In column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the side of the guide.

169.  Men in the line of file closers do not execute the loadings or firings.

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual of arms during the drill unless specially excused, when they remain at the order.  During ceremonies they execute all movements.

170.  In TAKING INTERVALS AND DISTANCES, unless otherwise directed, the right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in the line of file closers, and, with them, take a distance of 4 paces from the rear rank.  In taking intervals, at the command MARCH, the file closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest him.  In ASSEMBLING the guides and file closers resume their positions in line.

171.  In movements executed simultaneously by platoons (as PLATOONS RIGHT or PLATOONS, COLUMN RIGHT), platoon leaders repeat the preparatory command (PLATOON RIGHT, etc.), applicable to their respective platoons.  The command of execution is given by the captain only.

TO FORM THE COMPANY.

172.  At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position 6 paces in front of where the center of the company is to be, faces it, draws saber, and commands:  FALL IN.

The right guide of the company places himself, facing to the front, where the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that the center of the company will be 6 paces from and opposite the first sergeant; the squads form in their proper places on the left of the right guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who then take their posts.

The first sergeant commands:  REPORT.  Remaining in position at the order, the squad leaders, in succession from the right, salute and report:  ALL PRESENT; or PRIVATE(S) ------ ABSENT.  The first sergeant does not return the salutes of the squad leaders; he then commands:  1. Inspection, 2.  ARMS, 3. Order, 4.  ARMS, faces about, salutes the captain, reports:  SIR, ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR, or the names of the unauthorized absentees, and without command, takes his post.

If the company can not be formed by squads, the first sergeant commands:  1. Inspection, 2.  ARMS, 3. Rightshoulder_, 4.  ARMS, and calls the roll.  Each man, as his name is called, answers here and executes order arms.  The sergeant then effects the division into squads and reports the company as prescribed above.

The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the center of, and facing, the company in time to receive the report of the first sergeant, whose salute he returns, and then draws saber.

The lieutenants take their posts when the first sergeant has reported and draw saber with the captain.  The company, if not under arms, is formed in like manner omitting reference to arms.