Chapter 28

INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS

(To include Changes No. 20, Aug. 18, 1917.)

DEFINITIONS

(The numbers following the paragraphs are those of the Drill Regulations, and references in the text to certain paragraph numbers refer to these numbers and not to the numbers preceding the paragraphs.)

(NOTE.--Company drills naturally become monotonous. The monotony, however, can be greatly reduced by repeating the drills under varying circumstances. In the manual of arms, for instance, the company may be brought to open ranks and the officers and sergeants directed to superintend the drill in the front and rear ranks. As the men make mistakes they are fallen out and drilled nearby by an officer or noncommissioned officer. Or, the company may be divided into squads, each squad leader drilling his squad, falling out the men as they make mistakes, the men thus fallen out reporting to a designated officer or noncommissioned officer for drill. The men who have drilled the longest in the different squads are then formed into one squad and drilled and fallen out in like manner. The variety thus introduced stimulates a spirit of interest and rivalry that robs the drill of much of its monotony.

It is thought the instruction of a company in drill is best attained by placing special stress on squad drill. The noncommissioned officers should be thoroughly instructed, practically and theoretically, by one of the company officers and then be required to instruct their squads. The squads are then united and drilled in the school of the company.--Author.)

DEFINITIONS

=24. Alignment:= A straight line upon which several elements are formed, or are to be formed; or the dressing of several elements upon a straight line.

=25. Base:= The element on which a movement is regulated.

=26. Battle sight:= The position of the rear sight when the leaf is laid down.

=27. Center:= The middle point or element of a command. (See Figs. 2, 3 and 5.) (The designation "center company," indicates the right center or the actual center company, according as the number of companies is even or odd.--Par. 298.)

=28. Column:= A formation in which the elements are placed one behind another. (See Figs. 4, 5, 6.)

=29. Deploy:= To extend the front. In general to change from column to line, or from close order to extended order.

=30. Depth:= The space from head to rear of any formation, including the leading and rear elements. The depth of a man is assumed to be 12 inches. (See Figs. 4, 5, 6.)

=31. Distance:= Space between elements in the direction of depth. Distance is measured from the back of the man in front to the breast of the man in rear. The distance between ranks is 40 inches in both line and column. (See Figs. 4, 5, 6.)

=32. Element:= A file, squad, platoon, company, or larger body, forming part of a still larger body.

=33. File:= Two men, the front-rank man and the corresponding man of the rear rank. The front-rank man is the file leader. A file which has no rear-rank man is a blank file. The term file applies also to a single man in a single-rank formation.

=34. File closers:= Such officers and noncommissioned officers of a company as are posted in rear of the line. For convenience, all men posted in the line of file closers.

=35. Flank:= The right or left of a command in line or in column; also the element on the right or left of the line. (See Figs. 2, 3 and 4.)

=36. Formation:= Arrangement of the elements of a command. The placing of all fractions in their order in line, in column, or for battle.

=37. Front:= The space, in width, occupied by an element, either in line or in column. The front of a man is assumed to be 22 inches. Front also denotes the direction of the enemy. (See Figs. 2, 3 and 5).

=38. Guide:= An officer, noncommissioned officer, or private upon whom the command or elements thereof regulates its march.

=39. Head:= The leading element of a column. (See Figs. 4, 5 and 6.)

=40. Interval:= Space between elements of the same line. The interval between men in ranks is 4 inches and is measured from elbow to elbow. Between companies, squads, etc., it is measured from the left elbow of the left man or guide of the group on the right, to the right elbow of the right man or guide of the group on the left. (See Fig. 3.)

=41. Left:= The left extremity or element of a body of troops.

=42. Line:= A formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other. (See Figs. 2 and 3.)

=43. Order, close:= The formation in which the units, in double rank, are arranged in line or in column with normal intervals and distances.

=44. Order, extended:= The formation in which the units are separated by intervals greater than in close order.

=45. Pace:= Thirty inches; the length of the full step in quick time.

=46. Point of rest:= The point at which a formation begins. Specifically, the point toward which units are aligned in successive movements.

=47. Rank:= A line of men placed side by side.

=48. Right:= The right extremity or element of a body of troops.

=49.= NOTE. In view of the fact that the word "Echelon" is a term of such common usage, the following definition is given: By echelon we mean a formation in which the subdivisions are placed one behind another, extending beyond and unmasking one another either wholly or in part.--Author.

