184 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



644. The troop being, for example, in line, marching at a 

 gallop with sabers drawn, the captain may command : Objec- 

 tive, Cavalry in front; Second and Third platoons, to the 

 charge; First platoon, flank attack; Fourth platoon, reserve. 

 Each element of the attack proceeds at once to carry out ita 

 orders. The leader of the attacking line (whether the cap- 

 tain or a lieutenant) directs the leader of the base platoon 

 to close on him before charge is ordered (par. oG3). In other 

 respects, the charge is conducted as explained for the platoon 

 (pars. 562-564). 



The troop being, for example, in column of platoons, march- 

 ing at a gallop, no weapon drawn, the captain may command 

 (the objective being obvious) : First and Second platoons, pistol 

 attack; Third platoon, reserve; Fourth platoon, left flank 

 guard. The leader of the attacking line .commands : 1. As 

 foragers, 2. MARCH, and attacks with the pistol according to 

 the principles explained for the platoon (pars. 560-568) as 

 soon as the second platoon completes its deployment on the 

 left of the first platoon. The commanders of the third and 

 fourth platoons move to their positions, drawing saber or 

 raising pistol in their discretion. 



Should the captain command, for example: First and Second 

 platoons, pistol attack in two lines; Third platoon, charge 

 enemy's right flank; Fourth platoon, reserve, the third platoon 

 may charge with the eaber. 



Should the captain cause pistols to be raised before ordering 

 the attack all use the pistol. 



The above are only examples to indicate the character of 

 the captain's commands. The actual orders must meet the 

 situation presented. 



645. At the first indication for the charge the ground scouts 

 move out from the flanks of the attacking line (par. 569) 

 unless otherwise specially directed. The captain usually sends 

 out any necessary combat patrols ; but each leader of a sepa- 

 rate group is responsible that any further steps necessary for 

 the immediate protection of his own flanks are taken. 



THE TEOOP rw THE SQUADEON. 



646. The troop in squadron, in mounted attack, has no re- 

 serve, but may have a support in the discretion of the major. 



