Army National Guard Tactics (1923)

COMMAND, STAFF,

AND TACTICS

FOR

OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL

GUARD AND ORGANIZED RESERVES

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS PRESS FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

1 9 2 3

COMMAND,

STAFF, AND TACTICS

FOR

OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD

AND ORGANIZED RESERVES

A brief discussion of the general organiza tion of a combat division, the functions of command and staffy the tactics and technique of the separate branches, and combat orders

Prepared by

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

1923

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS PRESS

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

474—4-15-23—23M

P r efa c e The War Department project for summer training an ticipates that officers of the National Guard and Organized Reserves, before going to the encampments, shall familiar ize themselves with: (1) The general organization of the division, the general or ganization and functions of the branches of service within the division, and the detailed organization and functions of regiments and subordinate units. (2) The general duties and interrelations of the general staff and the representatives of the administrative and technical branches at headquarters of the division, and similarly, the or ganization and operation of subordinate commands. (3) The tactics and technique of the separate branches of the division from the viewpoint respectively of general officers, field officers, and company officers. (4) The kinds and purposes of field orders, their contents, and arrangement. (5) The table of road spaces and the frontages and depth of deployment of the division. (6) The maps of the camp sites.

This pamphlet has been prepared by The General Service Schools, Fort Leaven worth, Kansas, under War De partment instructions, with a view to presenting the above subjects in a form convenient for study and reference and so abbreviated that the matter can be covered in the limited time which is available for study. The training program requires that "before reporting for duty * * * each officer will be expected to familiarize himself with" this pamphlet. It is contemplated that the information obtained from the very brief discussions given herein will be amplified by conferences and terrain exercises given at the summer camps. A more extended exposition of these subjects is to be found in the Training Regulations and in the text books in use at the General and Special Service Schools. H. E. ELY, Commandant. O CN I

Contents CHAPTER I Page 1

ORGANIZATION

Military organization—Military policy—Regular Army —National Guard—Organized Reserves—Organization in peace—Peace to war footing—Theater of operations—Com munications zone—Combat zone—Coast defense—Classifica tion of troops—Functions of larger units—The army—The corps—The division—The combined arms and branches. CHAPTER II COMMAND AND STAFF

22

Basis of command—Exercise of command—Staffs—The general staff—The technical and administrative staff—Staffs of lower units—Administration—Signal communication— System of supply—System of evacuation and hospitalization— Transport system. CHAPTER III INFANTRY

31

Functions—Organization—The rifle platoon—The rifle company—The machine gun company—The battalion—The howitzer company—The regiment—The brigade—The light • tank company. CHAPTER IV ARTILLERY

52

Functions of artillery—Classes of field artillery—Or ganization of division artillery—Artillery command—Occu pation of positions—Preparation of fire—Artillery prepara tion—Supporting fires—Counter battery fire—Liaison. CHAPTER V CAVALRY

71

Role of cavalry—Organization—Cavalry operations— General tactical employment—Offensive action—Defensive action—Pursuit. CHAPTER VI DIVISION AIR SERVICE, ENGINEERS, MEDICAL TROOPS AND TRANSPORT

Mission of the air service—Employment of division air service—Balloons—Mission of division engineers—Organiza tion of a combat engineer regiment—Division medical troops —Division transport—Organization of trains—Operation of the service trains.

96

CONTENTS

CHAPTER VII Page 106

MARCHES AND SHELTER

General considerations of marches—Preparation for marches—Conduct of marches—Rate and length of marches— Artillery on the march—Signal troops on the march—Medi cal troops on the march—Transport on the march—Shelter in campaign—Quartering troops—Selection of camp sites— Camps—Division trains in camp—Medical service in camp. CHAPTER

VIII llfr

INFORMATION AND RECONNAISSANCE

Information — Military intelligence — Combat intelli gence—Reconnaissance—Reconnaissance by air service—Re connaissance by cavalry—Reconnaissance by infantry—Re connaissance by commander and staff—Observation. CHAPTER IX SECURITY

123;

General considerations — Security detachments — Ad vance guards—Flank guards—Rear guards—Functions of outposts—Conduct of outposts—Strength—Composition of out posts—Distribution of troops—Establishing the outpost. CHAPTER X 135;

OFFENSIVE COMBAT

General principles—Forms of attack—The frontal attack —The penetration—The envelopment—Special operations— Plan of attack—Deployments for attack—Time and space factors—Position of commanders—Types of offensive situa tions — Surprise attacks — Meeting engagements — Attack against an enemy deployed for defense—Attack against a prepared position—Attack against a zone defense—Action after the attack. CHAPTER XI DEFENSIVE COMBAT

152:

General considerations—Principles of defensive action— Conduct of defensive combat—Forms of defense—Occupation of the ground—Disposition of troops—Organization of a posi tion—The defensive battle—Counter attacks. CHAPTER XII COMBAT ORDERS

166

Combat orders—Estimate of the situation—Letters of in struction — Warning orders — Field orders — Administrative orders—Movement orders—Time required for distribution of orders—The use of maps with orders—Forms for orders— Advance—Advance guard—A halt for the night; camp with outpost—Attack—Defense—Administrative orders—Artillery annex—Table of abbreviations. INDEX

189

MAP POCKET

vi

at

end

List of Plates and Diagrams Figure

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Divisions of the National Guard Divisions of the Organized Reserves Typical organization of an army Typical organization of a corps Diagram of the organization of a division Basic organization of a division staff Approach formation, infantry platoon Assault formations, infantry platoons Close approach formations of the battalion Close approach formations of the battalion Table of road spaces Terminology and general outline of a battle Deployed defense Position defense Battle position Means of signal communication Conventional signs

Page

5

7

13

14

15

27

34

35

(a) 39

(b) 40

following page 108

zone 155

156

157

161

176

177

Vii

Tables of Organisation Page

1W—Infantry Divisionf 3W—Special Troops, Infantry Division *23W—Infantry Regimentf 26W—Infantry Battalionf 28W—Rifle Company, Infantry Regiment 29W—Machine Gun Company, Infantry Regiment 30W—Howitzer Company, Infantry Regiment 38W—Battery 75-mm. Gun Regiment 36W—Battalion, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 33W—Regiment, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 31W—Field Artillery Brigade, Infantry Divisionf 136W—Battalion, 155-mm. Howitzer, Motorizedf 401W—Cavalry Divisionf 421W—Cavalry Brigadef 423W—Cavalry Regiment 426W—Squadron, Cavalry Regimentf 428W—Troop, Cavalry Regiment 429W—Machine Gun Troop, Cavalry Machine Gun Squadron 436W—Separate Battalion, 75-mm. Guns, Horse Artillery *Abbreviated.

fConsolidated table.

viii

18-19

20-21

44-45

46

47

48-49

50-51

62-63

64

66-67

68-69

70

82-83

84-85

86-87

88-89

90-91

92-93

94-95

CHAPTER I

Organization Paragraph

Military organization Military policy Regular Army National Guard Organized Reserves Organization in peace Peace to war footing Theater of operations Communications zone Combat zone . Coast defense Classification of troops Functions of larger units The army The corps The division The combined arms and branches

—

1 2 3 4 5 .6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1. MILITARY ORGANIZATION.—a. Military organization comprises the correct and systematic arrangement of the man-power and economic resources of a nation for the accomplishment of a definite purpose. It provides that combination and unity of effort essential to success in war. Based on regulations, tables of organization are prepared for all units and branches, both in peace and war. Other regulations prescribe the territorial organization for com mand and administration and define the method of extend ing this organization to meet war conditions. b. Organization for war implies thorough and sound preparation therefor. Thorough preparation includes a correct organization of all arms-, branches, and services, and plans for the transition of the nation from a peace to a war basis. Sound preparation results from correct conclusions as to the resources of the country, the characteristics of the people, and the lessons taught by experiences in prior wars. 2. MILITARY POLICY.—a. The national policy of a gov ernment dictates the character of its military policy. A sound military policy comprises the adoption and applica

2

COMMAND, STAFF AND TACTICS

tion of measures necessary for national defense and for the protection and the promotion of national policies. b. Preparation and organization for war is based primarily on military requirements. Military requirements are based on the force required by a nation to maintain its sovereignty, to promote its national aspirations, and to de fend its national policies. The size and character of the force required are largely dictated by the extent to which national aspirations and policies conflict with the aspira tions and policies of other nations. Preparation for war results from a correct national and governmental appre ciation of military requirements and from the adoption and application of a military policy to meet these requirements. c. The essential of a military policy is a correct scheme of national defense, supported by governmental provisions for its execution. The provisions for its execution com prise the necessary armament, equipment, and organized and trained man-power with which to conduct a war, and the efficient adaptation of national resources and industries to supply the provisions and munitions of war. The pre paration, organization, mobilization, and operation of the national military resources made available by the govern ment are functions of the War Department. d. The military policy of the United States contem plates the maintenance of a small and highly trained peace establishment, consisting of the Regular Army, the National Guard, and the Organized Reserves, all so organized and trained as to provide the framework on which the required man-power of the nation is mobilized, trained, armed, equipped, and supplied, and the necessary resources of the of the nation are organized. In addition, provisions exist for voluntary partial training of a part of the young men of the nation by brief and intensive training camp courses and by training in high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the country. The agencies for voluntary mili tary training include at present, the Reserve Officers' Train ing Corps and the Civilian Military Training Camps. The organized land forces of the United States consist of the Regular Army, the National Guard, and the Organized Reserves.

ORGANIZATION

3

3. REGULAR ARMY.—The Regular Army constitutes the permanent military force. Its peacetime strength, which is prescribed by Congress, is such as is deemed neces sary to enable it to fulfill its special functions in peace and war. These functions in general are to provide: a. Garrisons for the continental frontiers of the United States. b. A covering force in case of a major war. c. A small but highly trained and completely equipped expeditionary force. d. Oversea garrisons. e. Garrisons for the permanent seacoast defenses. /. A national police force. g. Personnel for the development and training of the Regular Army and the National Guard. h. Training cadres and other commissioned and en listed personnel for the development and training of the Organized Reserves. i. An organization for the administration and supply of the peacetime establishment. 4. NATIONAL GUARD.—a. The National Guard consists of an active and a reserve force. The maximum authorized strength of the active National Guard is prescribed by Con gress. No limitations are placed on the strength of the National Guard Reserve. b. The National Guard has two aspects; first, as con stituting the organized militia of the State to which it per tains and, second, as a component of the Army of the United States. (1) As the organized militia, it constitutes the organ ized military man-power of the State to which it pertains. As such it may be employed by the State within limitations defined by the constitution of the United States and Federal legislative enactments. It may, also, be called forth by the United States to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. When it is so called forth, it is a militia in the service of the United States and can only be used for the services specified in the consti tution and within the continental limits of the United States.

4


(2) As a component of the Army of the United States, it acquires the name National Guard. It is supported wholly or in part by Federal appropriations and is given close Federal supervision. Likewise, when authorized by Congress, the President may draft any and all members of the National Guard and of the National Guard Reserve into the military service of the United States, to serve therein for the period of the war or emergency unless sooner dis charged. Also, the Secreatry of War, under such regula tions as the President may prescribe, is authorized to pro vide for the participation of the whole or any *part of the National Guard in encampments, maneuvers and other training exercises, either independently or in conjunction with Regular Army troops. c. The organization of all units of the National Guard is the same as that of the Regular Army. The President prescribes the particular unit or units of each branch of the service to be maintained in each State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and assigns these units to divisions, brigades, and other tactical units. d. On the outbreak of war, the National Guard supple ments the Regular Army in constituting the first line of defense. 5. ORGANIZED RESERVES.—The Organized Reserves consist of the Officers' Reserve Corps, the Enlisted Reserve Corps and Organized Reserve units. They include troops of all branches necessary to supplement the Regular Army and National Guard in order to complete the first line of de fense in a mobilization of the Army of the United States. In time of peace, they are a potential, rather than an actual fighting force. a. The Officers' Reserve Corps is composed of selected citizens who voluntarily accept commissions in that corps as general officers and as officers of all grades of the line and staff branches of the Army. It provides the great mass of officers required for war. In time of a national emer gency expressly declared by Congress, the President may order reserve officers to active duty for any period of time. Under other circumstances, he may order them to active duty at any time, but for not more than fifteen days in one calendar year without the consent of the officer concerned*

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION

OF DIVISIONS OF THE

NATIONAL GUARD

LLCEND U3RPS AREA HEADQUARTERS CORPS AREA BOUNDARY DIVISION A R I A BOUNDARY Note J / '' and 12'Di visions not allotted. Arkansas furr.ishes Corps and Army troops, and one regtmeiif of tnfanrry unoss/gned New Hampshire furnishes Corps and Army troop* Other allotments of Corps and Army troops and Coajt Artillery Corps n

C33 Aug I" 1922

Cavalry divisions are allotted as follows Cav Div

21st 22d 23d 24th

Figure 1

Corps Area

II & III IV, V, & VI I, IV, & VIII VI. VII, & IX

6


b. The Enlisted Reserve Corps is composed of persons voluntarily enlisted for service in this corps. Members of the Enlisted Reserve Corps may be placed on active duty in the same manner as are members of the Officers' Reserve Corps. c. The Organized Reserve units are composed of officers of the Officers' Reserve Corps and enlisted men of the En listed Reserve Corps, supplemented by a small cadre of officers and enlisted men of the Regular Army, organized into division, corps, army, and general headquarters reserve, and into communications zone and zone of the interior units. In peacetime, Organized Reserve units are maintained as cadres, with a war strength complement of officers and a limited number of non-commissioned officers. This per sonnel constitutes the nucleus of the wartime unit. The units are localized, as far as practicable, so as to constitute complete higher units. 6. ORGANIZATION IN PEACE.—a. In peace, the Regular Army, the National Guard, and the Organized Reserves, are organized at all times, so far as practicable, into bri gades, divisions, and corps. The peace organization forms the basis for a complete and immediate mobilization for national defense in the event of a national emergency de clared by Congress. b. For purposes of administration, training, and tac tical control, the area within the continental limits of the United States is divided on a basis of military population into corps areas. Each corps area contains at least one division of National Guard, and one or more of Organized Reserves, and such other troops as may be directed. c. The possessions of the United States lying without its continental limits are organized into territorial depart ments and are provided with garrisons of regular troops. The functions of these garrisons are to maintain sover eignty, to provide protection for Federal property, to pre serve law and order, and to constitute elements in the stra tegical scheme of national defense. d. The corps area and the department commanders control all forces and military establishments of the Regular Army within the territorial limits of their commands, not

TERRITORIAL ALLOTMENT OF DIVISIONS OF THE ORGANIZED RESERVES BY CORPS AREAS AND STATES

f

LEGEND11 CORPS AREA HEADQUARTERS

— — CORPS AREA BOUNDARY

— ••— DIVISION AREA BOUNDARY

I.Cavalry Divisions are allotted'aj follows.. Cav DiV to Corps Area 6/ J ' 6ZJ 63''den Ibrig) / brig., 63 "Div 61" (less I brig) / brig. 64 * Div 65* ' 66"i less I brig) lbrig.66l*Div

I m IV VID V 1 VI VD DC

2. Non divisional troops of Corps.

reserve and coast arriiiery districts

omitted

OSS Aug. I''1922

'* \\

8


specially exempted. In accordance with policies enun ciated by the War Department, these commanders are re sponsible for the development, organization, training, supply, and inspection of the National Guard, Officers' Re serve Corps, Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Enlisted Reserve Corps, and units of the Organized Reserves. They exercise actual command when any of these are in the service of the United States, or are on active duty, within the corps area or department. 7. PEACE TO WAR FOOTING.—a. In passing from peace to war footing, the Regular Army is increased to war strength by voluntary enlistments or by the application of selective service. The National Guard and the National Guard Re serve are drafted into the military service, and are increased to war strength in the same manner as the Regular Army. The Organized Reserves are mobilized, and such portion of the unorganized forces as are necessary are brought into the service by application of selective service and are organized, trained, and equipped for service. In time of war, when specially authorized by Congress, selective service is ap plied in order to secure in a just and equitable manner the additional man-power required for the conduct of the war. b. Mobilization is the collection, conversion, and utili zation of the man-power and the economic resources of a nation for the purposes of war. As limited to military or ganization for war, it refers only to that phase which con cerns the personnel required for military purposes. The successful conduct of war is dependent on prompt and effi cient mobilization. c. For units organized and existing at approximate authorized peace strength on the date of mobilization, the general scheme of mobilization comprises: (1) The mobilization of Regular Army divisions at designated division rendezvous and training centers. (2) The mobilization of Regular Army and Organized Reserve army and corps troops at designated army and corps rendezvous and training centers. (3) The mobilization of National Guard divisions, first by battalions or regiments in battalion or regimental areas, and then at designated division rendezvous and train ing centers.

ORGANIZATION

9

(4) The mobilization of National Guard corps and army troops, first in company, battalion, or regimental areas, and then at designated corps and army rendezvous and training centers. (5) The mobilization of Regular Army, National Guard, and Organized Reserve communications zone and zone of the interior troops at designated rendezvous and training centers. (6) The mobilization of Organized Reserve divisional troops at designated division rendezvous and training cen ters. (7) The mobilization of volunteer recruits received during the period of transition from peace to a war basis at designated recruit centers. d. Plans are also prepared for the subsequent mobiliza tion at designated centers of all unorganized units and personnel and all units not specified in the preceding para graph, including personnel to increase those units, first to peace strength and second to war strength. e. On the declaration of a major emergency the cover ing forces, consisting of necessary peace strength units of the Regular Army and the National Guard, proceed with their war strength unit equipment to the theater of operations. The time necessary for the transition to war strength is determined beforehand and is accomplished in accordance with a prearranged schedule. Division units, not a part of the covering force, proceed from their home areas to their rendezvous and training points on a schedule. All other units proceed from their home or other stations and all individuals from selective service boards or recruiting stations, on scheduled dates, to designated mobilization centers. 8. THEATER OF OPERATIONS.—a. A theater of opera tions covers the part of the theater of war that is organized for combat. It comprises all the territory that it is desired to invade, all that it is necessary to defend, and all that which is necessary for the supply establishments pertain ing to the forces in the theater of operations. It may be in friendly or hostile territory. More than one theater of operations may be organized when it is necessary to carry

10


on separate operations at great distances from each other, each having different lines of communications and separate missions. b. Troops are assigned to each theater of operations by the commander of the field forces. They consist of such numbers and such types as are required to accomplish the mission assigned. If there is more than one theater of operations, the commander of each operates under the general instructions of the commander of the field forces, who may or may not command the principal theater in person. c. The theater of operations is divided for the purpose of combat and the decentralization of administration into a combat zone and a communications zone. The boundary between these two zones is located so as to place all ter ritory occupied by army troops and establishments under control of army commanders and all territory in rear thereof under control of the commander of the communications zone. In an advance, the boundary is moved forward from time to time so as to enable the communications zone to take over the administration of new territory and to keep the supply system in close touch with the armies in the combat zone. 9. COMMUNICATIONS ZONE.—The communications zone is that part of the theater of operations which contains the primary establishments of the supply and evacuation sys tem, the lines of communications and other agencies re quired for the support and maintenance of the armies in the theater of operations. It connects the combat troops with the zone of the interior. The function of the communi cations zone is to relieve the combatant forces from every consideration except that of defeating the enemy. 10. COMBAT ZONE.—The combat zone comprises that part of the theater of operations required for the operations of the combatant forces in contact with the enemy. It is divided into army areas; each army area into an army service area and an army combat area. The latter is divided into corps areas; and these in turn into division areas. Each army, corps, and division area covers the operation of the unit to which it pertains and is under con trol of the commander thereof. An army service area nor

ORGANIZATION

11

mally covers the territory between corps rear boundaries and the forward boundary of the communications zone, and is established for the purpose of relieving the army com mander and staff from questions of administration of troops not in immediate contact with the enemy. When the armies are formed into groups, the army service areas Of the constituent armies may be combined into one area for the group. 11. COAST DEFENSE.—a. Coast defense includes the in stallations, dispositions, and operations to meet hostile at tacks directed against any portion of the seacoast of the continental United States, the Panama Canal, or the in sular possessions. b. Seacoast areas are divided into sectors, each sector usually including one or more harbor defense and certain unfortified areas, or areas containing only light field works or other provisional defenses. The limits of defense sectors are prescribed by the War Department. Each harbor de fense constitutes a strong point and not an isolated area to be defended. 12. CLASSIFICATION OF TROOPS.—a. The army is com posed of two distinct types of troops, namely: (1) Combatant.—This classification includes all the combatant branches as prescribed in Army Regulations. The commissioned personnel of the combatant branches are line officers. (2) Administrative.—This classification includes all the personnel, supply, and technical branches. The com missioned personnel belonging to these branches, or de tailed thereto under the provisions of law, are administra tive officers. b. Most of the combatant branches have administrative, supply, or technical functions in addition to their normal functions. c. Troops of the combatant branches are organized into tactical units, many of which, such as a company, regiment, division, and army, have administrative as well as tactical functions. The corps, except when operating independently, has administrative functions as regards corps troops only. 13. FUNCTIONS OF LARGER UNITS.—a. The full power of the armed forces of the United States is exerted only

12


when all of the parts act in close combination and under the coordination of the supreme commander in the theater of operations. The strategical and tactical organization of the military forces may include a general headquarters, groups of armies, corps, divisions, and cavalry divisions, depending on the theaters of operations, the general stra tegical situation, and the sizes of the forces engaged, and such special troops as may be required. b. The commander of the field forces exercises control over the entire theater of war, regulating and coordinating the operations of the several theaters of operations in accor dance with the general policies prescribed by the President and under the general directions of the Secretary of War. He specifies the personnel and supplies required for the field forces, requests their allocation, and establishes pol icies for their distribution to the theaters of operations. c. The General Headquarters Reserve comprises those troops which, in kind or amount, are not habitually required in an army, or those which are required by an army only when it is operating independently. 14. THE ARMY.—a. An army is composed of a head quarters, a body of auxiliary troops and trains called army troops, and two or more corps temporarily assigned, the number of corps depending on the nature of the service re quired. In addition, certain troops of the General Head quarters Reserve are attached from time to time, as their special services are needed. As thus constituted, the army has both territorial and tactical functions. It is organized in all its branches for operation and administration, and is capable of independent action wherever required. b. The army, while a strategical maneuvering force, is the main battle unit. It plans, directs, and maintains the battle, and at the same time executes the supply, trans portation, and evacuation functions related thereto. It is a territorial and tactical unit which employs in battle, simul taneously and successively, the number of corps, divisions, and army troops required for the various tactical situations. c. The cavalry division is the basic organization for the service of security and information of an army. It comprises in its organizations the essential combatant and administrative branches to make it tactically and admin

ORGANIZATION

13

Istratively a self-sustaining unit. It possesses fire power, considerable striking power, and a high degree of mobility. It is capable of independent operations, or of operations as a component of other tactical units. TYPICAL ORGANIZATION OF AN ARMY

Two or more corps temporarily assigned.

ARMY CAVALRY 1

1 Cav div

ARMY ARTILLERY

1 Cav div

Combat artillery from GHQ reserve.

•ANTI-AIRCRAFT

Ammunition Train (6 cos).

1 Anti-aircraft brigade AIR SERVICE Hq Sq 12 airplanes

1 Obsn Gp 4 sqs, 58 airplanes

One Attack Wing (320 airplanes). 1 Attack Gp— 1 Pursuit Gp, 1 Pursuit Gp. 4 sqs sqs 4 4 sqs ARMY HEADQUARTERS Special Troops

Signal Service

Engineer Service

Medical Service

Ordnance

Army Train

Figure 3

15. THE CORPS.—a. The corps is composed of a corps headquarters, a body of auxiliary troops and trains called corps troops, and two or more infantry divisions tempor arily assigned, the number of divisions depending on the nature of the service expected of the corps. Unless acting independently, the administrative supply functions of the corps, except for corps troops, are limited to ammunition supply. b. The corps is a tactical and combat unit, which, by directing the combined fighting of its divisions and auxiliary troops, executes the details of major tactical operations in


14

accordance with plans and orders promulgated by armyheadquarters. It maintains the continuity of battle and insures efficient cooperation in the employment of the ar tillery. A corps guides and directs the general fighting of its divisions and supports them by the fire of the corps arTYPICAL ORGANIZATION OF A CORPS

Two or more divisions temporarily assigned.

ARTILLERY

BRIGADE

1 regt 155 mm howitzers

1 regt 155 mm howitzers

1 rppt 15C m/n •vmrlzers

Obsn (flasM battalion

1 regt 155 mm guns

Ammunition Train 6 transport cos, 144 cargo trucks, 3 ammunition cos.

CORPS HEADQUARTERS AND STAFF

SPECIAL TROOPS

Headquarters company Military police battalion (4 cos) Signal battalion (3 ' s) Ordnance companies (1 bv main and 1 am) Field remount depot (400 animals) Service battalion (Hq and 4 cos)

Anti-aircraft (CAC) regt 1 MG bn (48 guns) 1 A-A gun bn (12 guns and 12 searchlights)

Corps Air Service

2 obsn sqs

4 bin cos

1 Med regt

Corps Trains

Engineer Service

Figure 4

tillery. By such an arrangement, continuity of action over an extended period is secured, and tactical missions involv ing several echelons of divisions are undertaken. 16. THE DIVISION.—a. From a tactical and adminis trative viewpoint, the infantry division is the basic organ

15

ORGANIZATION

ization of an army. It comprises in its organization the essential combatant and administrative branches, all in correct proportion and so organized as to make it tactically and administratively a self-sustaining unit. It possesses striking power, mobility, power of penetration, and facility for absorption and employment of additional reDlAGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION OP A DIVISION 1st Brig 1st Inf

2d Brig 2d Inf

ZA Inf

4th Inf

1st FA BnV M

2d FA (75 mm guns)

1st FA (75 mm guns)

Am Tn 1st FA Brig

1st Obsn Sq

1st Engrs

DHQ

Fwd Ech Hq 1st Div

Rear Ech Hq 1st Div

Sp Tps 1st Div

Hq Co 1st Div 1st Sig Co 1st Tk Co

1st Ord Co Serv Co 1st Div 1st MP Co

1st Div Tn

1st Med Regt

Figure 5

inforcing units. It is capable of independent operations and is especially adaptable as a component of a higher tactical unit. When a component of a higher unit, its action is mainly limited to local tactical operations. b. The division is the combat and tactical maneuvering unit of the combined arms. Its role in battle is the execution of tactical missions vital to the combat success of the corps.

16


The success or failure of divisions on the battlefield decides the issue. 17. THE COMBINED ARMS AND BRANCHES.—a.

The

combined employment of all arms, branches, and services is essential to success in battle. No one arm wins battles. Organization and training are based on the principles of combined employment. Each branch has its special char acteristics and functions as a separate branch and its special function as one of the combined branches. b. The latter function is of the greater importance. While the infantry constitutes the basis for all battle plans and decides the final issue of combat, it requires the close support of the artillery to assist it to reach the enemy with sufficient reserve power to strike a decisive blow. Cavalry and air service are needed to secure information, to keep the enemy in ignorance, to provide security, and to exploit infantry success. Artillery is effective only in assisting the other branches, particularly the infantry. Cavalry and the air service are capable of effective action when operat ing alone. Engineers are required to facilitate the opera tions of the other branches, to insure facilities for supply, and to provide topographical information. Signal and communication troops establish the necessary communica tion. This principle of combined employment and team relationship is most important and is essential to tactical success. All training during time of peace is based thereon.

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515 "Exclusive of 2 chaplains carried in 19068 Column 12.

*Insert numerical

594 19997

'QNVHH00

Aggregate

Chaplains

Medical Dept. (Table 90W)

Total

Division Train (Table 91W)

One Medical Regiment (Table 83W)

Division Air Service (Table 71W)

One Combat Engineer Regi ment (Table 63W) co 00

co 00

One Artillery Brigade (Table 31W)

Two Infantry Brigades (Table 21W)

Special Troops (Table 3W)

Division Headquarters (Table 2W)

REMARKS

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O CD

to en

1626 1923 3010 16

ao Ô OS

CO

to

o

CO

o

£

SO

00

•

i

|

CO

1

18553

<*•

M CO

CO £>•

M OM

to en os

OS

q

1 i

19389

i

M O

oo os coo

M O

CO O

to to

M CO OS OS

CO

q

s -J

5

1-3

»

766

812

*.

M CO

CO

M

en

3 3

g

I)

>

g

31

SCO 0 0 - 3 OS

747

928

-co en os

to o

-a

CO

5 t»

to

190

845

*».