INTRODUCTION

=50. Object of military training.= Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military training; success may be looked for only when the training is intelligent and thorough. (1)

=51. Commanding officers accountable for proper training of organizations; field efficiency; team-work.= Commanding officers are accountable for the proper training of their respective organizations within the limits prescribed by regulations and orders. (2)

The excellence of an organization is judged by its field efficiency. The field efficiency of an organization depends primarily upon its effectiveness as a whole. Thoroughness and uniformity in the training of the units of an organization are indispensable to the efficiency of the whole; it is by such means alone that the requisite team-work may be developed.

=52. Simple movements and elastic formations.= Simple movements and elastic formations are essential to correct training for battle. (3)

=53. Drill Regulations a Guide; their interpretation.= The Drill Regulations are furnished as a guide. They provide the principles for training and for increasing the probability of success in battle. (4)

In the interpretation of the regulations, the spirit must be sought. Quibbling over the minutiae of form is indicative of failure to grasp the spirit.

=54. Combat principles.= The principles of combat are considered in Pars. 50-363. They are treated in the various schools included in Part I of the Drill Regulations only to the extent necessary to indicate the functions of the various commanders and the division of responsibility between them. The amplification necessary to a proper understanding of their application is to be sought in Pars. 364-613. (5)

=55. Drills at attention, ceremonies, extended order, field exercises and combat exercises.= The following important distinctions must be observed:

(a) Drills executed at =attention= and the ceremonies are =disciplinary exercises= designed to teach precise and soldierly movement, and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious obedience which is essential to proper military control. To this end, smartness and precision should be exacted in the execution of every detail. Such drills should be frequent, but short.

(b) The purpose of =extended order drill= is to teach the =mechanism= of deployment of the firing, and, in general, of the employment of troops in combat. Such drills are in the nature of disciplinary exercises and should be frequent, thorough, and exact, in order to habituate men to the firm control of their leaders. Extended order drill is executed =at ease=. The company is the largest unit which executes extended order drill.

(c) =Field exercises= are for instruction in the duties incident to campaign. Assumed situations are employed. Each exercise should conclude with a discussion, on the ground, of the exercise and principles involved.

(d) The =combat exercise, a form of field exercise= of the company, battalion, and larger units, consists of the =application of tactical principles= to assumed situations, employing in the execution the appropriate formations and movements of close and extended order.

Combat exercises must simulate, as far as possible, the battle conditions assumed. In order to familiarize both officers and men with such conditions, companies and battalions will frequently be consolidated to provide war-strength organizations. Officers and noncommissioned officers not required to complete the full quota of the units participating are assigned as observers or umpires.

The firing line can rarely be controlled by the voice alone; thorough training to insure the proper use of prescribed signals is necessary.

The exercise should be followed by a brief drill at attention in order to restore smartness and control. (6)

=56. Imaginary, outlined and represented enemy.= In field exercises the enemy is said to be =imaginary= when his position and force are merely assumed; =outlined= when his position and force are indicated by a few men; =represented= when a body of troops acts as such. (7)

General Rules for Drills and Formations

=57. Arrangement of elements of preparatory command.= When the =preparatory= command consists of more than one part, its elements are arranged as follows:

(1) For movements to be executed successively by the subdivisions or elements of an organization: (a) Description of the movement; (b) how executed, or on what element executed.

(For example: =1. Column of Companies, first company, squads right. 2. March.=--Author.)

(2) For movements to be executed simultaneously by the subdivisions of an organization: (a) The designation of the subdivisions; (b) The movement to be executed. (For example: =1. Squads right. 2. March.=--Author.) (8)

=58. Movements executed toward either flank explained toward but one flank.= Movements that may be executed toward either flank are explained as toward but one flank, it being necessary to substitute the word "left" for "right," and the reverse, to have the explanation of the corresponding movement toward the other flank. The commands are given for the execution of the movements toward either flank. The substitute word of the command is placed within parentheses. (9)

=59. Any movement may be executed from halt or when marching unless otherwise prescribed.= Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If at a halt, the command for movements involving marching need not be prefaced by =forward=, as =1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH=. (10)

=60. Any movement may be executed in double time unless specially excepted.= Any movement not specially excepted may be executed in double time.

