MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 187 



line of platoons each in column of twos or troopers, or a suc- 

 cession of thin lines at varying distances, one directly behind 

 the other or echeloned. The choice of a formation would 

 depend upon conditions, such as the effectiveness of the en- 

 emy's fire, cover afforded by folds of the ground, or by natural 

 obstacles. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will 

 generally be better to assemble the troop and resume the 

 advance in close order. 



The formations mentioned as facilitating the advance, viz, 

 line of platoons in column of twos or troopers, or a succession 

 of thin lines find application most frequently in the approach 

 when the ground is so difficult or the cover so limited as to 

 make it desirable to take advantage of the few favorable 

 routes on which to move forward. 



652. The approach in a succession of thin lines is, if pos- 

 sible, made by sections under the immediate direction of 

 platoon commanders with wide intervals between skirmishers. 

 By so advancing continuous control of the line is assured. If 

 that method is not practicable, then the successive lines are 

 made up of one or more men from each four of a platoon on 

 the skirmish line, the command being: 1. Numbers 1 (or such 

 number or numbers), first (or such) platoon, forward; 2. 

 MARCH. 



The captain having pointed out in advance the selected posi- 

 tion in front of the lines which are to be occupied, the desig- 

 nated numbers move to the front. The line thus formed pre- 

 serves the original intervals as nearly as practicable; when 

 this line has advanced to the indicated position, a second line 

 is sent forward by similar commands, and so on at irregular 

 distances until the whole line has advanced. Upon arriving 

 at the indicated position the first line is halted. Successive 

 lines upon arriving lialt on line with the first, and the men 

 take their proper places in the skirmish line. 



Ordinarily each line is made up of one man or more from 

 each four of a platoon, and the men of a four are sent for- 

 ward in order from right to left. The first line is led by the 

 platoon leader of that platoon, the second by its file closer, 

 and so on. Under favorable conditions the successive lines 

 may be made up from all of the platoons which are deployed 

 as skirmishers. 



