(b) To show how to align the sights properly on the bull's-eye.
(c) To discover and demonstrate errors in sighting.
(d) To teach uniformity in sighting.
There are two kinds of sights on the rear sight leaf, the open and peep
sight. The open sight is the semi-circular notch a-b-c shown in the
diagram below; the peep sight is the small hold "d" just below the open
sight.
[Illustration: a, b, c--open sight
d--peep sight]
The sighting drills will visually illustrate the following kinds of
sights.
a--Normal Sight. This is the sight most frequently used. The following
illustration is the normal sight when the open sight notch is used.
[Illustration: The figure i-k-l-m is the front sight B-L-M-C the rear
sight notch.]
When the open sight is used the above diagram shows the correct
alignments of the rear sight notch, front sight and the bull's-eye. The
following features should be noticed:
1st. The front.sight (i-k-l-m) is exactly in the center of the rear
sight notch (B-L-M-C), if it is in the right or left part of this notch
the rifle will shoot to the right or left of the point aimed at.
2d. There is a thin strip of white seen between the top of the front
sight and the bull's-eye. (The Marine Corps and many army officers do
not see this strip of white. The method of aiming given and illustrated
in this book is the same as found in the Firing Regulations for the
Army.)
3d. The top of the front sight should just touch an imaginary line
connecting the shoulder at C with that at B. (This is most important.)
4th. The aim is taken at the bottom of the bull's-eye and not at the top
or center.
b--Fine Sight. The following illustration shows a fine sight which
should never be used:
[Illustration]
This sight causes the rifle to shoot too low because not enough front
sight is seen. Correspondingly, if more front sight is seen than
illustrated in the normal sights, the rifle shoots high.
c--Normal Sight. The following illustration shows the normal sight
when the peep sight is used.
[Illustration]
The above illustration shows the correct alignment of the peep sight,
front sight, and the bull's-eye. The following features should be
noticed:
1st. The top of the front sight and not the bull's-eye is focused in the
center of the peep sight.
2d. There is a thin strip of white between the top of the front sight
and the bottom of the bull's-eye.
3. Position and Aiming Drills.
Purpose: To so educate the muscles of the arms and body that the gun,
during the act of aiming, shall be held without restraint and during the
operation of firing shall not be deflected from the target by any
convulsion or improper movement of the trigger finger or of the body,
arms or hands. These drills must be taken daily, if they are to be of
the maximum benefit. If you are enthusiastic about rifle shooting, and
these drills are not give[C] to you, ask your company commander to show
them to you, as they can be executed to advantage at odd times.
4. Deflection and Elevation Correction Drills.
Purpose. To show you how to raise or lower your rear sight, change your
windage to the right or left, and note the effect on the striking point
of the bullet in each case. In general terms these drills teach you:
(1) What to do when you are firing too high or low. (Elevation Drill.)
(2) What to do when you are firing to the right or left of the target.
(Deflection Drill.)
The assumption is in each case that the gun is properly aimed the
instant it is fired.
Thoroughly to grasp every phase of the Elevation and Deflection Drills,
it is best that you become familiarized with the dimensions of the
following targets and the ranges at which each is used. It is not
intended that you shall retain all these figures in your mind.
SLOW FIRE TARGETS
[Illustration: TARGET A]
This target is used during slow fire at 200 and 300 yards.
[Illustration: TARGET B]
This target is used during slow fire at 500 and 600 yards.
RAPID FIRE TARGET
[Illustration: TARGET D]
This target is always used with the battle sight at 200, 300, and 500
yards rapid fire. Battle sight is the position of the rear sight when
the leaf is laid down, which is the habitual position of the rear sight
leaf at drill. It is an open sight, and corresponds to an elevation of
547 yards.
WINDAGE
The rear sight is set on a movable base so that it can be moved to the
right or left and the aiming point shifted accordingly in order to
counteract the effect of the wind on the bullet.
General Rule. To shift the striking point of the bullet to the left
move the rear sight to the left. And, of course, the reverse holds true
when it is moved to the right.
A Specific Rule. One point of windage moves the striking point of the
bullet 4 inches for every 100 yards you are distant from the target.
(One point of windage at 200 yards causes the bullet to strike 8 inches
to the right or left of the line of aim; one point at 300 yards causes a
12-inch deflection of the bullet; one point at 500 yards a 20-inch
deflection, and so on.)
ELEVATION
General rule for changing the elevation after hitting the target: A
change of elevation either up or down, of 100 yards on your rear sight,
will raise or lower your bullet in inches on the target equal to the
square of your distance in yards from the target. I.e., a change of 100
yards in elevation on the rear sight leaf while firing at the 200-yard
range raises or lowers the striking point of the bullet at the target 4
inches. A similar change while firing at the 300-yard range raises or
lowers the striking point of the bullet 9 inches, at the 400-yard range
it would be 16 inches, at the 500-yard range 25 inches, and so on.
The following illustrations are self-explanatory in regard to windage
and elevation changes and should be diligently studied during
preliminary instruction. The effect of windage changes (given in points)
will be found at the bottom of each target, while the effect of
elevation changes (given in yards) will be found to the left of each
target.
[Illustration: TARGET A, 6' x 4'
TARGET B, 6' x 6']
The above system of indicating the windage and elevation on each target
is used in the United States Marine Corps score book. Each man at
Plattsburg, in 1916, was supplied with one of these score books. If used
at the firing point they greatly simplify sight adjustments, besides
containing other very useful information on shooting.
5. Gallery Practise. Purpose
1. To note errors in the position of the man while he is in the act of
firing and call his attention to them after he has fired.
2. To give instruction in squeezing the trigger properly.
3. To stimulate and maintain interest.
4. Offers a check on what the man has absorbed from the other
preliminary drills.
Fire just as much on the gallery range as you company commander will
permit. You cannot fire too much. Every shot you fire should teach you a
lesson on some point connected with the art of shooting.
SLOW FIRE
Following satisfactory gallery practise scores the men go on the range
for known distance practice. Here the army rifle is fired with service
charges at known ranges; first, for instruction if time permits, and
then for record. To obtain satisfactory results the firer must perform
correctly five essential things, namely:
1. Hold the rifle on the mark.
2. Aim properly.
3. Squeeze the trigger properly.
4. Call the shot.
5. Make the proper sight adjustment.
They will be briefly and separately discussed:
1. Holding. Unless the rifle is held steadily the bullet will not hit
the desired mark. The firer must be able to hold the rifle steadily in
the three positions, kneeling, sitting. lying down. Holding is a
question of the proper body position, use of the sling, and practice.
Body Position. The position of the firer must be comfortable. You may,
at first, feel constrained or cramped in the different positions but by
continued practice the muscles and joints will become so supple and
pliable that you can easily assume the correct position. Each man who is
trying for a high score should utilize all available time to this end.
The following photographs illustrate the correct and incorrect
positions:
[Illustration: No. 1
CORRECT SITTING POSITION]
No. 1. Notice the position of the elbows. They are advanced past the
knees so that the flat muscles on the back of the arms, above the
elbows, rest against the legs. Notice the position of the right thumb
and aiming eye; also sling. To assume this position correctly, it is
necessary that you lean well forward. Avoid the tendency of getting the
feet too far apart.
[Illustration: No. 2.
CORRECT SITTING POSITION]
No. 2. Notice The proper manner of working the bolt during rapid fire.
Keep your gun at the shoulder while loading. Turn the gun to right and
down a little. Don't make any unnecessary motions'
[Illustration: INCORRECT SITTING POSITION]
No. 1. Left elbow is resting on knee cap. No support to steady right
arm. Eye too far from rear sight. Lip is against stock. (This causes
sore lips.) Thumb around stock. Sling on outside of arm.
No. 2. This shows the common error of lowering the gun from the shoulder
to load it during rapid fire.
[Illustration: CORRECT KNEELING POSITION]
No. 1. Correct kneeling position. Notice that the back of the left arm
(not elbow) is resting on knee.
Notice that the firer is sitting well down on the right leg. This is
essential.
[Illustration: INCORRECT KNEELING POSITION]
No. 1. Thumb is around small of stock. Eye too far from rear sight. The
gun is turned (canted) to the right. The sharp point of the elbow is
resting on the knee which has a tendency to make the position an
unsteady one.
No. 2. The improper manner of loading the gun during rapid fire. He has
lowered the gun from his shoulder to load it, which is "a time-killing"
proposition.
[Illustration: CORRECT PRONE POSITION]
No. 1. Notice the right eye. Notice that the left arm is well under the
gun. Notice where the gun is pressed against the shoulder. Notice
position of right thumb.
No. 2 Notice position of left arm. Notice the pressure of the sling
against the left arm.
No. 3 Notice the correct position of the legs and feet. Notice that the
toes are turned out.
[Illustration: INCORRECT PRONE POSITION]
No. 1. Gun is canted to the right. Sling is on the outside of the arm.
Right thumb is across small of stock which is the cause of bruises and
sore lips. Left elbow not well under. Eye too far from rear sight piece.
No. 2. Legs not straight. Gun canted to right. Left elbow not well under
gun.
No. 3. Legs are in an improper position. Body is twisted to the left.
Sling. Your ability to hold the rifle steadily in any required
position will be greatly increased by the proper adjustment and use of
the sling. Indeed, you cannot hope to hold the rifle steadily unless the
sling is properly used. The following photographs illustrate the correct
way to get into the sling.
