Military Instructors Manual by James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker

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

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To avoid accidents, individual men out of ranks, in barracks or camp
will first Withdraw Magazine then Open Chamber whenever the pistol is
removed from the holster for cleaning, for examination, or for any
other purpose. Accidental discharges will not occur if the above rule
is always observed, and failure to observe it must be considered a
military offense, whether or not accident results.

10. Whenever men fall in ranks with the automatic pistol the officer
or non-commissioned officer in charge will command:

1. Raise, 2. Pistol;
1. Withdraw, 2. Magazine;
1. Open, 2. Chamber;
1. Close, 2. Chamber.

1. Insert, 2. Magazine.
1. Return, 2. Pistol.

When falling in the above commands are given after chamber of rifles
have been opened and closed, and the order resumed--the rifle being
held against the left wrist. The commander of any company or
detachment thereof is responsible for giving the necessary commands to
put the pistols in a safe condition.

11. The pistol with cartridge in chamber is habitually carried cocked
and locked, whether in the hand or in the holster. The hammer will not
be lowered while a cartridge is in the chamber.

12. In campaign, the pistol should habitually be carried with a
magazine in the socket, loaded with seven ball cartridges, chamber
empty, hammer down. The extra magazines should also be loaded with
seven ball cartridges each.

When action seems imminent, the pistol should be loaded by command. It
may then be returned by command to the holster till the time for its
use arrives.

13. Recruits are first taught the motions of loading and firing
without using cartridges. However, the automatic action and the effect
of ball cartridges in operating the slide cannot be taught without
firing ball cartridges. Practice without cartridges is very necessary
to acquire facility in the exact movements of the manual and in
aiming, holding and trigger squeeze.

To execute the movements without cartridges, first Withdraw Magazine,
Open Chamber, and Examine both Pistols and magazines to assure that
none contain ball cartridges.

14. All the movements in loading pistol should be practiced without
looking at it. In order to do this successfully it is necessary to
know exactly where the magazines are carried so the hand may find them
without fumbling. Also, since the projection at the front of the
magazine base is on the same side as the bullets, and the magazine
must be inserted in the socket with these to the front, the magazine
should be carried in the pocket with the projection to the left and
should be withdrawn from the pocket with the same grasp as is
prescribed for Withdrawn Magazine.

15. This manual must be practiced with all the precision and exactness
required for the manual for the rifle. Accidents will be reduced to a
minimum and familiarity with the pistol gained.

POSITION

Stand firmly on both feet, body perfectly balanced and erect and
turned at such an angle as is most comfortable when the arm is
extended toward the target; the feet far enough apart (about 8 to 10
inches) as to insure steadiness; weight of body borne equally upon
both feet; right arm fully extended but not locked; left arm hanging
naturally.

THE GRIP.--Grasp the stock as high as possible with the thumb and last
three fingers, the forefinger alongside the trigger guard, the thumb
extended along the stock. The barrel hand and fore-arm should be as
nearly in one line as possible when the weapon is pointed toward the
target. The grasp should not be so tight as to cause tremors but
should be firm enough to avoid losing grip. The lower the stock is
grasped the greater will be the movement or jump of the muzzle caused
by recoil. If the hand be placed so that the grasp is on one side of
the stock, the recoil will cause a rotary movement of the weapon
toward the opposite side.

The releasing of the sear causes a slight movement of the muzzle,
generally to the left. The position and pressure of the thumb along
the stock overcomes much of this movement.

To do uniform shooting the weapon must be held with exactly the same
grip for each shot, not only must the hand grasp the stock at the same
point for each shot, but the tension of the grip must be uniform.

THE TRIGGER SQUEEZE.--The trigger must be squeezed in the same manner
as in rifle firing. The pressure of the forefinger on the trigger
should be steadily increased and should be straight back, not
sideways. The pressure should continue to that point beyond which the
slightest movement will release the sear. Then when the aim is true,
the additional pressure is applied and the pistol fired. When the
pistol is fired the greatest effort should be taken to hold the pistol
to the mark as nearly as possible. This will be of great benefit in
automatic firing.

POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS.--The Squad is formed with an interval of
one pace between files. Black pasters are used as aiming points. The
pasters are ten paces distant from the squad. The instructor command,
1. Raise, 2. Pistol and cautions "Position and Aiming Drill." The men
take the position prescribed in paragraph 3. At the command, 1. Squad,
2. Fire, slowly extend the arm till it is nearly horizontal, the
pistol directed at a point; about six inches below the bull's-eye. At
the same time put the forefinger inside the trigger guard and
gradually feel the trigger. Inhale enough air to comfortably fill the
lungs and gradually raise the piece until the line of sight is
directed at the point of aim, _i.e._, just below the bull's-eye at six
o'clock. While the sights are directed upon the mark, gradually
increase the pressure on the trigger until it reaches that point where
the slightest additional pressure will release the sear. Then, when
the aim is true, the additional pressure necessary to fire the piece
is given so smoothly as not to derange the alignment of the sights.
The weapon will be held on the mark for an instant after the hammer
falls and the soldier will observe what effect, if any, the squeezing
of the trigger has had on his aim.

When the soldier has become proficient in taking the proper position
the exercise is conducted "At Will."

QUICK FIRE.--Being at the Raise Pistol, chamber and magazine empty, 1.
Quick Fire Exercise, 2. One. Lower the forearm until it is nearly
horizontal, pistol pointing at the target, 3. Two. Thrust the pistol
forward to the position of aim, snapping the pistol just before the
arm reaches its full extension. Then look through sights to verify the
pointing. 4. Three. Return to Raise Pistol and cock the pistol.

In this exercise the soldier must keep his eyes fixed upon the mark.
He should constantly practice pointing the pistol until he acquires
the ability to direct it on the mark in the briefest interval of time
and practically without the aid of the sights. In other words, the
pistol in this exercise is accurately pointed instead of accurately
aimed. In night firing pointing the pistol is the only method that can
be used. After careful practice in this exercise it is surprising what
good results can be obtained at night.

This exercise should then be practiced from the position of the pistol
in the holster instead of Raise Pistol.

CLASSES OF FIRE: 1. SLOW FIRE.--As described above. Target L or A or
improvised target.

2. QUICK FIRE.--Being at Raise Pistol, pistols locked, at the command
"Commence Firing" fire and return to Raise Pistol after each shot
following the principles of Quick Fire Exercise. Target E, five yards
apart, one for each man firing. This firing should be done by the
numbers as described in Quick Fire Exercise.

3. AUTOMATIC FIRE (TARGET E).--Being at Raise Pistol, pistols locked.
At the command "Commence Firing" empty the magazine in seven seconds,
keeping the arm extended. Target E, 5 yards apart, one for each man
firing.

4. TRENCH FIRE (TARGET E).--Two lines of targets. The first line is
composed of F targets, 5 yards apart, one figure for each man firing.
The second line is composed of two E figures, one yard apart, for each
man firing, placed in a trench immediately in rear of the figures of
the first line. This gives for each firer a group of three figures,
one placed on top at the near edge of the trench and the other two in
the trench immediately in rear. In case a trench is not available the
rifle pit can be used. A gutter, sunken road, embankment, or hedge can
be used for this purpose so long as trench fire is simulated.

[Illustration: Plate #5. TRENCH TARGET COURSE FOR THE AUTOMATIC
PISTOL.]

The firing line advances at a walk from 100 yards takes up a double
time 50 yards from trench, fires one shot at the double time when
within ten yards of the first target continues to the trench and fires
the remaining six shots, automatic fire, at the two targets in the
trench in rear of the first line target.

SCORE (TARGET E, BOBBING).--A score will be seven shots. Targets will
be marked after the men in the firing line have completed their
scores. All loading and firing should be done by command.

COURSE: 1. SLOW FIRE.--10 yards. Minimum of one maximum of five
scores.
2. QUICK FIRE.--10 yards. Minimum of one maximum of three scores.
3. AUTOMATIC FIRE.--10 yards. Minimum of one maximum of three scores.
4. TRENCH FIRE.--Minimum of one maximum of three scores.

Bayonet Training.

A. THE FUNCTIONS OF BAYONET TRAINING ARE:

1. To teach the correct use of the bayonet until it becomes
instinctive.
2. To develop the fighting spirit.
3. To develop speed, accuracy, and cooerdination.

B. GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

1. Fencing, in modern combat, is out of the question. Almost every
fight will consist of but one or two motions. Hence the class
must be taught that the best defence is the quickest offensive.
2. Every available means of offence, with hands and feet as well as
with rifle and bayonet, is a part of bayonet training.
3. Teamwork is essential. Men must be taught, especially in the
combat, to exercise, to seize every opportunity to act together.
4. Personal control during combat, especially at night, will be
nearly impossible. Control should be practiced, therefore, in
the form of clear instructions delivered to the men before
assault, and fulfilled individually.
5. In every assault and combat exercise, the men must be taught
never to leave an enemy alive, or who may be alive, behind them.

C. TECHNIQUE OF BAYONET COMBAT:

1. The _point_ is the main reliance. Its use should be practiced
in every possible situation, until a correct choice or
combination of long point, short point, and jab, and the
execution thereof, becomes a matter of instinct.
2. The point must always be directed at a definite target. The most
vulnerable points of the body are: Lower abdomen, base of the
neck, small of the back (on either side of the spine), chest,
and thighs. Bony parts of the trunk must be avoided by accurate
aim.
3. The use of the rifle as a club, swinging or striking, is
valuable only:
a. When the point is not available.
b. In sudden encounters at close quarters, when a sharp butt
swing to the crotch may catch an opponent unguarded.
c. After parrying a swinging butt blow, when a butt strike to
the jaw is often the quickest possible riposte.
The use of butt swings overhead or sidewise to the head or
neck, is to be avoided; they are slow, inaccurate, easily
parried or side-stepped, and leave the whole body unguarded.
After every butt blow a thrust must immediately follow, since
no butt blow, of itself, is apt to be fatal.
4. The parries must be regarded and practiced chiefly as means of
opening the opponent's guard; hence, a thrust must immediately
follow each parry.
5. The foot movements shown in the old manual are useful only to
promote quickness and steadiness. They should, therefore, be
practiced in combination with the points and butt blows, and so
combined can be executed in the oblique directions as well as at
right angles. The left foot moves in the direction of the
thrust.

D. MANUAL OF THE BAYONET: There are only 7 exercises to learn in the
new bayonet drill:

1. _Guard_.--Point of the bayonet directed at the opponent's
throat, the rifle held easily and naturally with both hands,
barrel inclined slightly to the left, right hand at the height
of the navel and grasping the small of the stock, left hand
holding the rifle at a convenient position above the lower
band, so that the left arm is slightly bent, making an angle of
about 150 degrees. The legs should be well separated and in an
easy position. Lean forward, on your toes, left knee slightly
bent, right foot flat on the ground and turned to the right
front. Remember in this position to have your eye on your
opponent, do not restrain your muscles, keep them taut, but
flexible.
2. "_High Port_."--The hands hold the rifle as in guard; the left
wrist level with, and directly in front of the left shoulder;
the right hand above the right groin and on level with the
navel.
Remember that the barrel in this position is to the rear. This
position is assumed on the advance without command.
3. "_Long Point_."--Being in the position of "guard," grasp the
rifle firmly, vigorously deliver the point to the full extent
of the left arm, butt along side and close to the right
forearm; body inclined forward; left knee well bent, right leg
braced, and weight of the body pressed well forward with the
fore part of the right foot, heel raised. The right hand gives
the power to the point, while the left guides it. If a point is
made in the oblique direction the left foot should move in that
direction. This exercise is done in 3 counts. At 1 the point is
made; at 2, the withdrawal; at 3, resume the guard. The
withdrawal must be straight back, and not with the downward
motion, until the right hand is well behind the hip.
4. _Right (Left) Parry_.--1. Straighten the left arm, without
bending the wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand, and force
the rifle forward far enough to the right (left) to ward off
the opponent's weapon, 2. Resume "guard."
Remember to keep your eyes on the weapon to be parried.
5. _Short Point_.--1. Shift the left hand quickly toward the
muzzle and draw the rifle back to the full extent of the right
arm, butt either high or low as a low or high point is to be
made. 2. Deliver the point vigorously to the full extent of the
left arm. 3. Withdrawal. 4. Resume the "guard."
6. _Jab Point_.--1. Shift the left hand quickly toward the muzzle,
draw the rifle back, and shift the right hand up the rifle and
grasp it above the rear sight, at the same time bringing the
rifle to an almost vertical position close to the body. Bend the
knees. 2. Straighten the knees, jab the point of the bayonet
upward into the throat or under the chin of the
opponent--chiefly by a body movement. 3. Withdrawal. 4. Carry
the rifle forward with the left hand, grasping the small of the
stock with the right. 5. Resume guard. Remember in the first
motion to have the hands at least 4 inches apart.
7. _Butt swing--butt strike_--out.--1. Swing the butt up at the
opponent's ribs, forearms, etc., using a full arm blow, bringing
the rifle to a horizontal position over the left shoulder, butt
to the front. 2. Advance the rear foot, and dash the butt into
the opponent's face. 3. Advance the rear foot and at the same
time slash the bayonet down on the opponent's head or neck. 4.
Resume the "guard."
(The easiest guard to a swing at the crotch is simply to get
the left knee in the opponent's right.)

