Introduction
=364. Scope of subject of combat tactics in this book.= Part II of these regulations treats only of the basic principles of combat tactics as applied to infantry and to the special units, such as machine guns and mounted scouts, which form a part of infantry regiments and battalions.
The combat tactics of the arms combined are considered in Field Service Regulations. (350)
=365. Demands of modern combat upon infantry; complicated maneuvers impracticable; success dependent upon leadership, etc.= Modern combat demands the highest order of training, discipline, leadership, and morale on the part of the infantry. Complicated maneuvers are impracticable; efficient leadership and a determination to win by simple and direct methods must be depended upon for success. (351)
=366. Duties and quality of infantry.= The duties of infantry are many and difficult. All infantry must be fit to cope with all conditions that may arise. Modern war requires but one kind of infantry--good infantry. (352)
=367. Offensive necessary for decisive results; use of ground, fire efficiency, etc.; local success.= The infantry must take the offensive to gain decisive results. Both sides are therefore likely to attempt it, though not necessary at the same time or in the same part of a long battle line.
In the local combats which make up the general battle the better endurance, use of ground, fire efficiency, discipline, and training will win. It is the duty of the infantry to win the local successes which enable the commanding general to win the battle. (356)
=368. Requisites of infantry; trained to bear heaviest burdens; good infantry can defeat vastly superior infantry of poor quality.= The infantry must have the tenacity to hold every advantage gained, the individual and collective discipline and skill needed to master the enemy's fire, the determination to close with the enemy in attack, and to meet him with the bayonet in defense. Infantry must be trained to bear the heaviest burdens and losses, both of combat and march.
Good infantry can defeat an enemy greatly superior in numbers, but lacking in training, discipline, leadership, and morale. (354)
=369. Fixed forms and instructions covering all cases impossible; study and practice necessary; purposes of practical and theoretical instruction.= It is impossible to establish fixed forms or to give general instructions that will cover all cases. Officers and noncommissioned officers must be so trained that they can apply suitable means and methods to each case as it arises. Study and practice are necessary to acquire proper facility in this respect. Theoretical instruction can not replace practical instruction; the former supplies correct ideas and gives to practical work an interest, purpose, and definiteness not otherwise obtainable. (355)
=370. Exercises in extended order to be in nature of combat exercises; all combat exercises to be conducted under assumed tactical situations.= After the mechanism of extended order drill has been learned with precision in the company, every exercise should be, as far as practicable, in the nature of a maneuver (combat exercise) against an =imaginary=, =outlined=, or =represented= enemy.
Company extended order drill may be conducted without reference to a tactical situation, but a combat exercise, whatever may be the size of the unit employed, should be conducted under an assumed tactical situation. (356)
=371. Effective method of conducting combat exercises.= An effective method of conducting a combat exercise is to outline the enemy with a few men equipped with flags. The umpire or inspector states the situation, and the commander leads his troops with due regard to the assumptions made.
Changes in situation, the results of reconnaissance, the character of artillery fire, etc., are made known to the commander when necessary by the umpire or inspector, who, in order to observe and influence the conduct of the exercise, remains in rear of the firing line. From this position he indicates, with the aid of prearranged signals, the character of the fire and movements of the hostile infantry. These signals are intended for the men outlining the enemy. These men repeat the signals; all officers and men engaged in the exercise and in sight of the outlined enemy are thus informed of the enemy's action, and the exercise is conducted accordingly.
Assistant umpires, about one for each company in the firing line, may assist in indicating hostile fire and movements and in observing the conduct of the exercise.
An outlined enemy may be made to attack or defend.
Situations should be simple and natural. During or after the exercise the umpire or inspector should call attention to any improper movements or incorrect methods of execution. He will prohibit all movements of troops or individuals that would be impossible if the enemy were real. The slow progress of events to be expected on the battlefield can hardly be simulated, but the umpire or inspector will prevent undue haste and will attempt to enforce a reasonably slow rate of progress.
The same exercise should not be repeated over the same ground and under the same situation. Such repetitions lead to the adoption of a fixed mode of attack or defense and develop mere drill masters. Fixed or prearranged systems are prohibited. (357)
LEADERSHIP
General Considerations
=372. What constitutes art of leadership.= The art of leadership consists of applying sound tactical principles to concrete cases on the battlefield.
Self-reliance, initiative, aggressiveness, and a conception of team-work are the fundamental characteristics of successful leadership. (358)
=373. Basis of success; adherence to original plan.= A correct grasp of the situation and a definite plan of action form the soundest basis for a successful combat.
A good plan once adopted and put into execution should not be abandoned unless it becomes clear that it can not succeed. Afterthoughts are dangerous, except as they aid in the execution of details in the original plans. (359)
=374. Avoid combats offering no chance of valuable results.= Combats that do not promise success or some real advantage to the general issue should be avoided; they cause unnecessary losses, impair the morale of one's own troops, and raise that of the enemy. (360)
=375. Avoid complicated maneuvers.= Complicated maneuvers are not likely to succeed in war. All plans and the methods adopted for carrying them into effect must be simple and direct. (361)
=376. Order and cohesion necessary.= Order and cohesion must be maintained within the units if success is to be expected. (362)
=377. Officers to be true leaders.= Officers must show themselves to be true leaders. They must act in accordance with the spirit of their orders and must require of their troops the strictest discipline on the field of battle. (363)
=378. Units not to be broken up.= The best results are obtained when leaders know the capacity and traits of those whom they command; hence in making detachments units should not be broken up, and a deployment that would cause an intermingling of the larger units in the firing line should be avoided. (364)
=379. Leading deployed troops difficult; necessity for training, discipline and close order.= Leading is difficult when troops are deployed. A high degree of training and discipline and the use of close order formations to the fullest extent possible are therefore required. (365)
=380. Avoidance of unnecessary hardship; limit of endurance exacted when necessary.= In order to lighten the severe physical strain inseparable from infantry service in campaign, constant efforts must be made to spare the troops unnecessary hardship and fatigue; but when necessity arises, the limit of endurance must be exacted. (366)
=381. Fighting troops not to carry back wounded.= When officers or men belonging to fighting troops leave their proper places to carry back, or to care for, wounded during the progress of the action, they are guilty of skulking. This offense must be repressed with the utmost vigor. (367)
=382. Complete equipment usually carried into action.= The complete equipment of the soldier is carried into action unless the weather or the physical condition of the men renders such measure a severe hardship. In any event, =only the pack[4] will be laid aside=. The determination of this question rests with the regimental commander. The complete equipment affords to men lying prone considerable protection against shrapnel. (368)
=383. Post of commander; use of reserve in case of victory; when firing line is controlled by commander.= The post of the commander must be such as will enable him to observe the progress of events and to communicate his orders. Subordinate commanders, in addition, must be in position to transmit the orders of superiors.
Before entering an action, the commander should be as far to the front as possible in order that he personally may see the situation, order the deployment, and begin the action strictly in accordance with his own wishes.
During the action, he must, as a rule, leave to the local leaders the detailed conduct of the firing line, posting himself either with his own reserve or in such a position that he is in constant, direct, and easy communication with it.
A commander takes full and direct charge of his firing line only when the line has absorbed his whole command.
When their troops are victorious, all commanders should press forward in order to clinch the advantage gained and to use their reserves to the best advantage. (369)
=384. Latitude allowed subordinates.= The latitude allowed to officers is in direct proportion to the size of their commands. Each should see to the general execution of his task, leaving to the proper subordinates the supervision of details, and interfering only when mistakes are made that threaten to seriously prejudice the general plan. (370)
Teamwork
=385. Latitude allowed subordinates; success depends on cooerdination of subordinates.= The comparatively wide fronts of deployed units increase the difficulties of control. Subordinates must therefore be given great latitude in the execution of their tasks. The success of the whole depends largely upon how well each subordinate cooerdinates his work with the general plan.
A great responsibility is necessarily thrown upon subordinates, but responsibility stimulates the right kind of an officer. (371)
=386. Initiative of subordinates; general plan to be furthered.= In a given situation it is far better =to do any intelligent thing= consistent with the aggressive execution of the general plan, than to search hesitatingly for the ideal. This is the true rule of conduct for subordinates who are required to act upon their own initiative.
A subordinate who is reasonably sure that his intended action is such as would be ordered by the commander, were the latter present and in possession of the facts, has enough encouragement to go ahead confidently. He must possess the loyalty to carry out the plans of his superior and the keenness to recognize and to seize opportunities to further the general plan. (372)
=387. But one supreme will in a battle; subordinates to cooeperate.= Independence must not become license. Regardless of the number of subordinates who are apparently supreme in their own restricted spheres, there is but one battle and but one supreme will to which all must conform.
Every subordinate must therefore work for the general result. He does all in his power to insure cooeperation between the subdivisions under his command. He transmits important information to adjoining units or to superiors in rear and, with the assistance of information received, keeps himself and his subordinates duly posted as to the situation. (373)
=388. Deviation from orders.= When circumstances render it impracticable to consult the authority issuing an order, officers should not hesitate to vary from such order when it is clearly based upon an incorrect view of the situation, is impossible of execution, or has been rendered impracticable on account of changes which have occurred since its promulgation. In the application of this rule the responsibility for mistakes rests upon the subordinate, but unwillingness to assume responsibility on proper occasions is indicative of weakness.
Superiors should be careful not to censure an apparent disobedience where the act was done in the proper spirit and to advance the general plan. (374)
=389. Intermingling of units; duties of officers and guides.= When the men of two or more units intermingle in the firing line, all officers and men submit at once to the senior. Officers and platoon guides seek to fill vacancies caused by casualties. Each seizes any opportunity to exercise the functions consistent with his grade, and all assist in the maintenance of order and control.
Every lull in the action should be utilized for as complete restoration of order in the firing line as the ground or other conditions permit. (375)
=390. Separated officers and noncommissioned officers placing themselves under nearest higher commander.= Any officer or noncommissioned officer who becomes separated from his proper unit and can not rejoin must at once place himself and his command at the disposal of the nearest higher commander. (376)
Anyone having completed an assigned task must seek to rejoin his proper command. Failing in this, he should join the nearest troops engaged with the enemy.
=391. Duty of separated soldiers.= Soldiers are taught the necessity of remaining with their companies, but those who become detached must join the nearest company and serve with it until the battle is over or reorganization is ordered. (377)
Orders
=392. Orders for deployment; combat orders of divisions and brigades usually written.= Commands are deployed and enter the combat by the orders of the commander to the subordinate commanders.
The initial combat orders of the division are almost invariably written; those of the brigade are generally so. The written order is preferable and is used whenever time permits.
If time permits, subsequent orders are likewise written, either as field orders or messages. (378)
=393. Combat orders of regiments and smaller units; verbal messages.= The initial combat orders of regiments and smaller units are given verbally. For this purpose the subordinates for whom the orders are intended are assembled, if practicable, at a place from which the situation and plan can be explained.
Subsequent orders are verbal or in the form of verbal or written messages. Verbal messages should not be used unless they are short and unmistakable. (379)
=394. Initial combat orders; personal reconnaissance.= The initial combat order of any commander or subordinate is based upon his definite plan for executing the task confronting him.
Whenever possible the formation of the plan is preceded by a personal reconnaissance of the terrain and a careful consideration of all information of the enemy. (380)
=395. Composition of combat orders.= The combat order gives such information of the enemy and of neighboring or supporting friendly troops as will enable subordinates to understand the situation.
The general plan of action is stated in brief terms, but enough of the commander's intentions is divulged to guide the subsequent actions of the subordinates.
Clear and concise instructions are given as to the action to be taken in the combat by each part of the command. In this way the commander assigns tasks, fronts, objectives, sectors or areas, etc., in accordance with his plan. If the terms employed convey definite ideas and leave no loopholes, the conduct of subordinates will generally be correspondingly satisfactory.
Such miscellaneous matter relating to special troops, trains, ammunition, and future movements of the commander is added as concerns the combat itself.
Combat orders should prescribe communication, reconnaissance, flank protection, etc., when some special disposition is desired or when an omission on the part of a subordinate may reasonably be feared. (381)
=396. Encroaching upon functions of subordinates prohibited; orders to be definite.= When issuing orders, a commander should indicate clearly =what= is to be done by each subordinate, but not =how= it is to be done. He should not encroach upon the functions of a subordinate by prescribing details of execution unless he has good reason to doubt the ability or judgment of the subordinate, and cannot substitute another.
Although general in its terms, an order must be definite and must be the expression of a fixed decision. Ambiguity or vagueness indicates either a vacillation or the inability to formulate orders. (382)
=397. Orders generally given subordinates through their immediate superiors.= Usually the orders of a commander are intended for, and are given to, the commanders of the next lower units, but in an emergency commander should not hesitate to give orders directly to any subordinate. In such case he should promptly inform the intermediate commander concerned. (383)
Communication
=398. Communication, how maintained.= Communication is maintained by means of staff officers, messengers, relay systems, connecting files, visual signals, telegraph, or telephone. (384)
=399. Lines of communication established by signal corps.= The signal corps troops of the division establish lines of information from division to brigade headquarters. The further extension of lines of information in combat by signal troops is exceptional. (385)
=400. Lines of communication established by regiment; orderlies carry signal flags.= Each regiment, employing its own personnel, is responsible for the maintenance of communication from the colonel back to the brigade and forward to the battalions. For this purpose the regiment uses the various means which may be furnished it. The staff and orderlies, regimental and battalion, are practiced in the use of these means and in messenger service. Orderlies carry signal flags. (386)
=401. Communication between firing line and major or colonel; company musicians carry signal flags.= Connection between the firing line and the major or colonel is practically limited to the prescribed flag, arm, and bugle signals. Other means can only be supplemental. Company musicians carry company flags and are practiced in signaling. (387)
=402. Communication by artillery with firing line by means of staff officers or through agents.= The artillery generally communicates with the firing line by means of its own staff officers or through an agent who accompanies some unit in or near the front. The infantry keeps him informed as to the situation and affords any reasonable assistance. When the infantry is dependent upon the artillery for fire support, perfect cooerdination through this representative is of great importance. (388)
COMBAT RECONNAISSANCE
=403. Importance of combat reconnaissance; avoidance of deployment on wrong lines.= Combat reconnaissance is of vital importance and must not be neglected. By proper preliminary reconnaissance, deployments on wrong lines, or in a wrong direction, and surprises may generally be prevented. (389)
=404. Protection of troops by proper reconnaissance.= Troops deployed and under fire can not change front, and thus they suffer greatly when enfiladed. Troops in close order formation may suffer heavy losses in a short time if subjected to hostile fire. In both formations troops must be protected by proper reconnaissance and warning. (390)
=405. Difficulty of reconnaissance depends on extent of enemy's screen; strength of reconnoitering parties.= The difficulty of reconnaissance increases in proportion to the measures adopted by the enemy to screen himself.
The strength of the reconnoitering party is determined by the character of the information desired and the nature of the hostile screen. In exceptional cases as much as a battalion may be necessary in order to break through the hostile screen and enable the commander or officer in charge to reconnoiter in person.
A large reconnoitering party is conducted so as to open the way for small patrols, to serve as a supporting force or rallying point for them, and to receive and transmit information. Such parties maintain signal communication with the main body if practicable. (391)
=406. Each separate column to protect itself by reconnaissance.= Each separate column moving forward to deploy must reconnoiter to its front and flank and keep in touch with adjoining columns. The extent of the reconnaissance to the flank depends upon the isolation of the columns. (392)
=407. Reconnaissance before attacking.= Before an attack a reconnaissance must be made to determine the enemy's position, the location of his flanks, the character of the terrain, the nature of the hostile field works, etc., in order to prevent premature deployment and the resulting fatigue and loss of time.
It will frequently be necessary to send forward a thin skirmish line in order to induce the enemy to open fire and reveal his position. (393)
=408. Extent of reconnaissance.= It will frequently be impossible to obtain satisfactory information until after the action has begun. The delay that may be warranted for the purpose of reconnaissance depends upon the nature of the attack and the necessity for promptness. For example, in a meeting engagement, and sometimes in a holding attack, the reconnaissance may have to be hasty and superficial, whereas in an attack against an enemy carefully prepared for defense there will generally be both time and necessity for thorough reconnaissance. (394)
=409. Reconnaissance in defense.= In defense, reconnaissance must be kept up to determine the enemy's line of advance, to ascertain his dispositions, to prevent his reconnaissance, etc.
Patrols or parties posted to prevent hostile reconnaissance should relieve the main body of the necessity of betraying its position by firing on small bodies of the enemy. (395)
=410. Duration of reconnaissance; protection of flanks.= Reconnaissance continues throughout the action.
A firing or skirmish line can take care of its front, but its flanks are especially vulnerable to modern firearms. The moral effect of flanking fire is as great as the physical effect. Hence, combat patrols to give warning or covering detachments to give security are indispensable on exposed flanks. This is equally true in attack or defense. (396)
=411. Responsibility of infantry commanders for reconnaissance; surprise unpardonable.= The fact that cavalry patrols are known to be posted in a certain direction does not relieve infantry commanders of the responsibility for reconnaissance and security.
To be surprised by an enemy at short range is an unpardonable offense. (397)
=412. Commander of flank battalion responsible for security of his flank.= The commander of a battalion on a flank of a general line invariably provides for the necessary reconnaissance and security on that flank unless higher authority has specifically ordered it. In any event, he sends out combat patrols as needed.
