Military Instructors Manual by James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker

J >> James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker >> Military Instructors Manual

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25

SPECIAL.

1. _In attack_:
a. May select formation in which companies advance. (212,
i.d.r.)
b. Designates--
1. The direction of the objective. (303, i.d.r.)
2. The companies for the firing line.
3. The companies for the support.
4. The order and front of the companies in the firing line.
5. The right or left company of the firing line as the base
company.
6. May indicate when the advance by rushes is to start.
(311, i.d.r.)
2. _In defense_:
a. Describes front of each company. (292, i.d.r.)
b. Assigns sector of fire. (244, 302, i.d.r.)
c. Locates fire, communicating and cover trenches.
d. Directs preparation of obstacles.
e. Assigns companies to construct trenches and obstacles.
f. Details troops to occupy trenches. (321, i.d.r.)
g. Causes firing line and supports to fix bayonets when a
charge by the enemy is imminent. (324, i.d.r.)
h. Seeks opportunities for counter attacks. (326, i.d.r.)

III. BATTALION STAFF.

POSITIONS:

Battalion Adjutant }
Battalion Sergeant Major } with Major.

Mounted orderlies--both with Major (one with major and one with
Adjutant) until horses are sent to rear when both may be with
the horses or one take the horses and the other remain with the
major, as he may direct.

DUTIES:

All assist the major in any way directed, by
a. Reconnaissance. (565, i.d.r., 25, f.s.r.)
b. Observation of the firing line.
c. Maintaining contact with regimental headquarters.
d. Maintaining contact with the support.
e. Receiving, communicating, and sending visual signals from and
to front and rear.
f. Observing fire effect and progress of events.
g. Keeping copies of all orders, messages, and other data
necessary, for his war diary. (35, f.s.r.)

When there is only one range finder to the battalion, the Battalion
Sergeant Major is the Battalion Range Taker. When not actually engaged
in taking ranges, he assists the Major as above or, preferably, he may
be charged with the duty of maintaining communication with the
companies of the firing line.

The major designates a sergeant to take charge of the battalion combat
train. Under the Major's direction, he
a. Conducts combat train as far to the front with the battalion
as directed.
b. Issues ammunition to the battalion.
c. Takes combat train to rendezvous for refilling, under
direction of the regimental commander.
d. Rejoins battalion, if it is not in action, or, if it be
engaged, joins or establishes communication with the
regimental reserve. (548, 549 and 553, i.d.r.)
(This sergeant is not provided for in the present
organization. Recommendation has been made to the War
Department that he be included in the Tables of
Organization.)

IV. THE CAPTAIN.
(The Fire Director.)

POSITION: _Where he can best:_

1. Control his four platoons. (248, i.d.r.)
2. Observe fire effect. (249, i.d.r.)
3. See the major and platoon chiefs. (234, i.d.r.)

DUTIES: _Before fire action:_

1. Conducts his company to place of deployment assigned by the
major's orders (297, i.d.r.) in best manner. (212, i.d.r.)
2. Designates target, and allots part to each platoon. (245 and
249, i.d.r.) (See Overlapping Method, page 15, Subject V. Fire
Tactics.)
3. Determines the range. (240 and 249, i.d.r.)
4. Announces the sight setting. }
5. Indicates class of fire and } (249, i.d.r.)
6. Time to open fire. }
7. Informs the subordinates as to the location of the battalion
commander, and, when necessary, announces his own position.

_During the Action:_

1. Observes fire effect. (249, 414, 415, i.d.r., and 216,
s.a.f.m.)
2. Corrects material errors in sight setting. (249, i.d.r.)
3. Prevents exhaustion of ammunition supply. (249, 550, 551,
i.d.r.)
4. Distributes ammunition received from rear. (249, i.d.r.)
5. Provides for the collection and distribution of the ammunition
of the dead and wounded. (551, i.d.r.)
6. Is on the alert for the Major's signals or commands. (226 and
234, i.d.r.)
7. In the absence of express directions from the major, if
commanding a flank company, determines when advances by rushes
shall be attempted. (311, i.d.r.)
8. Indicates size of fractions to rush. (311, i.d.r.)
9. Leads a rush by entire company. (223, i.d.r.)
10. Leads the charge. (319, i.d.r.)
11. When necessary, designates new platoon leaders and sees that new
squads are organized and new squad leaders designated to replace
those disabled. (104, 375, i.d.r.)

V. BUGLERS.

POSITION:

Join the Captain when the company deploys. (164, i.d.r.)

DUTIES: (235, i.d.r.)

