THE

PLATTSBURG MANUAL

A HANDBOOK FOR MILITARY TRAINING

BY

O. O. ELLIS MAJOR, UNITED STATES INFANTRY

AND

E. B. GAREY MAJOR, UNITED STATES INFANTRY

(INSTRUCTORS, PLATTSBURG TRAINING CAMP, 1916) (INSTRUCTORS, OFFICERS'TRAINING CAMP, FT. MCPHERSON, GA. , 1917) (INSTRUCTORS, OFFICERS'TRAINING CAMP, FT. OGLETHORPE, GA. , 1917)

WITH MORE THAN 220 ILLUSTRATIONS

NEW YORK THE CENTURY CO. 1918

Copyright, 1917, byThe Century Co. 

Published, March, 1917Second Edition, March, 1917Third Edition, April, 1917Fourth Edition, April, 1917Fifth Edition, May, 1917Sixth Edition, May, 1917Seventh Edition, August, 1917Eighth Edition. September, 1917Ninth Edition, January, 1918Tenth Edition, May, 1918

TOTHOSE FAR-SEEING MENWHO INAUGURATED AND ATTENDED THEFIRST FEDERAL TRAINING CAMPTHIS TEXT IS RESPECTFULLYDEDICATED

FOREWORD

The Plattsburg Manual, written by Majors Ellis and Garey, will provevery useful to men who are contemplating military training. It will alsobe of great value to those who are undergoing training. 

It is full of practical information presented in a simple and directmanner and gives in detail much data not easily found elsewhere. It is auseful book, easily understandable by those who have had little or nomilitary experience. 

It will be useful not only at training camps but it will be of verygreat value at schools and colleges where military instruction is beinggiven. 

The authors of this book have performed a valuable service, one whichwill tend to facilitate and aid very much the development of militarytraining in this country. In addition to the purely mechanical detailsof training the book presents in a very effective and simple manner thetactical use of troops under various conditions. 

In a word it is a useful and sound work and one which can be commendedto those who contemplate a course in military training. 

(Signed) Leonard Wood, Major General U. S. A. 

February 27, 1917. 

PREFACE

This book is intended to serve as a foundation upon which the militarybeginner may build so that he may in time be able to study the technicalservice manuals intelligently. It has been written as an elementarytextbook for those who desire to become Reserve Officers, for schoolsand colleges, and for those who may be called to the colors. 

The authors have commanded companies at Plattsburg, New York, and, noting the need of such a text, compiled their observations while there. 

The average man undergoing military training wants to know as much aspossible about the art and science of war. He wants to acquire a goodknowledge of the principles involved. He is interested in the techniqueof movements. He is willing to work for these things, but he oftenbecomes lost in confusion when he attempts to study the technicalservice manuals. He does not know how to select the most important andomit the less important. The authors have selected from the standardtexts some of the vitally important subjects and principles and havepresented them to the civilian in a simple and plain way. 

The first part of the text is for the beginner. It tells him how toprepare physically for strenuous military work. After assisting himthrough the elementary part of his instruction, it presents for hisconsideration and study the Officers' Reserve Corps. 

The second part, or supplement, is a more technical discussion of thosesubjects introduced in the first. It is intended principally for thosewho have made excellent progress. 

CONTENTS

 I General Advice 3 II Physical Exercise 21 III School of the Soldier 28 IV School of the Squad 63 V School of the Company 86 VI Fire Superiority 130 VII The Service of Security 136VIII Attack and Defense 144 IX General Principles of Target Practice 153 X Practice March or "Hike" 159 XI Officers' Reserve Corps 169

SUPPLEMENT

 I The Theory of Security 221 II Attack and Defense 242 III Patrolling 254 IV Target Practice 260 V Tent Pitching 292 VI Signals and Codes 297 VII First Aid to the Injured 309

 Appendixes 321

 Index 331

THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL

CHAPTER I

GENERAL ADVICE

The United States is divided geographically into military departmentswith a general officer commanding each department. The departments andtheir headquarters are as follows:

 (1) The Northeastern Department, with headquarters at Boston, Massachusetts. 

 (2) The Eastern Department, with headquarters at Governors Island, New York. 

 (3) The Southeastern Department, with Headquarters at Charleston, South Carolina. 

 (4) The Central Department, with Headquarters at Chicago, Illinois. 

 (5) The Southern Department, with Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 

 (6) The Western Department, with Headquarters at San Francisco, California. 

 Overseas { (7) The Philippine Department, with Headquarters at Departments { Manila. { { (8) The Hawaiian Department, Departments with { Headquarters at Honolulu, Hawaii. 

(For States comprising each department, see Appendix)

If you are a civilian and desire any information in regard to the army, any training camps, the officers' reserve corps, or any militarylegislation or orders affecting you, write to the "Commanding General"of the Department in which you live. Address your letter to him at hisheadquarters. 

MAIL

Mail is most often delayed because there is not sufficient informationfor the Postmaster on the envelope. The delivery of your mail will bedelayed unless your letters are sent to the company and the regiment towhich you belong. Therefore, prepare, before you reach camp, severalstamped postal cards, addressed to your family and business associates, containing directions to address all communications to you care ofCompany----, Regiment----. As soon as you are assigned to a company andregiment, fill in these data and mail these postal cards at once. Thisshould be done by wire in case important mail is expected during thefirst week of camp. Mail is delivered to each company as soon as acomplete roll of the organizations can be made out and sent to thepost-office. 

INOCULATIONS AND VACCINATION

As soon as you become a member of the army, whether as a private or asan officer, you will receive the typhoid prophylaxis inoculation and bevaccinated against smallpox. 

WHAT TO BRING

 1. Travel light. Bring only the bare necessities of life with you. Don't bring a trunk. Enlisted men (not officers) will be supplied with all necessary uniforms and underwear. This includes shoes. 

 2. Bring a pair of sneakers, or slippers. They will add greatly to your comfort after a long march or hard day's work. A complete bathing suit often comes in handy. 

 3. Report in uniform if you have one. 

 4. The Government will provide you with the necessary shoes. However, if you can afford it, buy before you report for duty, a pair of regulation tan shoes, larger than you ordinarily wear, and break them in well before arrival. Rubber heels are recommended. 

 5. Bring your toilet articles (comb, brush, mirror shaving equipment, etc. ), and a good supply of handkerchiefs, and towels. 

WHAT TO DO ON YOUR ARRIVAL

There is a general rule of procedure to follow in reporting for duty atany post or training camp. 

 1. If you receive an order directing you to report for duty at a camp or post at a certain specified time, read it carefully, put it in a secure place, and, on the day that you are to report for duty at the camp or post, present yourself in uniform, if you have one, with your order. Be careful not to lose your order or leave it at home. Have it in your pocket book. 

 2. Upon being assigned to a company, unless you receive orders to the contrary, report at once with your baggage to your company commander (captain), whom you can easily find when you reach your barracks or company street. If you cannot locate your company commander, report to the first sergeant. 

 3. It is a custom of the service to have an experienced soldier explain to a new man exactly where he is to go and what he is to do. Feel no embarrassment at being ignorant of your new duties and surroundings. The Government does not expect anything of you except eagerness to learn and willingness to obey. 

 4. After reporting to your company commander or first sergeant, you will have a bed assigned to you and you will be issued the property and uniforms necessary to your comfort and duties. Check your property carefully as it is issued to you. You will have to sign for all of it. Look after your property at all times. 

 5. After checking your property, make up your bed and arrange neatly your personal and issued property on or under your bed or cot. 

 6. Spend all your spare time cleaning your rifle and bayonet until they satisfy your company commander. Then keep them clean. 

 7. Don't leave the company street or barracks on the first day, except with the permission of your company commander. Don't ask for this permission unless you have a valid reason. 

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR CAMP LIFE

The first few days will be easy and profitable if you will readcarefully and adhere to the following plan of procedure:

 1. Get up at the first note of reveille and get quickly into proper uniform. 

 2. Get within two or three feet of your place in ranks and await the sounding of assembly for reveille and then step into ranks. 

 3. Stand at attention after the first sergeant commands "Fall In. " Remember that this command is equivalent to "Company, Attention. "

 4. After reveille, make up your bed, arrange neatly your equipment, and clean up the ground under and around your cot. The company commander will require the beds made up and the equipment arranged in a prescribed way. 

 5. Wash for breakfast. 

 6. Upon returning from breakfast, go at once to the toilet. Next, prepare the equipment prescribed to be worn to drill. This is especially important when the full pack is prescribed. Assist your tent mates in policing the ground in and around your tent. 

 7. If you need medical attention give your name to the first sergeant at reveille and report to him at his tent upon your return from breakfast. Don't wait until you are sick to report to the hospital, but go as soon as you feel in the least unwell. 

 8. When the first call for drill is blown, put on your equipment, inspect your bed and property to see that everything is in order, and then go to your place in ranks. 

 9. After the morning drill, get ready for dinner. Get a little rest at this time if possible. 

 10. After dinner a short rest is usually allowed before the afternoon drill. Take advantage of this opportunity; get off your feet and rest. Be quiet so that your tent mates may rest. 

 11. Following the afternoon drill there is a short intermission before the ceremony of retreat. During this time take a quick bath, shave, get into the proper uniform for retreat, shine your shoes and brush your clothes and hat. Be the neatest man in the company. 

 12. Supper usually follows retreat. 

 13. After supper, you usually have some spare time until taps. The Y. M. C. A. Generally provides a place supplied with Bibles, newspapers, good magazines, and writing material. Don't be ashamed to read the Bible. Don't forget to write to the folks back home. 

 14. Be in bed with lights out at taps. After taps and before reveille, remain silent, thus showing consideration for those who are sleeping or trying to sleep. 

 15. Consult the company bulletin board at least twice daily. On this bulletin board is usually found the following information:

 (a) A list of calls. (b) The proper uniform for each formation. (c) Schedule of drills. (d) Special orders and instructions. 

 16. Get all your orders from (a) the bulletin board, (b) the first sergeant, (c) the acting noncommissioned officers, (d) the company commander. Don't put much faith in rumors. 

ADVICE REGARDING HABITS

Your life in camp in regard to food, exercise, hours of sleep, surroundings, and comforts, will differ greatly from that you lead as acivilian. You will submit your body to a sudden, severe, physical test. In order to prepare your body for this change in manner of living andwork, we recommend that for a short time prior to your arrival in camp, and thereafter, you observe the following suggestions:

 1. Use no alcohol of any kind. 

 2. Stop smoking, or at least be temperate in the use of tobacco. 

 3. Eat and drink moderately. Chew your food well. It is advisable, however, to drink a great deal of cool (not cold) water between meals. 

 4. Don't eat between meals. 

 5. Accustom yourself to regular hours as to sleeping, eating, and the morning functions. 

 6. Keep away from all soda fountains and soft drink stands. 

 7. For at least two weeks prior to your arrival at camp, take regularly the exercises described in this book. 

Most men are troubled with their feet during the first week of eachcamp, usually because they do not observe the following precautions:

 1. If you have ever had trouble with the arches of your feet, wear braces for them. 

 2. Lace your shoe as tightly as comfort will permit. 

 3. Wash the feet daily. 

 4. Every morning shake a little talcum powder or "Foot Ease" in each shoe. 

 5. Each morning put on a fresh pair of socks. Your socks should fit the feet so neatly that no wrinkles remain in them and yet not be so tight that they bind the foot. Do not wear a sock with a hole in it or one that has been darned. 

 6. Some men cannot wear light wool socks with comfort. Do not wear silk or cotton socks until you have given light wool socks a fair trial. 

 7. In case of a blister, treat it as directed in Chapter X. 

 8. Most of the foot troubles are caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. If the shoe is too large it rubs blisters, if too small it cramps the foot and causes severe pain. Marching several hours while carrying about thirty pounds of equipment causes each foot to expand at least one half a size in length and correspondingly in breadth; hence the size of the shoe you wear in the office will be too small for training camp use. If you have been living a sedentary life, ask for a pair of shoes larger than you ordinarily wear. 

 9. In case the tendon in your heel becomes tender, report at once to the hospital tent and get it strapped. 

A DISCIPLINED SOLDIER

You will be expected to become quickly amenable both mentally andphysically to discipline. A clear conception on your part of what drillsare disciplinary in character and what discipline really is, will helpyou to become a disciplined soldier. Drills executed at attention aredisciplinary exercises and are designed to teach precise and soldierlymovements and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious obedience whichis essential to proper military control. Hence, all corrections shouldbe given and received in an impersonal manner. Never forget that youlose your identity as an individual when you step into ranks; you thenbecome merely a unit of a mass. As soon as you obey properly, promptly, and, at times, unconsciously, the commands of your officers, as soon asyou can cheerfully give up pleasures and personal privileges thatconflict with the new order of life to which you have submitted, youwill then have become a disciplined man. 

DRESS

The uniform you will wear stands for Duty, Honor, and Country. Youshould not disgrace it by the way you wear it or by your conduct anymore than you would trample the flag of the United States of Americaunder foot. You must constantly bear in mind that in our country amilitary organization is too often judged by the acts of a few of itsmembers. When one or two soldiers in uniform conduct themselves in anungentlemanly or unmilitary manner to the disgrace of the uniform, thelayman shakes his head and condemns all men wearing that uniform. Hence, show by the way in which you wear your uniform that you are proud of it;this can be best accomplished by observing the following rules:

 1. Carry yourself at all times as though you were proud of yourself, your uniform, and your country. 

 2. Wear your hat so that the brim is parallel to the ground. 

 3. Have all buttons fastened. 

 4. Never have sleeves rolled up. 

 5. Never wear sleeve holders. 

 6. Never leave shirt or coat unbuttoned at the throat. 

 7. Have leggins and trousers properly laced. 

 8. Keep shoes shined. 

 9. Always be clean shaved. 

 10. Keep head up and shoulders square. 

 11. Camp life has a tendency to make one careless as to personal cleanliness. Bear this in mind. 

SALUTING

The military salute is universal. It is at foundation but a courteousrecognition between two individuals of their common fellowship in thesame honorable profession, the profession of arms. Regulations requirethat it be rendered by both the senior and the junior, as bare courtesyrequires between gentlemen in civil life. It is the military equivalentof the laymen's expressions "Good Morning, " or "How do you do?"Therefore be punctilious about saluting; be proud of the manner in whichyou execute your salute, and make it indicative of discipline and goodbreeding. Always look at the officer you are saluting. The juniorsalutes first. It is very unmilitary to salute with the left hand in apocket, or with a cigarette, cigar, or pipe in the mouth. Observe thefollowing general rules:

 1. Never salute an officer when you are in ranks. 

 2. Indoors (in your tent) unarmed, do not salute but stand at attention, uncovered, on the entrance of an officer. If he speaks to you, then salute. 

 3. Indoors, armed, render the prescribed salute, i. E. , the rifle salute at order arms or at trail. 

 4. Outdoors, armed, render the prescribed salute, i. E. , the rifle salute at right shoulder arms. 

 5. Outdoors, unarmed, or armed with side arms, salute with the right hand. 

ARMY SLANG

The following army slang is universally employed:

 "Bunkie"--the soldier who shares the shelter half or tent of a comrade in the field. A bunkie looks after his comrade's property in the event the latter is absent. 

 "Doughboy"--the infantryman. 

 "French leave"--unauthorized absence. 

 "Holy Joe"--the chaplain. 

 "K. O. "--the commanding officer. 

 "On the carpet"--a call before the commanding officer for admonition. 

 "Q. M. "--quartermaster. 

 "Rookie"--a new recruit. 

 "Sand rat"--a soldier on duty in the rifle pit during target practice. 

 "Top sergeant"--the first sergeant. 

 "Come and get it"--the meal is ready to be served. 

HOW TO CLEAN A RIFLE AND BAYONET

Get a rag and rub the heavy grease off; then get a soft pine stick, pointed at one end, and with this point remove the grease from thecracks, crevices and corners. Clean the bore from the breech. When theheavy grease has been removed, the metal part of the gun, bore included, should be covered with a light coating of "3-in-1" oil. Heavy grease canbe removed from the rifle by rubbing it with a rag which has beensaturated with gasoline or coal oil. 

FRIENDS

There are a few men in all companies who play, loaf, and who areconstantly in trouble. As the good men in each company will not becomefriendly with them, they seek their acquaintances among the new men onwhom they have a baneful influence. We wish to warn you about makingfriends too quickly. 

FINAL SUGGESTIONS

Don't be profane or tell questionable stories to your bunkies or aroundthe company. There is a much greater number of silent and unprotestingmen in camp than is generally supposed, to whom this is offensive. Keepeverything on a high plane. 

CHAPTER II[1]

Read this chapter as soon as you decide to attend a Camp. 

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

The greatest problem you will have to solve will be that of making yourbody do the work required. Every one else will be doing exactly what youare doing, and you have too much pride to want to take even a shorterstep than the man by your side. Some men have to leave the trainingcamps because they are not in the proper physical condition to go onwith the work. If this chapter is taken as seriously as it should be, itwill be of great help to you. 

If you have not a pair of sensible marching shoes (tan, high-tops, nohooks on them) get a pair. These shoes should be considerably largerthan a pair of office shoes. 

Walk to and from your business. Take every opportunity to get out in thecountry where the air is pure. Fill your lungs full. Get into the habitof taking deep breaths now and then. Don't make this a task, butsurround it with pleasantries. Get some delightful companion to walkwith you. Walk vigorously. 

Let down on your smoking. Better to leave it alone for a while. You willenjoy the air. Deep breathing seems to be more natural. 

Make it a work for your country. View it in that light. If you are notgoing to be called upon to undergo the cruel hardships and physicalstrain of some campaigns, your son will be, and you can be of great helpto him by being fit yourself. You and your sons will form the backboneof America's strength in her next peril. 

You will have a great deal of walking after you arrive in camp, possiblya great deal more than you have ever had, and probably a great deal morethan you expect, even with this word of warning. If you have failed toprovide yourself with proper shoes and socks, great will be the price ofyour lack of forethought. You will wince at your own blisters. You willget no sympathy from any one else. It is the spirit of the camp for eachman to bear his own burdens. So arrive at camp with hardened legs andbroken in shoes. Don't buy shoes with pointed or narrow toes. Theyshould be broad and airy. 

Immediately after you arise in the morning and just before you retire atnight, go through the following exercises for two or three minutes. In ashort time you may want to make it more. No objection. Give it a fairtrial. Be brisk and energetic. Forget, for the time being, what you aregoing to get out of it. Give and then give more. The result will takecare of itself. 

1st Exercise

Involving practically every important muscle in the body. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2]

From first position spring to second position; instantly return to firstposition and continue. 

Be light on your feet. Alight on your toes. Begin with a limited numberof times. Day by day increase it a little until you reach a fair number. Be most moderate at first. Never allow yourself in any exercise tobecome greatly fatigued. 

2d Exercise

To reduce waist, strengthen back muscles, and become limber. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2]

Assume position No. 1. 

Swing to position (No. 2), return at once to No. 1, and continue. 

Shoot your head and arms as far through your legs as your conformationpermits. 

3rd Exercise

To harden leg muscles and exercise joints. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2]

From position No. 1 come to position No. 2. Return at once to No. 1 andcontinue. 

Toes turned well out. Body and head erect. Up with a slight spring. After a little practice, you will have no difficulty with this exercisein balancing yourself. 

4th Exercise

To exercise arms and shoulders and organs of chest and shoulder muscles. 

[Illustration: No. 1]

From position No. 1 thrust arms forward to position No. 2, and return atonce to position No. 1. 

[Illustration: No. 2]

Vary by thrusting arms downward, sideward and upward. Be moderate atfirst. Grow more vigorous with practice. 

5th Exercise

[Illustration: No. 1]

To strengthen ankles and insteps. 

From position No. 1 rise on the toes to position No. 2, return at onceto position No. 1, and continue. 

Go up on your toes as high as you can. 

[Illustration: No. 2]

CHAPTER III

SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER

Based on the Infantry Drill Regulations

Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military training; hencethe excellence of an organization is judged by its field efficiency. Your instruction will be progressive in character, and will have as itsultimate purpose the creation of a company measuring up to a highstandard of field efficiency. 

The Preparatory Command, such as Forward, indicates the movement that isto be executed. 

The Command of Execution, such as MARCH, HALT, or ARMS, commences theexecution of the movement. 

Preparatory Commands are distinguished by bold face, those of executionby capitals. As, 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. 

The average man understands better and learns faster when you show himhow a thing is done. Don't be content with telling him how. Bear this inmind when you become an instructor. 

On account of the absence of the Regular Army on the border, it was notpractical to obtain photographs of regular troops with which toillustrate this book. The photographs used were taken under the directsupervision of the authors. 

POSITION OF A SOLDIER AT ATTENTION

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 CORRECT POSITION]

No. 1. Eyes to the front. Hands hang naturally. Rest weight of the bodyequally on feet. Feet turned out making angles of 45°. 

No. 2. Head erect. Shoulders down and back. Chest out. Stomach up. Thumbalong the seams of trousers. Knees straight, not stiff. Heels on lineand together. Do not stiffen the fingers: The mind ought also to be atattention. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 INCORRECT POSITIONS]

No. 1. Don't gaze about. That's not playing the game. Don't turn yourfeet out making an angle of 100°. 

No. 2. Don't slouch. Hold yourself up. Keep your eyes off the ground. 

These are the common errors of beginners. 

1. Parade, 2. REST. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 CORRECT POSITION]

No. 1. Clasp hands without constraint in front of center of body. Lefthand uppermost. Fingers joined. Thumb and fore finger right hand claspsthe left thumb. 

No. 2. Bend left knee slightly. Right foot is carried 6 inches straightto the rear. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 INCORRECT POSITIONS]

No. 1. Not looking straight to the front. Right foot not carriedstraight to the rear. 

No. 2. Leaning back too far. Right foot carried back too far. 

1. Hand, 2. SALUTE. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 CORRECT POSITION]

No. 1. Look toward the person saluted. 

No. 2. Tip of forefinger right hand touches cap or hat above right eye. Thumb and forefingers extended and joined. Hand and wrist straight. Palmto the left. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 INCORRECT POSITIONS OR COMMON ERRORS]

No. 1. Palm of the hand to the front and fingers not joined. 

No. 2. Arm held too high. Fingers not perfectly joined. 

No. 3. Fingers not extended and joined. Left hand not by side whilesalute is being made. 

Some beginners forget, while saluting, to remove their pipes, cigarettes, or cigars from their mouths. This proves clearly that theyare beginners, for trained and experienced men are careful aboutmilitary honors and salutes. 

THE RESTS

Being at a halt, the commands are: FALL OUT; REST; AT EASE; and 1. Parade, 2. REST. 

At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks, but are requiredto remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places, atattention, at the command fall in. 

At the command rest, each man keeps one foot in place, but is notrequired to preserve silence or immobility. 

At the command at ease, each man keeps one foot in place and is requiredto preserve silence, but not immobility. 

1. Parade, 2. REST. Previously explained. 

To resume the attention: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. The men take theposition of the soldier. 

EYES RIGHT OR LEFT

1. Eyes, 2. RIGHT (LEFT), 3. FRONT. 

[Illustration]

At the command right, turn the head to the right oblique, eyes fixed onthe line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in, the same rank. Atthe command front, turn the head and eyes to the front. Notice the rightfile does not turn the eyes to the right. 

FACINGS

To the flank: 1. Right (left), 2. FACE. 

[Illustration]

Raise slightly the left heel and right toe; face to the right, turningon the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the leftfoot; place the left foot by the side of the right. Left face isexecuted on the left heel in the corresponding manner. 

Right (left) Half Face is executed similarly, facing 45°. 

To the rear: 1. About, 2. FACE. 

Carry the toe of the right foot about a half foot-length to the rear andslightly to the left of the left heel without changing the position ofthe left foot; face to the rear, turning to the right on the left heeland right toe; place the right heel by the side of the left. There is noleft about face. 

STEPS AND MARCHINGS

All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except right step, beginwith the left foot. 

The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches, measured fromheel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate of 120 steps per minute. 

The length of the full step in double time is 36 inches; the cadence isat the rate of 180 steps per minute. 

The instructor, when necessary, indicates the cadence of the step bycalling one, two, three, four, or left, right, the instant the left andright foot, respectively, should be planted. 

All steps and marchings and movements involving march are executed inquick time unless the squad be marching in double time, or doubletime be added to the command; in the latter case double time is addedto the preparatory command. Example: 1. Squad right, double time, 2. MARCH (School of the Squad). 

QUICK TIME

Being at a halt, to march forward in quick time: 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. 

At the command forward, shift the weight of the body to the right leg, left knee straight. 

At the command march, move the left foot smartly straight forward 30inches from the right, sole near the ground, and plant it without shock;next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above;continue the march. The arms swing naturally. 

Being at a halt, or in march in quick time, to march in double time: 1. Double time, 2. MARCH. 

If at a halt, at the first command shift the weight of the body to theright leg. At the command march, raise the forearms, fingers closed, toa horizontal position along the waist line; take up an easy run with thestep and cadence of double time, allowing a natural swinging motion tothe arms. 

If marching in quick time, at the command march, given as either footstrikes the ground, take one step in quick time, and then step off indouble time. 

To resume the quick time: 1. Quick time, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, given as either foot strikes the ground, advanceand plant the other foot in double time; resume the quick time, droppingthe hands by the sides. 

TO MARK TIME

Being in march: 1. Mark time, 2. MARCH. At the command march, given aseither foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot; bringup the foot in rear and continue the cadence by alternately raising eachfoot about 2 inches and planting it on line with the other. 

Being at a halt, at the command march, raise and plant the feet asprescribed above. Common errors are to raise the feet several inches andto run up the cadence, i. E. , go too fast. 

1. Half step, 2. MARCH. 

Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in double time. 

Forward, half step, halt, and mark time may be executed one from theother in quick or double time. Any step less than the full step (i. E. , half step, right step, or backward) is apt to be too fast, i. E. , greaterthan 120 steps a minute. 

To resume the full step from half step or mark time: 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. 

SIDE STEP

Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Right (left) step, 2. MARCH. 

Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right; bring the leftfoot beside it and continue the movement in the cadence of quick time. 

The side step is used for short distances only and is not executed indouble time. 

If at order arms, the side step is executed at trail without command. 

BACK STEP

Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Backward, 2. MARCH. 

Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear. 

The back step is used for short distances only and is not executed indouble time. 

If at order arms, the back step is executed at trail without command. 

TO HALT

To arrest the march in quick or double time: 1. Squad, 2. HALT. 

At the command halt, given as either foot strikes the ground, plant theother foot as in marching; raise and place the first foot by the side ofthe other. If in double time, drop the hands by the sides. 

TO MARCH BY THE FLANK

Being in march: 1. By the right (left) flank, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2]

The command march must be given when the right foot is on the ground asshown in No. 1. Then advance and plant the left foot and turn on thetoes to right as shown in No. 2, and step off with the right foot. 

TO MARCH TO THE REAR

Being in march: 1. To the rear, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2]

At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot; turn to the right about on the balls ofboth feet and immediately step off with the left foot. 

The turn is made on the toes as shown. 

The command march must be given when the right foot is on the ground. The left foot is then advanced to the position shown. 

If marching in double time, turn to the right about, taking four stepsin place, keeping the cadence, and then step off with the left foot. 

CHANGE STEP

Being in march; 1. Change step, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot; plant the toe of the right foot nearthe heel of the left and step off with the left foot. 

The change on the right foot is similarly executed, the command marchbeing given as the left foot strikes the ground. 

MANUAL OF ARMS

To acquire proficiency in the Manual of Arms, you should practice, practice, and practice. 

Position of order arms standing, i. E. , the position of attention underarms. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 CORRECT POSITION]

No. 1. Arm and hands hang naturally. Right hand holding piece betweenthumb and fingers. Butt rests evenly on ground. Barrel to the rear. 

No. 2. Toe of the butt on a line with toe of and touching the rightshoe. 

To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: "Bythe Numbers"; all movements divided into motions, are then executedsingly. That is to say, make one motion and then wait until a furthercommand for another. This is for the purpose of correcting erroneouspositions and giving detailed instructions. We are explaining the manualby the numbers. 

[Illustration: FIRST POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS FROM ORDER ARMS]

Being at order arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. It takes two counts. 

At command arms, with the right hand carry the piece in front of thecenter of the body. Barrel to the rear and vertical. Grasp it with lefthand at the balance. Left forearm is horizontal and rests against body. The balance of the piece is approximately the position of the rearsight. 

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS]

At command two, grasp the small of the stock with the right hand. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3

INCORRECT POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS

These are the common errors made by beginners. ]

No. 1. Thumb along barrel. 

No. 2. Piece held too low. The front sight will be a little above theeyes when the left fore arm is horizontal. 

No. 3. Piece not vertical; too close to body. 

Being at order arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It takes one count. 

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION OF PORT ARMS]

At the command ARMS, with the right hand raise and throw the piecediagonally across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands; the right;palm down, at the small of stock; the left, palm up, at the balance;barrel up, sloping to the left and crossing opposite the junction of theneck with the left shoulder; right forearm horizontal; left forearmresting against the body. The rifle is held in a vertical plane parallelto the front. 

In executing this movement, it is a common error with beginners to raisethe piece as though it weighed much more than it does. No part of thebody should move except the arms, in coming to "port arms" from "orderarms. "

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 INCORRECT POSITIONS OF PORT ARMS]

No. 1. Arms held away from side. 

No. 2. Piece held too low and too close to body. 

No. 3. Piece held too high and not in a vertical plane parallel to thebody. 

Being at present arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It is executed in one count. Atthe command arms, carry the piece diagonally across the body and takethe position of "port arms. "

Being at port arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. It is executed in one count. Atthe command arms, carry the piece to a vertical position in front of thecenter of the body and take the position of present arms. 

Being at present or port arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. It is executed in twocounts. 

[Illustration: NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF ORDER ARMS]

At the command arms, let go with the right hand; lower and carry thepiece to the right with the left hand; regrasp it with the right handjust above the lower band; let go with the left hand and take theposition shown here, which is the next to the last position in coming tothe order. The left hand should be above and near the right, steadyingthe gun, fingers extended and joined, forearm and wrist straight andinclined downward. Barrel to the rear. All the fingers of the right handgrasp the gun. Butt about 3 inches from the ground. 

Being in the above position, at the command Two, lower the piece gentlyto the ground with the right hand, drop the left hand quickly by theside, and take the position of order arms. 

The common errors are to slam the gun down on the ground and to drop theleft hand by the side in a slow and indifferent manner. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 INCORRECT POSITIONS]

Common errors in the next to the last positions of order arms. 

No. 1. Thumb is up. Gun too far from the ground. 

No. 2. Gun too near to ground. Thumb is up. Butt of gun too far to theright. 

No. 3. Gun held too high and too far away from body. 

Being at order arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is executed in threecounts. 

At the command arms, with the right hand raise and throw the piecediagonally across the body; carry the right hand quickly to the butt, and at the same time grasp the heel between the first two fingers asshown. Note the position of the first two fingers of right hand. 

[Illustration: THE FIRST POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS FROM THE ORDER]

At the command two, without changing the grasp of the right hand, placethe piece on the right shoulder, right elbow near the side, the piece ina vertical plane perpendicular to the front; carry the left hand, thumband fingers extended and joined, to the small of the stock, wriststraight and elbow down. Barrel up, and inclined at an angle of about45° from the horizontal. Trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder, tip of forefinger touching the cocking piece. Right fore arm horizontal. 

[Illustration: NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS]

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 COMMON ERRORS IN THE NEXT TO THE LASTPOSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS]

No. 1. Right arms not by side. Left arm too high. Remember that the leftarm rests on the chest. This is very commonly confused with the riflesalute. 

No. 2. Thumb is up. Butt of rifle carried to the right. 

No. 3. Trigger guard not against shoulder. Butt held too low. Hand notstraight. 

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS]

At the command three, drop the left hand by the side. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3

INCORRECT POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS]

No. 1. Right arm not by side. Right forearm not horizontal. 

No. 2. Heel of gun too far to left. 

No. 3. Trigger guard not against shoulder. Butt held too low. 

Being at right shoulder Arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. It is executed in 3counts. 

Press the butt down quickly and throw the gun diagonally across thebody, to the position shown here. 

At the command two, lower the gun and assume the next to the lastposition of order arms. At the command three, come to the order arms. 

The common errors in this movement are to move the head to the left andto throw the gun too far to the front. 

[Illustration]

Being at port arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is executed in threecounts. 

At the command arms, change the right hand to the butt. 

At the command two and three, come to the right shoulder as from orderarms. 

Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It is executed in twocounts. 

At the command arms, press the butt down quickly and throw the piece tothe diagonal position across the body with the left hand grasping it atthe balance; the right hand retaining its grasp of the butt. 

At the command two, change the right hand to the small of the stock. 

Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. It is executed inthree counts. 

At the command arms, execute port arms. (This requires two counts. ) Atthe command three, execute present arms. 

Being at present arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is executed infour counts. 

At the command arms, execute port arms. At the command two, three, four, execute right shoulder arms as from port arms. 

Being at port arms: 1. Left shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is executed in twocounts. 

[Illustration: THE NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF THE LEFT SHOULDER ARMS]

At the command ARMS, carry the piece with the right hand and place it onthe left shoulder; at the same time grasp the butt with the left hand, heel between first and second fingers. Thumb and fingers of right handclosed on the stock. Barrel up, trigger guard in the hollow of theshoulder. 

[Illustration: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3

COMMON ERRORS IN THE NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF LEFT SHOULDER ARMS]

No. 1. Right arm too high. Butt too high. 

No. 2. Butt too close to center of body. Not grasping gun correctly withfingers of left hand. 

No. 3. Right arm too high. Butt too high. 

At the command two, drop the right hand by the side. 

[Illustration: THE CORRECT POSITION OF LEFT SHOULDER ARMS]

The incorrect positions are usually the same as are found in the rightshoulder arms, and as illustrated here. 

[Illustration]

Being at left shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It is executed in twocounts. 

At the command arms, grasp the piece with the right hand at the small ofthe stock. 

At the command two, carry the piece, with the right hand to the positionof port arms, regrasp it with the left. 

Left shoulder arms may be ordered from the order, right shoulder orpresent, or the reverse. At the command arms, execute port arms andcontinue to the position ordered. 

Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. REST. It is executed in one count. 

At the command rest, carry muzzle in front of the center of the body, barrel to the left. Grasp piece with the left hand just below thestacking swivel, and with the right hand below and against the left. Left knee slightly bent. Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to therear. 

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION OF PARADE REST]

Being at parade rest: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. Executed in one count. 

At the command attention (it is a custom of the service to execute themovement at the last syllable of the command), resume the order, theleft hand quitting the piece opposite the right hip. 

Being at order arms: 1. Trail, 2. ARMS. 

At the command arms, raise the piece, right arm slightly bent, andincline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about30° with the vertical. 

When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to others, the piecemay be grasped at the balance and the muzzle lowered until the piece ishorizontal; a similar position in the left hand may be used. 

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION OF TRAIL ARMS

Being at trail arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. 

At the command arms, lower the gun with the right hand and resume theorder. ]

Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE. It is executed in twocounts. 

At the command salute, carry the left hand smartly to the small of thestock, forearm horizontal, palm of hand down, thumb and fingers joined, forefinger touching end of cocking piece. Look toward the personsaluted. At the command two, drop the hand by the side; turn the headand eyes to the front. 

[Illustration: THE CORRECT POSITION OF RIFLE SALUTE, BEING AT RIGHTSHOULDER ARMS. ]

[Illustration: COMMON ERRORS IN RIFLE SALUTE AT RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS. 

No. 1. Left elbow too low. Forearm should be horizontal. 

No. 2. Left elbow too high. Fingers not extended and joined. ]

Being at order or trail arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE. 

At the command salute, carry the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forefingeragainst piece near the muzzle; look toward the person saluted. At thecommand two, drop the left hand by the side; turn the head and eyes tothe front. 

[Illustration: RIFLE SALUTE BEING AT ORDER ARMS]

[Illustration: COMMON ERRORS IN RIFLE SALUTE AT ORDER OR TRAIL ARMS

No. 1. Fingers not extended and joined. 

No. 2. Fingers not joined. Gun held too high. ]

Being at order arms: 1. Fix, 2. BAYONET. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: execute parade rest;grasp the bayonet with the right hand, back of hand toward the body;draw the bayonet from the scabbard and fix it on the barrel, glancing atthe muzzle; resume the order. 

