CHAPTER XII.

RECONNAISSANCE DUTIES, RANGE-FINDING, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICE.

=240.= _General instructions._

1. The primary object of artillery reconnaissance is to collect and transmit information, which is important from an artillery point of view, to the commander who orders the reconnaissance. At the same time anything which is likely to prove of value to the other arms should be noted. While smokeless powder and long-range weapons have increased the difficulties of reconnaissance, they have also added to the value and importance of accurate information. It is essential, therefore, that artillery should be well trained in this difficult work.

2. In each artillery brigade there should be at least one officer’s patrol, the members of which are accustomed to work together, and capable of carrying out a combined reconnaissance.

These patrols, which should ordinarily consist of an officer with one or two selected non-commissioned officers and range-takers, may often be required to carry out reconnaissances for the divisional artillery commander. (_See_ Sec. =153= (2).)

When not so required they are at the disposal of the brigade commander. As batteries may also have to act singly, there should be some men in each capable of carrying out a simple reconnaissance.

Men selected for this work should be good riders and horse-masters.

3. The mounted men of brigade or divisional artillery headquarters should also be trained in reconnaissance and scouting, so that they may be capable of:--

i. Reconnoitring the enemy’s position and observing the effect of fire.