199.The body and lower legs are movable and should be under the control of the trooper, either acting intermittently as aids for guiding the horse or as a means of binding the rider to the horse while following his movements.
The thighs, on the other hand, should remain fixed immovably to the saddle, except while posting at the trot. This fixity should be obtained not by the pressure of the knees but by the clinging of the buttocks, which is secured by the suppleness of the loins and the relaxation of the thighs. It is acquired very rapidly by daily "rotation of the thighs," which gradually presses the large thigh muscles to the rear and permits the femur to rest solidly against the saddle.
The trooper should sit with his buttocks well under the upper part of his body and especially avoid bowing the back by thrusting the buttocks to the rear and the lower part of the spine to the front. Sitting well forward in the middleof the saddle will tend to assist the trooper in avoiding the defect just referred to. If the buttocks are thrust back too much the trooper can not conform to the movements of the horse and carries forward the upper part of his body.
If the thigh is too nearly horizontal, the trooper is doubled, up and his power of action diminished; if the thigh is too nearly vertical, the trooper is on the crotch and lacks ease.
To sum up: The trooper should take a relaxed sitting position, squarely on his buttocks, with the thighs inclined downward.
The various defects of position are overcome by suitable suppling exercises (pars. 209-220).
200.The aids.—The legs, the reins, and the weight are the means of controlling the horse in riding. They are called the aids.
201. The legs: The legs serve to urge the horse forward, to increase his pace or gait, and to engage the hind quarters or move them laterally. The legs act by the pressure of the calves. If pressure alone is insufficient the trooper increases the action by blows with his calves.
It is essential to obtain from the horse perfect obedience to the action of the legs. He should respond to the simultaneous and equal action of both legs by engaging his hindquarters and moving forward; to the predominant action of one leg by moving his haunches to the opposite side.
202. The reins: The reins serve to prepare the horse to move, to decrease or increase his pace, to change the gait, or to change direction.
Contactis a light bearing of the mouth of the horse on the hand of the rider. It should be constantly maintained.
The reins are held in the full hand, the thumb pressing them lightly upon the second joint of the forefinger. By means of closing and relaxing the fingers and flexing the wrist, arm, and shoulder, the trooper, while maintaining contact and keeping the reins taut, follows easily the movements of the head of the horse without anticipating or interfering with these movements. The hand is then said to be passive. It is kept so as long as the trooper is not required to change the pace, gait, or direction.
203. The direct rein: When the trooper, with the hands separated and the reins adjusted, closes his fingers upon the reins without raising the hands he exercises an action from front to rear, called the effect of the direct reins. This effect, when on one rein only, is called that of theright (or left) direct rein.
204. The leading rein: When the trooper carries the right hand to the right and forward in a manner to preserve contact but not to increase pressure on the bit the effect is called that of theright leading rein.
The back of the hand should remain vertical, the wrist in prolongation of the forearm, the elbow remaining near the body.
The horse's head and neck are drawn to the right, the shoulders follow, and he turns to the right.
205. The bearing rein: When the trooper carries the right hand forward, upward, and to the left in a manner to preserve contact, but not to increase pressure on the bit, the effect is said to be that of theright bearing rein.
The back of the hand should remain vertical, the wrist in prolongation of the forearm.
The horse's head isturned slightly to the right, but the effect is to the left; the neck bends and is convex to the left and is followed by the shoulders. The horse turns to the left.
The action of the bearing rein is much more powerful than that of the leading rein, and is used to the exclusion of the latter to turn the horse when riding with the reins in one hand.
206. The indirect rein of opposition: When the trooper carries the right hand to the left in a manner to press the shoulders to the left and to produce a diagonal traction on the rein in the direction of the left shoulder or haunch the effect is called that of theright indirect rein of opposition.
Its effect may be producedin front of the withersif the hand be slightly raised;in rear pf the withersif the hand be slightly lowered. It is frequently used by the trooper when riding with one hand (as he must do in order to use his weapons), and its effect should be studied and practiced from, the beginning.
207.Manner of applying the aids: The action of the reins and legs and weight should not be continuous. The trooperalternately closes and relaxes the fingers, the hands preserving contact in the intervals between the actions. In the same manner he uses the legs, neither gripping nor releasing altogether, but preserving light contact in the intervals between the blows with the calves. The weight likewise is used in a similar manner, being quickly applied to the front, to the rear, or to a side, alternating with returns to the normal position.
If an action of the aids is prolonged the horse has opportunity to establish the corresponding resistance, but if produced byrepeated applicationsthe effect is very marked.
All action of the aids should diminish in intensity when obedience begins and cease entirely as soon as the desired result is secured.
Troopers must be thoroughly trained in riding with the reins in one hand.
208.The instructor, in teaching troopers to avail themselves of their legs and reins, is governed by the preceding considerations, and from the first watches vigilantly the action of the aids.
The hand should always be kept low. The most thoughtful care should be exercised in the combined application of the aids, so that they may not be opposed to each other in their action; that is, one favoring the intended movement, the other opposing it.
The instructor impresses upon the troopers that their hands must be kept still; that is, free from bobbing up and down, and pulling, and from giving and taking when there is no reason therefor.
