Practice Marches.
"Special attention should be paid to the fitting of shoes and the care
of the feet." (i.d.r., 627.)
Short marches from 2 to 4 miles should be made daily and at a uniform
rate until the troops become hardened. Particular attention must
always be paid to the rate of march--it is imperative for the leading
element to keep a uniform rate per hour.
Be careful and see to it that your troops march on the right-hand side
of the road, and during halts, no one, not even officers, must be
permitted on the left. Keep closed up, and during the last mile of
your march have your company sing some real snappy song, and they will
come in in jubilant spirits. Keep the muzzles of your rifles always
elevated on the march so that men marching in rear wont be bothered.
On the march the first halt is for 15 minutes taken after 45 minutes
of marching. The men should be taught to use this time to adjust their
clothing and equipment, and answer the calls of nature. Do not halt
where there are houses, etc., on this first halt, as a great many men
want to relieve themselves.
The succeeding halts are for 10 minutes after 50 minutes of
marching--except of course during a forced march--when you would march
for a longer period. During rainy or very hot weather the halts should
be made oftener.
Do not have any straggling, remember if a man falls out he must have a
certificate signed by an officer stating the cause. Have one officer
march in rear of the company. Be careful about the use of water. Have
your men take a good drink early in the morning just after reveille,
and on the march use their canteen sparingly. One canteen of water
must last one man one day. Do not allow men to drink until after the
second halt.
On reaching camp the kitchens are put up, latrines are dug, and tents
are pitched. When everything has been tended to each man should give
his feet a good salt water bath. Put them in the water and let them
remain there for 2 minutes. Do not dry them by rubbing, but sponge
them--this will harden the feet. This should be done for the first
three days, after which it can be dispensed with. A change of socks
daily should be made, take one pair of socks from the pack, and wash
out the dirty pair.
Try to avoid night marching.
The leading company in each regiment regulates the rate of march.
"The marching efficiency of an organization is judged by the amount of
straggling and elongation and the condition of the men at the end of
the march." (i.d.r., 632.)
Remember a sanitary squad should be detailed daily to police the
immediate vicinity after each halt.
Field Work.
Field work will be classified under the following heads: Orders,
Deployment, Fire, Attack, Defense, Leadership, Communications, Night
Operations, Patrols, Advance Guards, Rear Guards, Flank Guards, Camp,
March Outpost, and Outpost.
(a) AN ORDER is the will of the commander expressed verbally or in
writing to his subordinates. It should be clear, concise and to the
point. A field order should be given as follows:
1. Information of the enemy and supporting troops.
2. General plan of the commander.
3. Dispositions of the troops.
4. Instructions for the trains.
5. Place where messages are to be sent.
(b) DO NOT DEPLOY too early. It is very fatiguing, and has a tendency
to disorganize the skirmish line. The major designates the companies
to be on the firing line, and those to remain in support. The distance
between the firing line and support is from 50 to 500 yards. The
support should be as close as possible under cover.
(c) FIRE DIRECTION is the function of the company commander. He gives
each platoon its sector or objective, determines the range, target,
indicates the class of fire, and the time to open fire. Fire control
is given to platoon commanders. The platoon is the fire unit. "Fire
control implies the ability to stop firing, change the sight setting
and target, and resume a well directed fire. The best troops are those
that submit longest to fire control." Fire discipline is the function
of the individual soldier. "It implies that in a firing line without
leaders, each man retains his presence of mind and directs effective
fire upon the target."
(d) THE TROOPS march in column of squads until under the observation
of the enemy. Platoon columns are used in crossing ground where there
is cover. Squad columns are used across the artillery zone. At
approximately 800 yards a skirmish line is formed. Thin lines may then
be used to advance to the attack. Remember the Major has assigned each
company in the firing line an objective. Be sure to watch out for
flank protection. If the Major has forgotten to have combat patrols on
the exposed flank or flanks, it is up to the flank company to send out
a combat patrol. This patrol should be slightly in advance of the
front line, and off to the right or left. The advance is made by a
fraction rushing forward. These rushes are from 20 to 80 yards. When a
rush is made the remaining troops fire faster. The firing line should
not be reinforced by less than a platoon. The Major determines when to
fix bayonets. The front rank men fix bayonets first, the rear rank men
fire faster, then the rear rank men fix bayonets while the front rank
fire faster. A battalion is the smallest unit in the firing line to
inaugurate a charge. Remember the battalion is the attack unit.
