Chapter 7
engaged, joins or establishes communication with the regimental reserve. (548, 549 and 553, i.d.r.) (This sergeant is not provided for in the present organization. Recommendation has been made to the War Department that he be included in the Tables of Organization.)
IV. THE CAPTAIN. (The Fire Director.)
POSITION: _Where he can best:_
1. Control his four platoons. (248, i.d.r.) 2. Observe fire effect. (249, i.d.r.) 3. See the major and platoon chiefs. (234, i.d.r.)
DUTIES: _Before fire action:_
1. Conducts his company to place of deployment assigned by the major's orders (297, i.d.r.) in best manner. (212, i.d.r.) 2. Designates target, and allots part to each platoon. (245 and 249, i.d.r.) (See Overlapping Method, page 15, Subject V. Fire Tactics.) 3. Determines the range. (240 and 249, i.d.r.) 4. Announces the sight setting. } 5. Indicates class of fire and } (249, i.d.r.) 6. Time to open fire. } 7. Informs the subordinates as to the location of the battalion commander, and, when necessary, announces his own position.
_During the Action:_
1. Observes fire effect. (249, 414, 415, i.d.r., and 216, s.a.f.m.) 2. Corrects material errors in sight setting. (249, i.d.r.) 3. Prevents exhaustion of ammunition supply. (249, 550, 551, i.d.r.) 4. Distributes ammunition received from rear. (249, i.d.r.) 5. Provides for the collection and distribution of the ammunition of the dead and wounded. (551, i.d.r.) 6. Is on the alert for the Major's signals or commands. (226 and 234, i.d.r.) 7. In the absence of express directions from the major, if commanding a flank company, determines when advances by rushes shall be attempted. (311, i.d.r.) 8. Indicates size of fractions to rush. (311, i.d.r.) 9. Leads a rush by entire company. (223, i.d.r.) 10. Leads the charge. (319, i.d.r.) 11. When necessary, designates new platoon leaders and sees that new squads are organized and new squad leaders designated to replace those disabled. (104, 375, i.d.r.)
V. BUGLERS.
POSITION:
Join the Captain when the company deploys. (164, i.d.r.)
DUTIES: (235, i.d.r.)
1. _One Bugler_-- a. Observes the enemy. b. Observes the target. c. Observes for fire effect. d. Watches platoon leaders for signals. e. Transmits signals to platoon leaders. 2. _The other_-- a. Watches the Major for signals and repeats them back. b. Transmits information to the Major. 3. BOTH-- a. Repeat bugle signals "charge." (319, i.d.r.) b. Carry field glasses, message pads, pencils and signal flags. (i.u.a.e.m., 387, i.d.r.) c. Act as messengers.
ALL OF THE ABOVE IMPLIES THAT THEY MUST BE PROFICIENT IN: a. Signaling--Hand, Arm and Letter Codes. b. Observation for fire effect. c. Location and definition or description of targets. d. Bugle calls.
VI. RANGE ESTIMATORS.
Five or six officers or men, selected from the most accurate estimators in the company are designated "Range Finders." (240, i.d.r.)
The term "Range Finder" is a misnomer as a range finder is an instrument. The school uses the term "Range Estimator" when applied to an individual. The attention of the War Department has been called to this.
The range estimators are given special training in the estimation of ranges.
When an action is pending, the Captain receives from the Major the primary apportionment of the target or sector of fire. (303, i.d.r.)
The Captain returns to the company, and, avoiding dangerous grouping, assembles the platoon leaders and range estimators, and points out to both the target of the Battalion and Company.
The Range Estimators immediately begin their estimation of the range to the company target; the Captain meanwhile continues with his instructions to the Platoon Leaders.
The instructions to the Platoon Leaders completed, the Range Estimators announce to the Captain either their individual estimates, or the mean of their estimates as deduced by one of the estimators. The Range Estimators then take their customary posts (240, i.d.r.), and the Captain indicates to the Platoon Leaders the range to be used.
The Range Estimators act in an advisory capacity to the Captain. The mean of their estimates will usually be the most accurate deduction available in battle. The adoption by the Captain of the range thus determined, however, is not obligatory.
Range Estimators should be ready to signal their estimates of the range to the platoon leaders at any time during the action.
VII. THE PLATOON LEADER.
(The Fire Controller.)
