The "Attack Column"

The infantry battalions were now organized into four companies drawn up in three ranks (the companies varied in strength from year to year, around 200 men each is a reasonable average).

At right, DIAGRAM 1: Attack Column. Numbers indicate the platoon.
DIAGRAM 2: Attack Column from Column of March

A regiment consisted of two musketeer and one fusilier (light) battalion. The grenadier companies were combined at brigade level to form a battalion. The marching rate was 108 paces per minute, bayonet attacks were made at 120 and a charge over short distances was made at the trot. The "attack column" was the favored formation not only for the attack, but also for the retreat and when threataned bv enemy cavalry.

At left, Attack Column from Line.

The attack column was formed from the "column of march"; or from line as shown in FIGURE 2 and 3 respectively. The musicians were placed between the 6th and 3rd platoons and the 7th and 2nd.

At right, Square.

Square was formed by closing the intervals between the platoons, filling the gaps with officers and NCO's and by turning the flank files outwards. When in square, only the second rank fired, the first charging arms and the third passing their loaded muskets forward.

1. The introduction of the "attack column" as the main battlefield formation.
2. The establishment of mixed brigades of all arms as a peacetime formation as well as the basis for the tactical formation on the field of battle.
3. An increase in the number of light infantry.
4. The opening of the officer corps to the bourgeoisie.