Instruction

198 —The troopers being sufficiently instructed to manage their horses and use their arms, are passed to the school of the platoon, the object of which is to teach them to exercise properly together, and execute all the movements of the platoon in the squadron, whether in column or in line.

Each movement, after having been correctly executed by the right, is repeated by the left.

When the movements are all executed at the walk, the instructor causes them to be repeated at the trot, requiring always the same simultaneous action and the same precision. This gradation is also followed for the exercise at the gallop; but the horses are not kept a long time at this gait.

The platoon is composed of from 12 to 24 men, including 2 corporals; the instructor moves wherever his presence is most required; the platoon is under arms.

197.—The platoon formed in line, the troopers at the head of their horses, the instructor commands:

At this command, the men, in a firm voice, commencing on the right, count, one, two, three, four, from right to left.

198.—The troopers, to align themselves, should regulate their shoulders upon those of the man on the side of tha alignment, and for this purpose they should turn the head, remaining square upon their horses, and so correct their positions as just to perceive the breast of the second trooper from them, and keep the horses straight in the ranks, that all may have a parallel direction.

199.—The two ales of the right or of the left are moved forward 10 paces, and aligned parallel to the platoon by the commands:

1. Two files from right (or left) forward; 2. MARCH; 3. HALT; 4. right (or left) DRESS; FRONT.

At the command, DRESS, the files move forward successively and steadily, the troopers turning the head to the right, and taking the last steps slowly, In order to arrive abreast of the files already formed without passing beyond the alignment, observing then to halt, give the hand, relax the legs, and keep the head to the right until the command FRONT.

Each file executes the same movement when the preceding one has arrived on the base of alignment, so that only one file may align itself at the same time.

200.—When the troopers execute correctly these alignments, this instruction is repeated in giving the two files of the right an oblique direction. For this purpose, the two files having marched forward 4 paces, as has been prescribed, execute a half turn to the right, or to the left, and march 6paces in this new direction.

The platoon being unmasked, the remainder of the movement is executed by the commands and following the principles prescribed, No. 199, each file, as it arrives nearly opposite the place it is to occupy, executes a half turn to the right, or to the left, so that having left the platoon by one straight line, it arrives upon the new alignment by another.

201. —The two files of the right, or of the left, are made to rein back 4 paces, and align themselves parallel to the platoon and opposite the place they occupied in it, by the commands

1. Two files from right (or left) backwards; 2. MARCH; 3. HALT; 4. Right (or left) DRESS; 5. FRONT.

At the command, DRESS, each file reins back successively, keeping perfectly straight, the troopers turning the head to the right, and passing a little to the rear of the files already formed, in order to come up abreast of them by a movement to the front, which renders the alignment more easy.

The alignment of the rear gives the means of repairing a fault by returning to the alignment when it has been passed over; but it should be avoided as much as possible.

202.—The alignment is then executed by twos (or by fours.) For this purpose, the two or four files of the right move forward as has been prescribed, and the instructor commands:

At the command, DRESS, the files align themselves successively by twos (or by fours) following the principles prescribed for the alignment by file, being particular to set out and arrive upon the alignment together

203.—The instructor observes that the troopers align themselves on the breast of the second man towards the side of the alignment, and not upon the extremity of the rank, (which would prevent their remaining square in their seats;) that they are neither too much opened nor closed. The troopers are also required to align themselves promptly, that the horses may not be kept a long time gathered.

204.—When a platoon is not aligned, it arises from the fact, generally, that the horses are not straight in the ranks.

When a platoon dresses to the right, if the left wing is in rear, It is presumed that most of the horses are turned to the left; it is necessary to observe if this is the case, and to command the troopers to carry the hand slightly to the right, at the same time closing the right leg, which brings the horse upon the alignment.

When a platoon dresses to the right, if the left wing is in advance, it is presumed that the horses are turned to the right; the troopers are then required to carry the band to the left, closing at the same time the left leg, which causes the horse to step back to his proper place.

205.—During the alignment, the instructor places himself in front of the troopers, to be assured that they execute the movement steadily, and do not turn the head more than is prescribed; that they preserve their intervals of 4 inches between the knees; that they take the last steps slowly; that they align themselves without losing time as they arrive; and that they give the hand and replace the legs immediately after being aligned.