M CO

to M

I^CO

as*.

q

1

|

I |

0

09

146

*>•

M CO

I

L a

M

12416

"M

CO -OS

oo to

•M

•00

os

Wagons, combined bat terv and store

1 r

3

I t I

-I

OOO

MM

Ambulance, animal-drawn Carts, ammunition, 37-mm Carts, ammunition, M. G 1592 1590 1157

099

tOCOtOtOMM COCOMOCOOO

006

Carts, wire 998

Carts, reel, battery, 4-horse Carts and reels. 6-horse.... 3118

8928

Mules, draft Mules, naek 11976 908

52 Horses, draft 434

822

Total warrant officers

098

Total commissioned 0

CO

00

OS

en

co

to

M

1

M

co

2T 1 TT

Units Attached

905 designation of

81

d

18 12

26 27 28

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

18 3

Bicycles Cars, motor, 5-passenger Cars, motor, 7-passenger

112 8

20 6

24 15 2

2

40 25 11

16

8

11

6 1

39 2

10

4

4

21 2 2

Motorcycles, with side cars Tractors, 5-ton Trailers, cargo, l|-ton Trailers, kitchen Trailers, photographic,

26

37 1

3

1

Trailers, storage battery „ Trailers, tank, 300-gal.

1 2

artillery ,rrepair cargo, f-ton cargo, 1J—2-ton.. cargo, 3 to 5-ton.. F. W. D.

4 8 18 3

6

2F 2 10 6

3 18

30

Guns, machine, anti

76 77

Guns, machine, flexible Guns, machine, syn

78 79 80 81 82

Pistols Rifles

83 84

Tanks, fighting, light.. Tanks, signal, light

34 62

2 13 110 2

12

14

96

144

704 134

Rifles, with grenade 24 1

24 5140 6950 648 648

3268 120

214 631 24

189 2' 6' 19"

23

212 2 6 23

4

2 6 1

2T 2 1 . 14 2 4 71 226 5 30 1 3

4 3

2 2 1 18 2 4 74 226 5 30 1 3

3 30

13

13 144 22 48 110

13 144 22 48 110

3 26

45 26

45 26

26 24 9798 8285 792

26 24 9798 8285 792

26 38

46 199 53 2 4 2

3 30

2 12

48 42

6 9

25

1 11

10

40 190 53 2 4 2

25

25 7

70 71 72 73 74 75

10

2

1

1

2

Trucks, light repair. Trucks, Mack, with re inforced springs, 5|-ton Trucks, M. T. machine

3

2S 19 12 24

2 61

2

Trailers, ration, J-ton Trailers, spare parts, medical

Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, Trucks

52

to;

29 30 31 32 33 34 35

25

19 12 24

1

228

206 570

648 24 1

.

648 24 1

o

to

Q >

>

TABLE 3W

SPECIAL TROOPS, INFANTRY DIVISION (A)

(War Strength) May 4, 1921

to

o 10

12

13

O

Units

REMARKS

Lieutenant colonel or major Captains First lieutenants Second lieutenants

1 31

Total commissioned. Warrant officers. Master sergeants Technical sergeants First sergeants Staff sergeants Sergeants Corporals Privates 1st class Privates Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous.

1st 2d 3d 4th 5th 6th

(fD

7<*T

Total enlisted Aggregate Horses, draft. Horses, riding.

11

12 1 6 1 8 19 11 63 89 (5) (7) (11) (17) (6) (34) (94)

3) 3) 9) (61) (36)

(7) (20) (19) (30) (32)

1 2 1 2 4 5 30 60 (5) (7) (8) 13) 10) 17) 30)

81

11 15 100 23

(1)

32

35

12 4 10 6 23 58 81 293 381

12 4 10 6 24 59 82 297 389

Uk)

(2) (4) (23) (94)

( 4 m)

(7)

198

150

145

105

(80) 100

150

856

15

871

213

156

151

112

102

155

900 I

18

918

64

23

16 105

16 111

"Commanding officer special

troops, division headquarters com mandant, and provost marshal.

b l adjutant arKl 1 supply officer.

"From Det ,ciied Officers' List.

d l sergean major and 1 supply

sergeant.

e Personnel records.

'Cobbler.

BI storekeeper, 1 mail clerk, 1

miscellaneous. •"Mounted on horse.

'From infantry. k Medical Dept. technician. m l wagoner and 3 Medical Dept.

technicians (incl. 1 dental).

z Dental.

A The units comprising the special

troops, infantry division, are com bined under the command of the

commanding officer special troops,

primarily for administration end

discipline. This officer is respon sible for the technical training

' and operation of the headquarters company and military police com pany, but not for the technical training . of the signal company, light tank company, ordnance com pany and service company.

O

in

4 6

8

4

1 1

1

1

9 1

2 1

4 1

1

3

10

26 3 1. 2 1 4

3

3

1 1 6

3 2

1

3 1

4 8 18 3 2

156

10 14 151 24 1

2 22 90

25 2 1 1 1 1 2 10 14 704 155 : 134 24 I

1 1 1

iiiiiiIi 1

2

1 1

209 44

1

1

4

Mii

5 9

1

25

11

18 3

*

2

1 1

3

12 1

1

i

Trailers, tank, 300-gal. Trailers, storage battery .. Trucks, artillery repair Trucks, artillery supply, load B Trucks, artillery supply, load D Trucks, cargo, |-ton Trucks, cargo, 1£—2-ton.. Trucks, cargo, 3-ton Trucks, gasoline, 750-gal... Trucks, Mack (5J-ton) with reinforced springs.. Trucks, light repair Trucks, patrol, f-ton _ Trucks, radio, army Trucks, radio, divisional Trucks, small arms repair Guns, 37-mm. Guns, machine... Pistols Rifles Tanks, fighting, light Tanks, signal, light

1

62 2 5 2 4 6 2 6

10

I I I : : 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1

51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

60 61

4

i

I

46 47 48 49 50

44 2 4 2

i

45

i

I I I

39 40 41 42 43 44

Mules, draft Mules, riding Carts, ration, 2-mule Carts, water, 2-mule Carts, wire, 2-horse Kitchens, rolling, 4-mule Wagons, escort (combat) Wagons, escort (R. & B.)~ Wagons, medical, 4-mule.. Bicycles _ Cars, motor, 5-passenger Motorcycles with side cars Trailers, kitchen

Mi

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

36 37

38

66 2 5 2 4 6 2 6 1 19 3 27 3 1 2 1 4.

18 3 2 25 2 1 1 1 2 10 14 704 134 24 1

P

CHAPTER II

Command and Staff Paragraph

Basis of command Exercise of command Staffs The general staff Technical and administrative staff Staffs of lower units Administration Signal communication System of supply System of evacuation and hospitalization Transport system

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1, BASIS OF COMMAND.—a. Tactical organization for command is based on the progressive formation of succes sive groups, the smallest group consisting of the maximum number of individuals which can be successfully controlled by one person, each successive group containing the maxi mum number of the next lower group which can be con trolled by one person. b. Command is the authority which a person in the military service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Authority to command is an attribute of rank, exercisable under certain conditions by virtue of rank alone, and obligatory when coupled with lawful assignment to command. Lawful assignment may result from a definite assignment by orders or from being the military senior regularly assigned to a unit. 2. EXERCISE OF COMMAND.—a. A successful com mander is a leader of men. Command and leadership are inseparable. The application of this principle requires higher commanders to keep in close touch with all sub ordinate units and individual members thereof by means of personal visits and observation. It is essential that a commander know from personal contact the mental, moral, and physical condition of the command; the tactical or service situations with which it is confronted; its accom 22

COMMAND AND STAFF

23

plishments, its desires, its needs, and its views; and that he promptly extend recognition for services well done, extend help when help is needed, and give encouragement in adversities, but never hesitate to require whatever effort is necessary to attain the desired end. b. As the size of the command increases, the problem of personal contact becomes increasingly difficult but loses none of its importance. It is as vital to the general who commands a division, corps, or an army, to keep in personal touch with the command on the battlefield, on the march, and in camps, as it is for the platoon leader to keep in per sonal touch with the members of his platoon. c. The exercise of command produces individual or collective military action or non-action on the part of sub ordinates, regardless of the will of the latter. A commander of an organization or unit is its controlling head, and, sub ject to orders from a proper superior, is responsible for everything the command does or fails to do, collectively and individually. It follows, therefore, that the commander of an organization must make his authority felt and cause his will to be obeyed by each individual member of the com mand. In the smallest unit this authority is exercised in person by the commander who gives orders to and exer cises supervision over each member of the unit. But as units increase in size, personal direction and supervision of each individual is impossible, so resort is had to the mechan ical framework of organization by means of which the com mander, dealing directly with only a few subordinates, and they in turn with their subordinates, reaches every indi vidual in the command. The squad corporal personally commands, supervises, and controls the members of the squad. The sergeant commands two or more squads by dealing directly with the corporals, and through them con trols the individual members of the squads. And so on up through other units in succession to the army, each com mander, insofar as the transmission of orders is concerned, dealing with the commanders of the next lower units. d. All orders and instructions from a higher unit for a subordinate unit are given to the commander thereof, and all orders and instructions for subordinate units eman

24


ate from their immediate commander. By this means alone authority and responsibility are definitely fixed and the channel of command definitely established. The succession of subordinate commanders through whom a commander exercises his authority and control is known as the chain of command. 3. STAFFS.—a. In this grouping of units under one commander, a point is soon reached in the ascending scale where the multiplicity of details devolving upon the com mander is too numerous to be handled in person and leave time for consideration of the broader phases of command. Beginning at this point each unit is provided with an appro priate staff. By the term staff is meant the personnel who help the commander in the exercise of the functions of command by professional aid and assistance. b. The introduction of the staff into a unit does not .alter the basic principles of command and responsibility. General staff officers assist the commander by performing such duties pertaining to the functions of command as may be delegated to them by regulations or given them by the commander. Technical and administrative staff officers assist the commander and his general staff in an advisory capacity in matters pertaining to their special branches. The staff does not form a link in the chain of command, or in any other way take from or add to the authority and responsibility of commanders. Divisions and larger units have both a general staff and a technical and administrative staff. In units below a division, the staff consists of officers and enlisted men assigned to duties cor responding to those of the staff of higher units. 4. THE GENERAL STAFF.—a. The exercise of command is classified functionally as (1) personnel, (2) intelligence, (3) operation and training, and (4) logistics or supply. Staff organization is based on these functional subdivisions of command. Therefore, all staffs are organized with divi sions corresponding thereto, and consist of: (1) A chief of staff. The chief of staff is the first assistant and personal representative of the commander. He commands the unit general staff, controls and coordi nates its efforts, and supervises the work of the divisions of the general staff.

COMMAND AND STAFF

25

(2) Four divisions corresponding to the four func tional classifications. These divisions are: (a) A Personnel Division (First Division). (b) An Intelligence Division (Second Division). (c) An Operation and Training Division (Third Division). (d) A Supply Division (Fourth Division). b. The chiefs of these divisions are assistant chiefs of staff and perform general staff duties by assisting the commander in exercising control over the operations of all subordinate combatant and administrative units with spe cial reference to the units whose duties correspond to thoseof their respective staff divisions. In the division and higher units these divisions are for convenience designated Gl, G2, G3, and GU, respectively. c. Under the direction and in accordance with an nounced plans and policies of the commander, the general staff coordinates and supervises the efforts of the variousbranches, avoids duplication of activities, and insures con certed action in the employment of the combined arms. It formulates and issues orders and instructions to carry out the commander's policies, plans, and decisions; it super vises by seeing that these orders and instructions are car ried through to a conclusion and it foresees the needs of the command in all that relates to operations, training, intelli gence, personnel, and supply. 5. TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.—a.

The

technical and administrative staff gives information per taining to their respective branches and functions to the commander and general staff when necessary or desirable. They do not, unless specifically authorized, give orders in the name of the commander. They control the operation of their respective branches in accordance with law, regu lations, and orders, and command all personnel and units belonging or attached to their branches and operating directly under their orders. They do not command and, except in certain prescribed technical matters authorized by regulations, do not control the work of personnel of their branches on duty with or attached to subordinate units. As chiefs of branches they are charged with certain.

26


specified responsibilities and duties and are given the per sonnel and equipment necessary to their execution. b. There is but one channel of command and it is fol lowed in all cases. However, after policies and basic plans are decided and promulgated, many details are worked out by conference between the chiefs of the technical and ad ministrative branches and the corresponding chiefs of lower units. Notwithstanding this, when orders are issued they pass through the prescribed channel. The chiefs of branches of the higher units advise and assist the chiefs of branches of the lower units. Each chief keeps the general staff of his unit informed of all essential details in order that the commander thereof may influence action if he so desires. This is direct supervision. But in new policies or projects requiring general coordination, the chiefs of branches of the higher unit recommend to the general staff of their unit the action to be taken, which, if approved, is promulgated in orders throughout the command through the regular channel. This is indirect supervision. c. To secure coordination of effort, economy of material, and maximum efficiency in the installation and maintenance of the signal communication system of a command, the signal or communication officer of a unit exercises tech nical control directly over the systems of subordinate units. d. The basic organization of a division staff is shown in Figure 6. 6. STAFFS OF LOWER UNITS.—Although staff functions are the same for all units, there is an important difference in staff duties between the lower and higher units. In the lower units, staff officers are provided, but some of them are charged with functions of execution or operation in ad dition to their duties as staff officers. As staff officers they assist the unit commander in the exercise of command; while as administrative officers of the unit, they operate their respective branches and command the personnel be longing thereto. The two functions are entirely separate and distinct in character, in methods of procedure, and in source of authority, and are exercised separately and in dependently. Staff functions of all units below the division are generally performed by combatant and administrative troops.

Personal

Division Commander

Staff

3 Aides

\CofS

GENERAL STAFF Personnel .Section

\ AC ofS: G I |

I AC ofS: C2

ACofS:G3

rii iii

I ><

Supply Section

Operation ana Training Section

Military Intel Iigence Section

I

A C ofS: G •*

s

TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

iiiixx

COMBAT TROOPS Comdrs Inf Brigs

OJJ

>> -

Zi\

j

Comdr FA Brig

i

ill

Comdr Air Service Administrative troops and Suppiu and Technical troops.

3^

Comdr Light Tank Co

&

Comdr Engr fiegt Note: Dotted line indicates disciplinary and administrative

Figure 6

control

X used exceptionally as combat troops

28


7. ADMINISTRATION.—a. While the primary object of military organization is to facilitate command, no less im portant is the organization to insure administration, or the supply of all that is required to maintain the combatant troops, individually and collectively, at the highest state of physical, mental, and moral efficiency and strength. Administration comprises the organization, regulation, and control of personnel including replacements, supply, evacua tion, and transportation. b. The administrative branches are classified, accord ing to their functions, as agencies for handling, (1) person nel, and (2) supply and technical matters. (1) The administrative branches constituting the per sonnel agencies are charged with the routine administration of the unit to which they belong, its correspondence, re cords, statistics, questions of personnel and others of like nature; with inspections, other than tactical; and with ques tions of discipline, morale, and the spiritual welfare of the command. They also see that instructions as to routine matters are communicated throughout the command. (2) The administrative branches constituting the supply and technical agencies are charged with the pro curement, storage, transportation, and issue of supplies to the unit of which they are a part, with evacuation and hospitalization, and with the supervision and operation of the technical agencies of the unit. 8. SIGNAL COMMUNICATION.—a. Signal communication comprises all methods and means employed to transmit orders, reports, and other official messages, except those sent by mail or by personal agents. Within each unit, the system of signal communication is complete. However, to insure teamplay and coordination of effort, each such sys tem is an integral part of the system of the next higher command. Therefore, commanders exercise tactical di rection and technical control over the signal communications of their subordinate and tactical units. b. Signal communication is necessary to insure the transmission of information, to provide for combined effort and close cooperation between all elements, and then, to insure their successful direction during combat. Com

COMMAND AND STAFF

29

mandera establish signal communication to all elements of their commands during action. Inability to maintain com munication deprives a commander of full tactical control of the forces at his disposal. To avoid interrupting the continuity of command, signal communication is always established at a new command post before discontinuing the old one. Communication is also established between com manders of adjacent and supporting units. 9. SYSTEM OF SUPPLY.—a. The organization of the supply system is based on the following principles: (1) Combat troops are encumbered with a minimum of supplies, thus insuring their maximum of mobility. (2) Combat troops are kept constantly supplied, thus permitting them to devote their attention to the main task of defeating the enemy. (3) Impetus in supply comes from the rear. (4) Supply is based upon the needs of the troops, but its accomplishment conforms to available resources. b. The system of supply is essentially the same in peace and in war, and is so organized that it functions efficiently under either condition. In war the peace organ ization is expanded to meet altered conditions. 10. SYSTEM OF EVACUATION AND HOSPITALIZATION.—a.

The object of the evacuation and hospitalization system is to assist in maintaining the forces at maximum strength. This is accomplished by the preservation of health and the prompt return to duty of those who have been disabled; the care of the sick and wounded according to their condi tion ; and the relief of troops from the necessity of caring for the sick and wounded. Commanders are responsible for the efficient operation of the system within their respective or ganizations. The actual operation thereof is a function of medical department personnel and units. b. The medical personnel attached to each unit cares for and collects the casualties within its own area. Evacua tions from the rear are made by higher units. The at tached personnel and units accompany the organization to which they pertain at all times. When necessary, casual ties are left to be picked up by units in the rear.

SO

COMMAND, S T A F F AND

TACTICS

11. TRANSPORT SYSTEM.—a. An efficient and adequate system of transport for military supplies and personnel is vital to military operations. The transport system con sists of rail, water, motor, and animal transportation. Each type has its uses. The guiding principle is to use that *ype or types best suited to each situation and to augment ic by full use of all other means available in the service of the command. b. Motor and wagon transport is divided into two classes: (1), all vehicles operated by the transport service of the quartermaster corps; and (2), all vehicles assigned by Tables of Organization to organizations, such as divi sions, corps, and armies, and over which the transport ser vice exercises technical supervision only. (1) The headquarters of the theater of operations, the headquarters of the communications zone, and the head quarters of each section of the latter, maintain and operate a reserve, or pool, of quartermaster motor and wagon trans port. This reserve is organized into operating units, which. are employed for local transportation and, when necessary,, to supplement the railway and waterway transport system. (2) The allowance of transport fixed by regulations for the trains of any combat unit is that needed for carrying mobile reserves supplies, for hauling supplies to the troops from the various establishments, and for transporting tactical units. c. The function of all trains is to keep the commands to which they are attached supplied for action at all times without hampering their freedom of movement. Baggage and other impedimenta are reduced to a minimum and all material not actually required with the combatant field force is left in the rear, and sent forward as required. Commanders of organizations are responsible that no un authorized vehicles accompany troops or trains, and that no unauthorized supplies or material are transported.

CHAPTER III

Infantry Paragraph

The function of infantry Organization The rifle platoon The rifle company The machine gun company The battalion The howitzer company The regiment The brigade The light tank company

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1. THE FUNCTION OF INFANTRY.—a. The infantry is the principal and most important branch. It represents the moral force of the nation and of the army. The ability and power to close with the enemy makes it the de cisive arm. In addition to its own auxiliary weapons, which are machine guns, light mortars, one-pounder guns,* and tanks, the infantry frequently has elements of other branches closely associated with it. The infantry com manders are the leaders of these groups, and coordinate the fighting powers of all arms included therein. Supported by infantry weapons, including machine guns, one-pounders, light howitzers, and tanks, and accompanying artillery, these groups are capable of independent tactical action. They can develop a great volume of fire in any desired di rection, and, by combining fire with movement, can en gage the enemy at a distance, or can close with him in per sonal combat. b. Infantry being the major arm, all the other branches have as their primary function the close support of the infantry and the maintenance of its steady advance against "the enemy. Therefore, the study of infantry organization, tactics, and technique is essential to all officers. c. A general knowledge of infantry tactics and technique is a necessary precedent to a study of other branches. Like *37-mm. guns. 81

32


wise, a thorough knowledge is essential to insure the effi cient employment of troops in combined operations. This knowledge must include a detailed understanding of in fantry organization and weapons and of the principles governing the action of infantry units from the squad to the brigade. 2. ORGANIZATION.—a. It is essential that a commander be able to make his will known quickly to the lowest in dividual or unit under his control. In the squad, control is exercised by personal contact between the leader and his men; in all the larger units, control is exercised through the leaders or commanders of the next lower units. In the smallest units, the number of individuals that can be controlled personally by one leader is limited to those within reach of the voice assisted by a few simple signals. In larger organizations, the number of units that can be effectively commanded, or directed by one commander depends on the means of communication and on the size and functions of the subordinate units. The number of these subordinate units rarely exceeds six. The maximum size of a unit is limited by the ability to exercise command and the mobility to perform its intended task in combat. The minimum size depends on the necessity for economy of men and material but is limited by the requirement that the unit be able to accomplish its intended combat task through the develop ment of its maximum fire power and through its ability to sustain this fire power until the completion of the task. Mobility decreases as size increases. b. The infantry division is the basic large combat unit. Within the division, infantry is the basic arm and the infantry battalion is the basic small combat unit. All other arms and units are so grouped around these large and small combat units as to insure good administration, great mo bility and the utmost battle power. The division is a selfcontained tactical and administrative unit. It is able to develop in battle the greatest possible force consistent with mobility and constant control. The infantry strength is as great as possible while the auxiliary arms and services are limited to those which are always essential.

INFANTRY

33

3. THE RIFLE PLATOON.—a. The rifle platoon is the smallest infantry unit which has power for independent maneuver, and sufficient strength to be disposed in depth. It is the largest unit permitting direct leadership and fire control in combat. It comprises a headquarters and two sec tions, each section being under a leader who exercises di rect control over his unit in all phases of combat. The sections consist of two or three squads, each under a corporal who personally leads the squad and sees that the orders of the platoon and section leaders are executed. When in the course of combat the platoon and section leaders, for any reason, are unable to control the action of their units, squad leaders lead their squads on their own initiative, lending each other mutual support. In action, when small units become broken up, the men group themselves around any leader, of whatever grade, who rises to the occasion. The group so formed continues to fight as provided for sections and squads. b. In offensive combat, the tactics of the platoon, in most cases, is that of the attack of tactical points. This in cludes; pushing on to the objective determined to overcome all resistance and close with the enemy with the bayonet; if held up, to open a heavy fire to immobilize the enemy and drive him to cover, while at the same time a portion of the platoon is launched in an enveloping attack. c. The platoon usually deploys in two waves, each wave comprising one section. The functions of the rear wave are to strengthen the first wave by reinforcement and to serve as a unit of maneuver for envelopments. d. A method of advancing the platoon, suitable for frontal attack or maneuver, is the advance by infiltration of individuals or small groups. Since it forms the frame work of the fire power of the squad, the automatic rifle is sent forward among the first. e. The armament of the squad and the method of its employment are based on the development of the maximum effective fire power. For this purpose seven members of the squad are armed with rifles and one with an automatic rifle, the latter forming the framework of the squad fire attack. On the offensive, the automatic rifles are employed

34


to gain fire superiority. They are used also to advantage by combat patrols and covering detachments. On the defensive the automatic rifle is employed to flank or cover probable avenues of approach that cannot be reached by machine guns. In the main line of resistance, automatic rifles are used to supplement machine guns. In an outpost, due to their mobility, they are employed in advanced positions instead of machine guns. /. Approach formations and suitable formations for assault platoons when advancing, both with and without artillery covering fires and in rugged or wooded terrain, are shown in Figures 7 and 8. APPROACH Echeloned 5«ction Columns •

FORMATIONS Line of Section Columns: Ik

H 75 Y
"^ ts Yds

75 to ISO Ms

J|

2* Section i**Sect,on Squadd 'Columns EchelonedI Squa

\ix>y

Section Line oT5q,uad Columns in two Waves:

Line of Squad Columns:

hi

Figure 7

4. THE RIFLE COMPANY.—a. The rifle company is the smallest self-contained infantry unit that is capable of sustained action. It comprises a company headquarters and three rifle platoons. In the offensive, the company is habit ually supported by machine guns, usually a platoon, and re ceives direct assistance from the light mortar and onepounder sections that are usually attached to the battalion. b. After the battalion is developed, each company commander, upon entering the zone of effective artillery fire, takes up an approach formation on his own initiative.

35

INFANTRY

Where practicable, the approach formation is such as to facilitate the quick deployment of the company for combat, each platoon being disposed in one of the formations given in Figure 7. One platoon of the leading echelon is desig nated as the base and is given a compass bearing or direc tion point conforming to that of the base platoon of the battalion. c. In the attack, the company usually employs two platoons in the assault echelon and one in support. The ASSAULT FORMATION -) Suitable formation for on assaulting platoon advancing wifhout }he protection of a rolling bsrrage:

•t

toSuitable formation for on assaulting p!a toon advancing without the protection of e rolling barrage and in rugged ,wcod ed or difficult terrain :

i a (Stout*j

(Scouts)

(ISectian) 50-lsdYtts I

(ISecficn)

(b) Suitable formation for on assaulting platoon ad vancing under protection of a rolling barrage ; (' Section deployed at 5paces interval between skirmishers) 25 raj f I Section deployed at 5 paces interval between

skirmrshc^)

Figure 8

tactics of the company is essentially that of executing en velopments. When the resistance is slight, the platoons in assault echelon accomplish the envelopments by their own means. Where this is impracticable, the support platoon is employed to make the envelopment. d. Leaders of assault platoons advance the attack by mutual fire support and alternate fire and movement. The company commander intervenes when necessary, his prin cipal duties being:

36


(1) To reinforce the assaulting platoons whenever they become depleted in strength, and to forward ammuni tion to them, when necessary, by the reinforcements. (2) To maneuver his support platoon so as to outflank any resistance holding up the advance of the assaulting echelon. (3) To take dispositions to protect the flanks of the assaulting echelon. (4) To prevent the support platoon from merging it self with the assault echelon, and to keep it under cover when not advancing. During progression, to cause it to advance by bounds to successive covered positions. (5) To insure mutual support between platoons and to support adjacent companies. 5. THE MACHINE GUN COMPANY.—a. The machine gun company is an integral part of each battalion of infan try. It is composed of a company headquarters, company train, and two platoons of two sections each. The total num ber of machine guns in each company is eight. The guns and ammunition are carried in carts drawn by mules. On the offensive, the company operates under the orders of the battalion commander in support of the firing line. If there are two rifle companies in first line, a machine gun platoon supports each company. Machine guns for flank protec tion, for employment with connecting groups, and for use against aircraft, are obtained by detaching the necessary guns from one or both platoons, or from a machine gun com pany in reserve. b. At the beginning of an attack, the machine gun pla toons usually follow in rear of the assaulting companies, provided the character of the terrain renders their early use probable. Otherwise, they follow in rear of the reserve company. A platoon supporting the advance of an infantry company fires from commanding positions, usually over the heads of the troops. In advancing, the guns of each platoon operate in pairs, one pair remaining in position on commanding ground to cover the advance of the other pair to a suitable advanced firing position. All changes of position are by echelons of half platoons.

INFANTRY

37

c. The machine gun company commander remains near the battalion commander. He takes full advantage of every opportunity to concentrate the fire of his platoons on hostile nests or strong points. He shifts the fire of his platoons whenever practicable to give flanking instead of direct fire. 6. THE BATTALION.—a. The battalion is a tactical unit. It comprises a headquarters, headquarters company, three rifle companies, and machine gun company. The head quarters company provides personnel to obtain intelligence and to maintain signal communication. b. The battalion is the ideal combat unit,* whether operating alone or as part of a larger force. The battalion is employed as a mixed fighting group and usually has at tached to it light mortars and one-pounders from the how itzer company, and in some cases accompanying artillery and platoons of light tanks. The battalion usually deploys with two companies in line and one in reserve. This dis position provides for the full development of fire power, while holding a force in hand for maneuver, local envelop ment, and counter attack. However, in attacks seeking to penetrate, the companies may be initially disposed in column so as to provide power for sustained action and to insure continuity of command essential to such an operation. c. A connecting group, consisting of a platoon, a sec tion, or a squad, is employed to cover the interval between the battalion and neighboring units, to protect the flank of the battalion in case the neighboring battalion is checked in its advance, or to bring oblique or enfilade fire against elements of the defense holding up the advance of the neighboring battalion. Such a group generally marches on a flank and abreast of the reserve companies. d. The position of machine guns, light mortar, onepounder gun and accompanying guns shown in Figure 9 is that ordinarily taken when early action by these weapons appears improbable or the terrain is unsuitable for their use. The position of these weapons as shown in Figure 10 *A combat unit is the smallest force that possesses the requisite fighting power, strength, and capacity for sub-division, that can sus tain action independently, that solves minor problems of combat, and that remains an efficient combat unit even after serious losses.

38


is that ordinarily taken when early action appears prob able and the terrain is favorable. e. During the fire attack, the advance of the assault ing companies rests mainly with subordinate commanders, who advance the attack by mutual fire support and alternate fire and movement. However, the entire battalion may be held up in front of a strong hostile resistance which cannot be outflanked. Under such circumstances, the battalion commander arranges for a prepared assault with the sup port of artillery, machine guns, and accompanying wea pons. He either fixes an hour for the delivery of the assault or employs a preconcerted signal for that purpose. Under cover of the supporting fire, the assaulting units advance as close to the objective as possible, and when the prepara tory fire ceases or lifts from the objective, charge the hostile resistance in a single rush. After the assault, assaulting companies are reorganized while the advance is continued with reserves. /. The battalion commander, assisted by the battalion staff, supervises the administration of the companies in such manner to insure efficient supply. The combat train of a battalion comprises five combat wagons, five rolling kit chens, five water carts, and one medical wagon, a total of 16 vehicles; and may include five ration carts and the transportation of the communication platoon. In large com mands, the water carts may be directed to march with the regimental field train. Prior to an attack the rolling kit chens and water carts usually join the field train. 7. THE HOWITZER COMPANY.—a. The infantry regi ment includes one howitzer company, the weapons of which at the present time are the light mortar and the one-pounder gun. The howitzer company consists of a company head quarters, and three combat platoons. Each platoon is a complete tactical unit and includes a one-pounder gun (37-mm.) and a light mortar, together with the gun crews and transport therefor. A platoon is usually assigned to each assault battalion. When so assigned it operates under the direct orders of the battalion commander as a part of the battalion. When one or two battalions of a regiment are in reserve, the extra howitzer platoons may be employed

INFANTRY

39

temporarily on regimental missions. However, these tasks are such that the platoons can promptly revert to the bat talions before these battalions become engaged. CLCSE APPROACH FORMATIONS O F THE BATTALION -500yds:

i ( I 200-500 yds.