Where his battalion is on a flank of one section of the line and a considerable interval lies between his battalion and the next section, he makes similar provision. (398)
=413. Patrols established by battalion commanders.= Battalion commanders in the first line establish patrols to observe and report the progress or conduct of adjoining troops when these can not be seen. (399)
FIRE SUPERIORITY
PURPOSE AND NATURE
(See par. 427)
=414. Success in battle dependent upon fire superiority.= In a decisive battle success depends on gaining and maintaining fire superiority. Every effort must be made to gain it early and then to keep it.
Attacking troops must first gain fire superiority in order to reach the hostile position. Over open ground attack is possible only when the attacking force has a decided fire superiority. With such superiority the attack is not only possible, but success is probable and without ruinous losses.
Defending troops can prevent a charge only when they can master the enemy's fire and inflict heavy losses upon him. (400)
=415. Volume and accuracy necessary to obtain fire superiority.= To obtain fire superiority it is necessary to produce a heavy volume of accurate fire. Every increase in the effectiveness of the fire means a corresponding decrease in the effectiveness of the enemy's fire.
The volume and accuracy of fire will depend upon several considerations:
=(a) The number of rifles employed.= On a given front the greatest volume of fire is produced by a firing line having only sufficient intervals between men to permit the free use of their rifles. The maximum density of a firing line is therefore about one man per yard of front.
=(b)= The =rate= of fire affects its volume; an excessive rate reduces its accuracy.
=(c) The character of the target influences both volume and accuracy.= Larger dimensions, greater visibility, and shorter range increase the rate of fire; greater density increases =the effect=.
=(d) Training and discipline= have an important bearing on the rate or volume of fire, but their greatest influence is upon accuracy.
The firing efficiency of troops is reduced by fatigue and adverse psychological influences.
=(e) Fire direction and control improve collective accuracy.= The importance of fire direction increases rapidly with the range. Control exerts a powerful influence at all ranges. (401)
FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL
Opening Fire
=416. Long range fire, when effective.= Beyond effective ranges important results can be expected only when the target is large and distinct and much ammunition is used.
Long range fire is permissible in pursuit on account of the moral effect of any fire under the circumstances. At other times such fire is of doubtful value. (402)
=417. Opening fire in attack.= In attack, the desire to open fire when losses are first felt must be repressed. Considerations of time, target, ammunition, and morale make it imperative that the attack withhold its fire and press forward to a first firing position close to the enemy. The attacker's target will be smaller and fainter than the one he presents to the enemy. (403)
=418. Opening fire in defense.= In defense, more ammunition is available, ranges are more easily determined, and the enemy usually presents a larger target. The defender may therefore open fire and expect results at longer ranges than the attacker, and particularly if the defenders intend a delaying action only.
If the enemy has a powerful artillery, it will often be best for the defending infantry to withhold its fire until the enemy offers a specially favorable target. Vigorous and well-directed bursts of fire are then employed. The troops should therefore be given as much artificial protection as time and means permit, and at an agreed signal expose themselves as much as necessary and open fire. (404)
=419. Opening fire in unexpected, close encounters.= In unexpected, close encounters a great advantage accrues to the side which first opens rapid and accurate fire with battle sight. (405)
Use of Ground
=420. Requisites of ground for cover.= The position of the firers must afford a suitable field of fire.
The ground should permit constant observation of the enemy, and yet enable the men to secure some cover when not actually firing.
Troops whose target is for the moment hidden by unfavorable ground, either move forward to better ground or seek to execute cross fire on another target. (406)
=421. Skillful use of ground reduces visibility.= The likelihood of a target being hit depends to a great extent upon its visibility. By skillful use of ground, a firing line may reduce its visibility without loss of fire power. Sky lines are particularly to be avoided. (407)
Choice of Target
=422. Target to be chosen.= The target chosen should be the hostile troops most dangerous to the firers. These will usually be the nearest hostile infantry. When no target is specially dangerous, that one should be chosen which promises the most hits. (408)
=423. Target not to be changed except for good reason.= Frequent changes of target impair the fire effect. Random changes to small, unimportant targets impair fire discipline and accomplish nothing. Attention should be confined to the main target until substantial reason for change is apparent. (409)
=424. Flanking fire to be delivered when opportunity offers.= An opportunity to deliver flanking fire, especially against artillery protected in front by shields, is an example warranting change of target and should never be overlooked. Such fire demoralizes the troops subjected to it, even if the losses inflicted are small. In this manner a relatively small number of rifles can produce important results. (410)
The Range
=425. Importance of correct sight setting.= Beyond close range, the correct setting of the rear sight is of primary importance, provided the troops are trained and well in hand. The necessity for correct sight setting increases rapidly with the range. Its importance decreases as the quality of the troops decrease, for the error in sight setting, except possibly at very long ranges, becomes unimportant when compared with the error in holding and aiming. (411)
=426. Determination of ranges.= In attack, distances must usually be estimated and corrections made as errors are observed. Mechanical range finders and ranging volleys are practicable at times.
In defense, it is generally practicable to measure more accurately the distances to visible objects and to keep a record of them for future use. (412)
Distribution of Fire and Target
=427. Purpose of fire superiority; distribution of fire and target.= The purpose of fire superiority is to get hits whenever possible, but at all events to keep down the enemy's fire and render it harmless. To accomplish this the target must be covered with fire throughout its whole extent. Troops who are not fired upon will fire with nearly peacetime accuracy.
The target is roughly divided and a part is assigned to each unit. No part of the target is neglected. In attack, by a system of overlapping in assigning targets to platoons, the entire hostile line can be kept under fire even during a rush. (Pars. 400-401.) (413)
Observation
=428. Observation of target.= The correctness of the sight setting and the distribution of fire over the target can be verified only by careful observation of the target, the adjacent ground, and the effect upon the enemy. (414)
=429. Observation determines whether fire fight is being properly conducted.= Observation only can determine whether the fire fight is being properly conducted. If the enemy's fire is losing in accuracy and effect, the observer realizes that his side is gaining superiority. If the enemy's fire remains or becomes effective and persistent, he realizes that corrective measures are necessary to increase either volume or accuracy, or both. (415)
Discipline
=430. What discipline accomplishes.= Discipline makes good direction and control possible and is the distinguishing mark of trained troops. (416)
=431. Communication on firing line by means of signals.= The discipline necessary in the firing line will be absent unless officers and noncommissioned officers can make their will known to the men. In the company, therefore, communication must be by simple signals which, in the roar of musketry, will attract the attention and convey the correct meaning. (417)
Expenditure of Ammunition
=432. Use of ammunition in attack.= In attack the supply is more limited than in defense. Better judgment must be exercised in expenditure. Ordinarily, troops in the firing line of an attack can not expect to have that day more ammunition than they carry into the combat, except such additions as come from the distribution of ammunition of dead and wounded and the surplus brought by reenforcements. (418)
=433. True economy in expenditure of ammunition.= When a certain fire effect is required, the necessary ammunition must be expended without hesitation. Several hours of firing may be necessary to gain fire superiority. True economy can be practiced only by closing on the enemy, as explained in par. 344, before first opening fire, and thereafter suspending fire when there is nothing to shoot at. (419)
Supporting Artillery
=434. Artillery fire principal aid of infantry.= Artillery fire is the principal aid to the infantry in gaining and keeping fire superiority, not only by its hits, but by the moral effect it produces on the enemy. (420)
=435. Functions of artillery fire in attack and defense.= In attack, artillery assists the forward movement of the infantry. It keeps down the fire of the hostile artillery and seeks to neutralize the hostile infantry by inflicting losses upon it, destroying its morale, driving it to cover, and preventing it from using its weapons effectively.
In defense, it ignores the hostile artillery when the enemy's attack reaches a decisive stage and assists in checking the attack, joining its fire power to that of the defending infantry. (421)
=436. Fire of artillery over friendly troops.= Troops should be accustomed to being fired over by friendly artillery and impressed with the fact that the artillery should continue firing upon the enemy until the last possible moment. The few casualties resulting from shrapnel bursting short are trifling compared with those that would result from the increased effectiveness of the enemy's infantry fire were the friendly artillery to cease firing.
Casualties inflicted by supporting artillery are not probable until the opposing infantry lines are less than 200 yards apart. (422)
=437. When no longer safe for artillery to fire over friendly troops.= When the distance between the hostile infantry lines becomes so short as to render further use of friendly artillery inadvisable, the commander of the infantry firing line, using a preconcerted signal,[5] informs the artillery commander. The latter usually increases the range in order to impede the strengthening of the enemy's foremost line, as explained in pars. 345-346. (423)
Fire of Position
=438. Fire of position, when used.= Infantry is said to execute fire of position when it is posted so as to assist an attack by firing over the heads, or off the flank, of the attacking troops and is not itself to engage in the advance; or when, in defense, it is similarly posted to augment the fire of the main firing line.
Machine guns serve a like purpose, as set forth in par. 555.
In a decisive action, fire of position should be employed whenever the terrain permits and reserve infantry is available. (424)
DEPLOYMENT
=439. Formation of troops before and during deployment.= Troops are massed preparatory to deployment when the nature of their deployment can not be foreseen or it is desirable to shorten the column or to clear the road. Otherwise, in the deployment of large commands, whether in march column, in bivouac, or massed, and whether forming, for attack or for defense, they are ordinarily first formed into a line of columns to facilitate the extension of the front prior to deploying.
The rough line or lines of columns thus formed enable troops to take advantage of the terrain in advancing and shorten the time occupied in forming the firing line. (425)
=440. Action of brigade and regimental commanders in deployment of division.= In deploying the division, each brigade is assigned a definite task or objective. On receipt of his orders, the brigade commander conducts his brigade in column or in line of regiments, until it is advisable that it be broken into smaller columns. He then issues his order, assigning to each regiment its task, if practicable. In a similar manner the regimental commanders lead their regiments forward in column, or in line of columns, until the time arrives for issuing the regimental order. It is seldom advisable to break up the battalion before issuing orders for its deployment. (426)
=441. Personal reconnaissance before deployment.= Each subordinate commander, after receiving his order for the action, should precede his command as far as possible, in order to reconnoiter the ground personally, and should prepare to issue his orders promptly. (427)
=442. Each commander to guard his command against surprise.= Each commander of a column directs the necessary reconnaissance to front and flanks; by this means and by a judicious choice of ground he guards against surprise. (428)
=443. Premature formation of firing line to be avoided.= The premature formation of the firing line causes unnecessary fatigue and loss of time, and may result in a faulty direction being taken. Troops once deployed make even minor changes of direction with difficulty, and this difficulty increases with the length of the firing line. (429)
=444. Rectification of deployment in wrong direction.= In the larger units, when the original deployment is found to be in the wrong direction, it will usually be necessary to deploy the reserve on the correct front and withdraw and assemble the first line. (430)
=445. Number of troops to be deployed in beginning.= To gain decisive results, it will generally be necessary to use all the troops at some stage of the combat. But in the beginning, while the situation is uncertain, care should be taken not to engage too large a proportion of the command. On the other hand, there is no greater error than to employ too few and to sacrifice them by driblets. (For division of the battalion in attack see 335-339.) (431)
=446. Dense, well-directed, and controlled line of heavy fire gives fire superiority.= When it is intended to fight to a decision, fire superiority is essential. To gain this, two things are necessary: A heavy fire and a fire well-directed and controlled. Both of these are best obtained when the firing line is as dense as practicable, while leaving the men room for the free use of their rifles.
If the men are too widely separated, direction and control are very difficult, often impossible, and the intensity of fire is slight in proportion to the front occupied. (432)
=447. Density of 1 man per yard; occupation of only sections of long lines.= In an attack or stubborn defense the firing line should have a density of one man per yard of front occupied.
Where the tactical situation demands the holding of a line too long to be occupied throughout at this density, it is generally better to deploy companies or platoons at one man per yard, leaving gaps in the line between them, than to distribute the men uniformly at increased intervals. (433)
=448. Use of thin firing line.= A relatively thin firing line may be employed when merely covering the movements of other forces; when on the defensive against poor troops; when the final action to be taken has not yet been determined; and, in general, when fire superiority is not necessary. (434)
=449. Length of firing line employed by whole force; strength of supports and reserves; density of charging line.= The length of the firing line that the whole force may employ depends upon the density of the line and the strength in rear required by the situation.
Supports and reserves constitute the strength in rear.
In a decisive attack they should be at least strong enough to replace a heavy loss in the original firing line and to increase the charging line to a density of at least one and one-half men per yard and still have troops in rear for protection and for the other purposes mentioned above. (435)
=450. Strength of reserve; troops deployed varying from 1 to 10 men per yard.= In the original deployment the strength of the reserve held out by each commander comprises from one-sixth to two-thirds of his unit, depending upon the nature of the service expected of the reserve.
A small force in a covering or delaying action requires very little strength in rear, while a large force fighting a decisive battle requires much. Therefore, depending upon circumstances, the original deployment, including the strength in rear, may vary from 1 to 10 men per yard. Against an enemy poorly disciplined and trained, or lacking in morale, a thinner deployment is permissible. (436)
=451. Density of whole deployment varies with size of command.= The density of the whole deployment increases with the size of the command, because the larger the command the greater the necessity for reserves. Thus, battalion acting alone may attack two men per yard of front, but a regiment, with three battalions, may only double the front of the one battalion. (437)
=452. Division of battle line into battle districts and density of deployment therein.= By the assignment of divisions or larger units to parts of a line of battle several miles long, a series of semi-independent battle, or local combat, districts are created.
The general deployment for a long line of battle comprising several battle districts is not directly considered in these regulations. The deployments treated of herein are those of the infantry within such districts.
The density of deployment in these districts may vary greatly, depending upon the activity expected in each. Within these battle districts, as well as in smaller forces acting alone, parts of the line temporarily of less importance may be held weakly, in order to economize troops and to have more at the decisive point. (438)
=453. Extent of front occupied by a unit depends upon security of flanks.= The front that a unit may occupy when deployed depends also upon whether its flanks are secured. If both flanks are secured by other troops, the unit may increase its front materially by reducing its reserve or supports. If only one flank is so secured, the front may still be somewhat increased, but the exposed flank must be guarded by posting the supports or reserve toward that flank.
Natural obstacles that secure the flanks have practically the same effect upon deployment. (439)
=454. Regiments, battalions, and companies deployed side by side.= Except when assigned as supports or reserve, regiments in the brigade, battalions in the regiment, and companies in the battalion are, when practicable, deployed side by side. (440)
=455. Battalions furnish firing line and supports; larger units furnish reserves; employment of reserve.= In the deployment, battalions establish the firing line, each furnishing its own support.
In each unit larger than the battalion a reserve is held out, its strength depending upon circumstances. In general, the reserve is employed by the commander to meet or improve conditions brought about by the action of the firing line. It must not be too weak or too split up. It must be posted where the commander believes it will be needed for decisive action, or where he desires to bring about such action. When necessary, parts of it reenforce or prolong the firing line. (441)
ATTACK
(For the battalion in Attack, see pars. 342-346)
=456. Fire superiority means success; how to obtain fire superiority.= An attack is bound to succeed if fire superiority is gained and properly used.
To gain this superiority generally requires that the attack employ more rifles than the defense; this in turn means a longer line, as both sides will probably hold a strong firing line. (442)
=457. When frontal attack may be successful.= With large forces, a direct frontal attack gives the attacker little opportunity to bring more rifles to bear. However, if the enemy is unduly extended, a frontal attack may give very decisive results. (443)
=458. When turning movements are allowable.= Owing to the difficulty of control and the danger of the parts being defeated in detail, wide turning movements are seldom allowable except in large forces. (444)
=459. Advantages of enveloping attack.= If the attack can be so directed that, while the front is covered, another fraction of the command strikes a flank more or less obliquely (an enveloping attack), the advantages gained are a longer line and more rifles in action; also a converging fire opposed to the enemy's diverging fire. (445)
=460. Envelopment of both flanks.= An envelopment of both flanks should never be attempted without a very decided superiority in numbers. (446)
=461. Enveloping attacks result in local frontal attacks; advantage of envelopment.= The enveloping attack will nearly always result locally in a frontal attack, for it will be met by the enemy's reserve. The advantage of envelopment lies in the longer concentric line, with its preponderance of rifles and its converging fire. (447)
=462. Cooeperation between frontal and enveloping attacks; the two attacks to be deployed considerable distance from hostile positions.= Cooeperation between the frontal and enveloping attacks is essential to success. Both should be pushed vigorously and simultaneously, and ordinarily both should move simultaneously to the charge; but at the final stage of the attack conditions may sometimes warrant one in charging while the other supports it with fire.
The envelopment of a flank is brought about with difficulty when made by troops already deployed in another direction or by their reserves. The two attacks should be deployed at a suitable distance apart, with the lines of attack converging in rear of the hostile position. The troops that are to make the enveloping attack should deploy in the proper direction at the start and should be given orders which enable them to gain their point of deployment in the most direct and practical manner.
The enveloping attack is generally made the stronger, especially in small forces. (448)
DEPLOYMENT FOR ATTACK
=463. Distance from hostile position at which deployment is made; foreground to be cleared of hostile detachments before deployment.= Where open terrain exposes troops to hostile artillery fire it may be necessary to make the deployment 2 miles or more from the hostile position.
The foreground should be temporarily occupied by covering troops. If the enemy occupies the foreground with detachments, the covering troops must drive them back. (449)
=464. Moving well forward and deploying at night.= To enable large forces to gain ground toward the enemy, it may sometimes be cheaper and quicker in the end to move well forward and to deploy at night. In such case the area in which the deployment is to be made should, if practicable, be occupied by covering troops before dark.
