134 MAFDTAI FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



for inspection as described without special indication when the 

 inspector approaches the rank after commanding FRONT (par. 

 258). Except when rifles are slung as provided in the next 

 sentence, each trooper executes order arms as soon as liis 

 rifle is returned to him. Should the troopers be armed with 

 both rifle and pistol, each trooper slings his rifle as soon as 

 i.'.spected if the equipment in use so permits; otherwise the 

 rifles are stacked (par. 115) by command after being inspected. 

 The pistols are then inspected, after which take arms (par. 

 116) is executed before the troopers are dismissed. 



PART II,— ELEMENTARY COLLECTIVE 



INSTRUCTION. 



Section 5. Elementary collective instruction. 



GENEEAL PROVISIONS. 



321. The elementary collective instruction of the trooper in- 

 cludes the instruction in the School of the Squad and in the 

 mechanism of the movements prescribed in the School of the 

 PlatCon. This latter instiiiction is given as prescribed in par. 

 444. 



Section 6. Basic principles of the drill. 



322. The following provisions apply generally to the School 

 of the Squad and to all subsequent drill. Previous provisions 

 of a similar general character are to be found in pars. 43-49. 



323. Leading: A commander leading his unit marches in 

 the direction and at the gait desired. He is followed at a 

 specified distance by the base (Def.), which conforms to his 

 gait and direction. The commander thus controls the move- 

 ments of the base, and may at any time by his indication 

 conveyed in the most convenient way (as by his own move- 

 ments, his commands, or signals) cause the base to change 

 its direction or to increase or decrease the pace or gait or to 

 halt, according to the object in view. Elements of the same 

 kind as the base regulate upon the latter conforming to its 

 gait and direction. 