If the bayonet is carried on the haversack: draw the bayonet with theleft hand and fix it in the most convenient manner. 

Being at order arms: 1. Unfix, 2. BAYONET. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute parade rest;grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, pressing thespring with the forefinger of the right hand; raise the bayonet untilthe handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece; drop thepoint to the left, back of the hand toward the body, and, glancing atthe scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left armand the body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume theorder. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonetfrom the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in themost convenient manner. 

If marching or laying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the mostexpeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the originalposition. 

Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity butnot in cadence. 

Exercises for instruction in bayonet combat are prescribed in the Manualfor Bayonet Exercise. 

Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS. 

At the command arms, take the position of port arms; at the command two, seize the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, turn the handle up, draw the bolt back, and glance at the chamber. Having found the chamber empty, or having emptied it, raise the head andeyes to the front. Keep your right hand on the bolt. 

[Illustration: INSPECTION ARMS]

It is a very common error to change the position of the piece whiledrawing the bolt back. Guard against this. 

Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (or right shoulder, or port), 2. ARMS. 

At the preparatory command (i. E. , at the command order), push the boltforward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the command arms, complete the movement ordered. 

TO DISMISS THE SQUAD

Being at a halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS, 5. DISMISSED. 

Make a point of becoming sufficiently familiar with the different partsof the rifle to obey the following general rules governing the manual. 

The following rules govern the carrying of the piece:

First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber orthe magazine except when specifically ordered. When so loaded, orsupposed to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, withthe safety lock turned to the "safe. " At all other times it is carriedunlocked with the trigger pulled. 

Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediatelyinspected at the commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order (rightshoulder, port), 4. ARMS. 

A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal. 

If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine they are removed andplaced in the belt. 

Third. The cut-off is kept turned "off" except when cartridges areactually used. 

Fourth. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard, or for combat. 

Fifth. Fall in is executed with the piece at the order arms. Fallout, rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resumingattention the position of order arms is taken. 

Sixth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece isbrought to the right shoulder at the command march, the three motionscorresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed atthe trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words attrail; as, 1. At trail, forward, 2. MARCH; the trail is taken at thecommand march. 

When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval ordistance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the pieceto the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting. 

Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution ofthe order begins when the halt is completed. 

Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms. 

The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms:

First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance (center ofgravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps the piece; the sling isincluded in the grasp of the hand. 

Second. In all positions of the piece, "diagonally across the body" theposition of the piece, left arm and hand are the same as in port arms. 

Third. In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the motionnext to the last concludes with the butt of the piece about 3 inchesfrom the ground, barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near theright, steadying the piece, fingers extended and joined, forearm andwrist straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right handgrasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece gently to theground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side, and takethe position of order arms. 

Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the ground, orother similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect in executing themanual, is prohibited. 

Fourth. The cadence of the motions is that of quick time; the recruitsare first required to give their whole attention to the details of themotions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become accustomedto handling their pieces. The instructor may require them to count aloudin cadence with the motions. 

Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are, for thepurpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail; inthis case the command of execution determines the prompt execution ofthe first motion, and the commands, two, three, four, that of theother motions. 

To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: Bythe numbers; all movements divided into motions are then executed asabove explained until he cautions: Without the numbers; or commandsmovements other than those in the manual of arms. 

Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of themanual of arms and the firings may be ordered without regard to theprevious position of the piece. 

Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the rifle may becarried in any manner directed. 

CHAPTER IV

SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD

Based on the Infantry Drill Regulations

CLOSE ORDER DRILLS

For several days after reporting you will undergo many hours of closeorder drill. You will ask yourself, "Why is all this mental and physicalstrain necessary when these exercises are not used in battle?" Theanswer is: they are disciplinary exercises and are designed to inculcatethat prompt and subconscious obedience which is essential to propermilitary control and to teach you precise and soldierly movements;hence, they are executed at attention. 

DEFINITIONS

Deploy. To extend the front. A squad deploys when it goes "Asskirmishers. " A company likewise deploys when it goes from column intoline. 

File. Two men, the front rank man and the corresponding man in therear rank. The front rank man is the file leader. A file which has norear rank man is a blank file. 

Interval. Space between elements of the same line. The intervalbetween men in ranks is 4 inches and is measured from elbow to elbow. Itis to get this interval that each man is required to raise his arm whenthe company is formed. 

Distance. Space between elements in the direction of depth. It ismeasured from the back of the man in front to the breast of the man inrear. The rear rank when in line or column is 40 inches from the frontrank. 

The guide of a squad in line is right unless otherwise announced. 

The guide of a squad deployed, (i. E. , skirmishers) is center unlessotherwise announced. 

TO FORM THE SQUAD

To form the squad the instructor places himself 3 paces in front ofwhere the center is to be and commands: Fall in. 

The men assemble at attention, pieces at the order, and are arranged bythe corporal in double rank, as nearly as practicable in order of heightfrom right to left, each man dropping his left hand as soon as the manon his left has his interval. The rear rank forms with distance of 40inches. 

The instructor then commands: Count off. 

At this command all except the right file execute eyes right, andbeginning on the right, the men in each rank count one, two, three, four--one, two, three, four; each man turns his head and eyes to thefront as he counts. 

Pieces are then inspected. 

[Illustration]

The purpose of putting the left hand on the hip is to get enough elbowroom. A man should have sufficient space to operate his piece. Thesefour-inch intervals give it to him. 

[Illustration]

Note the space between elbows (interval) is 4 inches. The space betweenthe front and rear rank (distance) is 40 inches, and is measured fromthe back of the man in front to the breast of the man in the rear. 

ALIGNMENTS

To align the squad, the base file or files having been established: 1. Right (left), 2. DRESS, 3. FRONT. 

At the command dress, all men place the left hand upon the hip (whetherdressing to the right or left); each man, except the base file, when onor near the new lines executes eyes right, and, taking steps of 2 or 3inches, places himself so that his right arm rests lightly against theelbow of the man on his right (vice versa in left dressing), and so thathis eyes and shoulders are in line with those of the men on his right, and also that each man can see the eyes of at least two men on hisright. 

[Illustration]

The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks from the right flankand orders up or back such men as may be in the rear, or in advance, ofthe line; only the men designated move. 

At the command front, given when the ranks are aligned, each man turnshis head and eyes to the front and drops his left hand by his side. 

There are in dressing a number of common errors that we should try toavoid. Don't jab the man on your left with your elbow. If you are not onthe line, move your feet. Don't lean forward or backward. Be sure totouch gently the man on your right with your right arm. Be certain tokeep your left elbow forced well to the front. This is a littleuncomfortable at first, but unless we do this our arms will not measurethe 4 inches correctly. Don't hump up the left shoulder, and don't turnthe shoulders to the right. Keep fingers of left hand extended andjoined. 

We want to place especial stress on the importance of three movementsin the school of the squad. When you have thoroughly mastered thesethree, you will have a splendid basis for the remainder of the School ofthe Squad, the full value of which you will later appreciate. These are:Squad right, Squad right about, and Right turn. 

The first line drawing in this chapter shows correct proportions ofinterval and distance. To save space and for convenience, the drawingshereafter are made without regard to proportions (intervals anddistances). 

First Movement

SQUAD RIGHT

Being in line, to turn and march: 1. Squad right (left), 2. MARCH. 

In this movement many instructors have recruit squads step off on the7th count. When the drill progresses the squad should step off on the5th count. 

[Illustration: This is what we have

This is what we want]

At the command march, No. 1 in the front rank faces to the right inmarching and marks time; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of the front rank turn 45degrees to the right (right oblique), place themselves abreast (on thesame line) of No. 1 and mark time. 

Now it is difficult quickly to understand the movements of the rearrank. Give them a lot of study and don't go on until you are certainthat you understand. 

[Illustration: This is the way it is done. ]

No. 3 moves straight to the front. 

No. 2 follows No. 3. 

No. 1 follows No. 2. 

When they (Nos. 3, 2 and 1) arrive in rear of their file leaders, (Nos. 3, 2 and 1, front rank) they face to the right in marching and marktime. 

No. 4 of the rear rank moves straight to the front four paces, andplaces himself abreast of No. 3, rear rank. 

When No. 4, front rank, and No. 4, rear rank, are on the line, (and theremainder of the squad must glance toward them to see when that istrue), the whole squad moves forward without further command. 

Note that we have said that No. 1 front rank marks time. We see that hebecomes, temporarily, an immovable pivot for his squad. We, therefore, call him a fixed pivot. 

Had the command been squad left, instead of squad right, No. 4 wouldhave been the fixed pivot instead of No. 1. 

Being in line, to turn and halt: 1. Squad right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT. 

The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding case except that allmen, on arriving on the new line, mark time until the command halt isgiven, when all halt. 

Whenever the third command (i. E. , squad) is given means that the commandhalt is to follow. This is caution to the squad to prepare to halt. Thecommand halt should be given as No. 4 arrives on the line. 

Second Movement

SQUAD RIGHT ABOUT

Being in line, to turn about and march: 1. Squad right (left) about, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration:

This is what we have

This is what we want]

At the command march, the front rank twice executes Squad right, initiating (starting) the second Squad right when No. 4 has arrived onthe line. That much is very simple. 

The rear rank has a harder task. Let us have the front and rear rankexecute the movement separately:

[Illustration]

The rear rank is to take its place on the dotted line a b. 

No. 3 rear rank moves straight to the front until in prolongation ofthe line to be occupied by the rear rank. 

No. 2 follows No. 3. 

No. 1 follows No. 2. 

When No. 3 arrives on the line to be occupied by the rear rank hechanges direction to the right; he moves in the new direction until inrear of No. 3, front rank, when Nos. 3, 2, and 1, rear rank, are in rearof Nos. 3, 2, and 1, front rank, (i. E. , when they are in rear of theirfront rank men), they face to the right in marching and mark time. No. 4marches on the left of No. 3 to his new position. As he arrives on theline, both ranks execute forward march without command, For theremainder of the squad to know when No. 4 front and rear rank havearrived on the line, they glance to see. The squad should step off onthe 9th count. 

Third Movement

RIGHT TURN

Being in line: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration: THIS IS THE WAY IT IS DONE]

At the command march, No. 1 front rank faces to the right in marchingand takes the half step. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 front rank right oblique(turn 45 degrees to the right) until opposite their places in line, thenexecute a second right oblique and take the half step on arrivingabreast of the pivot man. When No. 4 arrives on the line Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 take the full step without further command. (To know when No. 4arrives on the line it is necessary to glance in his direction. ) Fullstep on the 7th count. 

The rear rank executes the movement in the same way and turns on thesame ground as the front rank. The rear rank, therefore, moves forwardat the command march, or continues to move forward, if already marching, until it arrives at the place where the front turned, when it turns. 

Note that the squad turns on No. 1 front rank but that he does notremain in his position even temporarily, as in squad right; he is, therefore, called the moving pivot. No. 4 is called the marching flank. 

Had the command been left turn, No. 4 would have been the moving pivot, and No. 1 the marching flank. 

Knowing the three above movements, we are prepared for the following:

Being in line at a halt: 1. Take interval, 2. To the right (left), 3. MARCH, 4. Squad, 5. HALT. 

[Illustration: BEING IN THIS FORMATION]

At the command to the right (left), the rear rank men march backwardfour steps (15 inches each step) and halt. 

[Illustration: LIKE THIS

Note that the actual distance from the front rank to the rear rank isnow 40 plus 4x15 inches, i. E. , 100 inches. ]

At the command march, all face to the right and No. 1 front and rearrank step off. No. 2, front and rear rank, follow No. 1, front and rearrank, at a distance of four paces. Likewise with the other numbers. 

[Illustration: Like this, when No. 1 front and rear rank have gainedfour paces distance. ]

At the command halt, given when No. 3 is three paces distant from No. 4, all halt and face to the front. 

[Illustration: The squad looks like this when the movement iscompleted. ]

Being at intervals: 1. Assemble, to the right, (left), 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, No. 1 front rank stands fast. No. 1 rear rankcloses to 40 inches. The other men face to the right, close by theshortest line, and face to the front. 

[Illustration]

Being in line at a halt: 1. Take distance, 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT. 

At the command march, No. 1 of the front rank moves straight to thefront; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of the front rank and Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of therear rank, in the order named, move straight to the front, each steppingoff so as to follow the preceding man at four paces. The command halt isgiven when all have their distances. 

In case more than one squad is in line, each squad executes the movementas above. The guide of each rank of numbers is right. 

[Illustration]

The front rank men should walk straight to the front and their rear rankmen should cover them accurately. 

Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. 

No. 1 of the front rank stands fast; the other numbers move forward totheir proper places in line. 

THE OBLIQUE MARCH

For the instruction of recruits, the squad being in column or correctlyaligned, the instructor causes the squad to face half right (or halfleft), points out to the men their relative positions, and explains thatthese are to be maintained in the oblique march. 

1. Right (left) oblique, 2. MARCH. 

Each man steps off in a direction 45 degrees to the right of hisoriginal front. He preserves his relative position, keeping hisshoulders parallel to those of the guide (the man on the right front ofthe line or column), and so regulates his steps that the ranks remainparallel to their original front. 

At the command halt, the men halt faced to the front. 

To resume the original direction: 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration]

The men half face to the left in marching and then move straight to thefront. 

If at half step or mark time while obliquing, the oblique march isresumed by the commands: 1. Oblique, 2. MARCH. 

TO FOLLOW THE CORPORAL

Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad without unnecessarycommands, the corporal places himself in front of it and commands:FOLLOW ME. 

If in line or skirmish line, No. 2 of the front rank follows in thetrack of the corporal at about 3 paces; the other men conform to themovements of No. 2, guiding on him and maintaining their relativepositions. 

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 thecorporal is in front of the squad. This a general rule. When any frontrank man is absent his rear rank man steps up in the front rank. Whenthe 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 athalf-pace intervals. Nos. 1 and 2 on his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on hisleft, rear-rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men on theleft 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 isalways on the right of his file leader. 

A common error is for beginners to execute the movement at a slow trotwhich 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 casemay be; the corporal places himself in front of the squad when advancingand in rear when halted. 

When deployed as skirmishers, the men march at ease, pieces at the trailunless otherwise ordered. 

The corporal is the guide when in the line; otherwise No. 2 front rankis the guide. The guide is center. 

The normal interval between skirmishers is one-half pace, resultingpractically in one man per yard of front. The front of a squad thusdeployed 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 15inches are required. 

TO INCREASE OR DIMINISH INTERVALS

If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normalinterval; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease theinterval: 1. As skirmishers, (so many) paces, 2. MARCH. 

Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces. If alreadydeployed, 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. 

 Note. It will be better for the beginner to let the remainder of this chapter go for awhile. Your instructor will explain all of the following points in a way that will be easier for you than for you to try to work them out alone. They will come up in the first month's work and will be explained and shown as you go along. As you become more proficient we advise you, then, to take up the remainder of the chapter. 

If standing: KNEEL. 

Half face to the right; carry the right toe about 1 foot to the leftrear of the left heel; kneel on the right knee, sitting as nearly aspossible on the right heel; left forearm across left thigh; pieceremains in position of order arms, right hand grasping it above thelower hand. 

If standing or kneeling: LIE DOWN. 

Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry back the left footand lie flat on the belly, inclining body about 35 degrees to theright; piece horizontal, barrel up, muzzle off the ground and pointed tothe front; elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, right handgrasping the small of the stock opposite the neck. This is the positionof order arms, lying down. 

If kneeling or lying down: RISE. 

If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by theleft heel. 

If lying down, raise body on both knees; stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the knees. 

If lying down: KNEEL. 

Raise the body on both knees; take the position of kneel. 

In double rank, the positions of kneeling and lying down are ordinarilyused only for the better utilization of cover. 

When deployed as skirmishers, a sitting position may be taken in lieu ofthe kneeling position. 

LOADINGS AND FIRINGS

The commands for loading and firing are the same whether standing, kneeling, or lying down. The firings are always executed at a halt. 

When kneeling or lying down in double rank, the rear rank does not load, aim, or fire. 

The instruction in firing will be preceded by a command for loading. 

Loadings are executed in line and skirmish line only. 

Pieces, having been ordered loaded, are kept loaded without commanduntil the command unload, or inspection arms, fresh clips beinginserted when the magazine is exhausted. 

The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out. This may be donebefore or after announcing the sight setting. Both are indicated beforegiving the command for firing, but may be omitted when the targetappears suddenly and is unmistakable; in such case battle sight is usedif no sight setting is announced. 

The target or aiming point having been designated and the sight settingannounced, such designation or announcement need not be repeated until achange of either or both is necessary. 

Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming point ortarget designated, and at the sight setting announced, until a change isordered. 

If the men are not already in the position of load, that position istaken at the announcement of the sight setting; if the announcement isomitted, the position is taken at the first command for firing. 

When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to accurate firing isdiscretionary with each man. 

TO LOAD

Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball)cartridges, 2. LOAD. 

At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half rightand carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such positionas will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body;raises, or lowers, the piece and drops it into the left hand at thebalance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height ofthe breast, and turns the cut-off up. With the right hand, he turns anddraws the bolt back, takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clipslots, places the thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge, thefingers extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazinefloor plate; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing downwith the thumb; without removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to the "safe" and carriesthe hand to the small of the stock. Each rear rank man moves to theright front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the rightof his front rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the frontrank, and loads. 

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as neatlyas practicable in the position of load. 

If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; ifkneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting theelbows are supported by the knees; if lying down, the left hand steadiesand supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting onthe ground, the muzzle off the ground. 

STACK AND TAKE ARMS

The subject of stack and take arms is less important than the rest ofthis chapter. It is difficult to be learned from a book. Your companycommander will explain it to you. It is given here to serve as areference. 

Being in line at a halt: STACK ARMS. 

Each even number of the front rank grasps his piece with the left handat the upper band and rests the butt between his feet, barrel to thefront, muzzle inclined slightly to the front and opposite the center ofthe interval on his right, the thumb and forefinger raising the stackingswivel; each even number of the rear rank then passes his piece, barrelto the rear, to his file leader, who grasps it between the bands withhis right hand and throws the butt about two feet in advance of that ofhis own piece and opposite the right of the interval, the right handslipping to the upper band, the thumb and forefinger raising thestacking swivel, which he engages with that of his own piece; each oddnumber of the front rank raises his piece with the right hand, carriesit well forward, barrel to the front; the left hand, guiding thestacking swivel, engages the lower hook of the swivel of his own piecewith the free hook of that of the even number of the rear rank; he thenturns the barrel outward into the angle formed by the other two piecesand lowers the butt to the ground, to the right of and against the toeof his right shoe. 

The stacks made, the loose pieces are laid on them by the even numbersof the front rank. 

When each man has finished handling pieces, he takes the position of thesoldier. 

Being in line behind the stacks: TAKE ARMS. 

The loose pieces are returned by the even numbers of the front rank;each even number of the front rank grasps his own piece with the lefthand, the piece of his rear-rank man with his right hand, grasping bothbetween the bands; each odd number of the front rank grasps his piece inthe same way with the right hand, disengages it by raising the butt fromthe ground and then, turning the piece to the right, detaches it fromthe stack; each even number of the front rank disengages and detacheshis piece by turning it to the left, and then passes the piece of hisrear-rank man to him, and all resume the order. 

Should any squad have Nos. 2 and 3 blank files, No. 1 rear rank takesthe place of No. 2 rear rank in making and breaking the stack; thestacks made or broken, he resumes his post. 

Pieces not used in making the stack are termed loose pieces. 

Pieces are never stacked with the bayonet fixed. 

CHAPTER V

SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY

Based on the Infantry Drill Regulations

The company in line is formed in double rank with the men arranged, asfar as practicable, according to height from right to left, the talleston the right. 

The original division into squads is effected by the command: Count off. The squads, successively from the right, count off as in the School ofthe Squad, corporals placing themselves as No. 4 of the front rank. 

At the formation of the company the platoons or squads are numberedconsecutively from right to left, and these designations do not change. 

For convenience in giving commands and for reference, the designations, right, center, left, when in line, and leading, center, rear, whenin column, are applied to platoons or squads. These designations, right, center, left, when in line, and leading, center, rear, whenin column, are applied to the actual right, left, center, head, or rear, in whatever direction the company may be facing. The center squad isthe middle or right middle squad of the company. If there are an evennumber of squads in the company, for instance eight, the center squadwould be the fourth. 

The designation "So-and-so's" squad or platoon may also be used. 

[Illustration: This is exactly the same as the photograph. Itshows the correct position of every man in the company. Man for man. ]

During battle, these assignments are not changed; vacancies are filledby non-commissioned officers of the platoon, or by the nearest availableofficers or non-commissioned officers arriving with reinforcing troops. 

CLOSE ORDER

In column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the sideof the guide. 

Men in the line of file closers do not execute loadings and firings. 

TO FORM THE COMPANY

At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position 6paces in front of where the center of the company is to be, faces it, draws saber, and commands: Fall in. 

The right guide of the company places himself, facing to the front, where the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that thecenter of the company will be 6 paces from and opposite the firstsergeant; the squads form in their proper places on the left of theright guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who then take theirposts. 

The first sergeant commands: Report. Remaining in position at the order, the squad leaders, in succession from the right, salute and report: Allpresent; or Private(s)---- absent. The first sergeant does not returnthe salutes of the squad leaders; he then commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order, 4. ARMS, faces about, salutes the captain, reports:Sir, all present or accounted for, or the names of the unauthorizedabsentees, and without command, takes his post. 

If the company cannot be formed by squads, the first sergeant commands:1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Right shoulder, 4. ARMS, and calls the roll. Each man, as his name is called, answers here and executes order arms. The sergeant then effects the division into squads and reports thecompany as prescribed above. 

The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the center of, andfacing, the company in time to receive the report of the first sergeant, whose salute he returns, and then draws saber. 

The lieutenants take their posts when the first sergeant has reported, and draw saber with the captain. 

Generally in camp the saber is not worn. The officers and firstsergeants carry pistols. The hand salute is rendered when so armed. 

In the School of the Squad we gave three movements that formed the basisof the squad drill. There are six movements in the School of the Companythat should be thoroughly understood. When the beginner knows these hewill have no difficulty with the remainder of the close order. 

1ST MOVEMENT ON THE FIXED PIVOT

Being in line, to turn the company: 1. Company right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT; or, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH. 

[Illustration: SHOWING MOVEMENT HALF COMPLETED]

Notice that the part of the company which has not completed the movementis perpendicular to the part that has. The common error is for the rearrank to oblique before marching four paces to the front. 

At the second command the right-flank man in the front rank faces to theright in marching and marks time; the other front-rank men, oblique tothe right, place themselves abreast of the pivot, and mark time; in therear rank the third man from the right, followed in column by the secondand first, moves straight to the front until in rear of his front-rankman, when all face to the right in marching and mark time; the remainingmen of the rear rank move straight to the front 4 paces, oblique to theright, place themselves abreast of the third man, cover their fileleaders, and mark time; the right guide steps back, takes post on theflank and marks time. 

The fourth command is given when the last man is 1 pace in rear of thenew line. 

The command Halt may be given at any time after the movement begins;only those halt who are in the new position. Each of the others haltsupon arriving on the line, aligns himself to the right, and executesfront without command. 

The difference between this movement and squad right is slight. The rearrank acts a little differently, and the company waits for the command tomove forward. The idea is exactly the same. 

2D MOVEMENT ON THE MOVING PIVOT

Being in line, to change direction: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. MARCH, 3:Forward, 4. MARCH. 

Executed as described in the School of the Squad, except that the men donot glance toward the marching flank and that all take the full step atthe fourth command. The right guide is the pivot of the front rank. Eachrear-rank man obliques on the same ground as his file leader. 

[Illustration: THIRD MOVEMENT TO CHANGE FROM LINE TO COLUMN ANDMOVE FORWARD]

Being in line, to form column of squads and move forward: 1. Right(left) by squads, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, the right squad marches forward; the remainderof the company executes squads right, column left, and follows theright squad. The right guide, when he has posted himself in front of theright squad, takes four short steps, then resumes the full steps; theright squad conforms. 

A common error is for the guide to forget to take the four short steps. 

[Illustration: The diagram shows the movement completed]

Keep dressed accurately on the side of the guide. (He is always on theside opposite from the file closers This is a rule of thumb that shouldbe memorized at once. ) The guide in every squad should keep 40 inchesfrom the man in front. So many new men forget about the 40 inches. Theyusually take a little over 30. When the company is moved into line thereis of course a jam. Hold your head up. Don't look down to the ground. You will be in the formation more than any other. Try to keep thefollowing cautions in mind: The leading men of the company should havefour inches interval. Better to have too much than too little ifmistakes are to be insisted upon. Keep the pieces in the correctpositions at right shoulder and then have heads and rifles in a beeline. When the movement is completed the company will be in theformation shown in the drawing. 

FOURTH MOVEMENT COLUMN RIGHT

Being in column of squads, to change direction: 1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH. 

At the second command the front rank of the leading squad turns to theright on moving pivot as in the School of the Squad; the other ranks, without command, turn successively on the same ground and in similarmanner. 

[Illustration]

It is a very common error for the pivot man to take too short a step andthereby cause a jam. Bear this in mind. Another very common error is forthe flank man (or men) to take a very long step. This is caused by thepivot man's forgetting to glance and see when the flank man arrives onthe line, before he takes the full step. Another common error is to getout of column while making this movement. Bear this in mind and walkstraight to the turning point. 

[Illustration: THIS SHOWS THE COMPANY IN COLUMN OF SQUADS, CORRECTPOSITION]

[Illustration: THIS SHOWS THE COMMON ERRORS]

Now we come to the last two movements. They cause more trouble than anyothers. 

FIFTH MOVEMENT ON RIGHT (LEFT) INTO LINE

Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line on right or left: 1. On right (left) into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT. 

(On right [left] into line, means turn in the direction that is on yourright and get into line. You have to be in column before the movement isbegun. )

Let us first consider the company in column of squads. 

[Illustration]

At the captain's command on right into line, the corporal of the leadingsquad commands right turn. The corporals of all the remaining squads, ifhalted, command forward, if marching they caution their squads tocontinue the march. At the captain's command march, the leading squadturns to the right on a moving pivot. The remaining squads marchstraight to the front. 

Each corporal commands right turn before arriving opposite the right ofhis squads place in line. When the front rank of his squad has arrivedopposite that place he gives the command march. 

The command halt is given when the leading squad has advanced thedesired distance in the new direction. Only the leading squad halts. Thecorporal then commands right dress. 

The remaining corporals before arrival on the line, command, squad, andadd the command halt just before the right front rank reaches the line. Then, they, command right dress. 

The captain then dresses the company and commands front. 

If executed in double time the leading squad marches in double timeuntil halted. 

Now let us consider the company in columns of platoons. Seeillustration on next page. 

At the captain's command on right into line, the leader of the firstplatoon commands right turn, the leaders of the rear platoons, ifhalted, command forward; if marching, they caution their platoons tocontinue the march. The first platoon executes the right turn at thecaptain's command march. Having completed the turn the platoon commandergives the command, forward, MARCH. 

[Illustration]

The remaining platoon commanders give right turn, MARCH, when oppositetheir places, and the command, forward, MARCH, when the turn has beencompleted. 

When the leading platoon has advanced the desired distance the captaingives the command, company, HALT. At the command company, the leadingplatoon leader gives the command, platoon. His platoon only halts at thecaptain's command, halt. The platoon leader then gives the command, right dress, and takes his post in the file closers. The remainingplatoons are successively halted and dressed by their leader. Thecaptain gives the command FRONT. 

SIXTH MOVEMENT RIGHT FRONT INTO LINE

Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line to the front: 1. Right (left) front into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT. 

(Right [left] front into line means move to the right of the front andget into line. It is necessary to be in column to begin this movement. )

Let us first consider the company in column of squads. At the captain'scommand, right front into line, the corporal of the leading squad, ifhalted, commands forward; if marching, he cautions his squad, continuethe march. The corporals of the remaining squads command right oblique. At the command march, the leading squad moves forward. The remainingsquads oblique as indicated. The command halt is given when the leadingsquad has advanced the desired distance; its corporal then commands leftdress. 

The remaining corporals command forward, MARCH, when opposite theirplaces in the line. They halt and dress their squads on the lineestablished by the leading squad. 

When the company is in column of platoons the movement is executed inthe same manner and by the same commands except the word platoon issubstituted for squad. The Captain gives the command FRONT. 

[Illustration]

Being in line, to form column of platoons, or the reverse: 1. Platoonsright (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT; or, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH. 

[Illustration]

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. 

Before forming line the captain sees that the guides on the flank towardwhich the movement is to be executed are covering. This is effected bypreviously announcing the guide to that flank. 

The two common errors are: 1. First, the pivot man takes a short stepinstead of marking time. Second, (being in line), the pivot men of theplatoons forget that they are the pivots and therefore do not executethe command when ordered. 

[Illustration]

The following illustration shows the side view of a platoon. Note thecommon errors: No. 1 rear rank is closed up to about twenty inches. Heis looking down at the heels of his front rank file (man). Rifles areimproperly held. Some men in the rear rank have more than forty inchesdistance from their front rank men. 

Being in line, to form column of squads, or the reverse; or, being inline of platoons, to form column of platoons, or the reverse: 1. Squadsright (left), 2. MARCH; or, 1. Squads right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT. 

Executed by each squad as described in the School of the Squad. 

[Illustration]

If the company or platoons be formed in line toward the side of the fileclosers they dart through the column and take posts in rear of thecompany at the second command. If the column of squads be formed fromline, the file closers take posts on the pivot flank, abreast of and 4inches from the nearest flank. 

Being in column of platoons, to change direction: 1. Column right(left), 2. MARCH. 

At the first command the leader of the leading platoon commands: Rightturn. At the command march the leading platoon turns to the right onmoving pivot; its leader commands: Forward, 2. MARCH, on completion ofthe turn. Rear platoons march squarely up to the turning point of theleading platoon and turn at the command of their leaders. When eachplatoon has completed its turn, the leader commands forward, MARCH. 

[Illustration]

Being in column of squads, to form line of platoons or the reverse: 1. Platoons, column right (left), 2. MARCH. 

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. 

Being in line, to form column of squads and then change direction. 1. Squads left (right), column right (left), 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration: The dotted line shows the company in line before the newmovement is begun. 

This shows the movement half completed. ]

The left squad initiates (begins) The column right as soon as it hascompleted the squad left. ]

Being in line, to form line of platoons: 1. Squads left (right), platoons, column left (right), 2. 

[Illustration: LINE OF PLATOONS]

MARCH; or, 1. Platoons, right (left) by squads, 2. MARCH. 

Executed by each platoon as described for the company in the precedingparagraph. 

FACING OR MARCHING TO THE REAR

Being in line, line of platoons, or in column of platoons or squads, toface or march to the rear: 1. Squads right (left) about, 2. MARCH; or, 1. Squads right (left) about, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT. 

Executed by each squad as described in the School of the Squad. 

If the company is in line of platoons, or in column of squads, the fileclosers turn about toward the column, and take their posts; if in line, each darts through the nearest interval between squads. 

To march to the rear for a few paces: 1. About, 2. FACE, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH. 

If in line, the guides place themselves in the rear rank, now in frontrank; the file closers, on facing about, maintain their relativepositions. No other movement is executed until the line is faced to theoriginal front. 

Being in column of squads to form column of platoons, or being in lineof platoons, to form the company in line: 1. Platoons, right (left)front into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT. 

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. If forming columnof platoons, platoon leaders verify the alignment before taking theirposts; the captain commands front when the alignments have beenverified. 

When front into line is executed in double time the commands forhalting and aligning are omitted and the guide is toward the side of thefirst unit in line. 

ROUTE STEP AND AT EASE

The column of squads is the habitual column of route, but route stepand at ease are applicable to any marching formation. 

To march at route step: 1. Route step, 2. MARCH. Sabers are carried atwill or in the scabbard; the men carry their pieces at will, keeping themuzzles elevated; they are not required to preserve silence, nor to keepthe step. The ranks cover and preserve their distance. If halted fromroute step, the men stand at rest. 

To march at ease: 1. At ease, 2. MARCH. 

The company marches as in route step, except that silence is preservedwhen hated, the men remain at ease. 

Marching at route step or at ease: 1. Company, 2. ATTENTION. 

At the command attention the pieces are brought to the right shoulderand the cadenced step in quick time is resumed. 

RULES FOR GUIDES

A guide is a noncommissioned officer or a private upon whom the companyregulates its march. 

It is not difficult for an inexperienced man learn, with a littlepractice, the duties and the correct positions of a guide. Remember therule of thumb, The guide and the file closers are on the oppositeflanks when the company is in column of squads. In squads right aboutit would be ridiculous for the file closers to move from one flank toanother. Guides are permitted and supposed look around to see if theyare in their proper places; most new men are timid about this. 

The following general rules and examples will help you:

The guide of a company or platoon in line is right, unless otherwiseannounced. 

The guide of a company or platoon in column of squads is toward the sideof the guide, who places himself on the side of the company away fromthe file closers. 

The guide of a deployed line (a skirmish line) is always center unlessotherwise announced. 

EXAMPLES

Suppose the company to be in line. 

In executing:

 1. Squads right. The guides go to the left flank. 

 2. Right by squads. The guides go to the left flank. 

 3. Squads left. The guides go to the right flank. 

 4. Left by squads. The guides go to the right flank. 

If the company is in column of squads and the command is either squadsright or left about, the guides simply remember to remain on the flankopposite from the file closers. It is very easy to see that a world ofconfusion would be caused by the file closers attempting to move to theopposite flank during squads right or left about. If the guides are indoubt look to see where the file closers are and then apply the rule ofthumb: File closers and guides are always on opposite flanks. 

TO DIMINISH THE FRONT OF A COLUMN OF SQUADS

Being in column of squads: 1. Right (left) by twos, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march all files except the two right files on the leadingsquad execute "in Place Halt"; the two left files of the leading squadsoblique to the right when disengaged and follow the right files at theshortest practicable distance. The remaining squads follow successivelyin like manner. 

Being in column of squads or twos:

1. Right (left) by file, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, all files execute "In Place Halt, " except theright file of the leading two or squad. The left file or files of theleading two or squad oblique successively to the right when disengagedand each follows the file on its right at the shortest practicabledistance. The remaining twos or squads follow successively in likemanner. 

[Illustration: RIGHT BY TWOS]

Being in column of files or twos, to form column of squads; or, being incolumn of files, to form column of twos: 1. Squads (twos), right (left)front into line, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, the leading file or files halt and come to orderarms. The remainder of the squad, or twos, obliques to the right andhalts on line with the leading file or files. The remaining squads ortwos close up and successively form in rear of the first in like manner. 

The movement described in this paragraph will be ordered right or left, so as to restore the files to their normal relative positions in columnof twos or in column of squads. 

[Illustration: RIGHT BY FILE]

The movements prescribed in the three preceding paragraphs are difficultof execution at attention and have no value as disciplinary exercises. 

[Illustration: Executing twos left front into line. 

Executing squads left front into line. ]

Marching by twos or files can not be executed without serious delay andwaste of road space. Every reasonable precaution will be taken toobviate the necessity for these formations. 

The remainder of chapter on close order drill, School of the Company, is in general for those above the grade of private, therefore, unless weare perfectly clear in what we have had so far, let us not go too deeplyinto these special features until we have more experience. 

The captain is responsible for the theoretical and practical instructionof his officers and noncommissioned officers, not only in the duties oftheir respective grades, but in those of the next higher grades. 

If the left squad contains less than six men, it is either increased tothat number by transfers from other squads or is broken up and itsmembers assigned to other squads and posted in the line of file closers. These squad organizations are maintained, by transfers if necessary, until the company becomes so reduced in numbers as to necessitate a newdivision into squads. No squad will contain less than six men. 

The company is further divided into two, three, or four platoons, eachconsisting of not less than two nor more than four squads. In garrisonor ceremonies the strength of platoons may exceed four squads. 

Platoons are assigned to the lieutenants and noncom-missioned officers, in order of rank, as follows: 1, right; 2, left; 3, center (rightcenter); 4, left center. 

The noncommissioned officers next in rank are assigned as guides, oneto each platoon. If sergeants still remain, they are assigned toplatoons as additional guides. When the platoon is deployed, its guide, or guides, accompany the platoon leader. 

