Part 28 (1/2)

A cavalryman goes into battle carrying 150 rounds of rifle ammunition and 40 rounds of pistol ammunition. He habitually carries in his belt 90 rounds of rifle and 20 rounds of pistol ammunition. When about to go into a fight he gets 60 rounds of rifle and 20 rounds of pistol ammunition from his combat train.

All officers must train their men to economize in the use of ammunition.

Train service, even by rail for ammunition, would be inadequate if this were not done.

TRANSPORTATION

Organization commanders are responsible for all unauthorized material or supplies that may be put on their wagons. You should therefore become acquainted with the transportation attached to the smaller organizations. The wagons that carry your ammunition are called the Combat Train. The wagons that carry your authorized baggage, kitchen equipment, and food are called the Field Train.

THE RATION

A ration is the allowance (money) for the subsistence of one person for one day. It is based on the cost of a fixed amount of certain foods (such as meat, potatoes, bread, etc.) necessary for a workingman. As the cost of food in the different sections of the country varies, so does the cost of the ration. There are several kinds of ration based on what the soldier is doing and the climate he is in. If you are ever in command of a company, whether in the field or in barracks, one of your most important duties will be to supervise the cooking and messing of your company. You should, therefore, become familiar with the following rations:

(1) Garrison rations. Used by troops in garrison and during peace and on manuvers.

(2) Reserve ration. Carried on the person and in the trains.

(3) Field ration. The ration prescribed by the commander of a field force.

(4) Travel ration. Used when traveling.

(5) Emergency ration. Used by troops on an active campaign in an emergency.

(6) Filipino ration. For use of Filipino Scouts.

PROPERTY

In the absence of regulations on the subject, each Reserve Officer should own a good watch, a pair of field gla.s.ses, a compa.s.s, and a note book.

GUARD DUTY

Guards are used in camp or garrison to preserve order, to protect property, and to enforce police regulations. The commander of the guard is an officer or non-commissioned officer. He performs his duties under the supervision of the officer of the day. A sentinel is on post two hours out of every six. And a tour of guard duty is twenty-four hours.

As guard duty is of such utmost importance, and laxity, or failure to perform it properly, is very severely punished, the duties of all connected with it are clearly prescribed in the Guard Manual.

Orders for sentinels are divided into two cla.s.ses, general and special.

Each should be memorized. Special orders relate to particular posts and duties. General orders apply to all sentinels and are as follows:

”(1) To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

”(2) To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.