MANTJAI FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OPFICERS. 186 



If on the flank of the squadron, its own flank defense must 

 be provided by the captain in the absence of instructions. 



Passing fkom Mounted Action to Dismounted Action. 



647. The movements are executed by commands and methods 

 corrcspondiiij? to tliuse ah-eady explained for the squad and 

 platoon, with the following modifications and additions 

 thereto : 



The horses of the captain and of one bugler who accom- 

 panies the captain are held by the other bugler or by a man 

 specially designated in advance for that duty. 



The horses of the first sergeant and other men out of ranks, 

 and not otherwise specially provided for, are secured in the 

 same manner indicated in the corresponding provisions for the 

 squad and platoon. 



648. The guidon, in the absence of instructions to the con- 

 trary, takes general charge of the led horses and performs the 

 duties prescribed for the trooper in charge of the horse-holders 

 and horses (par. 431). Should one of the platoon file closers 

 be senior to the guidon, the first sergeant cautions such file 

 closer and the guidon in advance that the senior will have 

 general charge of the led horses of the troop while such senior 

 remains with the horses. In the absence of other special in- 

 structions, the file closer of each platoon reports the additional 

 troopers of his platoon to the troop commander after Nos. 2 

 dismount. The guidon remains in general charge of the other 

 horse-holders and the horses, a designated trooper having, 

 under the guidon, immediate charge of the horse-holders and 

 horses of each platoon. 



649. The captain gives any desired special instructions to 

 the guidon and sees that proper measures for security are 

 taken. On dismounting, the first sergeant remains near the 

 horses long enough to see that the designated noncommis- 

 sioned officer is in charge and is making proper provision as 

 regards the horses ; he then joins the captain. Any sergeants 

 who may be extra file closers without special assignment of 

 duties join the captain ; other extra file closers not specially 

 assigned join the platoons with which they w^ere riding. The 

 captain, on dismounting, takes position at the point where he 