E. PROGRESSIVE EXERCISES:

1. The class works in pairs with scabbards on bayonets. One man
alternately in each pair signals; the other promptly executes
the movement, at the target, designated by the signal. The
following signals are suggested:
The hand, placed against the body, indicates the target.
Long point--Back of hand outward.
Short point--Palm of hand outward.
Jab point--Hand horizontal against chin, palm down.
High port--Fist against left breast.
Parry right (left)--Hand waved to right (left).
Butt swing--Fist against crotch.
Butt strike--Fist against jaw.
Instead of signals, thrusting sticks are then used. These are
strong wands having a padding of paper and burlap over one end
and a rope ring tied to the other. Points and butt swings are
executed at the padding and rings, respectively, as these are
presented. The man holding the stick must remember to stand to
one side of the man with the bayonet.
2. AS IN FIRST EXERCISE.--One man thrusts with a stick: the other
parries.
3. THRUSTS ARE PRACTICED AT DUMMIES, first from a distance of five
feet, then by advancing two paces or more. To simulate fighting
conditions, a frame is then arranged in which dummies are slung
on ropes passed over pullies, and so manipulated that as the man
withdraws his bayonet from one dummy another swings at, him from
a different direction.
4. As SOON AS PROFICIENCY HAS BEEN GAINED in the above exercises,
the assault practice is taken up.
a. _A course is laid out as follows:_
(1) A fire trench about 60 yards long, well _revetted_.
(2) 20 yards in front of the trench, smooth wire
entanglements.
(3) 15 yards further, another trench, parallel to the first,
60 yards long, 4 feet deep and 4 feet wide. In this
trench prone dummies are placed, one per yard.
(4) 15 yards further, 60 dummies, hung on frames, parallel to
the trenches.
(5) 15 yards further, a hurdle 4 feet high and 60 yards
long, parallel to the trenches.
(6) 10 yards further, a low trip wire, stretched parallel to
the trenches.
(7) 10 yards further, 60 dummies, hung on frames, parallel to
the trenches.
(8) 15 yards further, a large trench, 60 yards long, 6 feet
deep, 10 feet wide, containing 60 prone dummies, 1 per
yard.
b. _Procedure:_
Each platoon, in turn, enters the first trench at skirmish
intervals, bayonets fixed. On signal, all move out at a
walk, guiding carefully in line on a leader previously
designated. After passing each obstacle, the line is again
carefully formed. On each of the swinging dummies one of
the seven movements of the manual is used; a long or short
point is used on each prone dummy. All go down into the
last trench together, with a good loud yell, point of the
bayonet level with the toe, and land on the dummies in the
bottom, stabbing as they land. This course should be
repeated several times at quick time, then at double time,
and finally at a run. Remember that in the advance the
rifle is carried at high port.
5. COMBAT EXERCISES (to be used in conjunction with the assault
practice):
a. _Equipment for each man:_
Thrusting stick or other wooden rod with wooden ball or
thick padding covering one end. (Old rifles with
spring-bayonets are even better.)
Plastron.
Baseball mask.
Pair of broadsword or single stick gloves.
b. _Procedure_:
The class is formed in two lines of about equal numbers,
facing each other, about fifty paces apart, with intervals
in each line of about two paces. A leader is designated
for each line. The instructor stands at one end of the
space between; an assistant at the other end. On the
instructor's whistle, the lines advance, guiding carefully
on their leaders. When about ten paces apart, they charge,
each seeking to break and roll up the opposing line.
Sticks are carried and used as rifles with bayonets fixed.
Any other use disqualifies. Use of the butt is barred. One
thrust on the plastron or mask, or two hits on the
extremities, disables the recipient, who must promptly
retire--or be retired. The combat continues until the
second whistle, blown not more than 30 seconds after
contact; when they cease fighting promptly, separate, and
form as before.
c. _Criticism:_
After each combat, the instructor will criticize the manner
of advance and of fighting, especially the alignment kept
in the advance and the team work in combat, and the
advantage taken of opponents' mistakes. He counts the
casualties and awards the decision. He must continually
urge the men never to lag behind nor advance ahead of the
line, never to allow large gaps to occur in the line, and
always to seize the advantage given by opponents who
disregard these principles.
d. _The terrain for this exercise_ should be frequently varied.
It may also be conducted at night, the opposing sides
being clearly distinguished.[Q]

