Military Instructors Manual by James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker

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AS SKIRMISHERS, MARCH.--At run. Rear rank men on right of file
leaders. All conform to Corporals gait. In squad alone, skirmish line
is formed on No. 2, front rank, Corporal ahead when advancing, in rear
when halted.
Regular interval in skirmish line 1/2 pace = 1 yard per man.
Squad deployed = 10 paces.
Any number of paces may be specified, _e.g._ As Skirmishers, at 10
paces, March.

ASSEMBLE, MARCH.--Men form on corporal. If he continues to advance,
move in double time, form and follow. Do not assemble while marching
to rear.

KNEEL.--Left forearm and left lower leg form straight line.

LIE DOWN.--On both knees, then both elbows.

RISE.--Stand on point marked by both knees.
(When deployed, may sit instead of kneel.)

LOADINGS AND FIRINGS.--Loadings are executed only in line and skirmish
line.
Firings are always executed at a halt.
When kneeling and lying down in double rank, rear rank does not
load, aim or fire.
In both cease firing and suspend firing pieces are loaded and
locked. (Sec. 150, i.d.r., April, 1917, is incorrect.)
1. AIMING.--Target carefully pointed out.
2. SIGHT-SETTING ANNOUNCED. (Battle sight if none announced.)
3. (If by volley), Ready, Aim, Squad FIRE.
To continue volley firing, Aim, Squad FIRE.
Volley fire is used against large, compact enemy or in fire of
position.

FIRE AT WILL.--Normally employed in attack and defense; 3 shots per
minute at effective ranges (600 to 1,200 yards); 5 to 6 shots per
minute at close ranges (up to 600 yards).

CLIP FIRE:
Used (1) To steady men.
(2) To produce a short burst of fire.

UNLOAD.--Safety lock up.

EXTENDED ORDER.

A squad acting alone, as one out on a patrol or for instruction,
the corporal acts as the leader of a small platoon leading the advance,
and in rear when halted.
Men come to trail as they come on the skirmish line.
On halting, a deployed line faces front (direction of real or
assumed enemy), and takes cover.

CORPORAL CAUTIONS.--By the Right Flank (if halted). Corporal steps out
looking back to get his 10-pace interval. Squad Halt.

LEFT FACE.--Base squad deploys as soon as it has room.
Guide of a deployed squad is center without command.
Captain indicates point on which corporal of base squad is to march.

COMPANY RIGHT is executed as explained for front rank of Company, but
at 1/2 pace intervals.

DEPLOYMENTS.

_From Line, to Form Skirmish Line to Front._

As SKIRMISHERS, GUIDE RIGHT, MARCH.--1. If marching, corporal
commands, Follow Me. Corporal of base squad moves straight to front,
deploys as soon as possible and advances until Company, Halt, is
given.
Other squads move to left front and place squads on the line.
If guide is center, other corporals on right of center squad move to
the right, and squads on the left to the left, and bring their squads
on the line.
If guide is left, other corporals move to right front.

2. If at halt, base squad deploys abreast of its corporal, 3 paces in
front of the former line, as soon as it has room.
Other squads are conducted by the left flank, to their places.

TO DEPLOY FROM COLUMN OF SQUADS, FORMING SKIRMISH LINE TO THE
FRONT.--If at a halt, base squad deploys abreast of its corporal 3
paces in front of its former position.
If marching, base squad deploys and moves straight to the front.
If guide is right, other corporals move to left front and place
squads on line.
If guide is center, corporals in front move to right (if at a halt,
to right rear), the corporals in rear of center squad move to left and
come on line in succession.
Column of twos or files are deployed by same commands in same manner.
If deployment in an oblique direction is desired, the captain points
out desired direction.
Column of squads may be turned to the flank or rear and then deployed.

ASSEMBLE, MARCH.--In skirmish line, men assemble at a run, to their
places individually. Squads do not assemble and march to places as
units as do platoons.

PLATOONS, ASSEMBLE.--Men assemble individually on the run, in their
platoons and are then marched to relative position on base platoon as
indicated by position or command of captain.

