECT MARCH, passes from QUICK to DOUBLE TIME and the reverse by the same commands and in a similar manner as in close order; if at a halt, the movement BY THE FLANK or TO THE REAR is executed by the same commands as when marching.  COMPANY RIGHT (LEFT, HALF RIGHT, HALF LEFT) is executed as explained for the front rank, skirmish intervals being maintained.

205.  A platoon or other part of the company is deployed and marched in the same manner as the company, substituting in the commands, PLATOON (DETACHMENT, etc.) for COMPANY.