[Footnote Q: The last exercise was devised and perfected by M. Jules
Leslabay, Master of Fencing, Harvard R.O.T.C., 1917. It is more
completely described in his "Manual of Bayonet Training."]

Machine Guns.

1. Properties of the machine guns are divided into three general
classes: Mode of action, fire, and inconspicuousness.

(a) THE MODE OF ACTION.--The machine gun acting only by its fire
can prepare an attack or repulse an offensive movement, but it
does not conquer ground. The latter role is almost exclusively
that of infantry which is fitted for crossing all obstacles.
When it will suffice to act by fire, employ the machine gun in
preference to infantry, preserving the latter for the combined
action of movement and fire. By the employment of the machine
gun economize infantry, reserving a more considerable portion
of it for manoeuvre purposes.
(b) FIRE.--Machine gun fire produces a sheath, dense, deep but
narrow. The increase of the width of the sweeping fire gives to
the sheath a greater breadth, but when the density becomes
insufficient, the effect produced is very weak. Machine gun
fire will have its maximum power upon an objective of narrow
front and great depth. With the infantry fighting normally in
thin lines the preceding conditions will generally only be
realized when these lines are taken in the flank. "The fire of
the machine gun parallel to the probable front of the enemy--a
flanking fire--must therefore be the rule." The fire
perpendicular to the front will be employed generally on
certain necessary points of passage as, bridges, roads,
defiles, cuts, roadways, communicating trenches, etc., where
the enemy is generally forced to take a deep formation with a
narrow front, or where he is in massed formation.
(c) INCONSPICUOUSNESS.--By reason of its small strength the machine
gun section can utilize the smallest cover, and can consequently
hide from the enemy; the machine gun therefore, more than the
infantry, has the chance to act by surprise. The opening of the
fire by surprise will be the rule; the machine gun will avoid
revealing itself upon objectives not worth the trouble. Flank
action and surprise are the two conditions to try for under all
circumstances.

2. OFFENSIVE REINFORCEMENT OF A FRONT MOMENTARILY STATIONARY.--The
machine guns assisted by small elements of infantry cover thoroughly
the getting in hand of the main body, the machine guns presenting to
the enemy a line of little vulnerability. The machine guns assist in
securing the possession of the ground previously taken, and will
permit time to prepare for the resumption of the forward movement.
Preparation of the attack--machine gun fire completes the preparation
done by the artillery, either by acting on the personnel or by opening
breaches in the accessary defenses. At times the machine guns alone
may be charged with the preparation of the attack where it is
necessary to act very quickly as in pursuit, exploitation of a
success. Whatever the situation, concentrate the machine gun fire on
one or several points. Machine guns cover the flanks of attacking
troops. They follow the advance of these troops remaining on the
flanks, so as to be able to fire instantly on all points from which an
attack might come. Machine guns will likewise be employed in intervals
created intentionally or accidentally between units. It is here a
powerful weapon which can rapidly be put into action by the Commander.
The personnel and material must be protected as far as possible from
the effects of fire.

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