PLATOON COLUMNS.--Platoon leaders should be sure to go through center
of platoon.
Platoon guides in rear.
Columns should be 20 yards apart, or more.
(Used to take advantage of few favorable routes where cover is poor
or ground difficult.)

SQUAD COLUMNS.--Men oblique and follow squad leader. No advantage in
cover, but used to advance more quickly over rough or brush grown
ground.
(It might be desirable to teach men to take squad columns from
column of squads.)
In assembling from Platoon or Squad columns, the men reform by
platoons or squads and are conducted by their leaders to point
indicated by captain.
_Thin lines_ are used to cross wide stretches under artillery fire or
heavy, long range rifle fire which cannot be profitably returned.

No. 1's FORWARD, MARCH.
First line is led by platoon leader, right platoon.
Second line is led by platoon guide, right platoon.
Third line is led by platoon leader, next platoon, etc.
Quick time, unless conditions otherwise demand.

CAPTAIN POINTS OUT NEW LINE.--Original intervals preserved.

DISADVANTAGE.--Serious loss of control over company.

ADVANTAGE.--Offers less definite target and is less likely to draw
fire.

BEING IN SKIRMISH LINE.

BY PLATOON (2 PLATOONS, SQUADS, 4 MEN, ETC.), FROM THE RIGHT,
RUSH.--Leader of rush usually platoon leader.

(1) Selects new line.
(2) Cease firing.
(3) Prepare to rush.
(4) Follow me.
(5) Commence firing.

When whole company rushes, it is led by Captain. Platoon leader lead
their platoons.

COMMANDS.

Commands should be so given as to be distinctly heard by all the men
who have to execute them. It is unfair to expect good execution of a
slovenly command or one that cannot be heard. A sufficient interval
should be allowed between the preparatory command and the command of
execution, proportioned to the size of the command, so that each man
has time to grasp the movement before execution is required.

School of the Battalion.

BASIS.--4 companies to a battalion.

ARRANGEMENT.--Right to left by rank of Captains. After formation order
is not kept with reference to rank of Captains.

NUMBER.--From right to left in whatever direction.

CENTER.--Actual center or right center company.

BAND.--Places itself as if it were an adjoining battalion on right.

DRESSING.--Each company is dressed by its Captain who places himself
on the flank toward which the dress is to be made.

In battalion line beside the guide (or beside flank file of the front
rank if guide is not in line) facing front.

In column of companies--2 paces from the guide and facing down the
line.

To Form the Battalion.

OTHER THAN CEREMONIES.--Column of squads. Adjutant does not take his
post until companies are formed. Each Captain halts company and
salutes Adjutant. Adjutant returns salutes and when last Captain has
saluted, faces Major and reports "Sir, the Battalion is formed." He
joins Major without command.

FOR CEREMONIES.--Or when directed, Battalion is formed in line.
Adjutant places himself 6 paces to right of right company and facing
in direction line is to extend. Guides precede companies on line by 20
paces. Adjutant causes guides to cover. Companies are halted one pace
in rear of line and dressed to right against arm of guide. When guides
of left company have been posted, Adjutant by shortest route moves to
post facing Battalion midway between post of Major and center of
Battalion. Adjutant commands: 1. Guides, 2. Posts, 3. Present, 4.
Arms. He then faces about and reports, "Sir, the Battalion is formed."
Major commands, "Take your post, sir."

TO DISMISS THE BATTALION.--Dismiss your companies.

TO RECTIFY THE ALIGNMENT.--See Infantry Drill Regulations, paragraphs
273-274.

TO RECTIFY THE COLUMN.--See Infantry Drill Regulations, paragraph 275.

HELPFUL HINTS TO BEGINNERS.--These hold good with few exceptions.
When in column of squads; first command of Captain begins with word
"Column."
When in column of companies; first command of Captain begins with
word "Squads."

IN COLUMN OF SQUADS.--

Major: _On right (left) into line._

First Captain: Squads right. (Captain marches beside right guide.)