SO-ISOyds.

0

Figure 9*

o. The one-pounder gun and the light mortar are used to prepare and follow up the attack, to break any resis tance which develops in the course of the advance, and to cooperate in the occupation of a conquered position. Dur ing the advance, their principal mission is the destruction of *For meaning of symbols employed, see "Legend," Figure 10.


40

CLOSE APPROACH FORMATIONS Or THE BATTALION 500yds •

I

I I I I

25-lSpyds.

200-300 yds

I

I

I I I I 4

I II

SO-lSOyds

I II "75"

! II I I I

I II I II I II

LEGEND — — — Section in Skirmish Line I Q Captain I i . J O Ma/or

I

I 1 m •|« JL

1

($) Accompanying Artillery

I Section in Squad Columns* T _ „ . j, , .. ^,_ * I Y Bn. Agents # Section MO Machine gun carts and animals or" I m. g.platoon Section of light mortar and one pounder Transportation of light mortar limbers and animate of one pounder gun.

Figure 10

INFANTRY

41

machine guns and machine gun nests. The one-pounder gun is not generally used against other targets than machine guns or tanks. The section or group advances by bounds from one firing position to another along well defiladed routes which are reconnoitered in advance. 8. THE REGIMENT.—a. The regiment constitutes a complete tactical and administrative unit. It is self-con^ tained, independent, and equipped with the necessary trans port to insure replenishment of supplies. It comprises a headquarters, headquarters company, service company, howitzer company, three battalions, and attached medical personnel. Light tank units and accompanying artillery may be attached. b. The headquarters company includes an intelligence, a communication (signal), and a pioneer platoon. In com bat, the function of the pioneer platoon is to assist the ad vance of vehicles containing ammunition and the auxiliary weapons, and to construct shelter for command and observa tion posts. c. The service company provides all the transportation of the regiment except medical. In the presence of the enemy, combat trains march with the battalions to which assigned and operate under the orders of the battalion com manders. d. The three-battalion organization of a regiment facilitates envelopments, deployment in line on a broad front, or disposition in depth on a narrow front. e. For trains see paragraph 8, Chapter VI. 9. THE BRIGADE.—a. The brigade is a tactical unit. It comprises a headquarters, headquarters company, and two regiments. Accompanying artillery and tank units fre quently reinforce the brigade in combat. The artillery is generally, and the tanks are always, re-allotted to subordi nate units. b. The function of the brigade is to direct and coordi nate the action of its regiments and to support them with such reserves, auxiliary weapons, and arms as are available. When disposed with regiments in column, continuity of com mand and sustained action are facilitated. This formation is

42


highly suitable for very deep penetrations. Deployment with regiments abreast is adapted to attacks on the same or broader fronts but with less depth of advance and duration of attack. However, the formation with regiments abreast has the advantages of increased initial fire power and of facilitating quick relief of assault battalions. It also pre vents mixing of regiments, insures good signal communica tion, and avoids disrupting the continuity of attack and com mand within the regimental zones or action. 10. THE LIGHT TANK COMPANY.—a. The light tank company comprises a headquarters section and three pla toons. The headquarters section includes one signal tank and nine reserve tanks to replace fighting tanks put out of action. It also provides facilities for minor repairs and resupply of the fighting tanks with gas, oil, water, and am munition. Each platoon has five fighting tanks, two armed with one-pounder guns and three with machine guns. b. On the march, all tanks are transported on trucks. c. In the attack, a division utilizes its tanks, organic and attached, by assigning them to the brigade charged with making the main blow, provided the terrain is suitable for their employment. Similarly, the brigade and its regi ments, in turn, assign their tanks to the subordinate units making the main blow or whose zone of action includes im portant terrain features, the reduction of which is essential to the accomplishment of the main operation. The infantry battalion is the smallest unit to which tanks are attached. When the ground is suitable for tanks, a platoon of tanks is allotted to each battalion engaged in the main effort. Tank platoons so assigned operate under the direct con trol of infantry battalion commanders. Other tank units are held in reserve to secure continuity of tank action until the objective is attained. Tanks have the special mission of opening the way for the infantry attack. Owing to their ability to crush wire entanglements, they are suitable for surprise attacks against zone defense. They can break through and overrun strongly organized terrain and are able to drive the defenders off or to cover. Tanks must keep in motion at all times. They require close infantry

INFANTRY

43

d. On the defensive, tanks are utilized to support counter attacks. They are placed in reserve in a central location out of the area of habitual shelling, near suitable routes to the front.

P-»

j&.

H

! to i

Additional0

Aggregate

I 'QNVHHOO

Attached, Chaplains

Attached, Medical Dept.

Total Regiment

Three Battalions*

Howitzer Company'

Service Company*"

Headquarters Company

Headquarters*

Symbol Number

Specialist Rating (Class)

SOIXOVX QNV

2.

\-A

! 5;

JSS

! iI

! i i

"r ""?'««ill

• iff! lili-l

OSt-i-3

I- 1 )£• CO CO CO t

COOd CO*-*

©cscooi! *-"

m : ; «*: : : :

lira!

* T

LJL1 P

t

CO ^' K«\

^ C*. *^«*

1-3

9

Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous.. Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous.

5th

(H) (4) (14) (63)

(8) (17) (27) (66) (116)

2) 2) 7) (75)

(33) (33) (135) (1764)

(8) '63) (66) (222) (2018)

d ) (16«) (49)

z N o t authorized for war strength units organized in time of peace. "See Table 24W. >>See Table 25W. 'See Table 30W. kSee Tables 26W, 27W, 28W and 29W.

() (5=) £

Total enlisted

121

273

105

2451

2950

87

3037

Aggregate..

124

280

109

2532

3054

98

3154

>rses, riding [lies, draft ales, riding

13

13 320 9

10 9 4

69 48 3

114 377 16

14 22

130 399 16

12

Total animals.

13

342

23

120

507

36

545

12

rts, ammunition, 37 mm rts, ammunition, M.G. rts, machine gun rts, ration, 2-mule. .... rts, water, 2-mule: ^... rts, mortar, 1 mule. ....... tchens, rolling, 4-mule.. agons, combat, 4-mule igons, escort (R and B) 4-mule .... igons, medical, 4-mule.. sycles. :. ;„. ,rs, motor, 5-passenger Dtorcycles, with side cars. ailer, radio _• ucks, cargo, J-ton ucks, cargo, lJ-2-ton.... ms, 37-mm ins, machine ortars, 3-inch .... rtols fles I fles, automatic fles, with grenade dischargers

24 24

18 18 18 18

78 202

3 93 16

3 24 24 18 19 6 18 18

24

18

25 1

25 4 26 1

9

966 1449 162

11 1 2 1 3 24 3 1233 1733 162

15 1 2 1 3 24 3 1233 1733 162

162

162

162

24

87 66

3 24 24 18 18 6 18 18

24

3

COMMAND, STAFF AND TACTICS TABLE 26W (abbreviated) INFANTRY BATTALION (Consolidated Table) (War Strength) April 15, 1921 Designation: Battalion Infantry. ..Bn.

.Inf

Units

Lieutenant colonel Major _ Captains First lieutenants Second lieutenants. Total commissioned. Technical or first ser geants Staff sergeants Sergeants Corporals Privates 1st class, incl. Privates, incl Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous. Total enlisted Aggregate

3 6(3*) 6 15(3*)


Remarks.

4 1 54 103 218 437

1 7 11 24 33

36 78 159 324

11 14 35 80

(3) (2) (15) (37) 76

(6) (6) (24) (447) 600

(2) (3) (6) (104) 141

(11) (45) (588) 817

77

615

146

844

8 16 1 25

23 16 1 40

Horses, riding Mules, draft Mules, riding Total animals... Carts, ammunition, M. G. Carts, M. G. gun._ Bicycles Motorcycles, with side cars Guns, machine Pistols _ Rifles Rifles, automatic Rifles, with grenade dis chargers._

4 3(1*) 14(4*) 7 5(1*) 27(5*)

(ID

8 3

71 39

99 444 54 54

1 8 146

322 483 54 54

* Not authorized f or war strength units organized in times of peace.

INFANTRY

47

TABLE 28W (abbreviated)

RIFLE COMPANY, INFANTRY REGIMENT

(War Strength)

Designation: Company

,

Infantry; Co

Jnf

,

One Platoon

•8 "5 63 Units

§§

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Captain First lieutenants Second lieutenants. Total commissioned-

2(1-)

First sergeant Sergeants, inch. Mess Platoon sergeants— Section leaders Signal Supply Corporals, incl Company clerk Section guides Signal Squad leaders Pvts. 1st cl. and pvts., incl Barber Buglers Cobbler Cooks (first) Cooks (ass't) Mechanics Riflemen Riflemen, automatic Riflemen, automatic Riflemen, with grenade dischargers Runners and agents ..... Tailor Total enlisted Aggregate.. Pistols Rifles Rifles, automatic Rifles, with grenade dis charger Second in command.

1 2(1*) 2 5(1-)

1 3 (1)

1 (1)

(1) (1) 2 (1) (1)

4th 5th 6th

4 __.

17 (1) (2) (1) (2) (2) (2)

(6) (1) 23

(1)

"(8)'

7

21

46

161

(1) (2)

(2) (4)

(6) (12)

(5) (1)

6th (4) ........

26

(1) 26

57

200

25

26

58

205

9 16

3 20 3

44 6

33 148 18 18

Not authorized for war strength company in time of peace.

TABLE 29W MACHINE GUN COMPANY, INFANTRY REGIMENT (War Strength)

Designation: 1

Company 2

3

* 4

5

flnfantry; 6

7

8

Co

9

*.. 10

.flnf. 11

i

2 3 4 5

Captain First lieutenants Second lieutenants Total commissioned-

a

First sergeant Sergeants, incl. Mess Platoon sergeants Reconnaissance Section leaders

Signal.

Stable

Supply

Corporals, incl. Agents Company clerk ... Signal

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

lh Ihi Iho 8(»«)

1>> :...

1.

1 3(1*) 1 50*)

3

1 11

6

14

1

lb

4 (1)

1

(1) 2 (1) (1)

1

(i)

(1) (1)

1

Total Company (2 Pla toons, Company Hq. and Company Train)

Total Platoon (2 Sections and Platoon Headquarters)

1 Section (2 Squads and Section Headquarters) (b)

1 Squad (1 Machine Gun)

Platoon Headquarters

Company Train

Company Headquarters

Units

Symbol Number

1


One Platoon

(1) (l m ) 2 (1)

1

2

REMARKS ';4

*Insert letter designation of com pany (D, H, or M). flnsert numerical designation of regiment. ••Mounted on horse. m Mounted on mule. a Includes: 35 privates 1st class. 80 privates: Summary of specialist ratings: 4th class 2 5th class 3 6th class 6 b Section headquarters includes 1 sergeant. "Reconnaissance officer.

19 20 Cl 22 23 24 25 26 27 ?8 99 30 31 Bfl 33 34

Squad leaders Transport Pvts. 1st cl. and pvts., incl. Barber Buglers Cobbler Cooks (first) Cooks (ass't) Gunners Gunners Horseshoer Mechanics Motorcyclist Saddler Tailor. Miscellaneous

(1)

4th 5th 6th 4th 6th 6th 5th

17 (1)b (2 ) (1) (1) (2)

(2) (1)

4

7

(1) 10

20

47

115 a

(1)

(2)

(4)

(3) (5)

(1) (1) (1)

(ie)

(7)d

(90

35

Total enlisted.

24

5

10

11

23b

56

141

36

Aggregate

27

5

11

11

23

57

146

37 38 39

Horses, riding Mules, draft Mules, riding

2

4

1 8

8 16 1

40 41 A?, 43 44 45 46

Total animals. Carts, ammunition, M. G. Carts, M. G. gun Bicycles Motorcycles, with side cars Guns, machine Pistols

1

6 1 6

1

1

1

1

2

4

9

25

1 1

2 2

4 4 1

8 8 3

1 11

2 23

4 57

1 8 146

1 27

5

11

d Signalmen, runners, agents and orderlies. 1 bicyclist. e Stable orderly. 'Includes 2 drivers for gun a n d ammunition carts. ^Second in command. N o t au thorized for war strength com panies organized in time of peace.

-!

s

i :!

'QNVKWOO

Total Company (3 Platoons and Company Headquarters)

Total Platoon

1 Light Mortar Section

1 One-pounder Section


Company Headquarters

Symbol Number


SOIlOVi QNV

15*

3 rt-B

3

CSJ

o

p

M

.^ H S1 >

t3

Q o

tr1

25 26 *>7 28 29

Mechanics Runners and agents Tailor Miscellaneous .. .. Total enlisted

30

Aggregate

20

31 33 34 35

40 41

.

Horses, riding Mules, draft Mules, riding Total animals Carts, ammunition, 37 mm. Carts, mortar, 1-mule . . Bicycles Guns, 37-mm. Mortars, 3-inch Pistols Rifles

6th 4th 5th 6th 4th 6th

1) (2)b 11 1) 21 (1) (2) (6) (1)

(i)

(8«)

(1)

(1)

(2) (4)

21

7

(8) 10

(9) 11

28

105

22

8

10

11

29

109

2

2 3 1 6

10 9 4 23

2

1 2

4 1 5

1 1 3 1

4 1 15 7

ing adoption and issue of the in fantry howitzer. °To drive new ammunition trucks when furnished. The following are armed with rifles: barber, cobbler, tailor, mechanics, agents and runnerc except four equipped with bicycles.

(3)

5 3

10

i*

1 1 26 3

.

3 6 4 coco

36 37 38

.. ..

CO

22 23

Barber Buglers Chauffeurs Cobbler Cooks (first) Cooks (ass't) Gunners Gunners

16 17 18

93 16

1-3

3

CHAPTER IV

Artillery Paragraph

Function of artillery Classes of field artillery Organization of division artillery Artillery command Occupation of positions Preparation of fire Artillery preparation Supporting fires Counter battery fire Liaison

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1. FUNCTION OF ARTILLERY.—a. Fire support.—The fire support of the infantry is the role of artillery. The tactics of this fire support is based on immediate response to the needs of the infantry; its nature is determined by the re quirements of each situation. Intimate association between the supporting artillery and the infantry supported is essential to that infantry-artillery teamplay on which success in battle depends. b. Division artillery.—The division artillery concerns itself primarily with the progress of the infantry front line. For this purpose it is grouped into supporting fire units. These supporting fire units are retained, normally, under division control, but may be attached, in part only, to lower infantry units. They are employed by the divi sion commander to support by fire one or all of the infantry groups and to assist groups of adjacent divisions. They are so organized and apportioned as to be able to give con tinuous fire support to successive infantry groups as they enter the combat from reserves or elsewhere. When the combat breaks up into disconnected local engagements, some division artillery is attached to infantry groups. On the defensive and in the initial stages after contact is gained on the offensive, division artillery is employed as supporting artillery. In situations where the division cannot be em ployed in coordinated action as a whole, such as pursuits, 52

ARTILLERY

53

retreats and meeting engagements^ or in the case of de tached covering forces, it is usual to attach artillery to sub ordinate commands. The strength of artillery so attached is restricted to the minimum requirements of the situation. c. Corps artillery.—The primary mission of the corps artillery is the destruction or neutralization of hostile bat teries and the destruction of hostile obstacles and defenses. In addition, it supplements the division artillery in pro viding covering fires, in the destruction of communications and defenses, and in reaching hostile troops protected by natural or artificial cover. Its organization is such that specific units may be attached or assigned to support partic ular divisions. d. Army artillery.—Armies are allotted artillery com bat units from General Headquarters Reserve in such numbers and types as the situation demands. This artil lery may be employed directly by the army, or may be attached to corps for use as corps artillery or for reallotment to divisions. Usually, only heavy long range ar tillery is retained as army artillery. Army artillery is assigned appropriate missions beyond the range or power of corps artillery, and in addition, it reinforces the fire of corps artillery. 2. CLASSES OF FIELD ARTILLERY.—Field artillery is classified from the standpoint of materiel as light, medium, and heavy. Light artillery is at present equipped with 75-mm. guns. Medium artillery includes 155-mm.. howitzers. All field artillery of heavier calibers is classed as heavy ar tillery. 3. ORGANIZATION OF DIVISION ARTILLERY.—a.

One

brigade of two regiments of field artillery, equipped with 75-mm. guns, forms an organic part of the infantry divi sion. The primary mission of this artillery is to support the infantry. Division artillery is organized in regiments and battalions so as to provide suitable fire units to support infantry fighting groups. b. The ammunition carried for division artillery is sufficient in quantity and suitable in type to enable it to attack and overcome the probable targets that are to be initially encountered by the infantry.

ARTT.LLERY DATA

Caliber and type.

Kind

Weight (lbs).

Projectiles.

Rate of fire, rounds per piece per minute.

Weight, bursting charge (lbs.)

Prolonged fire

Extreme range (yards).

Maximum effective range (yards).0

Short bursts.

Maximum possible.

*

Time* Day to of fire emplace (rds). (minutes).

a o

CO

75-mm. French gun.

155-mm. French howitzer

Shrapnel 16 Shell 11-12.4 Shell 12.8-14.7

Shell Shell

95 95

.18 1.7 1.3

9,700 8,000 12,000

6,500f

7,500f

15.2 9

12,500 12,000

8,500 8,500

) •

10

25

300

3

2

4

150

15 or more.

*Time to change from firing to traveling position is approximately the same. Varies between wide limits. Depends or terrain and condition of action. fSuperior limit of effective barrage support. {Concentrations. "Ranges given are approximate, only. While great accuracy and quick results cannot be expected at ext ^ m e ranges, no opportunity to employ fires promising profitable effect should be neglected.

>

o GO

ARTILLERY

55

c. A 75-mm. gun regiment.— (1) The battery.—The bat tery primarily is a fire unit. Its effectiveness in combat de pends largely on technical efficiency. Its fire is conducted by one officer. Tactically, it operates as part of a battalion, except in small commands or in special cases. It is the smallest artillery administrative unit. It consists of a battery headquarters, firing battery, and maintenance sec tion. (2) The battalion.—The battalion primarily is a tac tical unit. The battalion commander directs* the fire of the batteries so as to obtain the desired tactical result. He concerns himself with the technical details of fire only to the extent necessary to insure effective fire direction. The battalion is not an administrative unit. The number of batteries is the same as the number of battalions in an infantry regiment. In some cases a battery may be desig nated to support an infantry battalion. (3) The regiment.—The regiment is both a tactical and administrative unit. Its commander directs the tac tical employment of the regiment as a whole, leaving the details thereof to the executive officer and the battalion com manders. An artillery regiment is usually assigned to the support of an infantry brigade. d. The brigade.—The brigade is a tactical unit. The commander is responsible for the training and fighting efficiency of the brigade, and is also an advisor to the divi sion commander on artillery matters. In combat, one ar tillery regiment usually is assigned to the support of each infantry brigade. e. A 155-mm. howitzer regiment.—A regiment of 155 mm. howitzers sometimes is attached to a division from the corps artillery brigade when the necessity for such attach ment exists. The organization of a howitzer regiment is based on considerations similar to those that influence the organization of a 75-mm. gun regiment. A regiment consists of headquarters, headquarters battery, service battery, medical detachment, attached chaplain, and three battalions, each of two four-gun batteries. The regiment is completely *Fire direction is the tactical employment of one or more fire units for the purpose of bringing their fire to bear on the desired target at the proper time.

56


motorized and all personnel ride on the vehicles. When attached to a division, one battalion frequently is assigned to augment the fire of each 75-mm. regiment, and one battalion is held in general support. The total strength of the regiment, excluding medical detachment and chap lains, is 77 officers, 1 warrant officer, 1661 enlisted men, and 24 howitzers. 4. ARTILLERY COMMAND.—There is no chain of artil lery command between an army and a division. The com mander of the unit to which it belongs, or is attached, exercises command of the artillery. The senior artillery commander on duty with a unit, unless otherwise directed, commands all the artillery belonging or attached to the unit. He also advises the superior commander on artillery matters. 5. OCCUPATION OF POSITIONS.—a. The most important consideration in selecting a battery position is to post the guns so as to carry out the tasks assigned. This considera tion includes the following: effective range, field of fire, observation, signal communication, concealment of posi tions and approaches thereto; facility of movement to front, flanks, and rear; ease of resupply of ammunition, proximity to good cover for limbers or gun tractors, suitability of soil and slope of the ground for gun positions, non-interference with operations of other troops, and provisions for the pro tection and comfort of the personnel when the position is to be occupied for some time. b. A light battery in action normally occupies a front of about 100 yards. The normal interval between gun muz zles is 20 yards, but may vary between 8 and 50 yards. The guns are not always placed in line. Terrain or other con ditions may necessitate an irregular formation with some guns more advanced than others and at irregular intervals. Each gun caisson is on the left of its piece, with about one foot between adjacent wheels. The caisson bodies of the sections are placed, normally, 20 yards to the right and left, respectively, of guns of the battery. The gun and caisson limbers are placed under cover and concealed. They are located so as to insure free and prompt access to the guns. Their distance from the guns is controlled by the character of the terrain. The maintenance section (battery combat

ARTILLERY

57

train) usually joins the limbers. In some situations, the caisson section also joins the limbers. c. The battalion combat train is posted so as to be protected from fire and to have covered approaches to the batteries. Suitable routes lead to the batteries and from the ammunition distributing point. The position must be large enough to park the carriages with wide intervals. It is rarely more than 1200 yards in rear of the batteries. Visual or other communication is maintained with the battalion commander. d. Observation posts are established by artillery units at places affording a good view of the enemy territory. Separate battery observation posts are, when possible, located near the firing batteries so as to insure efficient and and uninterrupted communication. However, when this is impracticable either owing to the insufficiency of favorable sites or to the distance between the sites and. the batteries, observation may be conducted from a battalion or other observation post. Regimental and battalion observation posts are established to obtain enemy information and to direct artillery fire. 6. PREPARATION OF FIRE.—Firing data are computed prior to opening fire. Fire for adjustment then begins for the purpose of correcting initial firing data before passing to fire for effect. The latter class of fire is delivered for the purpose of accomplishing a designated mission. Normally, fire for adjustment continues during fire for effect. Fire can be delivered on a target without first adjusting on the target itself, particularly when maps are available. Some prominent terrain feature in or near the enemy's known posi tion is selected and fire adjusted thereon. This class of fire is termed fire for registration. The fire having been adjusted on the registration point, it can then be quickly shifted and effectively brought to bear on nearby enemy positions. 7. ARTILLERY PREPARATION.—a. The purpose of the artillery preparation is to destroy enemy troops, cover, obstacles, and control, to neutralize his artillery, to inter dict hostile routes, to block and isolate areas, to blind enemy observation, and to weaken generally the morale of the hostile forces.

58


b. Lengthy artillery preparations are usually objection able. The element of surprise is thereby lost, and time ia given the enemy to alert and move his reserves to positions to meet the attack. Therefore, it is frequently desirable to omit the artillery preparation. In large attacks, the loca tion and mobility of the hostile main reserves influence the length of time that can be allowed for an artillery prepara tion and still secure tactical surprise. To secure tactical surprise, artillery preparation is limited to less than six hours' duration. Its length is influenced also by the length of time required to accomplish the necessary destructions. The time required to effect complete destruction and thorough neutralization depends on the number and type of guns available to undertake destruction fires, and the ammunition supply. The amount and kind of ammunition available are important factors in determining the length and intensity of the preparation, and the type of targets to be attacked. c. (1) Destruction fire is used to cut wire entangle ments and to destroy batteries, trenches, and other material targets. The 75-mm. gun is ineffective for the destruction of trenches and can accomplish the destruction of other material objects only after an excessive expenditure of ammunition. The 155-mm. howitzer is more effective for destruction fires than the 75-mm. gun but it also requires great ammunition expenditures to accomplish particular tasks. (2) Neutralizing fire is used against areas containing enemy troops, trenches, centers of resistance, command posts, observation posts, batteries, machine gun nests, prob able assembly positions for reserves, and supply establish ments. Shell, shrapnel, smoke, and gas are used for neu tralization. (3) Interdiction fire is used to prevent the free move ment of enemy troops and supplies at a particular point or area. It is delivered at irregular intervals. Shrapnel may be employed when conditions for its use are favorable. 8. SUPPORTING FIRES.—a. Artillery supporting fires, consist of those fires which cover and aid the infantry com bat,

ARTILLERY

59

b. During an offensive, while the infantry advances toward its first firing positions, the artillery neutralizes the hostile guns by counter battery and assists in diminishing the efficacy of the enemy's infantry and machine gun fire. In general, its targets are those hostile elements which are most dangerous to the attacking infantry. Observed fire is the most efficient fire support that artillery can give in an attack. When observed fire is impracticable, prearranged organized fires in the form of progressive concentrations or of rolling barrages are employed. (1) Progressive concentrations are placed on points known or suspected to be held by the enemy. Concentra tions are first placed on such points nearest the attacking front line. As the infantry advances, this fire is lifted and progressively concentrated on points farther in advance. Concentrations are not placed closer to the supported in fantry than 150 yards. (2) A rolling barrage is employed to support penetra tions through a defensive zone and to overcome enemy resistance in intrenched areas where the details of the organization of the ground have not been accurately de termined. The rear edge or line of the barrage is formed by 75-mm. percussion shell. This line has the depth of the dispersion of shell, 25 to 100 yards, depending on the range. To secure best results a deep barrage is necessary. Smoke is used to blind enemy observation and conceal the advanc ing infantry. To be effective, a barrage must be dense. This requires large ammunition expenditures. In firing a rolling barrage, each 75-mm. battery covers not to exceed 100 yards of front at a rate of 12 to 20 rounds per battery per minute. The infantry follows the barrage at distances varying from 100 to 150 yards. The guns firing on the rear line of a barrage increase their ranges by bounds of 50 or 100 yards. A barrage moves forward at the rate designated for the advance of the infantry, generally, 100 yards in from three to ten minutes, depending on the resistance expected and the character of the terrain. (3) When a rolling barrage is used, it is arranged so as to interfere as little as possible with the advance and maneuver of the infantry. Progressive concentrations fa

60


cilitate local infantry maneuver and are more flexible than barrages in meeting changes in the situation. On a corres ponding front and depth, concentrations require less am munition and fewer guns than do barrages. Concentrations do not require lengthy planning and coordination, nor accurate maps. Firing data for concentrations are prepared more quickly than for barrages. c. On the defensive, in addition to other classes of fire employed, artillery support includes counter offensive preparation and defensive barrages. (1) Counter offensive preparation consists of con centrations of fire placed on or in rear of the enemy line opposite the point which the supply will probably attack, for the purpose of breaking up the attack before it can be launched. Based on probable points of attack, tables, maps, and plans for counter offensive preparation are prepared in advance. When it is evident that such fires are necessary, they are brought down quickly and accurately on the areas selected. An average rate of fire of two rounds per 75-mm. gun and about one-half round per 155-mm. howitzer per minute is maintained for about 15 minutes. These fires are repeated as necessary. (2) Defensive barrages include standing and box barrages. Sufficient artillery to cover simultaneously the entire front of a position with a standing barrage is unusual. Therefore, batteries are assigned normal barrage missions in defense of the most vulnerable points of the line, and, in addition, eventual barrage missions to cover other less dan gerous fronts. Unless engaged in other firing, a battery keeps its guns constantly laid to fire the normal barrage of the battery. On call of the infantry, fire is quickly brought down. The areas covered by barrage fires are located at the minimum safe distance in advance of the infantry, and cover portions of the front that cannot be readily covered by infantry weapons. Each battery effectively covers a front of about 200 yards. The battery front is divided into four slightly overlapping portions, one of which is assigned to each gun. An effective rate of fire for a front of 200 yards is six rounds per gun per minute for four minutes, followed by two rounds per gun per minute for two minutes. If

ARTILLERY

61

circumstances require, this fire is continued at the latter rate, or the whole series is repeated at intervals. 9. COUNTER BATTERY FIRE.—Counter battery fire is employed during artillery preparation, during an attack or a defense, and on other occasions. The purpose of this fire is to dominate the hostile artillery by accomplishing its destruction or neutralization. The effectiveness of counter battery fire depends on the number and type of guns avail able, information of hostile artillery positions, and efficient ground and aerial observation of fire. During an attack the neutralization of hostile artillery which is firing on the advancing infantry is generally the primary mission of the attacking artillery. Effective counter battery increases the infantry morale and permits the attacking infantry to ad vance and fight on equal terms. On the defensive, while the principal artillery target is the attacking infantry, effective counter battery materially assists the infantry fight. When a division is operating as part of a corps, counter battery missions are undertaken by the corps ar tillery, assisted by the army artillery. When a division is acting alone, 155-mm. howitzers are sometimes attached from the corps for counter battery and other missions. 10. LIAISON.—Artillery units attach liaison officers to the infantry or cavalry groups which they support in com bat. A liaison officer is provided with personnel and equipment to maintain his communication with the sup porting artillery. He keeps the artillery commander fully informed of changes in the tactical situation and of the cooperation desired of the artillery by the supported unit. He keeps himself informed of the plans and movements of the artillery unit to which he belongs, acts as advisor to the infantry commander on artillery matters, and gathers information of the enemy which concerns the artillery. When the infantry is advancing in combat, he must be pre pared to conduct fire on particular targets visible to him but which cannot be observed by battery observation.