Likewise their legs should remain in light contact with the horse's sides and the heels not be used to kick the horse constantly in a nervous manner.
Moreover, that the effects of the aids may be perfectly clear, and that there may be no contradiction between them,there should never be simultaneous action of the direct reins demanding slowing up or halting and of the legs provoking a forward movement. This condition is essential for preserving the composure indispensable to the horses of the troop.
242. Posting: Posting is habitually employed when the troopers have stirrups and understand their use.
It is executed as follows: The horse moving at a trot, the trooper inclines the upper part of his body forward, then supporting himself on the stirrups while maintaining the clinging of his knees he rises under the impulsion of the horse, maintains his position detached from the saddle while the succeeding impulse is produced, again sits down in the saddle, and continues in this way, avoiding alternate impulses.
At the beginning the mechanism of posting is made easier to the trooper by causing him to stroke the horse's neck or to grasp a lock of the mane with either hand, thus determining the forward inclination of the body.
Its proper execution requires that the seat be raised moderately, that contact with the saddle be resumed gently and without shock, that the full support of the stirrup be obtained while keeping the lower leg steady, that the ankle joint be supple, and that the heel be kept lower than the toe.
243. Care of horses and saddlery: The recruits will be given talks and practical illustrations in every phase of the care of horses and the care of saddlery. This in addition to their daily attention to those subjects as a matter of routine.
244.The use of arms, mounted.—During the period in which the instruction in the school of the trooper is held, there must be thorough instruction in the use of arms mounted. After the first few drills there should be daily instruction in some phase of this important part of the trooper's training. Progress in the more advanced steps of this instruction must necessarily depend upon the trooper's progress in horsemanship; but by making the dismounted instruction thorough and keeping it well in advance of the corresponding parts of the mounted program, many difficulties will be obviated and much time saved. Success with the pistol and saber will be dependent upon that familiarity with their use that can be gained only by daily practice extending over a considerable period. The dismounted instruction already prescribed in connection with the use of the weapons must be supplemented by thorough mounted work at all gaits, when passing obstacles, etc. The trooper must learn to control his horse thoroughly with one hand while carrying and using his weapon in the other; he must learn to handle his weapon mounted with a minimum of danger to himself, his comrades, or his horse. The principaldrill on at least one day of each week during the entire period devoted to the school of the trooper should ordinarily be devoted, to the above instruction, thus supplementing and testing the results accomplished in the shorter daily drills. At this weekly drill the troopers should habitually appear fully armed and equipped, the saddles being packed as for field service.
The employment of the saber mounted is taught as prescribed in theSaber Exercise; the use of the pistol in firing mounted, as prescribed in theSmall-Arms Firing Manual.
245. Manual of the Saber, Mounted: The saber suspended from theleftside of the saddle—
1.Draw, 2.SABER.Pass the right hand over the reins and execute with it rapidly what is prescribed for drawing the saber on foot; place the pommel near the hip and resting on top of the thigh, flat of the blade against the point of the shoulder. This is the position ofcarry saber, mounted.
246.The saber suspended from therightside of the saddle—
1.Draw.Turn the head to the right without deranging the position of the body and glance toward the hilt; engage the right wrist in the saber knot; pull the hilt forward; seize the grip in the full hand, nails to the right; draw the blade 6 inches from the scabbard, and look to the front.
2.SABER.Draw the saber as prescribed on foot and take the position of carry saber.
247.The troopers are also exercised in drawing the saber as quickly as possible at the single command:DRAW SABER.
248.Toreturn saber: The scabbard suspended from theleftside of the saddle—
1.Return.Execute as prescribed on foot.
2.SABER.Execute as prescribed on foot, supporting the back of the blade against the left forearm until the point is engaged in the scabbard.
This command is given only at a halt or when marching at a walk.
249.The scabbard suspended on the right—
1.Return.Execute as prescribed on foot.
2.SABER.Carry the wrist opposite the right shoulder; lower the blade to the right of the horse's neck; let the grip turn in the hand so that the hand grasps the guard at the pommel, back of the hand up; turn the head to the right andfix the eyes on the opening of the scabbard; raise the hand; insert the blade and push it home; disengage the wrist from the saber knot; and turn the head to the front.
When the saber is carried on the right the return saber is executed, so far as possible, at the halt.
250. Inspection saberandpresent saberare executed as when dismounted.
251.Guard.—Thrust the feet home in the stirrups and crouch slightly in the saddle, bending forward from the waist. Otherwise as explained dismounted.
In the chargein close order the trooper (in single rank) assumes the position indicated in par. 297, the body almost in a horizontal line over the horse's neck, the arm fully extended to the front, the saber, in the full grasp, in prolongation of the arm, guard up, finger nails to the right, point at the height of the eye. When difficult ground is encountered the trooper takes the position ofguardwhile passing it.
If charging in double rank, the front-rank troopers conform to the positions indicated for single rank. Those troopers who are in the rear rank or who are directly in rear of others, take the position ofport saber.
In the mêlée the troopers take the position of guard toward the nearest enemy, crouching slightly in the saddle and alive to all possible attacks.
Manual of the Pistol, Mounted.
