_The Company in Support._ 225. To enable it to follow or reach the firing line, the support adopts suitable formations, following the principles explained in paragraphs 212-218. The support should be kept assembled as long as practicable. If after deploying a favorable opportunity arises to hold it for some time in close formation, it should be reassembled. It is redeployed when necessary. 226. The movements of the support as a whole and the dispatch of reenforcements from it to the firing line are controlled by the major. A reenforcement of less than one platoon has little influence and will be avoided whenever practicable. The captain of a company in support is constantly on the alert for the major's signals or commands. 227. A reenforcement sent to the firing line joins it deployed as skirmishers. The leader of the reenforcement places it in an interval in the line, if one exists, and commands it thereafter as a unit. If no such suitable interval exists, the reenforcement is advanced with increased intervals between skirmishers; each man occupies the nearest interval in the firing line, and each then obeys the orders of the nearest squad leader and platoon leader. 228. A reenforcement joins the firing line as quickly as possible without exhausting the men. 229. The original platoon division of the companies in the firing line should be maintained and should not be broken up by the mingling of reenforcements. Upon joining the firing line, officers and sergeants accompanying a reenforcement take over the duties of others of like grade who have been disabled, or distribute themselves so as best to exercise their normal functions. Conditions will vary and no rules can be prescribed. It is essential that all assist in mastering the increasing difficulties of control. _The Company Acting Alone._ 230. In general, the company, when acting alone, is employed according to the principles applicable to the battalion acting alone; the captain employs platoons as the major employs companies, making due allowance for the difference in strength. The support may be smaller in proportion or may be dispensed with. 231. The company must be well protected against surprise. Combat patrols on the flanks are specially important. Each leader of a flank platoon details a man to watch for the signals of the patrol or patrols on his flank. FIRE. 232. Ordinarily pieces are loaded and extra ammunition is issued before the company deploys for combat. In close order the company executes the firings at the command of the captain, who posts himself in rear of the center of the company. Usually the firings in close order consist of saluting volleys only.