' MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 147 



The instructor observes in the mounted instruction: That 

 each trooper moves liis horse promptly and halts Avith his horse 

 correctly disposed ; that he sits squarely on his horse without 

 advancing eitlier shoulder or leaning his body to the front or 

 rear; that he dresses promptly as he arrives on the line; and 

 that he makes proper use of the aids (pars. 200 to 208). 



In the first drills the basis of the alignment is established 

 parallel to the front of the section ; afterwards in oblique 

 directions, 



362. AVhen the troopers have acquired reasonable proficiency 

 In aligning themselves, as above, the alignment is executed at 

 Ihe command DRESS, given by the instructor from his position 

 as leader. The trooper designated as the guide (par. 371) is 

 always the base trooper of the alignment and places himself 

 accurately 3 yards in rear of the leader. All the other 'troopers 

 align themselves promptly on the base trooper, continuing to 

 look toward him until the command, FRONT. At this last 

 command, given when the alignment is completed, all turn the 

 head and eyes quickly to the front and take the pc«^ition of 

 attention (pars. 59, lOS). Movements in the rank then cease. 

 The instructor then habitually faces the squad or goes to 

 either flank to verify the accuracy of the dressing, first cau- 

 tioning the guide to remain in place. 



363. The troopers and their mounts must be so trained as 

 to enable alignment and interval to be kept with sufficient 

 accuracy to maintain cohesion in the mounted charge and to 

 present a creditable appearance at ceremonies and at other 

 occasions of a formal or ceremonial character. A dispropor- 

 tionate amount of time and energy will not be devoted to this 

 detail. 



364. The use of dressing 'by command is ordinarily confined 

 to elementary instruction (as preparation for the march in 

 line) and to formations of a distinctly ceremonial character. 

 At all other times the troopers are required habitually to 

 align themselves on the base trooper without si:)8cial command 

 and to look to the front as soon as aligned. 



Formal dressing is employed only when the squad is at a 

 halt. 



365. The caution : DRESS, may, if necessary, be given to 

 the squad when marching (par. 367) ; but it will not be em- 