2.

to

H

I cr cr

*Insert letter desienation of battery. tinsert numerical desienation of regiment. a bBattery executive. Reconnaissance officer. "Includes: 34 privates 1st class 73 privates Summary of specialist ratings: 4th class 5 1 5th class 2 1 6th class 2

CO

i^

cr

oo

(-1

to

to

to

to

to

(1)

(1)

(1)

to

?

B"

cr

i

I

H o

S er

g

B

1 (

f •i

p

0

s.

o"

3

» 3< Z ra 13 § • 5" o a

a t

«n

B3" *

w w, OO

0= ©

Instrument Range finder

(T )

to

3

©

V

Chiefs of section

Oh-1

to

—s D*

1

I

d hIncludes

1 spare team, 6 horses. Mounted on horse. (2 horses provided for each mounted artillery officer.)

SOIiOVJ, QNV ^^VJLS 'QNVHH00

to

Total Battery

Maintenance Section

Fifth Section

Fourth Section

Third Section

Second Section

First Section

Battery Headquarters

REMARKS

cr

Symbol Number

Third Platoon

to cr

5f

3

13

3

w

00

O5

Cn

>£>

CC

CO


3'

3 ;

as to

First lieutenants Second lieutenants Total commissioned First sereeant

00

1 6

Units

Second Platoon

OT

First Platoon

99

23 24

Scout Signal Privates 1st class and Agent with service

40

Buglers Cannoneers Chief mechanic Cooks (first) Cook (assistant) Drivers Guidon Horseholders Horseshoers Line guards Mechanics Operators, instrument .. Orderly, stable Saddler

Total enlisted

41

Aggregate

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39

Y> 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 SO 52 53 55 56 57 58^

Horses, draft Horses, riding Mules, draft Total animals Cart, ration, 2-mule Cart, water, 2-mule Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule Cart, reel, btry., 4-horse Wagon, btry., 6-horse Wagon, store, 6-horse Wagon, spring, J-ton, 4 horse Bicycles Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse

Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse

Pistols

Machine guns, A. A.

Rifles, automatic

(2>>) 15

17

15

15

15

12

(9)

(9)

(9)

(9)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(1")

4th 4th 5th (2) (3")

4th

dh)

(6)

18

(c) 107

(Ih.) d") (7°) (2«)

(2ib)

(2Z)

6th (2b)

(5")

dh)

5th 26

20

18

18

18

15

21

136

28

21

18

19

18

15

21

140

8 26

12 6

12 2

12 4

12 2

12 2

18d

86 48 8

34

18

14

16

14

14

32

142

1* 1" 1

1* 1 1 1 28

'March with battery combat train (maintenance section less ration cart). AMMUNITION C A R R I E D The gun sections, 1st to 4th, in clusive, each carry 124 rounds. The 5th section (caisson) carries 212 rounds. Total carried in battery 177 rounds per gun. The proportions are from 50% to 75% shell; 15% to 40% shrapnel and 10% smoke, de oending on conditions- Gas may be carried if conditions warrant but is not carried habitually.

00 O)

21

1 21

1

1 18

il" 19

1

1 18

2 15

21

ii

f tr*

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 6 140 2 8 00

co

i->i

i-j

•a • o

O

O C5 £r* S3 osss P p

i O O

•ogii &!

ton

?§.!

^ 3

aa

CSQim^f^^.^j

mi

P

P

a&

a

%. S.

P. P.

Total Battalion

3 Batteries

Combat Train

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery

Symbol Number


S" S" H

-4 K Co P

3

o 3 I1 •

p

•I

d

GIMI

Tabl<

i i

a

3 Sg

5 s-B

?

CO

H

W f

J>

l_5

d

o o

CO

O

O

AND

Ct

£•;

of?

MO

3*

Jff"

3

(0 '

Aggregate*

Attached Chaplains

Attached Medical Department

Total Regiment

2 Battalions

Service Battery

Headquarters Battery

Headquarters

Symbol Number


SOIlOVi QNV

B

3 o.

)-• ^ ^ M P a *>.sJ-too 2.O

iF-as-g-ga

<£M

I

gg.Bg- a l l

to

BJ

ifi

2 s°

I! 5o

B.33

i P-

CO 00

'QNVHWOO

EEiLivSii

(^

«<< Cc

:

JO

99

3

d

o

l

OS

i I « life

en

Q

50

If) 16 17 18 19

?n 21

Privates, incl. Miscellaneous

20 35

2d 3d 4th 5th 6th

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous

(5) (2) (7)

37 88 (4) (6) (11) (20) (18)

304 654 (48) (20) (26)

361 777 (4) (6) (64) (42) (51)

(gvh) (10M 43 (1°)

1181

1 T (3c) IT (12) 2
22

Total enlisted

80

148

1214

1442

53

23

Aggregate

11

81

155

1260

1507

63

1

1571

9A

Horses, draft. Horses, riding Mules, draft Mules, riding

22

16 47 8

776 456 64

792 548 208 8

38 12

1

792 587 220 8

22

71

1296

1556

50

1

1607

26 27 28

. ..

Total animals

44 45 46 47 48 49

Car, motor, DT or DS Car, reconnaissance . Motorcycles with side cars . . Truck, j-ton, cargo Bicycles. Cart, ration, 2-mule... Cart, water, 2-mule Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule.... Carts and reels, 6-horse Cart, reel btry., 4-horse Wagons, battery, 6-horse.. Wagons, store, 6-horse. Wagons.combined B & S, 6-horse Wagons, escort (R & B), 4-mule Wagons, spring, j-ton, 4-horse Wagons, medical, 4-mule Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse Pistols Machine guns, A. A. Rifles, automatic

50

Ambulance motor

?9 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 89 40 41 42 43

23 136 8 167

1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1

1 1 1

1

8 8 •8 8 8 2 6 6 6 2

31

11

1 1

1 1 2 1

13 1 10 10 10 10 3 6 6 6

2 1

15 1 11 10 10 10 3 6 6 6

3

3

31

31

1

8

9

81

24 72 1260 18 48

24 72 1507 20 56

155 2 8

1495

3

2

9 3 24 72 1507 20 56 2

S0I10VI ONV

'QNVHHOO

89

22

Miscellaneous.

23

Total enlisted

24

Aggregate..

?6 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

Horses, riding Mules, draft Mules, riding Total animals

(12)

(57)

(102) 1(171)

(25)

(196)

75

159

2884

3118

109

3227

12

77

165

3014

3268

130

2

3400

24

6 29 28

8 116 3

1584 1096 416 16

1590 1157 560 19

76 28

2

1590 1235 588 19

24

63

127

3112

3326

104

2

3432

2 2

2

2 2

6 4

4

7 1 1 30

26 2

37 3 1 30

6th

Car, motor, DT or DS Motorcycles with side cars Truck, |-ton, cargo Truck, light repair, 0 . D. Truck, F. W. D. cargo Truck, F. W. D. art. sup ply, load A. Trailer, kitchen

1 1

Cart, ration, 2-mule Cart, water, 2-mule Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule

1

Carts, reel, battery, 4 horse Wagons, battery, 6-horse.. Wagons, store, 6-horse Wagons, combined B. and S., 6-horse Wagons, escort (combat) Wagons, escort (R & B), 4-mule Wagons, spring, f-ton, 4 horse Wagons, medical, 4-mule Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse Pistols Machine guns, A. A. Rifles, automatic Ambulance, motor

1

20 20 20 20 6

1 1 20 20 20 21 7

12 12 12

12 12 12

6 27 7

12

77

165 2 8

6 4 5

2

42 3 1 30 1 1 22 20 20 21 7 12 12 12

6

6

27

27

62

69

69

18

18

48 144 3014 40 112

48 144 3268 42 120

18 7 48 144 3268 42 120

7

4

4

>

w t-3 t—i

F F

3


70

TABLE 136W

TTALION, 155-mm. HOWITZER, MOTORIZED (CONSOLIDATED TABI (War Strength) March 7, 1921 Designation:

*Battalion

fField Artillery (155-mm. howitzer); fFA (155-mm. how)

*Bn

Units

REMARKS

sm

lajor. aptains Irst lieutenants econd lieutenants.

*tlnsert numerical designati battalion and regiment.

Total commissioned. 'irst sergeants

taff sergeants

ergeants.

!orporals.

'rivates first class, incl.

'rivates, incl

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

19

Total enlisted...

66

1 1 9 7 29 71 (3) (18) (21) 118

Aggregate

74

121

4th 5th 6th

1 1 5 11 16 32 (4) • (6)

(11)

!ars, motor, 5-passenger Jars, reconnaissance Motorcycles with side cars 'ractors, 5-ton 'railer, kitchen 'railer, machine gun 'railer, reel and cart 'railer, water, 180 gallons 'rucks, F. W. D. art. supply, load A 'rucks, F. W. D., cargo 'rucks, f-ton, cargo 'rucks, light repair, O. D. Caisson bodies, 155-mm. runs, machine, A. A lowitzers, 155-mm 'istols tifles, automatic

28 .......

74 2

121

2 2 18 36 72 158 (34) (14) (22) 288

472

296

491

2 2

12 28 2 2 2 2

5 4 22 29 4 2 3 4

2 6 2 2

2 36 4 3

24 4 8 296 16

24 4 8 491 24

Ammunition carried Each caisso y carrii caisson n bod body rounds. ~Total ~ with 2 batten rounds. Each truck, P. W. D., cargo, 40 rounds. Total with ba combat train 960 rounds. Total with battalion 1296 i 162 rounds per piece. Approximately 1 day of fire

CHAPTER V

Cavalry Paragraph

Role of cavalry Organization Cavalry operations General tactical employment Offensive action Defensive action Pursuit

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. R6LE OF CAVALRY—a. General considerations.—Cav alry assists in securing information, in keeping the enemy in ignorance, in providing security, and in exploiting suc cess. Its characteristics permit effective action when operating alone and with other branches. The latter func tion is of the greater importance. b. Characteristics.—The characteristics of cavalry are rapidity of movement, mobility, and ability to fight mounted or dismounted. In mounted combat, the horse, by shock action, serves as a weapon as well as a means of transport. 2. ORGANIZATION.—a. Cavalry with an army.—An army includes among its component parts two cavalry divisions. As cavalry is not, at present, an integral part of corps or divisions, the army commander attaches part of the cavalry assigned to the army to these units when such attachment is necessary. The cavalry force attached to a subordinate unit is the minimum force that is capable of carrying out the duties expected of it. b. Army cavalry.—The army cavalry is the cavalry assigned to an army and under the direct control of the army commander. c. Corps cavalry.—The corps cavalry is the cavalry at tached to a corps and under the direct control of the corps commander. d. Division cavalry.—The division cavalry is the cav alry attached to a division. It may consist of from one troop to a regiment. 71

72


3. CAVALRY OPERATIONS.—Cavalry operating with a division, like artillery or engineers, is an auxiliary branch. Its operations are so conducted as to assist the infantry. The following cavalry operations indicate the kind of action to be expected from large bodies of cavalry, particularly army cavalry. Many of these operations are performed on a minor scale by division cavalry, and in accordance with the same general principles which govern the actions of large bodies of cavalry. a. Operations preceding combat.—Prior to the contact of the two opposing main forces, the cavalry may be em ployed : (1) To cover the concentration of the main force. (2) To screen the advance. (3) To conduct distant reconnaissance. (4) To break up or delay the hostile concentration. (5) To conduct raids or isolated operations. (6) To connect separated armies or parts of armies in their advance. (7) To seize and hold a position in advance of the main forces. b. Operations during combat.—During combat of the main forces, the cavalry may be employed: (1) To operate against the enemy's flanks and rear. (2) To exploit a break in the enemy's line. (3) To fill gaps in the line. (4) As a general reserve. (5) In the main battle. c. Operations after combat.—After a decision has been reached in the battle, the cavalry may be employed: (1) To pursue. (2) To cover the defeated force. 4. GENERAL TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT.—Cavalry is em

ployed tactically both in mounted and in dismounted action or a combination of both. The increased rapidity and volume of fire, particularly that of automatic weapons, prevent purely mounted combat by large units of cavalry against an organized, well trained, and disciplined enemy. Mounted combat may be employed by a squadron, and, occa sionally, by a regiment. When engaged in dismounted fire

CAVALRY

73

action, the tactical dispositions of cavalry correspond gen erally to infantry formations under similar circumstances. The important difference is in the depth of formation. Cavalry formations are shallow; the firing line is relatively strong from the beginning, only local supports and reserves being provided. 5. OFFENSIVE ACTION.—a. Mounted formations.—The mounted platoon forms in line, in line of squads*, in line of foragersf, or in column of fours, twos or troopers. For combat, the platoon forms with all three squads in line; with two squads in the leading echelon$, or wave, and one in the?, second wave; or in three waves of one squad each. The mounted troop forms in line, in line of platoons||, squad^ or foragers; or in column of platoons, fours, twos, or troopers. The troop forms for combat with all three rifle platoons in one wave; with two rifle platoons in the leading wave and one in the second; or in three waves of one rifle platoon each. The machine rifle platoon of the troop fights dismounted and may be employed as a unit to support the troop while the latter is maneuvering mounted, or to support one or more dismounted rifle platoons. When the troop engages in dismounted combat, a machine rifle squad habitually joins each rifle platoon. b. Vulnerability of mounted formations.—Mounted for mations, owing to the size of the target offered, are ex tremely vulnerable under fire. Every precaution is taken to decrease this vulnerability by adopting suitable formations. A line of foragers suffers the fewest casualties from hostile fire. Other formations arranged in order of increasing *IAne of squads.—A formation in which squads are on the same general line, each squad in any formation. The interval between adja cent squads is sufficient to allow deployment. \Line of foragers.—A formation in which individual troopers are on the same general line. There is no normal interval between foragers. It varies to fit the situation. It is usually not more than 10 or less than 3 yards. When in line of foragers, a unit is said to be deployed. %Echelon.—One of a series of elements formed one behind the other, also a modification of a line formation in which the elements on one or both flanks are disposed to the rear of those on their right or left. The term echelon and wave are practically synonomous. 11 Line of platoons.—A formation in which all platoons are on the same general line with each platoon in any formation. The in terval between adjacent platoons is sufficient to allow deployment.

74


vulnerability are the echelon of columns, the line of columns, and the column. c. Action against cavalry.—Both mounted and dis mounted action are employed against cavalry. Dismounted action is employed only when mounted action is not feasible. d. The mounted attack or charge.— (1) Formation.— The formation for a mounted attack or charge depends on the character and formation of the enemy and on the ter rain. A mounted attack against dismounted troops, ar tillery, or trains usually is made in extended order. This formation may be used against cavalry in extended order. A mounted attack against cavalry in close order usually is made in close order formation. A mounted attack against dismounted troops is made, when practicable, by succes sive waves of foragers. The decision whether to attack mounted or dismounted depends on the probablility of re ducing 'osses by the quick action of a mounted attack, on the disposition and morale of the enemy, on the distance over which the attack must pass, and on the character of the terrain. Against mounted troops, it is usually less mostly and more effective to attack mounted. Except in small forces, the charge is made by two or more successive waves. In a dismounted attack against a mounted enemy, the latter •can use his mobility to avoid combat, or to strike the flanks or rear of the attacking force. The distance between two successive waves in a mounted attack usually is 150 yards or greater. If the leading wave is unsuccessful, it retires to a flank so as not to interfere with the attack of succeed ing waves. The pistol is a very powerful and effective weapon in both close and extended order attacks. If the distance between two successive waves is less than 150 yards, the rear wave does not use the pistol. (2) Frontages.—In narrow or inclosed roads or de files, the attack may be made on a very reduced front. In this case, it is better to launch a succession of small waves than to attack with a large force in column. The troop is the largest unit which attacks deployed as foragers. In this formation, the troop covers nearly 300 yards of front. A mounted attack is difficult to control on a greater frontage. (3) Terrain.—Undulating ground, if not too broken by serious obstacles, affords shelter and does not impede

CAVALRY

75

the force of a mounted attack. Ground covered by artificial obstacles, especially wire entanglements, may prevent the success of a cavalry attack. If the ground is too broken for close order movements, extended order may be practic able. Ground too rough or broken for saber attacks may be suitable for pistol attacks. (4) Conduct of the mounted attack.—During the ad vance prior to the attack, scouts or patrols cover the move ment, reconnoiter for the enemy, select routes, open fences, and otherwise assist the advance. Combat patrols provide immediate security for the flanks and rear. The formation of the attacking troops and the method of attack depend on the situation. In every mounted attack, the command is divided into a reserve and an attack echelon. The reserve follows the attack echelon at from 100 to 400 yards. The attack echelon usually contains the bulk of the force and is deployed in two or more waves, the rear waves being in sup port of the leading wave. Units may be held in support or reserve as follows: (a) A platoon holds one or two squads in support. (b) A troop holds one or two platoons in support. (c) A squadron holds one or two troops in reserve. As the opposing forces near each other, the scouts or covering patrols are absorbed in the attack echelon. The attack echelon endeavors to deceive the enemy as to the di rection of its blow. If possible, the main blow is made either to envelop or to strike the enemy in flank. Each succeeding wave protects a flank of the wave in front. While the lead ing wave engages the enemy in front, rear waves attempt to outflank the hostile force. The reserve protects the flanks of the attack echelon, strikes the decisive blow, pursues the defeated enemy, meets counter blows, or covers the with drawal of the echelon if it is defeated. In addition to the reserve, there may be a maneuver unit specially designated to strike the enemy in flank, or to guard against an envelop ing or flank attack by the enemy. It may be desirable to capture or drive off the horses of a cavalry opponent en gaged in dismounted action. This is a minor consideration, and usually is not attempted unless the location of the horses is definitely known and their loss to the enemy will have a decisive effect.

76


e. Combined action.—When mounted or dismounted action are combined, the units first engaged form a pivot of maneuver. They dismount and, by fire action, hold the enemy in place or force him to deploy. Other units, mounted, maneuver to strike the enemy in flank or rear. /. Dismounted action.— (1) Cavalry is able to dismount quickly from any formation, form line rapidly to front or flanks, and open an accurate and well distributed fire of maximum volume. When cavalry dismounts to fight on foot, the horses are led away at once to convenient shelter. If there is any chance of accomplishing the mission by maneuver, cavalry does not engage in a fire fight. (2) The combat strength of a cavalry unit in dis mounted action depends on whether the horses are left mobile or immobile. The horses are mobile when they can be moved rapidly and without confusion, and are so dis posed as to facilitate rapid mounting. When they are left immobile, the horses cannot be moved rapidly. When the led horses* are mobile, less than three-fourths of the strength of a unit is available for dismounted action; when immobile, nearly all of the unit is available. r (3) In combat, the actual rifle strength of a cavalry unit is much less than that of the corresponding infantry unit. Under these circumstances, a troop has available a few more rifles than an infantry platoon, a squadron a few more than the company. A cavalry regiment has fewer than a battalion. (4) Cavalry attacks on a relatively wider front and in a more dispersed formation than infantry. It is not ex pected to make the long sustained effort that is demanded of infantry. Therefore, the greater part of the force is in the attack echelon, and is not disposed in depth. Reserves are reduced to a minimum. A mobile mounted reserve is always held out in offensive actions. *The horses of a dismounted cavalry unit are termed led horses. Led horses are concealed under cover from hostile fire, and, especially when they may be soon needed, are kept as near the firing line as practicable. When mobile, one man is left as horse-holder for each four horses. When moving the horses, each horse-holder rides a jhorse and leads the other three. When immobile, the horses are linked together in circles, or coupled in pairs, head and tail. Whether mobile or immobile, a guard is detailed to protect the horses from capture and to keep them disentangled.

CAVALRY

77

(5) When contact is imminent and the decision to at tack dismounted has been made, the command is closed up and disposed ready for instant action. Extra ammuni tion is.issued, if this has not already been done, and the combat trains sent to the rear. The advance is usually made in line of small columns at deploying intervals, fol lowed by such echelons as are necessary to oppose flank attacks and provide supports and a reserve. Mounted combat groups provide immediate security for the flanks. All elements continue to advance mounted under such cover as is available. The leading echelon dismounts as close to the enemy as the shelter of the terrain permits. After dismount ing, it advances to the attack in line of small columns until hostile fire compels deployment. Supports follow in line of small columns. (6) The subsequent fire tactics and shock tactics of dismounted cavalry are conducted in much the same manner as by a corresponding infantry force, except that celerity or action and increased rapidity of fire action are employed to make up for the lack of rifle strength. The action of the attacking force depends on the amount of resistance to be expected. When on the flank of a hostile column, when op posed by dismounted cavalry or in other similar situations, cavalry dismounts quickly, deploys on a broad front, and opens fire with as many rifles as possible, retaining only small local supports and a mounted reserve. The horses are kept mobile. If the attack is unsuccessful, the cavalry quickly disengages from the enemy, mounts, moves to a more favorable location, and again attacks; or it increases its fire power by throwing in local supports and moves its mounted elements against the hostile flanks or rear. Where heavy resistance is expected, cavalry forms for attack in greater depth. If artillery and machine guns are present, the attack is always supported by the fire of these weapons. 6. DEFENSIVE ACTION. — a. General considerations. —

(1) While the true role of cavalry lies in offensive action, cav alry also plays an important part in combined defensive operations. It is always prepared to come immediately to the assistance of the infantry and to make any sacrifice necessary to ward off the defeat of that branch. It is lêpt well in hand and ready for action, mounted or dismounted.

.78


It protects the flanks of its infantry by defeating the hostile cavalry and checking enemy enveloping attacks. (2) The inherent qualities of cavalry are mobility combined with fire power. This permits rapid movement to critical tactical positions. The positions are held by dismounted fire action. A position held as a pivot of man euver by a part of the force enables the remainder to strike an offensive blow elsewhere. (3) Cavalry operating independently on the defensive undertakes an active or a passive defense, or a delaying action, depending on the mission, the relative strength of the forces engaged, and the tactical situation. (4) For general principles of defensive action, see Chapter XI. b. Defensive positions.—In addition to the usual re quirements of a defensive position, cavalry especially seeks to secure positions affording a good field of fire at long ranges, cover for the led horses close to the firing lines, and good routes of withdrawal therefrom. c. Deployment.—The deployment is not in a continu ous line, but is in groups at wide and varying intervals. The groups are disposed to utilize to the best advantage the inequalities of the ground. The better the field of fire, the wider is the interval between adjacent groups. Except where stubborn resistance is contemplated, the occupation is in relatively greater width and in correspondingly less depth than in an infantry force of the same strength. The number of men placed in the firing line at the beginning of the engagement is dependent on the mission of the com mand. If the mission is to be carried out by fire power alone and the direction of the enemy advance is known, the firing line is made strong from the beginning. Otherwise, a com plete occupation of the position is avoided, as it is better to occupy only a few localities at the outset, holding the bulk of the force in a position in readiness. This partial deployment makes it practicable to occupy a broad front while the enemy is at long ranges and tends to deceive the enemy as to the strength of the defender. The number of men re quired for defense depends less on the extent of front than on the accessibility of the various parts of the position.

CAVALRY

79

Due to its mobility, cavalry is justified in occupying a much wider front than a corresponding force of infantry. d. Conduct of the defense.— (1) After the position is occupied, it is strengthened insofar as time and means per mit. This work usually is limited to demolitions and the con struction of obstacles and rifle pits, or sections of fire trenches. Continuous reconnaissance is maintained to de termine the time and place for possible offensive action and whether this action should be mounted or dismounted. (2) The led horses usually are held immobile and well away from the position, in the passive defense. Unless immediate occupation of the position is necessary, the com mand dismounts near where the horses are to be left and marches to the position. In other situations, the led horses are held mobile. The units move as close to the firing line as conditions permit before dismounting. After dismount ing, the horses are taken to the rear and placed under cover from observation and fire. If cover for the led horses is not available in rear of the position, the horses are echeloned to the flanks so as to escape the effect of fire directed on the firing line. A guard protects the horse-holders and led horses when necessary. The strength of this guard de pends on whether hostile cavalry or infantry opposes the command. If confronted by cavalry, a stronger guard is necessary than if opposed by infantry. A mounted reserve, if present, may afford sufficient protection. Mounted com bat groups protect the flanks. (3) Supports are placed near the firing line, but not so close that artillery fire directed on the firing line will cause unnecessary losses in the supports. (4) The size of the reserve varies greatly. When the mission is only to cause an early deployment of the enemy, no reserve is held out. In an active defense, the bulk of the command is usually held in reserve to await a favorable opportunity for offensive action. (a) The greater part of the reserve is held in readiness dismounted when the terrain is unsuitable for mounted com bat, or when a stubborn resistance is contemplated and dis mounted counter attacks may be necessary. (b) The reserve is held mounted when it is desired to threaten the enemy's flanks or his led horses, to undertake

80


an envelopment, to reinforce the firing line, or, when the led horses or accompanying artillery need protection. (5) Horse artillery is more suitable for support of cavalry than light artillery. With division cavalry, light artillery is the only type available. When division cavalry on the defensive has artillery support, the artillery action is governed by the principles discussed in Chapter IV. (6) Small cavalry forces are not equipped with any effective weapon for use against hostile tanks. If encoun ters with tanks are expected, it is necessary that light ar tillery be attached for anti-tank defense. (7) Machine gun squadrons usually remain with the cavalry brigades of which they form a part and are not detached with division cavalry. When machine guns are present with cavalry on the defensive, they constitute an im portant element of the defense. They are distributed in depth, if a determined resistance is contemplated. In other defensive situations, the bulk of the machine guns are placed well forward so as to permit a maximum of fire at the opening of the engagement. 7. PURSUIT.—a. Cavalry is peculiarly well suited for the pursuit of a defeated enemy. Cavalry throws itself against the most helpless part of the enemy, or seeks to reach positions from which it can do the most damage to the retreating columns. It employs such form of action as is best suited to the local situation, and attempts to in flict a maximum loss and to turn the retreat into a rout. b. The general principles governing cavalry action in a pursuit are: (1) To devote every man it possesses to the pursuit and to press it relentlessly, however tired its horses may be from previous fighting. (2) To employ only a small proportion of the cavalry in direct pursuit, while using the bulk to strike the hostile rear guard in flank. (3) To outpace the beaten troops and attack them with out intermission at several points at once, by artillery, rifle, and machine gun fire, and by mounted charges, either singly or in combination.

CAVALRY

81

(4) To direct the principal attacks at the main retreat ing columns. (5) To cut off the enemy's retreat altogether, if pos sible, by seizing some Strong position that blocks the roads on which the enemy is retreating. (6) To send a few troops to locate and attack the enemy's trains, throw them into disorder, and destroy them.

o

o

120 528 5194 656 0 0 tO - q OJ CO t o

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the c carts, chens. An tegral but a from t

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5372

Men

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the ni a. in th< )p and ry div ion CJ

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Chaplains

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'QNVHH00

Medical Department (Table 490W)

Total

One Separate Battalion

Horse Artillery

(Table 436W)

One Combat Engineer

Battalion (Mounted) (Table 466P and W) One Ambulance Company (Animal Drawn) (Table 490W) One Division Train (Table 491P and W)

Two Cavalry Brigades (Table 421W)

Special Troops (Table 403W)

Division Headquarters (Table 402W)

SOIXOVX QNV

a 3

H"

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to

CO

to

!

i

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H o

to

1 1g

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to

1

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300

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3

il

en

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262

REM

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M

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Q

Aparejos Carts, ration Carts, reel, battery, 4

17 18 11

Carts, reel, packCarts and reels, 6-horse

to to to to cotoi-i-o

14 15 16

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

3 4 1 5

Carts, wire, 2-horse Kitchens, rolling Wagons, battery Wagons, combat, battery and store Wagons, escort Wagons, medical . Wagons, store Wagons, tool Bicycles Cars, motor, 5-passenger Cars, motor, 7-passenger Motorcycles, with side cars Trailers, kitchen Trailers, ration, f-ton Trailers, storage battery Trailers, tank, 300 gals. Trucks, cargo, f-ton Trucks, light repair Trucks, radio, army Trucks, radio, divisional Trucks, small arms re pair

4

2

13

156

1

58

6 1

6

20 2 1 1 1 7 8 2 2 1

32

5 4 1 16 4 4

28

278 120

14

53

5372 3918 144 3030

4

1 320 68 4 13

1

1 13 1

1

65 2 1 1 1 7 10 2 2 3 2

8

36 12 9 760

3 4 1 5 6 5 4

1

2 2

36

3 4 1 5 6 5 4

4 13

2

72

200 5

2

1 4

124

200 5

9

3

Bolos Caissons, 75-mm. Guns, 75-mm. Guns, machine, anti-air craft . Pistols Rifles Rifles, automatic Sabers

200

5

82 263 6

75 188

17

1 320 17 68 4 13 1 13 1

10

75 2 1 1 1 7 10 2 2 3 2

3

3

72 36 12 36

72 36 12 36

9 6595 4489 154 3097

9 6595 4489 154 3097

5

at Corporals.