252.The modifications of the dismounted manual, incident to, the employment of the pistol mounted are explained in the corresponding paragraphs of theManual of the Pistol, Dismounted(pars. 145-156).
THE RIFLE.
(For troops armed with the Cavalry Equipment, Model of 1912.)
253.Before standing to horse the trooper attaches his rifle to his belt by passing the muzzle up through the belt ring and engaging the snap hook of the belt ring into the trigger guard.
Being at stand to horse, upon any preparatory command, except for mounting or securing horses unsling the rifle from the belt ring and take the position of order arms, removing the snaffle reins from the horse's neck and passing the right arm through them if necessary.
If a command to secure horses is given, link or couple first and then unsling the rifle.
To mount, proceed as without the rifle. When seated in the saddle, grasp the rifle at the bolt with the left hand, barrel to the front, place the butt of the rifle in the bucket, steadying the latter with the left foot if necessary and take the position of the trooper mounted.
To dismount: At the preparatory command, seize the rifle at the bolt with the left hand, give it a quick, forcible pull, lifting the butt from the bucket, and let the rifle hang from the belt.
(For troops armed with equipment corresponding to the McClellan saddle.)
254.Atstand to horse, the rifle is held on the left side of the trooper in a position corresponding toorder arms(par. 93), as modified by substituting the wordleftforrightwherever the latter occurs.
In leading out, and on all occasions when the trooper leads his horse for short distances, the rifle is carried at theleft trail(par. 108) unless otherwise prescribed.
255.In mounting, the rifle is inserted in the scabbard after the trooper steps back opposite the girth and before he takes the reins in his right hand (par. 191).
On dismounting, each trooper, after placing the bights of the reins on the horse's neck, and before stepping forward to take the position of stand to horse (par. 192), takes the rifle from the scabbard and assumes the left trail. A modification of this provision applies when the trooper dismounts for inspection. The rifle is never carried on the saddle when the trooper is dismounted, except as specially authorized at inspections, with the equipment corresponding to the McClellan saddle (par. 262).
256.Inspection of arms and equipment, mounted.—It is assumed that the troopers before being formally inspected mounted and under arms, will have advanced in elementarycollective instruction to a point when they can be formed and aligned: as a mounted squad (par. 350). Should this not be the case, the instructor will place the troopers in line with intervals in advance of the inspection. References to the guide and to alignment will then be disregarded and the commandfrontwill be omitted.
The inspection is described below upon the assumption that all arms are inspected. The inspection of pistols is explained for both the mounted and dismounted execution. The necessary modification in case the inspection of any weapon be omitted is indicated in par. 266.
257.When arms are inspected mounted they are always inspected in the order: Saber, pistol. When inspected dismounted they are always inspected in the order: Rifle, pistol. Sabers are not inspected dismounted, nor are rifles inspected mounted. Pistols may be inspected either mounted or dismounted.
258.The troopers being mounted and fully armed and in line: 1.Prepare for inspection, 2.MARCH, 3.FRONT.
At the second command all align themselves on the guide: The inspector, having verified the alignment, takes position 3 yards to the right and front of the right trooper, facing to the left, and commands:FRONT, followed by: 1.Draw, 2.SABER(par. 165).
259.If it is not intended to inspect the pistols mounted, the inspector cautionsPISTOLS WILL NOT BE INSPECTED MOUNTED, and approaches the right of the rank.
260.As the inspector approaches, the first two troopers execute the first motion of inspection saber (par. 170), the first trooper, as the inspector comes in front of him, executes the second and third motions of inspection saber; the second trooper, as the inspector comes in front of him, executes the second and third motions of inspection saber, the first trooper at this instant resuming the carry and the third trooper executing the first motion of inspection saber. The first trooper then returns saber. As the inspector comes in front of the other troopers the movements are executed successively as just explained.
261.The inspector, having completed the inspection of sabers, passes in rear from the left to the right of the rank.As he approaches the right of the rank the first two troopers (in the absence of indication to the contrary) (par. 259) executeinspection pistol(par. 148). Each of the other troopers, in order from right to left, successively executesinspection pistolin time to complete the execution just before the inspector arrives in front of him. Each trooper executesreturn pistolas the inspector passes to the trooper next on his left.
262.To inspect the rifles, to inspect the pistols dismounted, or to inspect the dress and equipment of the squad more minutely, the inspector dismounts the squad without forming rank.
Troopers when dismounted following the commandprepare for inspectiontake a special position; and a special exception is made in this case to the rule requiring the rifle (if not slung) to be taken from the scabbard upon dismounting (par. 255). Upon dismounting while atprepare for inspectioneach trooper takes the snaffle reins off the horse's neck, passes the right arm through the reins (the bight of the reins resting on the shoulder) and takes a position similar tostand to horse. The rifle is not unslung (or removed from the scabbard) unless it has been specially designated for inspection; it is then reslung or returned to the scabbard as soon as its inspection is completed.
A trooper dismounted atprepare for inspection, if his right hand be free, grasps the reins as instand to horse. The snaffle reins once taken from the neck as above are not replaced until the first command for mounting.
The above position is habitually terminated by the first command for mounting or bystand to horse.