206 —The instructor insists upon all these principles; but the alignments will be occasionally interrupted by marches in column, in order to calm the horses.

207.—The platoon being in line, the instructor places the corporal of the flank on which he wishes to align it an such a position that no trooper will be forced to rein beck, and commands:

At the command, DRESS, all the troopers align themselves promptly, but with steadiness.

208.—In all the alignments, the non-commissioned officers on the flanks of platoons align on each other, without respect to the individual alignment of the troopers.

At the command MARCH, the right file, or set of twos or fours, moves straight to the front; the next moves forward, when the croups of the horses of the first are even with the heads of their horses, or—which is the same—when the first file or set has marched 3 paces; they march 3 paces straight to the front, then make an individual oblique turn to the right, (30 degrees,) march in that direction until they are in column: then they make an oblique turn to the left to follow the first; the other files or sets do the same, In succession.

A second set of fours, commencing the oblique movement one length behind the first, marches 24 feet, and gains 20.78 feet to the front, to enter the column; losing the fraction in the two turns, there will be 4 open feet between them; the same difference in the distances to be marched exists with other sets. This is the distance to be preserved, in each of the three columns.

If the platoon be marching, at the command MARCH, the right four, or two, move on; and all the others halt, and then proceed as described.

210.—The troopers should keep their horses straight, and their eyes to the front; marching exactly behind each other in the column, preserving the distance of 4 feet from croup to head. The greater the depth of the column the more attention is necessary to the equality of the gait, and the preservation of distances.

The trouper on the left of the first set, right in front, or on its right, left in front, is guide of the column; he moves straight forward, and—when the platoon is led— preserves a gait which keeps the set one pace behind the chief of the platoon. The troopers behind him are the guides of their sets; the:’ preserve the distance; and the others align themselves on him, preserving from that side their intervals.

At the first part of the command, the leading trooper, or set, gathers the horses.

At the command, TURN, the leading set turns, the pivot taking care not to slacken his gait, and to march over a quarter circle of five paces extent, thus gaining both to the front, and to the new direction, a distance of 10 feet. The trooper on the opposite side trots—increasing his gait so that the set shall be squarely aligned during the turn; the dressing is to this side; intervals are preserved from the pivot. Having made a full turn, the troopers who have Increased their gait resume the same gait they had been marching, and which is preserved by the pivots.

Each fraction marches steadily to the point where the first commenced the turn; and it should be explained to them that the distance on the outer flank must properly be much increased during the turn. The pivots are apt to lessen their speed, which, with the error of attempting to preserve distance unchanged, causes those in rear gradually to oblique.

213.—The column marching by file, by twos, or by fours, the instructor commands:

At the command, MARCH, each trooper executes individually a third of a turn, or face, to the left, without checking his motion.

The trooper on the left of the first set, who is guide of the column, moves straight forward in the new direction the trooper on the left of each of the other sets, who is its guide, moves forward also in the new direction, keeping in a perpendicular line to the proper front, passing through the guide of the column, and moving in a parallel direction with him.

The other troopers having turned, and marching in a parallel direction with their guide, align by him and keep their persons in a line parallel with that of their front before commencing to oblique; thus the horse’s head of each will be opposite the shoulder of the next horse towards the guide, who, during the movement, is always on the flank towards which the oblique march is made.

At this command the troopers return to the original direction by an oblique turn while advancing, and move forward.

214. —The platoon marching in column, right In fronts to form line faced to the front, the instructor commands

At the command MARCH, the leading file or set continues to march forward, the others oblique to the left, march in that direction, and when opposite their places in line make an oblique turn to the right.

When the first files have marched twenty paces, the instructor commands: 1. HALT. 2. DRESS. The other files come up successively on their left, halt and dress to the right until the command FRONT.

215.—A column marching left in front, the movement is executed on the same principles, but by inverse means, at the same commands.

216.—The column marching left in front, to form line faced to the left, upon the prolongation and in advance of its left flank, the instructor commands:

At the command MARCH, the first file or set turns to the left and moves straight forward, the others march straight on, and each turns successively, one, two or four paces beyond the point where the preceding one has turned.

When the first files have marched twenty paces, the instructor commands: 1. HALT. 2. DRESS. The other files successively halt and dress to the left until the command FRONT.