[Illustration: No. 1.]
No. 1. Notice that the left arm is slipped in between the sling and the
gun from the left side. It is then run through the sling from the right
side of same. Notice how gun is held against leg. Notice that the muzzle
of the gun is pointing up, not down. The bolt should be drawn back while
you get into the sling. This is to avoid accidents. Notice that the
sight leaf is down.
[Illustration: No. 2]
No. 2. Notice that the sling has been slipped up and over the large
muscles of the upper arm. Also the left hand after being run through the
sling is grasping the gun to that the sling is to the right.
By turning back now to the photographs illustrating the correct body
positions you will see how the sling is used.
2. Aiming. An error of one one-hundredth of an inch in the amount of
front sight seen, at the instant the gun is fired, will cause you to
completely miss a man 500 yards away. Hence, the eye must be trained
unless the firer has at all times a mental picture of how the sights and
the bull's-eye look when properly aligned. You should acquire this
mental picture during your aiming exercises and by the time you go on
the range you should have the eye so trained that you will focus it
properly on your sights and target without mental effort.
3. Trigger Squeeze. If you convulsively jerk the trigger to discharge
the rifle, you disturb your hold and aim and the mark is missed; this
is the recruit's most common error. To properly squeeze trigger observe
the following suggestions:
(a) As you place your rifle to the shoulder, take up the loose play in
the trigger (called the creep).
(b) When the gun is properly aimed, don't endeavor at that particular
moment to fire it but be content to apply additional pressure to the
trigger and then hold this pressure until the gun is again steady and
properly aimed when a little more pressure is added and so on until the
gun is discharged. By using this system, the firer does not know the
exact instant the gun is to go off and the common faults, namely,
flinching and jerking the trigger are unconsciously avoided.
(c) Fill lungs full, that is take a deep breath, let a little out, and
then stop breathing to fire.
4. Calling the Shot. If the aiming eye is open when the gun is
discharged, the firer should know at what part of the target the gun was
aimed at that instant, and he should announce this fact to his coach or
in the absence of a coach make a mental note of it. If the bullet struck
the target at the point where the gun was aimed the instant of
discharge, no sight correction is necessary; on the other hand, if the
bullet did not strike the target at the point where the gun was aimed
the instant of discharge, the sights are probably improperly adjusted
and should be changed as indicated in the following paragraph on sight
adjustment.
5. Sight Adjustment. If, after firing two or more shots, you find
that, in each case, there is a constant error between where the bullet
hits the target and the place where you called the shot, your sights
should be readjusted in accordance with your preliminary elevation and
deflection drills. When you decide to change your sight adjustment don't
be timid and deal in half measures but apply a sufficient correction so
that the rifle will hit where the shot is called. The inexperienced man
has a tendency to change his sights after each shot. Avoid this
tendency.
RAPID FIRE
In rapid fire the battle sight is always used; the firing is against
time and at a field target (Target D), and from ranges 200, 300, and
sometimes 500 yards.
The battle sight corresponds to an elevation of 547 yards, which makes
it necessary for the firer at the 200 and 300 yard ranges to aim at a
point about 2-1/2 feet below the part of the target that it is desired
to hit. Prior to record firing each man should determine these aiming
points by slow fire, at ranges 200 and 300 yards, using the battle
sight.
There is one golden rule that must be followed if you are to get a good
score at rapid fire: You must use the minimum time possible in loading
and the maximum time possible for aiming and squeezing the trigger. To
be more specific, this means work your bolt quickly but aim and squeeze
your trigger slowly.
HINTS ON RAPID FIRE
1. When you go to the firing point get two clips of cartridges, one to
be used at the command load and the extra one is placed in the belt.
2. See that your cut-off is up.
3. When the target first appears drop quickly into the required position
for firing. A great deal of time is usually lost by the firer squirming
around trying to get into a comfortable position.
4. Don't hurry your first or last shot. These are the two shots that are
usually bad.
5. If your second clip jams or breaks, turn the cut-off up, load and
fire each cartridge separately.
6. Leave the gun at your shoulder while working the bolt.
7. Be careful to fire on your own target.
8. If a cartridge fails to fire, it is very probably because the bolt is
not all the way down; therefore recock the gun (pull the firing pin
back), make certain the bolt is down, and fire again.
9. As soon as the targets disappear cease firing, come to Inspection
Arms, examine your rifle for unfired cartridges.
GENERAL HINTS AND CAUTIONS
1. Don't be afraid of the kick; it is more imaginary than real when the
sling is properly used, your shoulder properly padded, and the gun
properly held.
2. Rest your cheek, not your jaw bone, lightly against the small of the
stock.
3. Rest your right thumb along the right side of the stock and not on
top of it.
4. Blacken both front and rear sights, adjust and place your arm in the
sling, and if possible set your sights while you are waiting your turn
to go to the firing point.
5. Approach and leave the firing point with your bolt drawn back. This
is to prevent accidents.
6. When not actually aiming, have your bolt drawn back.
7. Never attempt to force the bolt into the gun in case of a jam, but
ask a coach to fix it for you.
8. Don't allow the muzzle to touch the ground.
9. Don't rub your eyes while at the firing point.
10. When not actually aiming, rest the eyes by shading them or looking
at something green.
11. Clean the bore of your rifle before and after firing. After firing
it should be cleaned daily, until a rag run through it will not be
soiled.
12. Clean the rifle from the breech.
13. Zero of rifle. Every rifle, owing to slight inequalities of boring,
sights, and the personal errors of the firer, shoots differently. When
you have ascertained its (rifle) and your own peculiar errors and you
know where to set your sights to counteract these constant errors, you
have determined what is commonly termed the zero of your rifle. To
illustrate, if you were shooting on a perfectly calm day (which is
essential) at the target from the 500-yard range, and you found that you
required one half a point left windage in order to hit the bull's-eye
when no wind is blowing, the zero of your rifle for that range would be
one half a point left windage.
CARE OF THE RIFLE
Keep the metal part of your rifle covered with a thin coating of light
oil; "3-in-1" oil is ordinarily used. This is especially important in
damp weather.
Always clean the bore from the breech. This avoids injuring the muzzle.
The pull through (a string found in the oiler and thong case) is only
used in the field.
After the rifle is fired the bore is covered with an acid which, if left
in the bore, will eat into the metal and pit it. To avoid this, swab out
the barrel as soon as possible after firing with Hoppe's "Powder
Solvent, No. 9" which can be purchased at the camp stores. If this
powder solvent is not available, dissolve some soda in water and use it.
When the barrel is clean, dry it out thoroughly by running several dry
rags through it. Next run several rags, saturated in oil, through the
barrel, this for the purpose of oiling the bore and preventing rust.
This process of cleaning should be repeated for at least three
successive days following the firing of the rifle.
The metal fouling, caused by the pealing off in the bore of the jacket
of the bullet, can only be removed by an application of an ammonia
solution which should not be used by an inexperienced man.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
The Bayonet. The bayonet is a cutting and thrusting weapon consisting of
three principal parts, viz., the blade, the guard, and the grip. The
weight of a bayonet is 1 pound.
[Illustration]
Captain B. A. Dixon, retired, has compiled the following interesting
data about our military rifle and ammunition:
"Name. United States Rifle (commonly known as the Springfield).
"Cost. $14.40 without the bayonet.
"Barrel. 24.006 inches in length. The muzzle is rounded to protect the
rifling. Any injury here would allow gases to escape around the sides of
the bullet and destroy its accuracy.
"On the top in rear of the front sight is stamped the Ordnance
escutcheon, the initials of the place of manufacture, and the month and
year.
"Caliber. .30-thirty hundredths of an inch. Caliber is the interior
diameter of the barrel measured between the lands.
"Grooves. The four spiral channels within the bore of the rifle
sometimes called rifling. They are .004 inches deep and are three times
as wide as the lands.
"Lands. The four raised spaces in the bore of the rifle between the
grooves. These lands grip the bullet as it passes through the bore and
rotate it to the right about the longer axis. This rotation serves to
prevent tumbling and keeps the bullet accurately on its course. This
spinning of the bullet also causes it to drift slightly to the right as
it passes through the air. The same effect is produced by throwing a
baseball with a twist.
"Twist. The spiral formed by the grooves in the barrel of the piece.
The twist is uniform and to the right, one turn in ten inches.
"Length. The rifle without bayonet is 43.212 inches long. With bayonet
it is 59.212 inches long.
"Manufacture. The United States Rifle is manufactured by the
Government at Springfield Armory, Massachusetts, and Rock Island
Arsenal, Illinois.
"Rear Sight Leaf. Graduated from 100 to 2850 yards. The odd range is
on the right branch of the leaf, the even on the left. Note that the
line corresponding to a range is below a numeral.
"Battle sight is the position of the rear sight in which the leaf is
laid down. The slide should be drawn all the way hack to secure full
advantage of the windage. It corresponds to a range of 547 yards.
"Rounds. The rifle will hold six cartridges. Five are carried in the
magazine and one in the chamber.
"Stock. Made of walnut wood.
"Oiler and Thong Case. Furnished for every alternate rifle and is
carried in butt of the stock. In one section is a supply of oil, in the
other a thong and brush for cleaning the bore. In cleaning by this
method draw the brush or rag from the muzzle toward the breech.
"Weight. 8.69 pounds without bayonet. Bayonet weighs 1 pound.
