MAKTTAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICEilS. 183 



plain to the commander the object of the exercise and tell 

 him what to do. 



641. The platoons of the attacking line may attack in one 

 line or successively, as from column of platoons ^Yith extended 

 distances. The captain, in addition to designating a reserve, 

 may direct one or more platoons to execute any special mis- 

 sion. In the absence of special instructions from the captain 

 the leader of each platoon, or combination of platoons, that is 

 acting separately uses his discretion, endeavoring so to em- 

 ploy his command as best to assist in carrying out the general 

 plan indicated by the captain's orders. 



642. The reserve, in the absence of special instructions, fol- 

 lows the attacking line at from 100 to 150 yards in readiness 

 to support the attacking line, meet a counter attack, or press 

 the pursuit, as occasion may require. 



A platoon designated for a flank attack is so conducted by 

 its leader as to fall opportunely upon the enemy's flank. 



If a flank platoon be so designated, it attacks from that 

 flank unless otherwise directed. 



To guard against a flank attack or an enveloping attack 

 the captain may detach a platoon to move to the threatened 

 flank so as to take an enveloping attack in flank or meet a 

 flank attack. If a flank platoon be so designated, it acts on 

 the corresponding flank unless otherwise directed. When no 

 platoon is specially designated for flank guard, the correspond- 

 ing duties fall upon the reserve. 



643. The captain's commands should include an indication 

 of the objective, unless the latter is obvious, designate the 

 elements of the attack, and state any special mission that Is 

 assigned to any element. The captain's orders also usually 

 include an indication of the weapon to be used by the several 

 elements of the attack and may prescribe the formations to 

 be employed. All details not prescribed by the captain are 

 left to the discretion of the commanders of the several ele- 

 ments into which the attack is divided. 



Where the same weapon is to be used by all it is ordinarily 

 drawn at the captain's orders before the instructions for the 

 attack are given. Otherwise, each commander gives the proper 

 orders for drawing saber or raising pistol. 