263.If the inspector wishes to inspect the arms after dismounting, he cautions,immediately following the commands for dismounting:RIFLES AND PISTOLS(orRIFLES,orPISTOLS)WILL BE INSPECTED.
Each trooper at once unslings his rifle (or takes it from the scabbard) and resumes his position similar tostand to horse, his rifle at theorder, the reins as described in par. 262.
264.As the inspector approaches the right of the rank the trooper on the right executesinspection arms(par. 112).
The inspector takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just above the rear sight, the man dropping his hands. Theinspector inspects the piece, and, with the hand and piece in the same position as in receiving it, hands it back to the man, who takes it with the left hand at the balance, executesport arms, and slings the rifle or places it in the scabbard, according to his equipment.
As the inspector returns the piece the next man executesinspection arms, and so on through the troop.
Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man proceeds as above as soon as the captain passes to the next man.
265.As the inspector approaches the right of the rank of odd numbers, after completing the inspection of the rifles of the even numbers, the first two troopers of the rank executeinspection pistol.
To inspect the pistol closely the inspector grasps it with his left hand above the trooper's hand, makes such examination as is desired, and hands the pistol back to the trooper in the same position as that in which the inspector took the weapon. The trooper takes the pistol with the right hand as ininspection pistoland executesreturn pistol. Should the pistols be inspected without handling, each man executesreturn pistolas the inspector passes to the next trooper.
266.If no indication be given for the inspection of rifles theyremain slung or in the scabbard, according to the equipment carried. If only rifles are ordered inspected, pistols are not presented for inspection and rifles are slung or returned to the scabbard as soon as inspected.
If only pistols are ordered inspected, they are presented by the two troopers on the right when the inspector approaches the rank the first time after dismounting.
267.During the inspection of arms the inspector, observes the appearance of the men, horses, equipment, and clothing.
After the inspection of arms is completed he makes such further inspection of equipment, clothing, etc., as he may consider desirable. During this part of the inspection the troopers may be permitted to standat ease.
268.If an inspection of arms of a detailed character be made in connection with adismountedformation it is conducted by the above commands and in accordance with the above methods in so far as applicable. Rifles are presentedfor inspection as described without special indication when the inspector approaches the rank after commandingFRONT(par. 258). Except when rifles are slung as provided in the next sentence, each trooper executesorder armsas soon as his rifle is returned to him. Should the troopers be armed with both rifle and pistol, each trooper slings his rifle as soon as inspected if the equipment in use so permits; otherwise the rifles are stacked (par. 115) by command after being inspected. The pistols are then inspected, after whichtake arms(par. 116) is executed before the troopers are dismissed.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.
321.The elementary collective instruction of the trooper includes the instruction in theSchool of the Squadand in the mechanism of the movements prescribed in theSchool of the Platoon. This latter instruction is given as prescribed in par. 444.
322.The following provisions apply generally to theSchool of the Squad and to all subsequent drill. Previous provisions of a similar general character are to be found in pars. 43-49.
323. Leading: A commander leading his unit marches in the direction and at the gait desired. He is followed at a specified distance by the base (Def.), which conforms to his gait and direction. The commander thus controls the movements of the base, and may at any time by his indication conveyed in the most convenient way (as by his own movements, his commands, or signals) cause the base to change its direction or to increase or decrease the pace or gait or to halt, according to the object in view. Elements of the same kind as the base regulate upon the latter conforming to its gait and direction.
324. Directing leader,directing guide: A commander who desires to become temporarily free in his movements may leave his position as leader, first indicating:DISREGARD(seeSignals) for the information of the leader of the base unit, who then becomes thedirecting leader(Def.). The latter then ceases to follow in the trace of the commander and temporarily conducts the march. In the absence of other indication from the leader he maintains the existing direction and gait.
When necessarythe conduct of the march of a group (e.g., a platoon) having no subordinate leader may similarly be intrusted to the guide. The latter then becomes thedirecting guide(Def.).
325.Whenever a change of formation involves a break in the continuity of the leading the leader habitually moves at once to his new position, so as to resume leadership with the least practicable delay. He usually starts at the command of execution for the movement. Should he start for his new position before the command of execution he first cautions or Signals:DISREGARDfor the information of the base.
326. Change of directing unit (base): Whenever a change of formation results in a change of the base, the base of the formation from which the movement is executed continues, in the absence of specific indication to the contrary, to be the base until the new base is indicated.
In movements from line by which column is formed directly to a flank, the element of the column on the flank toward which the column is formed is the base upon which other similar elements regulate during the formation of the column as well as after the column is formed.
327. Changes of direction: Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If executed from the halt the commandforwardneed not be prefixed to any other preparatory command that indicates a direction of march; thus, being at a halt, 1.Column right, 2.MARCH; but, 1.Forward trot, 2.MARCH.
328.To insure certainty of prompt execution, commands (and signals) must be so given that their meaning is unmistakable. The preparatory command must be given at such an interval of time before the command of execution as will admit of the former being properly understood, and shouldbe followed by a distinct pause that properly varies in length with the size of the body of troops that is to execute the movement. The command of execution should be given the instant the movement is to begin.
329.All changes of direction are simply applications of the principle of leading as explained in pars. 323 and 367.