The first sergeant is never assigned as a guide. When not commanding aplatoon, he is posted as a file closer opposite the third file from theouter flank of the first platoon; and when the company is deployed heaccompanies the captain. 

Musicians, when required to play, are at the head of the column. Whenthe company is deployed, they accompany the captain. 

Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manualof arms during the drill unless especially excused, when they remain atthe order. During ceremonies they execute all movements. 

In taking intervals and distances, unless otherwise directed, theright and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in theline of file closers, and, with them, take a distance of 4 paces fromthe rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command march, the fileclosers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest him. In assembling the guides and file closers resume their positions inline. 

Being in line at a halt, the captain directs the first sergeant, dismissthe company. The officers fall out; the first sergeant places himselffaced to the front, 3 paces to the front and 2 paces from the nearestflank of the company, salutes, faces toward opposite flank of thecompany, and commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS, 3. DISMISSED. 

The alignments are executed as prescribed in the School of the Squad, the guide being established instead of the flank file. The rear-rank manof the flank file keeps his head and eyes to the front and covers hisfile leader. 

At each alignment the captain places himself in prolongation of theline, 2 paces from and facing the flank toward which the dress is made, verifies the alignment, and commands: FRONT. 

Platoon leaders take a like position when required to verify alignments. 

EXTENDED ORDER DRILLS

As soon as your progress in close order is sufficiently advanced, youwill be given extended order drill, which will teach you the formationsused in battle, and how a firing line is controlled. They are executedat ease. 

We should know the meaning of the two following terms: Base and Deploy. 

Base. The element on which a movement is regulated. In company drillit is usually the right or left; leading, rear, or center squad. 

Deploy. To extend the front. The company deploys when it executes asskirmishers. 

There are really only two conditions that we must consider in thisdrill. The movements are very easy to

[Illustration]

understand, but they require a lot of practice to prevent confusion. 

First Case. Let us take the company in line at a halt. It is desiredto form a skirmish line to the front. 1. As skirmishers, guide right(left or center), 2. MARCH. 

At the preparatory command (i. E. , as skirmishers, guide right) all thecorporals, except the corporal of the first squad, give the command, bythe left flank, the corporal of the first squad gives the command, asskirmishers. 

At the command march, all squads, except the first squad, move to theleft, and when they have their proper intervals they are deployed to theright (left) and on the line of the base squad by the corporals givingthe commands: As skirmishers, 2. MARCH. The corporal of the first squaddeploys his squad as soon as he has sufficient room (interval). 

That's all there is to the first movement with some slightmodifications. 

Of course if the command had been as skirmishers, guide left, the basesquad would have been the left or fourteenth Squad instead of the firstsquad, for when we speak of the right or left of a company, in thedeployments, the company being in line, we mean the right or left squadsof the company. 

Another modification: Suppose the command had been as skirmishers, guidecenter. In that case the base squad would be the center or seventhsquad. The base (seventh) squad deploys without moving to the right orleft. There is only one thing for the first six squads to do and that isto move to the right. There is only one thing for the last seven squadsto do and that to move to the left. 

We have considered the company so far to be at a halt; suppose that ithad been moving forward. The corporal of the base squad deploys hissquad as soon as he has sufficient interval, and then continues straightto the front until the command: 1. Company, 2. HALT, is given by thecaptain. The other corporals move their squads to the left front (orright front), by commanding their squads, Follow me. They conduct theirsquads on the shortest and easiest route to their places in the line andthen deploy their squads as they arrive in the general line. 

[Illustration]

The corporals should remember that they are not to step out from theirsquads to conduct them to their proper places until the captain hasgiven the command march. 

The corporals often fail to take sufficient intervals thus causing ajam. 

The company being at a halt, the corporals should remember to give bythe right or left flank instead of right or left face. 

SECOND CASE

Now suppose the company is in column of squads at a halt. It is desiredto form a skirmish line to the front: 1. As skirmishers, guide right(left), 2. MARCH. 

At the command march, the corporal of the first, or leading squad, deploys his squad without advancing. All of the other corporals move tothe left front and deploy their squads on the line formed by the firstsquad. At the preparatory command the corporals command, follow me, andat the command MARCH, they step in front of their squads and conductthem to their places. 

Had the command been as skirmishers, guide left, of course all exceptthe leading squad would have moved to the right. For when the company isin column of squads, as skirmishers, guide right means that the first orleading squad is to be the right of the skirmish line. If left, insteadof right is given that simply means that the leading or base squad is tobe the left of the skirmish line. 

Now we come to the last variation. It is difficult for the new man. Thecommand as skirmishers, guide center, the company being in column ofsquads, simply means that the center squad is to be the base squad. Allother squads are to regulate their movements on the base squad as in allother cases. 

This is a peculiar case and for it the authorities have adopted a ruleof thumb. All squads in front of the base squad go to the right, thosein rear to the left. That's all there is to it. But that must beremembered. Corporals will conduct their squads to their proper placesby the shortest and easiest routes. 

We will use a platoon of four squads to illustrate the idea. 

[Illustration]

Note that the leading corporal turns his squad well to the right rearand then to the left. 

We have assumed the company to be at a halt; suppose it is movingforward. In that case the base squad simply continues moving forwardafter it has deployed until the captain gives the command halt. Theother corporals conduct their squads by the shortest routes to theirproper places and deploy them on the general line. 

[Illustration]

When the company, while moving, is deployed, it is a common error forsquads in rear of the base squad to take long and fast steps and come upon the line of the base squad. This should not be done unless thecommand double time is given. In which case all the squads take up thedouble time, except the base squad. 

Extended Order

RULES FOR DEPLOYMENTS

The command guide right (left or center) indicates the base squad forthe deployment; if in line it designates the actual right (left orcenter) squad; if in column the command guide right (left) designatesthe leading squad, and the command guide center designates the centersquad. After the deployment is completed, the guide is always centerwithout command, unless otherwise ordered. 

At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, from either columnof squads or line, each squad leader (except the leader of the basesquad, when his squad does not advance) cautions his squad, follow me orby the right (left) flank, as the case may be; at the command march, hesteps in front of his squad and leads it to its place in line. 

Having given the command for forming skirmish line, the captain, ifnecessary, indicates to the corporal of the base squad the point onwhich the squad is to march; the corporal habitually looks to thecaptain for such directions. 

The base squad is deployed as soon as it has sufficient interval. Theother squads are deployed as they arrive on the general line; eachcorporal halts in his place in line and commands or signals, asskirmishers march; the squad deploys and halts abreast of him. 

If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is deployed beforearriving on the line. 

Deployed lines preserve a general alignment toward the guide. Withintheir respective fronts, individuals or units march so as best to secureor to facilitate the advance but the general and orderly progress ofthe whole is paramount. 

On halting, a deployed line faces to the front (direction of the enemy)in all cases and takes advantage of cover, the men lying down ifnecessary. 

The company in line or column of squads may be deployed in an obliquedirection by the same commands. The captain points out the desireddirection; the corporal of the base squad moves in the directionindicated; the other corporals conform. 

To form skirmish line to the flank or rear the line or the column ofsquads is turned by squads to the flank or rear and then deployed asdescribed. 

The intervals between men are increased or decreased as described in theSchool of the Squad, adding to the preparatory command, guide right(left or center), if necessary. 

THE ASSEMBLY

The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the element onwhich the company is to assemble and commands: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. 

If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated pointand the company is re-formed in line. If assembled by platoons, theseare conducted to the designated point by platoon leaders, and thecompany is reformed in line. 

Platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. Platoons, assemble, 2. MARCH. 

Executed by each platoon as described for the company. 

One or more platoons may be assembled by the command: 1. Suchplatoon(s), assemble, 2. MARCH. 

Executed by the designated platoon or platoons as described for thecompany. 

Wherever it is necessary in campaign to deploy troops there is often somuch noise and confusion that it is impossible for the officers andnoncommissioned officers to make themselves heard. Signals must be usedinstead of verbal commands. 

WHISTLE SIGNALS

There are only two kinds of whistle signals; a short last and a longblast. A short blast means pay attention, or look out for a signal orcommand. 

A long blast means stop firing for a minute (suspend firing). 

THE ADVANCE

The advance of a company into an engagement whether for attack ordefense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, untilthe probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable todeploy. After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance of thecompany may be continued in skirmish line or other suitable formations, depending upon circumstances. The advance may often be facilitated, orbetter advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the employment ofthe platoon or squad columns or by the use of a succession of thinlines. The selection of the method to be used is made by the captain ormajor, the choice depending upon conditions arising during the progressof the advance. If the deployment is found to be premature, it willgenerally be best to assemble the company and proceed in close order. 

Patrols are used to provide the necessary security against surprise. 

Being in skirmish line: 1. Platoon columns, 2. MARCH. 

[Illustration: SHOWING HOW PLATOON COLUMNS ARE FORMED]

The platoon leaders move forward through the center of their respectiveplatoons: men to the right of the platoon leader march to the left andfollow him in file; those to the left march in like manner to the right;each platoon leader thus conducts the march of his platoon in doublecolumn of files; platoon guides follow in the

[Illustration: SQUAD COLUMN]

rear of their respective platoons to insure prompt and orderly executionof the advance. 

[Illustration: SQUAD COLUMNS]

Being in skirmish line: 1. Squad columns, 2. MARCH. See precedingpage. 

Each squad leader moves to the front; the members of each squad obliquetoward and follow their squad leader in single file at easy marchingdistances. 

Platoon columns are profitably used where the ground is so difficultor cover is so limited as to make it desirable to take advantage of thefew favorable routes; no two platoons should march within the area ofburst of a single shrapnel (ordinarily about 20 yards wide). Squadcolumns are of value principally in facilitating the advance over roughor brush-grown ground; they afford no material advantage in securingcover. 

To deploy platoon or squad columns: 1. As skirmishers, 2. MARCH. 

Skirmishers move to the right or left front and successively placethemselves in their original positions on the line. 

[Illustration: PLATOON COLUMNS]

Being in platoon or squad columns: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. 

The platoon or squad leaders signal assemble. The men of each platoon orsquad, as the case may be, advance and, moving to the right and left, take their proper places in line, each unit assembling on the leadingelement of the column and reforming in line. The platoon or squadleaders conduct their units toward the element or point indicated by thecaptain, and to their places in line; the company is reformed in line. 

[Illustration: Assembled on the first or right squad. ]

[Illustration]

Being in skirmish line, to advance by a succession of thin lines: 1. (Such numbers), forward, 2. MARCH. 

The captain points out in advance the selected position in front of theline occupied. The designated number of each squad moves to the front;the line thus formed preserves the original intervals as nearly aspracticable; when this line has advanced a suitable distance (generallyfrom 100 to 250 yards, depending upon the terrain and the character ofthe hostile fire), a second is sent forward by similar commands, and soon at irregular distances until the whole line has advanced. Uponarriving at the indicated position, the first line is halted. Successivelines, upon arriving, halt on line with the first and the men take theirproper places in the skirmish line. 

The first line is led by the platoon leader of the right platoon, thesecond by the guide of the right platoon, and so on in order from rightto left, by the officers and non-commissioned officers in the fileclosers. 

The advance is conducted in quick time unless conditions demand a fastergait. 

The company having arrived at the indicated position, a further advanceby the same means may be advisable. 

The advance in a succession of thin lines is used to cross a widestretch swept, or likely to be swept, by artillery fire or heavy, long-range rifle fire which cannot profitably be returned. Its purposeis the building up a strong skirmish line preparatory to engaging in afire fight. This method of advancing results in serious (thoughtemporary) loss of control over the company. Its advantage lies in thefact that it offers a less definite target, hence is less likely to drawfire. 

The above are suggestions. Other and better formations may be devised tofit particular cases. The best formation is the one which advances theline farthest with the least loss of men, time, and control. 

FIELD EXERCISES

These exercises, as well as combat exercises, are for instruction induties incident to campaign. To receive the maximum benefit from themyou must know the assumed situation of each exercise. 

THE FIRE ATTACK

The principles governing the advance of the firing line in attack areconsidered in the chapters on Attack and Defense. 

When it becomes impracticable for the company to advance as a whole byordinary means, it advances by rushes. 

Being in skirmish line: 1. By platoon (two platoons, squad, four men, etc. ) from the right (left), 2. RUSH. 

The platoon leader on the indicated flank carefully arranges the detailsfor a prompt and vigorous execution of the rush and puts it into effectas soon as practicable. If necessary, he designates the leader for theindicated fraction. When about to rush, he causes the men of thefraction to cease firing and to hold themselves flat, but in readinessto spring forward instantly. The leader of the rush (at the signal ofthe platoon leader, if the latter be not the leader of the rush)commands: Follow me, and running at top speed, leads the fraction to thenew line, where he halts it and causes it to open fire. The leader ofthe rush selects the new line if it has not been previously designated. 

The first fraction having established itself on the new line, the nextlike fraction is sent forward by its platoon leader, without furthercommand of the captain, and so on, successively, until the entirecompany is on the line established by the first rush. 

If two or more platoons are ordered to rush, the senior platoon leadertakes charge of them, and the junior (or juniors) carries out the wishesof the senior. 

A part of the line having advanced, the captain may increase or decreasethe size of the fractions to complete the movement. 

When the company forms a part of the firing line, the rush of thecompany as a whole is conducted by the captain, as described for aplatoon in the preceding paragraph. The captain leads the rush; platoonleaders lead their respective platoons, platoon guides follow the lineto insure prompt and orderly execution of the advance. 

When the foregoing method of rushing, by running, becomes impracticable, any method of advance that brings the attack closer to the enemy, suchas crawling, should be employed. 

Quibbling over minor details shows a failure to grasp the big ideas. 

CHAPTER VI

FIRE SUPERIORITY

Do not study this chapter until you begin your extended order drills. 

If the authors of this text were requested to select for you the mostimportant of all information that you will receive during yourinstruction at a training camp, they would advise you to take home thatcontained in this chapter. If you have learned fully so much you willhave done well. If you have failed to comprehend as much as this, youwill have returned to your homes lacking in important knowledge. 

If you are on the battle-field and propose to crush the other side(defeat the enemy), you have got to do one thing: you have got to makeyour rifle fire better than his, and you have got to keep it better. 

The proposition is this: The enemy is on the defense. He is in anumber-one, first-class trench. It is constructed with steel, concrete, and sandbags. It has all the improvements that science can devise. Yourbusiness is to attack and crush the enemy. How can you advance overexposed ground against such a position? The man behind all those modernimprovements has got to stick his head up more or less when he fires. Ifthe volume and rate and accuracy of your fire is greater than his, hewill grow timid about the matter. His fire will become less effective. That is to say, he cannot have fire superiority. When your side has firesuperiority, it not only can advance upon such a position but it can doso without ruinous losses, and with hope of success. 

To obtain this fire superiority it is necessary to produce a heaviervolume of accurate fire than your opponent can produce. We can get aproper conception of the ideas involved by imagining two firemen in afight armed with hose. One has a larger hose and a greater waterpressure than the other. All else being equal, we can foresee clearlywho will be the victor and who will be defeated. The more water onethrows into the other's face, the less accurate and effective will theother's aim become. This is equally true with bullets. Put a man on thetarget range, where no danger whatsoever is involved, and he may firewith a nice degree of accuracy. Put him on the battle-field with a greatnumber of bullets whizzing around his head, and he must be a trainedveteran to fire with the same accuracy. This is true simply because wehave been made that way. 

The volume and accuracy of fire depend upon several considerations: (a)Of primary importance is the number of rifles employed. Let us imagine abattle-line one mile long. It is obvious that we cannot have one manfiring behind another. We don't want to destroy our own men. They must, therefore, be placed side by side. Each man must have sufficient room tooperate his rifle. Experience tells us that we must not have more thanone man per yard. We thus see that our battle-line of a mile can onlyhave about eighteen hundred rifles. (b) The rate of fire affects itsvolume; an excessive rate reduces its accuracy. If you were huntingtigers, you can easily imagine where one well-aimed and well-timed shotcould be of more use to you and more harm to the tiger than half a dozenshots fired too rapidly. (c) If the target is large, is clear (can beeasily seen), and is but a short distance from you, your fire, forreasons that do not require explanations, can be more rapid. Greaterdensity increases the effect. Suppose a hundred deer were grazing on ahill; you would be more likely to kill some deer than if only a halfdozen were there. (d) The position of the target influences the effectof fire. Suppose that ten men were lined up in a row against a wall andthat it is your business to kill the lot with a rifle. If you are infront of them, ten shots at least will be required. But it is possiblefor you to take a position in prolongation of the line (on its flank)and kill the entire number with one bullet. (This also illustrates theextreme vulnerability of flanks. )

What are the important steps that must be taken if you are going to getthis fire superiority? 1st, Fire Direction. 2d, Fire Control. 3d, FireDiscipline. 

FIRE DIRECTION

A company that cannot start firing or stop firing, that cannot firefaster or slower, that cannot distribute equally its fire over anopposing target, that cannot switch its fire from one place to anotherand make bull's-eyes, would be as unsuccessful in battle to-day asHarvard's football team would be, without practice, in its final gamewith Yale. The team work in no department of athletics is as necessaryor vital as that of a military force, the teamwork of a militarymachine. The first is a sport, a limited time being involved. The secondis a question of life and death to the nation. 

It requires a nice and cool judgment, under actual conditions of war, topoint out and distribute properly the target to the different groups, tofind the exact range, and give all these instructions (directions) thatwill be necessary to produce an effective fire upon the enemy. Who isresponsible for giving these instructions (fire direction), and exactlywhat are all the conditions that must be fulfilled in order that eachindividual on the firing line may know exactly where and how to fire?

The captain (company commander) is responsible for all. In the militaryworld there is no such thing as shifting responsibilities. The commanderassumes full responsibility, whether things go right or wrong. He musthandle his job through his subordinates (platoon leaders). 1st, Hepoints out the target to his platoon leaders. 2d, He assigns a part ofthe target to each platoon, in such a manner that the entire target(objective) will be covered (fired upon). 3d, He determines and givesthe men the distance to the objective (range). 4th, He indicates thekind of fire to be employed (that is, whether each man will fire as hepleases, fire five shots and then stop, et cetera). 5th, He indicateswhen the company is to commence firing. 6th, Thereafter the captainobserves what effect his company's fire is producing, and correctsflagrant (material) errors. He prevents the exhaustion of his ammunitionand distributes such extra ammunition as may be received from the rear. 

FIRE CONTROL

We have just described what the captain directs. Now we must put hisdirections (orders) into effect. This is done through his platoonleaders, assisted by the platoon guides and the corporals. 1st, Theplatoon leaders point out and describe their part of the objective(target) to the corporals. 2d, They assign a particular part of theobjective to each corporal with the view of covering equally with thefire the entire objective. 3d, They announce the range (distance to theobjective) to their platoons. 4th, If any part of the line cannot seethe objective, the platoon leaders must make the changes so that it cansee, or so that its fire will be effective. 5th, They order theirplatoons to open fire at the proper time. Thereafter they observe thetarget and make any necessary changes to keep the fire effective, i. E. , fire fast or slow, according to the necessity, and are on the alert forany commands or signals from the captain. 

The platoon guides do one thing only: they watch the firing line andcheck every breach of fire discipline. (See "Fire Discipline, " below. )

The corporals have four distinct duties. 1st, They transmit the commandsand signals to their squads when necessary. 2d, They observe the conductof their squads and abate excitement. 3d, They do all in their power toenforce discipline. 4th, They participate in the firing. 

FIRE DISCIPLINE

Now we come to the individual private on the firing line. All of theabove measures for efficiency will come to but little unless the manwith the gun can understand and do what he is directed to do. Thistraining is called Fire Discipline. 

Fire Discipline implies, besides a habit of obedience, a control of therifle by the soldier (the result of training), which will enable him inaction to make hits instead of misses. It embraces: 1st, Takingadvantage of the ground. 2d, Care in setting the sight and delivery offire. 3d, Constant attention to the orders of the leaders, and carefulobservation of the enemy. 4th, An increase of fire when the target isfavorable, and a cessation of fire when the enemy disappears. 5th, Economy of ammunition. 

Summary

Fire Direction is the issuance of instructions regarding the firing. 

Fire Control is the explanation of these instructions through theplatoon leaders. 

Fire Discipline is the quality which enables the soldier to submit tocontrol and fire efficiently under all conditions. 

CHAPTER VII

THE SERVICE OF SECURITY

"Security" has the same meaning in the military world as elsewhere. Weproperly think of the security of our persons, our property, ourfamilies in connection with the term. In the military world the family, or community, being so much larger, the word "security" acquiresadditional dignity. 

A husband and father provides for the protection of his family whetherat home or abroad. So does the military commander for his command, whether it is an army or a squad; whether it is in camp, on the march, in battle, advancing upon or retreating from the enemy. The end desiredis the same in all cases. A study of all the measures adopted by thesuccessful generals in history shows that the means are not verydifferent. 

A body of troops in camp is protected (made secure) by the use of groupsplaced between the enemy and the camp. We were told by a bee expert inArizona that a limited number of bees remained in the vicinity of thehive. They were quick to observe and resist (the two great duties of anoutpost) any intruder. 

Suppose that you are in a part of the jungles of Borneo where wildMohammedan tribes still exist, that you have had a strenuous day'smarch, and it is time for you to halt and camp for the night. If you area thoughtful and experienced hunter you will pitch your camp where itsprotection will be least difficult. A few wild men may severely punishyou for a lack of judgment in the matter. They may probably spring froma weak and unexpected quarter when the occasion is least favorable foryou. And unless the members of your camp know that you have exercisedwise discretion, and that there are proper measures for their security, they will be unable to obtain the needed repose for the following day'swork. From this we can see the important business (function) of anoutpost. 

As a father would interpose himself between his wife and children and anattacking bulldog, so would a military commander provide a similarprotection for his camp. We see from this one of the big duties of anoutpost commander, i. E. , especial attention should be devoted to thedirection from which the enemy (bulldog) is coming or is thought to becoming, and a probably less degree of attention to other points. 

Consider yourself a member of General Sherman's army during its marchfrom the North on Atlanta. You are to camp for the night on a very openpiece of ground. You do not know where the enemy is, but you believethat he is somewhere south of you. The troops are tired. They have had along, hard march. Let us suppose it is your duty to provide the securityof the main body for the night. General Sherman has given you a certainnumber of men for this purpose. Just how would you go about it?

Regardless of other considerations, it is imperative that your own mainforce be not surprised or caught off guard by any contingency, howeverexceptional. To secure this immunity, it is necessary to send men orgroups of men in the direction of the probable advance of the enemy, anti to arrange these men or groups of men so that they can be ofassistance to each other. This we call forming an outpost. 

It may be possible to have a line of protection extending around theentire camp. It must be extended and arranged so as to keep the enemy sofar away from our main body that he cannot observe our numbers or ourposition. The enemy must not be permitted to approach close enough tothe main body to annoy or surprise it. Experience shows that all of thisis best accomplished by placing: 1st, some groups or line of groupsfarthest from our main body and closest to the enemy in order toobserve, to report the movements of the enemy, and, when necessary, tomake a temporary resistance; 2d, a line of resistance ("supportinggroups") called "supports" upon which the first line can retire before, being swamped by superior numbers; 3d, large groups, or line of groups("line of reserves"), so located that they may go to the assistance ofthe second line in case of necessity. Such arrangements may beillustrated by the following diagram. 

[Illustration:

PLATE SHOWING THE MAIN IDEAS INVOLVED IN SECURITY

 Danger zone Cavalry

 Danger zone ---- Danger zone --- --- Cavalry -- __ -- Cavalry -- -- -- -- / -- -- \ / / ___ \ \ + / ---- ---- \ + ^ + / \ + / ^ + +-----------+ + / \ | MAIN BODY | ^ / \ +-----------+ \Line of observation. \ Line of reserves -Occupied by small \ to move forward togroups. Drive back \ help line of supports. Enemy patrols. \ Line of supports on line of resistance. Rallying point for small groups in front. 

Note that distances from the line of observation to the main bodyincrease as the groups increase in size. The reserves are the largestgroups. The groups on the Line of observation are the smallest. 

It is most important to note that the groups are placed according tothe conditions and circumstances of the particular case. Don't followany blind rules. Your judgment must tell you when to place this grouphere and not to place that group there. Have as few men on such duty aspracticable. 

If a swamp, or a large body of water here, very small groups willafford the necessary security. 

If a forest, or steep hills here, very small parties will afford thenecessary security. 

Assume that we want to afford security for our main body from anyespecially dangerous sector such as ABC. Our cavalry is in front of ourfirst line and in touch with the enemy. The danger zone represents thedirection from which the enemy is expected. ]

This plan must be modified according to the particular case. Let ussuppose that we are camping by a large body of water, or that we aresurrounded by mountains. We can easily imagine where we could changethe above general plan so as to give adequate protection and at the sametime lessen the number of men detailed for security. We must neverforget that men are generally tired when they arrive in camp, and thatwe should make their work as light as circumstances permit. It requiresa nice judgment to choose the correct number for security. 

We should know the names of these groups. Farthest away is the line thatsees, and reports what it sees, but can offer only a limited resistance. This is called the "line of observation" or the "line of outguards. " Inrear of the line of outguards we have larger groups placed at greaterdistances. These are called "supports. " This is the line that fights. This is the line that makes extensive preparations for fighting (orresisting). It is called the "line of supports" or the "line ofresistance. "[2] We have one farther and last line of groups which isstill larger and occupies still greater distances than the two we havejust discussed. This is the safety valve and is called the "reserve, " orthe "line of reserves. " This is the line that gives a sound factor ofsafety. It will only be called upon in cases of emergency and maytherefore generally enjoy a considerable degree of repose. But it andthe line of supports combined must have sufficient strength to delay theenemy, in case of a general attack, long enough for our main body toform for battle. 

Let us look at the line of outguards for further importantconsiderations and distinctions. The enemy's movements and operationsshould ordinarily be expected where there are for him leastdifficulties. Large (dangerous) bodies of troops find trouble inmarshes, thick forests, steep mountainous country. They avoid theseobstacles as much as possible, selecting open country, solid soil, strong bridges, and good roads. Here is where large and strong groups inopposition are necessary. Small and unimportant groups (or no groups atall) should be placed where the enemy's advance is exceptionallydifficult. Finally, there will be places between these last two extremesthat require just an average amount of attention, that is to say, require groups of medium strength. 

The groups that are largest and are used at the important places wheredanger is most expected, are called "Pickets. " (These consist of fromtwo squads of eight men each to eight squads. ) The least importantgroups are called "Cossack Posts. " (These consist of four men, usually anoncommissioned officer and three privates. ) The groups of averageimportance are called "Sentry Squads. " (These consist of eight men, acorporal and seven privates. )

Having discussed in broad terms the security of troops in camp, we areprepared to consider their security while either advancing upon orretreating from the enemy. In either case groups are placed between ourmain body and the actual or supposed position of the hostile troops. When we are advancing upon an enemy our advanced groups constitute whatwe term the "advance guard. " If we are retreating from the enemy, ourrear groups compose the "rear guard. " The main general ideas of anadvance guard are illustrated by the husband who takes his wife andfamily to his house after an evening's absence. The house is dark andwithout occupants. The wife and children are apprehensive of danger. Thehusband goes first, turns on the light, and searches for any indicationsof an enemy. He looks, if desirable, in the closets and under the beds. If there is any one that may harm his family it is his duty to find outand dispose of him. 

In the advance guard we have exactly the same general scheme as withoutposts. Far advanced to the front (and often to the sides or flanks)we have small groups (called, when considered collectively, the "advanceparty") whose business it is to inform us of the presence of the enemy. Next we have a large group ("support") to assist these small and ratherhelpless ones in advance in case of difficulty. And last we have a stilllarger group ("reserve") that may be called upon in great emergencies. 

We should fully understand that all these groups are out to accomplishseveral ends, but their one great and ultimate object should be to pushon ahead of the main body so that it may be secure and its marchuninterrupted. To accomplish this it is desirable to get all possibleinformation about the enemy; it is also desirable to keep him fromgetting any information about your own troops. 

The ideas are nearly the same with rear guards. Note this importantdifference: if, in an advance upon the enemy, your advance guard shouldsuddenly be fired upon, your main body would (temporarily) halt. If, ina retreat, your rear guard is halted by the enemy's fire, your main bodywould normally be marching farther from it. In the first case assistanceis near at hand. In the second it is withdrawing. The rear guard in aretreat should therefore be a little larger than in an advance. It mustbe able to extricate itself from any situation however difficult or itloses its usefulness. Its commander should have a cool, level head. Todelay the enemy and thus assist the main body to escape is his mission. For him to remain too long in a good position might endanger not onlyhis safety but that of the main body as well. 

CHAPTER VIII

ATTACK AND DEFENSE

The European War has demonstrated more clearly than ever before twopoints in attack and defense. First, no people, or group of people, canclaim a monopoly on bravery. They all move forward and give up theirlives with the same utter abandon. Courage being equal, the advantagegoes to him in the attack who possesses superior leaders, greatertraining, and better equipment. Second, a man's training and courage, his clear eye and steady nerve, his soul's blood and iron, constitute abetter defense than steel and concrete. 

A soldier has little business attacking or defending anything in thisday unless he is an athlete, unless he is skilled in the technique ofmanœuver, unless he is a good shot, unless he knows the value of manyfeatures of the terrain (which means the nature of the country--itshills, rivers, mountains, depressions, etc. --considered from a militarypoint of view), unless he is disciplined to a splendid degree, andunless his training has imbued him with an irresistible desire to pushforward, to get at his opponent. Assuming, at least, as much as this, weare prepared to consider the subject of the attack (the offensive). 

To have your troops superior in number, condition, training, equipment, and morale to that of your enemy; to be at the right place, at the righttime, and there to deliver a smashing, terrific blow--this is thegreatest principle of the attack. And history shows that victory goesmore often to him who attacks. 

Initiative in war is no less valuable than in business life. Become atonce imbued with the desire to put "the other fellow" on the defensive. That makes him somewhat dependent upon your own actions. That gives youopportunities to fool him that he does not so fully enjoy. Yourcommander can elect to attack any point of the defensive line. Your deadand wounded--always a demoralizing element--are left behind. Your targetis stationary. Your side is closing in. The enemy is straining everynerve to fire faster and more effectively, and still your side isclosing in. There is the thrill of motion. 

To attack, you will usually require a greater number of troops than thedefense. Why so? Because you will be more exposed. You will have to moveforward, however dangerous the ground. Your enemy, for his protection, will be certain to utilize and improve every advantage of cover. Yourlosses will be greater. You should have a greater number of reserves tofill the depleted ranks. If the defensive can maintain a better(superior) fire, that is to say, a fire that kills and wounds a greaternumber than the opposing fire (this we call fire superiority), he willstop the advance of the attacking force unless that force is so superiorin numbers that it can send forward reinforcements after reinforcementsas an ocean sends shoreward its series of waves. 

Suppose that you were in command of a group of men and that you wereordered to attack. Just what principal points should you weigh? First, you should avail yourself of every opportunity to obtain all informationof military value, such as the enemy's strength, his position, andintentions. For this you would have to send out groups of reconnoiteringpatrols exceptionally skilled in woodcraft, or trained to gatherinformation. As soon as such information as is available is reported toyou, you should at once begin the consideration of all the importantelements that affect your problem. You must not lose sight of what youwere sent out to do (your mission). Consider how this and that fact bearupon your course of action (estimate the situation). For instance: theenemy's force is reported to be greatly inferior to your own. He is outof supplies. He is greatly fatigued with forced marches. His morale isshattered on account of recent and frequent reverses. His camp isdisorganized. It is poorly guarded. Certain roads are in fine condition. Others are very poor. Your troops are in splendid shape and excellentspirits. They believe that they can crush the enemy and want to attack. As you easily see, all such points have great significance in sizing upthe case (estimating the situation). 

Having estimated the situation, you should investigate and consider allpossible courses of attack that are open to you. Don't ask any advicefrom any one. Select the course that appears to offer the greatestchance of success. Make up your mind what you are going to do (come to adecision). 

Having come to a decision, stick to it, right or wrong. Your next andfinal thing to do is to put your decision into action. To do that, giveyour subordinates the information they should possess; tell them whatyou are going to do and how you are going to do it; i. E. , issue yourorders. 

A study of the orders of successful generals in history teaches us thatwe will be greatly aided in issuing them, if we will observe a system. We understand an order more easily and quickly if it conforms to someplan with which we are familiar. 

In order to give your group an opportunity to act with a greater degreeof teamwork, and intelligence in case of an emergency, it is necessaryto give it data (information) concerning the enemy. Your men should knowwhere there are friendly troops. Now tell them what you are going to do(your plan), whether it be to attack, retire, or assume the defensive. And then order the execution of that plan by assigning to each group itstask. Next tell (direct) what is to be done with the wagons (trains), and last, state where you may be found at any time in case of need orwhere messages may be sent to you. 

Having issued the order, let us now observe the progress of the attack. You are probably three or four thousand yards from the enemy. Hisposition is invisible. His artillery has opened fire. Your artillery isreplying. The troops must advance cautiously over exposed ground. Theyare not firing. They are not deployed for action (in battle line). Theyare waiting to get within as short a distance of the enemy's line aspossible, for their ammunition is limited; and after troops are actuallylaunched in the attack, control over them, for ordinary purposes, ispractically lost. The farther from the enemy the attack is launched, thelonger the exposure to their fire and the greater the number ofcasualties, so the leaders of the different groups are taking advantageof all the accidents of the ground, of all cover in advancing. They areusing one formation here, another there, with a view to minimizing thelosses and reaching an advantageous position as soon as possible wherethey can open an effective fire on the enemy. 

Now the enemy's fire is severe. Casualties are becoming heavy. The menare growing restless. It is necessary to return the fire. Firesuperiority should be gained at once. Don't move forward until you gainit. If difficult to gain, use every means at your disposal. When youhave it, keep it. Part of your men can advance when your side has firesuperiority. The remainder of the firing line should fire faster tomaintain that superiority. If you lose fire superiority, regain it. Ifnecessary, troops from the rear will generally be sent forward. 

Now you are approaching the point where the charge is to be made. Bayonets are fixed; not all at one time, for that would affect theadvantage that you possess with your fire. Groups that have been heldback in support are advanced. These are to be used at decisive moments. They are held well in hand. The firing line is lost in noise andconfusion. Not so the supports; control is exercised over them. If theyare not used in the attack they can be used to great advantage tocomplete the discomfort of the enemy after the clash (shock). 

There is at last, if the enemy remains in his position, the clash. Bayonet against bayonet, man against man, nerve against nerve. Apply thegreat principle of attack and decide for yourself who the victor willbe. If successful, then organize your men and prepare for the pursuit orfor the return (counter attack) of the enemy. 

Now you are to handle groups on the defense. You must bear in mind thatthere are two kinds of defense: first, where you do nothing but defend(passive defense); second, where you defend, but temporarily, with theidea of attacking the enemy as soon as a favorable opportunity arises(active defense). Let us assume that you have been ordered by superiorauthority to locate and prepare a definite position to check the advanceof an enemy. Just what main points should you bear in mind? Suppose youhave found an ideal position; what conditions should it fulfil? Youshould be able to see the enemy long before he arrives at your position. Intervening objects and trees would make that impossible. You should behidden from his view. The ends of your lines (your flanks) should rest, if possible, on ground easy to defend; for instance, a high mountain, alarge body of water, or an impassable swamp. A few acres of ground willnot hold tens of thousands of men. Therefore the extent of the groundmust be suitable for the size of your group (force or command). It wouldbe of great advantage to have such cover that one group (for instance, asupport) could move from this position to that without danger of beingfired upon or observed. A wise general has plans for any contingency. Heis either going to win or he is not going to win. If he loses, he shouldhave a means of escape (retreat). In selecting his position he shouldplace it where the enemy must attack or give up his mission. Verdun hadto be attacked before the advance on Paris from the east waspracticable. 

In defense there is a generous allowance of advantages. Usually you havetime to select and prepare your position. By preparing a position wemean, you can dig trenches, destroy intervening objects that obstructthe view of what you should see, construct obstacles that will embarrassthe enemy in his advance, estimate (or determine) distances to importantplaces. You have opportunities for collecting ammunition, arrangingwires for communication, establishing stations for the wounded. Troopsin motion are easier to see. You are not called upon for as muchphysical strain as the attacking troops. You are less fatigued. Yourmachine guns are better concealed and the gunners know the ranges betterthan those of the attack. 

