Military Instructors Manual by James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker

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MORNING REPORT.--This is a complete record of daily events and should
be kept with great care. It is submitted daily to the proper
authority, checked and returned. Any standard work on this subject
will show the proper method of making entries. Be sure to make entry
of all events affecting your company, its numbers or condition. If
there is no change, say so.

RATION RETURN.--This form is made out in duplicate for periods of from
10 days to a month. In case men join the company after the ration
return has been submitted for a given period, one ration for each man
for each day from date of joining to date of submitting next return,
may be drawn on the next return. The same plan is followed in making
deductions for men in the hospital or absent from the company. For
ration allowances see a.r. 1202-1252.

SICK REPORT.--A commissioned officer of the company and the medical
officer sign on one line following the last entry for the occasion.
Neither may encroach on the territory of the other and both enter
their opinions as to whether the sickness is in line of duty. No
erasures are allowed.

DUTY ROSTER.--For any roster the key word should be "equality of all
duties." It means the difference between contentment and
dissatisfaction among your men. Keep an exact list of men available
for every duty and detail them in exact rotation; adjust to complete
satisfaction any little differences that arise. Let the men know that
you want to give them a square deal and they will respond. The longest
man off duty is the first man to be called. In the regular service the
roster covers guard duty and other duties, notably kitchen, police and
other fatigue work.

MONTHLY RETURN.--The form is self explanatory. Read the instructions
on the blanks before filling them in. By keeping in the company a
record of events you can easily fill out the return properly when the
time comes.

SERVICE RECORD.--References in Army Regulations: Paragraphs 115, 118,
124, 135, 138, 938, 1337, 1361, 1451, 1535. Article 16.

The service record is a complete personal history of the soldier and
follows him wherever he goes. It contains: a descriptive list, report
of assignment, record of prior service, current enlistment, military
record, record of allotments, clothing account and settlement,
deposits, indorsements (this latter to give reasons for change of
status or station of the soldier).

DISCHARGE.--Discharges are of three kinds: honorable, dishonorable and
plain discharge. The first is on a white sheet and entitles the
soldier to re-enlist; the second is on a yellow sheet and is given
following sentence of a general court-martial; the third is on a blue
sheet and is given on account of physical disability--it does not
entitle the soldier to re-enlist.

FINAL STATEMENT, a.r., Art. 21.--The final statement is issued to
every enlisted man upon his discharge unless he has forfeited all pay
and allowances and has no deposits due him.

The final statement is not to be prepared on the type-writer. Money
amounts shall be written in both figures and words. The final
statement should show the amount due the soldier for: additional pay;
clothing; deposits; pay detained; miscellaneous causes. It also should
show the amounts due the United States by the soldier for various
reasons. In addition it should also state the period covered by the
last pay of the soldier.

Officers signing and certifying to the various entries are
responsible.

MUSTER ROLL. a.r. ARTICLE 42.--The muster roll is made bi-monthly and
great care should be taken in its preparation to make it both correct
and complete. All officers and enlisted men are taken up on the muster
roll from the date of receipt of notice of assignment. The following
are entered on the rolls:

1. Commissioned officers belonging to the organization, in order of
rank.
2. Commissioned officers attached to the organization, in order of
rank.
3. Non-commissioned officers in order of grade.
4. All others except musicians and privates, alphabetically arranged
in order of grade.
5. Musicians.
6. Privates.

All names, except those entered by rank, are entered in alphabetical
order with the last name first.

The names of enlisted men attached to the company are borne on a
detachment roll. This is not true of officers attached to an
organization, however.

Remarks should be entered according to the model which can be obtained
from the Adjutant General's Office.

All changes should be noted which affect the status of the soldier. An
excellent idea for retaining this data is to keep a separate card for
each man and to enter thereon anything that affects his status.

PAY ROLL. a.r. 1315-1383.--The pay roll is made out monthly in
triplicate, one copy being retained and two copies being sent to the
Quartermaster. On the pay roll there are four certificates to be
signed:

1. The commander of the organization examines the roll carefully and
certifies that all entries are correct.
2. The inspecting and mustering officer signs certifying that all
are present or accounted for--or notes exceptions.
3. The commanding officer witnesses the payment of each man and
certifies to that effect.
4. The commanding officer certifies that the duplicate and triplicate
are exact copies of the original.

NAMES.--The last name is entered first; _e.g._, Smith, John A. But the
soldier signs as follows: John A. Smith.