The deployment will be made with great difficulty unless the ground has been studied by daylight. The deployment gains little unless it establishes the firing line well within effective range of the enemy's main position. (See Night Operations, par. 580-590.) (450)
=465. Each unit deploys on its direction line; intervals between battalions on firing line.= Each unit assigned a task deploys when on its direction line, or opposite its objective, and when it has no longer sufficient cover for advancing in close order. In the firing line, intervals of 25 to 50 yards should be maintained as long as possible between battalions. In the larger units it may be necessary to indicate on the map the direction or objective, but to battalion commanders it should be pointed out on the ground. (451)
=466. Post of reserve; reserve charged with flank protection.= The reserve is kept near enough to the firing line to be on hand at the decisive stage. It is posted with reference to the attack, or to that part of the attacking line, from which the greater results are expected; it is also charged with flank protection, but should be kept intact.
Supports are considered in paragraphs 262 to 265, inclusive, and 335 to 339, inclusive. (452)
ADVANCING THE ATTACK
=467. Firing line to advance as far as possible before opening fire.= The firing line must ordinarily advance a long distance before it is justified in opening fire. It can not combat the enemy's artillery, and it is at a disadvantage if it combats the defender's long-range rifle fire. Hence it ignores both and, by taking full advantage of cover and of the discipline of the troops, advances to a first firing position at the shortest range possible, as explained in par. 344.
Formations for crossing this zone with the minimum loss are considered in paragraphs 249 to 257, inclusive. These and other methods of crossing such zones should be studied and practiced. (453)
=468. Invisibility best protection while advancing.= The best protection against loss while advancing is to escape the enemy's view. (454)
=469. Advance of battalions.= Each battalion finds its own firing position, conforming to the general advance as long as practicable and taking advantage of the more advanced position of an adjacent battalion in order to gain ground.
The position from which the attack opens fire is further considered in paragraphs 343-345, inclusive. (455)
=470. Infantry moving to the attack passing through deployed artillery.= It will frequently become necessary for infantry moving to the attack to pass through deployed artillery. This should be done so as to interfere as little as possible with the latter's fire, and never so as to cause that fire to cease entirely. As far as practicable, advantage should be taken of intervals in the line, if any. An understanding between artillery and infantry commanders should be had, so as to effect the movement to the best advantage. (456)
=471. Advanced elements of firing line not to open fire on main hostile position.= In advancing the attack, advanced elements of the firing line or detachments in front of it should not open fire except in defense or to clear the foreground of the enemy. Fire on the hostile main position should not be opened until all or nearly all of the firing line can join in the fire. (457)
THE FIRE ATTACK
(See pars. 414-438.)
=472. Fire superiority sought at first firing position, and to be maintained until charging point is reached; size of rushing units.= At the first firing position the attack seeks to gain fire superiority. This may necessitate a steady, accurate fire a long time. The object is to subdue the enemy's fire and keep it subdued so that the attacking troops may advance from this point to a favorable place near the enemy from which the charge may be made. Hence, in the advance by rushes, sufficient rifles must be kept constantly in action to keep down the enemy's fire; this determines the size of the fraction rushing. (458)
=473. Futility of advancing without fire superiority.= To advance without fire superiority against a determined defense would result in such losses as to bring the attack to a standstill or to make the apparent success barren of results. (459)
=474. Signs that fire superiority has been gained.= Diminution of the enemy's fire and a pronounced loss in effectiveness are the surest signs that fire superiority has been gained and that a part of the firing line can advance. (460)
=475. Retiring under fire in daylight suicidal; intrenching.= The men must be impressed with the fact that, having made a considerable advance under fire and having been checked, it is suicidal to turn back in daylight.
If they can advance no farther, they must intrench and hold on until the fall of darkness or a favorable turn in the situation develops.
Intrenching is resorted to only when necessary. Troops who have intrenched themselves under fire are moved forward again with difficulty. (461)
=476. Supports and reserves occupying trenches vacated by firing line, to improve same.= Supports and reserves occupying intrenchments vacated by the firing line should improve them, but they must not be held back or diverted from their true missions on this account. (462)
=477. Greater detail of conduct of fire attack.= Paragraphs 346 to 354, inclusive, deal more in detail with the conduct of the fire attack. (463)
THE CHARGE
(See pars. 355-356)
=478. What fire superiority accomplishes; psychological moment for charge determined by tactical instinct.= Fire superiority beats down the enemy's fire, destroys his resistance and morale, and enables the attacking troops to close on him, but an actual or threatened occupation of his position is needed to drive him out and defeat him.
The psychological moment for the charge can not be determined far in advance. The tactical instinct of the responsible officer must decide. (464)
=479. When, and distance over which charge should be made.=
The defenders, if subjugated by the fire attack, will frequently leave before the charge begins. On the other hand, it may be necessary to carry the fire attack close to the position and follow it up with a short dash and a bayonet combat. Hence the distance over which the charge may be made will vary between wide limits. It may be from 25 to 400 yards.
The charge should be made at the earliest moment that promises success; otherwise the full advance of victory will be lost. (465)
=480. Charge to be made with approval of commander of attacking line; battalion commanders signal commander of line when ready to charge; charge to be made simultaneously.= The commander of the attacking line should indicate his approval, or give the order, before the charge is made. Subordinate commanders, usually battalion commanders, whose troops are ready to charge, signal that fact to the commander. It may be necessary for them to wait until other battalions or other parts of the line are ready or until the necessary reserves arrive.
At the signal for the charge the firing line and nearby supports and reserves rush forward. (See pars. 355 and 356.)
The charge is made simultaneously, if possible, by all the units participating therein, but once committed to the assault, battalions should be pushed with the utmost vigor and no restraint placed on the ardor of charging troops by an attempt to maintain alignment. (466)
=481. Charge not to be made without sufficient troops; reserves give impetus; avoiding too dense a mass.= Before ordering the charge the commander should see that enough troops are on hand to make it a success. Local reserves joining the firing line in time to participate in the charge give it a strong impetus. Too dense a mass should be avoided. (467)
=482. Line to be strengthened by prolongation.= The line should be strengthened by prolongation, if practicable, and remaining troops kept in formation for future use; but rather than that the attack should fail, the last formed body will be sent in, unless it is very apparent that it can do no good. (468)
=483. Additional force for pursuit.= To arrive in the hostile position with a very compact firing line and a few formed supports is sufficient for a victory, but an additional force kept well in hand for pursuit is of inestimable value. (469)
=484. Premature charge to be avoided; charging without authority from the rear.= A premature charge by a part of the line should be avoided, but if begun, the other parts of the line should join at once if there is any prospect of success. Under exceptional conditions a part of the line may be compelled to charge without authority from the rear. The intention to do so should be signaled to the rear. (470)
=485. Confidence in ability to use bayonet.= Confidence in their ability to use the bayonet gives the assaulting troops the promise of success. (471)
=486. Pursuing fire; disordered units not to pursue.= If the enemy has left the position when the charging troops reach it, the latter should open a rapid fire upon the retreating enemy, if he is in sight. It is not advisable for the mixed and disordered units to follow him, except to advance to a favorable firing position or to cover the reorganization of others. (472)
=487. Pursuing troops; reorganization of charging line; preparations to meet counter-attack.= The nearest formed bodies accompanying or following the charge are sent instantly in pursuit. Under cover of these troops order is restored in the charging line. If the captured position is a part of a general line or is an advanced post, it should be intrenched and occupied at once.
The exhaustion of officers and men must not cause the neglect of measures to meet a counter-attack. (473)
=488. Steps to be taken when attack receives temporary setback.= If the attack receives a temporary setback and it is intended to strengthen and continue it, officers will make every effort to stop the rearward movement and will reestablish the firing line in a covered position as close as possible to the enemy. (474)
=489. Steps to be taken if attack is abandoned.= If the attack must be abandoned, the rearward movement should continue with promptness until the troops reach a feature of the terrain that facilitates the task of checking and reorganizing them. The point selected should be so far to the rear as to prevent interference by the enemy before the troops are ready to resist. The withdrawal of the attacking troops should be covered by the artillery and by reserves, if any are available.
(See Night Operations, pars. 580-590.) (475)
PURSUIT
=490. Full fruits of victory reaped by pursuit.= To reap the full fruits of victory a vigorous pursuit must be made. The natural inclination to be satisfied with a successful charge must be overcome. The enemy must be allowed no more time to reorganize than is positively unavoidable. (476)
=491. Parts played in pursuit by reserve, artillery, and charging troops.= The part of the reserve that is still formed or is best under control is sent forward in pursuit and vigorously attacks the enemy's main body or covering detachments wherever found.
The artillery delivers a heavy fire upon the retreating enemy; the disordered attacking troops secure the position, promptly reform and become a new reserve. (477)
=492. Strengthening of position captured, if section of general line.= If the captured position is a section of the general line, the breach should be heavily occupied, made wider, and strongly secured by drawing on all reserves in the vicinity. (478)
=493. Pursuit by parallel roads.= After the pursuit from the immediate battlefield, pursuit by parallel roads is especially effective where large commands are concerned. (479)
=494. Artillery and cavalry in pursuit.= Artillery and cavalry are very effective in pursuit. (480)
ATTACK OF FORTIFICATIONS
=495. Modifications of attack in case of fortifications.= Few modifications enter into the problem of attacking fortifications. Such as are to be considered relate chiefly to the greater time and labor of advancing, the more frequent use of darkness and the use of hand grenades to augment the fire. (481)
=496. Approaching charging point under cover of darkness.= If the enemy is strongly fortified and time permits, it may be advisable to wait and approach the charging point under cover of darkness. The necessary reconnaissance and arrangements should be made before dark. If the charge is not to be made at once, the troops intrench the advanced position, using sand bags if necessary. Before daylight the foreground should be cleared of obstacles. (482)
=497. Charging without fire preparation.= If the distance is short and other conditions are favorable, the charge may be made without fire preparation. If made, it should be launched with spirit and suddenness at the break of day. (See Night Operations pars. 580-590.) (483)
=498. Advancing to charging point by sapping.= In siege operations troops are usually advanced to the charging point by sapping. This method, however, presupposes that an early victory is not necessary, or that it is clearly inadvisable to attempt more direct methods. (484)
HOLDING ATTACK
=499. Requisites of the holding attack.= The holding attack must be vigorous enough to hold the enemy in position and must present a front strong enough to conceal the secondary nature of the attack.
The holding attack need have comparatively little strength in rear, but conceals the fact by a firing line not distinguishable from that of a decisive attack. (485)
=500. Post and strength of supports and reserves.= Supports and reserves are kept at short distances. Their strength is less if the object is merely to hold the enemy fast than if the object is, in addition, to compel him to use up reserves. (486)
=501. Holding attacks developing into decisive attacks.= Holding attacks which may later develop into decisive attacks should be correspondingly strong in rear. (487)
=502. Feint attacks.= All feint attacks should employ dense firing lines. Their weakness is in rear and is concealed. (488)
DEFENSE
POSITIONS AND INTRENCHMENTS
=503. Requirements of a good defensive position.= The first requirement of a good position is a clear field of fire and view to the front and exposed flanks to a distance of 600 to 800 yards or more. The length of front should be suitable to the size of the command and the flanks should be secure. The position should have lateral communication and cover for supports and reserves. It should be one which the enemy can not avoid, but must attack or give up his mission.
A position having all these advantages will rarely, if ever, be found. The one should be taken which conforms closest to the description. (489)
=504. Utilization of natural cover; construction of fieldworks and obstacles.= The natural cover of the position should be fully utilized. In addition, it should be strengthened by fieldworks and obstacles.
The best protection is afforded by deep, narrow, inconspicuous trenches. If little time is available, as much as practicable must be done. That the fieldworks may not be needed should not cause their construction to be omitted, and the fact that they have been constructed should not influence the action of a commander, if conditions are found to be other than expected. (490)
=505. Construction of communicating and cover trenches, head cover, etc.= When time and troops are available the preparations include the necessary communicating and cover trenches, head cover, bombproofs, etc. The fire trenches should be well supplied with ammunition.
The supports are placed close at hand in cover trenches when natural cover is not available. (491)
=506. Dummy trenches.= Dummy trenches frequently cause the hostile artillery to waste time and ammunition and to divert its fire. (492)
=507. Location, extent, garrison, etc., of fieldworks.= The location, extent, profile, garrison, etc., of fieldworks are matters to be decided by the infantry commanders. Officers must be able to choose ground and properly intrench it. (See "Field Fortifications," Chapter XVI, Part III.) (493)
=508. Outlining trace of trenches in combat exercises.= In combat exercises, when it is impracticable to construct the trenches appropriate to the exercise, their trace may be outlined by bayonets, sticks, or other markers, and the responsible officers required to indicate the profile selected, method and time of construction, garrisons, etc. (494)
DEPLOYMENT FOR DEFENSE
=509. Density of whole deployment.= The density of the whole deployment depends upon the expected severity of the action, the character of the enemy, the condition of the flanks, the field of fire, the terrain, and the available artificial or natural protection for the troops. (495)
=510. Density of firing line.= If exposed, the firing line should be as dense in defense as in attack. If the firing line is well intrenched and has a good field of fire, it may be made thinner.
Weaker supports are permissible. For the same number of troops the front occupied on the defensive may therefore be longer than on the offensive, the battalions placing more companies in the firing line. (496)
=511. Strength in rear to be increased when change from defensive to offensive is contemplated.= If it is intended only to delay the enemy, a fairly strong deployment is sufficient, but if decisive results are desired, a change to the offensive must be contemplated and the corresponding strength in rear provided. This strength is in the reserve, which should be as large as the demands of the firing line and supports permit. Even in a passive defense the reserve should be as strong as in the attack; unless the flanks are protected by other means. (497)
=512. Post of supports; cover for supports.= Supports are posted as close to the firing line as practicable and reinforce the latter according to the principles explained in the attack. When natural cover is not sufficient for the purpose, communicating and cover trenches are constructed. If time does not permit their construction, it is better to begin the action with a very dense firing line and no immediate supports than to have supports greatly exposed in rear. (498)
=513. Post of reserve.= The reserve should be posted so as to be entirely free to act as a whole, according to the developments. The distance from firing line to reserve is generally greater than in the attack. By reason of such a location the reserve is best able to meet a hostile enveloping attack; it has a better position from which to make a counter attack; it is in a better position to cover a withdrawal and permit an orderly retreat.
The distance from firing line to reserve increases with the size of the reserve. (499)
=514. Post of reserve when situation is no longer in doubt.= When the situation is no longer in doubt, the reserve should be held in rear of the flank which is most in danger or offers the best opportunity for counter attack. Usually the same flank best suits both purposes. (500)
=515. Detaching part of reserve to protect opposite flank.= In exceptional cases, on broad fronts, it may be necessary to detach a part of the reserve to protect the opposite flank. This detachment should be the smallest consistent with its purely protective mission. (501)
=516. Assignment of front to units.= The commander assigns to subordinates the front to be occupied by them. These, in turn, subdivide the front among their next lower units in the firing line. (502)
=517. Division of extended position into sections.= An extended position is so divided into sections that each has, if practicable, a field of fire naturally made distinct by the terrain.
Unfavorable and unimportant ground will ordinarily cause gaps to exist in the line. (503)
=518. Size of units occupying sections; battalions to be kept intact.= The size of the unit occupying each section depends upon the latter's natural strength, front, and importance. If practicable, battalions should be kept intact and assigned as units to sections or parts of sections. (504)
=519. Adjoining sections or machine guns to cover dead space.= Where important dead space lies in front of one section, an adjoining section should be instructed to cover it with fire when necessary, or machine guns should be concealed for the like purpose. (505)
=520. Advanced posts and other dispersion to be avoided.= Advanced posts, or any other form of unnecessary dispersion, should be avoided. (506)
=521. Position itself not fully occupied until infantry attack begins.= Unless the difficulty of moving the troops into the position be great, most of the troops of the firing line are held in rear of it until the infantry attack begins. The position itself is occupied by a small garrison only, with the necessary outguards or patrols in front. (507)
=522. Fire alone unable to stop attack.= Fire alone can not be depended upon to stop the attack. The troops must be determined to resort to the bayonet, if necessary. (508)
=523. Steps to be taken if night attack is expected.= If a night attack or close approach by the enemy is expected, troops in a prepared position should strengthen the outguards and firing line and construct as numerous and effective obstacles as possible. Supports and local reserves should move close to the firing line and should, with the firing line, keep bayonets fixed. If practicable, the front should be illuminated, preferably from the flanks of the section. (509)
=524. Short range fire and bayonet in night attack.= Only short range fire is of any value in resisting night attacks. The bayonet is the chief reliance. (See Night Operations pars. 580-590.) (510)
COUNTER ATTACK
=525. Passive defense; only offensive wins.= The passive defense should be assumed only when circumstances force it. Only the offensive wins. (511)
=526. Active defense seeks favorable decision; counter attack necessary.= An active defense seeks a favorable decision. A favorable decision can not be expected without counter attack. (512)
=527. Protection of flanks by natural obstacles necessary in passive defense position.= A passive defense in a position whose flanks are not protected by natural obstacles is generally out of the question. (513)
=528. Post of troops for counter attack.= Where the defense is assumed with a view to making a counter attack, the troops for the counter attack should be held in reserve until the time arrives for such attack. The defensive line should be held by as few troops as possible in order that the force for the offensive may be as large as possible.