But it is most distressing to a man on the defense to see the enemy, regardless of everything he can do, advance step by step. He begins toquestion within himself the efficacy of his fire, which is to doubt hisown ability. The more he questions and worries, the less effective hisaim becomes. His comrades are dead and wounded about him. Their cries ofdistress are heard above the noise and confusion of battle. He becomesless methodical and deliberate in his actions. His shooting becomes highand wild. This becomes generally true. The attacking force gains firesuperiority. 

Suppose that it is actually your business to construct a defensiveposition. Just how will you assign the tasks? What are the importantthings to be done at first, and what, if time is pressing, may withleast hardship be omitted? You would first cut down trees, blow upbuildings, destroy crops that prevented you from seeing in any directionof danger. Next you should provide protection (concealment and cover), so that there will be as few casualties as possible. Then do what is inyour power to make it most difficult for the enemy to arrive at yourposition; i. E. , construct some barbwire fences (entanglements) that hewill be unable to cross. Have your expert range finders determine andmake notes of the distances to important points from which the enemymust advance. Next, dig ditches (trenches) so that your groups (supportsor reserves) may pass from one point to another without danger. Nowtake steps to protect your most vital and vulnerable points, yourflanks. Have them so strong, if practicable, that the enemy will leavethem alone. Assign to each group of men a section of the ground todefend. Having done these important things, then go about those thingsthat will make you more comfortable in the trenches. 

CHAPTER IX

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TARGET PRACTICE

The most thrilling experience you will have at a training camp willprobably come when you step up to the firing line on the target range tofire your first shot. The great majority of new men grow pale, becomenervous, lose their calm and poise, while they are on the firing line. This is a fact, not a theory. And this loss of nerve is not confined tothe new man. Any shot, however old and experienced, will tell you thathe fully understands what we have just described. 

To become a good shot, we must solve a mental condition that correspondsin a way to that of beginners in golf. And we must master some detailsin technique. 

We should know something about the machine (rifle) we are to operate. Wemust know what the sights are and how to use them. We should know howthose men most successful in the science and art of shooting hold therifle under different conditions, how they adjust their slings, how theyprepare (blacken) their sights and care for their rifles, what practiceand preparation they take, and what bits of advice they have to offer. 

The primitive man had no means of accurately aiming his crude devices tothrow stones. But in this day and age we have. The modern rifle is oneof the most perfect pieces of scientific machinery in the world. Veryshortly after you arrive in camp your captain will explain to you itssights and how they are adjusted. Lie has a sighting bar for thatpurpose. It will take you only a few minutes to grasp the subject whenyou have a rifle in your hands, and your instructor is pointing out andexplaining just what you should know. On paper it seems to be hard. 

Now you will want to learn how to load your piece (rifle), work yourbolt, and squeeze the trigger. Simple as these points may seem, you willhave something to learn after you have been at it ten years. Practise!practise! practise! Sit on your bunk and work your bolt ten thousandtimes before you go on the range. Get in the habit of doing it quickly. Learn to keep your piece at your shoulder while you pull the bolt backand push it home. Learn to make the fewest possible motions of your bodyin working it. To pull a bolt back and push it forward seems to be asimple thing to do. It is simple. But when you are actually firing atthe target, experience tells you that you will have more trouble and agreater collection of hard luck stories to amuse your friends with thanyou ever imagined possible, unless you have had plenty of practice. 

To squeeze a trigger seems to be a simple thing to do. It is simple. Butafter you have been squeezing triggers for twenty years you will havesomething more to learn about it. Ninety-five per cent. Of the failureson the target range in the training camps come from not squeezing thetrigger properly. You can't learn how to squeeze it on paper. You havegot to practise. Every time you work your bolt, squeeze your trigger. Get in some extra "squeezes. " You will find that your whole muscular andnervous system will need to be coordinated and harmonized. After youhave been long about it you will find an extreme delicacy in itsoperation. You will find that it requires a great deal more than afinger. All the muscles of your hand and arm will be required. We cannotoveremphasize the importance of squeezing your trigger. When you learnto do this without jumping (flinching), without moving an eyelash, youare making progress and are prepared for more advanced work. 

Why do you suppose we have "gallery practice, " i. E. , practice with agreatly reduced charge of powder? Simply to determine and correct yourerrors. We assume that you have normal sight and that you are in fairphysical condition. Suppose that you make a perfect score. Whatconditions must you fulfil? 1st, You must aim in exactly the same wayevery time. 2d, At the instant of firing your body must be in perfectrepose. 3d, You must squeeze your trigger properly (without a jerk). 

You could not aim exactly the same way every time unless you understoodyour sights and unless you could see them plainly. You will be told toblacken them. Many forget and fail to do this. They do not fully realizethat the sights are much easier to see when blackened, and thattherefore the chances of hitting the bull's-eye are much greater. There`s no more luck in shooting than there is in solving a problem ingeometry, or in a game of billiards. It`s all practice, nerve, andscience. 

Your body cannot be in repose at the instant you fire unless you haveyour sling properly adjusted, unless you are reasonably comfortable (notconstrained), and unless you, temporarily, stop breathing. Your bodymust be, for an instant, a vise. Any trivial thing such as a puff ofwind, a jerk of the trigger, or a noise near you, will ordinarily changeyour hold and throw you off the bull's-eye. 

Suppose you are making a poor score. What is the trouble? In the firstplace don't blame it on the rifle or the ammunition. Assume fullresponsibility yourself. You are the responsible party. Practise a greatdeal and see if you can locate the fault. If you cannot, your captainwill assist you. 

When we go from gallery practice to the target range, where we fire theservice rifle with the service charge, we find a great difference in therecoil of the rifle and in the sound. The good Lord has made our musclesand nervous system to react automatically at danger or anythingconnected with it. That is probably why we shudder and close our eyeswhen a door is slammed very near to us. But sound, unless we get tooclose, does not hurt any one, and we should steel our nerves toremember that fact when we are firing. We also know that there is goingto be a certain amount of recoil of the rifle. But if you will hold yoursling as you have been instructed, if you will provide yourself withproper elbow and shoulder padding, the authors of this text assure youthat you will experience no pain or harm from the recoil. It is theirjudgment that if you are healthy and can see and will go on the rangewith your jaws set to fire with anything like your gallery practicecoolness, and calmness, you will qualify. Your greatest stumbling blockwill be your rapid fire. This is where you fire a definite number ofshots in a limited time. And this is where you will experience theextreme amount of nervousness. 

When you return from firing your first score at rapid fire, and have hadtime to think calmly over your actions, you will probably realize thatyour nerves were pitched up in G and that you did a number of foolishthings. You should realize that you are not an exceptional man. Ninety-nine out of every hundred normal, virile men are more or lessnervous when they first step up for rapid fire. Practice and will powerare the correctives. 

Let us suppose that you have ten shots to fire in two minutes. If youfire your ten shots in one minute it is plain that you return unused oneminute given to you. This minute may have been of great use to you ingetting closer to the bull's-eye. If you fire at the rate of ten shotsin three minutes, it is plain that when your two minutes shall haveexpired you have missed the opportunity of firing four times at thebull's-eye. 

Get one of your bunkies to go back of your tent and time you. Then swapabout and you hold the watch for him. Try to make of yourself a machinethat finishes the ten shots just before the time expires. 

And here is a little rule of thumb we want you to bear constantly inmind while you are having rapid fire: Load your piece quickly, but aimand squeeze your trigger deliberately. Keep cool. 

The best shot in the company is the man who practises the most. 

CHAPTER X

PRACTICE MARCH OR "HIKE"

The manœuver practice march will be the most instructive, the mostpleasant, and one of the hardest periods of your service. You willreturn from it proud of the hardships you have undergone and capable ofspeaking with authority on many practical matters pertaining tosoldiering. You will be able to amuse yourself and your friends withreminiscences of the many incidents which you will never forget. It isduring the practice march that you will put into practical use thetactical principles and battle formations of which, up to that time, youwill have heard at lectures, or which you will have executed in amechanical manner at drill. You will return from each march with aknowledge of many practical points on camp sanitation, of the pleasuresand hardships incident to manœuver warfare, and of the manner in which asoldier adapts himself to changing conditions, all of which cannot belearned from books or lectures. 

The practice march demands a large expenditure of physical and mentalenergy; however, the hardships are greatly exaggerated by the oldsoldiers. To make up a set of equipment, to assist in cleaning up campand loading trucks, to march and fight for a distance of ten or twelvemiles while carrying a heavy pack on the back and a nine-pound gun onthe shoulder, and upon reaching camp to pitch your tent, make up yourbed, do some fatigue work, and probably some guard duty in addition, allin one day, is a hard physical strain on the average man. By obeyingimplicitly the advice of your company commander, you will greatly lessenthe hardships incident to a practice march, and by disobeying it youmay possibly undergo the mortification of having to drop out of ranksand be jeered at by the passing column. The following suggestions, iffollowed implicitly, will lessen the hardship of the "hike. "

MARCHING RULES

1. Adjust your equipment, if necessary, at the first halt. 

2. Do not leave the column without the express permission of yourcompany company commander. 

3. Keep in your proper place in the column. 

4. Keep forty inches from the man in front of you. 

HALTS

Halts are made for the purpose of resting. Take advantage of theopportunity by sitting down at once along the side of the road near theplace where your squad will form when the march is resumed. Remainseated until the command to fall in is given. 

Sit down in such a way that you do not support the weight of the pack onyour shoulders while resting. Don't go wandering off into people'syards or orchards. Relax as completely as possible. Get into placeimmediately when the signal is given. 

CAMPING

Two men tent together--the front rank man and his rear rank file. Alterpitching your tent, get inside and level off the ground. Cut a drainaround the tent to carry the water off; this should be done even inpleasant weather. In case you do not trench your tent and a sudden raincomes, your blankets may get wet and you will probably lose somemuch-needed rest and sleep. If the tent pins will not stay in theground, cut some small sticks to a length of about twelve inches and usethem as tent pins. 

PREPARING YOUR BED

After you have pitched your tent, get some hay, grass, straw, or leavesand cover the floor. Place one poncho on this, then one or two blanketson top of the poncho to sleep on, and use the remaining blankets ascover. Spread the other poncho over the tent. Many men are carelessabout making a comfortable bed. You will be rewarded with largedividends if you are zealous in making yourself comfortable. Arrangeyour equipment at the rear just under the small triangle. Get your meatcan, knife, fork, spoon, and tin cup out where they will be handy. 

MAKING UP YOUR PACK

Immediately after reveille, take down your tent and make up your pack. Place your extra blankets on the pile with those of the other members ofyour squad. Make up your surplus kit bundle and put it in the surpluskit bag. 

WATER

Fill your canteen each evening, as the water wagons sometimes do notreach camp before the morning march is commenced. Excessive waterdrinking on the march is the besetting sin of the inexperienced soldier. One swallow of water calls for another. Soon your canteen is empty. Yourstomach feels uncomfortable. You are still thirsty. If it is necessaryto replace some of the water of the body which is lost by perspiration, and this is often necessary, first gargle out the mouth and throat andspit the water out; then take a swallow or two, but be careful not todrink to excess. Injudicious and excessive water drinking fills thehospital ambulances and auto trucks with men who should be in ranks. Onehalf a canteen of water is sufficient for you on any march you will haveto make. After you arrive in camp and have cooled off a little, drink asmuch water as you desire, but do so slowly. 

CARE OF THE FEET

The infantryman's feet are his means of transportation. If you care forthem properly, you will be rewarded. 

1. Wash and dry the feet carefully and put on clean socks as soon aspracticable after getting into camp. 

2. Wash out the socks you have been wearing and hang them out to dry. 

3. Do not wear socks with holes in them if you can possibly avoid it. Should a hole begin to cause rubbing, turn the sock inside out or changeit to the other foot. 

4. Just as soon as you decide to attend a training camp or join thecolors, cut your toe nails square across the ends so they will not growin. 

5. In case of any foot trouble that you cannot relieve, report to thesurgeon at once. Don't wait until you cannot march before reporting. 

6. A Treatment for Blisters. Be careful not to tear off the skincovering the blister. Heat the point of a needle until it is red hot andwhen it cools insert it under the live skin a little distance away fromthe blister. Push it through to the under side of the bruised skin orblister and then press out the water. To protect the blister, grease asmall piece of chamois with vaseline and place it so that it covers theblister and extends over on the solid skin surrounding it. Then place apiece of oxide adhesive tape over the chamois. This method allows theprotective covering to be removed without rupturing the skin over theblister and protects the new tender and sensitive skin so that theweight can be rested upon the foot without causing severe pain. One manin each squad should be provided with a needle, adhesive tape, a bottleof vaseline, and a piece of chamois for the common use of the squad. 

7. Shoes. 

 a. Be sure they fit your feet. The business shoe you wear at the office won't do for marching when, with the additional weight you carry, your foot spreads in breadth and extends in length; hence your marching shoes should be longer and broader than your business shoes. This is a very important item and should not be neglected. If your shoes are too large, blisters will result; if too small, your foot will be cramped, and every step will be painful. 

 b. Break your shoes in prior to the practice march. 

 c. Keep your shoes well oiled so they will be soft and pliable and keep out water. 

 d. If your shoes get wet on the inside heat some small pebbles (not so hot as to burn leather) and keep them inside the shoes until dry. 

CAMP SANITATION

In camp you are really your brother's keeper. It is the duty of everyman to keep the camp clean, sanitary, and livable. Constantly bear inmind that a great number of men are living together in a very smallarea; that food is being prepared in the open; that there are no sewers;and that the ground or dust and streams must not be polluted. Obeyconscientiously and diligently the following rules:

1. Don't take food to your tent. 

2. Use the latrines that are provided. 

3. When possible bathe each day as soon as practicable after you arriveat camp. 

4. Don't throw food or fruit peeling on the ground. 

5. Dispose of any food you cannot eat by burning in the kitchenincinerator. 

6. Keep away from the kitchen and cooks. 

7. Don't dip your cup in the drinking water receptacle. Use the dipperprovided for that purpose. 

8. If sick, report to a surgeon. 

9. Don't litter up the camp with paper. 

10. Get your drinking water and bathe at the authorized places. The campcommander always designates different places for cooking and drinkingwater, for watering the animals, for bathing and washing clothes. 

11. On leaving camp the ground should be in better condition than whenyou arrived. All sinks, latrines, ditches, and holes are filled and theearth stamped down; all combustibles that have no value should be burnedand noncombustible matter either buried or piled so it can be cartedaway. 

12. All deposits in the rears should be covered with earth. 

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Take great pains each morning to make a neat, small and solid packand strap it up securely. 

2. Don't put your pack on until ordered to do so by your companycommander or first sergeant. 

3. Get your pack properly adjusted. 

4. Don't take your equipment off during the halts allowed for resting. 

5. Don't eat anything or patronize the soft drink stand during a march. 

6. Retire early and get a good night's rest. 

7. Use only heavy or light wool socks and see that they fit perfectly. If you cannot wear wool socks, try cotton and then silk socks. 

8. Don't overeat or overdrink. 

9. A light pair of sneakers or canvas tennis shoes are serviceable forcamp wear in the afternoons and are restful to the feet. 

10. Each morning sprinkle a little talcum powder or footease in theshoes. 

11. Keep the bowels functioning properly. Should you become constipated, report to the doctor for medicine before you begin to feel badly. 

12. Clean your mess kit immediately after each meal. 

13. Respect the property of others. 

EQUIPMENT

During the hike your equipment for living will be limited to: (1) yourpack (things that you carry on your back), (2) a few authorized articleswhich are placed in a squad laundry bag (called a surplus kit), and (3)a blanket roll. 

Contents of the Pack

1 bacon can. 1 condiment can. 1 blanket. 1 poncho. 1 shelter half (one-half of a small tent)5 small tent pins. 1 tooth brush. 1 comb and any other toilet articles desired. 1 cake of soap. 1 or 2 towels. 1 extra suit of underwear. 1 pair socks. 1 pair shoe strings. 

Contents of Surplus Kit

1 pair of breeches. 1 suit of underwear. 1 shirt, olive drab. 1 shoe laces. 2 pair of socks. 1 pair of shoes (tan). 

Any other article that may be prescribed by the company commander. 

The surplus kit of each man will be made up into a neat, compact bundle, tied with a string (use a shoe string for the purpose), and tagged withthe owner's name. These individual kits will be packed in a laundry bag, called "surplus kit bag, " tagged, one for each squad. 

 Contents of Blanket Roll

 1. Extra blankets. 

 2. One ramrod for each squad. 

 3. Any other articles that may be prescribed by the company commander. 

Each squad makes these extra blankets, etc. , into a long roll which iscalled the "squad blanket roll. " A tag is tied to it, showing to whatregiment, company, and squad it belongs. 

Notes

1. The bacon can is a convenient place to carry a small face towel, shaving outfit, and other small toilet articles. 

2. Keep your soap in a soap box. 

3. Each squad should have its own cleaning material which should be tiedinto a small package and carried in the surplus kit bag. 

4. Interest in a hike or a manœuver will be stimulated if at least onemember of each squad has a map showing all the camp sites and route ofmarch. 

5. One man in each squad should be provided with a small bottle ofiodine, some absorbent cotton and adhesive tape for the common use ofthe squad. This saves time for the surgeon and men in caring for minorinjuries, scratches, etc. 

ESPRIT DE CORPS

Have too much esprit de corps to complain of the length of the march, orto kick about the dust on the road. Be self-controlled. Don't boast ofyour ability to march on forever. Such remarks are depressing to a tiredcomrade who is not as physically strong as you. 

CHAPTER XI

OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPS

To make it possible to fill the gaps made in the Regular Army, by theheavy loss of commissioned officers which is inevitable in time of warand to make it possible to train large volunteer armies which are calledinto existence when war is imminent or actually upon the country, theGovernment has provided for an Officers' Reserve Corps. 

It is, indeed, a patriotic and far-sighted act on the part of a citizento become a reserve officer, for, by so doing, he will increase hismeasure of usefulness for the time when his country will need him mostand when he will, if he is a real, virile man, desire to be of theutmost service to his country. 

The President alone is authorized to appoint officers in the ReserveCorps. Each officer must be physically, mentally, and morally qualifiedto hold his commission. The highest rank in the reserve corps will bethat of major. 

Age limits for appointment in the line of the Reserve Corps:

2nd Lieutenants must be under 32 years of age. 

1st Lieutenants must be under 36 years of age. 

Captains must be under 40 years of age. 

Majors must be under 45 years of age. 

Any citizen who thinks that he has the necessary qualifications anddesires to become a reserve officer should apply to the CommandingGeneral of the Department wherein he resides for an application blankand all information pertaining thereto. 

You must undergo a course of training in camp. We advise you in thestrongest terms to go to camp as soon as possible. There are no shortcuts in the military business. The most efficient instruction under themost ideal conditions with the most competent officers, will be foundonly in camp. 

GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPS

An officer in the Reserve Corps cannot, without his consent, be calledinto service in a lower grade than that held by him in the ReserveCorps. 

When a Reserve Officer reaches the age limit fixed for appointment orreappointment in the grade in which commissioned, he will be honorablydischarged from the service of the United States and he will be entitledto retain his official title, and, on occasions of ceremony, to wear theuniform of the highest grade he held in the Reserve Corps. The precedingprovisions as to ages of officers do not apply to the appointment orreappointment of officers of the Quartermaster, Engineer, Ordnance, Signal, Judge Advocate, and Medical Sections of the Reserve Corps. 

A commission in the Reserve Corps will cover a period of five years, except as provided in the preceding paragraph, unless sooner terminatedin the discretion of the President. An officer may be recommissioned, either in the same or a higher grade for successive periods of fiveyears, subject to examination and age limits. 

To become eligible for appointment as an officer of the Officers'Reserve Corps a man must be not less than twenty-one years of age andmust be a citizen of the United States. 

THE OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPS IN WAR

In time of actual or threatened hostilities the President can orderofficers of the Reserve Corps to temporary duty with the Regular Army, or as officers at recruiting rendezvous and depots, or on such duty ashe may prescribe. An officer thus called into service receives the samepay and allowances as an officer of the same rank in the Regular Army. When thus called out Reserve Officers may be promoted in rank tovacancies in volunteer organizations. Retired officers of the Officers'Reserve Corps are not entitled to retired pay but are entitled topensions for disability incurred in line of duty and while in activeservice. When called out for active service an officer in the ReserveCorps will be required to obey the laws and regulations for thegovernment of the Army of the United States in so far as they areapplicable to officers whose permanent retention in the military serviceis not contemplated. 

THE OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPS IN PEACE

During peace the Secretary of War can order any Reserve Officer to dutyfor instruction for a period not to exceed fifteen days in any onecalendar year. While so serving, an officer will receive the pay andallowance of his grade in the Regular Army. This period of service maybe extended with the consent of the Reserve Officer. By thus extendingsuch periods of instruction a Reserve Officer may, at the conclusionthereof, be examined for promotion to the next higher grade. 

EXAMINATIONS

Each applicant for a commission in the Reserve Corps will be given arigid physical examination. Make certain that you can pass such anexamination. Go to your family physician and get him to examine you. 

The examinations for Reserve Corps commissions are for the purpose ofascertaining the practical ability of the applicant. The record of allthe service and training the applicant has had at training camps isconsidered as part of the examination. 

Those desiring to enter the Officers' Reserve Corps may elect any of thefollowing sections:

 1. Infantry Officers' Reserve Corps. 2. Cavalry Officers' Reserve Corps. 3. Field Artillery Officers' Reserve Corps. 4. Coast Artillery Officers' Reserve Corps. 5. Medical (to include the reserve officers of the Medical Corps, Dental Corps, and Veterinary Corps) Officers' Reserve Corps. 6. Adjutant General's Officers' Reserve Corps. 7. Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps. 8. Inspector General's Officers' Reserve Corps. 9. Quartermaster Officers' Reserve Corps. 10. Engineer Officers' Reserve Corps. 11. Ordnance Officers' Reserve Corps. 12. Signal Officers' Reserve Corps. 

REPORTS TO BE MADE

Officers in the Officers' Reserve Corps are required to report at onceto the Adjutant General of the Department in which they live or to theheads of the Staff Corps or Departments to which they may belong of anypermanent change of address. If a change of address to any otherdepartment is involved the adjutant of each department should benotified. 

THE RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS

The President is authorized to establish and maintain in civileducational institutions a Reserve Officers' Training Corps which shallconsist of senior and junior divisions. 

SENIOR DIVISION

A senior division of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps may beestablished at any university and college requiring of its students fouryears of collegiate study for a degree, and at essentially militaryschools which, as a result of annual inspection of such institutions bythe War Department, are especially designated as qualified to establisha unit of the senior division. Authorities of the former (universitiesand colleges not essentially military) must establish and maintain a twoyears' elective or compulsory course of military training, as a minimum, for its physically fit male students. This course, when entered upon, must in the case of such students be a prerequisite for graduation. 

When any member of this senior division has completed two academic yearsof service in that division; has been selected by the president of theinstitution and by its professor of military science and tactics (whomust be an army officer); has made a written agreement to continue inthe Reserve Officers' Training Corps for the remainder of his course inthe institution, devoting five hours per week to the military trainingprescribed by the Secretary of War; has also made a written agreement topursue the courses in training camps (one camp of not more than sixweeks' duration each year) prescribed by the Secretary of War)--when hehas fulfilled all these conditions, he may be given, at the expense ofthe United States, a money commutation of subsistence at a rate notexceeding the cost of the garrison (army) ration during the remainder ofhis service in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. This will amount toabout thirty cents a day. This provision applies only to the seniordivision. 

JUNIOR DIVISION

A junior division of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps may beestablished at any institution to which an army officer has beendetailed as the professor of military science and tactics, and whichcannot meet the necessary requirements for the senior division. In thiscase the Government does not give a commutation of subsistence and thestudents are not asked to obligate themselves as in the senior division. 

TO ENTER THE RESERVE OFFICERS' CORPS

The President is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to appoint in the Officers' Reserve Corps any graduate of the seniordivision of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, who shall havesatisfactorily completed the two-year course of training (five hours aweek), incident to receiving a commutation of rations; also any graduateof the junior division who shall have satisfactorily completed thecourses of military training prescribed for students of the seniordivisions, referred to in the first part of this paragraph, and shallhave participated in such practical instruction, subsequent tograduation, as the Secretary of War shall have prescribed. They must betwenty-one years of age and must make written agreement under oath toserve the United States for ten years. 

Any physically fit male citizen of the United States, between the agesof twenty-one and twenty-seven years, who graduated prior to June 22, 1916, from any educational institution at which an officer of the Armywas detailed as professor of military science and tactics, and who, while a student at such institution, completed courses of militarytraining substantially equivalent to those prescribed for the seniordivision of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, may, aftersatisfactorily completing such additional practical military training asthe Secretary of War shall prescribe, be eligible for appointment to theOfficers' Reserve Corps. 

The President can appoint and commission, as a temporary secondlieutenant of the Regular Army in time of peace, for the purpose ofinstruction and for a period not to exceed six months, any ReserveOfficer who was appointed in the manner described in the two precedingparagraphs. A temporary second lieutenant will receive the allowanceauthorized by law for that grade and pay at the rate of $100 a month. Hewill be attached to a unit of the Regular Army for duty and training. Atthe end of the six months he will revert to the status of a ReserveOfficer. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER'S REPORT

At the end of each calendar year department commanders and chiefs ofstaff corps and departments compile lists of members of the Officers'Reserve Corps under their command, showing:

 (a) Name, rank, age, and address. (b) Amount of instruction received. (c) Progress made. (d) Efficiency of officer. (e) Recommendation. 

A copy of these lists will be forwarded to the Adjutant General of theArmy. 

The remainder of this chapter boils down to an irreducible minimum someof the most important subjects with which a Reserve Officer or anapplicant for a commission in the Officers' Reserve Corps should befamiliar. It emphasizes those things with which a reserve officer shouldat once become familiar. [A] It merely opens up a broad field of studyfor a reserve officer and at the same time can be used as a place ofreference. 

THE LAND FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES

You now are, or expect to become, a member of the land forces of theUnited States. Of what do the land forces of the United States consist?They consist of the Regular Army, the Volunteer Army, the Officers'Reserve Corps, the Enlisted Reserve Corps, the National Army, theNational Guard in the service of the United States and such other landforces as Congress may authorize. 

The land forces are grouped under two general heads:

 (1) The Mobile Army. (2) The Coast Artillery. 

"The Mobile Army. The mobile army is primarily organized for offensiveoperations against an enemy, and on this account requires the maximumdegree of mobility. " (Field Service Regulations. ) It consists of:

 Infantry. Field Artillery. Cavalry. Engineers. Signal Corps Troops. 

"The Coast Artillery. The coast artillery is charged with the care anduse of the fixed and movable elements of the land and coastfortifications. " (Field Service Regulations. )

The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of theArmy. He exercises his command through the Secretary of War. The Chiefof Staff acts as military adviser to the Secretary of War. He puts intoeffect the Administration's wishes. 

For the purpose of equipping, inspecting, directing, and administeringto the Army, there are the following corps and departments:

 (1) General Staff Corps. (2) Adjutant General's Department. (3) Inspector General's Department. (4) Judge Advocate General's Department. (5) Quartermaster Corps. (6) Medical Department. (7) Ordnance Department. (8) Bureau of Insular Affairs. (9) Signal Corps. (10) Engineer Corps. 

The following are the grades of rank and commands of officers andnoncommissioned officers:

 (1) General Commands: Armies. (2) Lieutenant-General Commands: Field Army. (3) Major-General Commands: Division. (4) Brigadier-General Commands: Brigade. (5) Colonel Commands: Regiment. (6) Lieutenant-Colonel Second in command in a Regiment. (7) Major Commands: Battalion. (8) Captain Commands: Company. (9) First Lieutenant Commands: Platoon. (10) Second Lieutenant Commands: Platoon. (11) Veterinarian He has no command. (12) Cadet at United States Military Academy He has no command. (13) Sergeant-Major (Regimental) He has no command. (14) Ordnance Sergeant He has no command. (15) Quartermaster Sergeant He has no command. (16) Sergeant-Major (Battalion) He has no command. (17) First Sergeant Commands: Platoon. (18) Sergeant Commands: Sometimes a Platoon. (19) Corporal Commands: Squad. 

ARTICLES OF WAR

The Army is governed by the Articles of War, which can be found in theArmy Regulations. Any laws, orders, et cetera, pertaining to the Armymust not violate directly or indirectly any of the Articles of War. Itis therefore desirable that each Reserve Officer know where to find themand become, in a general way, familiar with them. 

GENERAL ADVICE

To become a first-class drillmaster is desirable and necessary. But, being one, you are not to be intrusted with the command of troops in thefield unless you have gone much farther than that. To become anexcellent drillmaster means simply that you have mastered a detail. Inorder to become one you should bear this in mind: You cannot teach a manhow to do a thing unless you know that thing yourself. If you don't knowyour drill, don't try to "bluff" your men. Burn the midnight oil, orremain a private. 

MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE

An official letter should refer to one subject only. 

In writing to the War Department address your letter to "The AdjutantGeneral of the Army, Washington, D. C. "

The United States (including colonies) is divided into the followingdepartments:

 (1) The Northeastern Department, with Headquarters at Boston, Massachusetts. 

 (2) The Eastern Department, with headquarters at Governors Island, New York. 

 (3) The Southeastern Department, with Headquarters at Charleston, South Carolina. 

 (4) The Central Department, with Headquarters at Chicago, Illinois. 

 (5) The Southern Department, with Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 

 (6) The Western Department, with Headquarters at San Francisco, California. 

 (7) The Philippine Department, with Headquarters at Manila. P. I. 

 (8) The Hawaiian Department, with Headquarters at Honolulu, Hawaii. 

You will be in one of these departments. Address your communication to"The Commanding General" at his department headquarters. 

Answer all official communications promptly. This is important. Lettersmust be written, folded, signed as prescribed by the War Department. Models illustrating the system are furnished by the Adjutant General'soffice, Washington, D. C. "Ind. " is the abbreviation for indorsement. 

(Correspondence Model)

 COMPANY B, 40TH INFANTRY, Fort William H. Seward, Alaska, July 19, 1916. 

 From: The Commanding Officer, Co. B, 40th Inf. 

 To: The Adjutant General of the Army (Through military channels. )

 Subject: Philippine campaign badge, Corporal John Doe. 

 Inclosed are lists in duplicate of the enlisted men of Company B, 40th infantry, entitled to the Philippine campaign badge. 

John A. Brown, Capt. , 40th Inf. 

1st Ind. 

Hq. Ft. William H. Seward, Alaska, July 19th, 1916. --To the Comdg. Gen. , Western Department, San Francisco, California. 

A. F. R. , Brig. -Gen. , Comdg. 

 2d Ind. 

(Incl. Is the abbreviation for inclosure. )

(Stamp) Rec'd Western Department, July 30, 1916. 

(Note. This correspondence is not complete but it illustrates how towrite a military letter and indorsement. )

USE OF THE COMBINED ARMS

Every efficient officer must realize the possibilities and limitationsof his own arm of the service as well as the possibilities andlimitations of the other arms. Each arm of the service is necessary andimportant. A proper understanding of the use of the combined arms is asessential to success in battle as coöperation between the differentmembers of a football team is to its success. Don't "knock" any arm butthe one you are in, and don't knock that unless you are willing to admityou are not man enough to improve it. 

INFANTRY

"The infantry is the principal and most important arm, which is chargedwith the main work on the field of battle and it usually decides thefinal issue of the combat. " (Field Service Regulations. ) The rôle (dutyor job) of the infantry, whether offensive or defensive, is the rôle ofthe entire force. If it fails, all fail. When properly supported byartillery, trained infantrymen armed with rifles, bayonets, and the willto put the enemy out of action, will settle all issues. 

ARTILLERY

The chief duty of the artillery is to support the infantry. It does thisin three ways: 1st, By firing at the hostile infantry. 2d, By puttingout of action the hostile artillery so that it cannot fire at theinfantry. 3d, By demolishing the obstacles in front of the enemy'sworks. It smothers the enemy with a curtain of fire, so that theinfantry can move forward without ruinous losses. Coöperation with theinfantry is essential. If the infantry is defeated the artillery coversits withdrawal; if the infantry is successful the artillery movesforward and assists in reaping the full reward of victory by firing onthe fleeing enemy. The present European War has greatly increased theprestige and importance of this arm of the service. The amount ofartillery on the Western front and the amount of ammunition consumeddaily is appalling. 

CAVALRY

This very important arm is the eye with which the general sees for manymiles to the front and flank. In an advance it pushes ahead, combs thecountry for the enemy, disperses his cavalry, and thus protects theinfantry in the rear. It locates the enemy, and occupies his attentionuntil the infantry comes up. It protects the flanks and rear of theinfantry and artillery during the fight. If needed, it joins in thefight. If the infantry is defeated it covers the withdrawal, and if theinfantry wins it pursues and pounces upon the enemy. 

MACHINE GUNS

Before the present European War, machine guns were classified asemergency weapons. It was not believed that they could remain long inaction, because they would soon be silenced by hostile fire (artilleryand infantry). It was recommended, therefore, that a favorableopportunity be awaited before opening fire which was to be deliveredwith their utmost effectiveness. They were believed to possess verylimited possibilities in an attacking line, hut as being most valuablein defensive works where protection and concealment could be found. 

During this war they have lost, as a defensive weapon, no prestige. Theyhave also proved of great value to the attacking side. They are beingmade light and portable to accompany the firing line in an attack. Thesupply of ammunition alone limits the number that can be used. 

Each side in the present war has used them by the thousands witheffectiveness. Machine guns are more worthy of consideration to-day thanheretofore. 

BOMBS AND HAND GRENADES

The present European War has revived the use of hand grenades and bombs. A certain number of soldiers in each British and French battalion aretrained as grenade throwers. Their principal weapon is a bucket or bagof grenades or bombs. They operate not only from trenches but accompanythe firing line in an attack and dispose of sheltered or isolated groupof the enemy by smothering their position with a shower of hand grenadesor bombs. 

These weapons are in the first stages of development in this country. They offer to the service practically a virgin field of opportunities. Some Reserve Officers might make a specialty of this subject and assistin its development. 

NIGHT OPERATIONS

"By employing night operations troops make use of the cover of darknessto minimize losses from hostile fire, to escape observation, to gaintime. " (Infantry Drill Regulations. ) They are dangerous because controlis difficult and confusion is frequently unavoidable. Only trainedtroops should be used, and the formation must be simple. Don't attemptanything complicated. 

Observe the following suggestions. For an attack or offensive movement:

 (1) Study by daylight and after dark, if possible, the ground you are to cross. 

 (2) Make careful preparations with secrecy. 

 (3) Avoid fire action. Pieces should not be loaded. Rely on the bayonet. 

 (4) Give each unit a definite objective and direction. Avoid collision. 

 (5) Have each man wear a distinctive badge. (For instance, a white band on one arm. )

If on the defensive and you expect a night attack, place obstacles infront of your position, heavily patrol your front, fix bayonets, move upyour supports, open fire as soon as results may be expected, andilluminate the foreground. 

OBSTACLES

The main object in placing obstacles in front of a defensive position isto delay the enemy while he is under the defenders' fire, and thus makehis advance as difficult as possible. To accomplish this result theymust be so placed that the enemy must cross them. They must notinterfere with the defenders' view or fire; they must not be easilydestroyed by artillery fire; they must not afford concealment to theenemy; and they must be so made that they will not obstruct a counterattack on the part of the defenders. The present war has demonstratedthat the barb wire entanglement fulfils more of these requirements thanany other form of obstacle. --See Engineer Department's "Manual on FieldFortifications" on how to construct obstacles. 

MEETING ENGAGEMENTS

When two hostile forces suddenly meet we have what is termed a "meetingengagement. " Very little or no reconnaissance is possible. There is anabsence of trenches. Both sides deploy rapidly. The smaller the forcethe more frequently will it fight a meeting engagement. Therefore, it isof the utmost importance to junior officers. A great advantage willaccrue to the side which can deploy the faster. The leader who hasintuition, initiative, who can make a quick decision and is willing totake a long chance, will have a great advantage. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTION

"The withdrawal of a defeated force can generally be effected only at aheavy cost. " (Infantry Drill Regulations. ) When a withdrawal isnecessary, make every possible effort to place distance and a rear guardbetween you and the enemy. Have one part of your line withdraw underprotection of the fire of the other part and so on. Reorganize yourcommand as soon as possible. 