LOSSES.--The losses should follow immediately on the next line after
the last entry. They include those by reason of: Discharge, transfer,
retirement, desertion and the fact that the man has been dropped.

Each officer should check his knowledge and be sure that he knows the
purpose of, and is familiar with the following papers: (References are
to Army Regulations and to Adjutant and Quartermaster forms.)

(1) Morning Report (a.r. 280).
(2) Daily Sick Report (a.r. 280), (339 a.g.o.).
(3) Duty Roster (a.r. 282), (339 a.g.o.).
(4) Company Fund Book (a.r. 280), (452 q.m.c.).
(5) Delinquency Record (a.r. 280), (509 q.m.c.).
(6) Property Responsibility:
Quartermaster (a.r. 280), (501cc q.m.c.).
Ordnance (a.r. 280), (501c q.m.c.).
(7) Descriptive List, Military Record and Clothing Account (a.r.
280), (29 a.g.o.).
(8) Memorandum Receipts (a.r. 281), (448 a.g.o.).
(9) Abstract Record of Memorandum Receipts (par. 1, g.o., 6, 1916),
(448b a.g.o.).
(10) Summary Court Records (a.r. 9570), (594 a.g.o.).
(11) Statement of Clothing charged to Enlisted man (165b q.m.c.).
(12) Abstract of Clothing (180 q.m.c.).
(13) Company Target Records (307 a.g.o.).
(14) Individual Clothing Slips (165 q.m.c.).
(15) Files of Orders (a.r. 280).
(16) Correspondence Book with Index (a.r. 280).
(17) Document File.
(18) Record of Rifles (p. 14, Ordnance Pamphlet No. 1965).
(19) Record of Sizes of Clothing (g.o. 48, 1911).
(20) Company Return (a.r. 811), (30 a.g.o.).
(21) Muster Roll (a.g. 807).
(22) Returns (a.g. 811).
(23) Return of Casualties.
(24) Pay Roll (366 q.m.c.).

As well as numerous other forms for special occasions which are not
here listed.

Except for the morning report, sick report, duty roster,
correspondence book and various files, practically all the
afore-mentioned records are now kept at regimental headquarters
instead of in the company orderly room.

CHAPTER 14.

Conferences.

(Time--2 hours each day in afternoon.)

1. Know your subject and be thoroughly prepared.

2. Have an outline to refer to, showing main points you wish to cover.

3. Do not allow a man to give an entire chapter in reply to a
question. Make your questions short and specific--and require answers
to be the same.

4. Get every man on his feet at least once every day.

5. Have a laugh every little while--keep the men awake.

6. Vary your system of calling on men so that no one will know when he
is likely to be called on.

7. Avoid reading to the men.

8. Require men to put things on the blackboard when possible.

9. In case of a conference for which no time has been given for
preparation, use all possible schemes to get the points home without
having either a lecture or a study period. Allot--a definite time and
require definite results--_e.g._, allow 10 minutes for a rough map
showing the placing of a picket--15 minutes for an outline of a
certain chapter, etc.

10. Never forget that there are 2 sides to every conference--what you
plan to give and what you plan to get. You must test the men to see
how well they know the work but you must also make sure that every man
knows it when he goes out even if he didn't when he came in.

Study.

The study period usually comes after a full day in the open, and the
warm air and artificial light soon make the most ardent soldier doze
off into cat-naps. Something must be done to counteract these
influences and keep the men on the job. The terror of the next day's
conference will not do it, as that time seems safely distant, with all
night ahead.

Assign the men three to five questions on the work to be studied,
which will be asked in conference and which require a pretty general
knowledge of the subject. Every man will then have a definite
objective and a certain minimum of attainment for the evening. Or
reverse the process and let each of the class write several questions
about what they have studied. The following day let these questions,
with the names of the men who asked them, be read before the class and
answered. The effect of reading the name of the writer is to insure
careful preparation of the question and study of the subject. A good
question can hardly be asked without a basis of knowledge, and a
foolish question condemns its author.

Another plan is to let the men, whenever possible, instruct the class.
Announce that any man may be called upon to take charge, and the
uncertainty will keep everyone studying. This plan will also give the
men valuable practice in teaching others. Their periods of
instruction, of course, must be limited, and unsatisfactory parts of
their work reviewed before the conference is dismissed.

Another way to stimulate study is to have a short discussion, talk or
quiz just before the close of the study hour, when the men, if left to
themselves, will incline to look at their watches more often than at
their books. A brief explanation of the work assigned, with emphasis
upon a few especially important points, makes good use of this closing
time, especially when the men are required to write down the points
emphasized.

