Commanders of the special units observe the same principles as to commands and movements. They take places in the new formation as directed by the colonel; in the absence of such directions they conform as nearly as practicable to Plate IV, maintaining their relative positions with respect to the flank or end of the regiment on which they are originally posted. 330. When the regiment is formed, and during ceremonies, the lieutenant colonel is posted 2 paces to the left of, and 1 pace less advanced than the colonel. In movements subsequent to the formation of the regiment and other than ceremonies, the lieutenant colonel is on the left of the colonel. 331. In whatever formation the regiment may be, the battalions retain their permanent administrative designations of _first_, _second_, _third battalion_. For convenience, they may be designated, when in line, as _right_, _center_, or _left battalion_; when in column, as _leading_, _center_, or _rear battalion_. These designations apply to the actual positions of the battalions in line or column. 332. Except at ceremonies, or when rendering honors, or when otherwise directed, after the regiment is formed, the battalions march and stand _at ease_ during subsequent movements. CLOSE ORDER. _To Form the Regiment._ 333. Unless otherwise directed, the battalions are posted from right to left, or from head to rear, according to the rank of the battalion commanders present, the senior on the right or at the head. A battalion whose major is in command of the regiment retains its place. 334. For ordinary purposes, the regiment is formed in column of squads or in column of masses. The adjutant informs the majors what the formation is to be. The battalions and special units having been formed, he posts himself and draws saber. _Adjutant's call_ is sounded, or the adjutant signals _assemble_. If forming in column of squads, the adjutant posts himself so as to be facing the column when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be occupied by the leading guide of the regiment; if forming in column of masses, he posts himself so as to be facing the right guides of the column when formed, and 6 paces in front of the place to be occupied by the right guide of the leading company. Later, he moves so as best to observe the formation. The battalions are halted, at attention, in column of squads or close column, as the case may be, successively from the front in their proper order and places. The band takes its place when the leading battalion has halted. Other special units take their places in turn when the rear battalion has halted.