INTRENCHMENTS

"Ordinarily infantry intrenches itself whenever it is compelled to haltfor a considerable time in the presence of the enemy. " (Infantry DrillRegulations. ) Trenches are constructed with a view of giving cover whichwill diminish losses, but they must not be so built or placed as tointerfere with the free use of the rifle. A good field of fire is thefirst consideration. The construction of a trench is simple, but thelocation of it is difficult. If possible, trenches are laid out incompany lengths. 

Intrenchments usually take the following form:

(1) Hasty Cover. Constructed by troops with the tools they carry ontheir person. It is a shallow trench with a parapet at least three feetthick and one foot high. It furnishes cover against rifle fire, butscarcely any against shrapnel. 

(2) Fire Trench. It should be deep and narrow with the parapet flatand concealed. While in it, the troops fire at the enemy; hence the namefire trench. 

Usual forms of fire trenches are as shown in the following illustration:

[Illustration]

(3) Support Trenches. The supports sleep and live in these trenches;hence they are covered. The cover (roof) must be thick enough to affordprotection from high angle artillery fire. It is placed as near the firetrench as possible. 

(4) Approach Trenches. These connect fire trenches with the supporttrenches and the support trenches with any trenches in rear wherenatural covered communication is impracticable. 

[Illustration: CROSS SECTION OF A SUPPORT TRENCH AND DUGOUT]

[Illustration: A SECTION OF A FORWARD ENTRENCHED ZONE

OTHERS ARE IN REAR]

They are zig-zagged to escape being enfiladed. (That is, to prevent oneexplosion from doing too much damage in a single trench. ) During anengagement, troops by using these trenches can go safely to the helpof the troops in the fire trenches. They are usually deep and narrow. 

(5) Intermediate Trenches. They are constructed in rear of the supporttrenches when the ground renders it possible to offer a stubbornresistance between the support and the reserve trenches. They areconstructed like fire trenches. 

(6) Reserve Trenches. Constructed like the fire trenches and occupiedby the local reserves who live in deep dug-outs. The intermediate andreserve trenches are often merged into the support trenches. All areprotected by barbwire entanglements. No set plan of trenches can beused. The topographical features of the ground must govern. 

MILITARY MAPS

Definition. "A military map is a drawing made to represent somesection of the country, showing the features that are of militaryimportance, such as roads, bridges, streams, houses, and hills. The mapmust be so drawn that you can tell the distance between any two points, the heights of the hills, and the relative positions of everythingshown. " (Field Service Regulations. )

In the field the military maps are supplemented by sketches, or fieldmaps, prepared from day to day. For facility in reading, military mapsare made according to a uniform system of scales and contour intervalsas follows:

Road Sketches. Three inches on the map is equal to 1 mile on theground, contour intervals of 20 feet. 

Position and Outpost Sketches. Six inches on the map arc equal to 1mile on the ground, contour intervals of 10 feet. 

Manœuver or War Game Maps. Twelve inches on the map are equal to 1mile on the ground, contour intervals of 5 feet. 

Large Strategical maps for Extended Manœuvers. One inch on the map isequal to 1 mile on the ground, contour intervals of 60 feet. 

Every officer in the Reserve Corps should be able to read a military mapand make a road, an outpost, and a position sketch. 

BAYONET

Importance of the Bayonet. The infantry soldier is armed with abayonet. He relies mainly on fire action to disable the enemy, but heshould know that it is often necessary for him to cross bayonets withthe enemy. Therefore he must be instructed in the use of the rifle andthe bayonet in hand-to-hand encounters. The present European War isdemonstrating the importance of this instruction. If you did not receiveinstruction in bayonet fighting at a federal training camp, it was notbecause it is unimportant, but because there was no available time togive it. Any Reserve Officer can well afford to specialize in thiswork. 

AMMUNITION

An infantry soldier goes into battle carrying 220 rounds of rifleammunition. He habitually carries in his belt 100 rounds and when afight is imminent he gets 120 rounds (2 bandoliers) from his combattrain. He keeps 30 rounds in the right pocket section of his belt to beexpended only when ordered by an officer. 

A cavalryman goes into battle carrying 150 rounds of rifle ammunitionand 40 rounds of pistol ammunition. He habitually carries in his belt 90rounds of rifle and 20 rounds of pistol ammunition. When about to gointo a fight he gets 60 rounds of rifle and 20 rounds of pistolammunition from his combat train. 

All officers must train their men to economize in the use of ammunition. Train service, even by rail for ammunition, would be inadequate if thiswere not done. 

TRANSPORTATION

Organization commanders are responsible for all unauthorized material orsupplies that may be put on their wagons. You should therefore becomeacquainted with the transportation attached to the smallerorganizations. The wagons that carry your ammunition are called theCombat Train. The wagons that carry your authorized baggage, kitchenequipment, and food are called the Field Train. 

THE RATION

A ration is the allowance (money) for the subsistence of one person forone day. It is based on the cost of a fixed amount of certain foods(such as meat, potatoes, bread, etc. ) necessary for a workingman. As thecost of food in the different sections of the country varies, so doesthe cost of the ration. There are several kinds of ration based on whatthe soldier is doing and the climate he is in. If you are ever incommand of a company, whether in the field or in barracks, one of yourmost important duties will be to supervise the cooking and messing ofyour company. You should, therefore, become familiar with the followingrations:

(1) Garrison rations. Used by troops in garrison and during peace andon manœuvers. 

(2) Reserve ration. Carried on the person and in the trains. 

(3) Field ration. The ration prescribed by the commander of a fieldforce. 

(4) Travel ration. Used when traveling. 

(5) Emergency ration. Used by troops on an active campaign in anemergency. 

(6) Filipino ration. For use of Filipino Scouts. 

PROPERTY

In the absence of regulations on the subject, each Reserve Officershould own a good watch, a pair of field glasses, a compass, and a notebook. 

GUARD DUTY

Guards are used in camp or garrison to preserve order, to protectproperty, and to enforce police regulations. The commander of the guardis an officer or non-commissioned officer. He performs his duties underthe supervision of the officer of the day. A sentinel is on post twohours out of every six. And a tour of guard duty is twenty-four hours. As guard duty is of such utmost importance, and laxity, or failure toperform it properly, is very severely punished, the duties of allconnected with it are clearly prescribed in the Guard Manual. 

Orders for sentinels are divided into two classes, general and special. Each should be memorized. Special orders relate to particular posts andduties. General orders apply to all sentinels and are as follows:

"(1) To take charge of this post and all government property in view. 

"(2) To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alertand observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing. 

"(3) To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce. 

"(4) To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard housethan my own. 

"(5) To quit my post only when properly relieved. 

"(6) To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentinel who relieves me allorders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers andnoncommissioned officers of the guard only. 

"(7) To talk to no one except in line of duty. 

"(8) In case of fire or disorder to give the alarm. 

"(9) To allow no one to commit a nuisance on or near my post. 

"(10) In any case not covered by instructions to call the corporal ofthe guard. 

"(11) To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time forchallenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allowno one to pass without proper authority. " (Guard Manual. )

SALUTING

Saluting distance is that within which recognition is easy. In generalit does not exceed thirty paces. 

A junior, who is mounted, dismounts before addressing a senior who isdismounted. If the senior is mounted the junior does not dismount whenaddressing him. 

A junior officer walks or rides on the left of his senior. 

 National Anthem. Whenever the National Anthem is played at any place when persons belonging to the military service are present all officers and enlisted men not in formation should stand at attention facing toward the music (except at retreat, when they should face toward the flag). If in uniform, covered, they shall salute at the first note of the anthem, retaining the position of salute until the last note of the anthem. If uncovered, stand at attention but do not salute. If not in uniform and covered they shall uncover at the first note of the anthem, holding the headdress opposite the left shoulder and so remain until its close, except that in inclement weather the headdress may be slightly raised. 

 The same rules apply when to the color or to the standard is sounded as when the National Anthem is played. 

 When played by an Army band, the National Anthem shall be played through without repetition of any part not required to be repeated to make it complete. 

 The same marks of respect prescribed for observance during the playing of the National Anthem of the United States shall be shown toward the national anthem of any other country when played upon official occasions. 

Colors or Standards. Colors are the national and regimental flags offoot troops. Standards are the national and regimental flags of cavalryor field artillery. When passing colors or standards, uncased (not in awaterproof case), the prescribed salute must always be rendered. By theprescribed salute is meant, if unarmed or armed with a saber which issheathed, the "hand salute"; if armed with a drawn saber, the "presentsaber". If you, wearing civilian dress, pass them, uncover and hold theheaddress opposite the left shoulder with the right hand. 

BOOKS[3]

We recommend that all officers, non-commissioned officers and allprivates who propose to work for advancement read the following books. All can probably be obtained from the Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Any other military books (desired can be purchasedfrom the United States Infantry Association, Union Trust Building, Washington, D. C. 

(1) "The Military Policy of the United States, " by Gen. E. Upton. 

(2) "The Guard Manual, United States Army. "

(3) "The Field Service Regulations, United States Army. "

(4) The Drill Regulations of the arm of the service to which you areassigned. 

(5) "Non-commissioned Officers' Manual" (War Department Publication). 

(6) "First Aid to the Sick and Injured" (War Department Publication). 

(7) "Army Regulations" (to be used as a book of reference when needed). 

(8) "Small Arms Firing Regulations" (War Department Publication). 

(9) "A Manual for Courts-Martial, U. S. Army. "

It is highly desirable for every Reserve Officer to place his name onthe mailing list at the Army Service School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This costs about $1 a year and in return the officer receives muchvaluable information. Write to the Secretary for any further informationdesired on this subject. 

FIELD ORDERS

Field orders, whether written or oral, should follow a certain form. This decreases the probability of any vital part being left out andincreases the probability of the receiver or reader understanding it. 

In the following form for an advance, note the order in which theparagraphs occur. This is very important. 

FOR AN ADVANCE

Field Orders (Title)No. ---- (Place)(Reference to map used) (Date and Hour)

 (1) (Information of enemy and of ourTroops supporting troops) (2) (Plan of commander)

(a) Independent (3) (a) (Instructions for independent Cavalry: cavalry-place and time of departure, (Commander) roads or country to be (Troops) covered, special mission)

(b) Advance Guard: (b) (Instructions for advance (Commander) guard-place and time of departure, or distance at which it is to (Troops) precede the main body, route, special mission)(c) Main Body--in order (c) (Instructions for main body--distance of march: at which it is to follow (Commander) the advance guard, or place and time of departure)

(d) Right (left) Flank (d) (Instructions for flank guard--place Guard: and time of departure, (Commander) route, special mission) (Troops)

(e) Signal Troops: (e) (Instructions for signal troops--lines (Commander) of information to be established, special mission)

 (x) (Instructions for outpost--when relieved subsequent duties)

 (4) (Instructions for field train--escort, distance in rear of column, or destination when different from that of main body, if disposition not previously covered in "Orders")

 (Instructions for sanitary, ammunition, supply and engineer trains when necessary)

 (5) (Place of commander or where messages may be sent)

 (How and to whom issued)

 (Authentication)

Notice in particular that the first thing in the body of the order isthe information of the enemy and of supporting or friendly troops; 2d, the plan; 3d, the detailed instruction for executing the plan; 4th, theorder to field train; 5th, the place where the commander can be found. 

All orders, whether for a retreat, an attack, a defense, theestablishment of an outpost and so on, should take this general form. 

A MODEL ORDER FOR AN ADVANCE

Field Orders "Hq. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, No. 6 Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Three inch Leavenworth 20 Aug. '08, 8 P. M. Map (1) Two regiments of hostile infantry Troops are reported to have occupied Valley(a) Advance Guard: Falls late this afternoon, en route for Major A. Easton. Small hostile cavalry patrols1st Bn & 8 mtd. Orderlies, were seen two miles east of Valley 1st Inf. Falls at 6 P. M. To-day. 1st. Plat. Tr. A. The remainder of our division is expected 7th Cavalry to reach Fort Leavenworth(b) Main Body----in order to-morrow. Of March: (2) This brigade (less the 3d Inf. Colonel B. Which has been directed to hold the1st. Inf. (less 1st Bn. ) Missouri river crossing at Fort Leavenworth)2d Infantry will march to-morrow to Detachment 3d F. Easton to hold the crossings of the Hosp. Big Stranger creek. 

(3) (a) The advance guard will clear D at 5-15 A. M. , marchingvia the E--G--Atchison Pike--1--74--78--80--Q--R--Easton road. Patrols will be sent via Lowemont to reconnoiter the crossings ofthe Big Stranger near Millwood and via Mount Olivet to reconnoiterthose near 114. 

(b) The main body will follow at a distance of about 700 yards. 

(4) The baggage train (less that of the 3d Inf. ), escorted byone squad, 2d Inf. , will start from D at 6-15 A. M. And follow toP where it will await further orders. 

(5) Reports will reach the brigade commander at the head ofthe main body. 

By command of Brig. -Gen. X: Y, Adjt. Gen. "

Copies by Adjutant to Col. B. 1st Inf. Col. C. 2d Inf. Col. D. 3d Inf. Maj. A. 1st Inf. Capt. E. Tr. A 7th Cav. Capt. F. Hospital Corps. 

GENERAL IDEAS AND RULES FOR SOLVING MILITARY PROBLEMS

The cave man knocked over his foe with a rude club. The operation isgreatly refined to-day. The technique of war changes with the ages, buthuman nature remains the same. Whether with grenade or gas, fromsubmarine or aëroplane, a man after all possible woe and suffering is nomore than killed. Human nature will submit to losses in battle up to acertain point, after that the frailties are asserted. The instinct ofself-preservation dominates. Organization and discipline and reason aredissipated. A condition ensues similar to that which we have in theatersduring fires. 

Napoleon's success as a military leader was due to his knowledge of menand how to handle them, common sense, and in a lesser degree to what helearned from books. Upon such a basis the young managers of industrialconcerns would be most valuable material from which to select and trainsuccessful military leaders. They know men, and it is necessary topossess a world of common sense to acquire any such knowledge. Many ofthose elements that make success in a military man are exactly the sameas those that make a man successful anywhere. A president of auniversity, a lawyer or banker or merchant or engineer, has exactly thesame kind of daily problems to solve, and requires much the same talentsas those possessed by a military leader. 

Since success in battle is the thing at which we are driving in allmilitary training, it is common sense to prepare a machine that will dothe business. Every officer and noncommissioned officer has got to knowhow to play the game. A good private makes a good corporal, a goodcorporal makes a good sergeant, a good sergeant makes a goodlieutenant--a good colonel makes a good brigadier general--all exactlyas in civil life. 

Prussia has had her greatest military success when she devoted herenergies to manœuvers and to the solution of tactical problems. Herdefeats and humiliations have come when she has neglected this work. Andthere's nothing mysterious about the way Prussia or Napoleon or anybodyelse has solved their military problems. No occult forces are involved, any more than there is in building a canal or hunting tigers. The realgeneral is, in a sense, a postgraduate hunter, or an advanced, all-American quarterback. 

One phase of the military work is significant and should causereflection. The punishment for errors in war is very severe. A leaderwho makes mistakes may not only pay for them with his own blood butothers too may suffer with him. In war we must obey our leaders whetherthey are right or wrong. How great, do you suppose, are those hordesthat have been sacrificed on history's battlefields to the goddess ofignorance?

Napoleon says in one of his maxims, "Read and reread the campaigns ofAlexander, Cæsar, Gustavus Adolphus, Turrenne, Eugene, and Frederick;take them for your model; that is the only way of becoming a greatcaptain, to obtain the secrets of the art of war. " To read moreintelligently such history we should know something about solvingproblems in minor tactics. We must know how to solve such problems if weare to master our duties as officers. 

Whether, as general or corporal, you are solving a problem on a map oron the ground, your methods will be, in principle, the same. In theformer case your soldiers understand thoroughly all orders and doexactly as directed. In the latter case your soldiers are human. Theyget tired and sick. They go in the wrong directions and get lostsometimes. One forgets, another is late, and the third misinterprets anorder, etc. 

Here is the common-sense way in which an all-American quarterbackperforms his duties. He studies carefully the opposing team (enemy) byreports beforehand and on the field of the contest, to determine hisweak and strong points. The latter he wishes to avoid in directing hisattack. He considers his position on the field, the wind and weather, ifraining, etc. , and then his different plays to hit the weaker parts ofthe opposing line with the advantages and disadvantages of each. To hiswell-trained mind all this is done in a flash, but the logic and causesand effects of action are none the less present. This quarterback hasanalyzed the conditions of his problems, he has figured out what he isup against; that is to say, he has estimated the situation. 

He is now ready for a decision. He determines where he is going tostrike and with what kind of a play he will do it. 

He gives a signal, 44--11--17--5. That is to say, he issues his orders. 

That is exactly the way a military man, whether he be a corporal or ageneral, goes about handling a problem, whether on paper or on theground. When he goes into battle he finds the only difference is thatthe problem is complicated by bullets and excitement. 

Don't think that you are going to learn to solve problems from booksalone, any more than you can learn to play tennis or build bridges onpaper. You have got to get out into the country and work with actualtroops. But first study map problems. Come to a decision slowly untilyou have had considerable practice, then write out your order with noguides or references. Then check yourself up. Common sense and simpleplans are the safest guides. 

To frame a suitable field order you must make an estimate of thesituation, culminating in a decision upon a definite plan of action. Youmust then actually draft or word the orders which will carry yourdecision into effect. 

THE LOGICAL WAY TO ESTIMATE THE SITUATION

1st. Consider exactly what you are to do, i. E. , your mission as setforth in the orders or instructions under which you are acting or asdeduced by you from your knowledge of the situation. 

2d. Consider all available information of the enemy. What is hisstrength? How is he situated? What is he going to do? etc. 

3d. Consider all conditions affecting your own troops. What advantagesin numbers and position have you over the enemy? What is their morale?etc. 

4th. Consider the terrain in so far as it affects the situation. 

5th. Consider the various plans of action open to you and decide uponthe one that will best enable you to accomplish your mission (carry outyour task); that is to say, come to a decision. 

It is now necessary to express that decision in the form of an order asthe quarterback did in giving the signal, 44--11--17--5. 

To enable the will of the commander to be quickly understood, and tosecure prompt coöperation among his subordinates, field orders arerequired to follow a general form. 

Under the stress and strain of an engagement there are many causes ofexcitement. Unless we have trained ourselves to act along certain linesin issuing orders, we may forget some important considerations. We haveknown people of superb intelligence to do poorly before a large audiencesimply from lack of training and experience. 

CORRECT PROCEDURE IN GIVING THE MAIN PART OF A FIELD ORDER

1st. Give the information of the enemy and of our own supportingtroops (i. E. , those who may come to our assistance in case of need) toyour subordinates that will give them a clear understanding of theproblem and enable them intelligently to cooperate with you. 

2d. Now state what you are going to do. That is to say, give yourplan. 

3d. Next, how you are going to put that plan into effect. That is, theassignment of duties to each subordinate. 

4th. Give instructions for the ammunition trains, stations for theslightly wounded, etc. 

5th. State where you can be found or where messages may be sent. 

SOME GENERAL HINTS

Clear and decisive orders are the logical result of definite and suredecisions. To guage[B] a man's caliber read his orders. 

You must not be hazy and indefinite in your order. You must be clear anddefinite. Be careful about your phrasing and expressions. An ordershould be like a cablegram: convey every idea but contain no unnecessarywords. 

Don't break up the squads or platoons or the companies. Keep thetactical units together as much as possible. 

It is marvelous how many mistakes can occur on the battlefield. Attempta complicated plan and its failure is reasonably assured. Have your plansimple. The enveloping attack is the best. That is to say, have yourline longer than the enemy's so that you can attack one of his flanks. He knows this quite as well as you and he will endeavor to perform thesame operation upon you. The leader, all else being equal, who has thewit to out-manoeuver the other will win the engagement. 

As a rule, an affirmative form of expression is used. Such an order as:"The supply train will not accompany the division, " is defective, because the gist of the order depends upon the single word "not. "

Write your order so it can be read. Don't go about it as though you werea doctor writing a prescription. Things will go wrong if you do. Youwill find some of your troops moving in the wrong direction when youneed them badly. 

Be brief. Short sentences are good. They are clear. Conjectures, expectations, and reasons for measures adopted are weak. They do notinspire confidence. They should be avoided. 

Accept the entire responsibility of your command. If things go wrong, it's your fault. Correct them. A large number of military men make ittheir particular business to find faults in others, with scarcely athought for their own. Don't join this club. Reverse the matter. 

Avoid such expressions as "attempt to capture, " "try to hold, " "as faras possible, " "as well as you can, " etc. Tell a man what he is to do. Don't divide any responsibility with any one. 

Officers and men of all ranks and grades are given a certainindependence in the execution of the tasks to which they are assignedand are expected to show initiative in meeting the different situationsas they arise. Every individual, from the highest commander to thelowest private, must always remember that inaction and neglect ofopportunities will warrant severe censure. Do something that will helpcarry out the plans of your commander. The Japanese regulations cautiontheir commanders to avoid inaction and hesitation. 

If you were hunting tigers and permitted a wounded one to move to yourrear and spring upon you, unaware of its presence, you would probablypay a heavy price for not being on the alert. For a military leader tobe caught unawares is unpardonable. 

Napoleon said in another of his maxims: "if the enemy's army were toappear on my front, or on my right or left, what would I do?" If thequestion is difficult for the commander to answer, his troops are notonly poorly placed but are poorly led. 

Don't let your force be divided up into detachments and roam all overthe country. This is a very common error with beginners. Avoiddispersion. Keep your troops together. 

You cannot fire on the battlefield with the same accuracy as you do onthe target range. Fear dilates the pupil of the eye. Men cannot shootwell when they are under great excitement. Don't count on killing toomany of the enemy with a carload of ammunition. 

Never forget that Fire Superiority is the thing that wins battles. Ifyou let the other fellow get it and keep it, he's going to win, not you. 

Don't trespass upon the province of a subordinate. He will handle hisjob if you will handle yours. 

Remember that your flanks are just as vulnerable as the enemy's. He hashis eyes on your flanks just as much as you are observing andconsidering his own. 

Keep cool about starting the action. Don't put all your men in beforeyou understand thoroughly the condition confronting you. Hold a largepart of your force out as supports and reserves until you knowdefinitely the enemy's position. 

Don't get killed unless necessary; your usefulness to the State comes toan end when that occurs. Take advantage of cover, hug the ground. Learnwhat is good and what is poor cover. 

It is a common fault to forget about the service of information once theaction has begun. Keep up your patrolling. Keep yourself posted on whatthe enemy is about. Otherwise he may have some unpleasant surprise foryou. 

Be particularly careful about details of time and place. Regulate yourwatch by the time kept at headquarters. 

When you've got the enemy on the run don't let up for an instant. Pursuehim without mercy. Turn his retreat into a rout. Capture or destroy hisforces. 

Scarcely any of these things we are telling you are new. They are as oldas war itself. The boxer of a thousand years from now may know a littlemore about the technique of the game, but the essentials will notchange. To wear the champion's belt, he will have to suffer some lustyblows and be able himself to deliver some more powerful. There will beno easy road to the title. So it is with all wars. 

SUMMARY

We recommend that each officer become familiar with the followingsummary:

 "1. Avoid combats that offer no chance of victory or other valuable results. 

 "2. Make every effort for the success of the general plan and avoid spectacular plays that have no bearing on the general result. 

 "3. Have a definite plan and carry it out vigorously. Do not vacillate. 

 "4. Do not attempt complicated manœuvers. 

 "5. Keep the command in hand; avoid undue extension and dispersion. 

 "6. Study the ground and direct the advance in such a way as to take advantage of all available cover and thereby diminish losses. 

 "7. Never deploy until the purpose and the proper direction are known. 

 "8. Deploy enough men for the immediate task in hand; hold out the rest and avoid undue haste in committing them to the action. 

 "9. Flanks must be protected either by reserves, fortifications, or the terrain. 

 "10. In a decisive action, gain and keep fire superiority. 

 "11. Keep up reconnaissance. 

 "12. Use the reserve, but not until needed or a very favorable opportunity for its use presents itself. Keep some reserve as long as practicable. 

 "13. Do not hesitate to sacrifice the command if the result is worth the cost. 

 "14. Spare the command all unnecessary hardship and exertion. "

 --Infantry Drill Regulations. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

For convenience, military information is considered under two heads, namely (1) that collected in time of peace by the body of army expertsin Washington called the General Staff; and (2) that obtained by troopsin the field after war has begun. The former relates to generalconditions such as the geography, resources, and military strength ofthe various nations, information necessary to enable the General Staffto act intelligently in the event of war. The latter relates to morelocal and detailed conditions out on the firing line. 

For a general to act intelligently he must possess information of theposition, strength, dispositions, intentions, etc. , of his opponent. This may be obtained from a number of sources--adjoining troops, inhabitants, newspapers, letters, telegraph files, prisoners, deserters, spies, maps, but mostly from information-gathering groups, calledreconnoitering patrols. When the available maps do not show all themilitary features of the country, officers and soldiers must go on aheadand make maps that do. 

INTELLIGENCE SECTION GENERAL STAFF

There is a special committee of the Great General Staff called theIntelligence Section, whose business it is to weigh and classify allinformation sent to it. Members of this committee are placed on dutywith large organizations (for instance, a division, a field army, etc. ). 

ASSUMPTION OF THE ENEMY

When reliable information of the enemy cannot be obtained, it must beassumed that he has sense and will act with excellent judgment. 

FALSE INFORMATION

Unless instructions have been given to spread false information, allpersons connected with the military service are forbidden to discuss themilitary situation, plans, movements, etc. , with, or in the presence of, civilians of any age, sex or nationality. 

FIRE

There are three kinds of fire:

(1) Volley Fire. Every one fires at the command FIRE. It is used atfunerals and occasionally in the first part of an action when the enemypresents a large, compact target. 

(2) Fire At Will. In this each soldier fires, loads, and fires againindependently of the others. He fires fast or slow as the occasiondemands. 

(3) Clip Fire. The soldier stops firing when he has finished his clipof five cartridges. This assists in preventing an undue expenditure ofammunition and in abating excitement. 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDEPENDENT AND DIVISIONAL CAVALRY

The main difficulty in seeing the distinction between Independent andDivisional Cavalry consists in our forgetting that we have differentkinds of organizations in the army as well as we have anywhere else. Letus clearly understand this:

(1) An Infantry Division is composed of nine regiments of infantry, twoof artillery, and one of cavalry. 

(2) A Cavalry Division is composed of nine regiments of cavalry, oneregiment of horse artillery, and no infantry. 

The cavalry attached to an Infantry Division is, in general, calledDivisional Cavalry. It operates at but comparatively short distancesfrom its division, its duties being of a somewhat local nature. 

The Independent Cavalry, because it can move so rapidly, is sent far inadvance (thirty, forty, or even fifty or more miles) of the main army toobtain general information, such as the approximate strength andlocation of the enemy's forces. The Division Commander, since he is sofar away from the Commanding General of the army in rear, and since hehas broad general duties to perform, must of necessity have broad powersand, in general, be permitted to act as the occasion demands. He is, therefore, said to act independently, and his cavalry is calledIndependent Cavalry. 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRATEGY AND TACTICS

Strategy is generalship in its broadest conception. A strategistconceives and projects campaigns. He determines where armies and naviesare to be sent. He is not concerned with the handling or manœuvers ofarmies and fleets. He turns over those details to tacticians. He is themaster mind, far removed, generally, from the battle line, who picks upan army or fleet here, and puts it there. 

Tactics is the act and science of disposing (arranging) armies andfleets in order for battle. A tactical commander (tactician) solveslocal details. 

Strategy pertains to conception, to policy; tactics, to technique. 

The great General Staff in Washington inaugurates the problems to besolved (strategy), and details commanders (tacticians) to solve them. 

EMPLOYMENT OF AIR CRAFT ON AND NEAR THE FIRING LINE IN THE THEATER OFOPERATION

Airplanes will move far out, perhaps hundreds of miles, in front of ourmost advanced cavalry for the purpose of gathering general informationof large bodies of the enemy's forces. This is called StrategicalReconnaissance. Other airplanes do more local scouting. They go butcomparatively short distances from the firing line for the purpose ofdetermining the location of trenches, supports, reserves, artillerypositions, etc. This is called tactical reconnaissance. They give theirartillery commanders information as to where their projectiles arefalling. 

During siege operations (as in Europe, where some trenches have remainedin about the same place for long periods) photographers go up inairplanes each morning and photograph the enemy's trench lines. Blueprints are made of these lines. By comparing these with the lines of theprevious day it is easy to determine the changes that have been madeduring the night. 

Other airplanes are detailed for the purpose of combat. They preventopposing airplanes from gathering information. 

THE BIG IDEAS OF MARCHES

For marches to be entirely successful three conditions must befulfilled: (1) the troops must get there; (2) they must get there ontime; (3) and they must get there in good condition. 

Now suppose that you were ordered to conduct the march of a company ofgreen men for a distance of 200 miles, just how would you solve theproblem?

Before starting, very careful preparations should be made. Your menshould be in good physical condition; they must be given so much workthat they are athletes. 

Keep these points in mind:

1. Always have, when possible, the comfort of your men in mind. Theirwork in carrying a load of nearly forty pounds and marching aroundfifteen miles a day will be hard enough. Don't give them any extrahardships. 

2. Make the conditions of the march pleasant. Encourage the men to laughand sing. 

3. Use wagons, automobiles, etc. , to carry heavy loads (burdens)whenever possible. 

4. It is a custom of the service to help a man who may not be strongphysically but who is straining every nerve to get there. Be the firstto volunteer to carry for him his rifle or part of his burden. 

5. Look out especially for the feet of your men and the hoofs of youranimals. 

6. On long marches one day in seven should be a day of rest andrecreation. 

7. Never take an extremely hard and long (forced) march unlessimperative. 

8. As a rule troops pay no compliments on the march. They have enough todo without that. 

9. Let the object to be accomplished determine the general conduct ofthe march (the time of starting, the rate, length of march, halts, etc. )

SHELTER

When troops are sheltered under canvas (in tents), they are in camp. When they are resting on the ground without tents (for instance, on thefiring line the night before or during a battle), they are in what iscalled bivouac. When they occupy buildings in towns or villages, or hutsespecially erected, they are in cantonment. When they are assigned topublic (such as post-offices, town halls, court houses, hotels, etc. ) orprivate buildings they are said to be billeted. 

SELECTION OF A CAMPING GROUND

Suppose that you were sent on ahead of troops on the march to select acamp ground for them, what big ideas should you bear in mind. 

1. The ground should be large enough for the troops without crowding. Incase of rain it should be easily drained. And there should be nostagnant water near (say, within 300 yards). 

2. There should be plenty of pure water. 

3. There should be good roads around. 

4. Wood, grass, forage, and supplies for the men and animals must be athand or obtainable. Closely cropped turf with sandy or gravelly subsoilis best. 

Let us not forget that good old-fashioned guide, common sense. Men areas human in camp as elsewhere. In hot weather shade trees are desirable. In cold weather ground sloping to the south, with woods to break thewinds is fine. 

Avoid old camp grounds, marshy ground, and places where mosquitoes areplentiful. 

ADVICE TO OFFICERS

A company of infantry is composed of three officers and one hundred andfifty non-commissioned officers and privates. What a shame to have aprivate the mental and moral superior of those above him!

The average American makes a first-rate soldier. He wants his officersto be efficient and high-toned leaders. It thrills him to have theiractions pitched in a high key. He wants to be well instructed. He wantsto be led with tact and diplomacy. He wants them to be neat, to dressimmaculately, and to be military in bearing. He wants to feel thatthere is no favoritism; that justice prevails. 

Be stern in discipline. Exact nothing less than the best in a man. Tolerate no slovenliness. Deal laziness a sharp rebuke. The greatmajority of your men are doing their level best. Let them know that thisis what you expect, but at the same time you appreciate them for it. 

When a thing is wrong, say so. Explain the correct method. Do so calmlyand efficiently. You have made worse mistakes yourself. Your men did notwant to make the mistake. They did so from ignorance. It is possiblethat you have not made the matter clear to them, or the fault is yoursnot theirs. 

Don't be too intimate with your men. Experience has proven that youcannot fraternize with an enlisted man one minute and then punish himfor misconduct the next. 

When you discipline a man, first make him see his error from your pointof view, and then, reprimand him or decide on his punishment in anabsolutely impersonal manner. 

Grow impatient, become excited, and irritable, rebuke too severely anuninstructed man who has made a small, unintentional mistake, use anywords unworthy of your position--and you demonstrate clearly to your menyour unworthiness to hold your office. 

When there is peace and harmony and efficiency in your organization, youare responsible for it. When there are grumblings, lack of enthusiasmand esprit-de-corps, be honest and sensible and see if you are alsonot responsible for it. No matter how badly things are going at drill, never lose your temper with the company. 

When things are going well, let your men feel that you are proud ofthem. A company should be like a good football team: every man in itright behind the captain. 

A FINAL WORD

Now it is proper to consider your relation to your immediate superiors. You have no business commanding unless you have first learned how toobey. The finer the training and caliber of an officer, the moresensitive is he to the wishes of his commanding officer, however, informally they may be expressed. 

The ideal officer is a Christian gentleman who has no task too small tofaithfully perform, whose country's welfare is above his own, ready forany sacrifice great or small; whose thoughtfulness and efficiency lasttwenty-four hours a day, whose relations with his superiors are based onmodesty, cheerfulness, and loyalty. 

A message from the Father and Mother whose son is to serve under you:

"I want my boy to do his bit. I want him to willingly submit to allsacrifices. I don't limit them. I expect him to become efficient. Iexpect him to obey orders. That means all orders. Wrong orders as wellas right orders. 

But I want him to have a fighting chance. I don't want him to serveunder an inefficient officer who is playing to the galleries; who is inthe habit of doing things wrong instead of right. If the worst shouldcome, I want my boy to perish for a good cause. I don't want there to beany blunders about it. 

In willingly placing my boy under your orders, I charge you with asacred task. I charge you to lead him efficiently. "

SUPPLEMENT

ADVANCE WORK

SUPPLEMENT

CHAPTER I

THE THEORY OF SECURITY

(Copied from the Field Service Regulations)

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Security embraces all those measures taken by a command to protectitself from observation, annoyance, or surprise by the enemy. 

Ordinarily this security is provided in part by cavalry. But as acommand is not always preceded by cavalry, and as this cavalry can notalways prevent sudden incursions of the enemy or discover his patrols, additional security becomes necessary. This is obtained by covering theimmediate front of the command with detachments. 

On the march these detachments are called advance, flank, or rearguards; in camp or bivouac they are called outposts. 

The object of the former is to facilitate the movement of the main bodyand to protect it from surprise and observation; the object of thelatter is to secure the camp or bivouac against surprise and to preventan attack upon it before the troops can prepare to resist. 

On the march these detachments facilitate the advance of the main bodyby promptly driving off small bodies of the enemy who seek to harass ordelay it; by removing obstacles from the line of advance; by repairingroads, bridges, etc. , thus enabling the main body to advanceuninterruptedly in convenient marching formations. 

They protect the main body by preventing the enemy from firing into itwhen in close formation; by holding the enemy and enabling the main bodyto deploy before coming under effective fire; by preventing its size andcondition being observed by the enemy; and, in retreat, by gaining timefor it to make its escape or to reorganize its forces. 

As the principal duty of these bodies is the same, viz. , that ofprotecting the main body, there is a general similarity in theformations assumed by them. There is (1) the cavalry covering the front;next, (2) a group, or line of groups, in observation; then (3) thesupport, or line of supports, whose duty is to furnish the observationgroups, and check the enemy pending the arrival of reinforcements; stillfarther in rear is (4) the reserve. 

An advance or flank guard commander marches well to the front, and, fromtime to time, orders such additional reconnaissance or makes suchchanges in his dispositions as the circumstances of the case demand. 