Rear Captains: Continue to march (If halted, forward).

Major: _March_.

Rear Captains: (Upon uncovering preceding company) Squads right.

Major: _Battalion_.

First Captain: Company.

Major: _Halt_.

First Captain: Right Dress, Front.

Rear Captains: (Coming on line). Company Halt, Right Dress, Front.

Major: _Right (left) front into line._

First Captain: Column right.

Rear Captains: Column half right.

Major: _March_.

First Captain: (Halts and allows company to pass him and form column
of squads to right.) Squads left, Company Halt, Left Dress, Front.

Rear Captains: When company in column of squads arrives one pace in
rear of the right flank of the company that has formed in line. Column
half right, March. The Captain then takes 5 paces beyond the flank of
the last company in line, allows company to pass him, and as rear
guide reaches him, commands: Squads left, March, Company Halt, Left
Dress, Front.

Major: _Line of companies at_ (seven) paces, guide left (right).
(Close on first company from column of squads is no longer used in
Battalion drill.)

First Captain: Continue to march (if halted, forward).

Rear Captains: Column half right.

Major: _March_.

Rear Captains: (When company reaches a position 7 paces to the flank
of the leading company.) Column half right.

Major: _Battalion_.

All Captains: Company.

Major: _Halt_.

Major: _Column of companies, first company_ squads right (left).

First Captain: Squads right.

Rear Captains: Continue to march (if halted, forward.).

As each company reaches the point where the first company formed line
the Captain commands: Squads right, March.

IN COLUMN OF COMPANIES OR CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES.--

Major: _On right (left) into line._

First Captain: Right turn.

Rear Captains: Continue to march (if halted, forward).

Major: _March_.

Rear Captains: Each Captain takes 5 paces beyond the left flank of the
company that has just executed the turn and commands: Right turn,
March.

Major: _Battalion_.

First Captain: Company.

Major: _Halt_.

First Captain: Right Dress, Front.

Rear Captains: (As they come on line.) Company Halt, Right Dress,
Front.

Major: _Right (left) front into line._

First Captain: Company.

Second Capt: Right by Squads.

Third and fourth Captains: Squads Right.

Major: _March_.

First Captain: Halt, Left Dress, Front.

Rear Captains: Column half left, March, Column half right March.
Taking 5 paces from the flank of the company last on line and allowing
the company to pass by him until the rear guide reaches him, Captain
commands: Squads left, March, Company Halt, Left Dress, Front.

Major: _Close on first company_ (Never any other).

First Captain: Company.

Rear Captains: Continue to march (if halted, forward).

Major: _March_.

First Captain: Halt.

Rear Captains: As each successive company closes to 8 paces from the
company immediately in front, the Captain commands: Company Halt.

Major: _Extend on fourth company._ (Never any other.)

First Captain: Continue to march (if halted, forward).

Rear Captains: Company.

Major: _March_.

Rear Captains: Halt. Then as each company in rear of the leading
company gets the proper distance (company front plus 5 paces) the
Captain commands: Forward March.

Close column not extended in double time.

Major: _Column of squads, first company_ squads right (left).

First Captain: Squads right.

Rear Captains: Continue to march (if halted, forward). As each company
reaches the point where the first company formed column of squads, the
Captain commands: Squads right, March.

Major: _Column right (left)._

First Captain: Right turn.

Rear Captains: Continue to March (if halted, forward).

Major: _March_.

First Captain: When the marching flank of the company is one pace from
the new line the Captain commands: Forward March.

Rear Captains: Other companies march squarely up to the turning point
and each changes direction at the Captain's command: Right turn,
March, Forward, March.

LINE OF COMPANIES OR CLOSE LINE OF COMPANIES.

Major: _Battalion right (left)._

First Captain: Column right.

Flank Captains: Column half right.

Major: _March_.

Flank Captains: When each company has moved 7 paces to the flank of
the base company the command is: Column half right, March. The
companies are then marched echeloned with an interval of 7 paces.