In changing sight setting follow same plan as fixing bayonet, _i.e._,
each front rank first, the rear rank man firing faster, etc.
(e) DEFENSE.--In defense the line is usually stronger and the support
weaker than in the attack. Do not give up your ground unless you have
written orders from the High Command. Watch out for flank protection
by combat patrols.
(f) LEADERSHIP.--A good leader should possess self reliance,
initiative, aggressiveness, superior knowledge, and have a conception
of teamwork. Make your work a game in which each man has a part to
play. Reward merit and give the disagreeable things to be done to the
"knockers." A leader must know his men. Never give them a job to do
that you couldn't do yourself. Train yourself to estimate the
situation quickly and calmly. Have your men well disciplined, well
drilled, well equipped, and well dressed. It might be called
unmilitary by some of the sterner characters in our service, but we
believe by occasionally drawing comparisons to something real
amusing--a good joke--you show your men that the "old Man" is really
made of human stuff. Be sympathetic, and it has been shown by
experience that, for some slight breach of discipline a "little talk"
in the orderly room does the most good, and is the best form of
punishment. Do your work cheerfully, and your men will do likewise.
Keep yourself abreast of the times in all matters military--remember
your men look to you in time of action and excitement and you must be
ready to deliver the goods. Work out and plan your orders, etc.,
simply. Morale is the greatest asset an organization can have. Keep
all your troubles and have the men keep theirs within the company.
Have _esprit de corps_. The real successful leader knows and plays the
game.
(g) COMMUNICATIONS.--Communication is maintained by wireless,
telegraph, telephone, signals, runners, carrier pigeons, aeroplanes,
motor cars, patrols, and connecting files. Each unit usually maintains
communication with the next higher command, and with similar commands
on the flanks.
(h) NIGHT OPERATIONS.--They are used to minimize losses from hostile
fire, to escape observation, and to gain time. The ground to be
traversed at night should be carefully looked over in daylight. Some
distinctive badge should be worn by our troops. The bayonet is chiefly
used at night. Avoid firing. The enemy should be surprised. Place
obstacles in front of your own lines at night. Usually 50 yards is the
maximum range to fire at night.
(i) PATROLS.--"A commander may be excused for being defeated, but
never for being surprised."
PATROLS.
Commander selects leader, strength, gives it a mission, when to report
back, and where to send messages. He gives it a number if more than
one patrol is sent out, information of the enemy, and location of any
friendly patrols that may be or have been sent out. Patrol leader is
then allowed to ask questions.
_Patrol Leader_.--He should have a compass, watch, pencil, note-book,
knife, and a map of the country. He should then do the following:
1. Assemble his men.
2. Inspect them.
a. To see if they are fit for this duty.
b. That they have no valuable maps or papers, that their
equipment does not rattle or shine.
c. Rations and water.
3. He repeats the instruction that he has received.
4. He explains any signals that are to be used.
5. Designates a rallying point in case they are scattered.
6. Details a second in command.
7. Takes a formation that will favor the escape of at least one
man.
_Conduct of the Patrol_.--1. Move cautiously but not timidly.
2. Do not flinch or show consciousness of it in case you become
suddenly aware that you are under the observation of the enemy.
Not knowing that you are aware of his presence he will let you
come on, and suddenly, when you see cover, make a dash for it
and escape.
3. Do not get lost.
4. Do not allow yourself to think of the enemy as being in one
direction only.
5. In entering or passing through woods take an extended skirmish
line formation.
6. In passing any short defile bridge or ford, send one man ahead.
7. If you suspect the presence of the enemy under certain cover, a
good way to find out is to let one man approach within a
reasonable distance and then, acting as though he had been
discovered, turn and run. This will generally draw his fire.
8. Keep quiet. Forbid unnecessary talking.
9. From time to time select suitable rallying points in case you
become separated.
10. Remember that you do not fight unless in self defense.
_Report_.--1. Do not report the presence of small patrols unless you
have been ordered to do so. Locate the main body or a large command.
2. Determine his strength, kind of troops and movements.
3. Remember the indispensable qualities of a report are: accuracy
as to facts, simplicity, clearness, legibility and correct
spelling. Surmises must not be given as facts. Separate what you
know and what has been told you. A report should not be
expressed carelessly in ten words when it could be clearly
stated in twenty. Send a sketch if practicable.