If at a halt, or if marching in quick time, the command =double time= precedes the command of execution. (11)

=61. Successive movements executed in double time.= In successive movements executed in double time the leading or =base= unit marches in =quick time= when not otherwise prescribed; the other units march in =double time= to their places in the formation ordered and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. If marching in double time, the command =double time= is omitted. The leading or base unit marches in =quick time=; the other units continue at double time to their places in the formation ordered and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. (12)

=62. To hasten execution of movement begun in quick time.= To hasten the execution of a movement begun in quick time, the command: =1. Double time, 2. MARCH=, is given. The leading or base unit continues to march in quick time, or remains at halt, if already halted; the other units complete the execution of the movement in double time and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. (13)

=63. To stay execution of movement when marching, for correction of errors.= To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for the correction of errors, the command: =1. In place, 2. HALT=, is given. All halt and stand fast without changing the position of the pieces. To resume the movement the command: =1. Resume, 2. MARCH=, is given. (14)

=64. To revoke preparatory command or begin anew movement improperly begun.= To revoke a preparatory command, or, being at a halt, to begin anew a movement improperly begun, the command, =AS YOU WERE=, is given, at which the movement ceases and the former position is resumed. (15)

=65. Guide.= Unless otherwise announced, the guide of a company or subdivision of a company in line is =right=; of a battalion in line or line of subdivisions or of a deployed line, =center=; of a rank in column of squads, toward the side of the guide of the company.

To march with guide other than as prescribed above, or to change the guide: =Guide (right, left, or center).=

In successive formations into line, the guide is toward the point of rest; in platoons or larger subdivisions it is so announced.

The announcement of the guide, when given in connection with a movement follows the command of execution for that. Exception: =1. As skirmishers, guide right (left or center), 2. MARCH.= (16)

=66. Turn on fixed and moving pivots.= The turn on the fixed pivot by subdivisions is used in all formations from line into column and the reverse.

The turn on the =moving pivot= is used by subdivisions of a column in executing changes of direction. (17)

=67. Partial changes of direction.= Partial changes of direction may be executed:

By interpolating in the preparatory command the word =half, as Column half right (left), or Right (left) half turn=. A change of direction of 45 deg. is executed.

By the command: =INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT).= The guide, or guiding element, moves in the indicated direction and the remainder of the command conforms. This movement effects slight changes of direction. (18)

=68. Line of platoons, companies, etc.= The =designations line of platoons, line of companies, line of battalions=, etc., refer to the formations in which the platoons, companies, battalions, etc., each in column of squads, are in line. (19)

=69. Full distance in column of subdivisions; guide of leading subdivision charged with step and direction.= Full distance in column of subdivisions is such that in forming line to the right or left the subdivisions will have their proper intervals.

In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is charged with the step and direction; the guides in rear preserve the trace, step, and distance. (20)

=70. Double rank, habitual close order formation; uniformity of interval between files obtained by placing hand on hip.= In close order, all details, detachments, and other bodies of troops are habitually formed in double rank.

To insure uniformity of interval between files when falling in, and in alignments, each man places the palm of the left hand upon the hip, fingers pointing downward. In the first case, the hand is dropped by the side when the next man on the left has his interval; in the second case, at the command front. (21)

=71. Posts of officers, noncommissioned officers, and special units; duties of file closers.= The posts of officers, noncommissioned officers, special units (such as band or machine-gun company), etc., in the various formations of the company, battalion, or regiment, are shown in plates.

In all changes from one formation to another involving a change of post on the part of any of these, posts are promptly taken by the most convenient route as soon as practicable after the command of execution for the movement; officers and noncommissioned officers who have prescribed duties in connection with the movement ordered, take their new posts when such duties are completed.

As instructors, officers and noncommissioned officers go wherever their presence is necessary. As file closers it is their duty to rectify mistakes and insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks. (22)

=72. Special units have no fixed posts except at ceremonies.=

Except at ceremonies, the special units have no fixed places. They take places as directed; in the absence of directions, they conform as nearly as practicable to the plates, and in subsequent movements maintain their relative positions with respect to the flank or end of the command on which they were originally posted. (23)

=73. General, field and staff officers habitually mounted; formation of staff; drawing and returning saber.= General, field, and staff officers are habitually mounted. The staff of any officer forms in single rank, 3 paces in rear of him, the right of the rank extending 1 pace to the right of a point directly in rear of him. Members of the staff are arranged in order from right to left as follows: General staff officers, adjutant, aids, other staff officers, arranged in each classification in order of rank, the senior on the right. The flag of the general officer and the orderlies are 3 paces in rear of the staff, the flag on the right. When necessary to reduce the front of the staff and orderlies, each line executes =twos right or fours right=, as explained in the Cavalry Drill Regulations, and follows the commander.