Syllabus: Small Problems for Infantry.

(References, f.s.r., p. 26-30, 33-39.)

First Problem: Advance Guard and Point:

A. Definition and Function.--Small patrol sent ahead from advance
party for disclosing enemy's position and strength, in time for
larger bodies to make suitable defensive and offensive dispositions.
Function primarily warning; but to give specific information, it may
have to fight and thus feel enemy out.

B. Principles:

1. Formed zig-zag; distance from advance party =?
2. Controlled by leader of advance party.
3. Speed must be great enough not to impede the main column.
Must not halt at first sign of enemy, nor go off on a flank.
4. Interest and co-operation of inferiors, by adequate
explanation of situation and of individual duties
("repeats").
5. Rules for estimating numerical strength of the moving body of
troops (cf., f.s.r., sec. 27).
6. Point as a "march outpost" (=?) when the column is halted.
Only then may the A.G. point make any lateral arrangement of
its members (cf. 3 above).

Second Problem: Advance Guard Connecting File, cf., f.s.r., reference
above:

A. Definition and Function.--Two men (usually) for liaison en
route where elements too widely separated or roads too curved and
wooded. Distance 200 to 5 yards apart.

B. Principles:

1. Constant touch with elements before and behind.
2. Relay both ways messages sent to or from remoter parts of the
column. Speed and accuracy of signaling.
3. Guide to be forward in daytime, at night on the main body.

Third Problem: Advance Guard Flank Patrol, pp. 31-32:

A. Definition and Function.--For protecting a marching column from
attack, by warning it on the basis of information gained in
reconnaissance. Interval between men depends on circumstances.

B. Principles:

1. Start from near head of the column, _i.e._, from smallest
element in the advance guard that can afford to cut down its
numbers.
2. Speed rather than safety, to keep abreast of own column and
to force the enemy to disclose himself by firing on F.P.
rather than on main body.
3. Sent to investigate suspicious areas, _e.g._ in woods, behind
houses.
4. Action in case of firing on main body; advance and
counterfire, deployed.
5. Get-away man in rear of column.
6. _Stick to the job_: no wandering or chasing of enemy beyond
range of column. Job is to warn and protect against flank
attack.

Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party:

A. Definition and Function:

Body of infantry, amounting to 1/8 to 1/2 the Support
(depending on the number of cavalry ahead) cf., f.s.r., p.
28.
Duty.--To back up the point and the advance cavalry (if any) if
fired upon; remove enemy bodies and other obstacles.

B. Principles:

1. Describe general mission to inferiors.
2. Explain individual duties to inferiors.
3. Send out point and connecting files.
4. Form in platoon; zig-zag.
5. Keep going; prosecute engagements briskly, not to delay main
column.
6. Procedure under fire: deploys and drops, when fired upon;
looks for enemy's direction and assigns target and range.
Advance under cover if any, when fire light; when heavy seek
to divert fire to you away from main body of advance guard to
facilitate latter's disposition for advance to your support.
Seek to drive off a weaker enemy, and to hold off a stronger.
7. Speedy decisions. Value of imaginary situations, while on the
march; and planning your commands.

Fifth Problem: Combat Patrol:

A. Definition and Function.--Contrasted with covering detachment,
which is large enough to offer considerable resistance, the combat
patrol is primarily to _Warn_, especially against flank attacks. Size
varies widely because of looseness in definition, _e.g._, 100 men
might be _covering detachment_ for a regiment, but a combat patrol
for a brigade.

B. Principles:

1. Comparison of thin line versus thin column, regarding: (a)
vulnerability, (b) fatigue, (c) tactical advantage, when
engagement materializes, (e) control of movement and of
fire.
2. Agent between advance and main body.
3. Attack any enemy of reasonable size that attacks main body.
4. Corn as concealment versus corn as obstruction to sight.
5. Vulnerability of charging cavalry.
6. Lieutenant as tactical chief, sergeant as disciplinarian, in
a platoon; except when?
7. Messages concise, not ambiguous, written versus oral?
Repeats.
8. Limitations of use of map. Vegetation changes; errors in
contouring.

Sixth Problem and Seventh Problem: Two Pickets:

A. Definition and Function.--Outpost contrasted with advance guard
in that former is stationed around a camp or bivouac, while latter
precedes a marching column. To check enemy attempting to attack main
body, and hold him till larger force is able to deploy. Consists of
outpost reserve, outpost line of supports, line of outguards
(pickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts), plus sentinels, patrols,
etc.