4. Do not send a verbal message.
5. Address it to C.O. Support or C.O. Advance Guard, etc., not to
the commander of a certain body of troops. Give date, place and
time.
6. Remember to state what you intend to do.
7. In hostile country send two messages by different routes. In
friendly country one will suffice.
8. When the capture of your message is likely, give messenger a
false one that will be easily found and conceal the true message
carefully.
_Return_.--1. Do not return over the same route as you avoid ambuscade
and widen your field of reconnaissance.
2. Report any special features of military value that you have
seen to your C.O.
3. Compliment your men.
(j) _Advance Guard._--"An advance guard is a detachment of the main
body which precedes it and covers it on the march" (i.d.r. 639). The
commander of troops designates the advance guard, the distance between
it and the main body, and also designates a commander. The advance
guard commander if he has more than a battalion designates the
reserve, support, distance between them. If the advance guard is a
battalion or less it would have no reserve, and in that case the
advance guard commander would designate the support, advance party,
and the distance between them. In the former case the support
commander would designate the advance party, and the distance between
the support and the advance party. In both cases the advance party
commander designates the point, and the distance between the point and
the advance party. Usually it is the duty of the advance party to send
out flank patrols. The strength varies from 1/20 to 1/3 of the main
body. Remember "the formation of the advance guard must be such that
the enemy will first be met by a patrol, then in turn by one or more
larger detachments, each capable of holding the enemy until the next
in rear has time to deploy before coming under effective fire." The
advance guard must be aggressive. Do not put up with a cautious point.
Have a double connecting file, and if possible every 100 yards. "Each
element of the column sends the necessary connecting files to its
front." On the road in order are: point--advance
party--support--reserve (if there is one)--main body. Have the point
precede the advance party, all the remaining elements follow the one
ahead. This has been found by experience to be the best method of
getting "there."
(k) _Rear Guards_.--"A rear guard is a detachment detached to protect
the main body from attack in the rear." "The general formation is that
of the advance guard reversed." i.e. rear point, rear party, support,
and main body. "In retreat a column is preceded by a body of troops
designated 'leading troops,' whose principle duty is to clear the road
of obstacles and to facilitate the withdrawal of the command."
(l) _Flank Guards_.--As their name imply protect the flanks. They
should be in constant communication with the column. Their formation
usually conforms to that of patrols.
(m) _Camps_.--The four principal factors to be considered in the
selection of the camp site are: near a good road or roads, have good
drainage, plenty of room to accommodate your troops, and have a good
water supply. Immediately after camp is made sinks are dug for the
disposal of excreta. One should be dug for each company on the
opposite flank from the kitchen for the disposal of human excreta, and
one near the kitchen for the disposal of wastes, etc., that cannot be
burned around the kitchen.
(n) _March Outpost_.--A march outpost is usually an advance guard
halted, with observers in each unit on the alert. A cossack post
might be established on a good near by observation point. The march
outpost is the protection furnished the main body at short halts, or
on making camp before the outpost is established.
(o) _Outpost_.--The outpost may be best illustrated by circles:
Each support is numbered from right to left. Each outguard in each
support is numbered from right to left. Each sentinel post in each
outguard is numbered from right to left. Outguards are divided into
three classes, cossack posts, sentry squads and packets. A cossack
post consists of 4 men, 1 posted in observation near the posts of the
remaining three.
A sentry squad consists of one squad, posts a double sentinel post in
observation near the post of the squad. A picket consists of two or
more squads not exceeding half a company. It furnishes cossack posts,
sentry squads, sentinel posts, and patrols. It is usually placed at
the more important points of the outguard line, as a road fork, etc.
The post furnished by pickets may be as far as 100 yards away. There
should be also a sentinel post near the picket in observation. If the
outguard consists of two or more companies there is a reserve. The
reserve is held at some suitable point, where it can readily support
the line. The reserve maintains connection with the main body and the
support. The support occupies the line to be held. This line should be
entrenched. The support maintains communication with its outguards and
with each support on its flanks. It also sends out the necessary
reconnoitering patrols. The outguards furnish sentinel posts and
maintain communication with them, and with the outguards on each
flank. It is the duty of the support commander to inspect his line and
make such changes in the outguards as he deems necessary, then to
report to the outpost commander with a sketch if practicable of his
line when his dispositions are completed. The outpost commander should
inspect the line, order such changes as he deems necessary, and
report with a sketch of the outpost line to the commander of troops
when his outpost has taken up its position. "The support commander
must practice the greatest economy on men consistent with the
requirements of practical security." Instead of using outguards along
the whole front, part of it may be covered by patrols.