"AMMUNITION
"Cost. About three and one-half cents per cartridge.
"Bullet. Has a core of lead and tin composition inclosed in a jacket
of cupro-nickel. The jacket being tough enables the lands in the bore to
grip the bullet without rupturing and to rotate it while passing through
the barrel. A lead bullet unjacketed would strip and pass through
without rotating. It weighs 150 grains and is pointed to offer less
resistance to the air.
"Case. Made of brass. The government ammunition is manufactured at
Frankford Arsenal, Pennsylvania.
"Powder. Pyrocellulose. The grains are cylindrical, single,
perforated, and graphited. Normal charge is 47-50 grains. Pressure
developed in the chamber is 51,000 pounds per square inch.
"Penetration. This bullet will penetrate the following materials to
depth stated at range of 100 yards: Moist sand, 14.02 inches; loam,
17.46 inches; oak, 31.18 inches; brick wall, 5.5 inches; steel plate, .4
inch. Dry sand is the best stop. The bullet will penetrate 6.88 inches
of it at 100 yards and 13.12 inches at 500 yards.
"Range. Maximum range, 4891.6 yards, about 2-3/4 miles) with the
muzzle elevated 45 degrees. The time of flight 38.058 seconds.
"Velocity. About 2700 feet per second at 70 degrees F.
"Weight. A complete cartridge weighs 395.5 grains depending on amount
of water. It is waterproof."
ESTIMATING DISTANCE
Suppose you are out hunting, and that you see a big buck on a distant
hill. Suppose that it is exactly 600 yards distant from you, that you
are an expert shot, and that you set your sights at 400 yards and fire.
Will you hit the deer or not? You must know how to guess accurately the
distance to a deer, or a man, or anything else, if you propose to have
any reasonable hope of hitting it.
The art of estimating distances with the eye can be improved by
practice. When you are in ranks, observe continually your surroundings.
Call attention to and make estimates of the distances to all the
prominent objects in view. Others near you will become interested, and
the interest will soon spread to the entire company. It will be
necessary for the objects to be pointed out to those interested. This in
itself is a difficult thing to do. To be able quickly to see distant
objects that are being pointed out is a military accomplishment which
all soldiers should possess and which comes only with practice.
METHODS OF ESTIMATING DISTANCES BY THE EYE
1. Decide that the object cannot be more than a certain distance away,
or less than a certain distance. Keep the estimate within the closest
possible limits and take the mean of the two estimates as the range. For
instance, that deer cannot be over 800 yards away and not less than 400
yards. Your estimated distance is 600 yards.
2. Select a point which you think is the middle point of the distance,
estimate the distance to this middle point, and double your estimate to
get your range. Do the same thing with half the distance, if the object
is very far away.
3. Estimate the distance along a parallel line, such as a telephone line
or a railroad having on it a well-defined length with which you are
familiar.
4. Take the mean of several estimates made by several well-instructed
men. This method is used in battle, but is not applicable to instruction
or during tests.
1. Preliminary Instruction
To estimate distances by the eye with accuracy, it is first necessary
that you become familiar with the appearance of the most convenient unit
of length, namely 100 yards. Stake off a distance of 100 yards.
Subdivide this 100 yards into four 25-yard divisions. Pace off the
entire distance several times, and you will soon become familiar with
the appearance of 100 yards. Next, take a distance more than 100 yards
and compare it mentally with your unit of measure (100 yards) and make
your estimate. Verify this estimate by pacing the distance. Do this once
a day for several months, and you may become highly skilled in the art
of estimating distances.
2. Preliminary Instruction
If you know how a soldier, or group of soldiers, looks at the different
ranges, it will often assist you in quickly making an accurate estimate
of the distance. In order to acquire skill in estimating distances by
this method one must have special exercises designated to demonstrate
the clearness with which details of clothing, movement of the limbs,
etc., can be observed at the different ranges. Have a squad march away
from you to a distance of 1,200 yards. Then have it approach you and
halt every 100 yards. Each time the squad halts make a mental note of
the distance, and then observe carefully its appearance, the clearness
with which you can see the clothing, movements of the limbs, etc.
APPEARANCE OF OBJECTS
Become familiar with the effect which the varying conditions of light,
background, etc., have upon the apparent distance of the object. Don't
be content to memorize the following data, but go after the underlying
reason in each case.
Objects seem nearer than they actually are:
1. When the object is seen in a bright light.
2. When the color of the object contrasts sharply with the color of the
background.
3. When looking over water, snow, or a uniform surface like a wheat
field.
4. When looking from a height downward.
5. In clear atmosphere of high altitudes, as in Arizona and New Mexico.
Objects seem more distant than they actually are:
1. When looking over a depression in the ground (across a canyon).
2. When there is a poor light (very cloudy day) or a fog.
3. When only a part of the object can be seen.
4. When looking from low ground upward toward higher ground.
ESTIMATING DISTANCES BY SOUND
Sound travels at the rate of about 366 yards a second. Therefore,
multiply the number of seconds intervening between the flash of the gun
and the report of the same by 366, and the product will be the distance
in yards to the gun.
RANGE-FINDING INSTRUMENT
Each company is equipped with a range-finding instrument. All company
officers and sergeants should be proficient in using it. The accuracy of
this instrument will greatly depend upon the skill of the user, and the
visibility of the objective.
TRIAL SHOTS OR VOLLEYS
"If the ground is so dry and dusty that the fall of the bullets is
visible through a glass or with the naked eye, a method of determining
the distance is afforded by using a number of trial shots or volleys.
The method of using trial volleys is as follows: The sights are raised
for the estimated range and one volley is fired. If this appears to hit
but little short of the mark, an increase of elevation of 100 yards will
be used for the next volley. When the object is enclosed between two
volleys, a mean of the elevation will be adopted as the correct range.
The range may be obtained from a near-by battery or machine gun. This is
the best method when available."--Small Arms Firing Manual.
ESTIMATING DISTANCE TEST
This test is usually held after the record firing on the range has been
completed. No distance used in this test will be less than 547 yards
(battle sight range) or more than 1200 yards, which is considered the
extreme range for effective fire of individuals or a small command.
Should a soldier fail three times to make the necessary percentage in
these tests, his rifle qualification will be reduced one grade. For the
specific conditions governing this test, see Small Arms Firing Manual.
RANGE FINDERS
Five or six enlisted men, selected by the company
[Illustration: This shows the path of the bullet (Line of Trajectory) of
the 1917 Rifle (Enfield).
The Line of Aim, we see, connects the eye, the rear sight, the front
sight and the bottom part of the target. It is a straight line.
We see that the Line of Trajectory crosses the Line of Aim at two
points. The distance between these points is 452 yards. Therefore, 452
yards is the Battle Sight Range for the 1917 Rifle.]
To hit the target squarely when it is 200 yards away, the
Line of Aim must be under it, as shown in the diagram.]
[Illustration: THE 1917 RIFLE (ENFIELD)]
commander from those most skilled, will be designated as "Range
Finders." These men are practised in estimating distance throughout the
year. Their practice will be on varied ground and at distances up to
2000 yards. These men assist the company commander when the company is
on the defensive, in estimating the distances to the prominent objects
in view before the action commences; and at other times when the company
commander needs their assistance.
CHAPTER V
TENT PITCHING
On the hike the camp will be laid out daily in advance by a staff
officer. The company being halted and in line, the company commander
gives the order: FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS.
The first sergeant and right guide fall in on the right of the company.
The blank files in the squads have to be filled by men from the file
closers, and the remaining guides and file closers form on the left
flank or at such places as may be designated by the company commander.
The company commander next gives the order: 1. Take interval, 2. To the
left, 3. MARCH, 4. Company, 5. HALT.
At the second command (to the left) the rear rank men march backward
four steps of fifteen inches each and then halt.
At the command MARCH, all face to the left and the leading man of each
rank steps off. The remaining men step off in succession, each following
the preceding man at four paces. The rear rank men march abreast of
their file leaders.
The company commander gives the command HALT when all have gained their
intervals. At this command all halt and face to the front, dressing to
the right. The more quickly you dress and establish the line of tents,
the more quickly you will be relieved of those heavy packs. This is the
time to brace up and give the company commander your support by giving
him your attention. If you cover in file accurately as you take interval
you will often be accurately aligned upon halting.
The next command is: PITCH TENTS. At this command each man steps off
obliquely to the right with the right foot (about thirty inches) and
lays his rifle on the ground, butt to the rear and near the toe of the
right foot, muzzle to the front, barrel to the left. He then steps back
to his original position. During this process of "grounding" the rifle,
the front rank man must keep his left foot strictly in its position.
Each front rank man then draws his bayonet from the scabbard and sticks
it in the ground by the outside of his right heel. Now in order to
insure the bayonet being properly aligned, thus producing a straight
line of tents, the company officers (first and second lieutenants),
sometimes are required to align the line of bayonets while the men are
unslinging and opening their equipment. The equipment is then unslung
and laid on the ground. The packs are opened and the shelter half and
pins removed therefrom. Each man spreads his shelter half, small
triangle to the rear, on the ground that the tent is to occupy, the
rear-rank man's shelter half being on the right. Then the front-and
rear-rank men button the halves together, the rear-rank man's half on
top. The guy loops at each end of the lower half are then passed
through the button holes provided in the lower and upper halves; next
the whipped end of the guy rope is passed through both guy loops and
secured; this is done at both ends of the tent, the rear-rank man
working at the rear and the front-rank man at the front.