Major: _Battalion_.

First Captain: Company.

Major: _Halt_.

Flank Captains: Continue to march. As each company comes into line
with the base company the Captain commands: Company, Halt.

Major: _Close on first (fourth) company._

_Extend on first (fourth) company._ Both movements executed in the
same manner.

First Captain: (If marching.) Halt. (If halted, cautions "Stand
Fast.")

Flank Captains: Squads right.

Major: _March._

Flank Captains: Right Oblique, March. (When the company has closed
sufficiently): Forward March, Squads left, March. (Then as the company
comes on the line with first company): Company, Halt.

Major: _Column of Squads, first (fourth) company, forward._

First Captain: Forward.

Flank Captains: Column half right (left).

Major: _March._

Flank Captains: As their companies come onto the line behind the
leading company (at 4.4 paces) the Captain commands: Column half
right, March.

IN BATTALION LINE.

Major: _Close on first (fourth) company._

First Captain: Stand fast (Caution).

Second Captain: Squads right, column right.

Third and fourth Captains: Squads right, column half right.

Major: _March._

Second, third and fourth Captains: As each company reaches a point 8
paces behind the company just preceding it into close column, the
command is given: Column half right, March. (Cautioning "Guide left"
when closing on first company--"Guide right" when closing on fourth
company): Squads left, March, Company, Halt.

Major: _Halt._

First Captain: Right Dress, Front.

Rear Captains: (As they come on the line): Company Halt, Right Dress,
Front.

[Illustration: PLATE No. 2A. CO. I--N.E. PROPER ARRANGEMENT OF SHELTER
TENTS.]

[Illustration: PLATE No. 2B. LAYOUT OF EQUIPMENT FOR INSPECTION.
TENT PINS SHOULD BE LAID IN ECHELON THREE INCHES APART.]

Inspections.

(Kitchen and mess inspections have been covered under Feeding Men.)

Daily inspection of the barracks should be made and rigid discipline
enforced as to the floors being kept clean, scrubbed once a week,
bedding and bed clothes aired out of doors every Tuesday, shoes
cleaned and kept in order under bunks, lockers under bunks, toilet
articles and books all kept in order. Sheets, comforters and blankets
should be shaken out, folded as for pack and laid on top of pillow
until afternoon, each day.

In inspecting men every week see that hair is kept short and feet
clean and in good condition, toe nails trimmed. Insist on woolen
socks.

Equipment must be inspected carefully, each week, to see that it is in
good condition.

SPECIAL POINTS OF COMPANY INSPECTION.

After Open Ranks, March, given from usual position in front of
Company, the Captain takes his post 3 paces in front of Right Guide,
facing to the left and commands:

1. Front. 2. Prepare for Inspection.

The Lieutenants are 3 paces in front of the center of their
respectives Platoons, facing to front.

If equipment is also to be inspected, commands are as follows:

1. Close Ranks. 2. March. Stack Arms. Backward, March. Take Interval
to the Right, March. Company, Halt.

1. Unsling Equipment. 2. Open Packs. Close Packs. Sling Equipment.

Battalion Inspection.

At command, Prepare for Inspection, given by the Major, each Captain
commands, Open Ranks. They do not salute when the Major and Inspector
approach.

The Lieutenants take their places as in Company Inspection. Each
Captain commands:

Company Attention. Prepare for Inspection.

Lieutenants face about and stand at ease, after being inspected or
passed.

After inspection:

Close Ranks, march.

Rest.

Regimental Inspection.

Commands mean and principles are same as for Battalion. (Look up Post
of Colonel, par. 754, Infantry Drill Regulations.)

Ceremonies.

BATTALION REVIEW.

After Battalion is formed in line, Major faces front.

When Reviewing Officer halts, Major turns about and commands:

Present Arms; turns to front and salutes. Major turns about; commands
Order Arms, and again faces front.

When Reviewing Officer is within 6 paces, the Major salutes, takes
post on the right and accompanies him.