First sergeants or tech nical serwarits M

' 4 ' 210 29 ' 243 to >0t0tO

torn co " " t o

cn

03

CO

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Lieutenant colonels or

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246 "

•Insert numerical designation of brigade. The brigade includes: 665 privates first class 1389 privates •"Veterinary. "Form part of F Tn. •>Form part of C Tn. d"Executive officer B Ex. Personnel and administration offi cer Bl, Intelligence officer B2, Plans and training officer B3, Supply officer B4.

S0I10VI, QNV

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to

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to

oo

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'QNVHH00

Attached Chaplain

At'gfhed Medical E artment

Total Brigade

Machine Gun Squadron

Two Cavalry Regiments

cn

*

Brigade Headquarters Brigade Headquarters Troop

03

to

Symbol Number

Specialist Rating

Units

3

S3

tfq" P P-

to

tg_

-?" W £° s

* **i> o
w

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REMARKS

to M

IT1

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17

Privates first class and

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Miscellaneous.. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous... Miscellaneous Miscellaneous.'... Total enlisted

25

Aggregate

26 27 28 29 30 31

Horses, riding Horses, pack Horses, draft Mules, riding Mules, draft Total animals

32 33

Wagons, escort (combat) Wagons, escort (ra-

34 35

Wagons, spring3 Wagons, escort (forage and pioneer)a Wagons, 1medical, four mule '

36

76 (2) (4)

1686

292

(9) (10) (11) 90

(8) (12) (86) (110) (122) 2104

(18) (33) (49) 358

2054 (2) (12) (12) (113) (153) (182) 2552

9

92

2208

377

2686

18

65 2 4

2140 162 48 44 260 2654

374 100 8 3 60 545

2597 264 60 47 328 3296

18

6

24

24

22 24

4 4

28 29

28 29

20

4

24


18

8 79

2 1 .

2 1 1

2

Motorcycles with side car

3

12

(5*v)

2

2803

99

4

28 127

4

2700 264 60 47 356 3427

24

Bolos Machine guns, heavy Machine rifles (Browning 9 9

79 92 51

72 1700 2208 1434

16

7 2 1 3

3 1

2653

101 115

2 1

3

19

1 1 1

1 1 1

36 18

36 18

36 18

180 377 21

72 1959 2686 1515

72 1959 2686 1515

1 1 1

Rifles Pistols

(42V)

7

Carts, reel, pack. Carts, wire, two-horse

2132

78WV

CO

OKIS

8,2

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i

^11

CD

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Aggregate

Attached Chaplain


Total Regiment

Two Squadrons

Service Troop

Troop

and Headquarters

O

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'QNVHHOO

Regimental^Headquarters

Symbol Number

Specialist Rating

soixovx QNV

1 f »• I e

| I? 8

B>ig,O M g n S a ' ^S 3"

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u 15 16 17 18 20

Corporals Privates first class and 2d 3d 4th 5th 6th

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous...

10

9

86

105

88

654

(8) (11) (14)

101 (4) (6) (5) (24) (23)

(30) (20) (24)

843 (4) (6) (43) (55) (61)

1

lO6 877

112

122

818

1052

Aggregate

6

115

127

856

1104

50

1

1155

93

Horses, riding Horses, pack Horses, draft

12*

112 17

54 892 —----- 64

43

2

12

129

1070 81 24 22 130 1327

12 55

2

1115 81 24 22 142 1384

24 25 26 97 28 29 30 31 32 33

Mules, draft Total animals Wagons, escort (combat) Wagons, escort (ration and baggage) Wagons, escort (forage

22 130 230

956

9

9

11 12

11 12

11 12

10

10

Motorcycles with side

36

Machine rifles (Brown-

37 38 39

Rifles Pistols Sabers

..

. . .

4

6 6

100 115 61

10 3

3

1

7

1

1 35

1096

44

9

Wagons, medical, four

88 127 20

2

6

36 662 856 630

36 850 1104 717

The regiment includes: 272 privates first class. 571 privates. 'Two horses per officer.

( ! 2 iv)

22

21

x

1

36 850 1104 717

>

00 00

TABLE 426W SQUADRON, CAVALRY REGIMENT (CONSOLIDATED TABLE) {War Strength)

February 3, 1921 Designation: r-l

t

.Squadron,, 2

3

4

5

*Cavalry; f. 6

8

7

9

Sq

*Cav

10

li

Squadron Headquarters and Headquarters De iachment

3 12 15

1 3 15 19

3

3 2

33 39

34 43

arters

H

REMARKS *Insert numerical designation of I regiment. flnsert numerical designation of a squadron. b Officers' mess. g "Squadron detachment includes: i 9 privates first class. & j 15 privates. ; Total squadron includes: ^ 105 privates first class. 222 privates. H

1

Units

g-

a

T3

V

4

Captains Lieutenants

f.

6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14

First sergeants Squadron sergeant Squadron supply Corporals, incl Bugler Squadron detachment clerk Miscellaneous

m

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00

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1

1 3 4

3d

4 2£

2

r-H

(1)

(gl) 2 (•10

1 1

1

(1)

(1)

(1)

1 4

i-3

6th class

12

Adjutant Sq. 1. Intelligence officer Sq. 2. Plans and training officer Sq. 3. ! Supply officer Sq. 4. One of the squadron staff officers

is adjutant, one combines the duties

of intelligence officer and plans and training officer, and one is supply officer. •Two horses per officer. 'Not armed with the rifle. (x). isNot armed with the saber. (*).

Q •-3

27 28 29 30 31

Aggregate

Total animals

32

Motorcycles, with side car

33

Machine rifles (Browning automatic) Rifles.... Pistols Sabers

34 35 36

2

24

(flbg)

(£le)

6th 4th 6th 6th

(5««0

4th" 5th

303 (6) (3)

327

(9) (9)

(2) f(6) (2)

(

(3)

20

s

(2) 3

31

378

409

4

20

8

3

35

393

428

8°

19

8

19

8 3 11

3 2 5

38 5 43

408 27 435

446 32 478

1

1

4 4

14 20 14

coco

23 24 25

6

16

5th 4th

1

19 20 21

Privates first class and privates, incl. Cooks, assistant Cooks, first Gunners, machine rifle Horseshoers Messengers and scouts Messengers and scouts Motorcyclists Orderlies Radio operators

Saddlers

Miscellaneous

Total enlisted

0000

16 17 18

i

15

25 35 18

1 18 306 393 297

18 331 428 315

Âssumed. The headquarters detachment, oil the march, is divided as follows generally: At the head of the column: 1 staff sergeant (sergeant major), 1 corporal bugler, 1 corporal clerk, 8 messengers and scouts, 1 motorcyclist, 4 orderlies, 8 NCOs and privates (radio section). 24 enlisted men. At the rear of the column: 2 cooks (1 for officers' mess), 1 mess orderly, 3 NCOs and privates (wire section). 6 enlisted men. With the train: 1 supply sergeant.

00 CO

if»-CO N) t-i © 5D 0 0 - 3 O> Cl

lO-COtsS

'ill

I 'si

5

55||

^Se.g.81 !

m

Sa:

£}•

ftgo

O O £t

Total Troop

CD

g sg. |g

p

2?

'QNVHH00

Machine Rifle Platoon (three squads)

Machine Rifle Squad0

PlatoonTHeadquarterS

Total Three Rifle Platoons

Total Rifle Platoon (three squads)

Rifle Squad

Platoon" Headquarters

Troop Headquarters

Symbol Number

Specialist Rating

SOIiOVl CENV

5i

iii&Hfifflri! Iff

OO-JCSCT

6 »

Februar

W

06

•-3

H

s S fe

o o

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Horseshoers. Orderlies Saddlers Miscellaneous Total enlisted.

4th . .

Aggregate Horses, riding (d) Horses, pack. Total animals.

29

Machine rifles (Browning automatic) Rifles Pistols Sabers

30 31 32

(1)

(3)

(1)

(63) 81

............

(£6)

(4) (1)

(1)

18

(3)

(7) (8)

(21) (27)

19

(4)

(8)

(28)

84

(4)

(8)

28

131

20

(5)

(8)

(29)

87

(5)

(8) (2)

29 6 35

136 9 145

(3) (4) (1)

(2) (8)

6 9 28 1

6 102 131 99

23

12 19 14

The automatic rifle, extra barrel, and 480 rounds of ammunition are carried on the led horse. The gun ner carries 160 rounds of ammuni tion and each assistant 400 rounds, making a total in the squad of 1440 rounds—all in magazines. When necessary, extra ammunition in bandoleers can be carried on the led horse, or issued to and carried by the other members of the platoon. (Last paragraph assumed in the absence of definite information.) Flares and marking panels. Issued as needed, (x) The machine gun squad is com posed of two gun crews, No. 1 and No. 2, each consisting of a gunner, an assistant, an ammunition car rier, a horseholder and a pack horse. The squad is formed as follows: The corporal gunner and the pri vate gunner form a set of twos in front, the corporal on the left. Gun crew No. 1 forms a set of fours behind the gunners as follows: No. 1 is the pack horse be hind the private gunner.

87

(3) (4) (4)

00 00 00

26 27 28

5th

m

(27) (28) (28)

81 84 84

(1)

No. 2 is the horseholder be hind the corporal gunner. No. 3 is the assistant gunner. No. 4 is the carrier. Gun crew No. 2 is similarly formed behind gun crew No. 1 at 4 feet distance. The machine rifle platoon in col umn of fours is a formation in which the three squads form a col umn, the leading squad being the base, the second and third squads following, all in column of fours with 4 feet distance throughout the column. The troop headquarters detach ment on the march is divided as follows generally: At the head of the column: 1 first sergeant. 1 stable sergeant (carries guidon and assumes charge of led horses). 2 buglers. 4 messengers. 8 enlisted men.

(188) i>27 "126""

All armed with t h e rifle carry 90 rounds of rifle ammunition, (x) Machine rifle platoon, (x) Gunners (corporal and rated private), 160 rounds of rifle ammu nition carried in magazines in belt, 1 spare part case. 1 ammu nition filler. Assistant and carriers: 400 rounds of rifle ammu nition (carried in magazines in the belt) and bandoleer. 1 magazine filler.

Led horse:

1 automatic rifle (temporary) and extra barrel. 480 rounds of rifle ammunition (carried in magazines).

At rear of column:

1 mess sergeant.

3 cooks.

3 horseshoers.

1 saddler.

8 enlisted men and 8 led horses. With troop train: 1 supply sergeant. As specially ordered, usually with rear echelon: 1 corporal (troop clerk). The cooking outfit contains:

2 grates.

1 coffee boiler.

Pots.

Bake pans.

Cooking utensils.

Butchering utensils.

??!

|

oggggW9£«5>

o

™v

en 4^ H>

S0IX0V1 QNV

$2 Sg'g&S I

Total Troop

'QNVHH00

Total Three Platoons

Total Platoon (two squads)

One'S quad


Tro^D i-itadiv-j rter

Symbol Number

Specialist Rating

S O

w o

d t> d

d

o

o o

o

o

25 26 27

Miscellaneous Total enlisted

(2;

5th

27

28 29 30 31

Horses, riding (•*) _ Horses, pack. „ .. Total animals ..

32 33 34 35 36

Bolos Machine guns, heavy Rifles Pistols

At the head of the column: 1 first sergeant. 1 stable sergeant (carries guidon and assumes charge of led animals). 1 sergeant (range finder). 2 corporals (liaison). 2 buglers. 4 privates (messengers). 2 privates (orderlies). 1 private (miscellaneous).

(95kh)

(lh)

(11)

(26)

78

81 , 110

105

29

(5)

(11)

(27)

31 3m 34

(6)

(11) (5) (16)

(28) (10) (38)

84 30 114

115 33 148

12 29 2

(2) (5)

(2) (1) (5) (H)

ill (12)

12 6 36 81 3

12 6 48 110 5

(27) 1

14 enlisted men. At the rear of the column: 1 mess sergeant. 3 cooks. 4 horseshoers. 2 mechanics. 2 saddlers. 12 enlisted men.

5 Officers

MACHINE GUN TROOP, CAVALRY MACHINE GUN SQUADRON (3 Platoons).

Troop Hq.

3 Platoons

27

1—Captain in command 1—Lt—Liaison O. 1—1st Sgt. 1—Mess Sgt. (R) 1—Stable Sgt (Carries guidon. In chg

of led horses)

1—Supply Sgt. (R) 1—Range finder Sgt. 1—Corpl, Clerk (R) 2—Corpls, Liaison Agents (R) 2—Buglers 1—First Cook 2—Asst Cooks 3—H orsesh oers 1—Chief mechanic 1—Mechanic 4—Messengers (R) 2—Orderlies (R) 1—Saddlers

1—Miscellaneous (R)

105 Enlisted

78

1 Platoon 1

Platoon Hq

4

1—Lt—In command 1—Sgt—2d in command

1—Sgt—File closer

1—Messenger (R) 1—Orderly (R) 6—horses, riding 2—rifles 5—pistols

1 Squad

26 11

Squad

11

I

1 Corpl (in command)

10 Pvts (5 gun squad;

5 horse

leaders) (5R)

11 horses, riding 5 horses, pack 2 bolos I machine gun 5 rifles I I pistols

22—rifles 29—pistols 2—sabers 31-—-Horses, riding 3—Horses, pack (1 picket line and pannier) (1 kitchen outfit ) (1 rations. )

Transport from Sq Hq

Transport of troop

2—combat wagons (2 wagoners) 84—horses, riding

1—R & B wagon (1 wagoner) 30—horses, pack

1—Spring wagon (l wagoner) (5 to each squad

and 3 to troop 4 rifles hq.) 4 pistols Note:

R signifies armed with rifle

CO CO

si

h

S.B

B

§

p

o

'QNVWH00

Ed

g

Sg

Htg

Aggregate (a)

W

^

td

-S o ^ ^)

SO?

g ^

1-3

O co

w

p

« CO

p

W

>-i

V!

^

o >

Attached Chaplain


Total Battalion

Three Batteries

Combat Train (k)

Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Battery

Symbol Number


S0II.0VX QNV

P ?"£. 2,

O M H

g.tr§

111 &

m* a4Kflf

er

. CO tO H-» O 5D 00

ill

15 16

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous..

17

Total enlisted

18

Aggregate

5th 6th

(2) (5)

(4) (21)

(9) (6)

(15) (32)

h Mounted k

on horse. Includes service platoon.

ld 5 c lv

70

194

471

735

25

78

199

483

760

29

1

790

10 75 8

126 112 72 8

258 369 24

394 556 104 8

24 4

1

394 581 108 8

Total animals..

93

318

651

1062

28

1

1091

24 Carts, ration, 2-mule 25 Carts, reel, battery, 4 horse. Carts and reels, 6-horse ?fi ?,7 Carts, water, 2-mule 28 Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule 9q Wagons, battery, 6-horse 30 Wagons, store, 6-horse 31 Wagons, escort (R & B), 4-mule Wagons, medical, 4-mule 3? 33 Wagons, spring, J-ton, 4-horse

1

1

3

5

5

3

3 1 5 5 4 4

3 1 5 5 4 4

19 20 ?1 22 23

Horses, draft. Horses, riding. „ Mules, draft Mules, riding

34

Motorcycles, with side cars

35

Caissons, 75-mm., 6 horse Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse Guns, machine, anti aircraft Pistols Rifles, automatic

36 37 38 39

....

1 1 1

1 1 1 1

3 3 3 3

16

16 1 2

78

3

16 1 4

4 4

2

1

760

1

5

18

18 12

36 12

36 12

3 199 4

6 483

9 760 4

9 760 4

5

CHAPTER VI

Division Air Service, Engineers, Medical Troops, and Transport Paragraph

Mission of the air service Employment of division air service Balloons Mission of division engineers Organization of a combat engineer regiment Division medical troops Division transport Organization of trains Operation of the service trains

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. MISSION OF THE AIR SERVICE.—a. The mission of the air service is to obtain information of the enemy's dispositions and movements by visual reconnaissance and aerial photography, to protect its own command from hos tile air service by driving the enemy from the air, and to harass the opponent by attacking his troops and sensitive points. b. Division air service performs aerial observation missions, which include visual and photographic reconnais sance, observation for command, adjustment of artillery fire, and maintenance of contact with the infantry. While engaged on these missions, it fights only in self-defense. When a division is operating independently, its air service may be required to pursue and attack enemy airplanes and to attack enemy troops and establishments, but while so engaged, the execution of its primary mission of observa tion becomes secondary. c. The division air service forms a component part of an infantry division. It consists of headquarters, an observation squadron of 13 airplanes, a photographic sec tion, an air intelligence section, and balloon companies, when attached. An observation squadron consisits of a headquarters, including one airplane; supply, transporta 96

DIVISION AIR SERVICE

97

tion, engineering armament, and communication sections; and two flights, each of 6 airplanes. Observation airplanes are armed with four machine guns and are provided with detachable bomb racks having a total capacity of 400 pounds of bombs. They are equipped to carry cameras. 2. EMPLOYMENT OF DIVISION AIR SERVICE.—The divi sion air service carries out aerial reconnaissance in order to obtain early information of all matters that primarily affect the division commander's immediate plans. Recon naissance airplanes seek to gain information of the enemy by observation of hostile infantry, artillery, and road movements. During battle, while continuing its nor mal reconnaissance missions, it executes battle reconnais sance and such special missions as may be required by the situation. When permanent records of enemy positions and establishments are required, reconnaissance airplanes obtain information by photography. For reconnaissance missions, see paragraph 4, Chapter VIII. 3. BALLOONS.—Balloons are established in concealed balloon beds about 6 miles in rear of the front line. When required for observation purposes, they are towed for ward to points of ascension, located from 4000 to 6000 yards in rear of the front line. Balloons operate at varying altitudes up to 4500 feet. Their protection against hostile aviation is obtained by means of their own one-pounder and anti-aircraft machine guns, assisted by adjacent corps anti aircraft defenses. Balloon observation includes command, military intelligence, and adjustment of artillery fire mis sions. 4. MISSION OF DIVISION ENGINEERS.—a. An infantry division requires under all situations certain technical en gineering assistance in order to carry out its mission. The following are examples of the assistance which may be required: preparation of maps, reconnaissance to collect engineering information, construction or improvement of communications, organization of the ground for defense, demolitions, preparation of obstacles, supply of engineer tools and material, and supply of shelter and water. There fore, an infantry division includes one combat engineer regiment to furnish at all times the required engineering assistance.

98


b. The engineer troops of divisions and corps are gen eral engineers. When special engineers are needed in divi sions or corps, the engineer service of these units is supple mented by special engineer troops from the army or General Headquarters Reserve, or the army may take over the special work. c. The work of a combat engineer regiment usually is of a purely pioneer nature, requiring the use of hand tools and man-power. Skilled direction, resourcefulness, and physical stamina are the prime requisites of its personnel. The general character of this personnel is such as is found in completely organized general engineering construction forces in civil life. d. The division engineer regiment is also trained for combat with the arms with which it is equipped. It is available for purely combat duty when the occasion de mands. 5. ORGANIZATION OF A COMBAT ENGINEER REGIMENT.

—a. A combat engineer regiment consists of a regimental headquarters and service company, and two battalions each consisting of a battalion headquarters and three companies. The total strength, not including a chaplain and the medical detachment, is 38 officers, 1 warrant officer, and 806 en listed men. b. A headquarters and service company consists of a headquarters section, a mounted platoon, a transport pla toon, and a band section. (1) The headquarters section includes administrative, survey and drafting, photographic and lithographic, and general engineering detachments. (2) The mounted platoon consists of one officer and 35 enlisted men. The platoon has two complete pack sec tions, each consisting of 5 pack mules carrying intrench ing and pioneer tools and explosives for demolition, to gether with 3 pack mules carrying rations and forage. (3) The transport platoon is responsible for the trans port of regimental supplies and general engineering supplies for the division. Its transportation includes: 12 wagons, each carrying heavy intrenching tools for one infantry battalion; 12 trucks carrying barbed wire, sandbags, 285 feet of foot-bridge, explosives, and other division engineer


99

ing supplies; and 6 trucks each carrying reserve engineer supplies for one engineer company. No pontoon bridge equipment is carried by division engineers. c. A combat engineer company consists of a headquar ters section and two platoons. The total strength is four officers and 106 enlisted men. A combat engineer platoon consists of one officer and 43 enlisted men. Each platoon has a combat wagon to carry tools and engineer supplies. d. Combat engineers are armed with the rifle. In addition, each platoon has two automatic rifles. No machine guns are issued to combat engineers. 6. DIVISION MEDICAL TROOPS.—a. The medical depart ment within a division comprises: (1) One medical regiment. (2) Medical detachments, attached to units of other branches. b. Division medical regiment.— (1) The general func tions of a division medical regiment are: (a) To collect casualties from units of the command and transport them to hospitals within the division area. (b) To establish and maintain collecting and hospital stations for the temporary care of casualties. (c) To furnish personnel for the division surgeon's office. (d) To supervise sanitation in the area. (e) To procure and issue medical supplies to all units of the division. (f) To furnish a medical laboratory service. (g) To supervise veterinary sanitation, and to collect and treat animal casualties. (2) A medical regiment consists of a regimental head quarters, a service company, a sanitary battalion, an am bulance battalion, a hospital battalion, a medical supply section, a medical laboratory section, and a veterinary com pany. The total strength is 68 officers including 55 medical, 7 dental, 5 veterinary, and one chaplain, and 860 enlisted men. c. Sanitary battalion.— (1) The functions of a sani tary battalion are:

100


(a) To establish collecting stations at which casualties are collected and given the necessary primary treatment prior to further evacuation. (b) To collect casualties from aid stations or from the field by litter squads, and to carry them to ambulances .or to collecting stations. (c) To furnish sanitary squads for the supervision of sanitation of the area. (d) To furnish special details and guards for medical establishments. (2) A sanitary battalion consists of a battalion head quarters and three sanitary companies. The total strength is 13 medical officers and 306 enlisted men. A sanitary com pany consists of 4 officers and 100 men. d. Ambulance battalion.— (1) The function of an am bulance battalion is to maintain a wheeled transport service for the movement of casualties from aid stations and dis pensaries, or from points at which they are received from litter bearers to collecting stations; and from the latter to hospitals within the division area. (2) An ambulance battalion consists of a battalion headquarters, one animal-drawn ambulance company, and two motorized ambulance companies. The total strength is 8 medical officers and 177 enlisted men. An animal-drawn ambulance company consists of two officers and 61 enlisted men. It is equipped with 20 animal-drawn ambulances. A motorized ambulance company consists of two officers and 55 enlisted men. It is equipped with 20 motor ambulances. e. Hospital battalion.— (1) The function of a hospital battalion is to establish and maintain a hospital station for the reception, sorting, and temporary care and treatment of casualties within the division area. (2) A hospital battalion consists of a battalion head quarters and three motorized hospital companies. The total strength is 26 officers, including 20 medical and 6 dental, and 247 enlisted men. A hospital company consists of 8 officers, including 6 medical and 2 dental, and 80 enlisted men. It contains facilities for establishing a complete hospital station of 250 beds. /. Veterinary company.— (1) The functions of a vet erinary company are:


101

(a) To collect animal casualties from the veterinary aid stations or dispensaries of the units to which they per tain. (b) To establish and maintain a veterinary collecting station for the care and treatment of animals pending their further evacuation by the army veterinary service. (2) A veterinary company consists of 5 veterinary officers and 77 enlisted men. g. Medical detachments.—Medical detachments at tached to regiments and separate units furnish a complete local medical service to the troops to which they are attached. They supervise and assist in local sanitation, instruct the command in hygiene, treat slight cases of sickness or in jury, and collect and care for serious cases until they are taken over by units of the division medical regiment. 7. DIVISION TRANSPORT.—A division is provided with ammunition, rations, forage, and other supplies so that it may function efficiently at all times and under all con ditions of service. The bulk of its supplies come from the zone of the interior, through the communications zone, to army depots, thence to railheads* or refilling points^. Here they are obtained by the divisions. The supplies may be transported by trains to distributing points% and there dis tributed to other trains which carry and issue them to the troops, or the trains which obtained the supplies from re filling points may issue direct to the troops. 8. ORGANIZATION OF TRAINS.—The trains of a divi sion are classified as combat, field, and service trains. They consist, in most cases, of both animal-drawn and motor transport. a. Combat trains.— (1) Combat trains include all personnel, vehicles, and animals employed by regiments and smaller units for transporting ammunition reserve and special equipment required during combat. In addition, *A railhead is a point on the railroad in a theater of operations at which supplies for troops are discharged, and from which they are distributed or are forwarded to refilling or distributing points. The railhead is, whenever practicable, advanced sufficiently close to the troops to permit the division train to refill at that point. f A refilling point is the place at which the division train, or the trains of the larger groups of non-divisional elements, are refilled. A refilling point and a railhead may coincide. JA distributing point is a place where the field or combat trains replenish or receive supplies.


102

they include rolling kitchens, water carts, and those vehicles required for the technical service of engineer, signal, and medical troops. Combat trains normally remain with the unit to which attached and follow it into action. To facil itate mobility and early deloyment and entry into action, superior commanders may at times temporarily separate combat trains from the troops to which they pertain. (2) The composition and contents of infantry and field artillery combat trains usually are as enumerated below. Combat trains of other units are similarly organized and loaded. (a) Infantry.

kitchens, rolling carts, water wagors, combat wagons, medical trucks and trailers

Vehiclt>,s Unit.

1 1

Rifle Co._

MG Co Bn Hq & Hq Co .... 1 5 Total in bn

Serv Co

It

Total in regt._

18

1 1

1

Kitchens: unconsumed portion 1 day's ration.

2

5

5

1 1 1

4

Carts, water: water for unit. Wagons, Combat: Rifle cos: 120 rounds per rifle, 560 rds per automatic rifle. MG cos: 5000 rds per MG. How Co: 280 rds per light mortar, 299 rds per one-pounder gun. Wagons, medical: medical supplies and litters. Truck and trailer: regtl signal equipment.

1

1 1

Regt Hq & Hq Co How Co Med Det

Principal items carried.

1 "4

It 19

19

4

1

^Marches with field train.

(b) Field artillery, 75-mm. horse-drawn. Vehicles

Principal items carried

Unit.

I*

caissons with limber kitchens, rolling carts, ration carts, water wagons, battery wagons, store wagons, ba tery and stc wagons, escort

1

Battery (main tenance section).. 18 Battalion

1

1

1

1

Regt Hq Btry .. —

1

1

Bn Hq Btry In addition to the above, 3 combat equipment of a regiment.

Bn combat train: 159 rds per gun. Kitchens: unconsumed portion 1 day's ration. Carts, ration: rations:

Carts, water: water. Wagons, battery: tools, spare parts. Wagons, store: spare parts, 1 1 1 maintenance, cleaning, and repair materials. 1 — 1 Wagons, battery and store: tools spare parts, maintenance, 1 1 cleaning and repair materials. 1 Wagons, escort: 1 day's re serve, 2 day's field rations for Bn Hq Btry. medical wagons and 2 motor ambulances form part of the


103

b. Field trains.— (1) Field trains include all person nel, vehicles, and animals employed by headquarters, or by regiments or smaller units for the reception, transportation and issue of the authorized allowance of baggage, rations, and forage. On the march, the trucks or wagons of the headquarters of units larger than a regiment are attached generally to some regimental field train. Field trains ac company their organizations, unless otherwise specified in orders. In marches in the presence of the enemy, these trains are usually grouped into marching columns and follow the tail of the combat troops in order of march of their respective organizations, at such distance and speed as the tactical and supply situations warrant. Field trains so grouped are organized into wagon sections and motor sec tions and placed under command of a designated officer, or the senior line officer present with the group. During com bat, the grouped trains are generally held well to the rear. (2) The composition and contents of infantry and field artillery field trains usually are as enumerated below. Field trains of other units are similarly loaded. (a) Infantry regiment. Principal Items Carried Vehicles 27 wagons, rations and baggage 1 Capacity for 2 days' field, 1 day's reserve, 2 day's grain rations; bag 18 carts, ration J gage. Extra supplies. 2 trucks

(b) Field artillery, 75-mm. regiment. Principal Items Carried Vehicles 29* wagons, rations and baggage. Capacity with ration carts: 2 days' field, 1 day's reserve, 2 days' grain rations; baggage. 1 kitchen, rolling Unconsumed portion, 1 day's ra tion, service battery. 1 cart, water . Water, for service battery. 1 cart, ration Rations, service battery.

