201. Having given the command for forming skirmish line, the captain, if necessary, indicates to the corporal of the base squad the point on which the squad is to march; the corporal habitually looks to the captain for such directions. 202. The base squad is deployed as soon as it has sufficient interval. The other squads are deployed as they arrive on the general line; each corporal halts in his place in line and commands or signals, _as skirmishers_; the squad deploys and halts abreast of him. If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is deployed before arriving on the line. 203. Deployed lines preserve a general alignment toward the guide. Within their respective fronts, individuals or units march so as best to secure cover or to facilitate the advance, but the general and orderly progress of the whole is paramount. On halting, a deployed line faces to the front (direction of the enemy) in all cases and takes advantage of cover, the men lying down if necessary. 204. The company in skirmish line _advances_, _halts_, moves _by the flank_, or _to the rear_, _obliques_, resumes _the direct march_, passes from _quick_ to _double time_ and the reverse by the same commands and in a similar manner as in close order; if at a halt, the movement _by the flank_ or _to the rear_ is executed by the same commands as when marching. _Company right (left, half right, half left)_ is executed as explained for the front rank, skirmish intervals being maintained. 205. A platoon or other part of the company is deployed and marched in the same manner as the company, substituting in the commands, _platoon_ (_detachment_, etc.) for _company_. _Deployments._ 206. Being in line, to form skirmish line to the front: 1. _As skirmishers, guide right (left_ or _center)_, 2. _MARCH_. If marching, the corporal of the base squad moves straight to the front; when that squad has advanced the desired distance, the captain commands: 1. _Company_, 2. _HALT_. If the guide be _right (left)_, the other corporals move to the _left (right)_ front, and, in succession from the base, place their squads on the line; if the guide be center, the other corporals move to the _right_ or _left_ front, according as they are on the right or left of the center squad, and in succession from the center squad place their squads on the line. If at a halt, the base squad is deployed without advancing; the other squads may be conducted to their proper places by the flank; interior squads may be moved when squads more distant from the base have gained comfortable marching distance. 207. Being in column of squads, to form skirmish line to the front: 1. _As skirmishers, guide right (left_ or _center)_, 2. _MARCH_.