(a) Theturn(par. 386) andhalf turn(par. 388) arespecialcases of the change of directionin linein that they involve a change of direction of90°and45°, respectively;as executed by the platoon and squad, they differ further from the general case of the change of direction in that the leader follows aspecially prescribed arcduring the turn (par. 387); in the troop and larger units, the leader in each case regulates the arc upon which he moves during the turn in accordance with the length of the front and the requirements of the special case.
(b) For a change of direction in any column formation, the elements of the column successively change directionon the same ground, the change in each successive element being made in accordance with the principles that regulate the change of direction in line (a). In each successive element the leader (if any) and the guide move over thesame path that is followed by the leader at the head of the column.
330.The principles and methods laid down in theSchool of the Trooper(dismounted and mounted) are, except as may otherwise be indicated, or where clearly applicable only to individual instruction, to be followed in corresponding instruction in theSchool of the Squadand in all subsequent training. The same commands apply unless otherwise stated.
Certain modifications in the execution of some of the movements, incident to their use in collective instruction, are noted in appropriate places in theSchool of the Squad.
331. Column of twos and of troopers: Movements, involving the use of column of twos or troopers, although simple in principle, are not adapted to execution as movements of precision, and the details of their execution will be regulated accordingly (pars. 393-400). Familiarity with the practical use of these formations must be insisted upon, but they will be taken in the simplest manner consistent with efficiency in their use.
382.To avoid repetition the detailed descriptions and explanations of collective movements are, as a rule, based only upon the execution of the mounted movements.
383.Gaits for mounted movements.—All mounted movements not specially excepted may be executed at the trot or gallop (par. 239).
For the execution of a movement at thetrot or gallopthe commandtrotorgallopprecedes the commandmarchunless marching at the gait desired or unless it be otherwise prescribed. When the indication for thetrotorgallopis included in the command for the movement it precedes the commandmarch; thus, 1.Forward, trot; 2.MARCH.
334.When the troopers of any element (Def.) move at different gaits, if the gait of suchelementbe referred to, the gait of itsbaseis to be understood.
335.A gait is said to becorrespondingly faster or correspondingly slowerthan another gait when there is a difference of one degree between the two (par. 239).
336.In the rules included in pars. 333 to 337 the expression "other elements" (Def.) means in each case elements of thesame kind as the base.
337.(a) In movements from the halt the base moves at the walk unless another gait be stated in the command or indicated by the leader's movements.
(b)In forming line to the front from columnthe other elements (par. 336) take, without command, a correspondingly faster gait than the base.If gallopbecommandedat any time, it applies only to the other elements (f). The base (leading element) habitually preserves the gait of march (a). The leader controls the movements of the base according to the object in view. He may diminish its pace or gait or halt it to hasten the formation. A command to decrease the gait or to halt, given during the execution of the movement, applies only to those elements that have already completed the movement. The leader habitually so controls the base that elements in rear need not move faster than a maneuver gallop in order to execute the movement.
(c)Column to the front is formed from lineon the base at the gait of march (a) or at the gait ordered (e). The other elements (par. 336) take or maintain a correspondinglyslower gait (or, if halted, remain so) until they can move at the gait of the base to take their places in the column. If an increased gait becommandedat any time, it is taken at first only by the leader and base or by the leader and those elements that have already moved to enter the column (f)
(d) In cases not covered by (b) or (c), if the base and other elements have equal distances to go they move at the gait of march or at that indicated in the command (e.g., 1.Platoons right turn, trot; 2.MARCH).
(e) In cases not covered by (b), (c), or (d) (e.g., assemble fromforagers, par. 414), or by some special provision in the description of the corresponding movement (e.g.,echelon, par. 702) the base maintains the gait of march (a) or takes that of the leader; the other elements move at a correspondingly faster or slower gait as may be necessary for the execution of the movement and on arriving at their places take the gait of the base (par. 338). If a special gait be commanded, it is taken by the base or by the other elements, in accordance with the principle stated in (f).
(f) When the commander indicates a special gait, whether in the preparatory command or during the execution of the movement, the effect is always to,hasten the completion of the movement. This principle will assist in applying the rules in (b), (c), and (e).
(g) Changes of gait made by elements, without command, in accordance with the above rules, are, except as specially indicated in the commands, changes of one degree.
338.Any exceptions to the above rules are noted where they occur.
339.Gaits for movements on foot.—(a) The general principles of gaits for mounted movements apply to movements on foot with the modifications noted in (b) to (g), below, and such others as are to be readily inferred from the application of the principles of theSchool of the Trooper, Dismounted.
(b) No element moves indouble timeunless the movement be executed when marching indouble timeordouble timebe commanded (par. 47) or otherwise indicated by the leader. No trooper increases the length of the step or the cadence unless specially so prescribed.
(c) The leader so controls the movements of the base as to facilitate the execution of the movement in accordance with (b), above. This will involve halting the base whenever certain movements (e.g., those from column into line) are executed inquick time.
(d) Ifdouble timebe included in the preparatory command for a movement, the indication is obeyed in accordance with the principles of par. 337.
(e) In movements from line into column, and in other similar movements, if executed atattention, the troopers while waiting to take their places in the column do nothaltunless halt be commanded by a platoon (or troop) commander. Theymark timeinstead if necessary for the execution of the movement.