On arriving at the right of the line again, Major salutes, halts,
takes his post in front of Battalion and commands:

Pass in Review. Squads Right, March.

Major and Staff execute Eyes Right and take post on right of Reviewing
Officer remaining until Battalion has passed, when he salutes and
rejoins it.

Double time is given by Major when the Battalion comes to its original
starting place and the Battalion passes in review as before except
that Eyes Right is omitted and Major salutes only when he leaves
Reviewing Officer.

Major and Staff may be dismounted at discretion of Commanding Officer.

BATTALION PARADE.

When band sounds off, the Reviewing Officer and his Staff stands, if
dismounted, with arms folded: if mounted they remain at attention at a
convenient distance in front of the center and facing the Battalion.

The Battalion is not presented for Battalion Parade.

The Lieutenants take posts in front of center of their Platoons at
Captain's command for dressing his Company on the line.

After Guides Posts, the Adjutant commands:

(To Battalion) Parade Rest.

(To Band) Sound Off.

Battalion, Attention. Present Arms.

At conclusion of National Anthem Adjutant reports:

Sir: The parade is formed.

The Major directs: _Take your post, sir_.

Major then commands: _Order Arms_.

At conclusion of Manual of Arms, Major directs: _Receive the reports,
sir_.

Captains report "'C' Company present or accounted for," or "'C'
Company, 1 officer, 7 enlisted men are absent."

Publish the orders, sir:

After publishing them, Adjutant commands: Officers, Center, March. At
command Center, Officers face center: at command March, march to
center and halt, facing front.

Commands Forward and Halt are given by Senior Officer. Left Officer of
center Company is guide and marches on the Major. Halt at 6 paces from
Major, salute and come down with the Major.

At command Officers Posts, March, Officers face about at command
"posts" and are conducted by Senior Officer who halts them 3 paces
from line. Officers, Halt. Posts, March. Face outward at command,
Posts, step off with 4 pace intervals. Lieutenants go to their posts
by shortest route, in rear of Company.

REGIMENTAL PARADE.

Lieutenants remain in file closers.

At command, Officers Center, Captains remain at their posts with their
Companies.

REGIMENTAL REVIEW.

Regiment formed in line or line of masses.

Colonel commands: Pass in Review.

Each Major commands: 1, _Squads Right_; 2, _March_.

If in line of masses, Colonel commands: "Pass in Review." Major of
Right Battalion commands: _Column of Squads, First Company Squads,
Right, March_.

FIRE DIRECTION IS THE FUNCTION OF THE CAPTAIN AND HIGHER
COMMANDERS. ABOVE THE GRADE OF CAPTAIN AND DIRECTION IS
PRINCIPALLY TACTICAL. WITH A CAPTAIN IT IMPLIES THE ABILITY TO
ISSUE CORRECT FIRE ORDERS TO MEET GIVEN SITUATIONS IN ORDER
THAT THE FIRE OF THE COMPANY MAY BE AS EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE.

FIRE CONTROL IS THE COMBINED PRODUCT OF THE FIRE UNIT
COMMANDERS AND THE FIRERS. THE FIRE UNIT IS THE PLATOON.

FIRE DISCIPLINE MEANS STRICT ATTENTION TO THE SIGNALS AND
ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER, AND IS THE FACULTY DEVELOPED IN THE
MEN BY INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING, OF COMMENCING, CEASING, OR
DIMINISHING FIRE, OR OF CONCENTRATING IT UPON A DEFINED OBJECT
IN OBEDIENCE TO THE DELIBERATE WILL OF THE COMMANDER.

NOTE.--It is to be remembered that all grades of commanders are
supposed to be familiar with the duties of all below them.

In issuing orders all Officers, in addition to announcing where they
will be found will give the location of the next higher Commander.

The authorities for statements under the Platoon Leader and below are
not given after each statement but the paragraphs from which they are
deduced are given under the heading for each grade. This course was
thought necessary to avoid repetition.

I. THE COLONEL.

POSITION--(369, 380, 528--i.d.r.)