When not otherwise prescribed, staff officers draw and return saber with their chief. (24)

=74. Mounted officer turns to left in executing about; when commander faces about to give commands, staff and others stand fast.= In making the about, an officer, mounted, habitually turns to the left.

When the commander faces to give commands, the staff, flag, and orderlies do not change position. (25)

=75. Saluting when making and receiving reports; saluting on meeting.= When making or receiving official reports, or on meeting out of doors, all officers will salute.

Military courtesy requires the junior to salute first, but when the salute is introductory to a report made at a military ceremony or formation, to the representative of a common superior (as, for example, to the adjutant, officer of the day, etc.), the officer making the report, whatever his rank, will salute first; the officer to whom the report is made will acknowledge by saluting that he has received and understood the report. (26)

=76. Formation of mounted enlisted men for ceremonies.= For ceremonies, all mounted enlisted men of a regiment or smaller unit, except those belonging to the machine-gun organizations, are consolidated into a detachment; the senior present commands if no officer is in charge. The detachment is formed as a platoon or squad of cavalry in line or column of fours; noncommissioned staff officers are on the right or in the leading ranks. (27)

=77. Post of dismounted noncommissioned staff officers for ceremonies.= For ceremonies, such of the noncommissioned staff officers as are dismounted are formed 5 paces in rear of the color, in order of rank from right to left. In column of squads they march as file closers. (28)

=78. Post of noncommissioned staff officers and orderlies other than for ceremonies.= Other than for ceremonies, noncommissioned staff officers and orderlies accompany their immediate chiefs unless otherwise directed. If mounted, the noncommissioned staff officers are ordinarily posted on the right or at the head of the orderlies. (29)

=79. Noncommissioned officer commanding platoon or company, carrying of piece and taking of post.= In all formations and movements a noncommissioned officer commanding a platoon or company carries his piece as the men do, if he is so armed, and takes the same post as an officer in like situation. When the command is formed in line for ceremonies, a noncommissioned officer commanding a company takes post on the right of the right guide after the company has been aligned. (30)

ORDERS, COMMANDS, AND SIGNALS

=80. When commands, signals, and orders are used.= =Commands= only are employed in drill at attention. Otherwise either a =command, signal, or order= is employed, as best suits the occasion, or one may be used in conjunction with another. (31)

=81. Instruction in use of signals; use of headdress, etc., in making signals.= =Signals= should be freely used in instruction, in order that officers and men may readily know them. In making arm signals, the saber, rifle, or headdress may be held in the hand. (32)

=82. Fixing of attention; a signal includes command of preparation and of execution.= Officers and men fix their attention at the first word of command, the first note of the bugle or whistle, or the first motion of the signal. A signal includes both the preparatory command and the command of execution; the movement commences as soon as the signal is understood, unless otherwise prescribed. (33)

=83. Repeating orders, commands and signals; officers, platoon leaders, guides and musicians equipped with whistles; whistles with different tones.= Except in movements executed at =attention=, commanders or leaders of subdivisions repeat orders, commands, or signals whenever such repetition is deemed necessary to insure =prompt= and correct execution.

Officers, battalion noncommissioned staff officers, platoon leaders, guides, and musicians are equipped with whistles.

The Major and his staff will use a whistle of distinctive tone; the captain and company musicians a second and distinctive whistle; the platoon leaders and guides a third distinctive whistle. (34)

=84. Limitation of prescribed signals; special prearranged signals.= Prescribed signals are limited to such as are essential as a substitute for the voice under conditions which render the voice inadequate.

Before or during an engagement special signals may be agreed upon to facilitate the solution of such special difficulties as the particular situation is likely to develop, but it must be remembered that simplicity and certainty are indispensable qualities of a signal. (35)

Orders

=85. Orders defined; when employed.= In these regulations an =order= embraces instructions or directions given orally or in writing in terms suited to the particular occasion and not prescribed herein.

