2. During the course the battalion should, if practicable, go into camp or bivouac in service conditions for four days; this may be done separately by companies if more convenient. =181.= _Company training._ 1. _Method of instruction._--The duty of the officer commanding the battalion is to supervise the training of the company and give company leaders the benefit of his experience, but he should not lay down the method to be employed in the training of companies. The training must be carried out by the officers of the company without undue interference on the part of superiors. It is only when the methods are manifestly wrong, and would work harm, that there should be interference. Particular attention must be paid to the individual instruction of the soldier, and to the improvement of his capacity to think and act for himself. This can best be attained by explanation previous to and during an exercise, and by repetition of the practice when necessary; it should be remembered, however, that the interest of the men is apt to flag if they are kept too long at one subject. The basis of the whole system of training is careful individual instruction, and gradual progression from the simple to the more difficult. During instruction in elementary principles companies should act alone, or against a marked enemy and the company commander should concentrate his attention on the individual instruction of his men; but in many of the advanced exercises an opposing body gives not only increased interest to the practice, but also makes it more instructive. When companies act as opposing forces, each practice should be based on a definite supposition and object, a scheme should be drawn up and executed as far as is possible in conditions of actual warfare, and a mounted officer should be detailed to act as umpire. The greatest attention must be paid to the development of section and squad command. The capable leading of smaller units is an important item of success in the attack. During inclement weather, instruction will be given in the drill shed or barrack room by means of lectures, explanations, &c. Each day’s work should be carefully prepared by company commanders, and short lectures of about 20 minutes on the exercises to be carried out, given to all ranks. At the practice of outpost duties a broad distinction should be drawn between individual instruction and tactical training. During the former every private should be posted as sentry, the company should be exercised in the rudiments of outpost work, and the prescribed duties should be carried out without reference to the tactical situation, or the employment of the minimum number of men in the sentry line; the main body of the piquet may, in order to save time and give more practice in sentry and patrol duty, be indicated by a flag. Daring tactical training outposts should be placed in accordance with a scheme, strictly in service conditions.