[Illustration: Plate #12 DIAGRAM OF OUTPOST LINE]
Outline of Field Service Regulations.
LAND FORCES OF U.S.
Regular Army.
Organized Land Militia.
Volunteer forces.
How Grouped:
Mobile Army.
Coast Artillery.
Mobile Army:
For offensive operations against enemy and so requires maximum degree
of mobility.
Basis of organization the division, a self-contained unit composed of
all necessary arms and services.
Coast Artillery:
(1) Permanent fortifications for defense against naval attack.
(2) Semi-permanent fortifications for protection of permanent from
raiders.
(3) Organization of mobile troops to prevent landing of enemy.
MILITARY INFORMATION.
Essential:
(1) To enable War Department to estimate equipment and size of force
necessary.
(2) To enable commander properly to estimate the situation in the
field of operations.
TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION.
Wire, Signaling, Radio and Messenger:
Message.--Concise, written information sent by messenger or wire.
Source always given.--"Heard" separated from "seen."
Report.--Formal account of some enterprise.
War Diary.--Record of events kept in campaigns.
Maps.
Reconnaissance:
The work of individuals or units in gathering information.
To keep contact with the enemy--to be acquainted with the terrain;
to protect flanks and rear and guard against surprise.
Reconnaissance begins on entering theater of operations and lasts
through campaign.
Effected by patrols and air craft.
Indications of enemy:
Tracks on road.
Abandoned camps and clothing.
Infantry, thick, low cloud of dust.
Cavalry, high, thin cloud of dust.
Artillery and wagons, broken cloud.
Determination of Enemy Forces:
Timing past a given point.
Cavalry (walk), 110 per minute.
Cavalry (trot), 200 per minute.
Infantry, 175 per minute.
Artillery and wagons, 5 per minute.
Security:
Those measures taken to protect a command from enemy observation,
annoyance and surprise.
Obtained by covering the front with detachments.
March.--Advance, flank and rear guards.
Camp.--Outposts.
March and camp detachments.--To give warning and resist attack until
such time as detachment in rear can deploy.
Advance Guard:
Detachment from main body to cover its advance.
Against surprise for information.
Push back small bodies.
Check enemy's advance until deployment in rear.
Seize good position and locate enemy lines.
Remove obstacles.
Strength 1-20 to 1-3 of entire command.
Divisions of Advance Guard:
Cavalry point.
Infantry point.
Advance party.
Support.
Reserve.
Leading Troops:
A detachment protecting the head of a column in retreat.
Rear Guard:
Detachments protecting the rear of a retreating column.
Formation like that of advance guard.
Flank Patrols:
Detachments for protecting the flanks of marching column.
March Outpost:
Detachments for protection of column halted on march.
Formation, that of the marching protection.
Outpost:
The detachments forming the protection for a force in camp or
bivouac.
Divisions of Outpost:
Reserve.
Line of supports.
Line of outguards.
Pickets.
Sentinel Posts:
Sentry squads. Cossack posts. Sentinels.
Detached posts (from support).
Hours of Special Danger:
Evening and dawn; thus good times to relieve outposts.
Examining Post:
Intelligence and a place where prisoners, etc., are brought in.
Orders:
The expression of the will of a commander, either written or verbal.
Letters of instruction--plans of the superior leaders.
Field Orders:
Regulate tactical and strategical actions of troops.
General Orders Include:
(1) All necessary detailed instructions.
(2) All standing instructions (avoid repetition).
(3) Proceedings of general and special courts-martial.
Special Orders:
Relate to assignment and movement of individuals, not necessary to
be communicated to the whole command.
Bearers of verbal orders must _repeat._
Field Orders:
(1) Heading.--Title, place, date, hour and number.
(2) Distribution of troops.--Division of command.
(3) Body:
(a) Information of enemy and supporting troops.
(b) General plan of commander.
(c) Detailed tactical dispositions to carry out general plan.
(d) Instructions for trains--also the positions of ammunition
and dressing stations.
(4) Ending.--Authentication and method of sending.
Marches and Convoys:
Successful march.--That which places troops at destination on time,
and in best possible condition.
