_The Director_: “After sufficient time has elapsed for the outguards to
get into position and post their sentinels the support commander makes
an inspection of the elements of his support. In this inspection any or
all of the following questions may be presented for consideration.
“1. Is the outguard located at the best place to cover the sector of the
front allotted to it? Is there a good field of fire over the ground by
which the enemy may approach?
“2. Are the sentinels so located that they can observe all approaches?
Are they well instructed in their duties? Do they know what to do if
they should see the enemy?
“3. Have provisions been made for rapid communication between sentinels
and the outguard? Has communication been established with adjoining
outguards and sentinels and with the support?
“4. Have fire positions been prepared for all riflemen, the automatic
rifleman and the rifle grenadier? Are the men well supplied with
ammunition?
“5. Are all the men familiar with the plans for defense? Do they know
what to do in case the enemy attacks?
“6. Have necessary arrangements been made for patrolling?
“7. Have necessary arrangements been made for messing?
“In the course of the inspection the support commander will make such
changes in the dispositions as may be necessary and will give such
instructions as he may deem desirable for the proper conduct of the duty
with which the support is charged.
“Having completed this inspection he will return to the support and make
his report to the outpost commander. This report may be made in the form
of a message and must contain information as to the location of the main
body of the support, the location of each of the outguards, their
strength and disposition, the extent of patrolling contemplated, and
finally the place where messages are to be sent is indicated. A report
such as this received from each support and detached post commander
gives the outpost commander detailed information regarding the
disposition of the entire outpost upon which he may base his report to
the commander of the main body.
“When practicable the report is accompanied by a rough sketch showing
the dispositions of the support.”