=Orders= are employed only when the =commands= prescribed herein do not sufficiently indicate the will of the commander.

Orders are more fully described in paragraphs 378 to 383, inclusive. (36)

Commands

=86. Command defined.= In these regulations a =command= is the will of the commander expressed in the phraseology prescribed herein. (37)

=87. Kinds of commands; how given.= There are two kinds of commands:

The =preparatory= command, such as =forward=, indicates the movement that is to be executed.

The command of =execution=, such as =MARCH=, =HALT=, or =ARMS=, causes the execution.

=Preparatory= commands are distinguished by =italics=; those of execution by =CAPITALS=.

Where it is not mentioned in the text who gives the commands prescribed, they are to be given by the commander of the unit concerned.

The =preparatory= command should be given at such an interval of time before the command of =execution= as to admit of being properly understood; the command of =execution= should be given at the instant the movement is to commence.

The tone of command is animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number of men for whom it is intended.

Each =preparatory= command is enunciated distinctly, with a rising inflection at the end, and in such manner that the command of =execution= may be more energetic.

The command of =execution= is firm in tone and brief. (38)

=88. Battalion and higher commanders repeat commands of superiors; battalion largest unit executing movement at command of its commander.= Majors and commanders of units larger than a battalion repeat such commands of their superiors as are to be executed by their units, facing their units for that purpose. The battalion is the largest unit that executes a movement at the command of execution of its commander. (39)

=89. Facing troops and avoiding indifference when giving commands.= When giving commands to troops it is usually best to face toward them.

Indifference in giving commands must be avoided as it leads to laxity in execution. Commands should be given with spirit at all times. (40)

Bugle Signals

=90. Bugle signals that may be used on and off the field of battle.= The authorized bugle signals are published in Part V of these regulations.

The following bugle signals may be used off the battlefield, when not likely to convey information to the enemy:

=Attention:= Troops are brought to attention. =Attention to orders:= Troops to fix their attention. =Forward, march:= Used also to execute quick time from double time. =Double time, march.= =To the rear, march:= In close order, execute =squads right about=. =Halt.= =Assemble, march.=

The following bugle signals may be used on the battlefield:

=Fix bayonets.= =Charge.= =Assemble, march.=

These signals are used only when intended for the entire firing line; hence they can be authorized only by the commander of a unit (for example, a regiment or brigade) which occupies a distinct section of the battlefield. Exception: =Fix bayonet.= (See par. 355.)

The following bugle signals are used in exceptional cases on the battlefield. Their principal uses are in field exercises and practice firing.

=Commence firing:= Officers charged with fire direction and control open fire as soon as practicable. When given to a firing line, the signal is equivalent to =fire at will=.

=Cease firing:= All parts of the line execute =cease firing= at once.

These signals are not used by units smaller than a regiment, except when such unit is independent or detached from its regiment. (41)

Whistle Signals

=91. Attention to orders.= A =short blast= of the whistle. This signal is used on the march or in combat when necessary to fix the attention of troops, or of their commanders or leaders, preparatory to giving commands, orders, or signals.

When the firing line is firing, each squad leader suspends firing and fixes his attention at a =short blast= of his platoon leader's whistle. The platoon leader's subsequent commands or signals are repeated and enforced by the squad leader. If a squad leader's attention is attracted by a whistle other than that of his platoon leader, or if there are no orders or commands to convey to his squad, he resumes firing at once.

=Suspend firing.= A =long blast= of the whistle. All other whistle signals are prohibited. (42)

Arm Signals

=92.= 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.

=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.

=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.

=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.

=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.

=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.

=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.

=As skirmishers, MARCH.= Raise both arms laterally until horizontal.

=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.

=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.

=Assemble, March.= Raise the arm vertically to full extent and describe horizontal circles.

=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;

by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number equal to the hundreds of yards;

to add yards describe a short horizontal line with forefinger.

=To change elevation=, indicate the =amount of increase or decrease= by fingers as above; point upward to indicate increase and downward to indicate decrease.

=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.

=Are you ready?= or =I am ready.= Raise the hand, fingers extended and joined, palm toward the person addressed.

=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."

=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." (See par. 142.)

=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.

=Platoon.= Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; describe small circles with the hand. (See par. 93.)