The force for the counter attack should be held echeloned in rear of the flank which offers it the greatest advantage for the proposed attack. (514)
=529. Manner of making counter attack.= The counter attack should be made vigorously and at the proper time. It will usually be made:
By launching the reserve against the enemy's flank when his attack is in full progress. This is the most effective form of counter attack.
Straight to the front by the firing line and supports after repulsing the enemy's attack and demoralizing him with pursuing fire.
Or, by the troops in rear of the firing line when the enemy has reached the defensive position and is in disorder. (515)
=530. Minor counter attacks.= Minor counter attacks are sometimes necessary in order to drive the enemy from important positions gained by him. (516)
DELAYING ACTION
=531. The important considerations in a delaying action.= When a position is taken merely to delay the enemy and to withdraw before becoming closely engaged, the important considerations are:
The enemy should be forced to deploy early. The field of fire should therefore be good at distances from 500 to 1,200 yards or more; a good field of fire at close range is not necessary.
The ground in rear of the position should favor the withdrawal of the firing line by screening the troops from the enemy's view and fire as soon as the position is vacated. (517)
=532. Thin firing line answers purpose; purposes of supports and reserve.= A thin firing line using much ammunition will generally answer the purpose. Supports are needed chiefly to protect the flanks.
The reserve should be posted well in rear to assist in the withdrawal of the firing line. (518)
=533. Value of artillery.= Artillery is especially valuable to a delaying force. (519)
MEETING ENGAGEMENTS
=534. Characteristics of meeting engagements.= Meeting engagements are characterized by the necessity for hasty reconnaissance, or the almost total absence of reconnaissance; by the necessity for rapid deployment, frequently under fire; and usually by the absence of trenches or other artificial cover. These conditions give further advantages to the offensive. (520)
=535. General action on meeting enemy.= The whole situation will usually indicate beforehand the proper general action to be taken on meeting the enemy. (521)
=536. Meagerness of information; qualities of commander to be relied upon.= Little fresh information can be expected. The boldness, initiative, and determination of the commander must be relied upon. (522)
=537. Meeting engagement affords ideal opportunity to certain commanders.= A meeting engagement affords an ideal opportunity to the commander who has intuition and quick decision and who is willing to take long chances. His opponent is likely to be overcautious. (523)
=538. The mission determines method of attack.= The amount of information that the commander is warranted in awaiting before taking final action depends entirely upon his mission. One situation may demand a blind attack; another may demand rapid, partial deployment for attack, but careful and time-consuming reconnaissance before the attack is launched. (524)
=539. Advantage accrues to side deploying the faster.= A great advantage accrues to the side which can deploy the faster. The advantage of a close-order formation, favoring rapid deployment, becomes more pronounced with the size of the force. (525)
=540. Advantages of first troops to deploy.= The first troops to deploy will be able to attack with longer firing lines and weaker supports than are required in the ordinary case. But if the enemy succeeds in deploying a strong defensive line, the attack must be strengthened accordingly before it is wasted. (526)
=541. Things to be done by the leading troops.= If the situation warrants the advance, the leading troops seek to deploy faster than the enemy, to reach his flanks, check his deployment, and get information. In any event, they seek to cover the deployment of their own troops in rear--especially the artillery--and to seize important ground. (527)
=542. Post of commander of long column meeting enemy; function of advance guard; action of column.= The commander of a long column which meets the enemy should be with the advance guard to receive information promptly and to reconnoiter. If he decides to fight, the advance guard must hold the enemy while the commander formulates a plan of action, issues the necessary orders, and deploys the main body. Meantime, the column should be closing up, either in mass or to form line of columns, so that the deployment, when determined upon, may be made more promptly. (528)
=543. Action of advance guard prior to receipt of orders.= The action of the advance guard, prior to the receipt of orders, depends upon the situation. Whether to attack determinedly or only as a feint, or to assume the defensive, depends upon the strength of the advance guard, the terrain, the character of the hostile force encountered, and the mission and intentions of the commander of the whole. (529)
=544. Main body should be used as a whole and not put into action piecemeal.= If the enemy is beforehand or more aggressive, or if the advance guard is too weak, it may be necessary to put elements of the main body into action as fast as they arrive, in order to check him. This method should be avoided; it prevents the formation and execution of a definite plan and compels piecemeal action. The best results are obtained when the main body is used as a whole. (530)
WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTION
=545. Withdrawal generally effected at heavy cost; rear guard and distance to be placed between enemy and defeated troops.= The withdrawal of a defeated force can generally be effected only at a heavy cost. When it is no longer possible to give the action a favorable turn and the necessity for withdrawal arises, every effort must be made to place distance and a rear guard between the enemy and the defeated troops. (531)
=546. Use of artillery, machine guns, and cavalry.= Artillery gives especially valuable assistance in the withdrawal. The long-range fire of machine guns should also be employed. Cavalry assists the withdrawal by charging the pursuing troops or by taking flank positions and using fire action. (532)
=547. Use of reserve to check the pursuit.= If an intact reserve remains, it should be placed in a covering position, preferably on a flank, to check the pursuit and thus enable the defeated troops to withdraw beyond reach of hostile fire.
The covering position of the reserve should be at some distance from the main action, but close enough to bring the withdrawing troops quickly under the protection of its fire. It should have a good field of fire at effective and long ranges and should facilitate its own safe and timely withdrawal. (533)
=548. Part of line to be withdrawn first; retreating troops to be gotten under control as soon as possible.= If the general line is divided, by terrain or by organization, into two or more parts, the firing line of the part in the least danger from pursuit should be withdrawn first. A continuous firing line, whose parts are dependent upon one another for fire support, should be withdrawn as a whole, retiring by echelon at the beginning of the withdrawal. Every effort must be made to restore the organizations, regain control, and form column of march as soon as the troops are beyond the reach of hostile fire.
As fast as possible without delaying the march, companies, and the larger units should be reformed, so that the command will again be well in hand. (534)
=549. Action taken by commander; selection of rendezvous point.= The commander of the whole, having given orders for withdrawal, should go to the rear, select a rendezvous point, and devote himself to the reorganization of his command.
The rendezvous point is selected with regard to the natural channels of movement approximately straight to the rear. It should be distant from the battlefield and should facilitate the gathering and protection of the command. (535)
SUMMARY
=550.= 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 maneuvers.
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. (536)
MACHINE GUNS
=551. Machine guns are weapons of emergency.= Machine guns must be considered as weapons of emergency. Their effectiveness combined with their mobility renders them of great value at critical, though infrequent, periods of an engagement. (537)
=552. Machine guns to be used for short periods, when opportunities present themselves.= When operating against infantry only, they can be used to a great extent throughout the combat as circumstances may indicate, but they are quickly rendered powerless by efficient field artillery and will promptly draw artillery fire whenever they open. Hence their use in engagements between large commands must be for short periods and at times when their great effectiveness will be most valuable. (538)
=553. Machine guns attached to advance guard; use in meeting engagements.= Machine guns should be attached to the advance guard. In meeting engagements they will be of great value in assisting their own advance, or in checking the advance of the enemy, and will have considerable time to operate before hostile artillery fire can silence them.
Care must be taken not to leave them too long in action. (539)
=554. Use of machine guns with rear guard.= They are valuable to a rear guard which seeks to check a vigorous pursuit or to gain time. (540)
=555. Machine guns in attack; fire of position.= In attack, if fire of position is practicable, they are of great value. In this case fire should not be opened by the machine guns until the attack is well advanced. At a critical period in the attack, such fire, if suddenly and unexpectedly opened, will greatly assist the advancing line. The fire must be as heavy as possible and must be continued until masked by friendly troops or until the hostile artillery finds the machine guns. (541)
=556. Machine guns in defense.= In the defense, machine guns should be used in the same general manner as described above for the attack. Concealment and patient waiting for critical moments and exceptional opportunities are the special characteristics of the machine-gun service in decisive actions. (542)
=557. Machine guns as part of reserve; use in covering withdrawal.= As part of the reserve, machine guns have special importance. If they are with the troops told off to protect the flanks, and if they are well placed, they will often produce decisive results against a hostile turning movement. They are especially qualified to cover a withdrawal or make a captured position secure. (543)
=558. Machine guns not to form part of firing line of attack.= Machine guns should not be assigned to the firing line of an attack. They should be so placed that fire directed upon them is not likely to fall upon the firing line. (544)
=559. Effectiveness of machine guns against skirmish line, except when lying down or crawling.= A skirmish line can not advance by walking or running when hostile machine guns have the correct range and are ready to fire. Machine-gun fire is not specially effective against troops lying on the ground or crawling. (545)
=560. Silencing of machine guns by infantry.= When opposed by machine guns without artillery to destroy them, infantry itself must silence them before it can advance.
An infantry command that must depend upon itself for protection against machine guns should concentrate a large number of rifles on each gun in turn and until it has silenced it. (546)
In addition to the above, which the Infantry Drill Regulations gives on the subject of machine guns, the following, based on the use of machine guns in the European War, is given:
=561. Machine guns essentially automatic rifles.= They are essentially automatic rifles, designed to fire the ordinary rifle cartridge and capable of delivering a stream of small bullets at a rate of as high as 600 per minute. Experience in the European war has determined that the rate of 400 shots per minute is the desirable maximum. Their ranges are the same as for the rifle. The fire of a machine gun has been estimated as equal to that of 30 men.
=562. Mounts.= Machine guns are usually mounted on tripods or wheels. The weight of certain types is such that they can readily be carried by the soldier from one point to another.
=563. Methods of transportation.= While machine guns are usually designed to be carried or packed, they are easily adapted to various methods of transportation. In the European war we find them mounted on sleds during the winter campaign; on specially designed motor cycles with side cars and accompanied by other motor cycles carrying ammunition; on wheels; on wagons; on armored automobiles; aeroplanes; and finally in the powerful "tanks" of the English.
=564. Concealment.= Machine guns while usually considered as weapons of emergency have been used in attack and defense in the European war in all stages. Their mobility and deadly effect have made them of great value. Once their position is discovered they are quickly put out of action by artillery. Owing to this fact the armies in Europe have used alternative positions and have used every means to conceal the guns. Hedges, walls, and pits are used and every effort is used to conceal the flame of discharge. This is usually accomplished by keeping the muzzle well in rear of its cover or loop hole. Machine guns almost invariably betray their positions as soon as they enter into action. The present tendency seems to be to hold them concealed and place them into position in the trenches or emplacements at the moment of combat.
Extraordinary means have been resorted to in hiding the guns until they are needed. In the German line, dugouts underground were constructed to conceal the machine guns and crews. Often they permitted the first line of the attack to pass over them and then appeared in rear and opened a deadly fire on the backs of the troops.
=565. Use in villages.= In villages, machine guns were used with terrible effect, firing from cellars or windows. The only successful method of destroying them was with hand grenades and even this was costly.
=566. Location on the defense.= On the defense machine guns should be mounted in salients and at points where cross fire can be obtained. This makes it more difficult for the enemy to locate the guns. Frontal fire is not so often successful.
=567. Location in attack.= In the attack it is accepted that machine guns must cover the Infantry at short and long ranges while other machine guns must accompany the attacking troops to hold the positions or trenches gained.
The second or third line would seem to be the best position for machine guns when accompanying troops.
=568. Economy of men.= Owing to its rapid and effective fire, and the comparative ease with which it can be concealed, the machine gun permits a great economy of men on a front and the concentrating of the forces thus freed for use in other parts of the field. This was done on a large scale on the Russian front by the Germans in 1915. They constructed miles of wire entanglements in front of positions occupied with an enormous number of machine guns and comparatively few men. The main forces were thus free to be transported wherever danger threatened. In this manner the Germans replaced men by machine guns and wire and were able to cope successfully with the immense Russian Armies. The above plate shows a typical machine gun emplacement, constructed in the field. Many elaborate emplacements have been constructed in the European war, using steel and concrete, but for a hasty cover in the field the simple emplacement shown in the figure is recommended.
(NOTE.--For a more detailed study of machine guns, see Subject XI, Machine Guns in Action, School of Musketry, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Combined Cavalry and Infantry Drill Regulations for Automatic Machine Rifle, cal. 30, 1909, War Department, 1915.)
AMMUNITION SUPPLY
=569. Method of supplying ammunition to combat train.= The method of supply of ammunition to the combat trains is explained in Field Service Regulations. (547)
=570. Combat train and the major's responsibility for its proper use; a rendezvous for each brigade.= The combat train is the immediate reserve supply of the battalion, and the major is responsible for its proper use. He will take measures to insure the maintenance of the prescribed allowance at all times.
In the absence of instructions, he will cause the train to march immediately in rear of his battalion, and, upon separating from it to enter an engagement, will cause the ammunition therein to be issued. When emptied, he will direct that the wagons proceed to the proper rendezvous to be refilled. Ordinarily a rendezvous is appointed for each brigade and the necessary number of wagons sent forward to it from the ammunition column. (548)
=571. Destination of combat wagons when refilled.= When refilled, the combat wagons will rejoin their battalions, or, if the latter be engaged, will join or establish communication with the regimental reserve. (549)
=572. Company commanders' responsibility for ammunition in belts; ammunition of dead and wounded.= Company commanders are responsible that the belts of the men in their companies are kept filled at all times, except when the ammunition is being expended in action. In the firing line the ammunition of the dead and wounded should be secured whenever practicable. (550)
=573. Ammunition in bandoleers and 30 rounds in right pocket section.= Ammunition in the bandoleers will ordinarily be expended first. Thirty rounds in the right pocket section of the belt will be held as a reserve, to be expended only when ordered by an officer. (551)
=574. Ammunition sent forward with reenforcements; men not to be sent back from firing line for ammunition.= When necessary to resupply the firing line, ammunition will be sent forward with reenforcements, generally from the regimental reserve. (552)
Men will never be sent back from the firing line for ammunition. Men sent forward with ammunition remain with the firing line.
=575. Replenishment of ammunition after engagement.= As soon as possible after an engagement the belts of the men and the combat wagons are resupplied to their normal capacities. Ammunition which can not be reloaded on combat wagons will be piled up in a convenient place and left under guard. (553)
MOUNTED SCOUTS
=576. Scouts to be trained in patrolling and reconnaissance; their use.= The mounted scouts should be thoroughly trained in patrolling and reconnaissance. They are used for communication with neighboring troops, for patrolling off the route of march, for march outposts, outpost patrols, combat patrols, reconnaissance ahead of columns, etc. Their further use is, in general, confined to escort and messenger duty. They should be freely used for all these purposes, but for these purposes only. (554)
=577. Use of mounted scouts for reconnoitering.= When infantry is acting alone, or when the cavalry of a mixed command has been sent to a distance, the mounted scouts are of special importance to covering detachments and should be used to make the reconnaissance which would otherwise fall to cavalry. (555)
=578. Scouts to be used in reconnaissance in preference to other troops; use for dismounted patrolling.= In reconnaissance, scouts should be used in preference to other troops as much as possible. When not needed for mounted duty, they should be employed for necessary dismounted patrolling. (556)
=579. Training of battalion staff officers in patrolling.= Battalion staff officers should be specially trained in patrolling and reconnaissance work in order that they may be available when a mounted officer's patrol is required. (557)
NIGHT OPERATIONS
=580. Purposes of night operations.= By employing night operations troops make use of the cover of darkness to minimize losses from hostile fire or to escape observation. Night operations may also be necessary for the purpose of gaining time. Control is difficult and confusion is frequently unavoidable.
It may be necessary to take advantage of darkness in order to assault from a point gained during the day, or to approach a point from which a daylight assault is to be made, or to effect both the approach and the assault. (558)
=581. Practice in offensive and defensive operations; simple formations.= Offensive and defensive night operations should be practiced frequently in order that troops may learn to cover ground in the dark and arrive at a destination quietly and in good order, and in order to train officers in the necessary preparation and reconnaissance.
Only simple and well-appointed formations should be employed.
Troops should be thoroughly trained in the necessary details--e. g., night patrolling, night marching, and communication at night. (559)
=582. Ground to be studied by day and night, cleared of hostile detachments, etc.; preparation of orders; distinctive badges.= The ground to be traversed should be studied by daylight and, if practicable, at night. It should be cleared of hostile detachments before dark, and, if practicable, should be occupied by covering troops.
Orders must be formulated with great care and clearness. Each unit must be given a definite objective and direction, and care must be exercised to avoid collision between units.
Whenever contact with the enemy is anticipated, a distinctive badge should be worn by all. (560)
=583. Secrecy of preparations; unfriendly guides; fire action to be avoided, relying upon bayonet.= Preparations must be made with secrecy. When the movement is started, and not until then, the officers and men should be acquainted with the general design, the composition of the whole force, and should be given such additional information as will insure cooeperation and eliminate mistakes.
During the movement every precaution must be taken to keep secret the fact that troops are abroad.
Unfriendly guides must frequently be impressed. These should be secured against escape, outcry, or deception.
Fire action should be avoided in offensive operations. In general, pieces should not be loaded. Men must be trained to rely upon the bayonet and to use it aggressively. (561)
=584. Night marches; advance and rear guards.= Long night marches should be made only over well-defined routes. March discipline must be rigidly enforced. The troops should be marched in as compact a formation as practicable, with the usual covering detachments. Advance and rear guard distances should be greatly reduced. They are shortest when the mission is an offensive one. The connecting files are numerous. (562)
=585. Night advance followed by attack by day.= A night advance made with a view to making an attack by day usually terminates with the hasty construction of intrenchments in the dark. Such an advance should be timed so as to allow an hour or more of darkness for intrenching.