POSITION: Where he can best:
1. Control the squads constituting his platoon. (252, i.d.r.) 2. Observe the target and fire effect. (252, 414, 415, i.d.r., and 216, s.a.f.m.) 3. Observe the captain for signals or commands. (234, 251, i.d.r.)
DUTIES:
(6, 42, 104, 229, 231-233, 244, 245-257, 319, 375, 550, i.d.r.) Controls the fire of his platoon and in his fire orders.
1. Receives his orders from the company commander. 2. If necessary, may indicate the fire position that has been ordered. 3. Announces sight setting. 4. Points out designated target to his platoon, if practicable, otherwise to his corporals only, or 5. When the target cannot be seen, indicates an aiming target. (247 and 251, i.d.r., call this an aiming "point", but the occasions upon which infantry would use an aiming "point" are so rare that it is believed aiming "target" is a more accurate term as it includes both point and line.) 6. Assigns target so as to insure that the entire front or sector given him by the company commander will be covered with fire. 7. Gives class of fire. 8. Announces rate of fire. 9. If commanding a flank platoon, details a man to watch for signals from the combat patrols. 10. When his Corporals have signaled that their squads are ready to fire, signals the Captain by looking toward him and holding up his hand. 11. When Captain signals a "commence firing", repeats same to the corporals.
THEREAFTER:
1. Observes for fire effect. 2. When platoon is not firing, insures that the front assigned is kept under constant observation for any appearance of the enemy or any change of position. 3. Changes sight-setting of his platoon when necessary. 4. Regulates rate of fire. 5. Increases rate of fire when large and distinct targets appear and decreases it when the target becomes small and indistinct. 6. Prevents decrease in rate of fire when-- (1) Changing sight-setting, (2) Preparing for rushes, (3) Fixing bayonets, (4) Transmitting firing data to supports, (5) Distributing ammunition. 7. Increases the rate of fire to cover the advance of adjacent units. For this purpose progress and movements of adjoining units are kept under observation. 8. Maintains direction of advance of his platoon in rushing, so as not to blanket fire of adjacent units. 9. Is on the alert for Captain's commands or signals, for this purpose he may use his platoon guide. 10. May use his platoon guide to observe adjoining units. 11. Must understand all signals. 12. Leads his platoon in advancing and charging. 13. Prevents changing fire to unauthorized targets. 14. Insures distribution of ammunition brought up from the rear and the collection and distribution of same from the dead and wounded. (540, i.d.r.). 15. In coming up with re-enforcements, he takes over the duties of disabled platoon leaders of the platoon into which his men have dropped, or it may be some other section of the line needs his service in which case he goes there. 16. Endeavors to preserve the integrity of squads, designates new squad leaders to replace those disabled, organizes new squads when necessary, sees that every man is placed in a squad and takes every opportunity for restoring order in the firing line. (104, 375, i.d.r.) 17. In "Advance by thin lines", leads odd numbered lines. (218, i.d.r.).
VIII. THE FIRST SERGEANT.
Commands a Platoon, Never a Guide.
GUIDES.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Guides must be resourceful, have good health, vigorous physique, keen eyesight, presence of mind and courage, with good judgment, military training and experience. They must be able to read maps, make sketches and send clear and concise messages.
2. EQUIPMENT.--Guides are equipped with whistle, watch, compass, message book, knife, pencil, wire cutters, map, pace scale and glasses if possible.
3. As instructors they go where needed.
4. As file closers they insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.
5. In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is charged with the step and direction.
CLOSE ORDER.--The guides of the right and left, or leading and rear, platoons, are the right and left, or leading and rear guides respectively of the company when it is in line or in column of squads. Other guides are in the line of file closers.
In platoon movements the post of the platoon guide is at the head of the platoon, if the platoon is in column, and on the guiding flank if in line. When a platoon has two guides their original assignment to flanks of the platoon does not change.
The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank opposite the file closers. To change the guides and file closers to the other flank, the Captain commands: 1. _File closers on left (right) flank;_ 2. March. The file closers dart through the column; the captain and guides change.
In column of squads, each rank preserves the alignment toward the side of the guide.
Men in the line of file closers do not execute the loadings or firings.
Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers execute the manual of arms during the drill unless specially excused, when they remain at the order. During ceremonies they execute all movements.