In large commands troops from all arms are generally detailed, theproportion from each being determined by the tactical situation; butcommanders detail no more troops than the situation actually requires, as an excessive amount of such duty rapidly impairs the efficiency of acommand. As a general rule troops detailed on the service of securityvary in strength from one twentieth to one third of the entire command, but seldom exceed the latter. When practicable, the integrity oftactical units is preserved. 

In mixed commands infantry usually forms the greater part of the troopsdetailed to the service of security. Cavalry is assigned to that dutywhenever advantage can be taken of its superior mobility. The kind andamount of artillery are determined by circumstances. 

The field trains of troops on this duty generally remain with the fieldtrain of the command, but if conditions permit they may join theirorganizations. 

Troops on the service of security pay no compliments; individuals salutewhen they address, or are addressed by, a superior officer. 

ADVANCE GUARDS

An advance guard is a detachment of the main body which precedes andcovers it on the march. 

Its duties are:

(1) To guard against surprise and furnish information by reconnoiteringto the front and flanks. 

(2) To push back small parties of the enemy and prevent their observing, firing upon, or delaying the main body. 

(3) To check the enemy's advance in force long enough to permit the mainbody to prepare for action. 

(4) When the enemy is encountered on the defensive, to seize a goodposition and locate his lines, care being taken not to bring on ageneral engagement unless the advance-guard commander is empowered to doso. 

(5) To remove obstacles, repair the road, and favor in every waypossible the steady march of the column. 

STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION

Subject to variation according to the situation, one twentieth to onethird of a command may be assumed as a suitable strength for the advanceguard. The larger the force, the larger in proportion is the advanceguard, for a large command takes relatively longer to prepare for actionthan a small one. In large commands it is usually composed of all arms, the proportions depending on the nature of the work, character of thecountry, etc. 

DISTANCE FROM THE MAIN BODY

While the distance between these two bodies should be great enough toprevent needless interruptions in the march of the main body, and togive the latter time to deploy should the enemy be encountered, itshould never be so great that timely support of the advance guardbecomes impracticable. 

[Illustration: PLATE SHOWING the IDEAS INVOLVED IN an ADVANCE GUARD

As you go from the point to the main body note that the distances aregreater as the groups become larger. Larger groups require more time andspace, when getting ready for action, than small groups. A veryimportant thing to remember in connection with this plate is that youhave only such groups in an advance guard as are necessary to insureprotection for the main body. ]

DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS

An advance-guard order generally describes the following distribution oftroops:

 Advance cavalry. Support. Reserve. 

The manner in which the advance-guard cavalry is employed depends uponthe situation. Its proper place is in the direction of the enemy, andgenerally all or the greater part is used as advance cavalry. If weak innumbers, it may be assigned to the support. 

ADVANCE CAVALRY

The advance cavalry is that part of the advance-guard cavalry precedingthe support. It reconnoiters far enough to the front and flanks to guardthe column against surprise by artillery fire, and to enable timelyinformation to be sent to the advance-guard commander. 

SUPPORT

Following the advance cavalry is the support, varying in strength fromone fourth to one half of the advance guard. In mixed commands itconsists of infantry, to which engineers may be attached. If there is noadvance cavalry, some cavalry should be attached to the support forreconnoitering duty. 

As the support moves out it sends forward an advance party severalhundred yards, the distance varying with the terrain and the size of thecommand. 

The advance party supplements the work of the advance cavalry, reconnoitering to the front and flanks to guard the support againstsurprise by effective rifle fire. The patrol preceding the advance partyon the line of march is called the point, and is commanded by an officeror an experienced noncommissioned officer. 

With the advance cavalry in front but little reconnoitering by infantryis necessary, and the advance party is relatively small--one eighth toone third of the support. If there is no advance cavalry, the advanceparty is made stronger (about one half of the support) and the flanksare guarded, if necessary, by additional patrols sent out from thesupport and even from the reserve. 

The support commander ordinarily marches with the advance party, butgoes wherever needed. He sees that the proper road is followed; thatguides are left in towns and at crossroads; that necessary repairs aremade to roads, bridges, etc. , and that information of the enemy oraffecting the march is promptly transmitted to the advance-guardcommander. He endeavors promptly to verify information of the enemy. 

RESERVE

The reserve follows the support at several hundred yards' distance. Itconsists of the remainder of the infantry and engineers, the artillery, and the ambulance company. The artillery usually marches near the headof the reserve, the engineers (with bridge train, if any) and specialtroops at the rear. 

RECONNAISSANCE

In conducting the reconnaissance the patrols are, as a rule, small--fromtwo to six men. If additional protection is necessary, a flank guardcovers the threatened flank. The flanking patrols, whether of theadvance cavalry or advance party, are sent out to examine the countrywherever the enemy might be concealed. If the nature of the terrainpermits, these patrols march across country or along roads and trailsparalleling the march of the column. For cavalry patrols this is oftenpossible; but with infantry patrols and even with those that aremounted, reconnaissance is generally best done by sending the patrols tohigh places along the line of march to overlook the country and examinethe danger points. These patrols report or signal the results of theirobservations and, unless they have other instructions, join their unitsby the most practicable routes, other patrols being sent out as themarch proceeds and as the nature of the country required. 

Deserters, suspicious characters, and bearers of flags of truce, thelatter blindfolded, are taken to the advance-guard commander. 

Civilians are not permitted to precede the advance guard. 

Communication between the fractions of an advance guard and between theadvance guard and main body is maintained by wire, messenger service, orsignals. 

ADVANCE GUARD OF A SMALL COMMAND

In forming the advance guard of a command smaller than a brigade, theforegoing distribution is modified, depending upon the situation. Acompany or troop usually sends forward only a point, a battalion orsquadron, an advance party; but a battalion or squadron at war strengthshould put a company or troop in the advance guard and a regiment shouldput a battalion or squadron, if an enemy is liable to be met. Wheneverthe advance guard is less than a battalion, there is no reserve. 

REAR GUARDS

The rear guard is charged with the important duty of covering theretreat. 

When a commander decides to retreat, he issues the necessary order. During a retreat the outpost for the night usually forms the rear guardof the following day. 

STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION

The strength of a rear guard depends upon the nature of the country andthe strength and character of the pursuing force. It can not, like theadvance guard, count on the support of the main body. 

Machine guns are especially useful in the passage of defiles and incovering the crossings of rivers. 

Engineers and ambulance companies are usually assigned to rear guards. 

The troops of a rear guard are selected from those that have hadprevious local successes, or have suffered little loss and arecomparatively fresh. 

DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS

The proximity and conduct of the enemy control, to a large extent, theformation of a rear guard. When it is not necessary to withdraw indeployed lines, the greater part of the rear guard marches on the roadin column of route, taking up a formation resembling that of an advancedguard faced to the rear. The distribution of troops is therefore similarto that of an advance guard, namely:

 Reserve. Support. Rear cavalry. 

The rear cavalry is that portion of the rear-guard cavalry following thesupport. The support, as in an advance guard, is divided into two parts;that part nearest the enemy is called the rear party and marches with arear point. 

DISTANCES

The distance of the rear guard from the main body and between thefractions of the rear guard are about the same as in the case of anadvance guard. If marching at night, the rear guard draws nearer themain body. 

REAR GUARD OF AN ADVANCING FORCE

If there is a possibility that the rear of the column may be attacked, arear guard of suitable strength and composition is provided, its conductis practically the same as that of the rear guard of a retreating force. It generally marches in rear of the trains, those organizationsfollowing the combatant troops without distance. 

OUTPOSTS

The size and disposition of the outpost will depend upon manycircumstances, such as the size of the whole command, the proximity ofthe enemy and the situation with respect to him, the nature of theterrain, etc. 

A suitable strength may vary from a very small fraction to one third ofthe whole force. For a single company in bivouac a few sentinels andpatrols will suffice; for a large command a more elaborate outpostsystem must be provided. It should be no stronger than is consistentwith reasonable security. 

The most economical protection is furnished by keeping close contactwith the enemy by means of outpost patrols, in conjunction withresisting detachments on the avenues of approach. 

The outpost should be composed of complete organizations. 

The positions held by the subdivisions of the outpost should generallybe prepared for defense, but conditions may render this unnecessary. 

Troops on outpost keep concealed as much as is consistent with theproper performance of their duties; especially do they avoid appearingon the sky line. 

COMPOSITION

A mixed outpost is composed principally of infantry. The infantry ischarged with the duty of local observation, especially at night and withresisting the enemy long enough for the main body to prepare for action. The cavalry is charged with the duty of reconnaissance, and is veryuseful in open country during the day. If the infantry has been severelytaxed by marching or fighting, a large part of the outpost may betemporarily formed of cavalry. 

Artillery is useful to outposts when its fire can sweep defiles or largeopen spaces and when it commands positions that might be occupied byhostile artillery. The guns are carefully concealed or protected and areusually withdrawn at night. 

Machine guns are useful to command approaches and check sudden advancesof the enemy. 

The field trains of troops on outpost duty generally join theirorganizations; if an engagement is probable, they may be held in rear. 

DISTRIBUTION OF OUTPOST TROOPS

The outpost will generally be divided into four parts. These, in orderfrom the main body, are the reserve, the line of supports, the line ofoutguards, and the advance cavalry. 

[Illustration: PLATE SHOWING THE IDEAS INVOLVED IN AN OUTPOST]

The distance separating these parts, and their distance from the mainbody, will depend upon the object sought, the nature of the terrain, andthe size of the command. There can be no uniformity in the distancebetween supports and reserve, nor between outguards and supports, evenin the same outpost. The avenues of approach and the important featuresof the terrain will largely control their exact positions. 

The outpost of a small force should ordinarily hold the enemy beyondeffective rifle range of the main body until the latter can deploy. Forthe same purpose the outpost of a large force should hold the enemybeyond the artillery range. 

The reserve constitutes the main body of the outpost and is held at somecentral point from which it can readily support the troops in front orhold a rallying position on which they may retire. The reserve may beomitted when the outpost consists of less than two companies. 

The reserve may comprise one-fourth to two-thirds of the strength of theoutpost. 

The supports constitute a line of resisting and supporting detachments, varying in size from a half company to a battalion. They furnish theline of outguards. 

The supports are numbered consecutively from right to left. They areplaced at the more important points on the outpost line, usually in theline on which resistance is to be made in case of attack. 

As a general rule, roads exercise the greatest influence on the locationof supports, and a support will generally be placed on or near a road. The section which it is to cover should be clearly defined by means oftangible lines on the ground and should be such that the support iscentrally located therein. 

The outguards constitute the line of small detachments farthest to thefront and nearest to the enemy. For convenience they are classified aspickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts. They are numberedconsecutively from right to left in each support. 

A picket is a group consisting of two or more squads, ordinarily notexceeding half a company, posted in the line of outguards to cover agiven sector. It furnishes patrols and one or more sentinels, doublesentinels, sentry squads, or cossack posts for observation. 

Pickets are placed at the more important points in the line ofoutguards, such as road forks. The strength of each depends upon thenumber of small groups required to observe properly its sector. 

A sentry squad is a squad posted in observation at an indicated point. It posts a double sentinel in observation, the remaining men restingnear by and furnishing the reliefs of sentinels. In some cases it may berequired to furnish a patrol. 

A cossack post consists of four men. It is an observation group similarto a sentry squad, but employs a single sentinel. 

At night it will sometimes be advisable to place some of the outguardsor their sentinels in a position different from that which they occupyin the day time. In such case the ground should be carefully studiedbefore dark and the change made at dusk. However, a change in theposition of the outguard will be exceptional. 

Sentinels are generally used singly in daytime, but at night doublesentinels will be required in most cases. Sentinels furnished bycossack posts or sentry squads are kept near their group. Thosefurnished by pickets may be as far as 100 yards away. 

Every sentinel should be able to communicate readily with the body towhich he belongs. 

Sentinel posts are numbered consecutively from right to left in eachoutguard. Sentry squads and cossack posts furnished by pickets arecounted as sentinel posts. 

By day, cavalry reconnoiters in advance of the line of observation. Atnight, however, that the horses may have needed rest and because thework can be done better by infantry, the greater part of the cavalry isusually withdrawn in rear of the supports, generally joining thereserve, small detachments being assigned to the supports for patrollingat a distance. 

With efficient cavalry in front, the work of the infantry on the line ofobservation is reduced to a minimum. 

General instructions for the advance cavalry are given by the outpostcommander, but details are left to the subordinate. 

Instead of using outguards along the entire front of observation, partof this front may be covered by patrols only. These should be used tocover such sections of the front as can be crossed by the enemy onlywith difficulty and over which he is not likely to attempt a crossingafter dark. 

In daylight much of the local patrolling may be dispensed with if thecountry can be seen from the posts of the sentinels. However, patrolsshould frequently be pushed well to the front unless the ground in thatdirection is exceptionally open. 

Patrols or sentinels must be the first troops which the enemy meets, andeach body in rear must have time to prepare for the blow. These bodiescause as much delay as possible without sacrificing themselves, andgradually retire to the line where the outpost is to make itsresistance. 

Patrols must be used to keep up connection between the parts of theoutpost except when, during daylight, certain fractions or groups aremutually visible. After dark this connection must be maintainedthroughout the outpost except where the larger subdivisions are providedwith wire communication. 

In addition to ordinary outguards, the outpost commander may detail fromthe reserve one or more detached posts to cover roads or areas not inthe general line assigned to the supports. 

In like manner the commander of the whole force may order detached poststo be sent from the main body to cover important roads or localities notincluded in the outpost line. 

The number and strength of detached posts are reduced to the absoluteneeds of the situation. 

ESTABLISHING THE OUTPOST

The outpost is posted as quickly as possible, so that the troops can thesooner obtain rest. Until the leading outpost troops are able to assumetheir duties, temporary protection, known as the march outpost, isfurnished by the nearest available troops. 

The halt order of the commander, besides giving the necessaryinformation and assigning camp sites to the parts of the command, details the troops to constitute the outpost, assigns a commandertherefor, designates the general line to be occupied, and, whenpracticable, points out the position to be held in case of attack. 

The outpost commander, upon receipt of this order, should issue theoutpost order with the least practicable delay. In large commands it mayoften be necessary to give the order from the map, but usually theoutpost commander will have to make some preliminary reconnaissance, unless he has an accurate and detailed map. 

The order gives such available information of the situation as isnecessary to the complete and proper guidance of subordinates;designates the troops to constitute the supports; assigns their locationand the sector each is to cover; provides for the necessary detachedposts; indicates any special reconnaissance that is to be made; ordersthe location and disposition of the reserve; disposes of the train ifsame is ordered to join the outpost; and informs subordinates whereinformation will be sent. 

After issuing the initial orders, the outpost commander inspects theoutpost, orders the necessary changes or additions, and sends hissuperior a report of his dispositions. 

The reserve is marched to its post by its commander, who then sends outsuch detachments as have been ordered and places the rest in camp orbivouac, over which at least one sentinel should be posted. Connectionmust be maintained with the main body, the supports, and nearby detachedposts. 

The supports march to their posts, using the necessary coveringdetachments when in advance of the march outpost. A support commander'sorder should fully explain the situation to subordinates, or to theentire command, if it be small. It should detail the troops for thedifferent outguards and, when necessary, define the sector each is tocover. It should provide the necessary sentinels at the post of support, the patrols to be sent therefrom, and should arrange for the necessaryintrenching. Connection should be maintained with the adjoining supportsand with the outguards furnished by the supports. 

In posting his command the support commander must seek to cover hissector in such manner that the enemy cannot reach, in dangerous numbersand unobserved, the position of the support or pass by it within thesector intrusted to the support. On the other hand, he must economizemen on observation and patrol duty, for these duties are unusuallyfatiguing. He must practise the greatest economy of men consistent withthe requirements of practical security. 

As soon as the posting of the support is completed, its commandercarefully inspects the dispositions and corrects defects, if any, andreports the disposition of his support, including the patrollingordered, to the outpost commander. This report is preferably made bymeans of a sketch. 

Each outguard is marched by its commander to its assigned station, andespecially in the case of a picket, is covered by the necessarypatrolling to prevent surprise. 

Having reached the position, the commander explains the situation to hismen and establishes reliefs for each sentinel, and, if possible, foreach patrol to be furnished. Besides these sentinels and patrols, apicket must have a sentinel at its post. 

The commander then posts the sentinels and points out to them theprincipal features, such as towns, roads, and streams and gives theirnames. He gives the direction and location of the enemy, if known, andof adjoining parts of the outpost. 

He gives to patrols the same information and the necessary orders as totheir routes and the frequency with which the same shall be covered. Each patrol should go over its route once before dark. 

Every picket should maintain connection by patrols with outguard on itsright and left. Each commander will take precaution to conceal hisoutguard and will generally strengthen his position by intrenching. 

RELIEVING THE OUTPOST

Evening and shortly before dawn are hours of special danger. The enemymay attack late in the day in order to establish himself on capturedground by intrenching during the night; or he may send forward troopsunder cover of darkness in order to make a strong attack at early dawn. Special precaution is therefore taken at those hours by holding theoutpost in readiness, and by sending patrols in advance of the line ofobservation. If a new outpost is to be established in the morning, itshould arrive at the outpost position at daybreak, thus doubling theoutpost strength at that hour. 

CHAPTER II

ATTACK AND DEFENSE

Combat is divided into two general classes, the offensive (attack) andthe defensive. 

THE THEORY OF ATTACK

Decisive results are obtained only by the offensive. Aggressiveness winsbattles. If you want to thrash a man go after him; don't wait for him tocome to you. When attacking use every available man. Have every man inthe proper place at the proper time and in a physical and moralcondition to do his utmost. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE ATTACK

(1) You can elect the point of attack while the defender must beprepared to resist at all points. 

(2) The fact that you are advancing in spite of the defender's firestimulates you and depresses the enemy. 

(3) You leave your dead behind while the defender must fight among hisfallen comrades, which is demoralizing. 

(4) You usually are conscious of the fact that you have more men on yourside than the defender. You have more rifles on the line than theenemy. 

(5) Your fire is usually more efficacious than that of your opponentbecause it is usually converging while his is diverging. 

These advantages alone will not necessarily insure success, but firesuperiority, if gained and maintained, does insure success. By gainingand maintaining fire superiority you remove all doubt as to the finaloutcome of the attack. 

DIFFERENT KINDS OF ATTACK

The most usual kinds of attack are:

Frontal Attack. This attack is delivered directly against the front ofthe enemy. It offers little opportunity to bring more rifles against theenemy than he can bring against you. Decisive results can only beexpected when your force is larger than your opponent's or when his isunduly extended. It is a dangerous and costly method of attacking. 

Enveloping Attack. Cover the front of the enemy with sufficient forceto hold his attention and, with the rest of your command, strike a flankmore or less obliquely. Since your line is now longer than his, and youhave more rifles in action your fire is converging while that of yourenemy is diverging. Never attempt the envelopment of both flanks unlessyou greatly outnumber your enemy. Coöperation between the frontal andenveloping attack is essential to success. The fraction of the commandthat envelops the enemy is generally larger than that part in his front. A wide turning movement is not an enveloping movement. It is dangerousbecause your troops are separated and can be defeated in detail. In anenveloping movement your line will usually be continuous; it simplyoverlaps and envelops the enemy. An enveloping attack will nearly alwaysresult locally in a frontal attack, for it will meet the enemy'sreserve. Let us repeat: do not attempt a wide turning movement. Yourforces will be separated, they may not be able to assist each other, andcan be defeated in detail. The tendency of a beginner is to attempt awide turning movement. The error of dispersion is then committed. 

THE ACTUAL ATTACK

Deployment. To deploy means to extend the front. When does a columnextend its front or prepare to fight? When open terrain, which willprobably expose the troops to hostile artillery fire, is reached. Thisplace may be two or more miles from the enemy. What is done? Strongpatrols are sent out to clear the foreground of the enemy's patrol. Theplan of the attack is inaugurated. Extra ammunition is issued. Eachorganization is assigned its task. The organizations in the firing linesare assigned objectives and move out, followed by local supports andreserves. Don't understand that they go "as skirmishers. " They usuallymarch in column of squads. Strong combat patrols are sent out to protecteach flank. This is very important even with small commands. 

ADVANCING THE ATTACK

It is now necessary to advance the attack to a point where the rifle iseffective, so the attacking line can gain fire superiority. The attackwhich halts to open fire at extreme range (over 1200 yards) is notlikely to ever reach its destination (the enemy). Effort should be madeto arrive within 800 yards of the enemy before opening fire. How canthis be done? How can we pass over a mile or more of ground, swept orlikely to be swept, first by the enemy's artillery fire and finally byrifle fire? Answer. --By using all the cover the terrain offers (escapethe enemy's view), by using inconspicuous formations, by using suchformations as to minimize the effect of the enemy's fire. Discipline atthis stage of the attack is essential. Each company in the firing linewill probably start its advance upon its objective in column of squads, but taking advantage of all cover. If thick underbrush is found, squadcolumns would probably be used. If the enemy's artillery fire becomestoo effective platoon columns or thin lines are used, dependent uponterrain, cover and the time element. Every opportunity is taken toassemble the companies and continue the advance in column of squads whencover is available. The supports, following the firing line, adopt thesame methods to advance as the firing line. In this stage of the attackyour own artillery will he assisting you by replying to the enemy'sartillery and infantry fire that is directed at you. 

THE FIRE ATTACK

The fire attack commences when the infantry in the firing line firstopens fire and it usually ends with the charge. A charge is sometimesnot necessary because the enemy withdraws from his position. The fireattack does not start until the firing line cannot advance withoutruinous and demoralizing losses. It should not be over 1200 yards fromthe enemy. At this time fire superiority must be gained. This maynecessitate a steady, accurate fire for many hours. For this purpose thecommander puts more men on the firing line than the enemy and then somemore if necessary. Local supports are used if required. Having gainedfire superiority, the advance by rushes commences, but each rush mustleave behind or have in front of it enough rifles to maintain firesuperiority. This determines the size of the rush. You cannot lose thisfire superiority and advance; and once it is lost, hours may be requiredto regain it. The number of men in each rush will usually decrease asthe enemy's position is approached. If the firing line is stopped, iffire superiority is lost and cannot be regained, the firing lineintrenches and holds on until darkness or until a favorable turn in thesituation develops. It is suicidal to turn back. During the advance, supports move up as close to the firing line as cover will permit, adopting those formations best suited to keep down losses. They may beas close as fifty yards to the firing line. They should not be as far as500 yards in rear of it. 

THE CHARGE

There can be no rule to tell you when to charge. It may be from 25 to400 yards. The common sense (tactical instinct) of the senior rankingofficer on the firing line must tell him the psychological moment toorder the charge. That moment will be when your fire has broken down theenemy's fire, broken his resistance, and destroyed his morale. Theartillery increases its range. The firing line and remaining supportsfix bayonets. The former increases the rate of fire, the latter rushforward under the protection of this fire, join the firing line and giveit the necessary impetus. Together they rush at the enemy's position. Norestraint is placed upon their ardor. Confidence in their ability to usethe bayonet gives the charging troops the promise of success. If thecharge is successful, the nearest formed bodies are sent instantly inpursuit and under cover of them the commands are reorganized, orderrestored, and arrangements made to resist a counter attack. If thecharge is unsuccessful the artillery or any formed troops in rear coverthe withdrawal. 

THE THEORY OF THE DEFENSIVE

The defensive is divided into the purely passive defense and the activedefense. 

The passive defense seeks merely to delay the enemy. The results cannever be other than negative. It is usually for the purpose of gainingtime and most frequently used by a rear guard. Since the idea of takingup the offensive is absent, no strong reserves are held out for acounter attack; the firing line is as strong as possible from the first;every advantage is taken of obstacles, natural or artificial. The flanksmust be made secure. 

The active defense seeks to attack the other side at some stage of theengagement. It seeks to win and only the offensive wins. It is oftennecessary for a commander to assume the defensive (active) eithervoluntarily, in order to gain time, or to secure some advantage over theenemy; or involuntarily, as in a meeting engagement where the enemy getsa start in deployment for action or where the enemy's attack isimpetuous and without sufficient preparation. In either case thedefensive force contents itself with parrying the blows of the enemy, while gathering and arranging its strength, looking and waiting for theright place and time to deliver a decisive blow which is called thecounter attack. Hence, a counter attack is the offensive movement of anactive defense. Its success greatly depends on being delivered withvigor and at the proper time. It may be delivered in two ways:1st--straight to the front against a weak point in the attacking line, or 2nd--by launching the reserves against the enemy's flank after he isfully committed to the attack. The latter method offers the greatestchances for success and the most effective results. 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DEFENSIVE

The defense has the following advantages over the attack:

(1) Troops attacking afford a better target than the troops on thedefensive. 

(2) A larger amount of ammunition is usually available. 

(3) The men can shoot better because they are not fatigued by advancing. 

(4) Losses will be less if good cover is secured. 

DISADVANTAGES OF THE DEFENSE

(1) The defender surrenders the advantage of the initiative as theattacker can elect the point of attack and the defender must be preparedat all points. 

(2) The defender must fight amidst his dead and wounded which isdepressing. 

(3) The defender, seeing the enemy continually advancing, becomesconscious of his inability to stop him. This is depressing to thedefender and is injurious to his morale. 

REQUISITES OF A GOOD DEFENSIVE POSITION

If you were looking for a good defensive position, what points would youhave in mind and of these points, which would be the most important? Therequisites to be sought in a good defensive position are:

 "(1) A clear field of fire up to the effective range of the artillery. 

 "(2) Flanks that are naturally secure or that can be made so by the use of the reserves. 

 "(3) Extent of ground suitable to the strength of the force to occupy it. 

 "(4) Effective cover and concealment for the troops, especially reserves. 

 "(5) Good communications throughout the position. 

 "(6) Good lines of retreat. "

 --Field Service Regulations. 

All of these advantages will seldom if ever be found in the positionselected. The one should be taken which conforms closest to thedescription, but you should bear in mind that a good field of fire andeffective cover, in the order named, are the most important requisites. In tracing the lines for the trenches, avoid salients (a hill, spur, woods, etc. , that juts out from the general line in the direction of theenemy). Avoid placing the fire trench on the skyline. Locate it on orbelow the military crest. [The crest from which you can see all theground to the front. ]

PREPARING A DEFENSIVE POSITION

Now let us suppose ourselves as part of a battalion that is to occupy adefensive position. What would probably be done? How and in what orderwould it be done? What would the major do? He would decide upon the kindof defense (active or passive) to offer, and then find a suitabledefensive position in harmony with his plans. He would determineexactly where the firing and other trenches are to be dug. He wouldthen call up the company commanders and issue his defense order in whichthe task of each company would be made clear. Those to occupy the firingline would each be assigned a sector of ground to the front to defendand a corresponding section of the fire trench to construct. Thesupports would construct their trenches and the communicating trenches. He would, if necessary, issue the necessary orders to protect the frontand flanks by sending out patrols. He would indicate how the position isto be strengthened and make arrangements for distributing the extraammunition. If time is a serious consideration, the major would directthe work to be done in the order of its importance, which is ordinarilyas follows:

(1) Clearing of foreground to improve the field of fire and constructionof fire trench. 

(2) Head or overhead cover concealment. 

(3) Placing obstacles and recording ranges. 

(4) Cover trenches for supports and local reserves. 

(5) Communicating trenches. 

(6) Widening and deepening of trench; interior conveniences. 

Now having cleared the foreground, dug the trenches, recorded ranges tothe important objects in each sector, etc. , the position can beoccupied. The citizen ordinarily pictures the firing trench full ofsoldiers when he is told the trenches are occupied. Not so. Patrolswould be operating well to the front to give timely warning to one ortwo sentinels in each company fire trench of the approach of the enemy. These sentinels would in turn inform the company which would probably beresting in the trenches in the rear. 

THE ACTUAL DEFENSE

Let us suppose now that our battalion, occupying this defensiveposition, is a part of a larger force which is supported by artillery. You see small objects one and a half to two miles to your front. Youknow they are the enemy's troops because your artillery is firing atthem and your combat patrols are being driven in. Your entire companyhas moved to its fire trench. You have plenty of ammunition, you knowexactly the range. 

What happens? You open fire on the enemy at probably the extreme rangeof 2000 yards. Only the hostile artillery can return this fire untilthe enemy's firing line closes to within 1200 yards of your position. While an attacking force is thus approaching you may inflict veryserious losses upon it. But it cannot stop, however serious its losses, beyond 1200 yards; for we have seen that, if it stops advancing in orderto fire, it will probably never arrive at your position. When within1200 yards the enemy will build up a strong rifle fire against you andnot attempt to advance until he has gained fire superiority. It is yourbusiness not to let him get fire superiority, and if he does do so totake it away from him when he withdraws parts of his rifles to advanceby rushing. Fight each rush. If your defense is active and youpermanently stop the enemy's advance by gaining fire superiority, and hecannot regain it, even though he uses up his supports, his firing linewill become confused and demoralized and it will be the psychologicaltime for the proper commander to launch his counter attack. On the otherhand, if you cannot stop his advance, fix bayonets (firing line andremaining supports) when he fixes bayonets and meet his charge in frontof your trench. All your supports will be moved up to assist you inopposing the charge. If you are unsuccessful in the bayonet fight orforced to retire from your trenches during the fire fight yourartillery, cavalry and any formed reserves in the rear will cover yourwithdrawal, which, if possible, should be made straight to the rear, onepart covering the withdrawal of the other part, and so on. Reorganize atthe first opportunity. 

CHAPTER III

PATROLLING

Everything else being equal the army that possesses the most accurateinformation about the enemy will win. Military history recites the factthat almost every important battle has been either lost or won becauseof information or lack of information that one side had or did not haveof the other side. It is by the use of patrols that the most valuableinformation of the enemy is usually obtained. 

There are many kinds of patrols, but it is with reconnoitering orinformation seeking patrols that this chapter deals. 

DUTIES OF A PATROL

Each reconnoitering patrol is given a certain mission (duty) to perform. The name, "reconnoitering, " meaning to survey, to view, indicates thatits first duty is to get information, and information is always greatlyincreased in value if the enemy does not know it has been obtained. Having obtained valuable information, its next duty is to send thisinformation to the officer sending out the patrol. 

STRENGTH

The strength of the patrol will generally depend on its mission and onthe number of messages that it will probably send back. The larger thepatrol the greater the probability of the enemy seeing it. On the otherhand, if it is too small, it will not have sufficient members to send inimportant information and continue operations. Captain Waldron in hisbook, "Scouting and Patrolling, " recommends a patrol of a leader and sixselected men for ordinary reconnaissance. This number makes it possiblefor the patrol leader to place a man out on each flank, a man inadvance, two to remain with him and one to remain in the rear as theget-away man. The officer who sends out the patrol determines itsstrength. 

COMMANDER

The leader should be an officer or a noncommissioned officer. He musthave good judgment, be cool, be quick in making a decision, be strong inphysique, have initiative, and be brave, but not to the extent ofrashness. Besides his regular equipment he should have a good pair offield glasses, a compass, a watch, wire cutters, pencils, a messagebook, and a map of the country. 

INSTRUCTIONS

The officer sending out a patrol should give it instructions on thefollowing points:

1. Information of the enemy and of friendly supporting troops. 

2. The mission of the patrol. This will include the general direction inwhich it is to go. 

3. How long the patrol is to remain out. 

4. Where messages are to be sent. 

PREPARATION

Before going out the patrol commander will make a careful inspection ofthe members of his patrol in order to see:

1. That the members are in a suitable condition for the duty to beperformed. (Not drunk, sick, lame, having a bad cough, etc. )

2. That each man is properly armed and has the requisite amount ofammunition. 

3. That the accoutrement is so arranged that it will not rattle orglisten in the sunlight. 

4. That no man has anything about him that will afford the enemyvaluable information in the event of capture. 

At the conclusion of this inspection he will, in the presence of theofficer sending out the patrol, go over his orders, giving his men allthe information that he has of the enemy and his own troops; state theduty (mission) of the patrol so that all may know what they are going toaccomplish, and he will follow this with a statement of his general planfor carrying it out. He will designate an assembly point should thepatrol be dispersed. He will designate a second in command should he bedisabled. 

FORMATION

[Illustration: SUGGESTED FORMATIONS FOR PATROLS]

It is impossible to lay down any hard-and-fast rule governing theformation and conduct of the operations of a patrol. Each situation willhave to be worked out by itself. The patrol should assume the generalformation of a column of troops on the march; that is, it will have anadvance guard, a main body, flankers and a rear guard. These severalelements may each be represented by only one man. 

CONDUCT OF THE PATROL

In communicating with each other for ordinary purposes the members ofthe patrol use signals agreed upon before the start. For this purposeeach man must constantly keep within sight and hearing distance of theleader. A patrol moves cautiously, taking advantage of all availablecover, seeking in every way to see without being seen. It haltsfrequently to listen and make careful observations of its surroundings. Except at night a patrol should not move on roads. Villages andinhabited places should not as a rule be entered. During the daytime itseeks high ground from which it can scan the country and at night itseeks a position from which the sky line can be observed. 

ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY

If a small hostile patrol is encountered it is generally better toremain in concealment and let it pass than to attack. The noise of afight may be heard by the enemy, the presence of the patrol thereforeindicated, and the enemy will take further precautions to oppose itsoperations. If the patrol is suddenly attacked or surprised by asuperior force, the patrol should at once scatter in all directions andthe members make their way back to the last place designated as ameeting place and then after reuniting continue the reconnaissance. When a patrol fights it does so resolutely. Courage and coolness maybring about success when adverse conditions are encountered. 

RETURNING

A patrol can never be certain that the enemy's patrols are not operatingin its rear. Hence in returning, it is necessary to observe the usualprecautions. If the patrol has eluded the enemy, it is best to returnover a route other than that over which the start was made. If a patrol, after having accomplished its mission, is being pursued, it is well, especially when near its own lines, to engage the pursuing troops so asto give warning of its approach to the outpost line. Under theconditions just mentioned, except the patrol is a great distance fromits outpost line, it may be necessary as a last resort to have thepatrol scatter and each man return individually. 

CHAPTER IV

TARGET PRACTICE

Military shooting or target practice is very different from shotgunshooting, or even the kind of shooting required of a large-game hunter;therefore we should begin with the most elementary instruction anddrills, if proficiency is to be obtained. Our "Small Arms FiringRegulations" says, "The sole purpose of rifle training for the soldieris to make of him a good shot under war conditions. "

Proficient shots are made off the range and not on it. By this we meanthat the preliminary instruction you will receive before you go on therange will be of more benefit to you than the actual firing for record. Indeed, firing on the range will only test your ability to put into usethe many points covered by your preliminary instruction. Therefore, ifyou are to become a proficient shot, maintain your interest andenthusiasm at its highest pitch during the preliminary instruction. 

Your preliminary instructions will probably become so tedious andtiresome that you will lose sight of their objects. Each preliminaryinstruction has its own and different purpose, and you will not receivethe maximum benefit from them unless you realize this. 

This chapter will first explain briefly the purpose of each preliminarydrill, and then give the essential things to be remembered when actuallyfiring on the range. 

PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION

Your preliminary instructions and their purposes are as follows:

1. Nomenclature of the Rifle. The word nomenclature means thevocabulary of names or technical terms which are appropriate to anyparticular topic. In this case the topic is the rifle. This instructionwill be a few lectures or talks by your company officers on the rifle. You should become familiar with the parts of the rifle indicated in thefollowing illustration:

[Illustration]

2. Sighting Drills. 

Purpose. 

(a) To explain the different kinds of sight. 

(b) To show how to align the sights properly on the bull's-eye. 

(c) To discover and demonstrate errors in sighting. 

(d) To teach uniformity in sighting. 

There are two kinds of sights on the rear sight leaf, the open and peepsight. The open sight is the semi-circular notch a-b-c shown in thediagram below; the peep sight is the small hold "d" just below the opensight. 

[Illustration: a, b, c--open sight

d--peep sight]

The sighting drills will visually illustrate the following kinds ofsights. 

a--Normal Sight. This is the sight most frequently used. The followingillustration is the normal sight when the open sight notch is used. 

[Illustration: The figure i-k-l-m is the front sight B-L-M-C the rearsight notch. ]

When the open sight is used the above diagram shows the correctalignments of the rear sight notch, front sight and the bull's-eye. Thefollowing features should be noticed:

1st. The front. Sight (i-k-l-m) is exactly in the center of the rearsight notch (B-L-M-C), if it is in the right or left part of this notchthe rifle will shoot to the right or left of the point aimed at. 