Each front-rank man then inserts the muzzle of his rifle under the
front end of the tent and holds the rifle upright, sling to the front,
heel of the butt on the ground beside the bayonet. The rear-rank man
comes to the front of the tent and pins down the two front corners on
the line of bayonets, stretching the sides of the tent taut. He then
inserts a pin in the loop of the front guy rope and drives it in the
ground at such a distance in front of the rifle as to hold the rope
taut. Then both men proceeding to the rear of the tent, each pins down a
corner, stretching the sides and rear of the tent taut before driving
the pin in. The rear-rank man next inserts an intrenching tool or a
bayonet, in its scabbard, under the rear end of the tent, the front rank
man pegging down the end of the guy rope. The rest of the pins are then
driven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right.
The front flaps of the tent are not fastened down, but thrown back on
the tent.
In pitching the tent, it is absolutely necessary that the front-and
rear-rank men work together. Team work is essential.
When the camp site is small, it is necessary that each
[Illustration: Arrangement of Field Equipment in Shelter Tent
Elevation]
company pitch its tents in two lines facing each other.
The following illustration shows the arrangement of the articles of the
equipment when they are laid out for inspection. During the inspection,
each man stands at attention in front of the corner pin of his own
shelter half on a line with the front guy rope pin, unless ordered to
the contrary.
[Illustration: PLAN]
CHAPTER VI
SIGNALS AND CODES
1. GENERAL SERVICE CODE. (INTERNATIONAL MORSE CODE.)
Used for visual (except semaphore) and sound signaling, radio
telegraphy, on cables using siphon recorders, in communication with the
Navy, and in intra-field artillery buzzer communication.
A . -
B - . . .
C - . - .
D - . .
E .
F . . - .
G - - .
H . . . .
I . .
J . - - -
K - . -
L . - . .
M - -
N - .
O - - -
P . - - .
Q - - . -
R . - .
S . . .
T -
U . . -
V . . . -
W . - -
X - . . -
Y - . - -
Z - - . .
NUMERALS
1 . - - - -
2 . . - - -
3 . . . - -
4 . . . . -
5 . . . . .
6 - . . . .
7 - - . . .
8 - - - . .
9 - - - - .
0 - - - - -
PUNCTUATION
Period . . . . . .
Comma . - . - . -
Interrogation . . - - . .
Hyphen or dash - . . . . -
Parentheses
(before and after the words) - . - - . -
Quotation mark
(beginning and ending) . - . . - .
Exclamation - - . . - -
Apostrophe . - - - - .
Semicolon - . - . - .
Colon - - - . . .
Bar indicating fraction - . . - .
Underline (before and after
the word or words it is
wished to underline) . . - - . -
Double dash (between preamble and address,
between address and body of message, between
body of message and signature, and
immediately before a fraction) - . . . -
Cross . - . - .
Note.--Numerals and punctuations must be spelled out in the ardois, as
they require more than four elements, which is the limit of the ardois
keyboard.
The position is with the flag or other appliance held vertically, the
signalman directly facing station with which it is desired to
communicate. The "dot" is to the right of sender, embracing an arc of
90 deg., starting with the vertical and returning to it. The "dash" is a
similar motion to left. "Front" is downward directly in front and
instantly returned to vertical; it indicates a pause or conclusion.
[Illustration: CONVENTIONAL FLAG SIGNALS]
For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commander
in rear, the subjoined signals (Signal Corps codes) are prescribed and
should be memorized. In transmission, their concealment from the enemy's
view should be insured. In the absence of signal flags, the head dress
or other substitute may be used.
Letter of If signaled from the If signaled from the
Alphabet rear to the firing line firing line to the rear
A M Ammunition going forward Ammunition required
C C C Charge (mandatory at all Am about to charge if no
times) instructions to the
contrary
C F Cease firing Cease firing
D T Double time or "rush" Double time or "rush" or
hurry
F Commence firing Commence firing
F L Artillery fire is causing Artillery fire is causing
us losses us losses
G Move forward Preparing to move forward
H H H Halt Halt
K Negative Negative
L T Left Left
O What is the (R. N., etc.?) What is the (R. N., etc.?)
(Ardois and Interrogatory Interrogatory
semaphore
only)
. . - - . . What is the (R. N., etc.?) What is the (R. N., etc.?)
(All methods Interrogatory Interrogatory
but ardois
and semaphore)
P Affirmative Affirmative
R Acknowledgment Acknowledgment
R N Range Range
R T Right Right
S S S Support going forward Support needed
T Target Target
[Illustration: TWO-ARM SEMAPHORE CODE]
ARM SIGNALS
The following arm signals are prescribed. In making signals either arm
may be used. Officers who receive signals on the firing line "repeat
back" at once to prevent misunderstanding.
[Illustration: Forward]
Forward, MARCH. Carry the hand to the shoulder; straighten and hold the
arm horizontally, thrusting it in the direction of march.
This signal is also used to execute quick time from double time.
[Illustration: Halt: Arm held stationary. Double Time: Arm moved up and
down several times.]
HALT. Carry the hand to the shoulder. Thrust the hand upward and hold
the arm vertically.
Double time, MARCH. Carry the hand to the shoulder; rapidly thrust the
hand upward the full extent of the arm several times.
[Illustration: Squads Right]
Squads right, MARCH. Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it
to a vertical position above the head and swing it several times between
the vertical and horizontal positions.
[Illustration: Squads Left]
Squads left, MARCH. Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it
downward to the side and swing it several times between the downward and
horizontal positions.
[Illustration: To the rear
Squads Right About]
Squads right about, MARCH (if in close order) or, To the rear, MARCH (if
in skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically above the head; carry it
laterally downward to the side, and swing it several times between the
vertical and downward positions.
[Illustration: Change direction]
Change direction or Column right (left), MARCH. The hand on the side
toward which the change of direction is to be made is carried across the
body to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal; then swing in a
horizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction.
[Illustration: As Skirmishers]
As skirmishers, MARCH. Raise both arms laterally until horizontal.
[Illustration: As Skirmishers Guide Center]
As skirmishers, guide center, MARCH. Raise both arms laterally until
horizontal; swing both simultaneously upward until vertical, and return
to the horizontal; repeat several times.
[Illustration: As Skirmishers Guide right]
As skirmishers, guide right (left), MARCH. Raise both arms laterally
until horizontal; hold the arm on the side of the guide steadily in the
horizontal position; swing the other upward until vertical, and return
it to the horizontal; repeat several times.
[Illustration: Assemble]
Assemble, MARCH. Raise the arm vertically to its full extent and
describe horizontal circles.
[Illustration: To announce range Battle sight]
Range or Change Elevation. To announce range, extend the arm toward the
leaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed; by keeping
the fist closed battle sight is indicated;
[Illustration: Range 300 Or increase by 300]
by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number
equal to the hundreds of yards;
[Illustration: Add 50]
to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with forefinger.
[Illustration: Decrease by 500]
To change elevation, indicate the amount of increase or decrease by
fingers as above; point upward to indicate increase and downward to
indicate decrease.
[Illustration: What range are you using or: What is the range]
What range are you using? or What is the range? Extend the arms toward
the person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on the
other hand, fist closed.
[Illustration: Are you ready or: I am ready]
Are you ready? or I am ready. Raise the hand, fingers extended and
joined, palm toward the person addressed.
[Illustration: Commence Firing]
Commence firing. Move the arm extended in full length, hand palm down,
several times through a horizontal arc in front of the body.
Fire faster. Execute rapidly the signal "Commence firing."
Fire slower. Execute slowly the signal "Commence firing."
[Illustration: To swing cone of fire to right]
Swing the cone of fire to the right, or left. Extend the arm in full
length to the front, palm to the right (left); swing the arm to right
(left), and point in the direction of the new target.
Fix bayonet. Simulate the movement of the right hand in "Fix bayonet."
[Illustration: Suspend firing. For Cease firing--Swing arm up and down
several times.]
Suspend firing. Raise and hold the forearm steadily in a horizontal
position in front of the forehead, palm of the hand to the front.
Cease firing. Raise the forearm as in suspend firing and swing it up and
down several times in front of the face.
[Illustration: Platoon]
Platoon. Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; describe
small circles with the hand.
[Illustration: Squad]
Squad. Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; swing the
hand up and down from the wrist.
Rush. Same as double time.
Use of the platoon and squad signals. The signals platoon and squad are
intended primarily for communication between the captain and his platoon
leaders. The signal platoon or squad indicates that the platoon
commander is to cause the signal which follows to be executed by platoon
or squad.
You will observe that in no case is the right hand or the left hand
specified. The officer may either face the company or have his back
toward it.
CHAPTER VII
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
In the army, as in civilian life, you are very often your brother's
keeper, as well as your own. Doctors cannot accompany a scout, a patrol,
or the firing line. They are seldom present when a man falls overboard.
When a soldier on the firing line is wounded, he may remain for several
hours where he falls. He, or his comrade, bandages the wound. Suppose
you are wounded, bitten by a snake, etc., what would you do? You may
have to give a practical answer to these questions at some time during
your life.
This chapter tells you what to do and what not to do in case of the most
frequent disabling accidents that may befall a soldier or a civilian.
