The platoon at war strength (50 men) has a front of 8-10 m. and a depth of 3 m. The movements are very simple. Route column is formed by simply facing to flank, without first dividing the platoon into squads. Double rank line may be formed from column of fours, by executing right and left front into line. The double rank line may be deployed into half-platoons. Furthermore, a single rank line may be formed by the men of the rear rank stepping up into the front rank. One drawback of this scheme is, that, in forming route column, facing distance of 0.80 m. between ranks is to be gradually gained after stepping off. The deployment of half-platoons into line of skirmishers offers no difficulties. It is otherwise, however, when the platoon is formed in four ranks and marching in platoon front, for then line of skirmishers can be formed only by deploying each rank in turn. The depth of the column may be decreased by placing platoons (formed in column of twos or fours) abreast, this expedient affording a suitable route formation on broad roads. The company is formed by placing the platoons on a line and abreast of each other at intervals of 2 m. In the battalion, column of platoons and “mass” are the only formations considered. In the “mass” formation the companies, each in line, are in rear of each other. 7. THE BATTALION. The movements of the battalion have been considerably simplified in all armies. Battalion drill is, however, necessary, since, as shown by the advance of the IInd Army on the morning of August 18th, 1870, simultaneous movements of large masses across country will be unavoidable in future wars on account of the great size of modern armies.[76] [76] Additional examples: Advance of the 6th Infantry Division on Vionville. _Gen. St. W._, I, p. 556. The flank march made by the 3rd and 4th Bavarian Brigades from La Maladerie toward Schloss Goury (5 km. battle of Loigny). HÖNIG, _Volkskrieg_, IV, p. 22. Advance of the 33rd Infantry Brigade from Champdoux against Loigny (_ibid._, IV, p. 80). Advance of the 22nd Infantry Division from Lumeau on Poupry, 4.5 km. (_ibid._, IV, p. 139). Advance of the French to the battle on December 1st, 1870 (_ibid._, III, p. 164). Normal Formation of the German Battalion. The four columns of platoons, or the company columns of a battalion, may be placed, as dictated by space or purpose, abreast of each other as a =broad column= (_Breitkolonne_), or in rear of each other as a =deep column= (_Tiefkolonne_). The numerical order of companies is immaterial. [Illustration: Deep Column.] [Illustration: Broad Column.] [Illustration]