If in line or skirmish line, No. 2 of the front rank follows in the track of the corporal at about 3 paces; the other men conform to the movements of No. 2, guiding on him and maintaining their relative positions. If in column, the head of the column follows the corporal. [Illustration] Note that No. 4 rear rank takes the place of the corporal when the corporal is in front of the squad. This a general rule. When any front rank man is absent his rear rank man steps up in the front rank. When the squad is following the corporal No. 4 rear rank remains blank (i.e., No. 3 does not step to the left and cover No. 4). TO DEPLOY AS SKIRMISHERS Being in any formation, assembled: 1. As skirmishers, 2. MARCH. The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if not already there. Moving at a run, the men place themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals. Nos. 1 and 2 on his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men on the left of No. 4; all then conform to the corporal's gait. There is a rule of thumb that must be remembered. The rear-rank man is always on the right of his file leader. A common error is for beginners to execute the movement at a slow trot which a run is required. When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly formed on No. 2 of the front rank, who stands fast or continues the march, as the case may be; the corporal places himself in front of the squad when advancing and in rear when halted. When deployed as skirmishers, the men march at ease, pieces at the trail unless otherwise ordered. The corporal is the guide when in the line; otherwise No. 2 front rank is the guide. The guide is center. The normal interval between skirmishers is one-half pace, resulting practically in one man per yard of front. The front of a squad thus deployed as skirmishers is about 10 paces. [Illustration: SQUAD DEPLOYED ON CORPORAL THIS IS THE WAY IT IS DONE] The common error is to keep an interval of a very few inches when 15 inches are required. TO INCREASE OR DIMINISH INTERVALS If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease the interval: 1. As skirmishers, (so many) paces, 2. MARCH. Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces. If already deployed, the men move by the flank or away from the guide. The above command is used but very little. THE ASSEMBLY Being deployed: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. The men move toward the corporal and form in their proper places. If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double time, form, and follow him. The assembly while marching to the rear is not executed.