Part 23 (1/2)

If after deploying a favorable opportunity arises to hold it for some time in close formation, it should be rea.s.sembled. It is redeployed when necessary.

226. The movements of the support as a whole and the dispatch of reenforcements from it to the firing line are controlled by the major.

A reenforcement of less than one platoon has little influence and will be avoided whenever practicable.

The captain of a company in support is constantly on the alert for the major's signals or commands.

227. A reenforcement sent to the firing line joins it deployed as skirmishers. The leader of the reenforcement places it in an interval in the line, if one exists: and commands it thereafter as a unit. If no such suitable interval exists, the reenforcement is advanced with increased intervals between skirmishers; each man occupies the nearest interval in the firing line, and each then obeys the orders of the nearest squad lender and platoon leader.

228. A reenforcement joins the firing line as quickly as possible without exhausting the men.

229. The original platoon division of the companies in the firing line should be maintained and should not be broken up by the mingling of reenforcements.

Upon joining the firing line, officers and sergeants accompanying a reenforcement take over the duties of others of like grade who have been disabled, or distribute themselves so as best to exercise their normal functions. Conditions with vary and no rules can be prescribed. It is essential that all a.s.sist in mastering the increasing difficulties of control.

THE COMPANY ACTING ALONE.

230. In general, the company, when acting alone, is employed according to the principles applicable to the battalion acting alone; the captain employs platoons as the major employs companies, making due allowance for the difference in strength.

The support may be smaller in proportion or may be dispensed with.

231. The company must be well protected against surprise. Combat patrols on the flanks are specially important. Each leader of a flank platoon details a man to watch for the signals of the patrol or patrols on his flank.

FIRE.

232. Ordinarily pieces are loaded and extra ammunition is issued before the company deploys for combat.

In close order the company executes the firings at the command of the captain, who posts himself in rear of the center of the company.

Usually the firings, in close order consist of saluting volleys only.

233. When the company is deployed, the men execute the firings at the command of their platoon leaders; the latter give such commands as are necessary to carry out the captain's directions, and, from time to time, add such further commands as are necessary to continue, correct, and control the fire ordered.

234. The voice is generally inadequate for giving commands during fire and must be replaced by signals of such character that proper fire direction and control is a.s.sured. To attract attention, signals must usually be preceded by the whistle signal (short blast). A friction of the firing line about to rush should, it practicable, avoid using the long blast signal as an aid to CEASE FIRING. Officers and men behind the firing line can not ordinarily move freely along the line, but must depend on mutual watchfulness and the proper use of the prescribed signals. All should post themselves so as to see their immediate superiors and subordinates.

235. The musicians a.s.sist the captain by observing the enemy, the target, and the fire effect by transmitting commands or signals and by watching for signals.

236. Firing with blank cartridges at an outlined or represented enemy at distances less than 100 yards is prohibited.

237. The effect of fire and the influence of the ground in relation thereto, and the individual and collective instruction in marksmans.h.i.+p, are treated in the Small-Arms Firing Manual.

RANGES.

238. For convenience of reference ranges are cla.s.sified as follows:

0 to 600 yards, close range.

600 to 1,200 yards, effective range.