1. _One Bugler_--
a. Observes the enemy.
b. Observes the target.
c. Observes for fire effect.
d. Watches platoon leaders for signals.
e. Transmits signals to platoon leaders.
2. _The other_--
a. Watches the Major for signals and repeats them back.
b. Transmits information to the Major.
3. BOTH--
a. Repeat bugle signals "charge." (319, i.d.r.)
b. Carry field glasses, message pads, pencils and signal flags.
(i.u.a.e.m., 387, i.d.r.)
c. Act as messengers.

ALL OF THE ABOVE IMPLIES THAT THEY MUST BE PROFICIENT IN:
a. Signaling--Hand, Arm and Letter Codes.
b. Observation for fire effect.
c. Location and definition or description of targets.
d. Bugle calls.

VI. RANGE ESTIMATORS.

Five or six officers or men, selected from the most accurate
estimators in the company are designated "Range Finders." (240,
i.d.r.)

The term "Range Finder" is a misnomer as a range finder is an
instrument. The school uses the term "Range Estimator" when applied to
an individual. The attention of the War Department has been called to
this.

The range estimators are given special training in the estimation of
ranges.

When an action is pending, the Captain receives from the Major the
primary apportionment of the target or sector of fire. (303, i.d.r.)

The Captain returns to the company, and, avoiding dangerous grouping,
assembles the platoon leaders and range estimators, and points out to
both the target of the Battalion and Company.

The Range Estimators immediately begin their estimation of the range
to the company target; the Captain meanwhile continues with his
instructions to the Platoon Leaders.

The instructions to the Platoon Leaders completed, the Range
Estimators announce to the Captain either their individual estimates,
or the mean of their estimates as deduced by one of the estimators.
The Range Estimators then take their customary posts (240, i.d.r.),
and the Captain indicates to the Platoon Leaders the range to be used.

The Range Estimators act in an advisory capacity to the Captain. The
mean of their estimates will usually be the most accurate deduction
available in battle. The adoption by the Captain of the range thus
determined, however, is not obligatory.

Range Estimators should be ready to signal their estimates of the
range to the platoon leaders at any time during the action.

VII. THE PLATOON LEADER.

(The Fire Controller.)

POSITION: Where he can best:

1. Control the squads constituting his platoon. (252, i.d.r.)
2. Observe the target and fire effect. (252, 414, 415, i.d.r., and
216, s.a.f.m.)
3. Observe the captain for signals or commands. (234, 251, i.d.r.)

DUTIES:

(6, 42, 104, 229, 231-233, 244, 245-257, 319, 375, 550, i.d.r.)
Controls the fire of his platoon and in his fire orders.

1. Receives his orders from the company commander.
2. If necessary, may indicate the fire position that has been
ordered.
3. Announces sight setting.
4. Points out designated target to his platoon, if practicable,
otherwise to his corporals only, or
5. When the target cannot be seen, indicates an aiming target. (247
and 251, i.d.r., call this an aiming "point", but the occasions
upon which infantry would use an aiming "point" are so rare that
it is believed aiming "target" is a more accurate term as it
includes both point and line.)
6. Assigns target so as to insure that the entire front or sector
given him by the company commander will be covered with fire.
7. Gives class of fire.
8. Announces rate of fire.
9. If commanding a flank platoon, details a man to watch for
signals from the combat patrols.
10. When his Corporals have signaled that their squads are ready to
fire, signals the Captain by looking toward him and holding up
his hand.
11. When Captain signals a "commence firing", repeats same to the
corporals.

THEREAFTER:

1. Observes for fire effect.
2. When platoon is not firing, insures that the front assigned is
kept under constant observation for any appearance of the enemy
or any change of position.
3. Changes sight-setting of his platoon when necessary.
4. Regulates rate of fire.
5. Increases rate of fire when large and distinct targets appear
and decreases it when the target becomes small and indistinct.
6. Prevents decrease in rate of fire when--
(1) Changing sight-setting,
(2) Preparing for rushes,
(3) Fixing bayonets,
(4) Transmitting firing data to supports,
(5) Distributing ammunition.
7. Increases the rate of fire to cover the advance of adjacent
units. For this purpose progress and movements of adjoining
units are kept under observation.
8. Maintains direction of advance of his platoon in rushing, so as
not to blanket fire of adjacent units.
9. Is on the alert for Captain's commands or signals, for this
purpose he may use his platoon guide.
10. May use his platoon guide to observe adjoining units.
11. Must understand all signals.
12. Leads his platoon in advancing and charging.
13. Prevents changing fire to unauthorized targets.
14. Insures distribution of ammunition brought up from the rear and
the collection and distribution of same from the dead and
wounded. (540, i.d.r.).
15. In coming up with re-enforcements, he takes over the duties of
disabled platoon leaders of the platoon into which his men have
dropped, or it may be some other section of the line needs his
service in which case he goes there.
16. Endeavors to preserve the integrity of squads, designates new
squad leaders to replace those disabled, organizes new squads
when necessary, sees that every man is placed in a squad and
takes every opportunity for restoring order in the firing line.
(104, 375, i.d.r.)
17. In "Advance by thin lines", leads odd numbered lines. (218,
i.d.r.).