IN TAKING INTERVALS AND DISTANCES.--Unless otherwise directed, the right and left guides, at the first command, place themselves in the line of file closers, and with them take a distance of 4 paces from the rear rank. In taking intervals, at the command "March", the file closers face to the flank and each steps off with the file nearest him. In _assembling_ the guides and file closers resume their places in line.
To FORM THE COMPANY.--At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position 6 paces in front of where the center of the company is to be, faces it, draws saber, and commands "Fall in".
The right guide of the company places himself, facing to the front, where the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that the center of the company will be 6 paces from and opposite the first sergeant; the squads form in their proper places on the left of the right guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who then take their posts.
For the instruction of platoon leaders and guides, the company, when small, may be formed in single rank. In this formation close order movements only are executed. The single rank executes all movements as explained for the front rank of the company.
ALIGNMENTS.--The alignments are executed as prescribed in the School of the Squad, the guide being established instead of the flank file. The rear-rank man of the flank file keeps his head and eyes to the front and covers his file leader.
At each alignment the Captain places himself in prolongation of the line, 2 paces from and facing the flank toward which the dress is made, verifies the alignment and commands: "Front".
Platoon leaders take a like position when required to verify the alignments.
In "Company right" the right guide steps back on the command "March", aligning the first two men next to him as he does so, to establish the correct line.
In "Platoon right" the Captain announces the guide and the guides cover promptly.
In "Right turn" the right guide is the pivot of the front rank.
In "Column right" the right flank man of the leading squad is the pivot, _not the guide_.
In "Right by squads" the right guide (when he has posted himself in front of the right squad) takes four short steps and then resumes the full step. The right squad conforms.
"Squads right about." If the company or platoons are in column of squads, file closers turn about toward the column and take posts. If in line, each darts through the nearest interval between squads. The right and left guides place themselves in the new front rank. File closers on facing about, maintain their relative positions.
When the company executes "About face", guides place themselves in the new front rank.
In "Right front into line, double time" halting and aligning commands are omitted. Guide is toward side of the first unit.
In "Take interval" or "Take distance" guides drop back at the first command.
In "Squads right" or "Platoons, column right" interior guides of platoons cross the company. A good rule for beginners is always to cross over (except in "column right").
Guide of a company in line is right (unless otherwise announced).
Guide of a platoon in line is right.
Guide of a battalion in line is center.
Guide of a line of subdivisions is center.
Guide of a deployed line is center.
Guide of a squad is toward the side of the guide of the company.
Guide of successive formations into line is toward the point of rest.
File closers remain on the same side of the company except when in so doing they would be left in front of the company.
If the battalion is in line, the guide away from the point of rest (in each company) comes to the "Right shoulder arms" at the command to dress.
At the command "Eyes right", guides who are charged with the direction do not execute "Eyes right", but simply salute.
At "Retreat" guides unarmed stand at "Attention". Only officers salute.
In "Stack arms" the right guide should align the stacks.
In squads (acting alone) the corporal is the guide; number 2 of the front rank, if the corporal is not in line.
The guides of rear units are charged with the step, trace and distance.
EXERCISE FOR GUIDES.--Lay out a course of arbitrary distance; 200 yards will answer the purpose. Instruct the guides to march the course as they would if they were guiding a company, but being sure to count their steps (a pebble transferred to the left hand at 100 steps is often found useful).
RESULT.--The number of steps will range from 205 to 225. After getting the number of steps taken by each man, show them that they should have taken 240 steps and that each man took too long a step. Have them march back guiding on two points in line as before, cautioning them to cut down the length of the step to 30 inches from the start, and not to wait until they get half way down the course and find that they have less than 120 steps.
RESULT.--All of the men, even after the caution, will have taken too long a step.
Instructor times the guides both ways, and calls attention to the fact that in ALL cases the cadence was under 120 steps per minute.
After repeating above as much as desired have the men march in pairs, one man keeping time and the other counting steps and marching on two points.
They may check up every 10 seconds if desired.
IX. PLATOON GUIDES.
POSITION:
1. Behind the firing line, on left of platoon leader. (163, i.d.r.) 2. Advancing in line--behind center of platoon. (213 and 223, i.d.r.) To insure prompt and orderly advance. 3. "Advance by thin lines"--lead even numbered lines. (218, i.d.r.) 4. Advancing in squad or platoon column--in rear.
DUTIES:
(104, 213, 223, 229, 255, 367, 375, and 376, i.d.r.)