An advance that is to terminate in an assault at the break of day should be timed so that the troops will not arrive long before the assault is to be made; otherwise, the advantage of partial surprise will be lost, and the enemy will be allowed to reenforce the threatened point. (563)
=586. Night attacks, when employed; they require trained troops; compact formations; value of bayonet.= The night attack is ordinarily confined to small forces, or to minor engagements in a general battle, or to seizure of positions occupied by covering or advanced detachments. Decisive results are not often obtained.
Poorly disciplined and untrained troops are unfit for night attacks or for night operations demanding the exercise of skill and care.
Troops attacking at night can advance close to the enemy in compact formations and without suffering loss from hostile artillery or infantry fire. The defender is ignorant of the strength or direction of the attack.
A force which makes a vigorous bayonet charge in the dark will often throw a much larger force into disorder. (564)
=587. Reconnaissance; attack to be a surprise.= Reconnaissance should be made to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy and to study the terrain to be traversed. Officers who are to participate in the attack should conduct this reconnaissance. Reconnaissance at night is especially valuable. Features that are distinguishable at night should be carefully noted, and their distances from the enemy, from the starting point of the troops, and from other important points should be made known.
Preparations should have in view as complete a surprise as possible. An attack once begun must be carried to its conclusion, even if the surprise is not as complete as was planned or anticipated. (565)
=588. Time of making attack depends upon object sought.= The time of night at which the attack should be made depends upon the object sought. If a decisive attack is intended, it will generally yield the best results if made just before daylight. If the object is merely to gain an intrenched position for further operations, an earlier hour is necessary in order that the position gained may be intrenched under cover of darkness. (566)
=589. Formation; use of bayonet; preparations to repel counter attack.= The formation for attack must be simple. It should be carefully effected and the troops verified at a safe distance from the enemy. The attacking troops should be formed in compact lines and with strong supports at short distances. The reserve should be far enough in rear to avoid being drawn into the action until the commander so desires. Bayonets are fixed, pieces are not loaded.
Darkness causes fire to be wild and ineffective. The attacking troops should march steadily on the enemy without firing, but should be prepared and determined to fight vigorously with the bayonet.
In advancing to the attack the aim should be to get as close as possible to the enemy before being discovered, then trust to the bayonet.
If the assault is successful, preparations must be made at once to repel a counter attack. (567)
=590. Measures taken by defense to resist night attacks.= On the defense, preparations to resist night attacks should be made by daylight whenever such attacks are to be feared.
Obstacles placed in front of a defensive position are especially valuable to the defense at night. Many forms of obstacles which would give an attacker little concern in the daytime become serious hindrances at night.
After dark the foreground should be illuminated whenever practicable and strong patrols should be pushed to the front.
When it is learned that the enemy is approaching, the trenches are filled and the supports moved close to the firing line.
Supports fix bayonets, but do not load. Whenever practicable and necessary, they should be used for counter attacks, preferably against a hostile flank.
The defender should open fire as soon as results may be expected. This fire may avert or postpone the bayonet combat, and it warns all supporting troops. It is not likely that fire alone can stop the attack. The defender must be resolved to fight with the bayonet.
Ordinarily fire will not be effective at ranges exceeding 50 yards.
A white rag around the muzzle of the rifle will assist in sighting the piece when the front sight is not visible.
See pars. 464, 496, 497, 523, 524. (568)
INFANTRY AGAINST CAVALRY
=591. Cavalry charge against infantry usually futile.= A cavalry charge can accomplish little against infantry, even in inferior numbers, unless the latter are surprised, become panic-stricken, run away, or can not use their rifles. (569)
=592. Measures to check charges from front and flank.= A charge from the front is easily checked by a well directed and sustained fire.
If the charge is directed against the flank of the firing line, the supports, reserves, or machine guns should stop it. If this disposition is impracticable, part of the line must meet the charge by a timely change of front. If the flank company, or companies, in the firing line execute =platoons right=, the successive firing lines can ordinarily break a charge against the flank. If the cavalry line passes through the firing line, the latter will be little damaged if the men retain their presence of mind. They should be on the watch for succeeding cavalry lines and leave those that have passed through to friendly troops in rear. (570)
=593. Standing position best to meet charge.= Men standing are in the best position to meet a charge, but other considerations may compel them to meet it lying prone. (571)
=594. Rifle fire main dependence of infantry.= In a melee, the infantryman with his bayonet has at least an even chance with the cavalryman, but the main dependence of infantry is rifle fire. Any formation is suitable that permits the free use of the necessary number of rifles.
Ordinarily there will be no time to change or set sights. Fire at will at battle sight should be used, whatever the range may be. It will usually be unwise to open fire at long ranges. (572)
=595. Meeting of cavalry charge by infantry in column.= An infantry column that encounters cavalry should deploy at once. If attacked from the head or rear of the column, and if time is pressing, it may form a succession of skirmish lines. Infantry, by deploying 50 or 100 yards in rear of an obstacle, may check cavalry and hold it under fire beyond effective pistol range.
In any situation, to try to escape the issue by running is the worst and most dangerous course the infantry can adopt. (573)
=596. Infantry attacking dismounted cavalry.= In attacking dismounted cavalry, infantry should close rapidly and endeavor to prevent remounting. Infantry which adopts this course will not be seriously checked by delaying cavalry.
Every effort should be made to locate and open fire on the led horses. (574)
INFANTRY AGAINST ARTILLERY
=597. Frontal attack against artillery usually futile; use of machine guns.= A frontal attack against artillery has little chance of succeeding unless it can be started from cover at comparatively short range. Beyond short range, the frontal fire of infantry has little effect against the artillery personnel because of their protective shields.
Machine guns, because their cone of fire is more compact, will have greater effect, but on the other hand they will have fewer opportunities, and they are limited to fire attack only.
As a rule, one's own artillery is the best weapon against hostile artillery. (575)
=598. Flank attack against artillery effective.= Artillery attacked in flank by infantry can be severely damaged. Oblique or flank fire will begin to have decisive effect when delivered at effective range from a point to one side of the artillery's line of fire and distant from it by about half the range. Artillery is better protected on the side of the caisson. (576)
=599. Action against guns out of ammunition.= Guns out of ammunition, but otherwise secure against infantry attack, may be immobilized by fire which will prevent their withdrawal, or by locating and driving off their limbers. Or they may be kept out of action by fire which will prevent the receipt of ammunition. (577)
=600. Action against artillery limbering or coming into action; wheel horses best targets.= Artillery when limbered is helpless against infantry fire. If caught at effective range while coming into action or while limbering, artillery can be severely punished by infantry fire.
In attacking artillery that is trying to escape, the wheel horses are the best targets. (578)
ARTILLERY SUPPORTS
=601. Purpose of artillery support, usually consisting of infantry.= The purpose of the artillery support is to guard the artillery against surprise or attack.
Artillery on the march or in action is ordinarily so placed as to be amply protected by the infantry. Infantry always protects artillery in its neighborhood. (579)
=602. Detailing of supports.= The detail of a support is not necessary except when the artillery is separated from the main body or occupies a position in which its flanks are not protected.
The detail of a special support will be avoided whenever possible. (580.)
=603. Formation of support on march.= The formation of an artillery support depends upon circumstances. On the march it may often be necessary to provide advance, flank, and rear protection. The country must be thoroughly reconnoitered by patrols within long rifle range. (581)
=604. Formation and location of support in action.= In action, the formation and location of the support must be such as to gain and give timely information of the enemy's approach and to offer actual resistance to the enemy beyond effective rifle range of the artillery's flanks. It should not be close enough to the artillery to suffer from fire directed at the artillery. In most cases a position somewhat to the flank and rear best fulfills these conditions. (582)
=605. Support charged only with protection of artillery.= The support commander is charged only with the protection of the artillery. The tactical employment of each arm rests with its commander. The two should cooeperate. (583)
MINOR WARFARE
=606. What minor warfare embraces; regular operations.= Minor warfare embraces both regular and irregular operations.
Regular operations consist of minor actions involving small bodies of trained and organized troops on both sides.
The tactics employed are in general those prescribed for the smaller units. (596)
=607. Irregular operations.= Irregular operations consist of actions against unorganized or partially organized forces, acting independent or semi independent bodies. Such bodies have little or only crude training and are under nominal and loose leadership and control. They assemble, roam about, and disperse at will. They endeavor to win by stealth or by force of superior numbers, employing ambuscades, sudden dashes or rushes, and hand-to-hand fighting. (597)
Troops operating against such an enemy usually do so in small units, such as platoons, detachments, or companies, and the tactics employed must be adapted to meet the requirements of the situation. Frequently the enemy's own methods may be employed to advantage.
In general, such operations should not be undertaken hastily; every preparation should be made to strike suddenly and to inflict the maximum punishment.
=608. March and bivouac formations to admit of rapid action in any direction.= In general, the service of information will be insufficient; adequate reconnaissance will rarely be practicable. March and bivouac formations must be such as to admit of rapid deployment and fire action in any direction. (598)
=609. Formation in open country.= In the open country, where surprise is not probable, troops may be marched in column of squads preceded, within sight, by a squad as an advance party. (599)
=610. Formation in close country.= In close country, where surprise is possible, the troops must be held in a close formation. The use of flank patrols becomes difficult. Occasionally, an advance party--never less than a squad--may be sent out. In general, however, such a party accomplishes little, since an enemy intent on surprise will permit it to pass unmolested and will fall upon the main body.
Under such conditions, especially when the road or trail is narrow, the column of twos or files is a convenient formation, the officers placing themselves in the column so as to divide it into nearly equal parts. If rushed from a flank, such a column will be in readiness to face and fire toward either or both flanks, the ranks being back to back; if rushed from the front, the head of the column may be deployed, the rest of the column closing up to support it and to protect its flanks and rear. In any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back to back formation. (600)
=611. Dividing column on march into two or more separate detachments.= The column may often be broken into two or more approximately equal detachments separated on the march by distances of 50 to 100 yards. As a rule the detachments should not consist of less than 25 men each. With this arrangement of the column, it will rarely be possible for an enemy to close simultaneously with all of the detachments, one or more being left unengaged and under control to support those engaged or to inflict severe punishment upon the enemy when he is repulsed. (601)
=612. Selection of site for camp or bivouac; protection.= The site for camp or bivouac should be selected with special reference to economical and effective protection against surprise. Double sentinels are posted on the avenues of approach, and the troops sleep in readiness for instant action. When practicable, troops should be instructed in advance as to what they are to do in case of attack at night. (602)
=613. Night operations frequently advisable.= Night operations are frequently advisable. With the small forces employed, control is not difficult. Irregular troops rarely provide proper camp protection, and they may frequently be surprised and severely punished by a properly conducted night march and attack. (603)
CEREMONIES
General Rules for Ceremonies
=614. Order in which troops are arranged for ceremonies; commander faces command; subordinates face to front.= The order in which the troops of the various arms are arranged for ceremonies is prescribed by Army Regulations.
When forming for ceremonies the companies of the battalion and the battalions of the regiment are posted from right to left in line and from head to rear in column, in the order of rank of their respective commanders present in the formation, the senior on the right or at the head.
The commander faces the command; subordinate commanders face to the front. (708)
=615. Saluting by lieutenant colonel and staffs.= At the command present arms, given by the colonel, the lieutenant colonel, and the colonel's staff salute; the major's staff salute at the major's command. Each staff returns to the carry or order when the command =order arms= is given by its chief. (709)
=616. Formation of companies, battalion and regiment.= At the =assembly= for a ceremony companies are formed on their own parades and informally inspected, as prescribed in par. 646.
At =adjutant's call=, except for ceremonies involving a single battalion, each battalion is formed on its own parade, reports are received, and the battalion presented to the major, as laid down in par. 308. At the second sounding of adjutant's call the regiment is formed. (710)
REVIEWS
General Rules
=617. Indication of points where column changes direction; flank to pass 12 paces from reviewing officer; post of reviewing officer and others.= The adjutant posts men or otherwise marks the points where the column changes direction in such manner that its flank in passing will be about 12 paces from the reviewing officer.
The post of the reviewing officer, usually opposite the center of the line, is indicated by a marker.
Officers of the same or higher grade, and distinguished personages invited to accompany the reviewing officer, place themselves on his left; their staffs and orderlies place themselves respectively on the left of the staff and orderlies of the reviewing officer; all others who accompany the reviewing officer place themselves on the left of his staff, their orderlies in rear. A staff officer is designated to escort distinguished personages and to indicate to them their proper positions, as prescribed in par. 73. (711)
=618. Riding around the troops; saluting the color; reviewing officer returns only salute of commanding officer of troops.= While riding around the troops, the reviewing officer may direct his staff, flag and orderlies to remain at the post of the reviewing officer, or that only his personal staff and flag shall accompany him; in either case the commanding officer alone accompanies the reviewing officer. If the reviewing officer is accompanied by his entire staff, the staff officers of the commander place themselves on the right of the staff of the reviewing officer.
The reviewing officer and others at the reviewing stand salute the color as it passes; when passing around the troops, the reviewing officer and those accompanying him salute the color when passing in front of it.
The reviewing officer returns the salute of the commanding officer of the troops only. Those who accompany the reviewing officer do not salute. (712)
=619. Saluting by staffs.= In passing in review, each staff salutes with its commander. (713)
=620. Turning out of column by commanding officer of troops and staff.= After saluting the reviewing officer, the commanding officer of the troops turns out of the column, takes post on the right of the reviewing officer, and returns saber; the members of his staff accompanying him take post on the right of the reviewing officer's staff and return saber. When the rear element of his command has passed, without changing his position, the commanding officer of the troops salutes the reviewing officer; he and the members of his staff accompanying him then draw saber and rejoin his command. The commanding officer of the troops and the members of his staff are the only ones who turn out of the column. (714)
=621. Turning out of column by commanding officer of troops and staff.= If the person reviewing the command is not mounted, the commanding officer and his staff on turning out of the column after passing the reviewing officer dismount preparatory to taking post. In such case, the salute of the commanding officer, prior to rejoining his command, is made with the hand before remounting. (715)
=622. Salute by regimental color.= When the rank of the reviewing officer entitles him to the honor, each regimental color salutes at the command =present arms=, given or repeated by the major of the battalion with which it is posted; and again in passing in review. (716)
=623. The band.= The band of an organization plays while the reviewing officer is passing in front of and in rear of the organization.
Each band, immediately after passing the reviewing officer, turns out of the column, takes post in front of and facing him, continues to play until its regiment has passed, then ceases playing and follows in rear of its regiment; the band of the following regiment commences to play as soon as the preceding band has ceased.
While marching in review but one band in each brigade plays at a time, and but one band at a time when within 100 paces of the reviewing officer. (717)
=624. The national air, to the color, march, flourishes or ruffles,--when played.= If the rank of the reviewing officer entitles him to the honor, the band plays the prescribed =national air=, or the field music sounds =to the color=, =march=, =flourishes= or =ruffles= when arms are presented. When passing in review at the moment the regimental color salutes, the musicians halted in front of the reviewing officer, sound =to the color=, =march=, =flourishes= or =ruffles=. (718)
=625. Modifications of the review.= The formation for review may be modified to suit the ground, and the =present arms= and the ride around the line by the reviewing officer may be dispensed with. (719)
=626. When post of reviewing officer is on left of column.= If the post of the reviewing officer is on the left of the column, the troops march in review with the guide left; the commanding officer and his staff turn out of the column to the left, taking post as prescribed above, but to the left of the reviewing officer; in saluting, the captains give the command: =1. Eyes, 2. LEFT.= (720)
=627. Cadence at which troops pass in review.= Except in the review of a single battalion, the troops pass in review in quick time only. (721)
=628. Reviews of brigades or larger commands; action of battalions after passing reviewing officer.= In reviews of brigades or larger commands, each battalion, after the rear has passed the reviewing officer 50 paces, takes the double time for 100 yards in order not to interfere with the march of the column in rear; if necessary, it then turns out of the column and returns to camp by the most practicable route; the leading battalion of each regiment is followed by the other units of the regiment. (722)
=629. Standing "at ease," "rest," etc., in review of brigade or larger command.= In a brigade or larger review a regimental commander may cause his regiment to stand =at ease=, =rest=, or =stack arms= and =fall out= and =resume attention=, so as not to interfere with the ceremony. (723)
=630. Review by inspector junior to commanding officer.= When an organization is to be reviewed before an inspector junior in rank to the commanding officer, the commanding officer receives the review and is accompanied by the inspector, who takes post on his left. (724)
Battalion Review
=631. Presenting battalion to reviewing officer; passing around battalion; battalion passing in review at quick time.= The battalion having been formed in line, the major faces to the front; the reviewing officer moves a few paces toward the major and halts; the major turns about and commands: =1. Present, 2. ARMS=, and again turns about and salutes.
The reviewing officer returns the salute; the major turns about, brings the battalion to order arms, and again turns to the front.
The reviewing officer approaches to about 6 paces from the major, the latter salutes, takes post on his right, and accompanies him around, the battalion. The band plays. The reviewing officer proceeds to the right of the band, passes in front of the captain to the left of the line and returns to the right, passing in rear of the file closers and the band. (See par. 625.)