VIII. THE FIRST SERGEANT.

Commands a Platoon, Never a Guide.

GUIDES.

GENERAL RULES:

1. Guides must be resourceful, have good health, vigorous physique,
keen eyesight, presence of mind and courage, with good judgment,
military training and experience. They must be able to read maps, make
sketches and send clear and concise messages.

2. EQUIPMENT.--Guides are equipped with whistle, watch, compass,
message book, knife, pencil, wire cutters, map, pace scale and glasses
if possible.

3. As instructors they go where needed.

4. As file closers they insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.

5. In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is
charged with the step and direction.

CLOSE ORDER.--The guides of the right and left, or leading and rear,
platoons, are the right and left, or leading and rear guides
respectively of the company when it is in line or in column of squads.
Other guides are in the line of file closers.

In platoon movements the post of the platoon guide is at the head of
the platoon, if the platoon is in column, and on the guiding flank if
in line. When a platoon has two guides their original assignment to
flanks of the platoon does not change.

The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank
opposite the file closers. To change the guides and file closers to
the other flank, the Captain commands: 1. _File closers on left
(right) flank;_ 2. March. The file closers dart through the column;
the captain and guides change.

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

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

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

IN TAKING INTERVALS AND DISTANCES.--Unless otherwise directed, the
right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in the
line of file closers, and with them take a distance of 4 paces from
the rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command "March", the file
closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest
him. In _assembling_ the guides and file closers resume their places
in line.

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

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

For the instruction of platoon leaders and guides, the company, when
small, may be formed in single rank. In this formation close order
movements only are executed. The single rank executes all movements as
explained for the front rank of the company.

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

At each alignment the Captain places himself in prolongation of the
line, 2 paces from and facing the flank toward which the dress is
made, verifies the alignment and commands: "Front".

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

In "Company right" the right guide steps back on the command "March",
aligning the first two men next to him as he does so, to establish the
correct line.

In "Platoon right" the Captain announces the guide and the guides
cover promptly.

In "Right turn" the right guide is the pivot of the front rank.

In "Column right" the right flank man of the leading squad is the
pivot, _not the guide_.

In "Right by squads" the right guide (when he has posted himself in
front of the right squad) takes four short steps and then resumes the
full step. The right squad conforms.

"Squads right about." If the company or platoons are in column of
squads, file closers turn about toward the column and take posts. If
in line, each darts through the nearest interval between squads. The
right and left guides place themselves in the new front rank. File
closers on facing about, maintain their relative positions.

When the company executes "About face", guides place themselves in the
new front rank.

In "Right front into line, double time" halting and aligning commands
are omitted. Guide is toward side of the first unit.

In "Take interval" or "Take distance" guides drop back at the first
command.

In "Squads right" or "Platoons, column right" interior guides of
platoons cross the company. A good rule for beginners is always to
cross over (except in "column right").

Guide of a company in line is right (unless otherwise announced).

Guide of a platoon in line is right.

Guide of a battalion in line is center.

Guide of a line of subdivisions is center.

Guide of a deployed line is center.

Guide of a squad is toward the side of the guide of the company.

Guide of successive formations into line is toward the point of rest.

File closers remain on the same side of the company except when in so
doing they would be left in front of the company.

If the battalion is in line, the guide away from the point of rest (in
each company) comes to the "Right shoulder arms" at the command to
dress.

At the command "Eyes right", guides who are charged with the direction
do not execute "Eyes right", but simply salute.

At "Retreat" guides unarmed stand at "Attention". Only officers
salute.

In "Stack arms" the right guide should align the stacks.

In squads (acting alone) the corporal is the guide; number 2 of the
front rank, if the corporal is not in line.

The guides of rear units are charged with the step, trace and
distance.

EXERCISE FOR GUIDES.--Lay out a course of arbitrary distance; 200
yards will answer the purpose. Instruct the guides to march the course
as they would if they were guiding a company, but being sure to count
their steps (a pebble transferred to the left hand at 100 steps is
often found useful).