Ask your mother, father, older brothers, and sisters to read it. Part of
it is for them.
FIRST-AID PACKET
Each soldier carries on his belt a first-aid packet. This packet
contains two perfectly pure bandages and a couple of safety pins. It
should be air tight. Examine yours every week and if the seal is
defective, ask your captain for a new packet.
CAUTIONS
1. Act quickly but quietly. Be calm and quiet. Don't lose your head.
2. Make the injured party sit or lie down.
3. See the injury clearly before treating it. Send for a doctor if the
wound is serious.
4. Do not remove more clothing than is necessary to examine the injury.
Always rip, or, if you cannot rip, cut the clothes from the injured
part. Don't pull the clothes off.
5. Give alcoholic stimulants cautiously and slowly, and only when the
patient feels weak or drowsy. Hot coffee or tea will often suffice when
obtainable.
6. Keep from the patient all persons not actually needed to assist you.
7. Do not touch a wound with your fingers. If the wound is dirty,
remove the dirt as well as possible, with the first-aid bandage.
8. Don't pour into the wound any water from your canteen for the
purpose of washing it out or washing the blood from around the wound.
Water often contains germs and the skin around the wound may be dirty.
If water is poured into the wound it carries or washes into the same
these germs and dirt, and the wound will become infected.
9. Heat and moisture increases the activity of the germ of infection.
Therefore keep the wound cool and dry.
10. If the blood is scarlet in color and appears in spurts, send at
once for a doctor and then take the necessary measures (apply a
tourniquet) to stop the flow of blood.
11. If the patient loses consciousness, it will probably be because
insufficient blood is reaching the brain. Lower your patient's head and
give all your attention to stopping the bleeding.
BULLET WOUND
If you receive a bullet wound, don't get excited or lose your head. A
bullet wound in the muscle or soft parts of the body causes little pain
and, if properly dressed, heals in about two to three weeks. Protect the
openings where the bullet entered and came out with the bandages found
in the first-aid packet. Don't touch the wound with your fingers.
Remove sufficient clothing to see the wounds. Then, and not before, open
the first-aid packet and carefully unfold (open) the compress (pad found
in the middle of each bandage) and place it over the wound and wrap the
ends of the bandage fairly tight around the limb and fasten with the
safety pin. If one compress is not large enough to cover the entire
wound, use the second bandage. This bandaging will stop ordinary
bleeding. Such a dressing may be all that is needed for several days. It
is better to leave a wound undressed than to dress it carelessly or
ignorantly, so that the dressing must be removed.
STOPPING BLEEDING
If the blood is dark blue and the stream is continuous, a vein has been
punctured which, in itself, is not ordinarily dangerous. The bandaging
of such a wound will usually stop the flow of blood. Bandage firmly.
Remember all wounds bleed a little, but that, as a rule, this bleeding
will stop in a few minutes if the patient remains quiet.
If the blood is bright red and appears in spurts, an artery has been
punctured, and the flow of blood must be stopped or the patient will
bleed to death. To do this, apply a pressure to the artery at some point
between the wound and the heart. Press the artery against the bone. This
can usually be done for a short time with the fingers. However it will
usually he necessary to use an improvised tourniquet. Tie the bandage of
the first-aid packet around the limb so that the compress (pad) will
press the artery against the bone. Slip under the compress and over the
artery a small stone. Pass a stick under the bandage and turn the stick
around slowly until the slack is taken up and the bleeding stops. Then
tie the stick as shown in the illustration.
[Illustration]
After the tourniquet has been in place for an hour, loosen it and if no
blood flows allow it to remain loose. If it again bleeds tighten it
quickly and loosen again at the end of an hour.
The following illustrations, show the usual places where tourniquets are
applied or where pressure can be applied to the arteries with the thumb:
[Illustration: WOUND IN SHOULDER]
[Illustration: WOUND IN ARM]
[Illustration: WOUND IN HEAD]
[Illustration: WOUND IN LEG]
BROKEN BONE (FRACTURE)
The next injury you must know is a broken bone. You will usually know
when an arm or leg is broken by the way the arm or leg is held, for the
wounded man loses control over the limb. Suppose your comrade breaks his
leg or arm. What would you do? Straighten the limb gently, pulling upon
the end of it quietly and firmly so that the two ends of the broken bone
will not overlap. Next, retain the limb in its straightened position by
such splints and other material as the boot of a carbine, a piece of
board, a piece of tin gutter. Pad the material you use. Tie it to the
broken limb as shown in the following illustrations. Never place a
bandage over the fracture. See Illustration.
[Illustration: BROKEN ARM]
[Illustration: BROKEN LEG]
[Illustration: BROKEN LEG]
DROWNING
Being under water for over four or five minutes is generally fatal,
but, unless you know the body has been submerged a long time, make an
attempt to restore life. Don't get disheartened and give up, if you see
no signs of life after a few minutes' work. Work on the body for at
least an hour.
Your comrade's lifeless body has just been pulled out of the water. What
do you do? You are alone.
1. Don't waste time in removing his clothes.
2. Reach your finger in his mouth and straighten out his tongue.
3. Lay him on his stomach; then straddle him; reach both arms under his
stomach; raise his hips two feet from the ground and jostle him. This
drains the water from the stomach and lungs.
[Illustration: PRESSURE EXERTED]
4. Lay him on his stomach; turn his head to one side so his nose and
mouth do not touch the ground; extend his arms beyond his head (see
illustration); locate his lowest (12th) rib; place hand, finger, and
thumb closed (see illustration) on body so that the little finger curls
over the 12th rib; hold your arms and wrists straight and lean forward
slowly so the weight of the upper part of your body will be brought to
bear gradually upon your comrade's ribs (see illustration); let this
pressure continue for about three seconds; then remove it suddenly by
removing the hands. Apply this pressure at the rate of from 12 to 15
times a minute.
[Illustration: PRESSURE RELAXED]
5. Do not attempt to give him any kind of liquids while he is
unconscious.
6. Apply warm blankets as soon as possible.
7. Never say "He is dead"--Work on his body for at least an hour.
SUNSTROKE--(THE SKIN IS HOT)
A sunstroke is accompanied by the following symptoms: headache,
dizziness, sense of oppression, nausea, colored vision, and often the
patient becomes insensible. The muscles are relaxed, face flushed, skin
hot, pulse rapid, and the temperature rises. The breathing is labored.
Treatment: Reduce the temperature as rapidly as possible, with ice or
cold water; get the patient in the shade. Loosen clothing.
HEAT EXHAUSTION--(THE SKIN IS COOL)
Symptoms: Nausea, a staggering gait, pulse is weak, and the patient
may quickly become unconscious. The skin is cool. This condition is
dangerous.
Treatment: Rub the limbs vigorously. Give stimulants; apply heat.
BURNS
Do not pull the clothing from the burnt part, but rip or cut it off. Do
not break the blisters or prick them even if large.
Treatment: Protect it quickly with a mixture of equal parts of linseed
or olive oil and water.
FREEZING AND FROSTBITE
Symptom: The part frozen appears white or bluish and is cold.
Treatment: Raise the temperature of the frozen member slowly by
rubbing it with snow or ice and water, in a cool place. Don't go near a
fire.
FAINTING
Symptom: Loss of consciousness. It is usually the result of severe
bleeding or exhaustion from fatigue. This condition is rarely dangerous.
Treatment: Lay the patient on his back, head a little lower than rest
of body, arms by side, feet extended. Rub the limbs. Sprinkle water on
the face and give stimulants if necessary.
POISONING
Treatment: Send for a doctor at once. Empty the stomach and bowels.
Give two tablespoons full of mustard and warm water or a tablespoon full
of salt in a glass of water to produce vomiting. Then give a purgative.
Tickle throat with finger or feather in case mustard or salt are not
procurable. After the poison has been evacuated, give stimulants and
apply heat and rubbing externally.
SNAKE BITE
In snake bites the poison acts quickly.
Treatment: Apply a tourniquet between the wound and the heart so as to
stop the circulation and prevent the system from absorbing the poison.
Get out your knife and make a couple of cross cuts through the wound so
it will bleed freely. Then suck the poison from the wound and spit the
poison out. If your lips are lacerated there is danger in this method
but it is your duty to take this chance in order to save your comrade's
life. After sucking out the wound, heat your knife and burn it out.
STOMACH WOUNDS
Send for a doctor. Lie perfectly quiet. Don't lose your head and don't
attempt to crawl to help or to stir around. Place a clean piece of cloth
over the wound and keep it constantly wet with a solution of salt water.
If the wound is in the stomach, it is better to lie perfectly quiet on
the battle field for a day or two until found than to crawl to
assistance.
CHAFING
Treatment: Keep parts dry, use talcum powders and keep parts separated
by a layer of absorbent cotton.
EXTINGUISHING BURNING CLOTHES
Treatment: Lie down on the floor and roll up as tightly as possible in
a rug blanket, etc., leaving only the head out. If nothing can be
obtained in which to wrap yourself, lie down and roll over slowly and at
the same time beat out the fire with your hands. Flames shoot upward.
In order to get them away from the head, lie down. Don't run, it only
fans the flames.
If another person's clothing catches fire, throw him to the ground and
smother the fire as just described.
GAS
Most of the gas used on the battlefield today is deadly. When a gas
shell explodes there are two kinds of men: Quick men and Dead men.
The quick men put on their gas masks, which contain chemicals that
neutralize the poisonous air.