Rates of March:
Infantry.--2 to 2-1/2 miles per hour.
Cavalry.--4 miles (walk), 8 miles (trot), 12 miles (gallop).
Artillery.--(Same.)
Average Marches:
Infantry.--15-20 miles per day.
Cavalry.--25 miles per day.
Artillery.--15-20 miles per day.
Load of pack mules equals 250 pounds.
March Orders, State:
(1) Object of march.
(2) Distribution of troops.
(3) Order of march of main body.
(4) Manner of forming the column.
Halts:
First hour, 15 minutes' rest. Each successive hour, a 10-minute
rest.
Weather conditions create exceptions to above rule.
Marches in Peace:
(1) Changing station.
(2) Practice.
In War:
(1) Concentration.
(2) In presence of enemy.
(3) Forced marches.
(4) Night marches.
Convoys (on Land):
Those trains by which supplies are forwarded to an army from depots,
etc., in the rear--also trains bringing supplies collected by
requisition.
Security Furnished by an Escort:
(1) Advance guard.
(2) Main body.
(3) Flank guard when necessary.
(4) Rear guard.
Favorable places for attacking convoys:
Through woods defile.
Over hedges.
Sharp bends.
Ascending or descending slopes.
Farming corral, watering.
Whenever conditions are such that escort cannot quickly prepare for
defense.
Conducting Prisoners:
10 foot soldiers to every 100 prisoners.
Infantry:
The principal arm, charged with the main field work. Its role is
the role of the entire force and its success is the success of the
whole force.
Artillery:
The close supporting arm of the infantry.
Its targets are those most dangerous in the eyes of the infantry.
Cavalry:
Reconnaissance--supports the other arms and is valuable in pursuit.
Combat:
Offensive.
Defensive.
(a) Temporary.
(b) Passive defense.
Combat Principles:
Fire superiority.
Unity of command.
Simple and direct plans and methods.
All troops necessary to mission must be assigned at beginning.
Detachments justifiable only when they can contribute directly to
success of main battle.
Some reserves must be kept.
Flank protection and reconnaissance.
Fire Superiority:
Must be gained early and maintained.
Frontage of Units:
Depth in formation for combat rather than extension of line.
Reserves:
Fresh troops must be on hand to
(1) Give fire line impetus.
(2) To penetrate enemy lines.
(3) To fill gaps and help reorganization.
(4) To meet counter attacks.
Plan of Action:
Mission of army is to win battle.
Offensive action must be the rule.
When enemy is near every available means must be taken to gain
information, in order to prepare for deployment.
Offensive Combat:
The attack develops into 2 parts.
(1) Assaulting hostile position at selected points.
(2) Threaten or assault all other parts of enemy line in order
to hold enemy from reinforcing operations.
Enveloping Attack:
Advantage of converging fire upon position.
Holding Attack:
An attack for holding enemy in one place, while assaults made at
another point.
Assaults:
The local concentrated offensive.
Pursuit:
Only by energetic pursuit can the full fruit of victory be gleaned.
Its purpose is to cause the greatest loss in personnel and morale
possible cavalry and artillery active.
Defensive Combat:
Passive defense--to gain time, or to hold certain points pending
results in other parts of the line.
Defense seeking a favorable decision--a parrying of blows while
seeking a favorable opening.
Counter attack the crisis of this form.
Counter attack--made by launching reserves at the flank, while the
enemy is fully committed to the attack.
Defensive Positions:
Requisites:
Clear field of fire.
Flanks naturally secure.
Extent of ground suitable to strength of force.
Effective corps for reserves.
Good lines of retreat.
Good communication.
Position in Readiness:
A position intended to resist the advance of an enemy in the
immediate vicinity information of whose movements is not full enough
to warrant definite action.
Withdrawal From Action:
Troops most readily disengaged from the enemy should be withdrawn
first.
Demands highest order of skill in troop leadership.
Covering Positions--those positions chosen to cover the retreating
force.
Retreat--a step by step opposition to the enemy's advance on a
prearranged plan.
Delaying actions:
1. Advance delayed as long as possible, consistent with safe
withdrawal.
2. Delayers must hold position.
Night Combat:
Offensive advisable.
1. Where fire superiority is impossible by day.
2. To avoid heavy losses by advance to assaulting position by
day.
3. To capture posts or patrols.
4. To surprise for moral effect.
Defensive:
Obstacles in front of position.