1. The platoon leader's assistant and may be assigned any duty the platoon leader sees fit. 2. Keeps adjoining units under observation. 3. Watches firing line. 4. Checks every breach of fire discipline. 5. Prevents skulking, men leaving the ranks at any time to care for wounded, etc. 6. Designates new squad leaders and organizes new squads when necessary. 7. Attaches men that have become separated from squads to other squads. 8. Insures prompt and orderly advance. 9. On joining firing line from the support takes over duties of sergeants disabled. 10. May receive and transmit signals to the Captain. 11. If the platoon leader is disabled, he takes over his duties. Hence he should know what the platoon leader is doing and how. 12. When taking over the duties of the platoon leader he calls the senior corporal of his platoon out to act as guide.
X. CORPORAL.
POSITION:
1. Marching in line, as center skirmisher of squad (124, i.d.r.) or 2. When skirmish line is halted, immediately behind his squad.
Note.--The School has recommended to the War Department that the Infantry Drill Regulations be changed to provide that the Corporal's position be as prescribed above and in paragraph 20, page 10.
DUTIES:
Paragraphs 42, 222, 252, 254, 255, 411, and 551, i.d.r., cover in general the corporal's duties. The squad leader (Corporal) controls the fire of his squad, he must understand the duties of the private and in issuing his fire orders:
1. Receives his instructions from the platoon leader. 2. Points out indicated objective to his squad. 3. Takes as the squad target that portion of the platoon target which corresponds to the position of the squad in the platoon. 4. Announces sight setting. 5. Announces class and rate of fire. 6. When his squad is ready to fire looks toward the platoon leader and holds up his hand. At the platoon leader's signal to commence firing he sees that the squad opens fire.
THEREAFTER:
1. Makes all fire from the shoulder. 2. Makes all use ordered rate of fire. 3. Insures that all fire at designated objective. 4. Prevents slighting of invisible portions of the target for more visible parts. 5. Prevents men from changing fire to unauthorized targets not in the assigned front or sector. 6. Maintains constant observation to the front; when squad is firing, for effect of fire--when squad is not firing, for appearance of enemy. 7. Insures prompt obedience to orders to suspend and cease firing. 8. Makes men utilize ground to fullest extent for concealment in firing and advancing. 9. In sight-setting, changing sights and fixing bayonets, has front rank perform operation first (rear-rank men increasing rate of fire) and then the rear-rank follow while the front-rank men make up for loss of fire for the rear rank, thus insuring that the rate of fire for the squad does not fall off. 10. Prevents increasing vulnerability of squad while preparing for a rush, and rushes as soon after cease firing as possible. 11. When other squads of his platoon, are rushing, or the platoon which is covering the same target as is his platoon, is rushing he has his squad increase its rate of fire to make up for lost fire effect of the rushing element. 12. In rushing causes men to spring to feet running at full speed, all men to drop to the ground at the same time, and those who are in rear to crawl up to the line. 13. When re-enforcing the firing line, takes over the duties of disabled squad leaders. For this purpose his squad may drop into line at one place and he may move to the next squad on the right or left where there is a squad leader needed. If there are no vacancies caused by disabled squad leaders, he drops into line and assists the squad leaders who are there. 14. Prevents decreasing rate of fire when men are transmitting data to arriving supports. 15. Prevents wasting of ammunition. 16. Prevents use of 30 rounds in right pocket section of belts except on order of an officer. 17. Distributes ammunition of dead and wounded and ammunition brought up from the rear. 18. Prevents decreasing the rate of fire while ammunition is being distributed. 19. Looks to the rear only at his platoon leader's whistle "Attention." Pays no attention to any other except suspend firing. 20. Takes his position in rear of his squad when it is firing and remains there, where he can control its fire, and only crawls into line and adds his rifle when all control is lost. (Short ranges.) 21. To control his squad he does not walk up and down behind his squad but rolls along behind his line and keeps down. 22. Leads his squad in moving to the front or rear. 23. Must know thoroughly the drill regulation signals and have a good practical knowledge of the theory of fire. 24. In rushing, maintains the direction of advance of his squad so as not to blanket the fire of squads in his rear. 25. Takes advantage of every lull in the action and every favorable opportunity to reorganize his squad and get it more under control. 26. Checks every breach of fire discipline, abates excitement, and prevents any man from leaving the squad to go to the rear for any purpose whatsoever. 27. If called out of line to act as guide, notifies designated private (103, i.d.r.) to take command of squad.
