DRILL

Formation of a Regiment in Line

A REGIMENT often companies will be formed as a single battalion. Two of the companies shall be designated as grenadiers or light infantry; they will be distinguished as the first and second, and form a division on the right.

Each company will be divided into two equal parts, called platoons; that on the right shall be called the first and that on the left the second platoon.

The men of each company will be arranged in ranks, according to size; the tallest on the flanks; the shortest in the center.

The distance from rank to rank will be one pace, measured from heel to heel.

When regiments are on a peace establishment, and exercised in battalion, the companies will be formed two deep, in order to occupy nearly the same extent of ground as if formed three deep, and on a war establishment. The companies are always to be equalized by transferring men, if necessary, from one company to another.