=Squad.= Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; swing the hand up and down from the wrist. (See par. 93.)

=Rush.= Same as =double time=. (43)

=93. Use of signals "platoon" and "squad."= 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.

=Note.=--The following signals, while not prescribed, are very convenient:

=Combined Sights.= Extend the arm toward the leaders for whom the signal is intended, hand open and turn hand rapidly from right to left a number of times. Then indicate ranges in the manner prescribed, giving the mean of the two ranges. (For example: If the combined sights are 1050 and 1150, indicate a range of 1100 yards. The leaders who give the oral commands, give the command, "Range 1050 and 1150," whereupon every man in the front rank, before deployment, fixes his sight at 1150, and every man in the rear rank, before deployment, fixes his sight at 1050.)

=Company.= Bring the hand up near the shoulder and then thrust to the front, snapping fingers in usual way; repeat several times.

=Contract fire.= Extend both arms horizontally, fingers extended, arms parallel, palms facing each other; bring hands together =once=, and hold them so and look at the leader concerned.

=Disperse fire.= Bring hands together, fingers extended, pointing in direction of leader concerned, arms extended horizontally; swing arms outward once, and hold them so and look at the leader concerned.

=Platoon column.= Raise both arms vertically, full length, arms parallel, fingers joined and extended, palms to the front.

=Prepare to rush.= Cross the arms horizontally several times.

=Squad Column.= Raise both arms vertically from elbows, elbows at side of body, fingers joined and extended, palms to the front.--Author. (44)

Flag Signals

=94. Signal flags carried by company musicians; description of flags.= The signal Hags described below are carried by the company musicians in the field.

In a regiment in which it is impracticable to make the permanent battalion division alphabetically, the flags of a battalion are as shown; flags are assigned to the companies alphabetically, within their respective battalions, in the order given below.

First battalion:

Company A. Red field, white square. Company B. Red field, blue square. Company C. Red field, white diagonals. Company D. Red field, blue diagonals.

Second battalion:

Company E. White field, red square. Company F. White field, blue square. Company G. White field, red diagonals. Company H. White field, blue diagonals.

Third battalion:

Company I. Blue field, red square. Company K. Blue field, white square. Company L. Blue field, red diagonals. Company M. Blue field, white diagonals.

=Note.=--An analysis of the above system of signal flags will show: 1. The color of the field indicates the battalion and the colors run in the order that is so natural to us all, viz: =Red=, =White= and =Blue=. Hence =red= field indicates the =first= battalion; =white= field, the =second=; =blue= field, the =third=.

2. The =squares= indicate the first two companies of each battalion, and the =diagonals=, the second two. Hence,

+-----------+----------------+ | Companies | Indicated by | |-----------+----------------+ | A | E | I | Squares | | B | F | K | | |-----------+----------------+ | C | G | L | Diagonals | | D | H | M | | +-----------+----------------+

3. The colors of the squares and diagonals in combination with those of the fields, run in the order that is so natural to us all, viz.: =Red=, =White= and =Blue=, the color of any given field being, of course, omitted from the squares and diagonals, as a white square for instance, would not show on a white field, nor would a blue diagonal show on a blue field. For example, with a =red= field we would have =white= and =blue= for the square and diagonal colors; with a =white= field, =red= and =blue= for the square and diagonal colors; with a =blue= field, =red= and =white= for the square and diagonal colors.

4. From what has been said, the following table explains itself:

+-----------+-------+-----+---------+-----------+ | Battalion | Field | Co. | Squares | Diagonals | +-----------+-------+-----+---------+-----------+ | First | Red | A | White | | | | | B | Blue | | | | | C | | White | | | | D | | Blue | +-----------+-------+-----+---------+-----------+ | Second | White | E | Red | | | | | F | Blue | | | | | G | | Red | | | | H | | Blue | +-----------+-------+-----+---------+-----------+ | Third | Blue | I | Red | | | | | K | White | | | | | L | | Red | | | | M | | White | +-----------+-------+-----+---------+-----------+

Note how the square and diagonal colors always follow in the natural order of =red=, =white=, and =blue=, with the color of the field omitted.--Author. (45)

=95. Signal flags used to mark assembly point of company, etc.= In addition to their use in visual signaling, these flags serve to mark the assembly point of the company when disorganized by combat, and to mark the location of the company in bivouac and elsewhere, when such use is desirable. (46)