XI. THE PRIVATE.
POSITION:
Deployed in line: One man per yard (125, i.d.r.), unless a greater extension is directed in the order for deployment. (126, i.d.r.)
DUTIES:
(6, 42, 104, 133, 134, 138, 139, 149, 152-156, 203, 209, 233, 247, 251, 254, 255, 319, 354, 367, i.d.r., and 209, s.a.f.m.)
The individual soldier must be trained:
1. To recognize targets from description quickly. 2. To describe and define targets. 3. To use rear sight in describing targets. 4. To use horizontal and vertical clock systems, singly or in combination in describing target. 5. To set sights quickly and accurately as ordered. 6. To bring piece to shoulder, aim carefully and deliberately from habit, and to reload quickly. 7. To fire at the ordered rate. (Par. 18, Standard for Field Firing.) 8. To fire at the part of the designated objective which corresponds to his position in the firing line. 9. To continue firing in the designated sector and not to change therefrom unless ordered. 10. Not to slight invisible parts of the target for more visible ones. 11. To maintain constant observation to the front. 12. To utilize folds of ground for concealment in advancing and firing. 13. To select firing positions. 14. To understand effects of visibility and the selection of backgrounds. 15. To fire from all positions, from behind hillocks, trees, heaps of earth and rocks, depressions, gullies, ditches, doorways and windows. 16. To obey promptly orders to suspend and cease firing. 17. To ignore whistle signals, except suspend firing. 18. To watch closely for the expected target after having suspended firing. 19. To obey promptly all orders from his squad leader. 20. To drop into the nearest interval when reinforcing the firing line and obey the orders of the nearest squad leader. 21. To transmit firing data to men of the supports coming into the line rapidly and accurately, without decreasing his rate of fire. 22. To call for range and target when reinforcing the firing line. 23. To have confidence in his own ability to hit. 24. To a system of sight setting and fixing bayonets in order that there may be no cessation of fire in the unit during this operation. 25. To prepare for rushes without decreasing fire of the unit unduly. 26. To avoid unnecessary movement in preparing for rushes. 27. To spring forward at command "Rush" or "Follow Me" without preliminary rising. 28. To avoid bunching in rushing. 29. Not to swerve to the right or left in search of cover but to advance in a straight line, in order not to blanket the fire of men in his rear. 30. To drop quickly at end of rush and crawl up to line if in rear of it. 31. To remain with his own company, but if he accidentally becomes detached from his company or squad to join the nearest one. 32. To maintain silence except when transmitting or receiving firing data and charging. 33. To retain presence of mind. 34. To be careful not to waste ammunition. 35. To use the thirty rounds of ammunition in the right pocket section of the belt only upon the order of an officer. 36. To remain with the firing line after bringing up ammunition. 37. To utilize ammunition of dead and wounded. 38. Never to attempt to care for dead or wounded during the action. 39. To have confidence in his ability to use the bayonet. 40. To a firm determination to close with the enemy. 41. To preserve the line in charging. 42. To understand that a charge should be slow and steady (the faster men must not run away from the slower ones). 43. To form up immediately after the charge and follow the enemy with fire, not attempting a disorganized pursuit. 44. To understand that it is suicidal to turn his back to an enemy and that, if he cannot advance, he must intrench and hold on until dark. 45. To count distant groups of object or beings. 46. To recognize service targets. 47. NEVER TO FIRE UNTIL HE UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE TARGET IS, AT WHAT PART HE IS TO FIRE, AND WITH WHAT SIGHT SETTING.
Packs.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING THE INFANTRY EQUIPMENT, MODEL OF 1910.
1. THE CARTRIDGE BELT.--(a) To assemble the belt. Place the adjusting strap on the ground, eyeleted edge to the front; place the pocket sections on the ground in prolongation of the adjusting strap, pockets down, tops of pockets to the front; insert end of adjusting strap in outer loop of metal guide, from the upper side, carry it under the middle bar and up through the inner loop; engage the wire hook on the end of adjusting strap in the eyelets; provided on the inner surface of the belt.