1 truck

*Exclusive of two wagons, escort, listed in paragraph a (2) (b), as battalion headquarters battery combat train. These two wagons are from the service battery. At times they march with the field train.

104


c. Service trains.—The service trains comprise: (1) The division train, Quartermaster Corps, consist ing of a train headquarters, four motor transport com panies, two motor repair sections, one motorcycle company, and two wagon companies. Each motor transport company has 27 trucks, and each wagon company 60 wagons, avail able for transporting supplies for the division. The train provides transportation for the following supplies for the entire division: (a) One day's rations, 1 day's grain, and 1 day's sup ply of gasoline and oil. (b) Sixty rounds per rifle, 500 per automatic rifle, 3000 per machine gun, 112 per one-pounder gun, and 67 per light mortar; and rifle grenades and pistol ammunition. (2) The artillery ammunition train, consisting of a train headquarters, one transport company, and one am munition company. The transport company consists, of a company headquarters, a wagon section equipped with 25 combat wagons, and a truck company equipped with 25 cargo trucks available for carrying ammunition. It provides transportation for approximately 155 rounds of ammuni tion for. each 75-mm. gun. (3) The ordnance and service companies. (4) The engineer regiment train, consisting of such tool wagons and trucks as are not marched with the regi mental combat train. (5) The medical regiment train, consisting of such part of the personnel and train of the regiment as is not otherwise employed. (6) Vehicles of the air service, when not separated from the division. 9. OPERATION OF THE SERVICE TRAINS.—a. The service trains keep the combat and field trains filled. The latter trains issue the supplies to the troops. When supplies are provided in this manner, the service trains operate between the refilling and distributing points, and the combat and field trains between the service train and the troops. The trains may be operated as follows: (1) The service trains operate between the refilling points and the troops, while the combat and field trains are kept loaded and in reserve.


105

(2) The service trains are kept loaded and in reserve, and the combat and field trains operate between the refilling points and the troops. b. The movements of the service train, and the combat and field trains when not with their organizations, are con trolled by the division commander. When the service of any of these trains is required, the train is returned to the control of the commander of the organization to which it belongs or to the chief of the supply branch concerned. c. Animal-drawn transport cannot be used effectively for any length of time if required to march more than 16 miles per day. Motor transport can cover 60 to 80 miles per day continuously, and, in emergencies, 100 miles per day for not to exceed two days. d. The army or the corps supplements and assists the division transport when the divisions are operating at: great distances from railheads. Additional army or corps transport is attached to the division, or supplies are moved by army or corps trains to refilling points within reach of the division transport.

CHAPTER VII

Marches and Shelter Paragraph

General considerations of marches _ Preparation for marches Conduct of marches , Rate and length of marches Artillery on the march Signal troops on the march Medical troops on the march Transport on the march Shelter in campaign Quartering troops Selection of camp sites Camps Division trains in camp Medical service in camp

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MARCHES.—Marches

constitute an essential phase of all military training and are an important part of all strategical and tactical operations. In campaign they consume more time and make greater de mands on physical endurance than all other military activities combined. A successful march is one that places the troops at the designated place, at the re quired time, in proper condition to perform the contemplated duty. It is achieved by careful preparation, correct dis positions, strict discipline, the observance of rules of mili tary hygiene, and the avoidance of unnecessary hardships. 2. PREPARATION FOR MARCHES.—a. Careful prepara tions contribute materially to the success of a march. Pre liminary notice is given in a warning order or message so that preparations may be made without haste. The warn ing order gives the hour of starting; the distance to be marched; the equipment, forage, and rations to be carried; and the transportation to accompany the command. Except when necessary, marches are not begun until an hour after daylight. b. These preparations insure that men and animals are in the best condition possible under the circumstances, that 106

MARCHES AND SHELTER

107

units are equipped properly and trains loaded as prescribed, that measures are taken for the replenishment of supplies, that traffic "control arrangements are perfected, and that pnsvision is made for the care and evacuation of the sick. Canteens are filled, fires extinguished, latrines covered, and th«e camp policed before forming for a march. Animals are shod and saddles and equipment adjusted. 3. CONDUCT OF MARCHES.—a. Commands are formed at such time as to enable them to reach the assembly or initial point without keeping the men under arms unnecessarily. Infairtry habitually marches in route order, usually in column of squads, keeping to the right of the road, both enroute and at halts. Falling out and straggling are pro hibited. Distances between units prescribed in drill regu lations may be varied by proper authority to give greater elasticity to a long column or to reduce the hardships of the men. In the presence of the enemy, tactical considera tions prevail. Precautions are taken to prevent crossing of columns. If columns must cross, the senior commander determines from the orders and the character of service which column has the right of way. The same rule applies when a column in march overtakes another at a halt. b. Officers anal non-commissioned officers ride where they can best enforce march discipline. Vehicles habitually keep on the right side of the road, leaving the left free for the movement of other troops. Men individually mounted ode in column or om the right of the vehicles. c. During halts, drivers dismount, adjust harness and equipment, and allow the animals to rest. Animals are watered at every opportunity. In short columns, it may be possible to unhitch the teams and lead them to water. The animals of long columns usually are watered by meana of buckets. 4. KATE AND LENGTH OF MARCHES.—a. The rate and length of march of a mixed command is regulated by that of the foot troops. It is of great importance to maintain a uniform rate of march throughout the column. When a change of rate is to be made, timely warning thereof is sent to all concerned. The average rate for infantry or mixed commands consisting partly of foot troops is from 2i to 2£ miles an hour, at night 2 miles per hour. The

108


length of march in large commands averages about 12 miles a day. Small commands average about 15 miles a day. These distances can be increased with well seasoned troops march ing on good roads in favorable weather. Green or unseasoned troops should be required to march no more than 8 miles the first day, increasing this gradually until the average is attained. The rate of march is regulated by the leading company of each regiment. Movements across country pre paratory to deployment average one mile per hour. A forced march is never undertaken unless the situation de mands it. Forced marches usually are made by increasing the number of marching hours rather than the rate. b. For cavalry, ordinary marches are from 20 to 25 miles per day, with a marching rate of five miles per hour, in cluding halts. Emergency marches may be much longer and at much faster gaits. Cavalry can march 50 miles per day for a few days without loss of efficiency. The usual march ing gaits are the walk and trot, combined with leading. While the gallop is feasible at times, it soon wears out the horses. c. The rate of march of 75-mm. artillery is that of the troops with which the artillery is marching. As the 155-mm. howitzer regiment is motorized, its units, when practicable, march on roads that are not being used by foot troops or animal-drawn transport, or in such open spaces in the column as are sufficiently great to permit this type of artillery to advance by bounds. d. The rate of march of a wagon train varies with the class and condition of the draft animals, the load, the length of the column, and the condition of the road. Long columns, under favorable conditions, make about 2 miles an hour; short columns, 2 | miles an hour. The average length of march is about the same as that of infantry. Where tac tical conditions permit, vehicles are grouped and march in rear of foot troops. 5. ARTILLERY ON THE MARCH.—a. On the .march, artil lery is disposed with respect to the other troops so as best to, meet anticipated needs. , , (I) Artillery_in an advance guard marches sufficiently ngar,to?the front to- support effectively byfire,,the leading J i t Qf,the advance guard, but far enough to the rear

U

495 795

'30 "

425 425

0

EH 2

300

300

30'"'

s.

a o

70 370

0

s Fwd Ech DHQ Hq Co, Inf Div, Fwd Ech Sig Co, Inf Div Totals, above units COMBINED TOTAL, above units

70

100

55

45

a EH

Service Tn

G

Troops and C Tn

Troops and C Tn

Troops, C Tn and F Tn

Service Tn

31)0 30 495 825

UNITS

Troops, C Tn and F Tn

FOOT OR ANIMAL DRAWN SECTIONS

MOTORIZED SECTIONS

170

100 145 515

40 95

140 240

520

1035

100

1135

35 35 35 175

185 315 125 995 55 310 265 255 3860

140 310

INFANTRY

65

35 90

55

60 240

25 135

35 105

35 106

480

270

210

210

35 35

36 35

Rifle Co. Inf. Regt. MG Co. Inf Regt Hq and Hq Co. Inf Bn Total, Inf Bn How Plat, Inf Regt How Co, Inf Regt Serv Co Inf Regt Hq and Hq Co, Inf Regt Total Inf Regt

95 205 55 545 35 115

55 75 35 275 20 115

150 280 90 820 55 230

110 1865

90 1070

200 2935»

80 265 55 925

COMBINED TOTAL, INF REGT

1865

110."

2970

980

3950

Hq and Hq Co, Inf Brig Total, Inf Brig

85 3815

135 6005

35 1885

170 7890

COMBINED TOTAL, 1 INF BRIG

3815

50 2190 2293

6110

2020

8130

2 Inf Brigs

7630

4380

12010

3770

13780

7630

4590

12220

4040

16260

D

410 520 215 1965

v v V V

COMBINED TOTAL, 2 I N F BRIGS ARTILLERY 75 mm

25

55 135

110 380

25

55 110

55 110

25*~"

110 330

110 330

50.....

55 55 40 260 775

Battery (75 mm) Bn C Tn (75 mm) Hq and Hq Btry, Bn (75 mm) Total Bn (75 mm)

0 305 180 Ei 445

105 520 D 35 520

Hq and Hq Btry, Regt (75 mm) Total Regt (75 mm)

245 13350

D 55 G1040

300 4390

W925

465 575 255 2225 775 300 5315

COMBINED TOTAL REGT (75 mm)

3460

1040

4500

950

5450

Hq & Hq Btry FA Brig (75 mm) Total FA Brig (75 mm)

210 6955

0 45 •>2080

255 9035

120 1970

375 11006z

COMBINED TOTAL FA BRIG (75 m #

7285

2080

9365

2020

11385^ 566

Am Tn FA Brig (75 mm) ENGINEERS (combat) 60 K190

75 225

135 415

20 60

155 475

140 520

100 650

240 1070

100 220

340 1290

Total Engr Regt

520

550

1070

220

1290

240 240

COMBINED TOTAL ENGR REGT (Total 1st Fwd Ech DHQ, Sig Co, 2 Inf brigs.

520

550

1070

220

1290

805

15250 15950

7105

7740

22355 23690

6030 6380

28385 30070

2450

50 290

55 50

105 340

70 35

175 375

340

105

445

105

550

40

1085

650

Co Engr Regt Bn Engr Regt Hq, Hq and Serv Co, Engr Regt (less trucks and 12 inf wagons; Engr Regt (less trucks and 12 inf wagons) 565 1655

.......

1685

1335

350

635

700

COMBINED TOTAL OF ABOVE UNITS 420 60 55

610 610

535

420

42"

55

55

475

475

60

60

Rr Ech DHQ Hq Co, Inf Div, Rr Ech MP Co Inf Div Serv Co Inf Div • Ord Co Inf Div Total, Rr Ech DHQ, MP Co, Serv Co, Ord Co COMBINED TOTAL OF ABOVE UNITS

1040

1040

220

820

300

vm> 1605

815

20

105

165

MEDICAL UNITS 70 500

Amb Co (animal) Med Regt Amb Co (motor) Med Regt 5 ^ $ ^ Hosp Co Med Regt Serv Co Med Regt Med Sup and Lab Sees Total Serv Co and Med Sup and Lab Sees Vet Co Med Regt Total Med Regt

j-

1840

190 360 65 4090

40

Sn Co, Med Regt

120

mmm

Div ASi Tk Co

; ~ —

500 ZQ 25 670

COMBINED TOTAL, MED REGT 900 280 1125

MTCo M Rep Sec Mtcl Co Wag Co

795

4760

DIVISION TRAIN

1275

• - — - - — - " —

Total Div Tn

6360

2550

COMBINED TOTAL, DIV TN 12505

3260

410

2850

855

1995

7910

TOTAL OF DIVISION

15590

7210

22800

6135

28935

COMBINED TOTAL, DIVISION

17585

8065

25650

6545

32195

COMBINED TOTAL, DIVISION, INCLUDING SERVICE TRAINS

-

4055 16560 48755

TROOPS FREQUENTLY ATTACHED ARTILLERY (155 how) 675 250 900 2500 820 360 2765 910

110 25 80 325 820 55 B820

565 225 820 2175

D105 D 35 D820 820

305 7045 910

35 Q2460 910

C460 190 E1355 270 84585

Btry (155 how) Hq and Hq Btry Bn (155 how) Bn C Tn (155 how) Total Bn ;155 how) Serv Btry (155 how) Hq and Hq Btry Regt (155 how) Total Regt (155 how) Det Corps Am Tn CHEMICAL UNITS

225 735

65 196

160 540

160 540

Plat, Chem Regt Co, Chem Regt T Bn, Chem Regt °

20 100 320

80 320 960

100 4Zu 1ZS0

100 420 128C

Figures taken to nearest 5 yards. Indicates 45 yards for medical detachment. Firing battery only. Maintenance section.

Battery and battery maintenance sections complete, plus Hq and Hq Btry troops and maintenance sectio *

Bn C Tns.

Includes attached medical, 160 yards, and maintenance section of headquarters battery

2 :iegt C Tns.

3 companips plus 10 yds tor battalion headquarters.

Division air service moves in ecneluns (planes by air) and usually does not march with the division.

Not included in t^tai as these troops usually ride in ambulances-.

Troops rid. in vehicles of division train.

Include? u n O o n surgeon's office and regimental headquarters.

Service h .ctery.

216 yds tor attached medical troops.

Includes 4 platoons and co hq.

includes 3 cos and bn hq.

Includes wagons or trucks from service battery when marching alone.

Includes 10 battery ration carts and service battery.

Do not include brigade ammunition train, which normally marches with division service train.

The following !ias been used as a basis in computing the foregoing road E,n.",r or the ne\ tab'es of organization: Vi yd per man infantry in column of squads (S) 1 vd per horse Cavalry in column of fours 1 (b ) 2 yus per animi.l Spare Mules •vc) 4 yds per animal Pack Animals (d) 4 yds per bicycle, Bicyclists (riding) (d) 20 yds per motorcycle, motorcyclists, solo or side car (riding) 8 yds per cart machine gun carts, chemical carts, ammunition carts, etc. 15 yds per cart water carts, ration carts (e) 15 ydc per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 2 animals, not tandem le) 20 yds pjr vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 4 animals (e) 25 yds per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 6 animals (e) 30 yds per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 8 animals (f) 20 yds per vehicle 3-in. gun or caisson (includes the animals) (d) 27 yds per vehicle motor cars (d) 27 yds per vehicle trucks (d) 20-30 yds per tractor; tractors (of varying length) (d) 5 yds per trailers. These are accurate road spaces; no allowance is male for elongation, a 1 this will depend on circumstances of the terrain and on number of ab sentees.

NOTES: (a) The sergeants, officers, etc., will be given proper relative space; for example, the captain will take up space of four horses, unless it is as sumed he rides with a lieutenant, in which case he takes up space of two horses. (b) I t is assumed the spare mules go two abreast; if there is one separate spare mule, he takes up as much space as 2. (c) It is assumed that pack mules march in single file. (d) Small numbers of these will generally be omitted, because they would not logically form part of a column or would be in extra spaces or would be off on special missions; they will be figured only when they form part of a column. (e) 1, 3, 5, etc., animal drawn vehicles take up same space as 2, 4, 6, etc., animal drawn vehicles. In any cases not covered by above a proper assumption has been made based on the provisions of Field Service Regulations and the regulations of the several arms.

MARCHES AND SHELTER

109

to be beyond effective range of hostile small arms. To meet this requirement, it is placed in the reserve of an advance guard, but as near the head thereof as practicable. It is directly under the command of the advance guard com mander and so remains until march conditions cease. Com bat trains of advance guard artillery are at the tail of the advance guard, or with the combat trains of the artillery units in the main body, depending upon the probability of an early demand for their services and the time required to bring them forward to the gun positions. The amount of artillery with an advance guard varies, but usually is at the rate of one artillery battalion to each infantry regiment in the advance guard, or one battery to each infantry bat talion. (2) In order to expedite early entry into action, artil lery in the main body marches near the head of the column. It is preceded by sufficient infantry to insure its security. The distance of the artillery in rear of the advance guard is such as to prevent the artillery coming under hostile light artillery fire while in column. Combat trains of artillery in the main body usually march near the tail of the column. Regimental service batteries march with the field trains of the troops. b. When a battery is operating alone, the battery de tail marches at the head of the battery. If marching as part of a battalion in the presence of the enemy, battery de tails march in rear of the battalion details at the head of the battalion. When action is imminent, battalion commanders, accompanied by small details, march with their respective regimental commanders, or with the respective infantry commanders with whom they are directly associated. Regi mental commanders, likewise, march with commanders of the infantry brigades that their regiments are to support in action. , 6. SIGNAL TROOPS ON THE MARCH.—On the march, sig nal troops are disposed in column so that it is unnecessary to change their relative position in order to initiate the in stallation of signal communication. Signal troops march at the head of the column near the normal position of the commander,; when such officer accompanies- the- column. Wfeyere the commander does not march in columnyass in large !

110


commands such as a division, the signal troops move in echelon and by bounds. 7. MEDICAL TROOPS ON THE MARCH.—a. Medical de tachments.— (1) Regimental medical detachments, before beginning the march, supervise the final sanitation of the abandoned camp and arrange for the care and transporta tion of the sick and disabled remaining in their units. (2) On the march, a section of the regimental medical personnel, with at least one officer, marches at the rear of the troops of each battalion. The remainder of the detach ment marches at the rear of the troops of the regiment. The veterinary personnel marches with the regimental trains. The transport containing the medical combat equip ment usually marches with the battalion and regimental combat trains. An infantry battalion as an advance guard attaches two or three litter squads to the support. (3) When a soldier becomes unable to march because of sickness or injury he is inspected by his company com mander, who, if he thinks best, sends him to a medical officer. The medical officer disposes of him according to his condition and the situation, and notifies the company com mander. The soldier may be returned to his company, put in an ambulance, or left at a march collecting station. b. Medical regiment.— (1) If the division marches in one column, a detachment of the medical regiment is at tached to the advance guard, and detachments to flank or rear guards, if employed. These detachments vary in size from a section of a sanitary company and a section of the animal-drawn ambulance company to one company of each. The remainder of the regiment, less detachments, marches at the head of the division service trains to which it may be attached for march control, or at the rear of the combat troops. (2) When a brigade is detached or marches in a separ ate column, it is usual to attach to it one sanitary company and one ambulance company, or at times a provisional bat talion of one sanitary company, one ambulance company, and one hospital company. c. Collection of march casualties.— (1) Animal-drawn ambulances may be distributed to regiments on the basis of one to each battalion, to transport casualties enroute, These

MARCHES AND SHELTER

111

ambulances march with the medical detachment at the rear of each battalion. After sick call, they transport evac uation casualties to the hospital station and rejoin their company. 9 (2) When animal-drawn ambulances are not available or are insufficient, march collecting stations are established at suitable points every three or four miles along the route of march. These are for the reception and care of the sick and injured left by the surgeons of passing com mands. For this purpose, a small detachment of a sanitary company marches in the space between the advance guard and the main body; or, when road and security conditions permit, may be advanced in ambulances by routes parallel ing the route of march. (3) The march collecting stations are evacuated by a detachment of a motor ambulance company designated for this purpose. It transports the casualties to the camp site of the medical regiment. Here the casualties are sorted and cases requiring evacuation are turned over to the hospital. The remaining cases are sent back in ambulances to their regiments. The ambulances then receive such other cases as the surgeon desires evacuated and transports them to the division hospital station. The ambulances then report to the camp of their company. 8. TRANSPORT ON THE MARCH.—a. It is impracticable for animal-drawn and motor vehicles to march at the same speed. When a train contains both classes of transport, two sections are formed, one of animal-drawn vehicles and the other of motor vehicles. The animal-drawn section moves at its normal rate. The motor section marches by a separate road, or starts when slower units in front have gained some distance, closes up on the tail of the latter at its normal rate, then halts until sufficient distance has been gained to allow the movement to be repeated. In some situations, it is necessary to form all animal-drawn vehicles of the several classes of trains in one group, and all motor vehicles in another group. A commander is designated for each group. b. While marching in the presence of the enemy, com bat trains normally accompany their respective organiza tions. When combat is imminent, they may be grouped in

112


rear of the infantry and artillery columns so as to facili tate early deployment and entry into action of the combat elements. The field trains of each column are combined and formed into animal-drawn and motor sections, the vehicles of each section being arranged in the same order of march as that of the troops to which they belong. The animaldrawn section follows the column at such distance as the tactical and supply situations permit. The motor section advances by bounds generally in rear of the animal-drawn section. The service trains, less certain elements needed with the troops, such as ambulance companies, are com bined and formed into animal-drawn and motor sections, and may follow the field trains. 9. SHELTER IN CAMPAIGN.—Troops in campaign may be sheltered in cantonments, camps, or billets; or they may be bivouacked. Except in the presence of the enemy, where tactical considerations govern, the requirements of hygiene are given first place in the selection of the type of shelter. 10. QUARTERING TROOPS.—a. Arrangements for shel tering troops are made as far as practicable, before their arrival. The preparations for quartering a command are made by means of quartering parties. These parties are sent out not only by troops changing station but also by troops on the march, whether they are to be sheltered in billets or in camp. b. When in close proximity to the enemy and when troops must be disposed in camp or bivouac in accordance with tactical requirements, the reconnaissance of the camp site and the distribution of the units are made by the com manding officer of troops. c. On arriving in the quartering area, companies are marched to their assembly places, and before being marched to their quarters, the men are instructed as to the location of the company assembly place, company headquarters, and the regimental or battalion infirmary, and as to messing arrangements, time of next assembly, service calls, and the local orders. Details for guard and fatigue are published, and the sick are formed and sent to the infirmary for treatment. 11. SELECTION OF CAMP SITE.—a. In campaign, tactical necessity may leave little choice in the selection of camp

MARCHES AND SHELTER

113

sites, but under any conditions, the requirements of sanitation are given every consideration consistent with the tactical situation. b. Where hostile aerial bombardment may be expected, concealment and dispersion of the camp or quartering areas in order to avoid or minimize its effects are necessary. Con cealment can be secured best by camping in wooded areas; measures being taken to prevent betraying the location of the camp through the formation of paths or trails. In concentrations prior to and during operations," transport and troops in billets are kept under cover from aerial obser vation during daylight hours. 12. CAMPS.—a. Water supply.—Immediately on mak ing camp, bivouac, or billets, a guard is placed over the water supply. If the water be obtained from a stream, places are designated from which to draw water for drink ing and cooking, for watering animals, for bathing, and for washing clothing. These are located in the order stated, beginning upstream. Water that is not known to be pure is purified by the use of the water bag and the chemicals furnished. If these are not available, it must be boiled 20 minutes, then cooled. The dipping of water from re ceptacles and the use of a common drinking cup are pro hibited. b. Sanitation.—Immediately on arrival in camp, biv ouac, or billets, sinks are dug. Camp sites must be changed promptly when there is indication of soil polution. c. Engineer troops.—In camp, engineer troops are em ployed to: (1) Improve the water supply. (2) Improve the general drainage. (3) Improve roads and walks. (4) Mark routes and locations. (5) Provide shelter, when necessary. 13. DIVISION TRAINS IN CAMP.—When the division is in camp, the combat and field trains normally camp with or near their organizations. Service trains, unless required near the organizations to which they pertain, are farther to the rear. The requirements of a good camp site for trains include protection from hostile observation and fire, prox

114


imity to water and routes to distributing points, and ground suitable for the location of vehicles and animals. When practicable, combat trains camp within two or three miles of ammunition distributing points, animal-drawn transport of field trains within eight miles and motor trans port within 25 miles of ration distributing points. When necessary, field trains are put on a division roster and re quired to work for organizations other than those to which they belong. 14. MEDICAL SERVICE IN CAMP.—a. The advice of a medical officer is required always in the selection of sites for camps or quarters. Unsanitary sites may cause greater loss than battle. b. In camp, the medical service is concerned with the supervision of the various sanitary establishments, the sanitation of the camp, the prevention of disease, the care and evacuation of the sick, and the organization and train ing of the medical personnel. c. The medical officers responsible for the sanitary supervision of the areas report defects to the immediate commander, with suggestions as to correction. d. The regimental medical personnel establishes regi mental or battalion dispensaries. Here the sick and injured are examined and treated, and those requiring evacuation are held until collected by an ambulance from the medical regiment. e. The medical regiment performs the following ser vices : (1) The ambulance battalion collects casualties from regimental and battalion dispensaries and conveys them to the hospitals. (2) The hospital battalion establishes a hospital sta tion of one or more hospital companies for the reception of the patients brought in by the ambulance battalion. They are cared for and treated until returned to duty or evacuated. (3) The sanitary battalion performs guard duty for the medical regiment, except company, stable, or park guards, and furnishes bearer and special duty detachments for other units of the medical regiment.

MARCHES AND SHELTER

115

(4) The veterinary company organizes a complete veterinary collection and temporary hospitalization service along the lines of the medical service. It is evacuated by the army veterinary service.

CHAPTER VIII

Information and Reconnaissance Paragraph

Information Military intelligence , Combat intelligence Reconnaissance Reconnaissance by air service Reconnaissance by cavalry Reconnaissance by infantry Reconnaissance by commander and staff Observation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. INFORMATION.—Information, both of our own and the enemy forces, is a primary consideration in the prepar ation and execution of tactical plans. It is vital to the suc cessful operation of all units at all times. Other things being equal, the commander who has the most complete infor mation of the enemy has also the greater chance of success. . 2. MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.—Information of the enemy is called military intelligence; it is the most complete and authentic information of an actual or probable enemy or theater of operations that it is possible to obtain. It is divided into information gathered under the direction of the War Department General Staff in peace and war and the information gathered in the theater of operations after the opening of hostilities. The latter is termed combat intelli gence. 3. COMBAT INTELLIGENCE.—a. Combat intelligence is, therefore, military intelligence gathered in the theater of operations after the opening of hostilities through the activi ties of'combat troops. Reconnaissance and observation are the most important means of gaining information employed by combat troops. More specifically, combat intelligence is obtained from the following sources, namely, reconnaissance, both close and battle; observation; other troops; prisoners and deserters; inhabitants; captured documents; higher commanders; and enemy material. Of these, reconnaissance 116


117

and observation are the most important. Intelligence de tachments consist of officers and men specially trained in the acquisition, interpretation, and dissemination of information of the enemy. On account of their ability to read indications of the enemy, one or more intelligence scouts or observers are attached to reconnoitering patrols. b. Intelligence officers keep commanders conversant with the enemy's situation, call attention to the necessity for reconnaissance, initiate plans for reconnaissance, and often prepare and issue detailed instructions therefor as directed by the commander. Orders for reconnaissance, even in the case of the smallest patrols, follow the prescribed form for field orders. They may be written or verbal. They are more satisfactory if accompanied by a map on which the route or mission is indicated. The following points are of particular importance in orders for reconnoitering patrols; namely, sufficient information of the enemy to serve as a guide in selecting information to be sent back without de lay; zones or routes of adjacent reconnaissance; contem plated action of the main command; mission, expressed in terms of information required, including negative infor mation when desired; relative importance of items of infor mation required; the area to be covered or the direction or route to be followed; time by which information is to be available; the attitude to be assumed by the detachment to ward parties of the enemy. Detailed orders which may un necessarily hamper the reconnaissance detachments are avoided. 3. RECONNAISSANCE.—a. General.—Reconnaissance is the procurement in the field of information of military value by military personnel sent out from a command. Re connaissance is continuous throughout a campaign. Contact with the enemy is gained at the earliest practicable moment, and, when once gained, is never lost. Reconnaissance is carried out before, during, and after attack. It is classified as distant, close, and battle reconnaissance. b. Distant.—The purpose of distant reconnaissance is to obtain information upon which to base strategical plans and decisions for subsequent maneuver and combat. It is usually undertaken by air service and large bodies of cavalry.

