_The Director_: “There are certain rules for the guidance of a sentinel
on post with which all officers and soldiers should be familiar. They
must be scrupulously observed under all circumstances. They are:
“1. He must watch and listen without betraying his presence. Observation
is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance.
“2. He must not smoke, and matches must not be lighted at night.
“3. Such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in
subdued tones.
“4. He must not have any arms or accoutrements that will glitter in the
sunlight.
“5. Except at night and in foggy weather, the bayonet must be kept in
the scabbard.
“6. Persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol
comes out to take charge of them.
“7. He will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements
of military etiquette. He pays no compliments and does not salute
officers unless addressed by them.
“8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be
communicated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to
report promptly all indication of the enemy’s approach. If he is
satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given
by firing. When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be
avoided.
“There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at
night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the
outpost troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information
to the enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he
is able to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an
invariable rule that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort.
There is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are
being driven in and are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel
may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal, if such action is
absolutely necessary. Night firing is of little value in any event. It
is only effective for very short distances, and should be discouraged by
every possible means.”
* * * * *
=Outpost= =Card No. 5=
=Director’s Key=
1. Location of Sentinel Posts. By day. At night. Obstacles. Field of
view.