Picket ordinarily merely warns of an attack, but may offer
resistance.

B. Principles:

1. Smooth posting of outpost very desirable; influence of delay
on spirits of men, after day's march.
2. Outpost support sends out pickets.
3. Picket sends out sentry squads, cossack posts, sentinels,
etc.
4. Provisional dispositions by leaders of outguard elements;
importance of good sketch; intrenchments?
5. Confirmation and alteration by higher officers; especially
changes at night regarding layout and manning. Fire
ineffective at night except at short ranges.
6. Roster =?
7. Instructions regarding enemy's position and strength, and the
friendly outguards to right and left.
8. Mode of numbering elements (from right to right). Arrangement
for smooth withdrawal of each element upon stronger one.
9. Disposition of strangers; use for information.
10. Need of explicit arrangements in case of attack in day or
night.
11. Sleep near arms.

Eighth Problem--Cossack Post and Sentry Squad:

A. Definition and Function:

1. Cossack Post: 4 men in charge of a corporal (usually)
primarily to observe and warn; secondarily to keep
concealed, and intercept strangers who might be useful to
enemy or to us.
2. Sentry Squad: 8 men in charge of a corporal. Duties similar
but strength is greater. Posts double sentinel.
3. Post important enough for a cossack post is often doubled
into a sentry squad at night.

B. Principles:

1. Opportunity to "pick off" enemies ought to be ignored until
position of c.p. or s.s. or of its supporting body has
unquestionably been learned by enemy. Then fire away.
2. _Stop_ enemy's patrolling. Is as important as to _force_ your
own observation.
3. Advantages of s.s. over c.p. for night work: (a) strength,
(b) sureness, (c) adequacy of observation before firing
alarm.
4. Use of prisoners, and papers on dead bodies.
5. Value of imagining yourself in position of enemy commander in
deciding what enemy dispositions you will combat him with.

Ninth Problem: Reconnoitering Patrol:

A. Definition and Function.--Gather information in the field. No
resistance unless compelled. Concealment and flight rather than
resistance by fire: opposite of "covering detachment."

B. Principles.

1. Judgment in deciding what equipment is appropriate to the
particular patrol.
2. Sketch copies; contours as guides for concealed route.
3. Fight only in self defence.
4. How to question hidden sentinel without disclosing his
position to enemy.
5. Judicious choice of cover in approaching destination.
6. Dating and placing of messages.
7. Rate of passage of troops: "Rule of 2-2-2."

Tenth Problem--Visiting Patrol:

A. Definition and Function:

Two men or more sent from supports and pickets liaison between
adjoining outguards. More useful at night, because of
reduced visibility of terrain between outguards.

1. Inform the sending body of conditions at sentinel posts.
2. Prevent enemy from penetrating lines between posts.
3. Exchange information between adjoining posts.
4. Take back captured strangers to commander.
5. Reenforce feeling of mutual support among the isolated
sentinels.

B. Principles.

1. Keen sight and hearing; silence.
2. Need of signals. Both countersign and check--countersign.
3. Equipment; nothing that rattles or glistens.
4. Disposition: leader in front, because of need for quick
decision.
5. Distance not over two miles even in most open country.
6. Danger of startling a friend sentinel by unwarned approach.

Eleventh Problem--Detached Post:

A. Definition and Function.--Posted where connection cannot be
easily maintained with other elements of outpost. Sent usually by
outpost reserve or by main body, and retires to them, rather than to
the line of supports. Function same as element of outpost
proper,--_observation, resistance, reconnaissance_; but less
resistance than _warning_. May be as small as 2 men, or as large as a
support, depending on location and importance of detached position.

B. Principles.

1. Established under precautions, because of danger of enemy
breaking between the main body and the detached post.
2. Entrenchment: what time of day? What other circumstances?
Treatment of bridges? Night?
3. Requisitioning order: Need of payment; for justice, for
military advantage later (reassure farmers through whose
territory you will need to pass and keep supplied).

Twelfth Problem--Requisitioning Detachment or Patrol:

A. Definition and Function.--A patrol may have any mission: here
it is sent to take (on payment) the provender designated. A.r.d. sent
by commander with specific instructions, is legal; a raid for booty
illegal. (See f.s.r., sec, 290.)

