LINE OF SCOUTS - From leading section - (go out of the

Runner

command, SCOUTS OUT")

Plate 5.-The platoon being in column of squads, twos, or files, to deploy in line of squad columns: 1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH. (All distances and intervals elastic.)

c. The formation in line of squad columns may be combined with line of skirmishers by appropriate commands; example: 1. First section, as skirmishers, 2. Second section, squad columns, 3. MARCH.

d. Distance between men in squad columns is 5 to 10 paces.

Ε

26. Section columns.-Section columns are sections in column of twos; the sections are disposed with reference to each other abreast, in column with distances between sections, in echelon, or other formation required by the terrain or available cover, as directed by the platoon leader. When section or squad columns are formed in echelon or other irregular formation, they regulate their march on the most advanced unit.

Sgt. Section Leader

1st Squad

2nd Squad

Each Squad in column of twos.

3rd Squad

Cpl. Section Guide

2nd in Command.

Plate 6.-Section column. (All distances and intervals elastic.)

Section columns may be formed from close-order formation by forming columns of twos in accordance with the principles of close order and disposing the sections in such manner as the situation may require. If the sections are to be disposed abreast, the platoon should be formed in line of sections as described in TR 420-50, Chapter VIII. Distance between men in section columns is such as will permit ease in marching without straggling or unduly lengthening the column.

27. To form line of squad columns from skirmishers.-Being deployed as skirmishers, to form line of squad columns: 1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH. Each squad leader moves to the front; the members of each squad oblique toward their squad leader and follow him in order of arrival, in single file.

Plate 7.-Being in skirmish line, to form line of squad columns.

28. To deploy as skirmishers from line of squad columns.-Being in line of squad columns, to deploy as skirmishers: 1. As skirmishers (so many paces), 2. MARCH. Each squad deploys, the skirmishers forming in the same relative order as in deployment from close-order formation.

Plate 8.-Being in line of squad columns, to form line of skirmishers. (As executed by each squad.)

29. To form section columns from skirmishers or squad columns.-Being deployed as skirmishers or in line of squad columns, to form section columns: 1. Section columns, 2. MARCH. Section leaders move forward in front of their sections, men move individually at a run toward their section leaders and assemble by squad in column of twos in his rear, squads in the same relative order as in normal formation of the section in close order, corporals at the head of their squads.

Section guides follow in rear of their respective sections to insure the prompt and orderly execution of the advance.

30. To assemble the platoon.-Being deployed as skirmishers, to assemble the platoon, the platoon leader takes post at or designates the point at which the platoon is to assemble and signals: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.

The platoon assembles in column of squads, in the same relative order as in the normal formation of the platoon in close order (right squad in front).

The leading squad assembles at the designated point as prescribed in paragraph 11. Men of other squads move individually at a run toward the assembly point, corporals placing themselves in their normal position in column of squads in rear of the leading squad, each squad assembling on its corporal. Section leaders, guides, and runners take their prescribed posts.

If already formed in squads or sections or in squad or section columns, these are conducted to the assembly point and formed in their normal relative order by squad or section leaders.

31. To assemble by sections. 1. Sections, assemble, 2. MARCH. platoon.

Sections may be assembled by the command:
Executed by each section as prescribed for the

32. To assemble by squads.-Squads may be assembled by the command: 1. Squads, assemble, 2. MARCH. Executed by each squad as described in paragraph 11.

33. To assemble one section or one or more squads.-One section or one or more squads may be assembled by the command: 1. (Such) section (or squads), assemble, 2. MARCH.

34. To advance by rushes.-a. (1) Being deployed as skirmishers, to advance by rushes, the platoon leader indicates the line or cover to be reached, if practicable, and commands: 1. By section (squad, four men, etc.) from the right (left), 2. RUSH.

(2) The leader of the indicated fraction gives the command: 1. Cease firing, 2. PREPARE TO RUSH. The men of the fraction indicated cease firing and hold themselves in readiness to spring forward instantly, taking care not to betray to the enemy by any movement of the body or the rifle the fact that a rush is about to take place. When ready, the leader of the rush commands: UP. (See par. 12 e.) The leader and his men spring to their feet and running at top speed gain the new position, where they throw themselves on the ground (see par. 12 b) and at the leader's commands open fire. The leader of the rush selects the new line if it has not been previously designated. Individual members of the unit make minor changes in selection of firing positions when necessary. (See par. 13 b (4).)

(3) The first fraction having established itself on the new line, the next like fraction is sent forward by its section leader without further command of the platoon leader, and so on, successively, until the entire wave is on the line established by the first rush. The platoon leader may direct that the successive fractions execute the rush only upon his signal.

(4) The rear wave advances to the position vacated by the leading wave, or remains in its original position or otherwise maneuvers, according to circumstances, as directed by the platoon leader or on the initiative of the section leader.

(5) While leaders may accompany any fraction of the rush, they habitually accompany the last fraction. When a leader moves forward with one of the advance fractions, the second in command remains until the last fraction advances.

b. When the leading wave comprises more than one section, the rush of the wave as a whole is conducted by the platoon leader, as described for a section in subparagraph a.

The platoon leader leads the rush; section leaders lead their respective sections. For combat principles of the rifle squad, section, platoon, and company, see TR 420-105, 420-110, 420-115, and 420-120.

35. To advance by infiltration.-a. Being deployed as skirmishers to cross open, fire-swept areas by independent advances of individuals or squads, the platoon leader commands: 1. On (such line, e. g., crest, hedge, road, etc.), 2. RE-FORM.

Each squad leader decides on the best method of reaching the designated line, whether by leading the squad as a whole along a covered route or by men working their way forward individually.

b. The platoon leader must recover control of his platoon at the designated position before attempting a further advance.

c. This method of advance finds special application at long range or when the source of hostile fire can not be discovered and beaten down.