Trenches heavily manned and supports drawn close.
Shelter:
Troops under canvas--in camp.
Troops on ground without canvas--bivouac.
Troops in huts or villages--cantonment.
Tactical considerations are paramount in the selection of camp sites
in the theater of operations.
Selection of Camp Site:
1. Suitably large to accommodate command.
2. Water supply sufficient and accessible.
3. Good roads to and in camp.
4. Wood and grass forage near at hand.
5. Sandy subsoil for drainage.
6. Hot weather shade--cold protection.
To maintain the efficiency of a command, troops must have adequate
shelter.
Sanitary Considerations Around Camp:
Latrines on opposite side of camp from kitchens.
Short camps, straddle trenches.
Long camps, trenches 2 by 6 by 12 with seats.
Have latrines screened.
Burn the trenches out daily and keep covered.
Wash boxes and paint with tar.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON F.S.R.
1. How are the land forces of the U.S. organized?
_Ans_.--The _Mobile Army_ consisting of Regular Army, organized land
militia when called to Federal service, drafted army, volunteers and
the field artillery and the _Coast Artillery._
Basis of organization is the Division composed of all arms and
self-sufficient. Several divisions may be grouped into a field army,
to which are attached field army troops. These are organized into a
brigade for purpose of supply and administration when necessary
through numbers.
Coast Artillery is charged with the care and use of land and coast
fortifications, including submarine mines and torpedo defenses.
2. What is the object of collecting military information?
_Ans_.--To enable the War Department to decide upon the size of army
or expedition, the proportions of different arms, the character of
clothing, equipment, etc., needed for any operation.
Information collected by the Gen. Staff in time of peace should
include geography, physical resources, and military strength of the
various nations.
3. Define reconnaisance.
_Ans_.--Reconnaisance is used to designate the work of troops or
individuals when gathering information in the field.
It is necessary during combat for the tactical use of troops.
It is carried on by: (a) aero squadron; (b) independent cavalry; (c)
divisional cavalry; (d) by infantry as reconnoitering patrols.
4. What are some indications of the presence of the enemy?
_Ans_.--Clothing or material on roads or in abandoned camps.
A thick, low cloud of dust indicates infantry.
A high, thin cloud cavalry.
A broken cloud artillery or wagon trains.
How would you determine from these indications what the number and
organization of the enemy might be?
_Ans_.--Estimate strength by length of time it takes to pass a given
point. Assuming that infantry in column of squads occupies half a yard
per man, cavalry in column of fours 1 yard per trooper, and artillery
in single column 20 yards per gun or caisson, a given point would be
passed in one minute by about: 175 infantry, 110 cavalry at walk, 200
cavalry at trot, 5 guns or caissons.
5. Suppose on patrol and safely concealed for sighting the enemy at no
great distance, by what rough method would you ascertain the
approximate strength of the force assuming it to be composed of
infantry, cavalry and artillery?
See answer No. 4.
6. What is the composition and arrangement of the advance guard?
_Ans_.--All arms of the service. In open country much cavalry and
field artillery, the latter seldom assigned to command smaller than a
brigade. Also machine guns, ambulance company if the force is large
and engineers for purpose of removing obstacles to the march.
Large command; advance cavalry, support, reserve.
Small command; point, advance party, support, reserve.
Strength should be 1/20 to 1/3, depending on size of command and
character of terrain.
Advance guard increases in size proportionately with size of command.
Why?
7. Define: (a) Outguard; they constitute small detachments farthest to
the front and nearest to the enemy.
(b) Cossack post; observation group at indicated point consisting of
four men, post single sentinel.
(c) Picket; small command up to platoon placed in line of outguards at
more important points such as road forks.
8. What is an order?
_Ans_.--Orders are used by commanders of divisions and separate
brigades for regulating the movement and supply of field trains,
fixing position of distributing points for rations and forage, in
short, have to do with supplies of all kinds, especially food.
Form:
The heading.
The distribution of troops (in certain orders).
The body.
The ending.
The Body contains:
1. Information about the enemy and our supporting troops.
2. General plan of the commander.
3. Disposition of the troops.
4. Instructions for the trains.
5. Where the commander may be found or messages are to be sent.
9. During an advance what is the general order of advance of a column?
_Ans_.--Cavalry and horse artillery.
Infantry and light artillery.
Engineering and signal troops.
Trains.