217.—The column marching right in front, to form line faced to the right, upon the prolongation and in advance of its right flank, the movement is executed on the same principles, but by inverse means, at the commands 1. On right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. DRESS. 5. FRONT.

218.—A column marching by file, or by twos, right in front, to form line faced to the left, the instructor commands:

At the command, MARCH, the first file or set of twos turns to the left and moves straight forward, the others continue to march on, and turn successively to the left three paces before arriving opposite the places they are to occupy in the line, which is each on the left of the preceding one.

When the first files have marched twenty paces, the instructor commands: 1. HALT. 2. DRESS. The other files come up, halt in succession, and dress until the command FRONT.

219.—The column, by file or by twos, marching left in front, to form line faced to the right, the movement is executed on the same principles. but by inverse means, at the commands: 1. Right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. DRESS. 5. FRONT.

220.—A column of fours right in front, marching or halted, to form line, faced to the left, on its left dank, the instructor commands:

At the command, MARCH, each set of fours executes its wheel to the left, according to the principles of the wheel, on a fixed pivot, No. 283; Nos. 4, &.c., turn upon the fore-feet of their horses ; the other troopers, preserving their intervals from the pivot flank, regulate their alignment by the marching flank. At the command right—DRESS, the troopers halt, straighten their horses, and align themselves until the command FRONT.

221.—A column of fours left in front is formed in line. faced to the right, on its right flank, on the same principles, by inverse means, at the commands: 1. Right into line wheel; 2. MARCH; 3. Left—DRESS; 4. FRONT.

222.—Line may also be formed to either side, without regard to right or left being in front. When the movements are executed with regularity at the walk, they are repeated at the trot and at the gallop.

223. —The troopers being in line, execute at a halt the manual of arms, as prescribed, No. 165, and following.

224.—The exercise being finished, the troopers are commanded to dismount and file off. The instructor remains mounted until the last horse in the platoon has filed off.

ARTICLE SECOND.

FORM TWOS AND FOURS AT THE SAME GAIT.

225.—The platoon marching in column by file, right in front to form twos, the instructor commands:

1. Form twos. 2. MARCH.

At the command, MARCH, the first trooper continues to march on, and halts when he has marched 12 paces; the second obliques to the left, and comes up abreast of the first; on arriving there, he halts and dresses to the right. AII the others continue to march straight forward, Nos. 2 and 4 executing their movement in the same manner, but successively, and when Nos. 1 and 3. upon which they should form, have nearly arrived at their proper distance, and arc about to halt

226. —The platoon marching in column by twos, right in front, to form fours, the instructor commands:

1. Form fours. 2. MARCH.

At the command, MARCH, the first two troopers continue to march on, and halt when they have marched 12 paces; the two following oblique to the left, and come up abreast of the first two; on arriving there, they halt and dress to the right. All the others continue to march straight forward, Nos 3 and 4 executing their movement in the same manner, but successively, and when Nos. 1 and 2, upon which they should form, have nearly arrived at their proper distance, and are about to halt.

227—When the column is at a trot the formation of twos and fours at the same gait is executed, following the same principles. The first two troopers pass to the walk, at the command, MARCH; the others continue to march at the trot, until they have arrived abreast of those on which they should form; then they pass to the walk.

When the column is at a gallop the movement is executed, following the same principles. The first, or first two troopers, pass to the trot at the command, MARCH; the others continue to march at the gallop, until they have executed their formation; then they passj to the trot.

When twos or fours are formed at the trot or at the gallop, the guide is announced as soon as the first files have doubled. In executing the same movements at a walk, as the head of the column halts, the guide is not announced.

The column marching left in front, these movements are executed, following the same principles and by inverse means, at the same command.

TO BREAK BY TWOS AND BY FILE AT THE SAME GAIT.

228.—The platoon marching in column by fours, right in front, to break by twos, the instructor commands:

1. By twos. 2. MARCH.

At the command, by twos, all the troopers prepare to halt, except the first number, 1 and 2.

At the command, MARCH, these continue to march at the same gait; all the others halt. Nos. 3 and 4 of the leading rank oblique to the right the moment they are passed by the croup of the horses of Nos. 1 and 2, and place themselves in column behind them.

Each set of fours executes successively the same movement, Nos 1 and 2 breaking as soon as files 3 and 4 of the rank which precedes them have commenced obliquing, in order to enter the column.