2d. There is a thin strip of white seen between the top of the frontsight and the bull's-eye. (The Marine Corps and many army officers donot see this strip of white. The method of aiming given and illustratedin this book is the same as found in the Firing Regulations for theArmy. )

3d. The top of the front sight should just touch an imaginary lineconnecting the shoulder at C with that at B. (This is most important. )

4th. The aim is taken at the bottom of the bull's-eye and not at the topor center. 

b--Fine Sight. The following illustration shows a fine sight whichshould never be used:

[Illustration]

This sight causes the rifle to shoot too low because not enough frontsight is seen. Correspondingly, if more front sight is seen thanillustrated in the normal sights, the rifle shoots high. 

c--Normal Sight. The following illustration shows the normal sightwhen the peep sight is used. 

[Illustration]

The above illustration shows the correct alignment of the peep sight, front sight, and the bull's-eye. The following features should benoticed:

1st. The top of the front sight and not the bull's-eye is focused in thecenter of the peep sight. 

2d. There is a thin strip of white between the top of the front sightand the bottom of the bull's-eye. 

3. Position and Aiming Drills. 

Purpose: To so educate the muscles of the arms and body that the gun, during the act of aiming, shall be held without restraint and during theoperation of firing shall not be deflected from the target by anyconvulsion or improper movement of the trigger finger or of the body, arms or hands. These drills must be taken daily, if they are to be ofthe maximum benefit. If you are enthusiastic about rifle shooting, andthese drills are not give[C] to you, ask your company commander to showthem to you, as they can be executed to advantage at odd times. 

4. Deflection and Elevation Correction Drills. 

Purpose. To show you how to raise or lower your rear sight, change yourwindage to the right or left, and note the effect on the striking pointof the bullet in each case. In general terms these drills teach you:

(1) What to do when you are firing too high or low. (Elevation Drill. )

(2) What to do when you are firing to the right or left of the target. (Deflection Drill. )

The assumption is in each case that the gun is properly aimed theinstant it is fired. 

Thoroughly to grasp every phase of the Elevation and Deflection Drills, it is best that you become familiarized with the dimensions of thefollowing targets and the ranges at which each is used. It is notintended that you shall retain all these figures in your mind. 

SLOW FIRE TARGETS

[Illustration: TARGET A]

This target is used during slow fire at 200 and 300 yards. 

[Illustration: TARGET B]

This target is used during slow fire at 500 and 600 yards. 

RAPID FIRE TARGET

[Illustration: TARGET D]

This target is always used with the battle sight at 200, 300, and 500yards rapid fire. Battle sight is the position of the rear sight whenthe leaf is laid down, which is the habitual position of the rear sightleaf at drill. It is an open sight, and corresponds to an elevation of547 yards. 

WINDAGE

The rear sight is set on a movable base so that it can be moved to theright or left and the aiming point shifted accordingly in order tocounteract the effect of the wind on the bullet. 

General Rule. To shift the striking point of the bullet to the leftmove the rear sight to the left. And, of course, the reverse holds truewhen it is moved to the right. 

A Specific Rule. One point of windage moves the striking point of thebullet 4 inches for every 100 yards you are distant from the target. (One point of windage at 200 yards causes the bullet to strike 8 inchesto the right or left of the line of aim; one point at 300 yards causes a12-inch deflection of the bullet; one point at 500 yards a 20-inchdeflection, and so on. )

ELEVATION

General rule for changing the elevation after hitting the target: Achange of elevation either up or down, of 100 yards on your rear sight, will raise or lower your bullet in inches on the target equal to thesquare of your distance in yards from the target. I. E. , a change of 100yards in elevation on the rear sight leaf while firing at the 200-yardrange raises or lowers the striking point of the bullet at the target 4inches. A similar change while firing at the 300-yard range raises orlowers the striking point of the bullet 9 inches, at the 400-yard rangeit would be 16 inches, at the 500-yard range 25 inches, and so on. 

The following illustrations are self-explanatory in regard to windageand elevation changes and should be diligently studied duringpreliminary instruction. The effect of windage changes (given in points)will be found at the bottom of each target, while the effect ofelevation changes (given in yards) will be found to the left of eachtarget. 

[Illustration: TARGET A, 6' x 4'

TARGET B, 6' x 6']

The above system of indicating the windage and elevation on each targetis used in the United States Marine Corps score book. Each man atPlattsburg, in 1916, was supplied with one of these score books. If usedat the firing point they greatly simplify sight adjustments, besidescontaining other very useful information on shooting. 

5. Gallery Practise. Purpose

1. To note errors in the position of the man while he is in the act offiring and call his attention to them after he has fired. 

2. To give instruction in squeezing the trigger properly. 

3. To stimulate and maintain interest. 

4. Offers a check on what the man has absorbed from the otherpreliminary drills. 

Fire just as much on the gallery range as you company commander willpermit. You cannot fire too much. Every shot you fire should teach you alesson on some point connected with the art of shooting. 

SLOW FIRE

Following satisfactory gallery practise scores the men go on the rangefor known distance practice. Here the army rifle is fired with servicecharges at known ranges; first, for instruction if time permits, andthen for record. To obtain satisfactory results the firer must performcorrectly five essential things, namely:

 1. Hold the rifle on the mark. 

 2. Aim properly. 

 3. Squeeze the trigger properly. 

 4. Call the shot. 

 5. Make the proper sight adjustment. 

They will be briefly and separately discussed:

1. Holding. Unless the rifle is held steadily the bullet will not hitthe desired mark. The firer must be able to hold the rifle steadily inthe three positions, kneeling, sitting. Lying down. Holding is aquestion of the proper body position, use of the sling, and practice. 

Body Position. The position of the firer must be comfortable. You may, at first, feel constrained or cramped in the different positions but bycontinued practice the muscles and joints will become so supple andpliable that you can easily assume the correct position. Each man who istrying for a high score should utilize all available time to this end. The following photographs illustrate the correct and incorrectpositions:

[Illustration: No. 1

CORRECT SITTING POSITION]

No. 1. Notice the position of the elbows. They are advanced past theknees so that the flat muscles on the back of the arms, above theelbows, rest against the legs. Notice the position of the right thumband aiming eye; also sling. To assume this position correctly, it isnecessary that you lean well forward. Avoid the tendency of getting thefeet too far apart. 

[Illustration: No. 2. 

CORRECT SITTING POSITION]

No. 2. Notice The proper manner of working the bolt during rapid fire. Keep your gun at the shoulder while loading. Turn the gun to right anddown a little. Don't make any unnecessary motions'

[Illustration: INCORRECT SITTING POSITION]

No. 1. Left elbow is resting on knee cap. No support to steady rightarm. Eye too far from rear sight. Lip is against stock. (This causessore lips. ) Thumb around stock. Sling on outside of arm. 

No. 2. This shows the common error of lowering the gun from the shoulderto load it during rapid fire. 

[Illustration: CORRECT KNEELING POSITION]

No. 1. Correct kneeling position. Notice that the back of the left arm(not elbow) is resting on knee. 

Notice that the firer is sitting well down on the right leg. This isessential. 

[Illustration: INCORRECT KNEELING POSITION]

No. 1. Thumb is around small of stock. Eye too far from rear sight. Thegun is turned (canted) to the right. The sharp point of the elbow isresting on the knee which has a tendency to make the position anunsteady one. 

No. 2. The improper manner of loading the gun during rapid fire. He haslowered the gun from his shoulder to load it, which is "a time-killing"proposition. 

[Illustration: CORRECT PRONE POSITION]

No. 1. Notice the right eye. Notice that the left arm is well under thegun. Notice where the gun is pressed against the shoulder. Noticeposition of right thumb. 

No. 2 Notice position of left arm. Notice the pressure of the slingagainst the left arm. 

No. 3 Notice the correct position of the legs and feet. Notice that thetoes are turned out. 

[Illustration: INCORRECT PRONE POSITION]

No. 1. Gun is canted to the right. Sling is on the outside of the arm. Right thumb is across small of stock which is the cause of bruises andsore lips. Left elbow not well under. Eye too far from rear sight piece. 

No. 2. Legs not straight. Gun canted to right. Left elbow not well undergun. 

No. 3. Legs are in an improper position. Body is twisted to the left. 

Sling. Your ability to hold the rifle steadily in any requiredposition will be greatly increased by the proper adjustment and use ofthe sling. Indeed, you cannot hope to hold the rifle steadily unless thesling is properly used. The following photographs illustrate the correctway to get into the sling. 

[Illustration: No. 1. ]

No. 1. Notice that the left arm is slipped in between the sling and thegun from the left side. It is then run through the sling from the rightside of same. Notice how gun is held against leg. Notice that the muzzleof the gun is pointing up, not down. The bolt should be drawn back whileyou get into the sling. This is to avoid accidents. Notice that thesight leaf is down. 

[Illustration: No. 2]

No. 2. Notice that the sling has been slipped up and over the largemuscles of the upper arm. Also the left hand after being run through thesling is grasping the gun to that the sling is to the right. 

By turning back now to the photographs illustrating the correct bodypositions you will see how the sling is used. 

2. Aiming. An error of one one-hundredth of an inch in the amount offront sight seen, at the instant the gun is fired, will cause you tocompletely miss a man 500 yards away. Hence, the eye must be trainedunless the firer has at all times a mental picture of how the sights andthe bull's-eye look when properly aligned. You should acquire thismental picture during your aiming exercises and by the time you go onthe range you should have the eye so trained that you will focus itproperly on your sights and target without mental effort. 

3. Trigger Squeeze. If you convulsively jerk the trigger to dischargethe rifle, you disturb your hold and aim and the mark is missed; thisis the recruit's most common error. To properly squeeze trigger observethe following suggestions:

(a) As you place your rifle to the shoulder, take up the loose play inthe trigger (called the creep). 

(b) When the gun is properly aimed, don't endeavor at that particularmoment to fire it but be content to apply additional pressure to thetrigger and then hold this pressure until the gun is again steady andproperly aimed when a little more pressure is added and so on until thegun is discharged. By using this system, the firer does not know theexact instant the gun is to go off and the common faults, namely, flinching and jerking the trigger are unconsciously avoided. 

(c) Fill lungs full, that is take a deep breath, let a little out, andthen stop breathing to fire. 

4. Calling the Shot. If the aiming eye is open when the gun isdischarged, the firer should know at what part of the target the gun wasaimed at that instant, and he should announce this fact to his coach orin the absence of a coach make a mental note of it. If the bullet struckthe target at the point where the gun was aimed the instant ofdischarge, no sight correction is necessary; on the other hand, if thebullet did not strike the target at the point where the gun was aimedthe instant of discharge, the sights are probably improperly adjustedand should be changed as indicated in the following paragraph on sightadjustment. 

5. Sight Adjustment. If, after firing two or more shots, you findthat, in each case, there is a constant error between where the bullethits the target and the place where you called the shot, your sightsshould be readjusted in accordance with your preliminary elevation anddeflection drills. When you decide to change your sight adjustment don'tbe timid and deal in half measures but apply a sufficient correction sothat the rifle will hit where the shot is called. The inexperienced manhas a tendency to change his sights after each shot. Avoid thistendency. 

RAPID FIRE

In rapid fire the battle sight is always used; the firing is againsttime and at a field target (Target D), and from ranges 200, 300, andsometimes 500 yards. 

The battle sight corresponds to an elevation of 547 yards, which makesit necessary for the firer at the 200 and 300 yard ranges to aim at apoint about 2-1/2 feet below the part of the target that it is desiredto hit. Prior to record firing each man should determine these aimingpoints by slow fire, at ranges 200 and 300 yards, using the battlesight. 

There is one golden rule that must be followed if you are to get a goodscore at rapid fire: You must use the minimum time possible in loadingand the maximum time possible for aiming and squeezing the trigger. Tobe more specific, this means work your bolt quickly but aim and squeezeyour trigger slowly. 

HINTS ON RAPID FIRE

1. When you go to the firing point get two clips of cartridges, one tobe used at the command load and the extra one is placed in the belt. 

2. See that your cut-off is up. 

3. When the target first appears drop quickly into the required positionfor firing. A great deal of time is usually lost by the firer squirmingaround trying to get into a comfortable position. 

4. Don't hurry your first or last shot. These are the two shots that areusually bad. 

5. If your second clip jams or breaks, turn the cut-off up, load andfire each cartridge separately. 

6. Leave the gun at your shoulder while working the bolt. 

7. Be careful to fire on your own target. 

8. If a cartridge fails to fire, it is very probably because the bolt isnot all the way down; therefore recock the gun (pull the firing pinback), make certain the bolt is down, and fire again. 

9. As soon as the targets disappear cease firing, come to InspectionArms, examine your rifle for unfired cartridges. 

GENERAL HINTS AND CAUTIONS

1. Don't be afraid of the kick; it is more imaginary than real when thesling is properly used, your shoulder properly padded, and the gunproperly held. 

2. Rest your cheek, not your jaw bone, lightly against the small of thestock. 

3. Rest your right thumb along the right side of the stock and not ontop of it. 

4. Blacken both front and rear sights, adjust and place your arm in thesling, and if possible set your sights while you are waiting your turnto go to the firing point. 

5. Approach and leave the firing point with your bolt drawn back. Thisis to prevent accidents. 

6. When not actually aiming, have your bolt drawn back. 

7. Never attempt to force the bolt into the gun in case of a jam, butask a coach to fix it for you. 

8. Don't allow the muzzle to touch the ground. 

9. Don't rub your eyes while at the firing point. 

10. When not actually aiming, rest the eyes by shading them or lookingat something green. 

11. Clean the bore of your rifle before and after firing. After firingit should be cleaned daily, until a rag run through it will not besoiled. 

12. Clean the rifle from the breech. 

13. Zero of rifle. Every rifle, owing to slight inequalities of boring, sights, and the personal errors of the firer, shoots differently. Whenyou have ascertained its (rifle) and your own peculiar errors and youknow where to set your sights to counteract these constant errors, youhave determined what is commonly termed the zero of your rifle. Toillustrate, if you were shooting on a perfectly calm day (which isessential) at the target from the 500-yard range, and you found that yourequired one half a point left windage in order to hit the bull's-eyewhen no wind is blowing, the zero of your rifle for that range would beone half a point left windage. 

CARE OF THE RIFLE

Keep the metal part of your rifle covered with a thin coating of lightoil; "3-in-1" oil is ordinarily used. This is especially important indamp weather. 

Always clean the bore from the breech. This avoids injuring the muzzle. The pull through (a string found in the oiler and thong case) is onlyused in the field. 

After the rifle is fired the bore is covered with an acid which, if leftin the bore, will eat into the metal and pit it. To avoid this, swab outthe barrel as soon as possible after firing with Hoppe's "PowderSolvent, No. 9" which can be purchased at the camp stores. If thispowder solvent is not available, dissolve some soda in water and use it. When the barrel is clean, dry it out thoroughly by running several dryrags through it. Next run several rags, saturated in oil, through thebarrel, this for the purpose of oiling the bore and preventing rust. This process of cleaning should be repeated for at least threesuccessive days following the firing of the rifle. 

The metal fouling, caused by the pealing off in the bore of the jacketof the bullet, can only be removed by an application of an ammoniasolution which should not be used by an inexperienced man. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

The Bayonet. The bayonet is a cutting and thrusting weapon consisting ofthree principal parts, viz. , the blade, the guard, and the grip. Theweight of a bayonet is 1 pound. 

[Illustration]

Captain B. A. Dixon, retired, has compiled the following interestingdata about our military rifle and ammunition:

"Name. United States Rifle (commonly known as the Springfield). 

"Cost. $14. 40 without the bayonet. 

"Barrel. 24. 006 inches in length. The muzzle is rounded to protect therifling. Any injury here would allow gases to escape around the sides ofthe bullet and destroy its accuracy. 

"On the top in rear of the front sight is stamped the Ordnanceescutcheon, the initials of the place of manufacture, and the month andyear. 

"Caliber. . 30-thirty hundredths of an inch. Caliber is the interiordiameter of the barrel measured between the lands. 

"Grooves. The four spiral channels within the bore of the riflesometimes called rifling. They are . 004 inches deep and are three timesas wide as the lands. 

"Lands. The four raised spaces in the bore of the rifle between thegrooves. These lands grip the bullet as it passes through the bore androtate it to the right about the longer axis. This rotation serves toprevent tumbling and keeps the bullet accurately on its course. Thisspinning of the bullet also causes it to drift slightly to the right asit passes through the air. The same effect is produced by throwing abaseball with a twist. 

"Twist. The spiral formed by the grooves in the barrel of the piece. The twist is uniform and to the right, one turn in ten inches. 

"Length. The rifle without bayonet is 43. 212 inches long. With bayonetit is 59. 212 inches long. 

"Manufacture. The United States Rifle is manufactured by theGovernment at Springfield Armory, Massachusetts, and Rock IslandArsenal, Illinois. 

"Rear Sight Leaf. Graduated from 100 to 2850 yards. The odd range ison the right branch of the leaf, the even on the left. Note that theline corresponding to a range is below a numeral. 

"Battle sight is the position of the rear sight in which the leaf islaid down. The slide should be drawn all the way hack to secure fulladvantage of the windage. It corresponds to a range of 547 yards. 

"Rounds. The rifle will hold six cartridges. Five are carried in themagazine and one in the chamber. 

"Stock. Made of walnut wood. 

"Oiler and Thong Case. Furnished for every alternate rifle and iscarried in butt of the stock. In one section is a supply of oil, in theother a thong and brush for cleaning the bore. In cleaning by thismethod draw the brush or rag from the muzzle toward the breech. 

"Weight. 8. 69 pounds without bayonet. Bayonet weighs 1 pound. 

"AMMUNITION

"Cost. About three and one-half cents per cartridge. 

"Bullet. Has a core of lead and tin composition inclosed in a jacketof cupro-nickel. The jacket being tough enables the lands in the bore togrip the bullet without rupturing and to rotate it while passing throughthe barrel. A lead bullet unjacketed would strip and pass throughwithout rotating. It weighs 150 grains and is pointed to offer lessresistance to the air. 

"Case. Made of brass. The government ammunition is manufactured atFrankford Arsenal, Pennsylvania. 

"Powder. Pyrocellulose. The grains are cylindrical, single, perforated, and graphited. Normal charge is 47-50 grains. Pressuredeveloped in the chamber is 51, 000 pounds per square inch. 

"Penetration. This bullet will penetrate the following materials todepth stated at range of 100 yards: Moist sand, 14. 02 inches; loam, 17. 46 inches; oak, 31. 18 inches; brick wall, 5. 5 inches; steel plate, . 4inch. Dry sand is the best stop. The bullet will penetrate 6. 88 inchesof it at 100 yards and 13. 12 inches at 500 yards. 

"Range. Maximum range, 4891. 6 yards, about 2-3/4 miles) with themuzzle elevated 45 degrees. The time of flight 38. 058 seconds. 

"Velocity. About 2700 feet per second at 70 degrees F. 

"Weight. A complete cartridge weighs 395. 5 grains depending on amountof water. It is waterproof. "

ESTIMATING DISTANCE

Suppose you are out hunting, and that you see a big buck on a distanthill. Suppose that it is exactly 600 yards distant from you, that youare an expert shot, and that you set your sights at 400 yards and fire. Will you hit the deer or not? You must know how to guess accurately thedistance to a deer, or a man, or anything else, if you propose to haveany reasonable hope of hitting it. 

The art of estimating distances with the eye can be improved bypractice. When you are in ranks, observe continually your surroundings. Call attention to and make estimates of the distances to all theprominent objects in view. Others near you will become interested, andthe interest will soon spread to the entire company. It will benecessary for the objects to be pointed out to those interested. This initself is a difficult thing to do. To be able quickly to see distantobjects that are being pointed out is a military accomplishment whichall soldiers should possess and which comes only with practice. 

METHODS OF ESTIMATING DISTANCES BY THE EYE

1. Decide that the object cannot be more than a certain distance away, or less than a certain distance. Keep the estimate within the closestpossible limits and take the mean of the two estimates as the range. Forinstance, that deer cannot be over 800 yards away and not less than 400yards. Your estimated distance is 600 yards. 

2. Select a point which you think is the middle point of the distance, estimate the distance to this middle point, and double your estimate toget your range. Do the same thing with half the distance, if the objectis very far away. 

3. Estimate the distance along a parallel line, such as a telephone lineor a railroad having on it a well-defined length with which you arefamiliar. 

4. Take the mean of several estimates made by several well-instructedmen. This method is used in battle, but is not applicable to instructionor during tests. 

1. Preliminary Instruction

To estimate distances by the eye with accuracy, it is first necessarythat you become familiar with the appearance of the most convenient unitof length, namely 100 yards. Stake off a distance of 100 yards. Subdivide this 100 yards into four 25-yard divisions. Pace off theentire distance several times, and you will soon become familiar withthe appearance of 100 yards. Next, take a distance more than 100 yardsand compare it mentally with your unit of measure (100 yards) and makeyour estimate. Verify this estimate by pacing the distance. Do this oncea day for several months, and you may become highly skilled in the artof estimating distances. 

2. Preliminary Instruction

If you know how a soldier, or group of soldiers, looks at the differentranges, it will often assist you in quickly making an accurate estimateof the distance. In order to acquire skill in estimating distances bythis method one must have special exercises designated to demonstratethe clearness with which details of clothing, movement of the limbs, etc. , can be observed at the different ranges. Have a squad march awayfrom you to a distance of 1, 200 yards. Then have it approach you andhalt every 100 yards. Each time the squad halts make a mental note ofthe distance, and then observe carefully its appearance, the clearnesswith which you can see the clothing, movements of the limbs, etc. 

APPEARANCE OF OBJECTS

Become familiar with the effect which the varying conditions of light, background, etc. , have upon the apparent distance of the object. Don'tbe content to memorize the following data, but go after the underlyingreason in each case. 

Objects seem nearer than they actually are:

1. When the object is seen in a bright light. 

2. When the color of the object contrasts sharply with the color of thebackground. 

3. When looking over water, snow, or a uniform surface like a wheatfield. 

4. When looking from a height downward. 

5. In clear atmosphere of high altitudes, as in Arizona and New Mexico. 

Objects seem more distant than they actually are:

1. When looking over a depression in the ground (across a canyon). 

2. When there is a poor light (very cloudy day) or a fog. 

3. When only a part of the object can be seen. 

4. When looking from low ground upward toward higher ground. 

ESTIMATING DISTANCES BY SOUND

Sound travels at the rate of about 366 yards a second. Therefore, multiply the number of seconds intervening between the flash of the gunand the report of the same by 366, and the product will be the distancein yards to the gun. 

RANGE-FINDING INSTRUMENT

Each company is equipped with a range-finding instrument. All companyofficers and sergeants should be proficient in using it. The accuracy ofthis instrument will greatly depend upon the skill of the user, and thevisibility of the objective. 

TRIAL SHOTS OR VOLLEYS

"If the ground is so dry and dusty that the fall of the bullets isvisible through a glass or with the naked eye, a method of determiningthe distance is afforded by using a number of trial shots or volleys. The method of using trial volleys is as follows: The sights are raisedfor the estimated range and one volley is fired. If this appears to hitbut little short of the mark, an increase of elevation of 100 yards willbe used for the next volley. When the object is enclosed between twovolleys, a mean of the elevation will be adopted as the correct range. The range may be obtained from a near-by battery or machine gun. This isthe best method when available. "--Small Arms Firing Manual. 

ESTIMATING DISTANCE TEST

This test is usually held after the record firing on the range has beencompleted. No distance used in this test will be less than 547 yards(battle sight range) or more than 1200 yards, which is considered theextreme range for effective fire of individuals or a small command. Should a soldier fail three times to make the necessary percentage inthese tests, his rifle qualification will be reduced one grade. For thespecific conditions governing this test, see Small Arms Firing Manual. 

RANGE FINDERS

Five or six enlisted men, selected by the company

[Illustration: This shows the path of the bullet (Line of Trajectory) ofthe 1917 Rifle (Enfield). 

The Line of Aim, we see, connects the eye, the rear sight, the frontsight and the bottom part of the target. It is a straight line. 

We see that the Line of Trajectory crosses the Line of Aim at twopoints. The distance between these points is 452 yards. Therefore, 452yards is the Battle Sight Range for the 1917 Rifle. ]

To hit the target squarely when it is 200 yards away, theLine of Aim must be under it, as shown in the diagram. ]

[Illustration: THE 1917 RIFLE (ENFIELD)]

commander from those most skilled, will be designated as "RangeFinders. " These men are practised in estimating distance throughout theyear. Their practice will be on varied ground and at distances up to2000 yards. These men assist the company commander when the company ison the defensive, in estimating the distances to the prominent objectsin view before the action commences; and at other times when the companycommander needs their assistance. 

CHAPTER V

TENT PITCHING

On the hike the camp will be laid out daily in advance by a staffofficer. The company being halted and in line, the company commandergives the order: FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS. 

The first sergeant and right guide fall in on the right of the company. The blank files in the squads have to be filled by men from the fileclosers, and the remaining guides and file closers form on the leftflank or at such places as may be designated by the company commander. The company commander next gives the order: 1. Take interval, 2. To theleft, 3. MARCH, 4. Company, 5. HALT. 

At the second command (to the left) the rear rank men march backwardfour steps of fifteen inches each and then halt. 

At the command MARCH, all face to the left and the leading man of eachrank steps off. The remaining men step off in succession, each followingthe preceding man at four paces. The rear rank men march abreast oftheir file leaders. 

The company commander gives the command HALT when all have gained theirintervals. At this command all halt and face to the front, dressing tothe right. The more quickly you dress and establish the line of tents, the more quickly you will be relieved of those heavy packs. This is thetime to brace up and give the company commander your support by givinghim your attention. If you cover in file accurately as you take intervalyou will often be accurately aligned upon halting. 

The next command is: PITCH TENTS. At this command each man steps offobliquely to the right with the right foot (about thirty inches) andlays his rifle on the ground, butt to the rear and near the toe of theright foot, muzzle to the front, barrel to the left. He then steps backto his original position. During this process of "grounding" the rifle, the front rank man must keep his left foot strictly in its position. Each front rank man then draws his bayonet from the scabbard and sticksit in the ground by the outside of his right heel. Now in order toinsure the bayonet being properly aligned, thus producing a straightline of tents, the company officers (first and second lieutenants), sometimes are required to align the line of bayonets while the men areunslinging and opening their equipment. The equipment is then unslungand laid on the ground. The packs are opened and the shelter half andpins removed therefrom. Each man spreads his shelter half, smalltriangle to the rear, on the ground that the tent is to occupy, therear-rank man's shelter half being on the right. Then the front-andrear-rank men button the halves together, the rear-rank man's half ontop. The guy loops at each end of the lower half are then passedthrough the button holes provided in the lower and upper halves; nextthe whipped end of the guy rope is passed through both guy loops andsecured; this is done at both ends of the tent, the rear-rank manworking at the rear and the front-rank man at the front. 

Each front-rank man then inserts the muzzle of his rifle under thefront end of the tent and holds the rifle upright, sling to the front, heel of the butt on the ground beside the bayonet. The rear-rank mancomes to the front of the tent and pins down the two front corners onthe line of bayonets, stretching the sides of the tent taut. He theninserts a pin in the loop of the front guy rope and drives it in theground at such a distance in front of the rifle as to hold the ropetaut. Then both men proceeding to the rear of the tent, each pins down acorner, stretching the sides and rear of the tent taut before drivingthe pin in. The rear-rank man next inserts an intrenching tool or abayonet, in its scabbard, under the rear end of the tent, the front rankman pegging down the end of the guy rope. The rest of the pins are thendriven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right. 

The front flaps of the tent are not fastened down, but thrown back onthe tent. 

In pitching the tent, it is absolutely necessary that the front-andrear-rank men work together. Team work is essential. 

When the camp site is small, it is necessary that each

[Illustration: Arrangement of Field Equipment in Shelter Tent

Elevation]

company pitch its tents in two lines facing each other. 

The following illustration shows the arrangement of the articles of theequipment when they are laid out for inspection. During the inspection, each man stands at attention in front of the corner pin of his ownshelter half on a line with the front guy rope pin, unless ordered tothe contrary. 

[Illustration: PLAN]

CHAPTER VI

SIGNALS AND CODES

1. GENERAL SERVICE CODE. (INTERNATIONAL MORSE CODE. )

Used for visual (except semaphore) and sound signaling, radiotelegraphy, on cables using siphon recorders, in communication with theNavy, and in intra-field artillery buzzer communication. 

 A . - B - . . . C - . - . D - . . E . F . . - . G - - . H . . . . I . . J . - - - K - . - L . - . . M - - N - . O - - - P . - - . Q - - . - R . - . S . . . T - U . . - V . . . - W . - - X - . . - Y - . - - Z - - . . 

 NUMERALS

 1 . - - - - 2 . . - - - 3 . . . - - 4 . . . . - 5 . . . . . 6 - . . . . 7 - - . . . 8 - - - . . 9 - - - - . 0 - - - - -

 PUNCTUATION

 Period . . . . . . Comma . - . - . - Interrogation . . - - . . Hyphen or dash - . . . . - Parentheses (before and after the words) - . - - . - Quotation mark (beginning and ending) . - . . - . Exclamation - - . . - - Apostrophe . - - - - . Semicolon - . - . - . Colon - - - . . . Bar indicating fraction - . . - . Underline (before and after the word or words it is wished to underline) . . - - . - Double dash (between preamble and address, between address and body of message, between body of message and signature, and immediately before a fraction) - . . . - Cross . - . - . 

Note. --Numerals and punctuations must be spelled out in the ardois, asthey require more than four elements, which is the limit of the ardoiskeyboard. 

The position is with the flag or other appliance held vertically, thesignalman directly facing station with which it is desired tocommunicate. The "dot" is to the right of sender, embracing an arc of90°, starting with the vertical and returning to it. The "dash" is asimilar motion to left. "Front" is downward directly in front andinstantly returned to vertical; it indicates a pause or conclusion. 

[Illustration: CONVENTIONAL FLAG SIGNALS]

For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commanderin rear, the subjoined signals (Signal Corps codes) are prescribed andshould be memorized. In transmission, their concealment from the enemy'sview should be insured. In the absence of signal flags, the head dressor other substitute may be used. 

Letter of If signaled from the If signaled from theAlphabet rear to the firing line firing line to the rear

A M Ammunition going forward Ammunition required

C C C Charge (mandatory at all Am about to charge if no times) instructions to the contrary

C F Cease firing Cease firing

D T Double time or "rush" Double time or "rush" or hurry

F Commence firing Commence firing

F L Artillery fire is causing Artillery fire is causing us losses us losses

G Move forward Preparing to move forward

H H H Halt Halt

K Negative Negative

L T Left Left

O What is the (R. N. , etc. ?) What is the (R. N. , etc. ?)

(Ardois and Interrogatory Interrogatorysemaphoreonly)

. . - - . . What is the (R. N. , etc. ?) What is the (R. N. , etc. ?)

(All methods Interrogatory Interrogatorybut ardoisand semaphore)

P Affirmative Affirmative

R Acknowledgment Acknowledgment

R N Range Range

R T Right Right

S S S Support going forward Support needed

T Target Target

[Illustration: TWO-ARM SEMAPHORE CODE]

ARM SIGNALS

The following arm signals are prescribed. In making signals either armmay be used. Officers who receive signals on the firing line "repeatback" at once to prevent misunderstanding. 

[Illustration: Forward]

Forward, MARCH. Carry the hand to the shoulder; straighten and hold thearm horizontally, thrusting it in the direction of march. 

This signal is also used to execute quick time from double time. 

[Illustration: Halt: Arm held stationary. Double Time: Arm moved up anddown several times. ]

HALT. Carry the hand to the shoulder. Thrust the hand upward and holdthe arm vertically. 

Double time, MARCH. Carry the hand to the shoulder; rapidly thrust thehand upward the full extent of the arm several times. 

[Illustration: Squads Right]

Squads right, MARCH. Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry itto a vertical position above the head and swing it several times betweenthe vertical and horizontal positions. 

[Illustration: Squads Left]

Squads left, MARCH. Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry itdownward to the side and swing it several times between the downward andhorizontal positions. 

[Illustration: To the rear

Squads Right About]

Squads right about, MARCH (if in close order) or, To the rear, MARCH (ifin skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically above the head; carry itlaterally downward to the side, and swing it several times between thevertical and downward positions. 

[Illustration: Change direction]

Change direction or Column right (left), MARCH. The hand on the sidetoward which the change of direction is to be made is carried across thebody to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal; then swing in ahorizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction. 

[Illustration: As Skirmishers]

As skirmishers, MARCH. Raise both arms laterally until horizontal. 

[Illustration: As Skirmishers Guide Center]

As skirmishers, guide center, MARCH. Raise both arms laterally untilhorizontal; swing both simultaneously upward until vertical, and returnto the horizontal; repeat several times. 

[Illustration: As Skirmishers Guide right]

As skirmishers, guide right (left), MARCH. Raise both arms laterallyuntil horizontal; hold the arm on the side of the guide steadily in thehorizontal position; swing the other upward until vertical, and returnit to the horizontal; repeat several times. 

[Illustration: Assemble]

Assemble, MARCH. Raise the arm vertically to its full extent anddescribe horizontal circles. 

[Illustration: To announce range Battle sight]

Range or Change Elevation. To announce range, extend the arm toward theleaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed; by keepingthe fist closed battle sight is indicated;

[Illustration: Range 300 Or increase by 300]

by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a numberequal to the hundreds of yards;

[Illustration: Add 50]

to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with forefinger. 

[Illustration: Decrease by 500]

To change elevation, indicate the amount of increase or decrease byfingers as above; point upward to indicate increase and downward toindicate decrease. 

[Illustration: What range are you using or: What is the range]

What range are you using? or What is the range? Extend the arms towardthe person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on theother hand, fist closed. 

[Illustration: Are you ready or: I am ready]

Are you ready? or I am ready. Raise the hand, fingers extended andjoined, palm toward the person addressed. 

[Illustration: Commence Firing]

Commence firing. Move the arm extended in full length, hand palm down, several times through a horizontal arc in front of the body. 

Fire faster. Execute rapidly the signal "Commence firing. "

Fire slower. Execute slowly the signal "Commence firing. "

[Illustration: To swing cone of fire to right]

Swing the cone of fire to the right, or left. Extend the arm in fulllength to the front, palm to the right (left); swing the arm to right(left), and point in the direction of the new target. 

Fix bayonet. Simulate the movement of the right hand in "Fix bayonet. "

[Illustration: Suspend firing. For Cease firing--Swing arm up and downseveral times. ]

Suspend firing. Raise and hold the forearm steadily in a horizontalposition in front of the forehead, palm of the hand to the front. 

Cease firing. Raise the forearm as in suspend firing and swing it up anddown several times in front of the face. 

[Illustration: Platoon]

Platoon. Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; describesmall circles with the hand. 

[Illustration: Squad]

Squad. Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; swing thehand up and down from the wrist. 

Rush. Same as double time. 

Use of the platoon and squad signals. The signals platoon and squad areintended primarily for communication between the captain and his platoonleaders. The signal platoon or squad indicates that the platooncommander is to cause the signal which follows to be executed by platoonor squad. 

You will observe that in no case is the right hand or the left handspecified. The officer may either face the company or have his backtoward it. 

CHAPTER VII

FIRST AID TO THE INJURED

In the army, as in civilian life, you are very often your brother'skeeper, as well as your own. Doctors cannot accompany a scout, a patrol, or the firing line. They are seldom present when a man falls overboard. When a soldier on the firing line is wounded, he may remain for severalhours where he falls. He, or his comrade, bandages the wound. Supposeyou are wounded, bitten by a snake, etc. , what would you do? You mayhave to give a practical answer to these questions at some time duringyour life. 

This chapter tells you what to do and what not to do in case of the mostfrequent disabling accidents that may befall a soldier or a civilian. Ask your mother, father, older brothers, and sisters to read it. Part ofit is for them. 

FIRST-AID PACKET

Each soldier carries on his belt a first-aid packet. This packetcontains two perfectly pure bandages and a couple of safety pins. Itshould be air tight. Examine yours every week and if the seal isdefective, ask your captain for a new packet. 

CAUTIONS

1. Act quickly but quietly. Be calm and quiet. Don't lose your head. 

2. Make the injured party sit or lie down. 

3. See the injury clearly before treating it. Send for a doctor if thewound is serious. 

4. Do not remove more clothing than is necessary to examine the injury. Always rip, or, if you cannot rip, cut the clothes from the injuredpart. Don't pull the clothes off. 