(f) In applying the rules for mounted movements to movements on footquick timewill be understood wherewalkis referred to anddouble timewhere any faster gait is referred to.
(g) Any exceptions to the above rules are stated where they occur.
340.As soon as the troopers are sufficiently advanced in their instruction in theSchool of the Trooperthey will be grouped into temporary squads for elementary collective instruction. This instruction will be conducted in accordance with the general principles indicated in par. 42; progress therein should be so regulated that no collective movement will be taken up until the trooper, by previous individual instruction, has been properly prepared for its execution.
341.Instruction in theSchool of the Squadis intended primarily to teach recruits the elementary movements upon which the entire drill is based. It may be recurred to whenever necessary in cases where troopers evidence the need of further elementary work.
342.For elementary collective instruction groups of not to exceed six or eight men can be used to best advantage. The actual instruction of each group should be conducted by a noncommissioned officer, but the instruction must be closely supervised by a commissioned officer (par. 37).
343.The system of drill contained in these regulations is based largely upon the actual leading of units by their respective chiefs or commanders. During the elementary instruction of recruits, both mounted and dismounted, leading will be emphasized as indicated in par. 344. Thereafter the application of leading will conform to pars. 448 to 456.
344.The first collective instruction will, therefore, be in conforming to the march of a leader, thus confirming and extending the instruction given in theSchool of the Trooper(pars. 295, 298);and reasonable proficiency in this instruction must be secured before any attempt is made to utilize either commands or signals in the execution of collective movements, except, as prescribed in par. 363.
345.It is difficult for a leader to lead the squad properly and at the same time to supervise the march and correct the errors of individual troopers. For this reason it is desirable, especially in the earlier collective drills, that the instructor have as an assistant another noncommissioned officer or a well-instructed trooper. The instructor then leads the squad and requires his assistant (who takes the positions best adapted for the purpose in view) to supervise closely the movements of the troopers and to correct errors by means of cautionsaddressed quietly by name to the individual man or men concerned. Later the instructor similarly supervises the execution of the march while requiring his assistant to lead the squad. As the troopers advance in the instruction the instructor should give each of them such practice in leading the squad as the progress of the individual trooper concerned may appear to justify.
346.When instruction in leading (par. 367) has advanced to the point where the guide can preserve his proper distance from the leader and conform promptly and smoothly to the latter's movements, the other troopers meantime preserving their interval and alignment without undue constraint or unnecessarily abrupt changes of gait or pace, the instruction is extended progressively to include, in accordance with the methods prescribed in par. 347, the execution of the movements prescribed for the squad.
347.Throughout the instruction prescribed by par. 346 the squad will continue as before to beled. In teaching eachnew movement the example and movements of the instructor as leader will be supplemented at first by oral commands only, then by oral commands accompanied by the corresponding arm signals for those movements for which such signals are provided (seeSignals, pars. 988-996), then by signals alone.The commands and signals will be given by the actual leader.When the instructor is not actually leading (par. 345) he may either indicate to the leader the movements to be executed or else leave to him the selection of such movements.
348.After the oral commands and arm signals are thoroughly understood the instructor will practice the squad in passing from one formation to another, using oral commands for some movements, signals for some, and causing some (e.g., changes of direction) to be executed by conforming to the movements of the leader without the additional indication of either oral commands or signals.
349.The troopers must be accustomed to conforming,without the assistance of any command or signal given to the squad as a whole, to simple movements (e.g., movementsfront into line) initiated at the head of a column formation by a command so given as to be heard by only the leading troopers.
With reasonable practice the more essential changes of formation that are executed toward the direction of march can readily be taken by the squad by conforming, without other indication, to the movements of the troopers nearest the leader. As many movements in service must be executed under conditions of noise, dust, etc., that will render it difficult for the commands or signals of the leader to be understood except by those near him,practice, in conforming promptly and intelligently to the movements of the elements nearest the leader is important and must be given careful attention.
The object ultimately to be sought in the instruction is the quiet, rapid, and effective handling of the squad with aminimum of either oral commands or signals. The squad is required to pass rapidly from one formation to another, a new movement being occasionally initiated before the execution of the one preceding it has been completed.
TO FORM THE SQUAD, MOUNTED.
350.To form the squadin line(par. 368-a), the leader (instructor) designates a trooper to act as the base of the formation, indicates to such trooper the point where the right of the squad is to rest and the direction in which the line is to face, takes position at a convenient distance in front of and facing the point where the center of the squad is to rest, and commands:LEAD INTO LINE. The base trooperleads out(par. 188) and takes position as indicated; the other troopers lead out so as to approach the linesuccessively directly from the rearand in single rank form on the line established by the base trooper, in order from right to left. The troopers form at stand to horse (par. 187) with intervals of 18 inches between horses.
The line having thus formed, the leader calls the roll and commands,COUNT FOURS(par. 84).
Where there is an incomplete four the troopers in it are cautioned as to the numbers finally assigned them (par. 368b-b).
When but a single trooper is available for an incomplete four the four is habitually broken up and a trooper is placed as an extra file closer. This rule may, however, be modified in connection with the instruction of recruits.