Treatment: When a man is slightly gassed don't allow him to move
around or to remove his mask. Have him lie down and rest. Loosen his
clothes around his neck and chest so he can breathe freely. Keep him
warm. When the gas has been removed from the trench, take off his mask
and give spirits of ammonia.
APPENDIX
TABLES OF ORGANIZATION
(For Reference Only)
INFANTRY COMPANY
Commissioned Officers
Captain. 1
1st Lieutenant. 1
2nd Lieutenant. 1
--
Total 3
Enlisted Strength
1st Sergeant. 1
Mess Sergeant. 1
Supply Sergeant. 1
Sergeants. 8
Corporals. 17
Cooks. 3
Buglers. 2
Mechanics. 2
Privates, 1st class. 28
Privates. 87
---
Total 150
INFANTRY BATTALION
Four companies of infantry. (There are three battalions in a regiment of
infantry.)
INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS, 1911
FOR USE WITH THE
UNITED STATES RIFLE, MODEL, 1917 (ENFIELD)
For troops armed with the United States rifle, Model 1917 (Enfield), the
alternative paragraphs published herewith will govern.
By order of the Security of War:
HUGH L. SCOTT,
Major General, Chief of Staff.
Official:
H. P. McCAIN, The Adjutant General.
The following rules govern the carrying of the piece
First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or
the magazine except when specially odered. When so loaded, or supposed
to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the safety
lock turned to the "Safe." At all other times it is carried unlocked,
with the trigger pulled.
Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately
inspected at the commands: 1. INSPECTION, 2. ARMS, 3. ORDER
(Right shoulder, port), 4. ARMS.
A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal.
If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine they are removed and
placed in the belt.
Third. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard, or
for combat.
Fourth. Fall in is executed with the piece at order arms. Fall out,
rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming
attention the position of order arms is taken.
Fifth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is
brought to the right shoulder at the command MARCH, the three motions
corresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed at
the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words at
trail; as 1. AT TRAIL, FORWARD, 2. MARCH. The trail is taken at the
command MARCH.
When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or
distance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the piece
to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.
Sixth. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution of
the order begins when the halt is completed.
Seventh. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.
Being at order arms: 1. UNFIX, 2. BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute parade rest;
grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, pressing the
spring with the forefinger of the left hand; raise the bayonet until the
handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece; drop the point
to the left, back of the hand toward the body, and, glancing at the
scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm and
the body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonet
from the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in the
most convenient manner.
If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the most
expeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the original
position.
Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity, but
not in cadence.
Being at inspection arms; 1. ORDER (Right shoulder, port), 2. ARMS.
At the preparatory command press the follower down with the fingers of
the left hand, then push the bolt forward just enough to engage the
follower, raise the fingers of the left hand, push the bolt forward,
turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the
command ARMS, complete the movement ordered.
TO LOAD
Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. WITH DUMMY (Blank or ball)
CARTRIDGES, 2. LOAD.
At the command load each front rank man or skirmisher faces half right
and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such position
as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raises
or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left
thumb extended along the stock and the muzzle at the height of the
breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a
loaded clip and inserts the ends in the clip slots, places the thumb on
the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around the
piece and tips resting on the magazine floor plate; forces the
cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb; without
removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle; turns
the safety lock to the "Safe" and carries the hand to the small of the
stock. Each rear rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar
position opposite the interval to the right of his front rank man,
muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads.
A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly
as practicable in the position of load.
If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if
kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting, the
elbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left hand steadies
and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on
the ground, the muzzle off the ground.
For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are
designated as that of load.
For purposes of simulated firing, 1. SIMULATE, 2. LOAD, raise the
bolt handle as in the preceding paragraph, draw the bolt back until the
cocking piece engages, then close the bole, and turn the bolt handle
down.
The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing; after a
few lessons dummy cartridges are used. Later blank cartridges may be
used.
TO UNLOAD
Unload: Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move
the bolt alternately backward and forward until all the cartridges are
ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed by
pressing the follower down with the fingers of the left hand, to engage
it under the bolt, and then thrusting the bolt home. The trigger is
pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the
belt and the piece is brought to the order.
To continue the firing: 1. AIM, 2. SQUAD, 3. FIRE.
Each command is executed as previously explained. Load is executed by
drawing back and thrusting home the bolt with the right hand, leaving
the safety lock at the "Ready."
Cease firing: Firing stops; pieces are loaded and locked; the sights
are laid down and the piece is brought to the order. Cease firing is
used for long pauses to prepare for changes of position or to steady the
men.
COMPANY INSPECTION
Being in line at a halt: 1. OPEN RANKS, 2. MARCH.
At the command march the front rank executes right dress; the rear
rank and the file closers march backward 4 steps, halt, and execute
right dress; the lieutenants pass around their respective flanks and
take post, facing to the front, 3 paces in front of the center of their
respective platoons. The captain aligns the front rank, rear rank, and
file closers, takes post 3 paces in front of the right guide, facing to
the left, and commands:
3. FRONT, 4. PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.
At the second command the lieutenants carry saber; the captain returns
saber and inspects them, after which they face about, order saber, and
stand at ease; upon the completion of the inspection they carry saber,
face about, and order saber. The captain may direct the lieutenants to
accompany or assist hint, in which case they return saber and, at the
close of the inspection, resume their posts in front of the company,
draw and carry saber.
Having inspected the lieutenants, the captain proceeds to the right of
the company. Each man, as the captain approaches him, executes
inspection arms.
The captain takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just below
the lower band, the man dropping his hands; the captain inspects the
piece, and, with the hand and piece in the same position as in receiving
it, handsit back to the man, who takes it with the left hand at the
balance and executes order arms.
As the captain returns the piece the next man executes inspection
arms, and so on through the company.
Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man executes order
arms as soon as the captain passes to the next man.
The inspection is from right to left in front, and from left to right in
rear of each rank and of the line of file closers.
When approached by the captain the first sergeant executes inspection
saber. Enlisted men armed with the pistol execute inspection pistol
by drawing the pistol from the holster and holding it diagonally across
the body, barrel up, and 6 inches in front of the neck, muzzle pointing
up and to the left. The pistol is returned to the holster as soon as the
captain passes.
Upon completion of the inspection the captain takes post facing to the
left in front of the right guide and on line with the lieutenants and
commands: 1. CLOSE RANKS, 2. MARCH.
At the command march the lieutenants resume their posts in line; the
rear rank closes to 40 inches, each man covering his file leader; the
file closers close to 2 paces from the rear rank.
INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES ARMED WITH RIFLES, MODEL 1898.
War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,
Washington, December 2, 1911.
The Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911, have been prepared for the use of
troops armed with the United States magazine rifle, model 1903. For the
guidance of organizations armed with the United States magazine rifle,
model 1898, the following alternative paragraphs are published and will
be considered as substitute paragraphs for the corresponding paragraphs
in the text.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Leonard Wood,
Major General, Chief of Staff.
RULES GOVERNING THE CARRYING OF THE PIECE.
Third. The cut-off is kept turned down, except when using the magazine.
Being at order arms: 1. Unfix, BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Take the position of
parade rest, grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand,
press the spring with the forefinger of the left hand, raise the bayonet
until the handle is about 6 inches above the muzzle of the piece, drop
the point to the left, back of hand toward the body, and, glancing at
the scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm
and body; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack: Take the bayonet
from the rifle with the left hand and return it to the scabbard in the
most convenient manner.
If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in the most
expeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the original
position.
Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and regularity, but
not in cadence.
Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS.
At the second command, take the position of port arms (TWO). With the
right hand open the magazine gate, turn the bolt handle up, draw the
bolt back and glance at the magazine and chamber. Having found them
empty, or having emptied them, raise the head and eyes to the front.
Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (Right shoulder, port), 2.
ARMS.
At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down,
close the magazine gate, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the
command arms, complete the movement ordered.
Pieces being loaded and in the position of load, to execute other
movements with the pieces loaded: 1. Lock, 2. PIECES.
At the command Pieces turn the safety lock fully to the right.
The safety lock is said to be at the "ready" when turned to the left,
and at the "safe" when turned to the right.
The cut-off is said to be "on" when turned up and "off" when turned
down.
Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball)
cartridges, 2. LOAD.
At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half right
and carries the right foot to the right, about one foot, to such
position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the
body; raises or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the
balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height of
the breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes
a cartridge between the thumb and first two fingers and places it in the
receiver; places palm of the hand against the back of the bolt handle;
thrusts the bolt home with a quick motion, turning down the handle, and
carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear-rank man moves to
the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the
right of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the
front rank, and loads.
A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly
as practicable in the position of load.
If kneeling or sitting the position of the piece is similar; if kneeling
the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting the elbows are
supported by the knees. If lying down the left hand steadies and
supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the
ground, the muzzle off the ground.
For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are
designated as that of load.
FILL MAGAZINE.
Take the position of load, if not already there, open the gate of the
magazine with the right thumb, take five cartridges from the box or
belt, and place them, with the bullets to the front, in the magazine,
turning the barrel slightly to the left to facilitate the insertion of
the cartridges; close the gate and carry the right hand to the small of
the stock.
To load from the magazine the command From magazine will be given
preceding that of LOAD; the cut-off will be turned up on coming to
the position of load.