(b) To adjust the belt. Adjust the belt to fit loosely about the waist--i.e., so that when buckled it may rest well down over the hip bones on the sides of the body and below the pit of the abdomen in front. Care should be taken that the adjustment be made equally from both ends of the adjusting strap, so that the center eyelet will be in the middle of the belt.
(c) To fill the belt. Unsnap the flap of the pocket and the interior retaining strap; lay the retaining strap out flat in prolongation of the pocket, insert a clip of cartridges, points of bullets up, in front of the retaining strap; press down until the base of the clip rests on the bottom of the pocket; pass the retaining strap over the bullet points and fasten it to the outside of the pocket by means of the fastener provided; insert a second clip of cartridges, points of bullets down, in rear of the first clip; press down until the points of the bullets rest on the bottom of the pocket; close the flap of the pocket and fasten by means of the fastener provided.
The remaining nine pockets are filled in like manner.
2. TO ATTACH THE FIRST-AID POUCH.--Attach the pouch under the second pocket of the right section of the belt by inserting one hook of the double-hook attachment in the eyelet, from the inside of the belt; pinch the base of the pocket, bringing eyelets close together, and insert the other hook in the same manner in the adjoining eyelet. Place the first-aid packet in the pouch and secure the cover.
3. TO ATTACH THE CANTEEN COVER.--Attach the canteen cover to the belt under the rear pocket of the right section in the same manner as the first-aid pouch. Place the canteen and cup (assembled) in the cover and secure the flaps.
4. TO ATTACH THE PACK CARRIER TO THE HAVERSACK.--Spread the haversack on the ground, inner side down, outer flap to the front (Fig. 4); place the buttonholed edge of the pack carrier on the buttonholed edge of the haversack, lettered side of carrier up; buttonholes of carrier superimposed upon the corresponding ones of the haversack; lace the carrier to the haversack by passing the ends of the coupling strap down through the corresponding buttonholes of the carrier and haversack nearest the center of the carrier, bringing the ends up through the next buttonholes and continuing to the right and left, respectively, to the sides.
5. TO ATTACH THE CARTRIDGE BELT TO THE HAVERSACK.--Place the haversack and pack carrier (assembled) on the ground, inner side down (Fig. 5); place the cartridge belt, pockets down, tops to the front, along the junction of the haversack and carrier; insert hook on rear of belt suspender in the center eyelet of the adjusting strap, so that the end of the hook will be on the outside of the belt; insert hooks on ends of front belt suspenders in the eyelets between the second and third pockets from the outer ends of the belt, so that the end of the hooks will be on the outside of the belt.
6. TO ATTACH THE BAYONET SCABBARD TO THE HAVERSACK.--Attach the scabbard by passing its lower end through the loop provided on the side of the haversack body, then engage the double-hook attachment in the eyelets on the outer flap on the haversack, inserting the hooks from the inside. Place the bayonet in the scabbard.
7. TO ATTACH THE INTRENCHING TOOL CARRIER TO THE HAVERSACK.--Fold the outer flap of the haversack over so that the meat-can pouch is uppermost; pass the intrenching tool carrier underneath the meat-can pouch and engage the double-hook attachment in the eyelets in the flap provided, inserting the hooks from the underside. Place the intrenching tool in the carrier and secure. Place the meat-can, knife, fork, and spoon in the meat-can pouch. The equipment is now assembled and is never disassembled except to detach the pack carrier and its contents as hereinafter provided for.
To ASSEMBLE THE FULL EQUIPMENT.
(_With Rations._)
Place the assembled equipment on the ground, suspender side of haversack down, pockets of cartridge belt up, haversack spread out, inside flap and pack carrier extended their full length to the rear (Fig. 6).
Place three cartons of hard bread in the center of the haversack body, the lower one on the line of attachment of the inside flap; lay the remaining carton of hard bread, the condiment can and the bacon can on the top of these, the condiment can and the bacon can at the bottom, top of the bacon can to the front; the socks and toilet articles are rolled, towel on the outside, into a bundle of the same approximate dimensions as a carton of hard bread, and are placed in front of the two rows thus formed.