On arriving again at the right of the line, the major salutes, halts, and when the reviewing officer and staff have passed, moves directly to his post in front of the battalion, faces it, and commands: =1. Pass in review, 2. Squads right, 3. MARCH.=
At the first command the band changes direction if necessary, and halts.
At the third command, given when the band has changed direction, the battalion moves off, the band playing; without command from the major the column changes direction at the points indicated, and column of companies at full distance is formed successively to the left at the second change of direction; the major takes his post 20 paces in front of the band immediately after the second change; the band having passed the reviewing officer, turns to the left of the column, takes post in front of and facing the reviewing officer, and remains there until the review terminates.
The major and staff salute, turn the head as in =eyes right=, and look toward the reviewing officer when the major is 6 paces from him; they return to the carry and turn the head and eyes to the front when the major has passed 6 paces beyond him.
Without facing about, each captain or special unit commander, except the drum major, commands: =1. Eyes=, in time to add, =2. RIGHT=, when at 6 paces from the reviewing officer, and commands =front= when at 6 paces beyond him. At the command =eyes= the company officers armed with the saber execute the first motion of present saber; at the command =right= all turn head and eyes to the right, the company officers complete =present saber=, and the noncommissioned officers armed with the saber execute the first motion of present saber; at the command =front= all turn head and eyes to the front, and officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saber resume the carry saber; without arms in hand, the first motion of the hand salute is made at the command =right=, and the second motion not made until the command =front=.
Noncommissioned staff officers, noncommissioned officers in command of subdivisions, and the drum major salute, turn the head and eyes, return to the front, resume the carry or drop the hand, at the points prescribed for the major. Officers and dismounted noncommissioned officers in command of subdivisions, with arms in hand, render the rifle or saber salute. Guides charged with the step, trace, and direction do not execute =eyes right=.
If the reviewing officer is entitled to a salute from the color the regimental color salutes when at 6 paces from him, and is raised when at 6 paces beyond him.
The major, having saluted, takes post on the right of the reviewing officer, returns saber and remains there until the rear of the battalion has passed, then salutes and rejoins his battalion. The band ceases to play when the column has completed its second change of direction after passing the reviewing officer. (725)
=632. Passing in review at double time.= When the battalion arrives at its original position in column, the major commands: =1. Double time, 2. MARCH.=
The band plays in double time.
The battalion passes in review as before, except that in double time the command =eyes right= is omitted and there is no saluting except by the major when he leaves the reviewing officer.
The review terminates when the rear company has passed the reviewing officer: the band then ceases to play, and, unless otherwise directed by the major, returns to the position it occupied before marching in review, or is dismissed; the major rejoins the battalion and brings it to =quick time=. The battalion then executes such movements as the reviewing officer may have directed, or is marched to its parade ground and dismissed.
Marching past in double time may, in the discretion of the reviewing officer, be omitted; the review terminates when the major rejoins his battalion. (726)
=633. Major and staff may be dismounted.= At battalion review the major and his staff may be dismounted in the discretion of the commanding officer. (727)
PARADES
General Rules
=634. Position assumed by reviewing officer and staff while band is sounding off.= If dismounted, the officer reviewing the parade, and his staff, stand at parade rest, with arms folded, while the band is sounding off; they resume attention with the adjutant. If mounted, they remain at attention. (732)
=635. Reports by captains and majors.= At the command =report=, given by a battalion adjutant, the captains in succession from the right salute and report: =A= (or =other=) =company=, =present= or =accounted for=; or =A= (or =other=) =company, (so many) officers= or =enlisted men absent=, and resume the order saber; at the same command given by the regimental adjutant, the majors similarly =report= their battalions. (733)
Battalion Parade
=636. At adjutant's call= the battalion is formed in line, as explained in par. 308, but not presented. Lieutenants take their posts in front of the center of their respective platoons at the captain's command for dressing his company on the line, as explained in par. 302. The major takes post at a convenient distance in front of the center and facing the battalion.
The adjutant from his post in front of the center of the battalion, after commanding: =1. Guides, 2. POSTS=, adds: =1. Parade, 2. REST=; the battalion executes parade rest. The adjutant directs the band: =SOUND OFF.=
The band, playing in quick time, passes in front of the line of officers to the left of the line and back to its post on the right, when it ceases playing. At evening parade, when the band ceases playing, =retreat= is sounded by the field music and, following the last note and while the flag is being lowered, the band plays the =Star Spangled Banner=.
Just before the last note of retreat, the adjutant comes to attention and, as the last note ends commands: =1. Battalion, 2. Attention, 3. Present, 4. Arms=, and salutes retaining that position until the last note of the National Anthem. He then turns about and reports: =Sir, the parade is formed.= The major directs the adjutant: =Take your post, Sir.= The adjutant moves at a trot (if dismounted, in quick time), passes by the major's right, and takes his post.
The major draws saber and commands: =1. Order, 2. ARMS=, and adds such exercises in the manual of arms as he may desire. Officers, noncommissioned officers commanding companies or armed with the saber, and the color guard, having once executed order arms, remain in that position during the exercises in the manual.
The major then directs the adjutant: =Receive the reports, Sir.= The adjutant, passing by the major's right, advances at a trot (if dismounted, in quick time) toward the center of the line, halts midway between it and the major, and commands: =REPORT.= (See par. 635.)
The reports received, the adjutant turns about, and reports: =Sir, all are present or accounted for=; or =Sir, (so many) officers or enlisted men are absent=, including in the list of absentees those from the band and field music reported to him by the drum major prior to the parade.
The major directs: =Publish the orders, Sir.=
The adjutant turns about and commands: =Attention to orders=; he then reads the orders, and commands: =1. Officers, 2. CENTER, 3. MARCH.=
At the command =center=, the company officers carry saber and face to the center. At the command =march=, they close to the center and face to the front; the adjutant turns about and takes his post.
The officers having closed and faced to the front, the senior commands: =1. Forward, 2. MARCH.= The officers advance, the band playing; the left officer of the center or right center company is the guide, and marches on the major; the officers are halted at 6 paces from the major by the senior, who commands: =1. Officers, 2. HALT.= They halt and salute, returning to the carry saber with the major. The major then gives such instructions as he deems necessary, and commands: =1. Officers, 2. POSTS, 3. MARCH.=
At the command =posts=, company officers face about.
At the command =march=, they step off with guide as before, and the senior commands: =1. Officers, 2. HALT=, so as to halt 3 paces from the line; he then adds: =1. POSTS, 2. MARCH.=
At the command =posts=, officers face outward and, at the command =march=, step off in succession at 4 paces distance, resume their posts and order saber; the lieutenants march directly to their posts in rear of their companies.
The music ceases when all officers have resumed their posts.
The major then commands: =1. Pass in review, 2. Squads right, 3. MARCH=, and returns saber.
The battalion marches according to the principles of review; when the last company has passed, the ceremony is concluded, as explained in pars. 617; 631.
The band continues to play while the companies are in march upon the parade ground. Companies are formed in column of squads, without halting, and are marched to their respective parades by their captains.
When the company officers have saluted the major, he may direct them to form line with the staff, in which case they individually move to the front, passing to the right and left of the major and staff, halt on the line established by the staff, face about, and stand at attention. The music ceases when the officers join the staff. The major causes the companies to pass in review under the command of their first sergeants by the same commands as before. The company officers return saber with the major and remain at attention. (734)
ESCORTS
Escort of the Color
=637. By a company.= The regiment being in line or line of masses, the colonel details a company, other than the color company, to receive and escort the national color to its place. During the ceremony the regimental color remains with the color guard at its post with the regiment.
The band moves straight to its front until clear of the line of field officers, changes direction to the right, and is halted; the designated company forms column of platoons in rear of the band, the color bearer or bearers between the platoons.
The escort then marches without music to the colonel's office or quarters and is formed in line facing the entrance, the band on the right, the color bearer in the line of file closers.
The color bearer, preceded by the first lieutenant and followed by a sergeant of the escort, then goes to obtain the color.
When the color bearer comes out, followed by the lieutenant and sergeant, he halts before the entrance, facing the escort; the lieutenant places himself on the right, the sergeant on the left of the color bearer; the escort presents arms, and the field music sounds =to the color=; the first lieutenant and sergeant salute.
Arms are brought to the order; the lieutenant and sergeant return to their posts; the company is formed in column of platoons, the band taking post in front of the column; the color bearer places himself between the platoons; the escort marches in quick time, with guide left, back to the regiment, the band playing; the march is so conducted that when the escort arrives at 50 paces in front of the right of the regiment, the direction of the march shall be parallel to its front; when the color arrives opposite its place in line, the escort is formed in line to the left; the color bearer, passing between the platoons, advances and halts 12 paces in front of the colonel.
The color bearer having halted, the colonel, who has taken post 30 paces in front of the center of the regiment, faces about, commands: =1. Present, 2. ARMS=, resumes his front, and salutes; the field music sounds to the color; and the regimental color bearer executes the color salute at the command =present arms=.
The colonel then faces about, brings the regiment to the order, at which the color bearer resumes the carry and takes his post with the color company.
The escort presents arms and comes to the order with the regiment, at the command of the colonel, after which the captain forms it again in column of platoons, and, preceded by the band, marches it to its place, passing around the left flank of the regiment.
The band plays until the escort passes the left of the line, when it ceases playing and returns to its post on the right, passing in rear of the regiment.
The regiment may be brought to a rest when the escort passes the left of the line. (736)
=638. By a battalion.= Escort of the color is executed by a battalion according to the same principles. (737)
Escorts of Honor
=639.= Escorts of honor are detailed for the purpose of receiving and escorting personages of high rank, civil or military. The troops for this purpose are selected for their soldierly appearance and superior discipline.
The escort forms in line, opposite the place where the personage presents himself, the band on the flank of the escort toward which it will march. On the appearance of the personage, he is received with the honors due to his rank. The escort is formed into column of companies, platoons or squads, and takes up the march, the personage and his staff or retinue taking positions in rear of the column; when he leaves the escort, line is formed and the same honors are paid as before.
When the position of the escort is at a considerable distance from the point where the personage is to be received, as for instance, where a courtyard or wharf intervenes, a double line of sentinels is posted from that point to the escort, facing inward; the sentinels successively salute as he passes and are then relieved and join the escort.
An officer is appointed to attend him and bear such communication as he may have to make to the commander of the escort. (738)
Funeral Escort
=640. Composition and strength, formation, presenting arms, marching, etc.= The composition and strength of the escort are prescribed in Army Regulations.
The escort is formed opposite the quarters of the deceased; the band on that flank of the escort toward which it is to march.
Upon the appearance of the coffin, the commander commands: =1. Present, 2. ARMS=, and the band plays an appropriate air; arms are then brought to the order.
The escort is next formed into column of companies, platoons, or squads. If the escort be small, it may be marched in line. The procession is formed in the following order: =1. Music, 2. Escort, 3. Clergy, 4. Coffin and pallbearers, 5. Mourners, 6. Members of the former command of the deceased, 7. Other officers and enlisted men, 8. Distinguished persons, 9. Delegations, 10. Societies, 11. Civilians.= Officers and enlisted men (Nos. 6 and 7), with side arms, are in the order of rank, seniors in front.
The procession being formed, the commander of the escort puts it in march.
The escort marches slowly to solemn music; the column having arrived opposite the grave, line is formed facing it.
The coffin is then carried along the front of the escort to the grave; arms are presented, the music plays an appropriate air; the coffin having been placed over the grave, the music ceases and arms are brought to the order.
The commander next commands: =1. Parade, 2. REST.= The escort executes =parade rest=, officers and men inclining the head.
When the funeral services are completed and the coffin lowered into the grave, the commander causes the escort to resume attention and fire three rounds of blank cartridges, the muzzles of the pieces being elevated. When the escort is greater than a battalion, one battalion is designated to fire the volley.
A musician then sounds =taps=.
The escort is then formed into column, marched in quick time to the point where it was assembled, and dismissed.
The band does not play until it has left the inclosure.
When the distance to the place of interment is considerable, the escort, after having left the camp or garrison, may march =at ease= in quick time until it approaches the burial ground, when it is brought to attention. The music does not play while marching =at ease=.
In marching at attention, the field music may alternate with the band in playing. (739)
=641. Funeral of general officer; playing national air, sounding ruffles, etc., as honor.= When arms are presented at the funeral of a person entitled to any of the following honors, the band plays the prescribed =national air=, or the field music sounds to the =color=, =march=, =flourishes=, or =ruffles=, according to the rank of the deceased, after which the band plays an appropriate air. The commander of the escort, in forming column, gives the appropriate commands for the different arms. (740)
=642. Funeral of mounted officer or soldier.= At the funeral of a mounted officer or enlisted man, his horse, in mourning caparison, follows the hearse. (741)
=643. When hearse, cavalry, and artillery are unable to enter cemetery.= Should the entrance of the cemetery prevent the hearse accompanying the escort till the latter halts at the grave, the column is halted at the entrance long enough to take the coffin from the hearse, when the column is again put in march. The Cavalry and Artillery, when unable to enter the inclosure, turn out of the column, face the column, and salute the remains as they pass. (742)
=644. Escorting remains from quarters to church before funeral services.= When necessary to escort the remains from the quarters of the deceased to the church before the funeral service, arms are presented upon receiving the remains at the quarters and also as they are borne into the church. (743)
=645. Instructions to clergyman and pallbearers.= The commander of the escort, previous to the funeral, gives the clergyman and pallbearers all needful directions. (744)
Company Inspection
=646.= Being in line at a halt: =1. Open ranks, 2. MARCH.=
At the command =march= the front rank executes =right dress=; the rear rank and the file closers march backward 4 steps, halt, and execute right dress; the lieutenants pass around their respective flanks and take post, facing to the front, 3 paces in front of the center of their respective platoons. The captain aligns the front rank, rear rank, and file closers, takes post 3 paces in front of the right guide, facing to the left, and commands: =1. FRONT, 2. PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.=
At the second command the lieutenants carry saber; the captain returns saber and inspects them, after which they face about, order saber, and stand at ease; upon the completion of the inspection they carry saber, face about, and order saber. The captain may direct the lieutenants to accompany or assist him, in which case they return saber and, at the close 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 of the company. Each man, as the captain approaches him, executes =inspection arms=.
The captain takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just above the rear sight, the man dropping his hands. The captain inspects the piece, and, with the hand and piece in the same position as in receiving it, hands it back to the man, who takes it with the left hand at the balance and executes =order arms=.
As the captain returns the piece, the next man executes =inspection arms=, and so on through the company.
Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man executes =order arms= as soon as the captain passes to the next man.
The inspection is from right to left in front, and from left to right in the rear, of each rank and of the line of file closers.
When approached by the captain, the first sergeant executes =inspection saber=. Enlisted men armed with the pistol execute =inspection pistol= by drawing the pistol from the holster and holding it diagonally across the body, barrel up, and 6 inches in front of the neck, muzzle pointing up and to the left. The pistol is returned to the holster as soon as the captain passes.
Upon completion of the inspection, the captain takes post facing to the left in front of the right guide and on line with the lieutenants and commands: =1. Close ranks, 2. MARCH.=
At the command =march= the lieutenants resume their posts in line; the rear rank closes to 40 inches, each man covering his file leader; the file closers close to 2 paces from the rear rank. (745)
=647. Inspection of quarters or camp.= If the company is dismissed, rifles are put away. In quarters, headdress and accouterments are removed, and the men stand near their respective bunks; in camp, they stand covered, but without accouterments, in front of their tents.
If the personal field equipment has not been inspected in ranks and its inspection in quarters or camp is ordered, each man will arrange the prescribed articles on his bunk, if in quarters or permanent camp, or in front of his half of the tent, if in shelter tent camp, in the same relative order as directed in paragraph 648.
The captain, accompanied by the lieutenants, then inspects the quarters or camp. The first sergeant precedes the captain and calls the men to attention on entering each squad room or on approaching the tents; the men stand at attention, but do not salute. (746)
=648. When inspection includes examination of equipment.= If the inspection is to include an examination of the equipment while in ranks, the captain, after closing ranks, causes the company to stack arms, to march backward until 4 paces in rear of the stacks and to take intervals. He then commands:
=1. UNSLING EQUIPMENT, 2. OPEN PACKS.=
At the first command each man unslings his equipment and places it on the ground at his feet, haversack to the front, end of the pack 1 foot in front of toes.
At the second command, pack carriers are unstrapped, packs removed and unrolled, the longer edge of the pack along the lower edge of the cartridge belt. Each man exposes shelter-tent pins; removes meat can, knife, fork, and spoon from the meat-can pouch, and places them on the right of the haversack, knife, fork, and spoon in the open meat can; removes the canteen and cup from the cover and places them on the left side of the haversack; unstraps and spreads out haversack so as to expose its contents; folds up the carrier to uncover the cartridge pockets; opens same; unrolls toilet articles and places them on the outer flap of the haversack; places underwear carried in pack on the left half of the open pack, with round fold parallel with front edge of pack; opens first-aid pouch and exposes contents to view. Special articles carried by individual men, such as flag kit, field glasses, compass, steel tape, notebook, etc., will be arranged on the right half of the open pack. Each man then resumes the attention. Plate VI (Page 151) shows the relative position of all articles except underwear and special articles.
The captain then passes along the ranks and file closers, as before, inspects the equipment, returns to the right, and commands: =CLOSE PACKS.=
Each man rolls up his toilet articles and underwear, straps up his haversack and its contents, replaces the meat can, knife, fork, and spoon, and the canteen and cup; closes cartridge pockets and first-aid pouch; restores special articles to their proper receptacles; rolls up and replaces pack in carrier, and, leaving the equipment in its position on the ground, resumes the attention.