The squad having counted fours, the leader causes the squad to mount (par. 358).
351. The formation in column of fours, twos, or troopers(par. 368-b,c,d) is similarly executed. The leader commands:LEAD INTO COLUMN (COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS). The trooper upon whom the formation is based (par. 350) becomes No. 1 of the leading four. The elements of the column form, in order from front to rear, with distances of 4 feet between successive, fours, twos, or troopers. In column of fours or twos each four or two forms on its right trooper as in line.
When the formation is in column offoursthe commandCOUNT FOURSis omitted. The leader cautions:NOTE YOUR NUMBERS.
352. The squad may also form in similar manner after the troopers mount.In this case the leader causes the troopers to mount individually after saddling and commands:RIDE INTOLINE (COLUMN, COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS).The interval between the mounted troopers is 6 inches from knee to knee.
TO FORM THE SQUAD, DISMOUNTED.
353.For the dismounted formation of the squad,in line, when not armed with the rifle, the leader designates the trooper to act as the base, indicates the latter's position, and takes his own position as described in par. 350, above. He then commands:FALL IN. The troopers form as in pars. 57 and 58. The leader then calls the roll and causes the squad to count fours.
If armed with the rifle, the troopers fall in with rifles at theorder. As soon as the line or column is formed the leader commands: 1.Inspection, 2.ARMS, 3.Right shoulder, 4.ARMS(par. 91-2d), and calls the roll. Each man, as his name is called, answershereand executesorder arms.
The formation in column of fours, twos, or troopers is conducted in accordance with the modifications indicated. The commands of the leader are:FALL IN, IN COLUMN (COLUMN OF TWOS, COLUMN OF TROOPERS). The distance between successive fours is 92 inches; between successive twos, 40 inches; between successive troopers, 14 inches.
TO MOUNT AND DISMOUNT.
354.The squad beingin line, at stand to horse, the habitual commands for mounting are: 1.Prepare to mount, 2.MOUNT; 3.Form, 4.RANK.At the first command the odd numbers lead out 4 yards directly to the front, and all execute the movements and take the final positions prescribed in par. 191a-a. At the second command all the troopers complete, simultaneously, the movements of mounting as prescribed in par. 191b-b. At the fourth command the even numbers move up into their intervals in the line. If the squad has dismounted from line and has formed rank (par. 356), the odd numbers stand fast at the commandPrepare to mountand all mount in place.
If the squad be mounted in column of fours; the third and fourth commands are omitted. At the first command the troopers of each four open out fanwise, Nos. 1 and 2 to the right, Nos. 3 and 4 to the left. Nos. 1 and 4 open out a little more than Nos. 2 and 3, all opening only enough to permit the troopers to mount without interfering with each other. The troopers habitually straighten their horses in the column as soon as they have mounted, but this requirement may be relaxed whenever mounting in unison is not required (par. 358). The squad incolumn of twosis mounted by commands and methods conforming to those used for mounting from column of fours.
355.The preparatory oral command for mounting may be omitted. The squad then executes at the commandMOUNTall the movements prescribed in par. 354 for the commands, 1.Prepare to mount, 2.MOUNT.The troopers mount promptly, but notin unison.
The preparatorysignalfor mounting, when followedimmediatelyby the signal of execution, will be understood as equivalent to the oral commandMOUNT, and will be executed accordingly.
356.The squad being in line, the habitual commands for dismounting are: 1.Prepare to dismount, 2.DISMOUNT; 3.Form, 4.RANK.At the first command the odd numbers ride 4 yards directly to the front, regulating on the right, and all the troopers execute the movements and take the final position prescribed in par. 192a-a. At the second command the troopers execute, simultaneously, the movements prescribed in par. 192b-b. At the fourth command the even numbers lead into their intervals in the rank. The third and fourth commands are given only in case it is desired to form rank. The squad may be dismounted and, without forming rank, executerestorat ease(par. 359), or be inspected, mounted, or dismissed. The modifications indicated for dismounting in column of fours and column of twos correspond to those prescribed in par. 354 for mounting from the corresponding formation, except that the horses are not habitually straightened in the column after dismounting unless the dismounted squad moves forward (the troopers leading their horses).
357.The preparatory oral command for dismounting, may be omitted. The squad then executes at the commandDISMOUNTall the movements prescribed in par. 356 for the commands: 1.Prepare to dismount, 2.DISMOUNT.The troopers dismount promptly but not in unison.
The preparatorysignalfor dismounting, when followedimmediatelyby the signal of execution, will be understood as equivalent to the oral commandDISMOUNT, and will be executed accordingly.
358.Until the individual instruction of recruits has advanced to a point where they have acquired reasonable proficiency in mounting and dismounting, these movements will be executed at collective as well as at individual instruction by the commands and methods indicated in pars. 355 and 357. After such proficiency has been acquired, mounting and dismounting at close-order drills, at ceremonies, and at all occasions of a ceremonial nature will habitually be executed in unison by the commands and methods prescribed in pars. 354 and 356, respectively. The commands and methods prescribed in pars. 355 and 357, respectively, may, in the discretion of the commander, continue to be employed on all other duty.
