=Flank guard.=--An element of a command disposed with a view to protecting a flank. =Foragers.=--Mounted troopers distributed in line in extended order; also the formation in which the troopers are so distributed. =Formation.=--The arrangement of the elements of a command in line, column, or echelon. =Gait.=--One of the special movements of the horse, as the walk, the trot, or the gallop. =Gait of march.=--The gait at which the base of the command in question is moving at the instant considered. =Horse length.=--A term of measurement. For convenience in estimating space, a horse length is considered as 3 yards; by actual measure it is about 8 feet. =Interval.=--The lateral space between the elements or fractions of a command. Interval is measured: Mounted, from the left knee of the man at the right of the open space to the right knee of the man at the left of the open space; dismounted, interval is measured on similar principles, but from elbow to elbow. =Line.=--A formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other. When the elements are in column the formation is called a line of columns. =Maneuvers.=--Operations against an outlined or actual force under a separate commander, who, within the limits of the assumed situation, is free to adopt any formations and make any movements he chooses. =Order.=--An indication of the will of the commander in whatever form conveyed. An order may be given orally, by signal, or in any manner that is intelligible to those for whom it is intended. The expression, =in order=, has no reference to this definition, but is used to indicate a special arrangement and condition of the elements of a command. =Order, close.=--This includes formations in which the intervals and distances between elements are habitually based upon those required for forming the normal line formation of each unit of the formation. =Order, extended.=--The formation in which the troopers, or the subdivisions, or both, are separated by intervals or distances greater than in close order. =Pace.=--Used with reference to gait, pace signifies the rate of speed of the gait. Used as a unit of measure, pace signifies a step of 30 inches. =Patrol.=--A group detached from a command and operating with specific mission, usually related to security or information. The term is ordinarily applied to groups varying in size from two men to a platoon. They are frequently designated by special names connected with their principal mission or their composition; as, =reconnoitering patrols=, =combat patrols=, =visiting patrols=, =officer's patrols=. =Ployment.=--An evolution in which the command diminishes its front, as in passing from line to column, or from extended order to close order. =Rally.=--The rapid grouping behind the leader of the elements of a command, without reference to their previous situation or formation.