The inside flap of the haversack is folded over these articles, the end of the flap being turned in so that the flap, thus shortened, extends about 2 inches beyond the top of the upper row; the sides of the haversack are folded over the sides of the rows; the upper binding straps are passed through the loops on the outside of the inside flap, each strap through the loop opposite the point of its attachment to the haversack body, and fastened by means of the buckle on the opposite side, the strap being passed through the opening in the buckle next to its attachment, over the center bar, and back through the opening of the buckle away from its attachment; the strap is pulled tight to make the fastening secure; the outer flap of the haversack is folded over and fastened by means of the lower haversack binding strap and the buckle on the inside of the outer flap; the strap is pulled tight, drawing the outer flap snugly over the filled haversack.
The haversack is now packed and the carrier is ready for the reception of the pack (Fig. 7).
If one haversack ration and one emergency ration are carried in lieu of two haversack rations, the haversack is packed in the manner described above, except that two cartons of hard bread and the bacon can form the bottom layer, the bacon can on the bottom; the condiment can, the emergency ration, and the toilet articles form the top layer.
If one emergency ration is carried in addition to the two haversack rations, it is packed on top of the top layer.
TO MAKE THE PACK (Fig. 8).--Spread the shelter half on the ground and fold in the triangular ends, forming an approximate square from the half, the guy on the inside; fold the poncho once across its shortest dimension, then twice across its longest dimension, and lay it in the center of the shelter half; fold the blanket as described for the poncho and place it on the latter; place the shelter tent pins in the folds of the blanket, in the center and across the shortest dimension; fold the edges of the shelter half snugly over the blanket and poncho and, beginning on either of the short sides, roll tightly and compactly. This forms the pack.
TO ASSEMBLE THE PACK (Fig. 9).--Place the pack in the pack carrier and grasp the lower suspension rings, one in each hand; place the right knee against the bottom of the roll; pull the carrier down and force the pack up close against the bottom of the packed haversack; without removing the knee, pass the lower carrier binding strap over the pack and secure it by means of the opposite buckle; in a similar manner secure the lower haversack binding strap and then the upper carrier binding strap. Engage the snap hook on the pack suspenders in the lower suspension rings. The equipment is now assembled and packed as prescribed for the full equipment.
TO ASSEMBLE THE FULL EQUIPMENT.
(_Without Rations._)
Place the assembled equipment on the ground as heretofore described; fold up the inside flap of the haversack so that its end will be on a line with the top of the haversack body; fold up the lower haversack strap in the same manner.
TO MAKE UP THE PACK.--Fold the poncho, blanket and shelter half, and make up the pack as heretofore prescribed, except that the condiment and bacon can (the former inside the latter) and the toilet articles and socks are rolled in the pack. In this case the pack is rolled, beginning on either of the long sides instead of the short sides, as heretofore described.
TO ASSEMBLE THE PACK.--Place the pack on the haversack and pack carrier, its upper end on a line with the upper edge of the haversack body; bind it to the haversack and carrier by means of the haversack and pack binding straps; fold down the outer flap on the haversack and secure it by means of the free end of the middle haversack banding strap and the buckle provided on the underside of the flap; engage the snap hooks of the pack suspenders in the lower suspension rings.
The equipment is now packed and assembled (Fig. 10).
TO ADJUST THE EQUIPMENT TO THE SOLDIER.--Put on the equipment, slipping the arms one at a time through the pack suspenders as through the sleeves of a coat; by means of the adjusting buckles on the belt suspenders, raise or lower the belt until it rests well down over the hip bones on the sides and below the pit of the abdomen in front; raise or lower it in rear until the adjusting strap lies smoothly across the small of the back; by means of the adjusting buckles on the pack suspenders, raise or lower the load on the back until the top of the haversack is on a level with the top of the shoulders, the pack suspenders, from their point of attachment to the haversack to the line of tangency with the shoulder, being horizontal. _The latter is absolutely essential to the proper adjustment of the load_.
The position of the belt is the same whether filled or empty.
TO ASSEMBLE THE FULL EQUIPMENT LESS THE PACK.
(_With Rations._)
(Fig. 11.)
Detach the carrier from, the haversack; place the rest of the equipment on the ground as heretofore described; place the four cartons of hard bread, the bacon can, the condiment can, and the toilet articles in one row in the middle of the haversack body, the toilet articles at the top, the bacon can at the bottom, top to the front, the row extending from top to bottom of the haversack; fold the inside flap over the row thus formed; fold the sides of the haversack up and over; pass the three haversack binding straps through the loops on the inside flap and secure by means of the buckles on the opposite side of the haversack; pass the lower haversack binding strap through the small buttonhole in the lower edge of the haversack, fold the outer flap of the haversack over the whole and secure by means of the buckle on its underside and the lower haversack binding strap.
