If marching, the corporal of the base squad deploys it and moves straight to the front; if at a halt, he deploys his squad without advancing. 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 corporals in front of the center squad move to the right (if at a halt, to the right rear), the corporals in rear of the center squad move to the left front, and each, in succession from the base, places his squad on the line. The column of twos or files is deployed by the same commands and in like manner. 208. The company in line or in column of squads may be deployed in an oblique direction by the same commands. The captain points out the desired direction; the corporal of the base squad moves in the direction indicated; the other corporals conform. 209. To form skirmish line to the flank or rear the line or the column of squads is turned by squads to the flank or rear and then deployed as described. 210. The intervals between men are increased or decreased as described in the School of the Squad, adding to the preparatory command, _guide right (left_ or _center)_ if necessary. _The Assembly._ 211. The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the element on which the company is to assemble and commands: 1. _Assemble_, 2. _MARCH_. If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated point and the company is re-formed in line. If assembled by platoons, these are conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and the company is re-formed in line. Platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. _Platoons, assemble_, 2. _MARCH_. Executed by each platoon as described for the company. One or more platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. _Such platoon(s), assemble_, 2. _MARCH_. Executed by the designated platoon or platoons as described for the company. _The Advance._ 212. The advance of a company into an engagement (whether for attack or defense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, until the probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy. After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance of the company may be continued in skirmish line or other suitable formation, depending upon circumstances. The advance may often be facilitated, or better advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the employment of the _platoon_ or _squad columns_ or by the use of a _succession of thin lines_. The selection of the method to be used is made by the captain or major, the choice depending upon conditions arising during the progress of the advance. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will generally be best to assemble the company and proceed in close order. Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise. 213. Being in skirmish line: 1. _Platoon columns_, 2. _MARCH_.