MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 136 



324. Directing leader, directing guide: A commander who 

 desires to become temporarily free in liis movements may leave 

 his position as leader, first indicating: DISREGARD (see Sig- 

 nals) for the information of the leader of the base nnit, M'ho 

 then becomes the directing leader (Def.). The latter then 

 ceases to follow in the trace of the commander and temporarily 

 conducts the march. In the absence of other indication from 

 the leader he maintains the existing direction and gait. 



When necessary the conduct of the march of a group (e. g., 

 a platoon) having no subordinate leader may similarly be 

 intrusted to the guide. The latter then becomes the directing 

 guide (Def.). 



325. AVhenever a change of formation involves a break in 

 the continuity of the leading the leader habitually moves at 

 once to his new position, so as to resume leadership with the 

 least practicable delay. He usually starts at the command of 

 execution for the movement. Should he start for his new 

 position before the command of execution he first cautions or 

 signals : DISREGARD for the information of the base. 



326. Change of directing unit (base) : Whenever a change of 

 formation results in a change of the base, the base of the 

 formation from which the movement is executed continues, in 

 the absence of specific indication to the contrary, to be the 

 base until the new base is indicated. 



In movements from line by which column is formed directly 

 to a flank, the element of the column on the flank toward which 

 the column is formed is the base upon which other similar 

 elements regulate during the formation of the column as well 

 as after the column is formed. 



327. Changes of direction: Any movement may be executed 

 either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise pre- 

 scribed. If executed from the halt the command forward need 

 not be prefixed to any other preparatory command that indi- 

 cates a direction of march ; thus, being at a halt, 1. Column 

 right, 2. MARCH; but, 1. Forward trot, 2. MARCH. 



328. To insure certainty of prompt execution, commands 

 (and signals) must be so given that their meaning is unmis- 

 takable. The preparatory command must be given at such an 

 interval of time before the command of execution as will 

 admit of the former being properly understood, and should 