To resume loading from the belt the command From belt will be given
preceding the command LOAD; the cut-off will be turned down on
coming to the position of load.
The commands from magazine and from belt, indicating the change in
the manner of loading, will not be repeated in subsequent commands.
The words from belt apply to cartridge box as well as belt.
In loading from the magazine care should be taken to push the bolt fully
forward and turn the handle down before drawing the bolt back, as
otherwise the extractor will not catch the cartridge in the chamber, and
jamming will occur with the cartridge following.
To fire from the magazine, the command MAGAZINE FIRE may be given at
any time. The cut-off is turned up and an increased rate of fire is
executed. After the magazine is exhausted the cut-off is turned down and
the firing continued, loading from the belt.
Magazine fire is employed only when, in the opinion of the platoon
leader or company commander, the maximum rate of fire becomes necessary.
UNLOAD.
All take the position of load, turn the cut-off up, if not already
there, turn the safety lock to the left, and alternately open and close
the chamber until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last
cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed and the trigger pulled. The
cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the box or belt,
and the piece brought to the order.
CLIP FIRE.
Turn the cut-off up: fire at will (reloading from the magazine) until
the cartridges in the piece are exhausted; turn the cut-off down; fill
magazine; reload and take the position of suspend firing.
CEASE FIRING.
Firing stops; pieces not already there are brought to the position of
load, the cut-off turned down if firing from magazine, the cartridge is
drawn or the empty shell is ejected, the trigger is pulled, sights are
laid down, and the piece is brought to the order.
Cease firing is used for long pauses to prepare for changes of
position or to steady the men.
INDEX
About face, 34
Advance, company, 121, 122
during attack, 148, 245, 246
methods of, 126-129
rear guard during, 231
under cover, 245
Advance cavalry, 226
Advance guard, 142, 221
communication with, 228, 229
distance from main body of, 224
distribution of, 226
duties of, 143, 223, 224
strength of, 224
supports to, 226, 227
Age limits for reserve officers, 169, 170
Aiming rifle, 277
Air planes, military value of, 213
Alignments, 66, 67
in company movements, 88, 106, 112
in skirmish drill, 119
Ammunition, 191
data on U. S. Army, 285, 286
Appointments to officers' reserve corps, 169, 170, 175, 176
Arm signals, 302-308
Arms, manual of, 40-62
Arms of the service, cooeperation of, 182
Army departments, 178, 323, 324
Army organization tables, 321-324
Army slang, 19, 20
Articles of War, 179
Artillery, 183, 232, 322, 323
organization of, 322, 323
Assembling, position of guides and file-closers in, 111
Assembly of company, 88, 120, 125
of platoons, 120, 121
of squad, 75
At ease, 32, 33
march, 106
Attack, advantages of, 145, 242, 243
deployment for, 244
enveloping, 243, 244
fire superiority in, 148, 207, 246
frontal, 243
initiative in, 145, 206
night, 185, 186
patrols in, 244, 252
plan of, 147
progress of, 147, 148, 149, 207, 246, 247
rules for, 208, 209
turning movement in, 243, 244
Attention, 29
from route step, 106
under arms, 40
Back step, 37
Backward march, 37
Bandaging, first-aid, 310-313
Barbwire, use of, 151, 186
Base squad in extended order drills, 112-119
Battle-field conditions, 130, 131, 207
Bayonet, 283
importance of, 190
Bed-making on practice marches, 161
Billeting, 215
Bivouac, 215
Blanket roll, 167, 168
Bleeding, treatment for, 311-313
Blisters, treatment for, 163
Bombs, 184, 185
Broken bone, treatment for, 313, 314
Bullet wound, treatment for, 311
Burning clothes, extinguishing, 319, 320
Burns, treatment for, 317
Camp, arrival at, 11-13
conduct in, 13-15
equipment in, 11
inspection of, 296
guard duty in, 192-194
habits in, 15, 16, 17
security in, 137-139
mail regulations in, 10
sanitation, 164, 165
Camping ground, selection of, 215, 216
Camping on practice marches, 161, 292
Camps, Federal training, 10
Cantonment, 213
Captain, responsibility of, 110, 133
Cavalry, 183, 184
advance, 226, 212
ammunition for, 191
Cavalry division, composition of, 211
squadron, organization of, 323
troop organization of, 321, 322
Chafing, treatment for, 319
Change step, 39
Charge during attack, 247
Clip fire, 211
Close order drills, 63, 88
Clothing, 11
Coast artillery, 178
Colors, saluting, 195
Column, diminishing front of, 108, 109
of platoons, change of direction for, 102, 103
formation from column of squads, 105, 106
from line of, 100-102
of route, 106
of squads, change of direction for, 94, 103
formation from line of, 93, 94, 102, 103
Combat patrols, 244, 252
train, 191
Commands, 28
in company skirmish drill, 114
to company, 86, 96-100
Communicating trenches, 188
Company, advance of, 121-129
alignment in, 88, 106, 112
assembly of, 88, 120
dismissing the, 111, 112
dressing, 92, 97, 99, 112
facing, 105
file closers in, 108
file formation in, 108, 109
formation into columns, 100-102
front into line, 99, 100, 106
guide in, 106, 107, 108
in line, from line of platoons, 105, 106
inspection arms in, 88, 89
march at ease, 106
to rear, 105
movement on fixed pivot in, 89-93
on moving pivot in, 93-96
intervals in, 93
platoons in, 110
position of men in, 87
roll call in, 87
route step, 106
skirmish drills in, 114-120
squads in, 86
Conduct, rules of, 13-15
Cooeperation of arms of the service, 182
Corporals, duties on firing line of, 134, 135
in company movement, 96, 97, 99, 100
in skirmish drill, 77, 78, 115-117
Cossack posts, 141, 235
Counter attack, 248, 253
Counting off, 64, 86
Cover, advance under, 245
detachments, duties of, 221, 222
strength of, 223
trenches, 188
Day patrol, 236, 237
Defense, advantages of, 150, 249
fire superiority in, 252
orders for, 251
passive and active, 149, 247, 248
position for, 130, 249, 250
preparations for, 150-152, 250-252
use of obstacles in, 186
Deflection in rifle drill, 263, 267, 268
Deployment for attack, 244
rules for, 118-120
Diminishing the front of column of squads, 108, 109
Discipline, value of, 17, 63, 216, 217
Distances, taking, 64, 111
Division commander, 212
Divisional cavalry, 211
Double time march, 36
Dress, 17, 18
Drills, close order, 63, 88
extended order, 112
rifle, 261-269
value of, 17, 63, 180
Drowning, treatment for, 314-316
Duties of advance and rear guards, 143
of captain in battle, 133
of corporals in battle, 134, 135
of platoon leaders in battle, 134
of reserve officers, 171
Elevation, in rifle drill, 263, 268, 269
Emergency ration, 192
Equipment for first-aid, 309
inspection of, 295, 296
on arrival at camp, 11
on practice marches, 166-168
Estimating distance, 286-291
Estimating the situation, 146, 203, 204
Examination to enter Officers' Reserve Corps, 170, 172
Exercises, preparatory, 23, 27
Extended order drills, 112
Eyes front, 33
right, 33
Facing, company, 105
on skirmish line, 190
Facings, 34
Fainting, treatment for, 318
Fall in, 33
Fall out, 32
Feet, care of the, 14, 162
Federal training camps, 10
Field artillery, organization of, 322, 323
exercises, 127
orders, 147, 196-199, 204-206
ration, 192
train, 191
File, in squad, 63
formation from column, 108, 109
File-closer, sergeant as, 111
in close order, 88
position in column of, 102, 107
position in company of, 92, 108
position in company facing of, 105
regulation of intervals by, 111
Filipino ration, 192
Fire attack, 127-129, 246
at will, 211
control, 134
direction, 132-134
discipline, 135
kinds of, 211
superiority in attack, 246
in defense, 252
trenches, 188
Firing, conditions for effective, 131, 132, 134, 207
positions for, 271-275
line, advance of, 148, 245, 246
practice, advice on, 271-282
First-aid packet, 309
Fix bayonet, from order, 58
Flag signals, 299-301
Flank guard, 221
march, 38
Following corporal, 77, 78, 115, 116, 117, 119
Forward march, 35
Fracture, treatment for, 313, 314
Freezing and frost-bite, treatment for, 317, 318
Gallery practice, 155, 270, 328
Garrison ration, 192
Guard duty, 192-194
Guide, distance regulation by, 92, 111
duties of, 106, 107
in column formation, 107
in company assembly, 88, 111
in company facing, 105
in company pivot movements, 91-94, 101
in line or column formation, 101, 106
in skirmish drill, 114-116
in squad movements, 107, 108
of deployed line, 107
Guides, execution of manual arms by, 111
officers as, 106, 110, 111
Habits, 15, 16, 17
Half step march, 36, 37
Halt, 38
during practice marches, 160
in company movement, 97, 99
Hand grenades, 184, 185
salute, 31, 32
Hardships of practice marches, 159
Hasty cover trenches, 188
