56 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



nature of minor field exercises involving dismounted fire action. 

 He should, during the same period, have learned the mechan- 

 ism of passing from mounted action to dismounted action 

 and should have acquired familiarity with all commands 

 and signals used in the squad. The recruit will thus ordi- 

 narily be ready to enter with reasonable efficiency upon certain 

 phases of the work in the platoon and troop before his indi- 

 vidual mounted instruction is completed, 



43. There are two kinds of commands : 



The preparatory command, such as forward, indicates the 

 movement that is to be executed. 



The command of execution, such as MARCH, HALT, or 

 ARMS, causes the execution. ' 



Preparatory commands are distinguished by boldface type, 

 those of execution by CAPITALS. 



The preparatory command should be given at Such an in- 

 terval of time before the command of execution as to admit 

 of being properly understood ; the command of execution 

 should be given at the instant the movement is to commence. 



The preparatory command is enunciated distinctly, with a 

 rising inflection at the end, and in such manner that the com- 

 mand of execution may be more energetic. 



On foot, the command of execution is firm in tone and brief. 



In mounted movements the preparatory command is usually 

 somewhat prolonged to insure its being heard, and the com- 

 mand of execution is always prolonged. 



Commands tvill he given no lander than is necessary. 



Luxness or indifference suggested in the manner of giving a 

 command is certain to result in corresponding carelessness of 

 execution. 



44. To revoke a preparatory command, or being at the halt, 

 to begin anew a movement improperly begun : AS YOTJ WERE. 

 Any movement ceases and the former position is resumed. 



45. To stay the execution of a movement when marching, 

 for the correction of errors, the commands may be given : 1. 

 In place, 2. HALT. All halt and stand fast. If executed dis- 

 mounted, the position of the rifle is not changed. To resume 

 the movement, the commands are: 1. Resume; or, 1. Resume, 

 trot; or, 1. Resume, gallop. 2. MARCH. The movement is 

 then completed as if it had not been interrupted. 