B. Principles.

1. Preparation essential.
2. Sending of men singly or in pairs across open spaces.
3. Deliberate start on _wrong_ road to deceive enemy scouts.
4. Not to fire unless obliged,--until return trip.

Thirteenth Problem--A Contact Patrol:

A. Definition and Function.--A small patrol sent out from a
stationary body of troops, usually at night, to find out whether
enemy is starting a retreat. (Compact formation in column.)

B. Principles.

1. Travel light, but prepare to spend some time lying still.
2. Route rear and parallel to a road, but not on it.
3. Do not attack enemy patrols unless necessary.
4. Get through enemy line of observation and watch support or
larger body.
5. Return together when you have definite information. Do not
send single messengers.

Fourteenth Problem.--A Small Outguard:

The principles used in 14 are same as those listed under 1-13; and
should be clinched by assigning yourself the problem of completely
arranging an outpost for a brigade to be encamped or bivouacked at
some assigned position on the Hunter's Town sheet. Exchange
solutions, for mutual criticism.

Examinations.

The following examinations, given at the second Plattsburg Training
Camp, will enable students of military matters to form some idea as to
where they stand in their grasp of the subject:

Plattsburg Training Camp:

1. Explain the "Position of the Soldier." (Par. 51, i.d.r.)
2. Being at parade rest, explain position of right foot. (Par. 53,
i.d.r.)
3. Explain the "Hand Salute." (Par. 58, i.d.r.)
4. (1) Give length of full step (a) in quick time, (b) in double time.
(2) How is the full step measured? (Par. 60, i.d.r.)
5. Explain "Halt" from quick time. (Par. 70, i.d.r.)
6. Explain position of butt of rifle at "Order Arms" standing.
(Par. 77, i.d.r.)
7. Explain position of left forearm at present arms. (Par. 78,
i.d.r.)
8. At parade rest under arms (rifle), explain position of left
hand. (Par. 90, i.d.r.)
9. The squad being in line explain "Squad Right." (Par. 119,
i.d.r.)
10. The company in line, give commands and explain "To dismiss the
company." (Par. 174, i.d.r.)

* * * * *

1. Being in any formation assembled, give commands and explain
movements for deploying the squad as skirmishers. (Par. 124,
i.d.r.)
2. When deployed as skirmishers (a) How do the men march? (b) How
are the pieces carried? (c) Who is the guide? (d) What is the
normal interval between skirmishers? (e) What is the length of
the front of the squad when deployed at normal intervals? (Par.
124, i.d.r.)
3. In what formations are the loadings executed? (Par. 133, i.d.r.)
4. At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, what does
each squad leader do? (Par. 200, i.d.r.)
5. In what direction does a deployed line face on halting? (Par.
203.)
6. Being in skirmish line, explain the movement "Platoon columns."
March. (Par. 213, i.d.r.)
7. What is the purpose of the advance in a succession of thin
lines? (Par. 219, i.d.r.)
8. Name three classes of fire. Which class is normally employed in
action? (Par. 241-2-3, i.d.r.)
9. Why is it necessary to have proper distribution of fire? (Par.
246, i.d.r.)
10. Explain briefly the functions of platoon leaders, platoon
guides and squad leaders in the fire fight. (Par. 252, i.d.r.)

1. Explain the position of parade rest (without arms). (Par. 53,
i.d.r.)
2. Being in the position of the soldier, explain the position of
the heels, feet and knees. (Par. 51, i.d.r.)
3. Give the commands for and explain the execution of "Right Face."
4. Being at a halt, give the commands for moving forward in quick
time and explain the execution thereof. (Par. 62, i.d.r.)
5. (a) Being in march in quick time, give the commands necessary
to march in double time and explain the execution thereof,
(Par. 63, i.d.r.)
(b) What is the length of step and the rate of steps per minute
in double time? (Par. 60, i.d.r.)
6. At "Right Shoulder Arms":
(a) Explain the position of the trigger guard. (Par. 83,
i.d.r.)
(b) What is the position of the barrel? (Par. 88, i.d.r.)
7. In the rifle salute (right shoulder arms), describe the
position of the:
(a) Left forearm on first count, (Par. 93, i.d.r.)
(b) Left hand on first count. (Par. 93, i.d.r.)
8. Explain the position of the left forearm on the second count of
right shoulder arms from order arms. (Par. 83, i.d.r.)
9. The squad being in line explain "Squad right about." (Par. 121,
i.d.r.)
10. Explain the execution of "Right by Squads," 2 March. (Par. 183,
i.d.r.)

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