Pass the haversack suspension rings through the contiguous buttonholes in the lower edge of the haversack and engage the snap hooks on the ends of the pack suspenders.
If one haversack ration and one emergency ration are carried in lieu of two haversack rations, the haversack is packed in the manner described above, except that one emergency ration is substituted for two of the cartons of hard bread.
If one emergency ration is carried in addition to the two haversack rations, it is packed on top of the layer.
TO ASSEMBLE THE FULL EQUIPMENT LESS THE PACK.
(_Without Rations._)
Detach the carrier from the haversack; place the rest of the equipment on the ground as heretofore described; fold up the inside flap of the haversack until its upper end is on a line with the top of the haversack body; fold the sides of the haversack over, pass the three haversack binding straps through the loops on the inside flap and secure by means of the buckles on the opposite side of the haversack; pass the lower haversack binding strap through the small buttonhole in the lower edge of the haversack; place the condiment and bacon can (the former inside the latter) and the toilet articles and socks in the bottom of the pouch thus formed; fold the outer flap of the haversack over the whole and secure by means of the buckle on its underside and the lower haversack binding strap.
Pass the haversack suspension rings through the contiguous buttonholes in the lower edge of the haversack and engage the snap hooks on the ends of the pack suspenders.
TO ADJUST THE EQUIPMENT TO THE SOLDIER.--Put on the equipment as prescribed for the full equipment. Adjust the cartridge belt as prescribed for the full equipment. Adjust the pack suspenders so that the top of the haversack is on a level with the top of the shoulders.
TO DISCARD THE PACK WITHOUT REMOVING THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE BODY.
Unsnap the pack suspenders from the suspension rings and snap them into the eyelets on top of the belt and in rear of the rear pockets of the right and left pocket sections; support the bottom of the pack with the left hand and with the right hand grasp the coupling strap at its middle and withdraw first one end, then the other; press down gently on the pack with both hands and remove it. When the pack has been removed, lace the coupling strap into the buttonholes along the upper edge of the carrier. Adjust the pack suspenders.
For illustration of how packs are made up and carried, see Privates' Manual, Chapter 2.
CARE OF EQUIPMENT.
LEATHER.--1. Keep leather clean. Use material furnished by Ordnance Department, or castile soap and water.
2. Oil leather frequently to keep it pliable. Use Neatsfoot oil, Viscol or Harness soap.
3. Dry in the shade; never in the sun or in artificial heat. Always store in a cool, dry place without artificial heat. Shoe polishes are almost always injurious.
WOOLEN CLOTHES.--Wash in tepid or cold water with a non-alkaline soap; do not wring it out; dry in the shade.
MENDING.--Always keep equipment ready for use.
CLOTH EQUIPMENT.--DRY CLEANING.--Scrub with a stiff brush frequently.
WASHING.--Only under the direction of an officer.
Dissolve 1 piece of Q.M. soap (not yellow), in 9 cups of water. One cup will clean the equipment of one man. Apply with a brush and lather well. Rub soap directly on persistent spots. Wash off in cold water and dry in the shade.
INSTRUCTIONS ON MAKING PACKS.
FOUR METHODS:
Full equipment with rations. Full equipment without rations. Full equipment less pack, with rations. Full equipment less pack, without rations.
Haversack, Weight 9-1/4 Carrier Cartridge belt, canteen, Weight 11-1/2 Suspenders Mess Rations Weight 10-1/2 Mess pouch Gun 9 Clothing 7 ------- 40
ADJUSTING CARTRIDGE BELT.--1. Fits loosely around waist. 2. Resting on hips. 3. Hole between buckles. Insert ammunition: First, clip in front, points up, fastened with retaining strap, Second clip points down. First aid pouch under 4th pocket, left. Canteen under rear pocket, right. Bayonet between 3rd and 4th pocket, left. (New bayonet scabbard fastens on haversack.)
DISTRIBUTION OF INTRENCHING TOOLS IN THE SQUADS.
No. 3 rear of each odd-numbered squad ... Bolo No. 3 rear of each even-numbered squad ... Hand Axe. No. 1 rear of each squad ... Pick Mattock. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 front of each squad ... Shovels No. 2 rear of each squad ... Wire Cutter.