229.—The platoon marching in column by twos, right in front, to break by file, the instructor commands:

1. By file. 2. MARCH.

This is executed on the same principles as the preceding.

230.—When the column is at the trot, to break by twos or by file is executed on the same principles; the right files of the leading rank continue at the trot; all the others take the walk at the command, MARCH, and resume the trot, in order to enter the column; when the column is at the gallop. the files which are to break take the trot at the command, MARCH, and afterwards resume the gallop on entering the column.

The instructor observes that the files which break, halt, change gait, and put themselves again in motion, with steadiness; that they keep their horses straight, so as not to retard the movements of those which only march forward, and that they retake successively their distances, their directions, and their original gait.

231.—The column marching left in front, the movement is executed, following the same principles but by inverse means, at the commands:

1. By the left, by twos, (or by file) 2. MARCH.

TO FORM TWOS AND FOURS IN DOUBLING THE GAIT.

232.—The platoon marching In column by file, right in front, to form twos, the instructor commands:

1. Form twos—trot. 2. MARCH.

At the first command, all the even numbers prepare to take the trot.

At the command, MARCH, numbers two and four throughout take the trot, oblique to the left, and come up abreast of Nos. 1 and 3; then all trot except the first twos, who continue the walk; the others trot, until they arrive at their proper distance, when they pass to the walk.

233.—The platoon marching in column by twos, right in front, to form fours the instructor commands:

1.Form fours—trot. 2. MARCH.

At the 1st command, all the numbers three and four prepare to take the trot.

At the command, MARCH, numbers 3 and 4 throughout take the trot, oblique to the left, and come up abreast of Nos. I and 2; the 1st set of fours continue the walk; all the others trot, until they arrive at their proper distance, when they pass to the walk.

234.—When the column is at the trot, the movement is executed on the same principles. At the command, MARCH, numbers 3 and 4 throughout take the gallop, &c.; and all resume the trot when their formation is executed.

When the column is at the gallop, the movement to form twos or fours is always executed at the same gait, as prescribed, No 227.

235.—The column marching left in front, the movement Is executed, following the same principles but by inverse means, at the same commands.

236.—The platoon marching in column by fours, the instructor commands:

1. By twos—trot. 2. MARCH.

At the command, MARCH, Nos. 1 and 2, of the leading set of fours, commence the trot; all the others continue to march at the, walk; Nos. 3 and 4, the moment the croups of the horses of No.. 1 and 2 pass their horses’ heads, oblique to the right at the trot, to place themselves in column behind them; then the next No.. 1 and 2 take the trot, then the next Nos. 3 and 4 trot and oblique as soon as they are passed, and so on.

237.—The platoon marching in column by twos, to break by file, the instructor commands:

1. By file—trot. 2. MARCH.

This is executed on the same principles, No. 236.

To Break by Twos and By File, In Doubling the Gait.

238.—When the column is at the trot, to break in doubling the gait, the instructor commands:

1. By twos, (or by file)— gallop; 2. MARCH; which is executed on the same principles.

When the column is at the gallop, the movement to break by twos or by file is executed at the same gait as prescribed, No. 230.

In these movements, the instructor observes that the head of the column changes gait with moderation, and that the troopers who follow do not permit their horses to move off before the moment prescribed.

239—-The column marching left in front, the movement is executed on the same principles, by inverse means, at the commands:

1. By the left—by twos (or by file) 3. MARCH.

SABRE EXERCISE.

240. The instructor causes the sabre exercise to be executed at a halt; for this purpose he orders the odd numbers to march forward 6 paces; he then commands:

1. By the left (or by the right)—open files. 2. MARCH.

At the command, MARCH, the right trooper of each rank moves forward 6 paces; the second and third oblique to the left, and come up abreast of the right files, with intervals of 4 paces; the others first turn to the left, march forward, and turn to the right so as to come into each line with the same intervals.

241. When the instructor wishes to form the platoon, he commands:

1. Second rank into line. 2. MARCH.

At the second command, the troopers ride into the middle of their intervals; the instructor then commands:

1. Close files to the right (or left.) 2. MARCH.

At the command, MARCH, the right file moves forward 6 paces; the second and third oblique to their places; the others turn to the right, march forward, and turn to the left, into their places.

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