he takes over the duties of
      disabled platoon leaders of the platoon into which his men have
      dropped, or it may be some other section of the line needs his
      service in which case he goes there.
  16.  Endeavors to preserve the integrity of squads, designates new
      squad leaders to replace those disabled, organizes new squads
      when necessary, sees that every man is placed in a squad and
      takes every opportunity for restoring order in the firing line.
      (104, 375, i.d.r.)
  17.  In “Advance by thin lines”, leads odd numbered lines. (218,
      i.d.r.).

VIII.  THE FIRST SERGEANT.

Commands a Platoon, Never a Guide.

GUIDES.

GENERAL RULES: 

1.  Guides must be resourceful, have good health, vigorous physique, keen eyesight, presence of mind and courage, with good judgment, military training and experience.  They must be able to read maps, make sketches and send clear and concise messages.

2.  EQUIPMENT.—­Guides are equipped with whistle, watch, compass, message book, knife, pencil, wire cutters, map, pace scale and glasses if possible.

3.  As instructors they go where needed.

4.  As file closers they insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.

5.  In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is charged with the step and direction.

CLOSE ORDER.—­The guides of the right and left, or leading and rear, platoons, are the right and left, or leading and rear guides respectively of the company when it is in line or in column of squads.  Other guides are in the line of file closers.

In platoon movements the post of the platoon guide is at the head of the platoon, if the platoon is in column, and on the guiding flank if in line.  When a platoon has two guides their original assignment to flanks of the platoon does not change.

The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank opposite the file closers.  To change the guides and file closers to the other flank, the Captain commands:  1. File closers on left (right) flank; 2.  March.  The file closers dart through the column; the captain and guides change.

In column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the side of the guide.

Men in the line of file closers do not execute the loadings or firings.

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual of arms during the drill unless specially excused, when they remain at the order.  During ceremonies they execute all movements.

IN TAKING INTERVALS AND DISTANCES.—­Unless otherwise directed, the right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in the line of file closers, and with them take a distance of 4 paces from the rear rank.  In taking intervals, at the command “March”, the file closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest him.  In assembling the guides and file closers resume their places in line.