1. Advancing to the battlefield: as
(a) Independent commander ordinarily with the advance guard
in order that he may:
1. Receive information promptly.
2. Personally see the situation (reconnoiter).
3. Order the deployment.
4. Begin the action strictly in accordance with his own
wishes.
(b) Subordinate commander (427, i.d.r.).
After receiving his order for the action, precedes his
command as far as possible in order to:
1. Personally reconnoiter the ground.
2. Be prepared to issue his orders promptly.

Note--For a discussion of the position of leaders see Subject V.

2. During the action; such as will enable him to:
(a) Observe the progress of events.
(b) Receive and transmit messages and orders.
(c) Be in constant, direct, and easy communication with the
reserve. (369, i.d.r.)

DUTIES:

a. After having received his orders, the regimental commander
leads his regiment forward in a column, or in line of columns,
until the time arrives for issuing the regimental order, he
then: (426, i.d.r.)
b. Assigns targets and sectors or tasks to battalions and special
units. (312, 381 and 426, i.d.r.)
c. Provides for necessary reconnaissance to front and flank. (428,
i.d.r.)
d. Announces his position and also that of the next higher
commander.
e. Controls the reserve as the tactical situation demands. (441,
i.d.r.)
f. Regulates ammunition supply. (316, f.s.r. and 552, i.d.r.) See
also full discussion of the ammunition supply in Subject VIII.

Note--The colonel is assisted in the performance of his duties by the
regimental staff.

II. THE MAJOR.

The battalion is the attack unit whether acting alone or as part of a
larger force. (305, i.d.r.)

POSITION:

(The general rules for a colonel apply)

1. Where he can best:
a. Direct the reinforcing of the firing line from the
support. (315, i.d.r.)
b. Observe the progress of events, (369, i.d.r.)
c. Maintain contact with regimental headquarters. (369,
i.d.r.)

2. On the firing line when all the supports have joined. (315,
i.d.r.) (See Subject V.)

GENERAL.

DUTIES:

1. Conducts his battalion according to sector and mission assigned
him.
2. Directs first disposition of battalion by tactical orders,
giving subordinates--
a. Information of the enemy.
b. Position of supporting and neighboring troops.
c. The general object to be attained.
d. The special problem for each company (291, i.d.r.)
(This includes making the primary apportionment of the
target.) (303, i.d.r.)
e. If practicable, the point or time at which the fire fight
is to open. (304, i.d.r.)
f. Orders for flank protection and reconnaissance, unless
specifically provided for by higher authority. (293, 397
and 398, i.d.r.)
g. His position and that of the next higher commander.
3. Controls supports, dispatches reinforcements from support to
firing line. (226 and 297, i.d.r.)
4. Controls subsequent movements by suitable orders or commands.
(291, i.d.r.)
5. Regulates ammunition supply--(See Subject VIII, also Pars.
316-317, f.s.r.) (The combat train is the immediate reserve
supply of the battalion.)
a. Is responsible for the proper use of the combat train.
b. Insures maintenance of the prescribed allowance at all
times.
c. Causes combat trains to march immediately in rear of the
battalion unless directed otherwise. (548, i.d.r.)
d. When battalion deployed on his own initiative, indicates
whether extra ammunition shall be issued. (294, i.d.r.)
e. When battalion deployed pursuant to orders from higher
authority, causes issue of extra ammunition unless
specifically ordered not to do so. (294, 548, i.d.r.)
f. When combat wagons are emptied, directs them to proper
rendezvous to be refilled. (548, i.d.r.)
g. Sees that combat wagons and belts of men are refilled as
soon as possible after an engagement. (553, i.d.r.)
6. Maintains contact with adjoining troops. (399 i.d.r.)
7. May harmonize ranges used by the companies on the firing line.
8. Determines when bayonets shall be fixed. (318, i.d.r.)
9. Subject to orders from higher authority, determines the point
from which the charge to be made. (319, i.d.r.)
10. Orders the charge. (318, i.d.r.)

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