118


c. Close.—Close reconnaissance missions include the determination of the details of the location, distribution, strength, composition, and movements of the enemy; the lo cation of his flanks, and local reserves; his local defensive organization, local supply arrangements, equipment, train ing, physical condition, and morale; the making of detailed examinations of the terrain and inquiry into local resources; and the gaining of any other information necessary to the preparation of the tactical plan and to the proper conduct of the combat. Close reconnaissance is ordered by com manders of all units when within striking distance of the enemy. d. Battle.—Unless the information required by a unit for its safety or for the conduct of its operation has been specially provided for in the reconnaissance ordered by a higher commander, battle reconnaissance is ordered by com manders of all units, and is carried out by their troops dur ing combat. It has for its object the determination of changes in the situation as established by close reconnais sance, and the gaining of information of the combat activity of the enemy. The latter includes the manner in which the enemy is employing each element of his forces, and the movement and engagement of supports and reserves. Battle reconnaissance to the flanks is of special importance. 4. RECONNAISSANCE BY AIR SERVICE.—a. Before battle, the division air service observes all probable routes of ad vance of the enemy, the route of advance of the division, and executes such special reconnaissance missions as may be nec essary. When the advance guard encounters the hostile covering forces, airplanes observe the dispositions and move ments of both friendly and enemy troops and, if possible, observe the fire of the advance guard artillery and adjust same by improvised means. During the development and deployment, infantry contact planes assist the advance guards, infantry intelligence airplanes begin their recon naissance if necessary, and artillery airplanes assist all ar tillery then in position. Other air service missions are con tinued or undertaken as required. b. During battle, the division air service executes battle reconnaissance and such special missions as may be required by the situation, while continuing its normal reconnaissance


119

missions. Battle reconnaissance includes reconnaissance by artillery, infantry intelligence, and infantry contact air planes. (1) Artillery airplanes obtain information of artillery targets, and observe and adjust artillery fire. (2) Infantry intelligence airplanes closely observe hos tile troops in the immediate front of the infantry. They re port the information gained direct to the commander of the infantry, and, when such information is of importance to the entire division, also report it to division headquarters. (3) Infantry contact airplanes observe the movements of the friendly troops and reserves and the panel signals of the front line and command posts, report all that takes place near the front line, and, exceptionally, transmit orders to the infantry from the division commander. 5. RECONNAISSANCE BY CAVALRY.—a. Reconnaissance is one of the most important duties of cavalry. b. Detailed distant ground reconnaissance is the duty of the cavalry. In the operations of armies, this duty is per formed by army cavalry. The army cavalry precedes the army by one or two days' march, its main body being dis posed so as to permit prompt concentration for combat. The main body of the army cavalry is preceded by reconnoiter ing detachments varying in length from a troop to a regiment, to which are attached machine gun, artillery, and other units as required by the situation. The reconnoitering detachments are assigned definite zones within which to operate. (1) A reconnoitering detachment usually consists of a troop, termed a reconnoitering troop. Reconnoitering troops advance by bounds on roads considered important for recon naissance. The width of each troop's zone of advance rarely exceeds ten miles. Reconnoitering troops attack and seek to drive back all bodies of the enemy encountered. The principal function of a reconnoitering troop is to support its reconnoitering patrols. Other patrols maintain communi cation between the reconnoitering troops and the main body, and between adjoining reconnoitering troops. (2) Reconnoitering troops are preceded by reconnoi tering patrols. Patrol leaders must understand the situation and know where to go, what information to get, and when

120


and where to send the information obtained. Patrols on reconnaissance missions perform their duties by stealth, and fight only when forced to do so. c. As the army approaches the main forces of the enemy, the army cavalry withdraws, usually to a flank, and its duties are taken over by corps cavalry. The corps cavalry later withdraws to a flank or in rear of the corps. It may then be used for battle reconnaissance in addition to. cover ing the flank. The cavalry with a division which forms part of a corps is usually attached to the covering forces of the division. It is used in close and battle reconnaissance. As the division enters combat, its attached cavalry with draws to the rear, to an exposed flank, or joins the corps or army cavalry. . d. Cavalry attached to a division usually performs the duties of reconnaissance in accordance with the foregoing general principles. If the division is operating as a part of an army, contact is maintained with the army cavalry. If no army or corps cavalry are in front, the duty of cavalry attached to a division becomes more important and difficult. Much of its strength is needed for the local security of the infantry, but it must at all times seek to obtain information of the enemy. 6. RECONNAISSANCE BY INFANTRY.—a. The close and in tensive reconnaissance by infantry supplements the more distant and general work of the air service and cavalry. In the absence of cavalry, infantry may be required to cover great distances in ground reconnaissance. (1) Immediately preceding combat, the following classes of missions are particularly suited to infantry: the usual close and battle reconnaissance; determining positions and dispositions of the enemy when he is prepared or preparing for combat; reconnoitering advanced positions of the enemy; reconnoitering for covered routes of approach to the enemy's position; reconnoitering for forming up positions for an attack; and reconnoitering for obstacles to the advance. (2) During combat, infantry is charged with recon naissance and observation to the extent of its ability, with special attention to reconnaissance of the immediate front, gaps in the line, and the flanks.


121

(3) The commander of a unit on a flank provides for the necessary reconnaissance and security on that flank. He sends out combat patrols as needed. Commanders estab lish patrols to observe and report the progress or conduct of adjoining troops when these cannot be seen. b. Reconnaissance is carried out by infantry detach ments, varying in size from a force of all arms to patrols of two men. The strength is kept at a minimum consistent with the execution of the mission. These detachments move out, advancing by bounds, and, as the reconnaissance pro gresses, send patrols or small detachments which in turn send out patrols. The actual gathering of information is carried out primarily by reconnoitering patrols. In the enemy's country reconnoitering patrols usually avoid in habited places. In order to reconnoiter the hostile main body, they endeaver to slip through the enemy's covering forces without being seen. It is often possible to obtain the required information by stealth; at other times better re sults are obtained by boldly attacking small detachments of hostile troops. In general, a reconnoitering patrol per forms its mission most efficiently when it obtains the infor mation desired, within the time set, and returns without having been discovered by the enemy. 7. RECONNAISSANCE BY COMMANDER AND STAFF.—In

every situation, the commander and staff need information of the terrain and existing conditions, obtainable only by personal reconnaissance. The commander requires a general picture of the situation, while each member of the staff needs additional information on some particular feature. This is secured by personal reconnaissance. 8. OBSERVATION.—a. Observation in a technical sense is an organized method of gaining information visually with out physical contact with the object examined. Observation is a means utilized by reconnaissance detachments and pa trols for obtaining information. When the opposing forces are near each other and after contact is gained, observation is continuous. It supplements reconnaissance by maintain ing constant surveillance. It is specially suited to gaining general information of the enemy's situation and detailed information of his activities, especially the progress of an action.

122


b. Ground observation for information is carried out by intelligence observers, with or without patrol protection, sent out by all headquarters from the battalion up. Obser vation conducted from established observation posts is less arduous and dangerous than reconnaissance, and is used whenever the conditions are such that it serves the purpose equally well.

CHAPTER IX

Security Paragraph

General considerations Security detachments Advance guards Flank guards Rear guards Functions of outposts Conduct of outposts Strength and composition Distribution of troops Establishing the outpost

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.—a. Security in general. —Security embraces all measures taken by a command to protect itself from observation, surprise, and annoyance by the enemy, and to obtain for itself the necessary freedom of action. b. Means of maintaining security.—(1) Security is maintained by the employment of security detachments, and by initiating special measures to prevent the command from performing acts which may give information to the enemy. The information obtained from all information collecting agencies is utilized to facilitate security and security meas ures. (2) Security detachments afford close-in security in addition to, or in the absence of, other agencies. On the march, these security detachments are called advance guards, flank guards, rear guards, and march outposts; in camp or bivouac, or in a defensive position, they are palled outposts; in combat they are called combat patrols. 2. SECURITY DETACHMENTS. — a. Functions. — In gen eral, security detachments have three functions: to protect the main body, to permit its free disposal and employment, and to obtain information. (1) Security detachments protect the main body from surprise, observation, or interference by the enemy. This is accomplished by preventing the enemy from firing into 123

124


the main body while it is in close formation, by holding the enemy and gaining time for the main body to deploy before coming under effective fire, by preventing the enemy from observing the size, dispositions, and the condition of the main body, and, in a retreat, by gaining time for the main body to reorganize its forces, or to make its escape. (2) Security detachments permit the free disposition and employment of the main body by immobilizing the enemy, thereby facilitating the movement and the bringing up and deployment of the main body opposite the point selected for attack. (3) Security detachments obtain information by ob servation of the enemy and by local reconnaissance of the enemy's forces and of the terrain. b. Formation.— (1) The formation of all security de tachments is similar. The normal formation from front to rear consists of: first, a group, or line of groups, in ob servation; second, a support, or line of supports, which furnish the observation groups and check the enemy pend ing the arrival of reinforcements; and third, a reserve. (2) The relative strength of a security detachment depends on the mission and strength of the command and the character of the anticipated opposition. In general, a security detachment is large enough to accomplish its mis sion, but no larger. In forming security detachments the integrity of tactical units is preserved so far as practicable. The field trains of units on this duty generally join the field trains of the command. c. General conduct.—Commanders of security detach ments are informed of the mission of the main body and the plan of the higher commander. They conduct their de tachments so as to carry out the mission assigned them, and at the same time to favor the execution of the general plan of the higher commander. 3. ADVANCE GUARDS.—a. Mission.—An advance guard is a security detachment which precedes and covers the main body on the march. Its duties are to guard against surprises and to obtain information by reconnoitering to the front and flanks; to push back small parties of the enemy and prevent their observing, firing upon, or delaying the main body; to check the enemy's advance in force long

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enough to permit the main body to prepare for action, thereby securing freedom of maneuver for that body; when the enemy is encountered on the defensive, to seize a good position and to locate the hostile lines, but to avoid bring ing on a general engagement unless empowered to do so; to remove obstacles, to repair roads, and to sustain in every way practicable the uninterrupted advance of the colmun. b. Strength and composition.— (1) The relative strength of the advance guard depends upon the mission of the main body and the anticipated opposition of the enemy. It may vary from a very small fraction to approximately onethird of the whole command. (2) Machine guns, light mortars, and one-pounders are useful in driving off small hostile parties, especially those equipped with machine guns. These accompanying weap ons are placed far enough back from the leading elements to provide reasonable security for their animals against surprise small arms fire. When the advance guard con sists of a battalion, they are with the reserve. A similar consideration governs the position of attached artillery. In special cases light tanks may be attached to aid the advance guard in delivering a quick, powerful blow. (3) Cavalry is well suited to assist the infantry in its performance of advance guard duties. When available, some cavalry always is attached to an infantry advance guard for reconnaissance. In open country, where the dis tances to be observed are great, the advance guard may consist largely of cavalry. c. Distance from main body.—The distance separating an advance guard from the main body varies with the strength of the command, the character of the terrain, and the mission of the main body. It is always sufficient to pre vent interruption of the march. In case of anticipated con tact with the enemy, this distance is great enough to give the higher commander time to decide on his course of ac tion and to make his dispositions without serious interfer ence from the enemy, but is never so great as to subject the advance guard to defeat before assistance can reach it. The main body generally regulates its march on that of the advance guard.

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d. Distribution of troops.—The troops of an advance guard are usually divided into a support and a reserve. In advance guards consisting of less than a battalion, the re serve may be omitted. A very small force, such as a com pany, usually covers its march with a patrol. e. The support.—The function of the support is re connaissance and security. It conducts such local recon naissance as is necessary to successful conduct of the advance guard. It offers such resistance to the enemy as to enable the reserve to deploy for action at points of decisive im portance. It is of sufficient strength to carry out its re connoitering and resisting functions. The support sends forward an advance party which constitutes the recon noitering element of the support. The advance party is made strong enough to furnish patrols for reconnaissance and to afford protection to the support. The forward patrol of the advance party is called the point. The strength of the support varies from one-sixth to one-half of the advance guard. /. The reserve.—The reserve constitutes the maneuver ing and offensive element of the advance guard. It, there fore, comprises as large a part of the advance guard as is consistent with its own security and with the preservation of its maneuvering power. Auxiliary troops forming a part of an advance guard are usually attached to the reserve, though in large advance guards a part may be with the sup port. g. Cavalry.—The leading elements of a cavalry ad vance guard advance by bounds from one crest to the next. Upon approaching a crest, the distance to the next crest is estimated and the gait to that crest regulated so that the second crest may be reached at least as soon as the element in rear reaches the crest just left. 4. FLANK GUARDS.—a. A flank guard is a security detachment which covers the flank of the main body on the march. Flank guards are employed when the necessary security is not afforded by advance guard reconnaissance. b. Flank guards may be sent out from the main body, or from the advance guard, when it is of sufficient strength. In long columns, flank protection may also be provided from

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the main body. A flank guard operates under the direct orders of the column commander. c. When the main body executes a flank march, or changes the direction of march near the enemy, the flank guard is of great importance. In the latter case it is some times advisable to convert the advance guard into a flank guard and to detail a new advance guard. d. The strength and composition of flank guards de pend upon the situation. They are no larger than is neces sary to accomplish their mission. The duties and forma tion of flank guards are similar to those of advance guards. Flank guards are sent out far enough to maintain the se curity of the main body, but not so .far therefrom as to be beyond supporting distance. They keep abreast of the unit they are protecting or occupy flank positions, which they hold until the column has passed. 5. REAR GUARDS.—a. Mission.—A rear guard is a se curity detachment covering the rear of the main body on the march. Rear guards are employed whenever protection to the rear is required, and are particularly important dur ing retirements and retreats. When available, cavalry is always attached to an infantry rear guard. The combined action of cavalry and infantry is preferable to an indepen dent cavalry rear guard when the enemy is near and aggres sive. When covered by army cavalry, some cavalry is at tached to the infantry rear guard for local reconnaissance and to maintain contact with the army cavalry. Because of its ability to compel the pursuers to deploy at great dis tances, artillery is well suited to rear guard action. The amount so assigned should be as large as is consistent with the necessary infantry protection for the guns and the in creased road space required. b. Strength.—The relative strength of a rear guard depends on the nature of the terrain, the condition of the main body, and on the strength and character of the pur suit. Unlike an advance guard, the rear guard cannot expect assistance from the main body. When the main body is disorganized or demoralized, the rear guard is strong enough to check the enemy until the main body is reorganized or has made its escape. Machine guns and

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accompanying artillery form an important part of rear guards. c. Formation.—In general, the formation of a rear guard is that of an advance guard reversed. The support throws out a rear party and the necessary flank patrols. The rear party throws out the necessary covering patrols, that nearest the enemy being called the rear point. The rear guard is so disposed as to prevent the enemy from reaching the main body by pursuit on parallel roads. d. Conduct.—In a retreat, the principal function of a rear guard is to delay the enemy. It conducts its action in a manner which permits its own withdrawal to succes sive positions. During, such action the reserve and sup port withdraw in turn by echelon one behind the other. When the support withdraws in rear of the reserve, the lat ter assumes the original functions of the support with refer ence to security measures in the direction of the enemy. Machine rifles add materially to the fire power of cavalry. For this reason, they are especially valuable with the rear party and the support. Artillery and machine guns, if present, are particularly valuable in cavalry rear guard actions. 6. FUNCTIONS OF OUTPOSTS.—a. An outpost is a cover nig detachment thrown out by a command when halted for the purpose of protection against hostile enterprises. It is charged with duties of observation and resistance. It observes the enemy within the limits of its area of opera tions, making such reconnaissance as may be required for this purpose. When practicable it gains and maintains con tact with the enemy. It prevents hostile reconnoitering parties, raids, and local attacks from approaching the camp or position of the main body, and develops and delays a general attack for such time as may be required for the main body to form and prepare for action. b. Troops in rear of the outpost establish their own guards for local security. c. The size, composition, disposition, and conduct of the outpost depend upon the following principal factors: (1) The special duties assigned the outpost. (2) The tactical disposition and mission of the main body.

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(3) Proximity, strength, and activity of the enemy. (4) The size and composition of the whole command. (5) The front to be covered, and the distance of the outpost line of resistance from the position of the main body. (6) The nature of the terrain, especially the road net. (7) The length of time the opposing forces are ex pected to be in contact. 7. CONDUCT OF OUTPOSTS.—a. The general mission of an outpost is the security of the command. The accom plishment of this mission involves reconnaissance, and may involve defensive and delaying actions. The conduct of any action by the outpost is governed by the general principles which cover that class of action. When covering a defen sive position or zone, an outpost constitutes an element of the defensive scheme as a whole; see Chapter XI, paragraph 7, Defensive Combat. In the conduct of the outpost, care is exercised that the outpost does not bring on a decisive en gagement in advance of the position prepared for the deci sive action of the main body, and that the outpost is not driven back upon the main body before the main body is assembled and prepared for action. b. The outpost may be required to hold a designated position on which the main body is to form for action, or to hold a designated position while the hostile attack is being developed and while the main body is being assembled and prepared for action, or to develop and delay a hostile general attack for such time as may be required for the main body to prepare for action on a position in rear. Against surprise attacks, the outpost is often required to hold at all costs until the main body is assembled and prepared for action. As soon as it has accomplished its mission, the outpost falls. back, uncovering the main position, and generally joins the reserves. As it falls back, the security functions are taken up by the local security detachments of the main body. c. Positions held by subdivisions of the outpost are generally prepared for defense, but at times the situation or the mission assigned the outpost renders this imprac ticable or unnecessary. d. The outpost for a division or smaller unit acting in dependently, is usually placed under a single commander.

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The conduct of the outpost is covered by general missions assigned by the commander of the whole force. e. The outpost for large forces covering an extensive front is usually furnished by the troops assigned to each of the sectors into which the front is divided. In this case, detailed instructions are required to coordinate their ac tion. In a retreat the outpost is usually furnished from the main body. 8. STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION.—a. The strength of an outpost is sufficient to enable it to accomplish its mission but not larger than necessary for this purpose. The pro portionate strength may vary from a small fraction up to a third of the command. The integrity of tactical units is maintained when practicable. For forces larger than a brigade, marching toward the enemy, the outpost is usually composed of a fraction of the advance guard; for smaller forces the outpost frequently consists of the entire advance guard. b. The outpost is composed of those troops most suit able for the execution of its mission. In the usual case, the auxiliary weapons that are employed habitually with an infantry unit in defensive combat are assigned with the unit to outpost duty. Machine guns are especially valu able. Cavalry, when part of the outpost of an infantry division, is used principally for reconnaissance. Constant and vigilant patrolling is kept up far to the front. Observa tion posts, too distant from the outpost for infantry, are occupied by cavalry. Cavalry not employed on reconnais sance duties is held with or near the reserve, on or near the main roads leading to the front, so that it can be sent forward rapidly in an emergency. 9. DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS.—a. (1) An outpost com posed of a battalion or larger unit is divided into reserves, supports, and outguards, in the order named from rear to front. An outpost composed of a force less than a battalion may dispense with the reserve. A very small force protects itself with a chain of sentinels or outguards. (2) The reserve constitutes the primary fighting and maneuvering element of the outpost. It is so located as to enable it readily to occupy the line of resistance, and, if desirable, may be located on this line. When the outpost

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covers a wide front or when routes of communication are poor, it is sometimes advisable to divide the reserve into two or three parts. The reserve consists of from onefourth to two-thirds the strength of the outpost. (3) The supports constitute a line of supporting and resisting detachments, varying in size from a platoon to a battalion. The supports are placed at the more important points on the outpost line, usually along the line of resis tance. They are numbered consecutively from right to left for each separate outpost. Each support is assigned a sector, which is defined clearly by means of readily recog nized features of the terrain. The support is located, when practicable, so as to enable it to cover its sector from a cen tral position. Each support covers its front with outguards and patrols. (4) Outguards occupy the vantage points of the line of observation. They are charged with observation for security. They vary in size from one man to a company, the latter being unusual. Outguards of more than two men cover themselves with single or double sentinels, or patrols. At night it is sometimes advisable to place some of the outguards, or their sentinels, in positions different from those occupied in the daytime. Outguards are numbered from right to left within each support. b. Patrols are used to cover sections of the outpost front which are difficult of observation by the outguards, or too distant to be covered by them, or that can be covered better by patrols. These patrols are pushed well to the front, unless the ground in that direction is exceptionally open. Other patrols are used to maintain connection be tween various parts of the outpost. Patrols from the sup port maintain connection between supports and between the support and its outguards. Patrols from outguards maintain connection between outguards and with the sen tinels of each outguard when necessary. Special patrols are sent out to gain and maintain contact with the enemy. c. The primary duty of each subdivision of the out post, from front to rear, in case of an attack, is to gain time for the next subdivision to prepare for action. This duty performed, the subdivision gradually retires to the

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outpost line of resistance, endeavoring to unmask the fire of elements in rear while it falls back. 10. ESTABLISHING THE OUTPOST.—a. The outpost is es tablished at the end of each day's march, as quickly as possible. Until the leading outpost troops are able to as sume their duties, march outposts are provided by the ad vance or rear guard. b. After issuing the initial orders, the outpost com mander inspects the outpost position and troops, completes his dispositions by more detailed orders where necessary, and sends his superior a report of his dispositions. He establishes his command post in a central position that is readily accessible to messengers, usually with the reserve, and orders the establishment of necessary signal communi cation. c. Upon receipt of orders, the reserve commander marches the reserve to its post. He sends out such detach ments as have been ordered, and places the rest in camp or bivouac. At least one sentinel is posted at the post of the reserve. Connection is maintained with the main body, with the supports, and with nearby detached posts. d. (1) The support commanders march the supports to their posts, using the necessary covering detachments when in advance of the march outpost. A support com mander's order is issued from a point where the main features of the support sector can be seen and explains fully the situation to subordinates, or to the entire com mand if it be small. It details the troops for the different outguards and, when necessary, designates the sector each is to cover. It provides for the necessary sentinels at the post of the support and for the patrols to be sent there from, and arranges for necessary intrenching. Connection is maintained with adjoining supports, and with the outguards furnished by the support. (2) The support commander, in posting his command, seeks to cover his sector in such a manner that the enemy cannot reach or pass through the position of the support in dangerous numbers unobserved. On the other hand, he economizes in the number of men used on observation and patrol duty.

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(3) As soon as the posting of the support is com pleted, its commander carefully inspects the dispositions, corrects defects, and reports the disposition of the support and the system of patrolling to the outpost commander. This report is made preferably by means of a sketch. e. The commander of each outguard marches the outguard, covered by the patrols required to prevent surprise, to its assigned station. Having reached the position, the commander explains the situation to the men, and estab lishes reliefs for each sentinel and, if practicable, for each patrol. The commander then posts the necessary sentinels and points out to them the principal terrain features, such as towns, roads, and streams, giving the name of each if known. Single sentinels are generally posted by day and double sentinels by night or at important points. Sentinels furnished by cossack posts and sentry squads are generally kept close to their groups; those from pickets (outguards of two or more squads) may be more distant. Each sentinel must be able to communicate readily with the body to which he belongs. Sentinels are numbered from right to left in each outguard, cossack posts and sentry squads furnished by pickets counting as sentinel posts. The arc of observa tion for which each sentry is responsible is defined by un mistakable terrain features. The outguard commander also gives the direction and location of the enemy, if known, and of the adjoining parts of the outpost. He gives patrols the same information, and also the necessary orders as to their routes and the frequency with which they shall cover them. Each patrol, when practicable, goes over its route once before dark. Each commander conceals his outguard and generally strengthens his position by intrenching. /, Late afternoon and daybreak are hours of especial danger. The enemy may attack late in the day in order to establish himself on captured ground by intrenching dur ing the night; or he may send troops forward under cover of darkness, in order to attack in force at dawn. Special precaution, therefore, is taken at these hours. The outpost is held in readiness, and patrols cover the front of the line of observation. g. Generally the outpost in a small force is relieved daily. In a large command the outpost is relieved, as a

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rule, at intervals of several days. Care is exercised in se lecting the time for the relief so as to avoid the probability of the new outpost being in the act of relieving the old out post when an attack is launched. The outposts for bri gades and smaller units acting independently stand relieved when a new advance guard crosses the line of observation of the outpost. In a retreat, the main body usually fur nishes the outpost, the latter becoming the rear guard the following day.

CHAPTER X

Offensive Combat Paragraph

General principles Forms of attack The frontal attack The penetration The envelopment Special operations Plan of attack Deployments for attack Time and space factors Position of commanders Types of offensive situations Surprise attacks Meeting engagements Attack against an enemy deployed for defense Attack against a prepared position Attack against a zone defense Action after the attack

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1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES.—a. Purpose of offensive com bat.—The purpose of offensive combat is the attainment of victory by physical disorganization of the hostile armed forces. Victory is obtained by attacking the enemy in a decisive direction with a combination of overwhelming fire power and shock action. b. The attack.—The attack is more difficult to plan, execute, and carry to a conclusion than is the defense, but has the important advantages of a definite objective, the initiative, and concerted efforts. c. Localization of combat.—Offensive battles consist of holding attacks and the decisive main blow. Vital objec tives in the hostile formation or position are selected, against which decisive attacks are made. The whole hostile front is engaged in order to hold the enemy's troops in position, and to prevent their determining the location of the deci sive attack. The success of the decisive attack at the vital point means ultimate success at all points. d Application of fundamental principles.—The plan for an attack should be based on the best information ob 135

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tainable and should be simple of execution; the prepara tion should be as nearly secret as possible; the principal blow should come as a surprise as to strength, time, or di rection ; and all auxiliary forces must cooperate to give the strongest possible support to the infantry through the crisis of its attack. e. Infantry superiority.—The offensive presupposes rel ative infantry superiority. This superiority is employed either by extension of frontage or by disposition in depth. On a wide front, all available fire power is brought into action from the beginning in order to overpower the enemy by concentrated and superior fire action which is followed by an assault. With a deep deployment on a narrow front, a succession of fresh units strike repeated blows against the adversary, who, after being worn out, is forced to suc cumb. Tactics utilizes fire power and shock action in com bination, employing fire power to open the way, and shock action to strike the decisive blow. To insure the advance of the infantry, all branches are combined into a single fighting machine. The task assigned to each branch is based solely upon the infantry mission, and each branch seeks to advance the infantry attack. Success in the in fantry attack depends on fire superiority, leadership, mor ale, mobility, and tactical ability displayed by subordinate infantry commanders. /. Reconnaissance.—Plans for the attack are based on information of the hostile forces, usually gained by means of reconnaissance, which seeks to determine: (1) General information as to the location, strength, formation, and movements of the hostile main forces. (2) Reliable information, especially of the hostile dis tribution in width and depth. (3) Knowledge of the detailed dispositions of the en emy and the nature of the terrain in relation thereto. 2. FORMS OF ATTACK.—The tactical forms of attack are classified for comparison and explanation; first, by the movement and direction given to the principal forces, as frontal, penetrating, and enveloping attacks, and turning movements; and second, by the mission and manner of exe cuting these movements or attacks, or other closely associ

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ated attacks, as main and secondary attacks, and special operations. The selection of the form of attack is always based on tactical considerations, and is made after a con sideration of the situation as determined by information obtained through close reconnaissance. 3. THE FRONTAL ATTACK.—A frontal attack is an at tack directed uniformly against the whole front of the en emy. It is the least desirable form of attack because it encounters simultaneously the full strength of the enemy. Decisive results are not to be expected. Frontal attacks, however, possess the advantage of being simple to plan, and of affording opportunity for launching the attack in the least possible time. 4. THE PENETRATION.—a. A penetration contemplates piercing the hostile front sufficiently to effect a breach wide enough to rupture the hostile position, and then to attack, enveloping one or both of the flanks thus created. Superior local concentrations are made for each decisive penetration, the remainder of the front being contained by comparatively weak forces. This form of attack is employed where the enemy is over-extended, or has failed to provide properly located general reserves, or where the position is such that it cannot be enveloped. The weaker portions of the hostile front are selected for penetration and the attack is made usually in a direction to cut the enemy's line of communica tion. b. Plans for penetrating attacks provide: (1) That armies penetrate on a broad front and in sufficient strength to secure a "break through." When successful, the enemy is attacked in reverse. (2) That small forces penetrate in sufficient depth to permit the envelopment or rolling up of the enemy forces adjacent to the salient. c. A penetrating action comprises, first, the attack to effect the penetration, and second, the envelopment or roll ing up of one or both of the hostile flanks, or an attack in reverse. These operations require close coordination. Sep arate forces are provided for both phases of the attack. To secure success, the penetrating force is disposed in great depth in order to insure constant pressure .and fresh im pulses during the attack.

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d. The basis of the decisive penetrating1 attack is a con tinuous infantry advance. The infantry is used to the limit of its offensive power. Halts on intermediate objectives are avoided, as they afford the enemy an opportunity to launch powerful and concerted counter attacks. Provisions are made for artillery and machine gun support to cover the advance of the infantry. Hostile strong points en countered in the attack attract elements of the attacking force, but the general attack does not stop to reduce these scattered points of hostile resistance, as local reserves are provided to advance through the intervals, and thus earry forward the penetration. e. The rolling up of the hostile flanks in large attacks is generally undertaken by reserve divisions, and in small attacks by the reserves on the exterior flanks of the force making the penetration. This rolling up is accomplished by attacking the newly created hostile flanks, or the old front adjacent to the new flanks, or a combination of these two methods. Large forces may attack on both sides of the penetration, but smaller forces* such as divisions, or corps, seldom have sufficient reserves to attack more than one flank. /. The enemy reaction to a penetration usually takes the form of counter attacks against a flank of the newly formed salient. Therefore, reserves are so located, and the flanking attacks against the original enemy fronts so timed, as to forestall hostile counter attacks. 5. THE ENVELOPMENT.—a. Mission.—The envelopment consists of attacking simultaneously the hostile front and one or both flanks. The frontal attack is usually secon dary and seeks to hold the enemy, while the enveloping at tack overpowers the opponent by striking him in flank. An envelopment may be made against one hostile flank, or against both. The latter is called a double envelopment. b. Methods employed to execute an envelopment.— (1) The frontal and enveloping attacks usually are launched simultaneously with the greater strength in the envelop ment. This form of attack presupposes that the hostile position, and especially the flanks, are known, and radical changes in the enemy dispositions are not probable, that

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there is no danger from attacks on the exposed flank, and that cover can be secured for both attacks. (2) The covering forces of the frontal attack drive in the covering forces in their front, locate the hostile flanks, and attract the enemy reserves. The enveloping attack is then launched, and if it comes as a surprise, is particularly effective, especially if the opponents are nearly equal and both flanks of the defender are exposed. There is no ad vantage in reversing the sequence of the two attacks, even when this is specially favored by surprise or converging approach directions. (3) A strong main reserve may be located so as to sup port decisively either attack, or to guard or extend the outer flank of the envelopment, or to intervene between the two attacks. c. Conduct of frontal and enveloping attacks.— (1) To prevent initial disclosure of the secondary nature of the frontal attack, all the available force, except small reserves, is employed in the attack. An increased volume of fire to gether with indications of vigorous offensive action during the early stages further tends to deceive the enemy. (2) The enveloping attack strikes the enemy in flank,, its main effort being in the direction of the probable loca tion of the hostile reserves. The time between the frontal and enveloping attacks is never so great as to afford the enemy an opportunity to defeat each attack in detail. (3) Both attacks are given definite frontages with dis tinct interior boundary lines. In general, the interval be tween the interior flanks of the two attacks is not greater at any time than the distance between the attacking forces and the hostile main line. These interior boundary lines meet on or in rear of the hostile position or flank, never in front of it. d. The selection of the flank to envelop.—The flank se lected is that one which permits the assailant to concentrate against it the mass of his fire power, and to obtain a superiority in troops. Hostile flanks that are exposed to enfilade fire or offer the least difficulties to the direct roll ing up of the enemy lines are particularly favorable. The existence of suitable cover, for the infantry approach is es sential.