All equipments being packed, the captain commands: =SLING EQUIPMENT.=
The equipments are slung and belts fastened.
The captain then causes the company to assemble and take arms. The inspection is completed as already explained. (747)
=649. When the inspector is other than the captain.= Should the inspector be other than the captain, the latter, after commanding =front=, adds =REST=, and faces to the front. When the inspector approaches, the captain faces to the left, brings the company to attention, faces to the front, and salutes. The salute acknowledged, the captain carries saber, faces to the left, commands: =PREPARE FOR INSPECTION=, and again faces to the front.
The inspection proceeds as before; the captain returns saber and accompanies the inspector as soon as the latter passes him. (748)
Battalion Inspection
=650. Inspection may precede or follow review; the inspection up to time the companies are inspected.= If there be both inspection and review, the inspection may either precede or follow the review.
The battalion being in column of companies at full distance, all officers dismounted, the major commands: =1. Prepare for inspection, 2. MARCH.=
At the first command each captain commands: =Open ranks.=
At the command =march= the ranks are opened in each company, as in the inspection of the company, as prescribed in par. 646.
The field musicians join their companies.
The drum major conducts the band to a position 30 paces in rear of the column, if not already there, and opens ranks.
The major takes post facing to the front and 20 paces in front of the center of the leading company. The staff takes post as if mounted. The color takes post 5 paces in rear of the staff.
Field and staff officers senior in rank to the inspector do not take post in front of the column, but accompany him.
The inspector inspects the major, and, accompanied by the latter, inspects the staff officers.
The major then commands: =REST=, returns saber, and, with his staff, accompanies the inspector.
If the major is the inspector he commands: =REST=, returns saber, and inspects his staff, which then accompanies him.
The inspector, commencing at the head of the column, then makes a minute inspection of the color guard, the noncommissioned staff, and the arms, accouterments, dress and ammunition of each soldier of the several companies in succession, and inspects the band.
The adjutant gives the necessary commands for the inspection of the color guard, noncommissioned staff, and band.
The color guard and noncommissioned staff may be dismissed as soon as inspected. (749)
=651. Inspection of the companies.= As the inspector approaches each company, its captain commands: =1. Company, 2. ATTENTION, 3. PREPARE FOR INSPECTION=, and faces to the front; as soon as inspected he returns saber and accompanies the inspector. The inspection proceeds as in company inspection, as explained in pars. 646-649. At its completion the captain closes ranks and commands: =REST.= Unless otherwise directed by the inspector, the major directs that the company be marched to its parade and dismissed. (750)
=652. When inspection lasts long time.= If the inspection will probably last a long time the rear companies may be permitted to stack arms and fall out; before the inspector approaches, they fall in and take arms. (751)
=653. The band.= The band plays during the inspection of the companies.
When the inspector approaches the band the adjutant commands: =PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.=
As the inspector approaches him each man raises his instrument in front of the body, reverses it so as to show both sides, and then returns it.
Company musicians execute inspection similarly. (752)
=654. Inspection of quarters or camp.= At the inspection of quarters or camp the inspector is accompanied by the captain, followed by the other officers or by such of them as he may designate. The inspection is conducted as described in the company inspection, as laid down in pars. 646-649.
MUSTER
Regimental, Battalion, or Company Muster
=655. Inspection and review; muster rolls; lists of absentees.= Muster is preceded by an inspection, and, when practicable, by a review.
The adjutant is provided with the muster roll of the field, staff, and band, the surgeon with the hospital roll; each captain with the roll of his company. A list of absentees, alphabetically arranged, showing cause and place of absence, accompanies each roll. (755)
=656. Calling the names; verifying presence of absentees.= Being in column of companies at open ranks, each captain, as the mustering officer approaches, brings his company to right shoulder arms, and commands: =ATTENTION TO MUSTER.=
The mustering officer or captain then calls the names on the roll; each man, as his name is called, answers =Here= and brings his piece to order arms.
After muster, the mustering officer, accompanied by the company commanders and such other officers as he may designate, verifies the presence of the men reported in hospital, on guard, etc. (756)
=657. Muster of company on company parade.= A company may be mustered in the same manner on its own parade ground, the muster to follow the company inspection. (757)
THE COLOR
=658. Meaning of "Color;" Army Regulations.= The word "color" implies the national color; it includes the regimental color when both are present.
The rules prescribing the colors to be carried by regiments and battalions on all occasions are contained in Army Regulations. (766)
=659. Where the colors are kept; "cased" defined.= In garrison the colors, when not in use, are kept in the office or quarters of the colonel, and are escorted thereto and therefrom by the color guard. In camp the colors, when not in use, are in front of the colonel's tent. From reveille to retreat, when the weather permits, they are displayed uncased; from retreat to reveille and during inclement weather they are cased.
Colors are said to be cased when furled and protected by the oil cloth covering. (767)
=660. Regimental and national colors--salutes by.= The regimental color salutes in the ceremony of escort of the color, and when saluting an officer entitled to the honor, but in no other case.
If marching, the salute is executed when at 6 paces from the officer entitled to the salute; the carry is resumed when 6 paces beyond him.
The national color renders no salute. (768)
The Color Guard
=661. Composition of color guard; carrying of regimental and national colors.= The color guard consists of two color sergeants, who are the color bearers, and two experienced privates selected by the colonel. The senior color sergeant carries the national color; the junior color sergeant carries the regimental color. The regimental color, when carried, is always on the left of the national color, in whatever direction they may face. (769)
=662. Formation and marching of color guard.= The color guard is formed and marched in one rank, the color bearers in the center. It is marched in the same manner and by the same commands as a squad, substituting, when necessary, guard for squad. (770)
=663. Color company defined; color guard remains with it.= The color company is the center or right center company of the center or right center battalion. The color guard remains with that company unless otherwise directed. (771)
=664. Post of color guard in various formations.= In line, the color guard is in the interval between the inner guides of the right and left center companies.
In line of columns or in close line, the color guard is midway between the right and left center companies and on line with the captains.
In column of companies or platoons, the color guard is midway between the color company and the company in rear of the color company and equidistant from the flanks of the column.
In close column, the color guard is on the flank of the color company.
In column of squads, the color guard is in the column between the color company and the company originally on its left.
When the regiment is formed in line of masses for ceremonies, the color guard forms on the left of the leading company of the center (right center) battalion. It rejoins the color company when the regiment changes from line of masses. (772)
=665. In battle color guard joins reserve.= The color guard, when with a battalion that takes the battle formation, joins the regimental reserve, whose commander directs the color guard to join a certain company of the reserve. (773)
=666. Loadings, firings, manual of arms, and movements by color guard.= The color guard executes neither loadings nor firings; in rendering honors, it executes all movements in the manual; in drill, all movements unless specially excused. (774)
To Receive the Color
=667. Receiving the color by color guard.= The color guard, by command of the senior color sergeant, presents arms on receiving and parting with the color. After parting with the color, the color guard is brought to order arms by command of the senior member, who is placed as the right man of the guard. (775)
=668. Receiving the color by color company.= At drills and ceremonies, excepting escort of the color, the color, if present, is received by the color company after its formation.
The formation of the color company completed, the captain faces to the front; the color guard, conducted by the senior sergeant, approaches from the front and halts at a distance of 10 paces from the captain, who then faces about, brings the company to the =present=, faces to the front, salutes, again faces about and brings the company to the =order=. The color guard comes to the =present= and =order= at the command of the captain, and is then marched by the color sergeant directly to its post on the left of the color company. (776)
=669. Escorting color to office or quarters of colonel.= When the battalion is dismissed the color guard escorts the color to the office or quarters of the colonel. (777)
Manual of the Color
=670.= At the =carry=, the heel of the pike rests in the socket of the sling; the right hand grasps the pike at the height of the shoulder.
At the =order=, the heel of the pike rests on the ground near the right toe, the right hand holding the pike in a vertical position.
At =parade rest=, the heel of the pike is on the ground, as at the =order=; the pike is held with both hands in front of the center of the body, left hand uppermost.
The =order= is resumed at the command =attention=.
The left hand assists the right when necessary.
The =carry= is the habitual position when the troops are at a shoulder, port, or trail.
The =order= and =parade rest= are executed with the troops.
=The color salute:= Being at a carry, slip the right hand up the pike to the height of the eye, then lower the pike by straightening the arm to the front. (778)
Manual of the Saber
=671. Drawing saber; position of carry saber dismounted; unhooking scabbard before mounting; on foot carrying scabbard hooked up.=
=1. Draw, 2. SABER.=
At the command =draw=, unhook the saber with the thumb and first two fingers of the left hand, thumb on the end of the hook, fingers lifting the upper ring; grasp the scabbard with the left hand at the upper band, bring the hilt a little forward, seize the grip with the right hand, and draw the blade 6 inches out of the scabbard, pressing the scabbard against the thigh with the left hand.
At the command =saber=, draw the saber quickly, raising the arm to its full extent, to the right front, at an angle of about 45 deg. with the horizontal, the saber, edge down, in a straight line with the arm; make a slight pause and bring the back of the blade against the shoulder, edge to the front, arm nearly extended, hand by the side, elbow back, third and fourth fingers back of the grip; at the same time hook up the scabbard with the thumb and first two fingers of the left hand, thumb through the upper ring, fingers supporting it; drop the left hand by the side.
=This is the position of carry saber dismounted.=
Officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saber unhook the scabbard before mounting; when mounted, in the first motion of =draw saber= they reach with the right hand over the bridle hand and without the aid of the bridle hand draw the saber as before; the right hand at the carry rests on the right thigh.
On foot the scabbard is carried hooked up. (782)
=672. Holding of saber in publishing orders, etc.; use of saber knot.= When publishing orders, calling the roll, etc., the saber is held suspended from the right wrist by the saber knot; when the saber knot is used it is placed on the wrist before drawing saber and taken off after returning saber. (783)
=673. Presenting saber from carry or order; execution of the salute in rendering honors.=
Being at the order or carry: =1. Present, 2. SABER= (or =ARMS=).
At the command =present=, raise and carry the saber to the front, base of the hilt as high as the chin and 6 inches in front of the neck, edge to the left, point 6 inches farther to the front than the hilt, thumb extended on the left of the grip, all fingers grasping the grip.
At the command =saber=, or =arms=, lower the saber, point in prolongation of the right foot and near the ground, edge to the left, hand by the side, thumb on left of grip, arm extended. If mounted, the hand is held behind the thigh, point a little to the right and front of the stirrup.
In rendering honors with troops, officers execute the first motion of the salute at the command =present=, the second motion at the command =arms=; enlisted men with the saber execute the first motion at the command arms and omit the second motion. (784)
=674. Coming to order from carry; executing order or carry from present, depending upon command; coming to order saber when arms are brought to order.=
Being at a carry: =1. Order, 2. SABER= (or =ARMS=).
Drop the point of the saber directly to the front, point on or near the ground, edge down, thumb on back of grip.
Being at the =present saber=, should the next command be =order arms=, officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saber =order saber=; if the command be other than =order arms=, they execute =carry saber=.
When arms are brought to the order, the officers or enlisted men with saber drawn =order saber=. (785)
=675. Position of saber in giving commands, etc.; bringing saber to carry from order.= The saber is held at the carry while giving commands, marching at attention, or changing position in quick time.
When at the order, sabers are brought to the carry when arms are brought to any position except the =present= or =parade rest=. (786)
=676. Parade rest from order.= Being at the order: =1. Parade, 2. REST.=
Take the position of parade rest except that the left hand is uppermost and rests on the right hand, point of saber on or near the ground in front of the center of the body, edge to the right.
At the command =attention=, resume the order saber and the position of the soldier. (787)
=677. Position of saber at double time.= In marching in double time the saber is carried diagonally across the breast, edge to the front; the left hand steadies the scabbard. (788)
=678. On duty under arms sabers to be drawn and returned without command; commands given with saber drawn.= Officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saber, on all duties under arms draw and return saber without waiting for command. All commands to soldiers under arms are given with the saber drawn. (789)
=679. Returning saber from carry.= Being at a carry: =1. Return, 2. SABER.=
At the command =return=, carry the right hand opposite to and 6 inches from the left shoulder, saber vertical, edge to the left; at the same time unhook and lower the scabbard with the left hand and grasp it at the upper band.
At the command =saber= drop the point to the rear and pass the blade across and along the left arm; turn the head slightly to the left, fixing the eyes on the opening of the scabbard, raise the right hand, insert and return the blade; free the wrist from the saber knot (if inserted in it), turn the head to the front, drop the right hand by the side; hook up the scabbard with the left hand, drop the left hand by the side.
Officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saber, when mounted, return saber without using the left hand; the scabbard is hooked up on dismounting. (790)
=680. Enlisted men with saber drawn at inspection.= At inspection enlisted men with the saber drawn execute the first motion of =present saber= and turn the wrist to show both sides of the blade, resuming the carry when the inspector has passed. (791)
Shelter Tents
=681.= Being in line or in column of platoons, the captain commands: =FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS.=
The officers, first sergeant, and guides fall out; the cooks form a file on the flank of the company nearest the kitchen, the first sergeant and right guide fall in, forming the right file of the company; blank files are filled by the file closers, or by men taken from the front rank; the remaining guide, or guides, and file closers form on a convenient flank.
Before forming column or platoons, preparatory to pitching tents, the company may be redivided into two or more platoons, regardless of the size of each. (792)
=682.= The captain then causes the company to take intervals as described in the School of the Squad (See par. 156.), and commands: =PITCH TENTS.=
At the command =pitch tents=, each man steps off obliquely to the right with the right foot and lays his rifle on the ground, the butt of the rifle near the toe of the right foot, muzzle to the front, barrel to the left, and steps back into his place; each front-rank man then draws his bayonet and sticks it in the ground by the outside of the right heel.
Equipments are unslung, packs opened, shelter half and pins removed; each man then spreads his shelter half, small triangle to the rear, flat upon the ground the tent is to occupy, the rear-rank man's half on the right. The halves are then buttoned together; the guy loops at both ends of the lower half are passed through the buttonholes provided in the lower and upper halves; the whipped end of the guy rope is then passed through both guy loops and secured, this at both ends of the tent. Each front-rank man inserts the muzzle of his rifle under the front end of the ridge and holds the rifle upright, sling to the front, heel of butt on the ground, beside the bayonet. His rear-rank man pins down the front corners of the tent on the line of bayonets, stretching the tent taut; he then inserts a pin in the eye of the front guy rope and drives the pin at such a distance in front of the rifle as to held the rope taut; both men go to the rear of the tent, each pins down a corner, stretching the sides and rear of the tent before securing; the rear-rank man then inserts an intrenching tool, or a bayonet in its scabbard, under the rear end of the ridge inside the tent, the front-rank man pegging down the end of the rear guy ropes; the rest of the pins are then driven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right.
The front flaps of the tent are not fastened down, but thrown back on the tent.
As soon as the tent is pitched each man arranges his equipment and the contents of his pack in the tent and stands at attention in front of his own half on line with the front guy-rope pin.
To have a uniform slope when the tents are pitched, the guy ropes should all be of the same length.
In shelter-tent camps, in localities where suitable material is procurable, tent poles may be improvised and used in lieu of the rifle and bayonet or intrenching tool as supports for the shelter tent. (793)
=683.= When the pack is not carried, the company is formed for shelter tents, as prescribed in par. 681, intervals are taken, arms are laid aside or on the ground, the men are dismissed and proceed to the wagon, secure their packs, return to their places, and pitch tents as heretofore described, in par. 682. (794)
=684.= Double shelter tents may be pitched by first pitching one tent as heretofore described, then pitching a second tent against the opening of the first, using one rifle to support both tents, and passing the front guy ropes over and down the sides of the opposite tents. The front corner of one tent is not pegged down, but is thrown back to permit an opening into the tent. (795)
Single Sleeping Bag
=685.= Spread the poncho on the ground, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the left; fold the blanket once across its short dimension and lay it on the poncho, folded side along the right side of the poncho; tie the blanket together along the left side by means of the tapes provided; fold the left half of the poncho over the blanket and button it together along the side and bottom. (For the position, number, and length of tapes with which blankets should be provided, see Par. II, G. O. 11; W. D. '12--Author.) (796)
Double Sleeping Bag
=686.= Spread one poncho on the ground, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the left; spread the blankets on top of the poncho; tie the edges of the blankets together with the tapes provided; spread a second poncho on top of the blankets, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the right; button the two ponchos together along both sides and across the end. (797)
To Strike Shelter Tents
=687.= The men standing in front of their tents: =STRIKE TENTS.=
Equipments and rifles are removed from the tent; the tents are lowered, packs made up, and equipments slung, and the men stand at attention in the places originally occupied after taking intervals. (798)
To Pitch All Types of Tents, Except Shelter and Conical Wall
=688.= To pitch all types of Army tents, except shelter and conical wall tents: Mark line of tents by driving a wall pin on the spot to be occupied by the right (or left) corner of each tent. For pyramidal tents the interval between adjacent pins should be about 30 feet, which will give a passage of two feet between tents. Spread tripod on the ground where the center of tent is to be, if tripod is used. Spread the tent on the ground to be occupied, door to the front, and place the right (or left) front wall loop over the pin. The door (or doors, if more than one) being fastened and held together at the bottom, the left (or right) corner wall loop is carried to the left (or right) as far as it will go and a wall pin driven through it, the pin being placed in line with the right (or left) corner pins already driven. At the same time the rear corner wall loops are pulled to the rear and outward so that the rear wall of the tent is stretched to complete the rectangle. Wall pins are then driven through these loops. Each corner pin should be directly in rear of the corresponding front corner pin, making a rectangle. Unless the canvas be wet, a small amount of slack should be allowed before the corner pins are driven. According to the size of the tent one or two men, crawling under the tent if necessary, fit each pole or ridge or upright into the ring or ridge pole holes, and such accessories as hood, fly, and brace ropes are adjusted. If a tripod be used an additional man will go under the tent to adjust it. The tent steadied by the remaining men, one at each corner guy rope, will then be raised. If the tent is a ward or storage type, corner poles will now be placed at the four corners. The four corner guy ropes are then placed over the lower notches of the large pins driven in prolongation of the diagonals at such distance as to hold the walls and ends of the tent vertical and smooth when the guy ropes are drawn taut. A wall pin is then driven through each remaining wall loop and a large pin for each guy rope is driven in line with the corner guy pins already driven. The guy ropes of the tent are placed over the lower notches, while the guy ropes of the fly are placed over the upper notches, and are then drawn taut. Brace ropes when used, are then secured to stakes or pins suitably placed. (709)
Conical Wall Tent
=689.= Drive the door pin and center pin 8 feet 3 inches apart. Using the hood lines, with center pin as center, describe two concentric circles with radii 8 feet 3 inches and 11 feet 3 inches. In the outer circle drive two door guy pins 3 feet apart. At intervals of about 3 feet drive the other guy pins.