10. What is the average march per day of various arms?
_Ans_.--Infantry, 15 miles per day.
Infantry in large bodies, 12 miles per day.
Cavalry, 25 miles per day.
Field artillery, 15 to 20 miles per day.
Horse artillery, same as cavalry, to which it may be attached.
Forced marches are from 28 to 30 miles for infantry.
11. How is the escort distributed in guarded convoys?
_Ans._--Advance guard, with advance cavalry 3 to 5 miles ahead.
Main body may be opposite most important point of the train, usually
opposite its center.
Section of infantry at head and tail of train.
Flank guard--if necessary.
Rear guard--1/6 of escort.
What places are most favorable for attacking convoy?
When passing through woods, defile, or over bridge, when going around
sharp bends in the road; when convoy is forming corral.
12. Discuss uses of the various arms in combat.
_Ans._--Infantry: The most important arm, charged with the main work
of the battle.
Artillery: Supporting arm of infantry. Its target is the opposing arm
most dangerous to the infantry.
Cavalry: Reconnaisance before combat, support of other arms during
combat.
13. What is the difference between the attack and the assault?
_Ans._--In combat where the force is as large or larger than a
division, a simultaneous advance against the entire hostile front is
out of the question. Attack is made up of a number of local combats.
Some where enemy is engaged with view to driving him out. This is
called the assault. Other parts of attack with fewer troops simply to
keep the enemy from coming to the support of those troops of the
assaulted lines. The entire advance against the enemy is the attack.
After the firing lines have advanced some distance the weak and the
strong points of the enemy's lines are disclosed. The weak points of
course are selected.
14. Discuss the manner in which a pursuit should be carried out?
_Ans._--If enemy commences withdrawal before front lines have given
way, troops in action push forward until enemy in their front are
driven away. Cavalry and horse artillery are thrown against flanks of
retreating enemy, or on their front. Purpose to further disorganize
the enemy, beat him to bridges, defiles, etc. In meantime reserve is
sent into the pursuit, while troops engaged are assembling to
constitute a new reserve. General scheme is to keep in continuous
contact with enemy, giving him no chance to reorganize. Boldness
necessary.
15. What are the different kinds of defense, and what is the purpose
of each?
_Ans._--(a) Passive; to retain position for specified time with or
without combat, or to prevent enemy from carrying position.
(b) Defense seeking favorable decision; troops forced temporarily to
assume the defensive, with intention of assuming the offensive at
first favorable opportunity.
16. What is the purpose of the counter attack?
_Ans._--To win victory, stave off defeat or prevent lines from being
entered. It may be launched either at the enemy's strong or weak
points depending on conditions. If enemy are beaten off and
disorganized at some point, it may be good opportunity to follow up
the advantage by counter attack. Also at other points where weakness
develops. Counter attack is made at strength of enemy to prevent him
from penetrating the defensive position.
17. How should advance position be organized and held?
_Ans._--Force should not be so weak that it can be driven back to main
body before it accomplishes its purpose, nor so strong that it will
hold out too long, thereby committing the entire force to action in
advance line instead of the line selected.
Trenches. What is position in readiness?
Troops placed in readiness for action where it is intended to resist
the advance of enemy in immediate vicinity, but knowledge of his
movements not yet sufficiently definite to decide upon plan of action.
Preliminary to taking up offensive, or more usually to taking up and
occupying defensive position. Hasten deployment when time comes.
18. If it becomes necessary to withdraw troops from action state steps
necessary to insure the safety of troops during the withdrawal and
retreat.
_Ans._--Last reserves should be used. If none, troops least pressed
used to cover withdrawal. Cavalry and artillery used unsparingly.
Depends on the terrain. First covering position well to the rear so as
not to suffer demoralization. On flanks of line of retreat. There
should also be facilities to withdraw the occupying force. Firing line
made as strong as possible, minimum of reserves held. Use M.G. Perhaps
successive covering points necessary further to rear before advance of
enemy can be checked. When a few miles to the rear, or far enough to
free troops from all contact with the enemy, reorganize. Step-by-step
opposition useless. Number of covering positions should be reduced to
the minimum.
Retreat; trains at once put into march. Other forces at once put into
order of march. All roads used, separate roads for divisions.
Effective rear guard from troops whose strength and morale is least
impaired.
Divisional cavalry and as much artillery as can effectively be used.
Use artillery at long range to keep the enemy deployed, destroy
bridges, etc.