3. A battalion, whether acting alone or forming part of a larger force engaged in an attack, will be sub-divided into three bodies, viz., firing-line, supports and reserves, on the same principle as laid down in S. =129=. The firing-line, which in the first instance will not exceed a quarter of the whole battalion, will usually be furnished by the same companies as the supports, whilst the reserves will be supplied by the remainder, and be under the direct control of the battalion commander. When the battalion forms part of a larger force, the commander will employ his reserves in strengthening such portions of his firing-line as most require reinforcement, the whole battalion, as a rule, being eventually absorbed into the firing-line. 4. When the battalion is acting independently, the commanding officer will act on the same principles as the commander of a larger force. He will detail certain companies for the flank attack, and others if necessary, for a holding attack, or for a feint. He will make arrangements from the companies of the reserve for the protection of the flanks against counter-attack, and if the ground permits, for covering the advance by long-range fire. He will retain a portion of his battalion as a general reserve at his own disposal; and select a portion of the enemy’s line against which the decisive attack will be pressed home. He will assign a portion of the objective to each company that forms part of the firing-line; but it should seldom be necessary for him, if his company leaders are well trained, to indicate the formation to be adopted. 5. The battalion, on reaching the zone of distant fire, will form lines of company columns, preceded, and, if necessary, flanked by scouts. 6. It is impossible to lay down any rule as to the number of companies in the firing-line. But it is always advisable, when the battalion first forms for attack, whether it is acting alone or with others, to put in no more than are actually required at the moment; the remainder being kept well in hand, but in such formations as will enable them to take advantage of cover, and avoid unnecessary loss. Before the enemy’s exact position is ascertained, the advance must be cautious and deliberate, and it is dangerous in such circumstances to place several companies alongside one another on a broad frontage. =152.= _Orders._ The orders issued to a battalion will differ in degree but not in principle from those given to a larger force, S. =131=; as a rule they will be issued verbally, but in any case they should be personally explained by the commanding officer when the position comes into view. =153.= _Distribution of the companies in the decisive attack._