In other respects conical tents are erected practically as in the case of pyramidal tents, as explained in par. 688. (801)
To Strike Common, Wall, Pyramidal, and Conical Wall Tents
=690. STRIKE TENTS.=
The men first remove all pins except those of the four corner guy ropes, or the four quadrant guy ropes in the case of the conical wall tent. The pins are neatly piled or placed in their receptacle.
One man holds each guy, and when the ground is clear the tent is lowered, folded, or rolled and tied, the poles or tripod and pole fastened together, and the remaining pins collected. (802)
To Fold Tents
=691. For folding common, wall, hospital, and storage tents:= Spread the tent flat on the ground, folded at the ridge so that bottoms of side walls are even, ends of tents forming triangles to the right and left; fold the triangular ends of the tent in toward the middle, making it rectangular in shape; fold the top over about 9 inches; fold the tent in two by carrying the top fold over clear to the foot; fold again in two from the top to the foot; throw all guys on tent except the second from each end; fold the ends in so as to cover about two-thirds of the second cloths; fold the left end over to meet the turned-in edge of the right end, then fold the right end over the top, completing the bundle; tie with two exposed guys.
=For folding pyramidal tents:= The tent is thrown toward the rear and the back wall and roof canvas pulled out smooth. This may be most easily accomplished by leaving the rear corner wall pins in the ground with the wall loops attached, one man at each rear-corner guy, and one holding the square iron in a perpendicular position and pulling the canvas to its limit away from the former front of the tent. This leaves the three remaining sides of the tent on top of the rear side, with the door side in the middle.
Now carry the right-front corner over and lay it on the left-rear corner. Pull all canvas smooth, throw guys toward square iron, and pull bottom edges even. Then take the right-front corner and return to the right, covering the right-rear corner. This folds the right side of the tent on itself, with the crease in the middle and under the front side of the tent.
Next carry the left-front corner to the right and back as described above; this, when completed, will leave the front and rear sides of the tent lying smooth and flat and the two side walls folded inward, each on itself.
Place the hood in the square iron which has been folded downward toward the bottom of tent, and continue to fold around the square iron as a core, pressing all folds down flat and smooth, and parallel with the bottom of the tent. If each fold is compactly made and the canvas kept smooth, the last fold will exactly cover the lower edge of the canvas. Lay all exposed guys along the folded canvas except the two on the center-width, which should be pulled out and away from bottom edge to their extreme length for tying. Now, beginning at one end, fold toward the center on the first seam (that joining the first and second widths) and fold again toward the center so that the already folded canvas will come to within about three inches of the middle width. Then fold over to the opposite edge of middle width of canvas. Then begin folding from opposite end, folding the first width in half, then making a second fold to come within about 4 or 5 inches of that already folded, turn this fold entirely over that already folded. Take the exposed guys and draw them taut across each other, turn bundle over on the under guy, cross guys on top of bundle drawing tight. Turn bundle over on the crossed guys and tie lengthwise.
When properly tied and pressed together this will make a package 11 by 23 by 34 inches, requiring about 8,855 cubic inches to store or pack.
Stencil the organization designation on the lower half of the middle width of canvas in the back wall. (803)
Warning Calls
=692. First call, guard mounting, full dress, overcoats, drill, stable, water,= and =boots and saddles= precede the =assembly= by such interval as may be prescribed by the commanding officer.
=Mess, church, and fatigue=, classed as service calls, may also be used as warning calls.
=First call= is the first signal for formation for roll call and for all ceremonies except guard mounting.
=Guard mounting= is the first signal for guard mounting.
The field music assembles at =first call= and =guard mounting=.
In a mixed command, =boots and saddles= is the signal to mounted troops that their formation is to be mounted; for mounted guard mounting or mounted drill, it immediately follows the signal =guard mounting= or drill.
When full dress or overcoats are to be worn, the =full dress= or =overcoat= call immediately follows =first call=, =guard mounting=, or =boots and saddles=. (804)
Formation Calls
=693. Assembly:= The signal for companies or details to fall in.
=Adjutant's call:= The signal for companies to form battalion; also for the guard details to form for guard mounting on the camp or garrison parade ground; it follows the =assembly= at such interval as may be prescribed by the commanding officer.
It is also used as a signal for the battalions to form regiment, following the first =adjutant's call= at such interval as the commanding officer may prescribe.
=To the color:= Is sounded when the color salutes. (805)
Alarm Calls
=694. Fire call:= The signal for the men to fall in, without arms, to extinguish fire.
=To arms:= The signal for the men to fall in, under arms, on their company's parade grounds as quickly as possible.
=To horse:= The signal for mounted men to proceed under arms to their horses, saddle, mount and assemble at a designated place as quickly as possible. In extended order this signal is used to remount troops. (806)
Service Calls
=695. Tattoo, taps, mess, sick, church, recall, issue, officers', captains', first sergeants', fatigue, school=, and =the general=.
=The general= is the signal for striking tents and loading wagons preparatory to marching.
=Reveille= precedes the =assembly= for roll call; =retreat= follows the =assembly=, the interval between being only that required for formation and roll call, except when there is parade.
=Taps= is the signal for extinguishing lights; it is usually preceded by =call to quarters= by such interval as prescribed by Army Regulations.
=Assembly, reveille, retreat, adjutant's call, to the color, the flourishes, ruffles=, and the =marches= are sounded by all the field music united; the other calls, as a rule, are sounded by the musician of the guard or orderly musician; he may also sound the =assembly= when the musicians are not united.
The morning gun is fired at the first note of =reveille=, or, if marches be played before =reveille=, it is fired at the commencement of the first march.
The evening gun is fired at the last note of =retreat=. (807)
APPENDIX A
War Department, Office of the Chief of Staff, Washington, December 2, 1911.
The Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911, have been prepared for the use of troops armed with the United States magazine rifle, model 1903. For the guidance of organizations armed with the United States magazine rifle, model 1898, the following alternative paragraphs are published and will be considered as substitute paragraphs for the corresponding paragraphs in the text: 75 (in part), 96, 98, 99, 134, 139, 141, 142, 148 and 150.
By order of the Secretary of War: LEONARD WOOD, Major General, Chief of Staff.
=Note.= The paragraph numbers 75, 96, 98, etc., given above, follow the paragraphs below.
=696.= * * * Third.
The cut-off is kept turned down, except when using the magazine. (75)
* * * * *
=697.= Being at order arms: =1. Unfix, BAYONET.=
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Take the position of parade rest, grasp the handle on the bayonet firmly with the right hand, press the spring with the forefinger of the left hand, raise the bayonet until the handle is about 6 inches above the muzzle of the piece, drop the point to the left, back of hand toward the body, and glancing at the scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm and body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonet from the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in the most convenient manner.
If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the most expeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the original position.
Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity, but not in cadence. (96)
=698.= Being at order arms: =1. Inspection, 2. ARMS.=
At the second command, take the position of port arms. (=TWO.=) With the right hand open the magazine gate, turn the bolt handle up, draw the bolt back and glance at the magazine and chamber. Having found them empty, or having emptied them, raise the head and eyes to the front. (98)
=699.= 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 the command =arms=, complete the movement ordered. (99)
=700.= Pieces being loaded and in the position of load, to execute other movements 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 turned down. (134)
=701.= 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 right and carries the right foot to the right, about one foot, to such position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raises or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height of the breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a cartridge between the thumb and first two fingers and places it in the receiver; places palm of the hand against the back of the bolt handle; thrusts the bolt home with a quick motion, turning down the handle, and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear-rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position 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 nearly as practicable in the position of load.
If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground.
For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are designated as that of =load=. (139)
=702. FILL MAGAZINE.=
Take the position of load, if not already there, open the gate of the magazine with the right thumb, take five cartridges from the box or belt, and place them, with the bullets to the front, in the magazine, turning the barrel slightly to the left to facilitate the insertion of the cartridges; close the gate and carry the right hand to the small of the stock.
To load from the magazine the command =from magazine= will be given preceding that of =load=; the =cut-off= will be turned up on coming to the position of =load=.
To resume loading from the belt the command from belt will be given preceding the command =load=; the =cut-off= will be turned down on coming to the position of =load=.
The commands =from magazine= and =from belt=, indicating the change in the 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 fully forward and turn the handle down before drawing the bolt back, as otherwise the extractor will not catch the cartridge in the chamber, and jamming will occur with the cartridge following.
To fire from the magazine, the command =magazine fire= may be given at any time. The cut-off is turned up and an increased rate of fire is executed. After the magazine is exhausted the cut-off is turned down and the firing continued, loading from the belt.
=Magazine fire= is employed only when, in the opinion of the platoon leader or company commander, the maximum rate of fire becomes necessary. (141)
=703. UNLOAD.=
All take the position of load, turn the =cut-off= up, if not already there, turn the safety lock to the left, and alternately open and close the chamber until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed and the trigger pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the box or belt, and the piece brought to the order. (142)
=704. CLIP FIRE.=
Turn the cut-off up; =fire at will= (reloading from the magazine) until the cartridges in the piece are exhausted; turn the cut-off down; fill magazine; reload and take the position of =suspend firing=. (148)
=705. CEASE FIRING.=
Firing stops; pieces not already there are brought to the position of load, the cut-off turned down if firing from magazine, the cartridge is drawn or the empty shell is ejected, the trigger is pulled, sights are laid down, and the piece is brought to the order.
=Cease firing= is used for long pauses to prepare for changes of position or to steady the men. (150)
APPENDIX B
War Department, Office of the Chief of Staff, Washington, December 2, 1911.
Paragraphs 747, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, and 798, Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911, apply only to troops equipped with the Infantry Equipment, model 1910. For troops equipped under General Orders, No. 23, War Department, 1906, and orders amendatory thereof, the alternative paragraphs published herewith will govern.
By order of the Secretary of War: LEONARD WOOD, Major General, Chief of Staff.
Note. The paragraph numbers 747, 792, etc., given above, follow the paragraphs below.
=706.= If the inspection is to include an examination of the blanket rolls, the captain, before dismissing the company and after inspecting the file closers, directs the lieutenants to remain in place, closes ranks, stacks arms, dresses the company back to four paces from the stacks, takes intervals, and commands: =1. Unsling, 2. PACKS, 3. Open, 4. PACKS.=
At the second command, each man unslings his roll and places it on the ground at his feet, rounded end to the front, square end of shelter half to the right.
At the fourth command, the rolls are untied, laid perpendicular to the front with the triangular end of the shelter half to the front, opened, and unrolled to the left; each man prepares the contents of his roll for inspection and resumes the attention.
The captain then returns saber, passes along the ranks and file closers as before, inspects the rolls, returns to the right, draws saber and commands: =1. Close, 2. PACKS.=
At the second command each man, with his shelter half smoothly spread on the ground with buttons up and triangular end to the front, folds his blanket once across its length and places it upon the shelter half, fold toward the bottom edge one-half inch from the square end, the same amount of canvas uncovered at the top and bottom. He then places the parts of the pole on the side of the blanket next the square end of shelter half, near and parallel to the fold, end of pole about 6 inches from the edge of the blanket; nests the pins similarly near the opposite edge of the blanket and distributes the other articles carried in the roll; folds the triangular end and then the exposed portion of the bottom of the shelter half over the blanket.
The two men in each file roll and fasten first the roll of the front and then of the rear rank man. The file closers work similarly two and two, or with the front rank man of a blank file. Each pair stands on the folded side, rolls the blanket roll closely and buckles the straps, passing the end of the strap through both keeper and buckle, back over the buckle and under the keeper. With the roll so lying on the ground that the edge of the shelter half can just be seen when looking vertically downward, one end is bent upward and over to meet the other, a clove hitch is taken with the guy rope first around the end to which it is attached and then around the other end, adjusting the length of rope between hitches to suit the wearer.
As soon as a file completes its two rolls each man places his roll in the position it was in after being unslung and stands at attention.
All the rolls being completed, the captain commands: =1. Sling, 2. PACKS.=
At the second command the rolls are slung, the end containing the pole to the rear.
The company is assembled, takes arms, and the captain completes the inspection as before. (747)
=707.= Being in line or in column of platoons, the captain commands: =FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS.=
The officers, first sergeant, and guides fall out; the cooks form a file on the flank of the company nearest the kitchen, the first sergeant and right guide fall in, forming the right file of the company; blank files are filled by the file closers or by men taken from the front rank; the remaining guide or guides, and file closers form on a convenient flank.
Before forming column of platoons, preparatory to pitching tents, the company may be redivided into two or more platoons, regardless of the size of each. (792)
=708.= The captain then causes the company to take intervals as described in the School of the Squad, and commands: =PITCH TENTS.=
At the command =pitch tents=, each man steps off obliquely to the right with the right foot and lays his rifle on the ground, the butt of the rifle near the toe of the right foot, muzzle to the front, barrel to the left, and steps back into his place; each front-rank man then draws his bayonet and sticks it in the ground by the outside of the right heel. All unsling and open the blanket rolls and take out the shelter half, poles, and pins. Each then spreads his shelter half, triangle to the rear, flat upon the ground the tent is to occupy, rear-rank man's half on the right. The halves are then buttoned together. Each front-rank man joins his pole, inserts the top in the eyes of the halves, and holds the pole upright beside the bayonet placed in the ground; his rear-rank man, using the pins in front, pins down the front corners of the tent on the line of bayonets, stretching the canvas taut; he then inserts a pin in the eye of the rope and drives the pin at such distance in front of the pole as to hold the rope taut. Both then go to the rear of the tent; the rear-rank man adjusts the pole and the front-rank man drives the pins. The rest of the pins are then driven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right.
As soon as the tent is pitched each man arranges the contents of the blanket roll in the tent and stands at attention in front of his own half on line with the front guy rope pin.
The guy ropes, to have a uniform slope when the shelter tents are pitched, should all be of the same length. (793)
=709.= When the blanket roll is not carried, intervals are taken as described above; the position of the front pole is marked with a bayonet and equipments are laid aside. The men then proceed to the wagon, secure their rolls, return to their places, and pitch tents as heretofore described. (794)
=710.= To pitch double shelter tent, the captain gives the same commands as before, except =Take half interval= is given instead of =Take interval=. In taking interval, each man follows the preceding man at 2 paces. The captain then commands: =PITCH DOUBLE TENTS.=
The first sergeant places himself on the right of the right guide and with him pitches a single shelter tent.
Only the odd numbers of the front rank mark the line with the bayonet.
The tent is formed by buttoning together the square ends of two single tents. Two complete tents, except one pole, are used. Two guy ropes are used at each end, the guy pins being placed in front of the corner pins.
The tents are pitched by numbers 1 and 2, front and rear rank; and by numbers 3 and 4, front and rear rank; the men falling in on the left are numbered, counting off if necessary.
All the men spread their shelter halves on the ground the tent is to occupy. Those of the front rank are placed with the triangular ends to the front. All four halves are then buttoned together, first the ridges and then the square ends. The front corners of the tent are pinned by the front-rank men, the odd number holding the poles, the even number driving the pins. The rear-rank men similarly pin the rear corners.
While the odd numbers steady the poles, each even number of the front rank takes his pole and enters the tent, where, assisted by the even number of the rear rank, he adjusts the pole to the center eyes of the shelter halves in the following order: (1) The lower half of the front tent; (2) the lower half of the rear tent; (3) the upper half of the front tent; (4) the upper half of the rear tent. The guy ropes are then adjusted.
The tents having been pitched, the triangular ends are turned back, contents of the rolls arranged, and the men stand at =attention=, each opposite his own shelter half and facing out from the tent. (795)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] No. 1 of the first squad.
[2] Ordinarily about 20 yards wide.
[3] By Fire Direction is meant prescribing and generally directing the firing.--Author.
[4] The "pack" includes blanket, poncho, and shelter tent.
[5] With a 4-foot white and red regimental signal flag.