THE RESTS AND ROUTE ORDER.
359.The mounted squad executes therestsandroute orderas prescribed in par. 221. After dismounting from line,restorat easemay be given either before or after forming rank.
The dismounted squad executes therestsandroute orderas prescribed in pars. 60 and 61.
TO DISMISS THE SQUAD.
360.The squad, incolumn of troopers, is dismissed as prescribed for that formation in par. 222. The squad incolumn of foursis dismissed at the same command. The trooper on the right of the leading four leads out as indicated in par. 222 and is followed, in turn, by the other troopers of that four, then by the troopers of the next four, and so on successively to the rear of the column. In each four the troopers lead outin order from right to left. The dismissal fromcolumn of twosis similarly executed. The squad beingin lineis dismissed by the commands and methods prescribed in par. 222 for a line with intervals, except that the troopers, in order to have their proper distance, move out successively from right to left instead of simultaneously. At the commands: 1.By the right and left, 2.FALL OUT, the movement is executed in a similar manner from both flanks of the line. After having dismounted from line the squad may be dismissed without forming rank.
Dismounted, without horses and not under arms, the command isDISMISSED.
Dismounted, without horses but armed with the rifle, the squad is dismissed as in par. 114.
ALIGNMENTS.
361.At the preliminary instruction (conducted without formal command) the instructor has two troopers on the right of the rank move forward a convenient distance and halt. He then aligns these two troopers carefully, with the proper interval asin line(par. 368a-a), and causes the other troopers to note the details of the alignment. The other troopers are then required to move up one at a time and align themselves, with the correct interval, on the line thus established. The troopers move forward, in order from right to left, at successive repetitions by the instructor of the cautionNEXT. Each trooper, when on or near the line, executeseyes right(par. 64), aligns himself accurately on the line established by the trooper or troopers on his right, and looks to the front as soon as he thinks himself correctly aligned. The instructor explains and corrects any errors. Similar instruction is given the troopers in aligning themselves to the left. As soon as reasonable proficiency is attained but a single trooper is moved forward, and the alignment is made in the same manner upon the single trooper established as the base.
The instruction is similarly given with the center trooper moved to the front as a base. Two troopers, one on the right, the other on the left of the base, then move forward at each repetition of the cautionNEXT.
The instructor observes in the mounted instruction: That each trooper moves his horse promptly and halts with his horse correctly disposed; that he sits squarely on his horse without advancing either 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.When the troopers have acquired reasonable proficiency in aligning themselves, as above, the alignment is executed at the commandDRESS, 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 position ofattention(pars. 59, 198). 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 cautioning 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 disproportionate amount of time and energy will not be devoted to this detail.
364.The use of dressingby commandis 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 special 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 employedwhen it is practicable to use instead cautions addressed by name to the individual trooper or troopers who are at fault.
366.Alignments, dismounted, are executed by the same general methods as when mounted. At the command:DRESS, the hand is placed upon the hip to verify the interval (par. 57). Each trooper in dressing so places himself that his right arm rests lightly against the arm of the man on his right and that his eyes and shoulders are in line with those of the man on his right. The left hand is dropped to the side at the commandFRONT.
LEADING THE SQUAD.
(See alsopars. 322-332.)
367.The squad being in line at a halt, the instructor directs the guide (par. 371) to maintain a position at a distance of 3 yards (about one horse length) in rear of him and to follow accurately in his path, whether such path be a straight line or a curve. He explains to the other troopers that in marching they are so to regulate on the guide as to preserve as nearly as practicable their alignment and interval in the rank, individually increasing and decreasing the gait or pace (Def.) as may be necessary to do this. All are cautioned that they must learn to keep their proper positions in the rank without unnecessary rigidity without making sudden changes in gait or pace and without keeping their eyes constantly fixed on the guide. They are instructed that while riding with the head and eyes habitually directed as in par. 198 they will keep an alert lookout over the ground in front, cast frequent glances toward the leader so as to observe the latter's movements, and glance occasionally toward the guide to assure that the alignment is being correctly maintained. Having given these instructions, the leader places himself, facing to the front, 3 yards in front of the guide, commands:FOLLOW ME, and moves forward. The leader must be, careful to march steadily, so regulating his direction and gait at first as to enable the guide to conform without difficulty.
Each trooper keeps his horse straight in the rank, maintaining his alignment with the guide and his proper interval (par. 368a-a) from the man next him on the side of the guide. The troopers yield to pressure from the side of the guide and resist pressure from the opposite direction. All adjustments are made gradually without crowding or confusion.
In the beginning the leader moves at a walk and makes only slight changes of direction. As the instructor completes each change of direction he indicates thenewdirection of march byextending his arm as in signalforward(par. 990), dropping the hand to the side when the guide's horse isstraightened in the new direction. When the troopers have become sufficiently practiced in adjusting themselves to the movements of the instructor, the latter makes the changes of direction more marked, and moves, during such changes, on the arcs of smaller circles. Finally, he requires the squad to apply the principles of leading in the manner indicated in pars. 346-349. As each movement is taken up the principles of leading that apply are explained in detail, so that all may understand clearly the identity and position of the base. The base trooper (guide) must clearly understand his duties. (Fig.31.)