=96. Signals used between firing line and reserve or commander in rear.= (1) For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commander in the 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 headdress or other substitute may be used. (See par. 863 for the semaphore code and par. 861 for the General Service, or International Morse Code.) (47)

---------------+---------------------------+---------------------------- Letter of | If signaled from the rear | If signaled from the firing alphabet | to the firing line | 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." | | F | Commence firing. | Commence firing. | | F B | Fix bayonets. | Fix bayonets. | | 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.) | | ---------------| | (All methods | What is the (R. N. etc.)? | What is the (R. N. etc.)? but ardois | Interrogatory. | Interrogatory. and semaphore.)| | | | P | Affirmative. | Affirmative. | | R | Acknowledgment. | Acknowledgment. | | R N | Range. | Range. | | R T | Right. | Right. | | S S S | Support going forward. | Support needed. | | S U F | Suspend firing. | Suspend firing. | | T | Target. | Target. ---------------+---------------------------+----------------------------

For the semaphore signals, see par. 863.

SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER

=97. Duties of instructor.= The instructor explains briefly each movement, first executing it himself if practicable. He requires the recruits to take the proper positions unassisted and does not touch them for the purpose of correcting them, except when they are unable to correct themselves. He avoids keeping them too long at the same movement, although each should be understood before passing to another. He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity. (48)

=98. Grouping of recruits according to proficiency.= In order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities permit, the recruits are grouped according to proficiency as instruction progresses. Those who lack aptitude and quickness are separated from the others and placed under experienced drill masters. (49)

Instruction Without Arms

=98a. Formation of squad for preliminary instruction.= For preliminary instruction a number of recruits, usually not exceeding three or four, are formed as a squad in single rank. (50)

Position of the Soldier, or Attention

=99.= Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits.

Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45 deg..

=Knees straight without stiffness.=

Hips level and drawn back slightly; body erect and resting equally on hips; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square and falling equally.

Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam of the trousers.

Head erect and squarely to the front, chin drawn in so that the axis of the head and neck is vertical; eyes straight to the front.

Weight of the body resting equally upon the heels and balls of the feet. (51)

The Rests

=100.= Being at a halt, the commands are: =FALL OUT; REST; AT EASE=; and, =1. Parade, 2. REST=.

At the command =fall out=, the men may leave the ranks, but are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places, at attention, at the command =fall in=.

At the command =rest= each man keeps one foot in place, but is not required to preserve silence or immobility.

At the command =at ease= each man keeps one foot in place and is required to preserve silence but =not= immobility. (52)

=101. 1. Parade, 2. REST.= Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; clasp the hands, without constraint, in front of the center of the body, fingers joined, left hand uppermost, left thumb clasped by the thumb and forefinger of the right hand; preserve silence and steadiness of position. (53)

=102.= To resume the attention: =1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION.=

The men take the position of the soldier. (54)

Eyes Right or Left

=103. 1. Eyes, 2. RIGHT (LEFT), 3. FRONT.=

At the command =right=, turn the head to the right oblique, eyes fixed on the line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in, the same rank. At the command =front=, turn the head and eyes to the front. (55)

Facings

=104. To the flank: 1. Right (left), 2. FACE.=

Raise slightly the left heel and right toe; face to the right, turning on the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the left foot; place the left foot by the side of the right. Left face is executed on the left heel in the corresponding manner.

=Right (left) half face= is executed similarly, facing 45 deg..

"To face in marching" and advance, turn on the ball of either foot and step off with the other foot in the new line of direction; to face in marching without gaining ground in the new direction, turn on the ball of either foot and mark time. (56)

=105.= To the rear: =1. About, 2. FACE.=

Carry the toe of the right foot about a half foot-length to the rear and slightly to the left of the left heel without changing the position of the left foot; face to the rear, turning to the right on the left heel and right toe; place the right heel by the side of the left. (57)

Salute with the Hand

=106. 1. Hand, 2. SALUTE.=

Raise the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress or forehead above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined palm to the left, forearm inclined at about 45 deg., hand and wrist straight; =at the same time look toward the person saluted=. (=TWO=) Drop the arm smartly by the side. (58)

(For rules governing salutes, see "Military Courtesy," Chapter XI,