1. Fire action is the aim of all manœuvres in war, and should therefore be the climax of all manœuvres in peace. For this purpose drill and fire action should be combined on all parades. Thus, after a change of position or direction, or when marching in fours, the company commander should point out some objective, moving or stationary, and order the company or any portion of it to open fire, extending if necessary. The half-company commanders may repeat the orders, but the section commanders should give the executive commands. This practice will not only give a meaning to many movements, which they would otherwise lack, but will exercise all ranks in judging distance, extending, and opening fire with rapidity. The whistle should be used to control the fire, S. =49=. 2. The company should also be exercised in meeting sudden rushes, such as charges by cavalry, savage swordsmen, or fanatics, S. =85=. This practice should be carried out on every description of ground, especially in woods. Warning may be given by some pre-arranged signal. 3. When the company is moving in line (or lines) of sections, the fire-tactics best adapted to meet sudden attacks by cavalry or swordsmen, may be practised with very great benefit to the efficiency of all ranks. The half-companies or sections should be left to their own commanders, who will move them to favourable ground, securing, if possible, a clear field of fire, adopt suitable formations, and regulate the firing; habits of quick decision and alertness, as well as an eye for ground, will thus be cultivated. =73.= _When dispersed, re-assembling._ The commander will place the left squad commander of No. 1 section with sloped arms on the left of the alignment on which he intends the company to form. The left squad commanders of the remaining sections will cover off at column distance. On the command ASSEMBLE, the men will fall in on the right of these squad commanders, ordering arms, taking up their dressing and standing at ease. =74.= Dismissing. The officers having been ordered to fall out, a company will be dismissed as in Squad Drill, S. =44=. =75.= _Inspection in close order drill._ 1. The inspection of the company in close order formations is carried out with a view of testing the readiness of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and squad leaders in changing from one formation to another, and adapting formations to the ground; in utilising the fire of their commands in the most effective manner; in controlling the fire; in giving clear and concise orders; and in maintaining direction, interval, and distance. Particular attention should be directed to the following: (i) The rapidity with which fire was opened, manner in which it was controlled and distributed, and the positions of the men. (ii) The attention and steadiness of the men, and the precision of all movements.