RESULT.--The number of steps will range from 205 to 225. After getting
the number of steps taken by each man, show them that they should have
taken 240 steps and that each man took too long a step. Have them
march back guiding on two points in line as before, cautioning them to
cut down the length of the step to 30 inches from the start, and not
to wait until they get half way down the course and find that they
have less than 120 steps.

RESULT.--All of the men, even after the caution, will have taken too
long a step.

Instructor times the guides both ways, and calls attention to the fact
that in ALL cases the cadence was under 120 steps per minute.

After repeating above as much as desired have the men march in pairs,
one man keeping time and the other counting steps and marching on two
points.

They may check up every 10 seconds if desired.

IX. PLATOON GUIDES.

POSITION:

1. Behind the firing line, on left of platoon leader. (163,
i.d.r.)
2. Advancing in line--behind center of platoon. (213 and 223,
i.d.r.) To insure prompt and orderly advance.
3. "Advance by thin lines"--lead even numbered lines. (218, i.d.r.)
4. Advancing in squad or platoon column--in rear.

DUTIES:

(104, 213, 223, 229, 255, 367, 375, and 376, i.d.r.)

1. The platoon leader's assistant and may be assigned any duty the
platoon leader sees fit.
2. Keeps adjoining units under observation.
3. Watches firing line.
4. Checks every breach of fire discipline.
5. Prevents skulking, men leaving the ranks at any time to care for
wounded, etc.
6. Designates new squad leaders and organizes new squads when
necessary.
7. Attaches men that have become separated from squads to other
squads.
8. Insures prompt and orderly advance.
9. On joining firing line from the support takes over duties of
sergeants disabled.
10. May receive and transmit signals to the Captain.
11. If the platoon leader is disabled, he takes over his duties.
Hence he should know what the platoon leader is doing and how.
12. When taking over the duties of the platoon leader he calls the
senior corporal of his platoon out to act as guide.

X. CORPORAL.

POSITION:

1. Marching in line, as center skirmisher of squad (124, i.d.r.)
or
2. When skirmish line is halted, immediately behind his squad.

Note.--The School has recommended to the War Department that the
Infantry Drill Regulations be changed to provide that the
Corporal's position be as prescribed above and in paragraph 20,
page 10.

DUTIES:

Paragraphs 42, 222, 252, 254, 255, 411, and 551, i.d.r., cover in
general the corporal's duties.
The squad leader (Corporal) controls the fire of his squad, he must
understand the duties of the private and in issuing his fire
orders:

1. Receives his instructions from the platoon leader.
2. Points out indicated objective to his squad.
3. Takes as the squad target that portion of the platoon target
which corresponds to the position of the squad in the platoon.
4. Announces sight setting.
5. Announces class and rate of fire.
6. When his squad is ready to fire looks toward the platoon leader
and holds up his hand. At the platoon leader's signal to
commence firing he sees that the squad opens fire.

THEREAFTER:

1. Makes all fire from the shoulder.
2. Makes all use ordered rate of fire.
3. Insures that all fire at designated objective.
4. Prevents slighting of invisible portions of the target for more
visible parts.
5. Prevents men from changing fire to unauthorized targets not in
the assigned front or sector.
6. Maintains constant observation to the front; when squad is
firing, for effect of fire--when squad is not firing, for
appearance of enemy.
7. Insures prompt obedience to orders to suspend and cease firing.
8. Makes men utilize ground to fullest extent for concealment in
firing and advancing.
9. In sight-setting, changing sights and fixing bayonets, has front
rank perform operation first (rear-rank men increasing rate of
fire) and then the rear-rank follow while the front-rank men
make up for loss of fire for the rear rank, thus insuring that
the rate of fire for the squad does not fall off.
10. Prevents increasing vulnerability of squad while preparing for
a rush, and rushes as soon after cease firing as possible.
11. When other squads of his platoon, are rushing, or the platoon
which is covering the same target as is his platoon, is rushing
he has his squad increase its rate of fire to make up for lost
fire effect of the rushing element.
12. In rushing causes men to spring to feet running at full speed,
all men to drop to the ground at the same time, and those who
are in rear to crawl up to the line.
13. When re-enforcing the firing line, takes over the duties of
disabled squad leaders. For this purpose his squad may drop into
line at one place and he may move to the next squad on the right
or left where there is a squad leader needed. If there are no
vacancies caused by disabled squad leaders, he drops into line
and assists the squad leaders who are there.
14. Prevents decreasing rate of fire when men are transmitting data
to arriving supports.
15. Prevents wasting of ammunition.
16. Prevents use of 30 rounds in right pocket section of belts
except on order of an officer.
17. Distributes ammunition of dead and wounded and ammunition
brought up from the rear.
18. Prevents decreasing the rate of fire while ammunition is being
distributed.
19. Looks to the rear only at his platoon leader's whistle
"Attention." Pays no attention to any other except suspend
firing.
20. Takes his position in rear of his squad when it is firing and
remains there, where he can control its fire, and only crawls
into line and adds his rifle when all control is lost. (Short
ranges.)
21. To control his squad he does not walk up and down behind his
squad but rolls along behind his line and keeps down.
22. Leads his squad in moving to the front or rear.
23. Must know thoroughly the drill regulation signals and have a
good practical knowledge of the theory of fire.
24. In rushing, maintains the direction of advance of his squad so
as not to blanket the fire of squads in his rear.
25. Takes advantage of every lull in the action and every favorable
opportunity to reorganize his squad and get it more under
control.
26. Checks every breach of fire discipline, abates excitement, and
prevents any man from leaving the squad to go to the rear for
any purpose whatsoever.
27. If called out of line to act as guide, notifies designated
private (103, i.d.r.) to take command of squad.