5. Give alcoholic stimulants cautiously and slowly, and only when thepatient feels weak or drowsy. Hot coffee or tea will often suffice whenobtainable. 

6. Keep from the patient all persons not actually needed to assist you. 

7. Do not touch a wound with your fingers. If the wound is dirty, remove the dirt as well as possible, with the first-aid bandage. 

8. Don't pour into the wound any water from your canteen for thepurpose of washing it out or washing the blood from around the wound. Water often contains germs and the skin around the wound may be dirty. If water is poured into the wound it carries or washes into the samethese germs and dirt, and the wound will become infected. 

9. Heat and moisture increases the activity of the germ of infection. Therefore keep the wound cool and dry. 

10. If the blood is scarlet in color and appears in spurts, send atonce for a doctor and then take the necessary measures (apply atourniquet) to stop the flow of blood. 

11. If the patient loses consciousness, it will probably be becauseinsufficient blood is reaching the brain. Lower your patient's head andgive all your attention to stopping the bleeding. 

BULLET WOUND

If you receive a bullet wound, don't get excited or lose your head. Abullet wound in the muscle or soft parts of the body causes little painand, if properly dressed, heals in about two to three weeks. Protect theopenings where the bullet entered and came out with the bandages foundin the first-aid packet. Don't touch the wound with your fingers. Remove sufficient clothing to see the wounds. Then, and not before, openthe first-aid packet and carefully unfold (open) the compress (pad foundin the middle of each bandage) and place it over the wound and wrap theends of the bandage fairly tight around the limb and fasten with thesafety pin. If one compress is not large enough to cover the entirewound, use the second bandage. This bandaging will stop ordinarybleeding. Such a dressing may be all that is needed for several days. Itis better to leave a wound undressed than to dress it carelessly orignorantly, so that the dressing must be removed. 

STOPPING BLEEDING

If the blood is dark blue and the stream is continuous, a vein has beenpunctured which, in itself, is not ordinarily dangerous. The bandagingof such a wound will usually stop the flow of blood. Bandage firmly. Remember all wounds bleed a little, but that, as a rule, this bleedingwill stop in a few minutes if the patient remains quiet. 

If the blood is bright red and appears in spurts, an artery has beenpunctured, and the flow of blood must be stopped or the patient willbleed to death. To do this, apply a pressure to the artery at some pointbetween the wound and the heart. Press the artery against the bone. Thiscan usually be done for a short time with the fingers. However it willusually he necessary to use an improvised tourniquet. Tie the bandage ofthe first-aid packet around the limb so that the compress (pad) willpress the artery against the bone. Slip under the compress and over theartery a small stone. Pass a stick under the bandage and turn the stickaround slowly until the slack is taken up and the bleeding stops. Thentie the stick as shown in the illustration. 

[Illustration]

After the tourniquet has been in place for an hour, loosen it and if noblood flows allow it to remain loose. If it again bleeds tighten itquickly and loosen again at the end of an hour. 

The following illustrations, show the usual places where tourniquets areapplied or where pressure can be applied to the arteries with the thumb:

[Illustration: WOUND IN SHOULDER]

[Illustration: WOUND IN ARM]

[Illustration: WOUND IN HEAD]

[Illustration: WOUND IN LEG]

BROKEN BONE (FRACTURE)

The next injury you must know is a broken bone. You will usually knowwhen an arm or leg is broken by the way the arm or leg is held, for thewounded man loses control over the limb. Suppose your comrade breaks hisleg or arm. What would you do? Straighten the limb gently, pulling uponthe end of it quietly and firmly so that the two ends of the broken bonewill not overlap. Next, retain the limb in its straightened position bysuch splints and other material as the boot of a carbine, a piece ofboard, a piece of tin gutter. Pad the material you use. Tie it to thebroken limb as shown in the following illustrations. Never place abandage over the fracture. See Illustration. 

[Illustration: BROKEN ARM]

[Illustration: BROKEN LEG]

[Illustration: BROKEN LEG]

DROWNING

Being under water for over four or five minutes is generally fatal, but, unless you know the body has been submerged a long time, make anattempt to restore life. Don't get disheartened and give up, if you seeno signs of life after a few minutes' work. Work on the body for atleast an hour. 

Your comrade's lifeless body has just been pulled out of the water. Whatdo you do? You are alone. 

1. Don't waste time in removing his clothes. 

2. Reach your finger in his mouth and straighten out his tongue. 

3. Lay him on his stomach; then straddle him; reach both arms under hisstomach; raise his hips two feet from the ground and jostle him. Thisdrains the water from the stomach and lungs. 

[Illustration: PRESSURE EXERTED]

4. Lay him on his stomach; turn his head to one side so his nose andmouth do not touch the ground; extend his arms beyond his head (seeillustration); locate his lowest (12th) rib; place hand, finger, andthumb closed (see illustration) on body so that the little finger curlsover the 12th rib; hold your arms and wrists straight and lean forwardslowly so the weight of the upper part of your body will be brought tobear gradually upon your comrade's ribs (see illustration); let thispressure continue for about three seconds; then remove it suddenly byremoving the hands. Apply this pressure at the rate of from 12 to 15times a minute. 

[Illustration: PRESSURE RELAXED]

5. Do not attempt to give him any kind of liquids while he isunconscious. 

6. Apply warm blankets as soon as possible. 

7. Never say "He is dead"--Work on his body for at least an hour. 

SUNSTROKE--(THE SKIN IS HOT)

A sunstroke is accompanied by the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, sense of oppression, nausea, colored vision, and often thepatient becomes insensible. The muscles are relaxed, face flushed, skinhot, pulse rapid, and the temperature rises. The breathing is labored. 

Treatment: Reduce the temperature as rapidly as possible, with ice orcold water; get the patient in the shade. Loosen clothing. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION--(THE SKIN IS COOL)

Symptoms: Nausea, a staggering gait, pulse is weak, and the patientmay quickly become unconscious. The skin is cool. This condition isdangerous. 

Treatment: Rub the limbs vigorously. Give stimulants; apply heat. 

BURNS

Do not pull the clothing from the burnt part, but rip or cut it off. Donot break the blisters or prick them even if large. 

Treatment: Protect it quickly with a mixture of equal parts of linseedor olive oil and water. 

FREEZING AND FROSTBITE

Symptom: The part frozen appears white or bluish and is cold. 

Treatment: Raise the temperature of the frozen member slowly byrubbing it with snow or ice and water, in a cool place. Don't go near afire. 

FAINTING

Symptom: Loss of consciousness. It is usually the result of severebleeding or exhaustion from fatigue. This condition is rarely dangerous. 

Treatment: Lay the patient on his back, head a little lower than restof body, arms by side, feet extended. Rub the limbs. Sprinkle water onthe face and give stimulants if necessary. 

POISONING

Treatment: Send for a doctor at once. Empty the stomach and bowels. Give two tablespoons full of mustard and warm water or a tablespoon fullof salt in a glass of water to produce vomiting. Then give a purgative. Tickle throat with finger or feather in case mustard or salt are notprocurable. After the poison has been evacuated, give stimulants andapply heat and rubbing externally. 

SNAKE BITE

In snake bites the poison acts quickly. 

Treatment: Apply a tourniquet between the wound and the heart so as tostop the circulation and prevent the system from absorbing the poison. Get out your knife and make a couple of cross cuts through the wound soit will bleed freely. Then suck the poison from the wound and spit thepoison out. If your lips are lacerated there is danger in this methodbut it is your duty to take this chance in order to save your comrade'slife. After sucking out the wound, heat your knife and burn it out. 

STOMACH WOUNDS

Send for a doctor. Lie perfectly quiet. Don't lose your head and don'tattempt to crawl to help or to stir around. Place a clean piece of clothover the wound and keep it constantly wet with a solution of salt water. If the wound is in the stomach, it is better to lie perfectly quiet onthe battle field for a day or two until found than to crawl toassistance. 

CHAFING

Treatment: Keep parts dry, use talcum powders and keep parts separatedby a layer of absorbent cotton. 

EXTINGUISHING BURNING CLOTHES

Treatment: Lie down on the floor and roll up as tightly as possible ina rug blanket, etc. , leaving only the head out. If nothing can beobtained in which to wrap yourself, lie down and roll over slowly and atthe same time beat out the fire with your hands. Flames shoot upward. In order to get them away from the head, lie down. Don't run, it onlyfans the flames. 

If another person's clothing catches fire, throw him to the ground andsmother the fire as just described. 

GAS

Most of the gas used on the battlefield today is deadly. When a gasshell explodes there are two kinds of men: Quick men and Dead men. The quick men put on their gas masks, which contain chemicals thatneutralize the poisonous air. 

Treatment: When a man is slightly gassed don't allow him to movearound or to remove his mask. Have him lie down and rest. Loosen hisclothes around his neck and chest so he can breathe freely. Keep himwarm. When the gas has been removed from the trench, take off his maskand give spirits of ammonia. 

APPENDIX

TABLES OF ORGANIZATION

(For Reference Only)

 INFANTRY COMPANY

 Commissioned Officers

 Captain. 1 1st Lieutenant. 1 2nd Lieutenant. 1 -- Total 3

 Enlisted Strength

 1st Sergeant. 1 Mess Sergeant. 1 Supply Sergeant. 1 Sergeants. 8 Corporals. 17 Cooks. 3 Buglers. 2 Mechanics. 2 Privates, 1st class. 28 Privates. 87 --- Total 150

INFANTRY BATTALION

Four companies of infantry. (There are three battalions in a regiment ofinfantry. )

INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS, 1911

FOR USE WITH THE

UNITED STATES RIFLE, MODEL, 1917 (ENFIELD)

For troops armed with the United States rifle, Model 1917 (Enfield), thealternative paragraphs published herewith will govern. 

By order of the Security of War:

 HUGH L. SCOTT, Major General, Chief of Staff. 

 Official: H. P. McCAIN, The Adjutant General. 

The following rules govern the carrying of the piece

First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber orthe magazine except when specially odered. When so loaded, or supposedto be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the safetylock turned to the "Safe. " At all other times it is carried unlocked, with the trigger pulled. 

Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediatelyinspected at the commands: 1. INSPECTION, 2. ARMS, 3. ORDER(Right shoulder, port), 4. ARMS. 

A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal. 

If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine they are removed andplaced in the belt. 

Third. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard, orfor combat. 

Fourth. Fall in is executed with the piece at order arms. Fall out, rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resumingattention the position of order arms is taken. 

Fifth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece isbrought to the right shoulder at the command MARCH, the three motionscorresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed atthe trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words attrail; as 1. AT TRAIL, FORWARD, 2. MARCH. The trail is taken at thecommand MARCH. 

When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval ordistance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the pieceto the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting. 

Sixth. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution ofthe order begins when the halt is completed. 

Seventh. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms. 

Being at order arms: 1. UNFIX, 2. BAYONET. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute parade rest;grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, pressing thespring with the forefinger of the left hand; raise the bayonet until thehandle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece; drop the pointto the left, back of the hand toward the body, and, glancing at thescabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm andthe body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonetfrom the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in themost convenient manner. 

If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the mostexpeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the originalposition. 

Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity, butnot in cadence. 

Being at inspection arms; 1. ORDER (Right shoulder, port), 2. ARMS. 

At the preparatory command press the follower down with the fingers ofthe left hand, then push the bolt forward just enough to engage thefollower, raise the fingers of the left hand, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At thecommand ARMS, complete the movement ordered. 

TO LOAD

Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. WITH DUMMY (Blank or ball)CARTRIDGES, 2. LOAD. 

At the command load each front rank man or skirmisher faces half rightand carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such positionas will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raisesor lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, leftthumb extended along the stock and the muzzle at the height of thebreast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes aloaded clip and inserts the ends in the clip slots, places the thumb onthe powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around thepiece and tips resting on the magazine floor plate; forces thecartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb; withoutremoving the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle; turnsthe safety lock to the "Safe" and carries the hand to the small of thestock. Each rear rank man moves to the right front, takes a similarposition opposite the interval to the right of his front rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads. 

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearlyas practicable in the position of load. 

If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; ifkneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting, theelbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left hand steadiesand supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting onthe ground, the muzzle off the ground. 

For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) aredesignated as that of load. 

For purposes of simulated firing, 1. SIMULATE, 2. LOAD, raise thebolt handle as in the preceding paragraph, draw the bolt back until thecocking piece engages, then close the bole, and turn the bolt handledown. 

The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing; after afew lessons dummy cartridges are used. Later blank cartridges may beused. 

TO UNLOAD

Unload: Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and movethe bolt alternately backward and forward until all the cartridges areejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed bypressing the follower down with the fingers of the left hand, to engageit under the bolt, and then thrusting the bolt home. The trigger ispulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to thebelt and the piece is brought to the order. 

To continue the firing: 1. AIM, 2. SQUAD, 3. FIRE. 

Each command is executed as previously explained. Load is executed bydrawing back and thrusting home the bolt with the right hand, leavingthe safety lock at the "Ready. "

Cease firing: Firing stops; pieces are loaded and locked; the sightsare laid down and the piece is brought to the order. Cease firing isused for long pauses to prepare for changes of position or to steady themen. 

COMPANY INSPECTION

Being in line at a halt: 1. OPEN RANKS, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march the front rank executes right dress; the rearrank and the file closers march backward 4 steps, halt, and executeright dress; the lieutenants pass around their respective flanks andtake post, facing to the front, 3 paces in front of the center of theirrespective platoons. The captain aligns the front rank, rear rank, andfile closers, takes post 3 paces in front of the right guide, facing tothe left, and commands:

3. FRONT, 4. PREPARE FOR INSPECTION. 

At the second command the lieutenants carry saber; the captain returnssaber and inspects them, after which they face about, order saber, andstand at ease; upon the completion of the inspection they carry saber, face about, and order saber. The captain may direct the lieutenants toaccompany or assist hint, in which case they return saber and, at theclose of the inspection, resume their posts in front of the company, draw and carry saber. 

Having inspected the lieutenants, the captain proceeds to the right ofthe company. Each man, as the captain approaches him, executesinspection arms. 

The captain takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just belowthe lower band, the man dropping his hands; the captain inspects thepiece, and, with the hand and piece in the same position as in receivingit, handsit back to the man, who takes it with the left hand at thebalance and executes order arms. 

As the captain returns the piece the next man executes inspectionarms, and so on through the company. 

Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man executes orderarms as soon as the captain passes to the next man. 

The inspection is from right to left in front, and from left to right inrear of each rank and of the line of file closers. 

When approached by the captain the first sergeant executes inspectionsaber. Enlisted men armed with the pistol execute inspection pistolby drawing the pistol from the holster and holding it diagonally acrossthe body, barrel up, and 6 inches in front of the neck, muzzle pointingup and to the left. The pistol is returned to the holster as soon as thecaptain passes. 

Upon completion of the inspection the captain takes post facing to theleft in front of the right guide and on line with the lieutenants andcommands: 1. CLOSE RANKS, 2. MARCH. 

At the command march the lieutenants resume their posts in line; therear rank closes to 40 inches, each man covering his file leader; thefile closers close to 2 paces from the rear rank. 

INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES ARMED WITH RIFLES, MODEL 1898. 

War Department, Office of the Chief of Staff, Washington, December 2, 1911. 

The Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911, have been prepared for the use oftroops armed with the United States magazine rifle, model 1903. For theguidance of organizations armed with the United States magazine rifle, model 1898, the following alternative paragraphs are published and willbe considered as substitute paragraphs for the corresponding paragraphsin the text. 

By order of the Secretary of War:

Leonard Wood, Major General, Chief of Staff. 

RULES GOVERNING THE CARRYING OF THE PIECE. 

Third. The cut-off is kept turned down, except when using the magazine. 

Being at order arms: 1. Unfix, BAYONET. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Take the position ofparade rest, grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, press the spring with the forefinger of the left hand, raise the bayonetuntil the handle is about 6 inches above the muzzle of the piece, dropthe point to the left, back of hand toward the body, and, glancing atthe scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left armand body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order. 

If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonetfrom the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in themost convenient manner. 

If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the mostexpeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the originalposition. 

Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity, butnot in cadence. 

Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS. 

At the second command, take the position of port arms (TWO). With theright hand open the magazine gate, turn the bolt handle up, draw thebolt back and glance at the magazine and chamber. Having found themempty, or having emptied them, raise the head and eyes to the front. 

Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (Right shoulder, port), 2. ARMS. 

At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, close the magazine gate, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At thecommand arms, complete the movement ordered. 

Pieces being loaded and in the position of load, to execute othermovements with the pieces loaded: 1. Lock, 2. PIECES. 

At the command Pieces turn the safety lock fully to the right. 

The safety lock is said to be at the "ready" when turned to the left, and at the "safe" when turned to the right. 

The cut-off is said to be "on" when turned up and "off" when turneddown. 

Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball)cartridges, 2. LOAD. 

At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half rightand carries the right foot to the right, about one foot, to suchposition as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of thebody; raises or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at thebalance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height ofthe breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takesa cartridge between the thumb and first two fingers and places it in thereceiver; places palm of the hand against the back of the bolt handle;thrusts the bolt home with a quick motion, turning down the handle, andcarries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear-rank man moves tothe right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to theright of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond thefront rank, and loads. 

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearlyas practicable in the position of load. 

If kneeling or sitting the position of the piece is similar; if kneelingthe left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting the elbows aresupported by the knees. If lying down the left hand steadies andsupports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on theground, the muzzle off the ground. 

For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) aredesignated as that of load. 

FILL MAGAZINE. 

Take the position of load, if not already there, open the gate of themagazine with the right thumb, take five cartridges from the box orbelt, and place them, with the bullets to the front, in the magazine, turning the barrel slightly to the left to facilitate the insertion ofthe cartridges; close the gate and carry the right hand to the small ofthe stock. 

To load from the magazine the command From magazine will be givenpreceding that of LOAD; the cut-off will be turned up on coming tothe position of load. 

To resume loading from the belt the command From belt will be givenpreceding the command LOAD; the cut-off will be turned down oncoming to the position of load. 

The commands from magazine and from belt, indicating the change inthe manner of loading, will not be repeated in subsequent commands. 

The words from belt apply to cartridge box as well as belt. 

In loading from the magazine care should be taken to push the bolt fullyforward and turn the handle down before drawing the bolt back, asotherwise the extractor will not catch the cartridge in the chamber, andjamming will occur with the cartridge following. 

To fire from the magazine, the command MAGAZINE FIRE may be given atany time. The cut-off is turned up and an increased rate of fire isexecuted. After the magazine is exhausted the cut-off is turned down andthe firing continued, loading from the belt. 

Magazine fire is employed only when, in the opinion of the platoonleader or company commander, the maximum rate of fire becomes necessary. 

UNLOAD. 

All take the position of load, turn the cut-off up, if not alreadythere, turn the safety lock to the left, and alternately open and closethe chamber until all the cartridges are ejected. After the lastcartridge is ejected the chamber is closed and the trigger pulled. Thecartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the box or belt, and the piece brought to the order. 

CLIP FIRE. 

Turn the cut-off up: fire at will (reloading from the magazine) untilthe cartridges in the piece are exhausted; turn the cut-off down; fillmagazine; reload and take the position of suspend firing. 

CEASE FIRING. 

Firing stops; pieces not already there are brought to the position ofload, the cut-off turned down if firing from magazine, the cartridge isdrawn or the empty shell is ejected, the trigger is pulled, sights arelaid down, and the piece is brought to the order. 

Cease firing is used for long pauses to prepare for changes ofposition or to steady the men. 

INDEX

About face, 34

Advance, company, 121, 122 during attack, 148, 245, 246 methods of, 126-129 rear guard during, 231 under cover, 245

Advance cavalry, 226

Advance guard, 142, 221 communication with, 228, 229 distance from main body of, 224 distribution of, 226 duties of, 143, 223, 224 strength of, 224 supports to, 226, 227

Age limits for reserve officers, 169, 170

Aiming rifle, 277

Air planes, military value of, 213

Alignments, 66, 67 in company movements, 88, 106, 112 in skirmish drill, 119

Ammunition, 191 data on U. S. Army, 285, 286

Appointments to officers' reserve corps, 169, 170, 175, 176

Arm signals, 302-308

Arms, manual of, 40-62

Arms of the service, coöperation of, 182

Army departments, 178, 323, 324

Army organization tables, 321-324

Army slang, 19, 20

Articles of War, 179

Artillery, 183, 232, 322, 323 organization of, 322, 323

Assembling, position of guides and file-closers in, 111

Assembly of company, 88, 120, 125 of platoons, 120, 121 of squad, 75

At ease, 32, 33 march, 106

Attack, advantages of, 145, 242, 243 deployment for, 244 enveloping, 243, 244 fire superiority in, 148, 207, 246 frontal, 243 initiative in, 145, 206 night, 185, 186 patrols in, 244, 252 plan of, 147 progress of, 147, 148, 149, 207, 246, 247 rules for, 208, 209 turning movement in, 243, 244

Attention, 29 from route step, 106 under arms, 40

Back step, 37

Backward march, 37

Bandaging, first-aid, 310-313

Barbwire, use of, 151, 186

Base squad in extended order drills, 112-119

Battle-field conditions, 130, 131, 207

Bayonet, 283 importance of, 190

Bed-making on practice marches, 161

Billeting, 215

Bivouac, 215

Blanket roll, 167, 168

Bleeding, treatment for, 311-313

Blisters, treatment for, 163

Bombs, 184, 185

Broken bone, treatment for, 313, 314

Bullet wound, treatment for, 311

Burning clothes, extinguishing, 319, 320

Burns, treatment for, 317

Camp, arrival at, 11-13 conduct in, 13-15 equipment in, 11 inspection of, 296 guard duty in, 192-194 habits in, 15, 16, 17 security in, 137-139 mail regulations in, 10 sanitation, 164, 165

Camping ground, selection of, 215, 216

Camping on practice marches, 161, 292

Camps, Federal training, 10

Cantonment, 213

Captain, responsibility of, 110, 133

Cavalry, 183, 184 advance, 226, 212 ammunition for, 191

Cavalry division, composition of, 211 squadron, organization of, 323 troop organization of, 321, 322

Chafing, treatment for, 319

Change step, 39

Charge during attack, 247

Clip fire, 211

Close order drills, 63, 88

Clothing, 11

Coast artillery, 178

Colors, saluting, 195

Column, diminishing front of, 108, 109 of platoons, change of direction for, 102, 103 formation from column of squads, 105, 106 from line of, 100-102 of route, 106 of squads, change of direction for, 94, 103 formation from line of, 93, 94, 102, 103

Combat patrols, 244, 252 train, 191

Commands, 28 in company skirmish drill, 114 to company, 86, 96-100

Communicating trenches, 188

Company, advance of, 121-129 alignment in, 88, 106, 112 assembly of, 88, 120 dismissing the, 111, 112 dressing, 92, 97, 99, 112 facing, 105 file closers in, 108 file formation in, 108, 109 formation into columns, 100-102 front into line, 99, 100, 106 guide in, 106, 107, 108 in line, from line of platoons, 105, 106 inspection arms in, 88, 89 march at ease, 106 to rear, 105 movement on fixed pivot in, 89-93 on moving pivot in, 93-96 intervals in, 93 platoons in, 110 position of men in, 87 roll call in, 87 route step, 106 skirmish drills in, 114-120 squads in, 86

Conduct, rules of, 13-15

Coöperation of arms of the service, 182

Corporals, duties on firing line of, 134, 135 in company movement, 96, 97, 99, 100 in skirmish drill, 77, 78, 115-117

Cossack posts, 141, 235

Counter attack, 248, 253

Counting off, 64, 86

Cover, advance under, 245 detachments, duties of, 221, 222 strength of, 223 trenches, 188

Day patrol, 236, 237

Defense, advantages of, 150, 249 fire superiority in, 252 orders for, 251 passive and active, 149, 247, 248 position for, 130, 249, 250 preparations for, 150-152, 250-252 use of obstacles in, 186Deflection in rifle drill, 263, 267, 268

Deployment for attack, 244 rules for, 118-120

Diminishing the front of column of squads, 108, 109

Discipline, value of, 17, 63, 216, 217

Distances, taking, 64, 111

Division commander, 212

Divisional cavalry, 211

Double time march, 36

Dress, 17, 18

Drills, close order, 63, 88 extended order, 112 rifle, 261-269 value of, 17, 63, 180

Drowning, treatment for, 314-316

Duties of advance and rear guards, 143 of captain in battle, 133 of corporals in battle, 134, 135 of platoon leaders in battle, 134 of reserve officers, 171

Elevation, in rifle drill, 263, 268, 269

Emergency ration, 192

Equipment for first-aid, 309 inspection of, 295, 296 on arrival at camp, 11 on practice marches, 166-168

Estimating distance, 286-291

Estimating the situation, 146, 203, 204

Examination to enter Officers' Reserve Corps, 170, 172

Exercises, preparatory, 23, 27

Extended order drills, 112

Eyes front, 33 right, 33

Facing, company, 105 on skirmish line, 190

Facings, 34

Fainting, treatment for, 318

Fall in, 33

Fall out, 32

Feet, care of the, 14, 162

Federal training camps, 10

Field artillery, organization of, 322, 323 exercises, 127 orders, 147, 196-199, 204-206 ration, 192 train, 191

File, in squad, 63 formation from column, 108, 109

File-closer, sergeant as, 111 in close order, 88 position in column of, 102, 107 position in company of, 92, 108 position in company facing of, 105 regulation of intervals by, 111

Filipino ration, 192

Fire attack, 127-129, 246 at will, 211 control, 134 direction, 132-134 discipline, 135 kinds of, 211 superiority in attack, 246 in defense, 252 trenches, 188

Firing, conditions for effective, 131, 132, 134, 207 positions for, 271-275 line, advance of, 148, 245, 246 practice, advice on, 271-282

First-aid packet, 309

Fix bayonet, from order, 58

Flag signals, 299-301

Flank guard, 221 march, 38

Following corporal, 77, 78, 115, 116, 117, 119

Forward march, 35

Fracture, treatment for, 313, 314

Freezing and frost-bite, treatment for, 317, 318

Gallery practice, 155, 270, 328

Garrison ration, 192

Guard duty, 192-194

Guide, distance regulation by, 92, 111 duties of, 106, 107 in column formation, 107 in company assembly, 88, 111 in company facing, 105 in company pivot movements, 91-94, 101 in line or column formation, 101, 106 in skirmish drill, 114-116 in squad movements, 107, 108 of deployed line, 107

Guides, execution of manual arms by, 111 officers as, 106, 110, 111

Habits, 15, 16, 17

Half step march, 36, 37

Halt, 38 during practice marches, 160 in company movement, 97, 99

Hand grenades, 184, 185 salute, 31, 32

Hardships of practice marches, 159

Hasty cover trenches, 188

Heat exhaustion, treatment for, 317

Independent cavalry, 212

Infantry, 182 ammunition for, 191 battalion, organization of, 323 company, organization of, 321 division, composition of, 211

Information concerning enemy, 146, 207, 209, 210, 254

Initiative, value of, 145, 206

Injuries, first-aid treatment for, 310, 311

Inspection arms, from order, 59 in company, 88, 89

Inspection of camp equipment, 296 of outpost, 239, 240 of patrol, 256

Instruction to officers, 172, 173, 176

Intelligence Section, 210

Intervals, in company movements, 93 in skirmish line, 78, 79 in squad, 63, 65, 79, 80 taking, 111

Intrenchments, 187, 251

Kneeling, 80, 81 position for firing, 273

Left shoulder arms, from port, 51, 53

Lieutenant, appointment from Officers' Reserve of, 176 assignments of, 110

Light artillery battalion, organization of, 323

Line formation to front, from column, company, 99, 100 to right, from column, company, 96-9

Line of observation, 140, 236 of out guards, 140 of platoons, from column of squads, 103 from line, 103, 104 of resistance, 140 of reserves, 138, 140

List of Reserve officers, 176, 177

Loading and firing in squad, 81, 82, 83

Lying down, 80

Machine guns, 184, 229, 232

Mail, in camp, 10

Manœuver maps, 190

Manual of arms, 40, 62

Maps, military use of, 189, 190, 210

March to rear, company, 105

Marches, conditions for successful, 213-215

Marches, practice, 159 see also, Practice marches

Marching rules, 160

Marchings, 35-39 in squad, 68, 77

Mark time, 36

Meeting engagements, 186, 187

Military correspondence, 180-182 information, collection of, 146, 207, 209, 210, 213, 254 maps, 189, 190, 210

Military problems, 199-202 training in colleges, 173-176

Mission, 146

Mobile Army, 177, 178

Movements in column, in company, 102-105 in line, in company, 96-100 on pivot, in company, 89-96

Musicians, position in column of, 111

Napoleon as military leader, 199, 201, 206

Nervousness in firing, 153, 157

Night operations, 185, 186 patrol, 236

Non commissioned officers, 106, 110, 111, 179

Observation, line of, 140, 236

Oblique march, 76, 77

Obstacles, removal of, for defense, 151 use of, in defense, 186

Officers, advice to, 216-218 grades and commands of, 179

Officers' Reserve Corps, see also Reserve officers, Officers' Reserve Corps, eligibility for, 169-172, 175, 176 pay in, 171, 174, 176 purpose of, 169 sections of, 72, 173

Order arms, from inspection, 59 from port, 45 from present, 45 from right shoulder, 50 from trail, 55

Out guards, precautions for, 240 line of, 140, 234, 235 posting of, 240

Outpost, composition of, 232 distance from main body of, 233 distribution of troops of, 232-237 formation of, 138, 237-240 importance of, 187, 221 inspection of, 239, 240 placing of, 138, 141, 234, 239 relieving the, 241 strength of, 140, 231 supports to, 138, 140, 234 orders, 238 reserves, 234 sentinels, 235, 236, 237, 239 sketches, 190

Outposts, inter-communication between, 237

Packs on practice marches, 162, 167

Parade rest, 30 from order, 54

Patrol, 228, 229 combat, 244, 252 duties of, 237, 240, 254 formation for, 257, 258 instructions to, 255, 256 meeting enemy, 258, 259 posting of, 240 preparation for, 256, 257 return of, 259 strength of, 255 cautions, 258, 259 commander of, 255

Pay in Officers' Reserve Corps, 171, 174, 176

Picket sentinel, 240

Pickets, 141, 235 posting of, 240

Platoon columns, advance by, 122, 124 leaders, duties on firing line of, 134

Platoons, assembly of, 120, 121 commands to, 96-100 squads in, 110

Poisoning, treatment for, 318

Port arms, from left shoulder, 54 from order, 43, 44 from present, 45 from right shoulder, 50

Positions for rifle practice, 271-275

Practice marches, camping on, 161, 164, 165, 292 care of feet on, 162-164 equipment for, 166-168 hardships of, 159, 160 value of, 159 water drinking on, 162

Present arms, from order, 41, 42 from port, 45 from right shoulder, 51

Prone position for firing, 274, 275

Property for Reserve officers, 192

Quick time march, 36

Range finders, 151, 289, 290, 291

Rapid fire practice, 157, 158, 279, 280, 328, 329 target, 267

Ration, 191, 192

Reading list for Reserve officers, 195, 196

Rear, march to the, 39

Rear guard, 142, 221 composition of, 229, 230 distance from main force of, 230 distribution of, 230 duties of, 143, 229 strength of, 229 of advancing force, 231

Reconnaissance, 228, 229, 254, 213

Reconnoitering patrols, duties of, 210, 254

Relations between officers and men, 216-218

Reserve officers, see also Officers' Reserve Corps

Reserve officers, active service of, 171 appointment of, 169, 170, 172, 175, 176 department report on, 176, 177 instruction to, 172, 173-175 pay of, 171, 174, 176 promotion of, 171 property of, 192 reading list for, 195, 196 Training Camps, 173-175

Reserve ration, 192

Reserves, during advance, 142 line of, 138, 140 placing of, 239 to support party, 227, 228

Resistance, line of, 140

Rests, 32, 33, 54 during marches, 160, 161

Rifle, care of, 20, 282 control of, 135 data on U. S. Army, 283-285 drills, 261-269 holding, 270, 271 knowledge of, 153, 154 nomenclature of, 261 recoil of, 156, 157 rules for carrying, 60-62 salute, from order, 57 from right shoulder, 55, 56 from trail, 57 sights, 154-156, 261-264 sling of, 276 practice, 271-282

Right dress, 66, 67 face, 34 step march, 37 turn in company movement, 97, 99

Right shoulder arms, from order, 46-49 from port, 50 from present, 51

Road sketches, 190

Roll call in company, 89

Route step, company, 106

Salutes, 31, 32, 56

Saluting, 18, 19, 194, 195 at retreat, 194, 195 colors, 195

Security, during advance, 141 in camp, 137-139 on march, 221-223

Semaphore signals, 301

Sentinel posts, 235, 236

Sentinels, duties of, 193, 194 posting of, 240

Sentry squads, 141, 235

Sergeants in company movements, 88, 89, 111

Shelter, for troops on march, 215 tents, 292

Shoes, walking, 16, 21, 22, 164

Shot, calling, 278

Side step, 37

Sighting, 261-264, 278, 279

Signal Corps code, 299-301

Signals, arm, 302-308 flag, 299-301 general service code for, 297, 298 semaphore, 301

Sitting position for firing, 271, 272

Skirmish drill, base squad in, 112-119 guide in, 114-116 in squad, 78-83 line, advance of, 126, 127 from column, 116-118 from company line, 114-116 on oblique, 120 to the flank, 120 to the rear, 120

Skirmishes in advance, 124

Slow fire practice, 270, 271, 328, 329 targets, 266

Small pox inoculation, 11

Snake bite, treatment for, 318, 319

Squad, alignment of, 66, 67 formation of, 64 assembly of, 75 deploy of, 63 dismissal of, 59, 60 distance in, 64 halt, 69 number of men in, 110 right, 68 right about, 70 right turn, 71, 72 skirmish drill in, 78-83 blanket roll, 168 columns, 124 file, 63 intervals, 63, 65, 79, 80 leaders in company movements, 88 marchings, 68-77

Squads, in column movements, 102-105 in company, 86 commands to, 96-100

Stack arms, 84

Steps, 35-39

Stomach wounds, treatment for, 319

Strategical maps, 190 reconnaissance, 213

Strategy, 212

Sunstroke, treatment for, 317

Supports, posting of, 239 during advance, 142 in attack, 149 to advance guard, 226, 227 to outposts, 138, 140, 234

Surplus kit bag, 167

Tactical reconnaissance, 213

Tactics, 212

Take arms, 85

Taking intervals and distances, 111

Target practice, 156, 157, 328, 329

Team work in firing, 133

Tent pitching, 161, 293, 294

Tents, shelter, 292

Term of service for Reserve officers, 170, 171, 175

Tourniquet, use of, 312, 313, 318

Trail arms, from order, 55

Training camps, Federal, 10 Corps for officers, 173-175

Transportation, 191

Travel ration, 192

Trenches, 151, 187-189, 251 occupation of, 251, 252

Trigger squeeze, 277, 278

Turn on fixed pivot from line, company, 89-93 on moving pivot to change direction, company, 93-96

Turning movement in attack, 243, 244

Typhoid inoculation, 10, 11

Unfix bayonet, from order, 58

Uniforms, 17, 18

U. S. Army, ammunition, data on, 285, 286 organization tables for, 321-323 rifle, data on, 283-285 land forces, 177, 178 military departments, 9, 10, 180, 181, 323, 324, 325

Volley fire, 211

Walking, importance of, 21, 22

War strength tables, 326, 327

Water drinking on practice marches, 162

War game maps, 190

Whistle signals, 121

Windage, 267, 269

Withdrawal from action, 187, 253

Wounds, first-aid treatment for, 310, 311, 319

FOOTNOTES

[1] These exercises are selected from those commonly given by Major H. J. Koehler, United States Army. 

[2] The line of supports and the line of resistance need not necessarilybe the same. 

[3] Some government publications can be obtained at no cost from theSuperintendent of Public Documents, Washington, D. C. 

TRANSCRIBER NOTES

[A] Changed "familar" to "familiar". 

[B] Changed "gage" to "guage". 

[C] Changed "give" to "given".