Heat exhaustion, treatment for, 317
Independent cavalry, 212
Infantry, 182
ammunition for, 191
battalion, organization of, 323
company, organization of, 321
division, composition of, 211
Information concerning enemy, 146, 207, 209, 210, 254
Initiative, value of, 145, 206
Injuries, first-aid treatment for, 310, 311
Inspection arms, from order, 59
in company, 88, 89
Inspection of camp equipment, 296
of outpost, 239, 240
of patrol, 256
Instruction to officers, 172, 173, 176
Intelligence Section, 210
Intervals, in company movements, 93
in skirmish line, 78, 79
in squad, 63, 65, 79, 80
taking, 111
Intrenchments, 187, 251
Kneeling, 80, 81
position for firing, 273
Left shoulder arms, from port, 51, 53
Lieutenant, appointment from Officers' Reserve of, 176
assignments of, 110
Light artillery battalion, organization of, 323
Line formation to front, from column, company, 99, 100
to right, from column, company, 96-9
Line of observation, 140, 236
of out guards, 140
of platoons, from column of squads, 103
from line, 103, 104
of resistance, 140
of reserves, 138, 140
List of Reserve officers, 176, 177
Loading and firing in squad, 81, 82, 83
Lying down, 80
Machine guns, 184, 229, 232
Mail, in camp, 10
Manoeuver maps, 190
Manual of arms, 40, 62
Maps, military use of, 189, 190, 210
March to rear, company, 105
Marches, conditions for successful, 213-215
Marches, practice, 159
see also, Practice marches
Marching rules, 160
Marchings, 35-39
in squad, 68, 77
Mark time, 36
Meeting engagements, 186, 187
Military correspondence, 180-182
information, collection of, 146, 207, 209, 210, 213, 254
maps, 189, 190, 210
Military problems, 199-202
training in colleges, 173-176
Mission, 146
Mobile Army, 177, 178
Movements in column, in company, 102-105
in line, in company, 96-100
on pivot, in company, 89-96
Musicians, position in column of, 111
Napoleon as military leader, 199, 201, 206
Nervousness in firing, 153, 157
Night operations, 185, 186
patrol, 236
Non commissioned officers, 106, 110, 111, 179
Observation, line of, 140, 236
Oblique march, 76, 77
Obstacles, removal of, for defense, 151
use of, in defense, 186
Officers, advice to, 216-218
grades and commands of, 179
Officers' Reserve Corps, see also Reserve officers,
Officers' Reserve Corps, eligibility for, 169-172, 175, 176
pay in, 171, 174, 176
purpose of, 169
sections of, 72, 173
Order arms, from inspection, 59
from port, 45
from present, 45
from right shoulder, 50
from trail, 55
Out guards, precautions for, 240
line of, 140, 234, 235
posting of, 240
Outpost, composition of, 232
distance from main body of, 233
distribution of troops of, 232-237
formation of, 138, 237-240
importance of, 187, 221
inspection of, 239, 240
placing of, 138, 141, 234, 239
relieving the, 241
strength of, 140, 231
supports to, 138, 140, 234
orders, 238
reserves, 234
sentinels, 235, 236, 237, 239
sketches, 190
Outposts, inter-communication between, 237
Packs on practice marches, 162, 167
Parade rest, 30
from order, 54
Patrol, 228, 229
combat, 244, 252
duties of, 237, 240, 254
formation for, 257, 258
instructions to, 255, 256
meeting enemy, 258, 259
posting of, 240
preparation for, 256, 257
return of, 259
strength of, 255
cautions, 258, 259
commander of, 255
Pay in Officers' Reserve Corps, 171, 174, 176
Picket sentinel, 240
Pickets, 141, 235
posting of, 240
Platoon columns, advance by, 122, 124
leaders, duties on firing line of, 134
Platoons, assembly of, 120, 121
commands to, 96-100
squads in, 110
Poisoning, treatment for, 318
Port arms, from left shoulder, 54
from order, 43, 44
from present, 45
from right shoulder, 50
Positions for rifle practice, 271-275
Practice marches, camping on, 161, 164, 165, 292
care of feet on, 162-164
equipment for, 166-168
hardships of, 159, 160
value of, 159
water drinking on, 162
Present arms, from order, 41, 42
from port, 45
from right shoulder, 51
Prone position for firing, 274, 275
Property for Reserve officers, 192
Quick time march, 36
Range finders, 151, 289, 290, 291
Rapid fire practice, 157, 158, 279, 280, 328, 329
target, 267
Ration, 191, 192
Reading list for Reserve officers, 195, 196
Rear, march to the, 39
Rear guard, 142, 221
composition of, 229, 230
distance from main force of, 230
distribution of, 230
duties of, 143, 229
strength of, 229
of advancing force, 231
Reconnaissance, 228, 229, 254, 213
Reconnoitering patrols, duties of, 210, 254
Relations between officers and men, 216-218
Reserve officers, see also Officers' Reserve Corps
Reserve officers, active service of, 171
appointment of, 169, 170, 172, 175, 176
department report on, 176, 177
instruction to, 172, 173-175
pay of, 171, 174, 176
promotion of, 171
property of, 192
reading list for, 195, 196
Training Camps, 173-175
Reserve ration, 192
Reserves, during advance, 142
line of, 138, 140
placing of, 239
to support party, 227, 228
Resistance, line of, 140
Rests, 32, 33, 54
during marches, 160, 161
Rifle, care of, 20, 282
control of, 135
data on U. S. Army, 283-285
drills, 261-269
holding, 270, 271
knowledge of, 153, 154
nomenclature of, 261
recoil of, 156, 157
rules for carrying, 60-62
salute, from order, 57
from right shoulder, 55, 56
from trail, 57
sights, 154-156, 261-264
sling of, 276
practice, 271-282
Right dress, 66, 67
face, 34
step march, 37
turn in company movement, 97, 99
Right shoulder arms, from order, 46-49
from port, 50
from present, 51
Road sketches, 190
Roll call in company, 89
Route step, company, 106
Salutes, 31, 32, 56
Saluting, 18, 19, 194, 195
at retreat, 194, 195
colors, 195
Security, during advance, 141
in camp, 137-139
on march, 221-223
Semaphore signals, 301
Sentinel posts, 235, 236
Sentinels, duties of, 193, 194
posting of, 240
Sentry squads, 141, 235
Sergeants in company movements, 88, 89, 111
Shelter, for troops on march, 215
tents, 292
Shoes, walking, 16, 21, 22, 164
Shot, calling, 278
Side step, 37
Sighting, 261-264, 278, 279
Signal Corps code, 299-301
Signals, arm, 302-308
flag, 299-301
general service code for, 297, 298
semaphore, 301
Sitting position for firing, 271, 272
Skirmish drill, base squad in, 112-119
guide in, 114-116
in squad, 78-83
line, advance of, 126, 127
from column, 116-118
from company line, 114-116
on oblique, 120
to the flank, 120
to the rear, 120
Skirmishes in advance, 124
Slow fire practice, 270, 271, 328, 329
targets, 266
Small pox inoculation, 11
Snake bite, treatment for, 318, 319
Squad, alignment of, 66, 67
formation of, 64
assembly of, 75
deploy of, 63
dismissal of, 59, 60
distance in, 64
halt, 69
number of men in, 110
right, 68
right about, 70
right turn, 71, 72
skirmish drill in, 78-83
blanket roll, 168
columns, 124
file, 63
intervals, 63, 65, 79, 80
leaders in company movements, 88
marchings, 68-77
Squads, in column movements, 102-105
in company, 86
commands to, 96-100
Stack arms, 84
Steps, 35-39
Stomach wounds, treatment for, 319
Strategical maps, 190
reconnaissance, 213
Strategy, 212
Sunstroke, treatment for, 317
Supports, posting of, 239
during advance, 142
in attack, 149
to advance guard, 226, 227
to outposts, 138, 140, 234
Surplus kit bag, 167
Tactical reconnaissance, 213
Tactics, 212
Take arms, 85
Taking intervals and distances, 111
Target practice, 156, 157, 328, 329
Team work in firing, 133
Tent pitching, 161, 293, 294
Tents, shelter, 292
Term of service for Reserve officers, 170, 171, 175
Tourniquet, use of, 312, 313, 318
Trail arms, from order, 55
Training camps, Federal, 10
Corps for officers, 173-175
Transportation, 191
Travel ration, 192
Trenches, 151, 187-189, 251
occupation of, 251, 252
Trigger squeeze, 277, 278
Turn on fixed pivot from line, company, 89-93
on moving pivot to change direction, company, 93-96
Turning movement in attack, 243, 244
Typhoid inoculation, 10, 11
Unfix bayonet, from order, 58
Uniforms, 17, 18
U. S. Army, ammunition, data on, 285, 286
organization tables for, 321-323
rifle, data on, 283-285
land forces, 177, 178
military departments, 9, 10, 180, 181, 323, 324, 325
Volley fire, 211
Walking, importance of, 21, 22
War strength tables, 326, 327
Water drinking on practice marches, 162
War game maps, 190
Whistle signals, 121
Windage, 267, 269
Withdrawal from action, 187, 253
Wounds, first-aid treatment for, 310, 311, 319
FOOTNOTES
[1] These exercises are selected from those commonly given by Major H.
J. Koehler, United States Army.
[2] The line of supports and the line of resistance need not necessarily
be the same.
[3] Some government publications can be obtained at no cost from the
Superintendent of Public Documents, Washington, D. C.
TRANSCRIBER NOTES
[A] Changed "familar" to "familiar".
[B] Changed "gage" to "guage".
[C] Changed "give" to "given".
End of Project Gutenberg's The Plattsburg Manual, by O.O. Ellis and E.B. Garey