XI. THE PRIVATE.

POSITION:

Deployed in line: One man per yard (125, i.d.r.), unless a greater
extension is directed in the order for deployment. (126,
i.d.r.)

DUTIES:

(6, 42, 104, 133, 134, 138, 139, 149, 152-156, 203, 209, 233, 247,
251, 254, 255, 319, 354, 367, i.d.r., and 209, s.a.f.m.)

The individual soldier must be trained:

1. To recognize targets from description quickly.
2. To describe and define targets.
3. To use rear sight in describing targets.
4. To use horizontal and vertical clock systems, singly or in
combination in describing target.
5. To set sights quickly and accurately as ordered.
6. To bring piece to shoulder, aim carefully and deliberately from
habit, and to reload quickly.
7. To fire at the ordered rate. (Par. 18, Standard for Field
Firing.)
8. To fire at the part of the designated objective which
corresponds to his position in the firing line.
9. To continue firing in the designated sector and not to change
therefrom unless ordered.
10. Not to slight invisible parts of the target for more visible
ones.
11. To maintain constant observation to the front.
12. To utilize folds of ground for concealment in advancing and
firing.
13. To select firing positions.
14. To understand effects of visibility and the selection of
backgrounds.
15. To fire from all positions, from behind hillocks, trees, heaps
of earth and rocks, depressions, gullies, ditches, doorways and
windows.
16. To obey promptly orders to suspend and cease firing.
17. To ignore whistle signals, except suspend firing.
18. To watch closely for the expected target after having suspended
firing.
19. To obey promptly all orders from his squad leader.
20. To drop into the nearest interval when reinforcing the firing
line and obey the orders of the nearest squad leader.
21. To transmit firing data to men of the supports coming into the
line rapidly and accurately, without decreasing his rate of
fire.
22. To call for range and target when reinforcing the firing line.
23. To have confidence in his own ability to hit.
24. To a system of sight setting and fixing bayonets in order that
there may be no cessation of fire in the unit during this
operation.
25. To prepare for rushes without decreasing fire of the unit
unduly.
26. To avoid unnecessary movement in preparing for rushes.
27. To spring forward at command "Rush" or "Follow Me" without
preliminary rising.
28. To avoid bunching in rushing.
29. Not to swerve to the right or left in search of cover but to
advance in a straight line, in order not to blanket the fire of
men in his rear.
30. To drop quickly at end of rush and crawl up to line if in rear
of it.
31. To remain with his own company, but if he accidentally becomes
detached from his company or squad to join the nearest one.
32. To maintain silence except when transmitting or receiving firing
data and charging.
33. To retain presence of mind.
34. To be careful not to waste ammunition.
35. To use the thirty rounds of ammunition in the right pocket
section of the belt only upon the order of an officer.
36. To remain with the firing line after bringing up ammunition.
37. To utilize ammunition of dead and wounded.
38. Never to attempt to care for dead or wounded during the action.
39. To have confidence in his ability to use the bayonet.
40. To a firm determination to close with the enemy.
41. To preserve the line in charging.
42. To understand that a charge should be slow and steady (the
faster men must not run away from the slower ones).
43. To form up immediately after the charge and follow the enemy
with fire, not attempting a disorganized pursuit.
44. To understand that it is suicidal to turn his back to an enemy
and that, if he cannot advance, he must intrench and hold on
until dark.
45. To count distant groups of object or beings.
46. To recognize service targets.
47. NEVER TO FIRE UNTIL HE UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE TARGET IS, AT WHAT
PART HE IS TO FIRE, AND WITH WHAT SIGHT SETTING.

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25