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e. The double envelopment.—A double envelopment con sists of striking simultaneously both enemy flanks while containing the hostile front. Such an attack by a small force generally is undesirable because it creates too great a dispersion and offers a chance for a penetration of the assailant's center. However, if the enemy's morale is poor, the psychological effect of a double envelopment is great. /. A turning movement.—A turning movement com prises an operation involving the separation of the command executing it into two forces. One force, usually the weaker, engages and holds the enemy, while the other, operating beyond supporting distance, makes a detour so as to strike the hostile flank or rear. 6. SPECIAL OPERATIONS.—Special operations consist of local attacks, attacks in mountainous country, and attack of river lines. a. Local attacks.—Local attacks comprise reconnais sance in force, raids, and local operations for the purpose of securing possession of particular defiles, villages, woods, or hills, or attacks preliminary to a general battle for the purpose of driving in advanced hostile covering forces in order to obtain possession of terrain features essential to the success of the main attack. (1) A reconnaissance in force is a special attack made to gain certain information. (2) Raids are local attacks undertaken by relatively small forces for the purpose of entering temporarily the hostile front, usually to gain information, although they also are employed to cause losses to the hostile forces, to destroy specific works, and to raise the morale of the assailant while lowering that of the opponent. Raids are undertaken when the opposing forces are in close contact. (3) Local attacks having strictly limited objectives are usually confined to deliberately planned actions in zone de fense. The object is to secure and hold a locality, the possession of which assists the defense or facilitates further offensive operations. b. Attacks in mountainous country.—Operations in mountainous country are always difficult. However, moun tain ranges usually provide defensive lines and extensive

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observation points. As the main roads and the railroads traversing mountain ranges are restricted generally to the valleys, defiles, and passes, their possession constitutes a decided tactical advantage. (1) The employment of large forces in compact bodies is impossible, consequently combat is restricted to the ac tion of small bodies, and attacks seldom are decisive. (2) A turning operation, if not too circuitous, is usu ally the best method of securing a mountain range. c. Attack of river lines.—Rivers are obstacles to an assailant and natural lines of resistance for a defender. The defenses of a river line may be passed by turning move ments, or overrun by advanced tro'ops, before the opponent is aware of the movement. Crossings may be secured by frontal or enveloping attacks, or by combining maneuver with a sudden attack in force. 7. PLAN OF ATTACK.—a. The decision to attack includes a plan of attack. The plan of attack is based on the deci sion and prescribes the form, method, and combinations that are to be employed by the force as a whole and the task to be accomplished by each element thereof. There are sev eral methods by which the mission may be accomplished. The basis of every method is the ability to execute at the proper time a critical blow made decisive by a tactical maneuver. b. The plan of attack comprises an assignment of mis sions, a scheme of maneuver or principal attack directions, zones of action, and instructions for coordinated action on the part of all tactical units. All plans provide for system atic entry into action and methodic attack, at least during the initial phases of battle. Action during subsequent phases is ordered generally by one of two methods: (1) Continuing the attack, each unit taking advan tage of every tactical opportunity for mutual success. (2) A. systematized and methodic plan of attack for each successive phase. c. A plan contemplating taking advantage of tactical opportunities centralizes the direction and combines the effort of the force so as to attain the common objective, providing at the same time for decentralized control so as

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to permit great latitude and initiative to subordinate com manders in the execution of the maneuver necessary to ac complish their assigned tasks. This plan is based on the unlimited attack of the infantry. Such a plan is suitable to surprise situations, meeting engagements, and all offen sive actions contemplating local independent maneuver. d. A plan contemplating a systematized attack through out the battle comprises methodical and detailed instruc tions as to the part each unit and branch is to play in each phase of the action. Such a plan is prepared well in ad vance and requires accurate and detailed information of the enemy dispositions. It is suitable to "limited objective" attacks, and to the first phases of deliberate attacks against a highly organized zone defense. It may also be employed when the attacking troops are imperfectly trained or the subordinate staffs and leaders are not experienced. Other wise, such a plan is avoided as it is complicated and tends to discourage initiative, restrict maneuver, and limit suc cess. e. In an offensive by a large force, such as an army or a group of armies, against an enemy in position, the prob able duration of the engagement influences the plan of at tack. To succeed, the attacking forces usually have to pass through a deep zone of successive positions. The plan of attack provides for the operation of the forces over this distance. Corps missions cover several days, while division missions can be executed, in general, in two or three days. All missions bear directly on the plan of the whole com mand. /. A plan simple and easy of execution is devised and is adhered to with tenacity. A complicated plan, or one involving difficult maneuver, offers too many chances for mistakes and errors. After troops are engaged in action, changes in the original plan are difficult and dangerous. g. All plans of action include a definite scheme of maneuver. Schemes of maneuver contemplate a decisive blow, made effective by combinations of fire power and shock action, and the utilization of the advantages of the terrain. h. Definite zones of action, extending through the hos tile position, are assigned to each front line infantrv uniL

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and to each front line division and larger command. The boundaries are designated by reference to distinct, unmis takable, and easily recognized topographical features. With in the limits of the zone of action, a commander has full freedom of action and initiative in the execution of his as signed task. The assignment of zones of action does not prevent maneuver outside of the boundaries when necessary to assist adjacent units or to gain a tactical advantage. 8. DEPLOYMENTS FOR ATTACK.—a. The infantry de jployment for attack takes place at the most advanced point at which it can form for combat under cover. Generally, deployment and the advance toward first firing positions are made simultaneously. Fog, darkness, and smoke are utilized frequently to conceal the deployment and advance. b. The deployment and forming for attack involve defi nite decisions covering each of the following factors: (1) Frontage to be assigned each infantry group. (2) Provision for formation in depth, in order to pro vide the necessary driving power. (3) Allocation of fire support for the several infantry groups. (4) Association of commands to insure teamwork and continuity of action. (5) Provision for flank protection. c. The frontage and depth of deployment are deter mined from a consideration of the nature of the attack, the enemy strength and morale, the strength of the hostile de fensive arrangements, including depth, the mission assigned each attacking unit, and the amount of fire support required by the attack. d. The frontage assigned in deployment, while being sufficiently deep to insure the necessary driving power, is such as to assure the lateral coordination of command and maneuver demanded by the situation. (1) The frontage of an infantry battalion in attack depends on the state of the enemy's preparedness, strength, and intentions, and the depth of penetration expected. It may vary from 600 yards or even less in the case of de termined attacks, to considerably more than 600 yards in the case of holding or other secondary attacks. The basis

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of computation is the front occupied by each platoon. If circumstances require an extension of the battalion front, it is obtained by leaving intervals between the attacking platoons and companies. Frontages for the larger units are assigned with due regard to flank security and the tasks imposed on the smaller units. This usually limits the deployment of a division, in the main attack, to a frontage of from 1 to H miles in an attack against a defensive zone in stabilized situations and from 1^ to 2 | miles in open warfare situations. (2) Within divisions, the size, strength, and number of objectives to be attained determine whether the deploy ment is made with brigades in column or abreast. Deploy ment with brigades in column is adapted to an attack on a narrow front when the combat is expected to extend through a period of several days. This formation has depth and it also has the advantage of retaining a large force for maneuver. However, facility in effecting the passage of lines by brigades and the continuity of the attack insofar as brigades are concerned, are sacrificed. A divisional de ployment with brigades abreast is adapted to attacks on the same or broader fronts but with less depth of advance and duration of attack. This formation has the advan tages of increased initial fire power, and of facilitating quick reliefs of assault battalions. It also prevents mix ing of units, insures good signal communication, and avoids disrupting the continuity of attack and command. (3) Within infantry brigades the regiments are de ployed either in column or abreast for the same reasons. 9. TIME AND SPACE FACTORS.—a. General.—Before en gaging in offensive combat, proper consideration is given to the time and space factors. The length of time required to deploy for combat depends largely upon the size of the attacking force, its formation in one or more columns or in mass, the terrain, cover, visibility, the hostile aerial and artillery activities, and the number, kind, and condition of the available roads. b. Importance of time.—Time is an important factor in offensive combat, particularly in its influence on the depth of deployment. Simultaneous attacks by large forces in

OFFENSIVE COMBAT

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concerted action require a careful determination of time and space factors. However, the importance varies with the character of the combat. In meeting engagements, in order to place the opponent at a disadvantage, celerity of action is of the greatest importance. In deliberate attacks against prepared positions, the necessity for extensive preparation decreases the value of the time factor. c. Determination of the hour for attack.—To avoid piecemeal action and to insure coordinated effort, com manders prescribe a definite time for the beginning of an attack. This is determined by the time required to develop and deploy the forces, and the probable duration of the battle. (1) Troops advancing into action move at an approxi mate rate of two and one-half miles an hour until within about four miles of the hostile artillery. When subjected to hostile artillery fire, the rate of advance decreases, as it is then necessary for the troops to move across country in order to protect themselves from losses. From this point to the actual place of deployment or line of departure, the rate seldom exceeds one and one-quarter miles an hour. To the time required for the actual deployment is added that necessary for reconnaissance and for issuing orders to sub ordinate commanders. (2) If the enemy holds a single position, and other conditions permit, the attack may be launched late in the day. On the other hand, if he occupies several successive positions, it is desirable to begin the attack early in the day. However, in some situations, the hostile defensive disposi tions are such that it is advantageous to start the combat late in the afternoon, or even at night, in order to seize the advanced positions, or to surprise the enemy. The main forces complete their deployment under cover of this pre liminary action and of darkness. The assault is continued at or before daylight. (3) Night attacks may be undertaken to drive in hos tile covering forces. These operations secure advanced positions for the light artillery, and permit the infantry to be formed within assaulting distances, thereby enabling the principal attack against the hostile main position to be launched at or before daybreak.

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(4) The attack is launched so as to insure the full effect of the surprise before the hostile main reserves can be brought into decisive action. Therefore, in large com mands, the hour set for the attack is influenced by the loca tion of the hostile strategic reserves and the facility with which these reserves can be brought to the front attacked. d. Line of departure.—A line of departure is a line which the assault units cross at a designated hour; or be yond which the troops do not advance before a designated time. In initiating a planned battle, a commander desig nates the exact time when units advance from the line of departure, or designates a line of departure and the hour when the assault units pass this line. This insures full coordination and concerted action, and avoids the issue of additional assault orders. e. Preparations for attack.—In order to effect a sur prise, the enemy is kept in ignorance up to the last moment of the intention to attack. This is accomplished by decep tions and by demonstrations at points other than that where the main attack is to be launched, and by concealing, as far as practicable, the preparations for the actual attack. 10. POSITION OF COMMANDERS.—a. The position of a commander in combat depends on the size of the force commanded. In forces not larger than a brigade, the commander places himself in a position to direct the troops engaged, to insure teamplay, to coordinate the combined employment of the arms, to control the reserves, and, if necessary, to intervene personally in the conduct of the battle. Commanders of divisions and larger formations, while establishing their headquarters in rear of the immedi ate battle zone, visit subordinate commanders frequently, and inspect front line units. During battle, these com manders observe the conduct and condition of the troops. From observation points it is sometimes possible for these higher commanders to observe the progress of the action and at the same time continue to exercise the functions of com mand. It is essential for all commanders to exert per sonally the influence of their leadership on the direction and course of a battle. b. A command post is that place designated for the location of a headquarters or its forward echelon. A com

OFFENSIVE COMBAT

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mander exercises the functions of command through his command post. It constitutes the place from which the staff operates and to which all communications for the com mander are directed. Therefore, a command post com prises the office of the commander and the staff officers, a part of whom are present at all times. A commander is not tied to his command post but goes wherever necessary to contribute to the success of the action. However, when absent, adequate contact is maintained to assure the exer cise of his functions of command. Command posts are established well forward from the beginning of a combat. Continuous contact is maintained with all troops, with adja cent commands, and with the higher commander. A com mand post is advanced from its original position before con tact is lost with subordinate commanders. In divisions and larger formations, command posts are established suffi ciently far to the rear to be beyond the distractions of the battlefield and the influence of local events. Such command posts are changed only after signal communication is es tablished at the new location. Command posts of smaller commands, while conveniently located in sheltered positions, conform by successive bounds to the general movement of the command. The initial location and the direction of subsequent movement of subordinate command posts are controlled by the next higher commander. Superior, sub ordinate, adjacent, and supporting commanders are kept in formed as to the time and place of closing and of opening each command post. When a commander leaves his com mand post, he announces his route, destination, and prob able time of return, and he places a responsible officer in charge during his absence. 11. TYPES OF OFFENSIVE SITUATIONS.—Offensive com

bat usually takes place under one of the following situations or conditions: a. Surprise attacks. 6. Meeting engagements. c. Against an enemy deployed for defense. d. Against a prepared position. e. Against a defensive zone.

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12. SURPRISE ATTACKS.—Surprise attacks consist of ambuscades, or other sudden blows, made against a hostile force which is caught unawares in route column, or in a formation unsuitable for combat. 13. MEETING ENGAGEMENTS.—A meeting engagement is the collision of two hostile forces neither of which is deployed for action. Meeting engagements require a prompt decision as to the general plan of attack, followed by an immediate development and advance of the main forces to suitable positions for launching the attack, early fire action of all immediately available artillery to cover the combat of the leading elements and the deployment of the main forces, and finally, an attack order based on a simple plan of action providing for concerted effort by the whole command. 14. ATTACK AGAINST AN ENEMY DEPLOYED FOR DE-

FENSE.—The favorable characteristic of an attack against an enemy deployed for defense is that the force to be at tacked has not had sufficient time to plan an organized re sistance. Except where the assailant is vastly superior, the piecemeal, impetuous, or unsystematic attack is avoided. It is essential for the assailant to prepare a coordinated plan of attack, that the subordinate commanders know what this plan is, and that every difficulty likely to confront the attacking troops be foreseen before the forces are com mitted to the attack. After the hostile covering forces are driven in, close reconnaissance endeavors to locate the en emy front, flanks, and main artillery positions. Based on information thus obtained, considered in connection with the terrain, and the distribution of his own troops, the attacker chooses the direction and time of attack. The hour set for the main attack is such as to allow time for the deployment and advance of the forces. The determination of the hour is influenced also by the amount of additional time afforded the defense, together with a consideration of the remaining amount of daylight available to bring the attack to a deci sion. Surprise is effected by the direction of the main at tack and the employment of reserves. The purpose is to force the defender to use up his reserves prematurely. Nevertheless, a hostile counter attack is to be expected at other places and times, and plans are made to meet such a contingency.

OFFENSIVE COMBAT

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15. ATTACK AGAINST A PREPARED POSITION.—a. A pre

pared position consists of a line of mutually supporting areas covered by supporting artillery fire. The most unfavorable characteristics of an attack against a prepared position are that the defender has had time to organize deliberately for defense, and to develop the full power of his artillery and other weapons. To carry the action through the de fensive organization, the assailant is forced to obtain ac curate information of the defensive organization on which to base his plans, and then to prepare a deliberate attack. The difficulties of the assailant increase proportionately with the added power of the defense. b. The enemy may be expected to be deployed in depth, to have flank protection and supporting fires, and to have made dispositions for counter attacks. In addition, he may be expected to have increased the difficulties of gaining fire superiority by the construction and occupation of intrench ments. • 16. ATTACK AGAINST A ZONE DEFENSE.—a. A defen sive zone consists of successive lines of prepared positions, including fortified areas or combinations thereof, all stronglyorganized into mutually supporting tactical areas. Its pur pose is to defend a general topographical line, or to cover areas of strategical and tactical importance. Attack against a defensive zone involves the action of large forces. b. Offensive operations against a zone defense contem plate breaking through the hostile defenses, thus converting the situation into one favorable for maneuver. The attack of a defensive zone differs from the attack of any other defended position in that more elaboration of detail is neces sary in order to overcome the strength and depth of the hostile organization. The offensive battle consists of a series of deliberate attacks delivered on a wide, but not necessarily continuous front. On the decisive front, as large a force as possible is utilized to make the main at tack, while comparatively weak forces are employed to effect diversions on the remainder of the front, to hold the enemy in position, and to prevent the movement of hostile reserves. c. While the selection of the direction of attack depends on strategical considerations, it is essential for success that

150


the front to be attacked permit maximum tactical coopera tion between all the available forces and the maximum de velopment of all available fire power. 17. ACTION AFTER TÎE ATTACK.—a. Continuing the attack.— (1) The attack is executed by a continuous series of assaults until the enemy is forced to yield. In order to maintain this continuity, exhausted front line units and those which have become absorbed in a local combat are replaced by reserve units. The replacement units, advancing in ap proach formations, are deployed, pass by or through the ex hausted front lines, and renew the assault. The transfer of missions between units is absolute. The new unit con tinues the attack, while the replaced units reform. (2) It is desirable at times to provide rest for troops that are much worn by continuous fighting. This is accom plished by security measures and by the relief of front line units. Security is provided as soon as actual combat ceases in order that the troops may abtain rest during pauses in actual combat. (3) The mixing of units during battle causes confu sion and partial loss of control. In converging attacks this mixing is almost unavoidable. Deployment of units in line rather than in column tends to avoid this evil. b. After a successful attack.—After a successful at tack, all commanders on their own initiative take steps to regain control of their troops and to secure the position gained. Local successes are consolidated. Steps are taken to prevent successful hostile reaction, the effect of which at this time may be disastrous. c. The pursuit.—When an enemy is defeated in battle, or when he is forced to retreat, victory is completed by an immediate and vigorous pursuit. Pursuit contemplates the destruction of the hostile main force. It is not the defeat of the hostile force, but its destruction that ends the cam paign. (1) Plans for the pursuit are made as soon as it is evident that the attack is to succeed, or when the enemy gives indications that a retreat is contemplated. These plans usually provide for immediate pursuit by the troops in con tact on the battlefield and the utilization of reserve units

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against the hostile lines of retreat. Definite missions and routes of advance are assigned to all elements of the com mand engaged therein. (2) At the first stage, as the attacker is deployed for action, the troops are not well in hand for a pursuit, and ammunition replacement is difficult. Therefore, the immedi ate pursuit from the battlefield cannot expect to advance rapidly or for any great distance. (3) The distant pursuit aims to bring the hostile main body to a halt. To accomplish this the pursuer sends for ward mobile units from the reserves or other fresh troops to strike the head and flanks of the retreating enemy. From the start, it is essential that the pursuit directions aim to intercept the principal routes of the retreating columns. (4) In the conduct of a pursuit, all arms and units are pushed to the extreme limit of their physical endurance. Losses and fatigue are not permitted to interfere with the prompt start and vigorous prosecution of the pursuit. d. An indecisive battle.—In an indecisive engagement, when it is desirable to hold the ground gained and to main tain contact with the opponent, the attacker establishes covering detachments or an outpost between the position held and the enemy. e. Action following an unsuccessful attack.—If the general attack fails to secure even local success and the advance is held up definitely, steps are taken to renew the assault, consolidate the positions gained, or withdraw from action.

CHAPTER XI

Defensive Combat Paragraph

General considerations Principles of defensive action Conduct of defensive combat Forms of defense Occupation of the ground Disposition of troops Organization of a position The defensive battle Counter attacks

;

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.—a. While victory is at tained only by the offensive, the defense is at times both necessary and advantageous. The defense may be adopted in order to release troops for action elsewhere, or as a means of delaying the decision while awaiting more favorable conditions. On a front where decisive action is not sought, the defensive is assumed to effect an economy of force. Whether imposed or assumed, defensive operations are es sentially the tactics of holding or maneuvering with relatively weak forces. b. The purposes of the defense are to delay or avoid decision at a particular time or place; to limit the enemy's freedom of action, or to exhaust his strength and resources; to gain time by delaying a hostile advance or offensive; to preserve freedom of action by securing time and space for maneuver; to contain hostile forces on one front while the main forces strike a decisive blow on another front, and to deny important tactical and strategical areas to the enemy by blocking or limiting his approach thereto. 2. PRINCIPLES OF DEFENSIVE ACTION.—a. The tactical principles enunciated for the offensive apply equally to the defensive. They are simplicity of plan, combined employ ment of all forces, concerted effort, economy of force, tac tical surprise, fire superiority, employment of reserves, continuous reconnaissance and security, utilization of the terrain, and superior morale. 152

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b. An elaborate organization of positions must not de prive the troops of the power promptly to take the offensive. Flexibility within the organization and mobility throughout are maintained constantly. Tactical unity is the basis of defensive groupings. Due to the more complete organiza tion of which defensive action is capable, orders may go into greater detail as to tasks, zones, cooperation, and fire sup port than is the case in the offensive. But the tendency to concentrate all initiative in the hands of higher command ers must be strongly resisted. c. The conduct of the defense is based on local and gen eral counter attacks combining fire and shock action. There fore, two elements are required, namely, defensive or hold ing units, and offensive or counter attack units. A purely passive attitude cannot withstand determined attacks. Economy of force is attained by assigning minimum strength to the holding units while keeping in reserve a maximum force for counter attack. 3. CONDUCT OF DEFENSIVE COMBAT.—a. Based on the mission and the forces available, the methods of conducting •defensive combat are: (1) An active defense, (2) a passive -defense. b. The method adopted depends on the general tactical situation, and influences the disposition and composition of the elements of the defense, the particular employment of the various means of defense, and the general scheme of operations. c. The active defense contemplates securing a favorable decision. This is obtained by passing to the general offen sive in a decisive direction with the entire force. The con trolling idea in the active defense is the use of a general re serve for maneuver and counter strokes. The offensive element is essential. While the holding and forward in fantry elements succeed in stopping the hostile attack, the defender retains freedom of action to choose the time and direction for launching a counter attack in force. This at tack is supported by the coordinated action of all units on that part of the field. The organization of suitable reserves requires strict economy of force in the allocation of infan

154


try to the forward elements. Tactical unity in the reserve, and surprise are essential. d. A passive defense contemplates denying the enemy access to certain areas, the defender having neither the relative strength nor the intention to take the initiative locally. The purpose of the passive defense is to prevent the enemy from gaining decisive results. The organization in depth is such as to provide means with which to undertake local counter attacks when necessary to restore the front de fended. Generally, on a given frontage, a relatively large pro portion of the defending force is required for use as hold ing elements while a relatively smaller proportion is held in general reserve. The flanks rest on obstacles when prac ticable. Naturally strong defensive ground and the selection of suitable positions which the enemy can neither ignore nor pass around favor this method of defense. e. Delaying actions are a special form of defense. They seek to gain time by developing and delaying the hostile advance. To accomplish this object, the delaying force holds defensively a single position or successive positions, avoiding, if possible, a serious engagement in any position. 4. FORMS OF DEFENSE.—a. Disposition.— (1) In any defensive operation which contemplates combat or a threat thereof, the troops are formed or disposed tactically for bat tle by occupying one or more favorable positions. The gen eral dispositions for defense comprise the deployment of the forces, their grouping for battle, and, if time permits, the organization of the ground. Depending on the extent to which the ground is organized, these forms are: (a) The deployed defensa. (b) The position defense. (c) The zone defense.

(2) The form selected depends, first, on the time avail able, second, on the terrain selected for defense, and third, on the degree of relative inferiority that is to be overcome by the îd of defensive means. (3) Deployment in depth is essential to all forms. In the most complete form of deployment, infantry is disposed from front to rear in security, delaying, holding, and re serve elements.

ENEMY TERMINOUDGY AND GENERAL OUTLINE OF A RATTLE ZONE

\ouft'post 1 Are ea

\Outpojt and

f< Delayins < [ Area

r

^ v

i Outpost Area

X • N N *(may contain an organized «^ _ "K Hfc of resistance)

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= i"

- , 2:~ Deracnea strongs I

I De/ayi'ns

>' tfnay contain an organized! i line of res/'stance oran) i organized position)

I Area. s

I 'Battle Zone

{ Bart/c Area.

\

Local Security Area.

O K

Rattle

I Main line of resistance

K Position

(

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1

ofthe organized position. ' f* Battle Zone

General Reserve

n o td

When the 2 "Battle Zone is used, the distribution oftroopj and the organization of the ground is similar to that of the / " Battle Zone

i

Reserve Battle Position

i

Contemplated main line of resistance

J2"BattleZone

Figure 12

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b. Deployed defense.—The deployed defense results when a command assumes the defensive in nearby terrain under conditions which do not afford sufficient time for ground organization. An adaption of the tactical organ ization to the ground is sought. Frontages are less than in, other forms of defense. The infantry of a division is dis posed from front to rear into a line of security and observa tion groups; a main line of resistance, includingfiringand DEPLOYED DEFENSE

ENEMY l i l l

I I

I I I

I I I I

Small Group* of Observers firing Una « Support Line » Bn Reserve Line "

Rest Reserve X

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Figure 13

support elements; battalion and regimental reserve groups; and brigade and division reserves. c. Position defense.—Position defense comprises the se lection, preparation, and occupation of a position suitable for defensive battle. A minimum of six hours' work is re quired for the hasty ground organization of a single battle position. In the position defense, the disposition, from front to rear, is a covering force, local security elements, firing

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and support lines, lines of battalion and regimental reserve groups, and brigade and division reserves. The position is organized behind a suitable covering force which secures the time necessary for the organization of the position and the deployment of the occupying forces. The covering force de lays the hostile advance and ascertains the direction of at tack. It intrenches important and pivotal areas, if such action is essential to the accomplishment of its mission, but

POSITION

DEFENSE

ENLMY Covering Forces

Battle Position

Locaf Security

FiringLine SupportLine Bn Reserve Line Reqf Reserye '

Line *

* Division Reserve (withdrawn covering Force) Figure 14

it does not become involved in serious battle. The direction for eventual withdrawal is predetermined, and is such as not to mask the small arms fire of the main forces. d. Zone defense.—-Zone defense involves large forces deployed on broad fronts, organized in great depth. It con sists of successive positions and tactical areas, all associated in- the general defensive system. Zone defense presupposes protracted and determined defense, together with great econ omy of forces.

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5. OCCUPATION OF THE GROUND.—a. A position is not defended by a uniformly dense occupation of the whole front, but by holding in strength tactical localities which constitute key-points to the position and by providing flank ing fire and counter attack for the defense of the intervals between such points. b. The key-points of a defensive system are those points that control the communications of the defense, or that afford observation either into the defensive position or over the foreground, and the capture of which is therefore indis pensable to the sustained progress of an attack. Features of the terrain that afford cover or concealment or good fields of fire constitute minor tactical localities. c. By holding these tactical localities as supporting points, the defense seeks to limit hostile penetration and to overwhelm penetrating elements by counter attack at a time when they are at a relative disadvantage as to supporting fire, communication, observation, and supply. d. The line of resistance is the line which must be held by the troops assigned to the defense of the position. It is not essential that the actual resistance be offered on the line of resistance; sometimes the defense may be made most effectively over a zone in which the actual line of resistance is included and combat delivered in and about the actual line for its possession. In zone defense, resistance is offered on a series of tactical localities organized as supporting points and separated by such intervals and echeloned in such depth as the particular situation may require. 6. DISPOSITION OF TROOPS.—a. On the defensive, in fantry is disposed in depth, depending on the method con templated for the conduct of the defense, the number of troops and the amount of supporting fire available, the frontage to be occupied,-and the state of the organization of the ground. b. The objects to be accomplished by distribution in depth are to provide security and gain time for manning the main line of resistance, to avoid concentrations which expose the defense to heavy losses and neutralization by hostile fire, to limit the effect of surprise attacks, and to provide for resistance to a flank as well as the front.

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c. Distribution in depth does not imply dispersion of force. The successive elements of the defense must be with in supporting distance of each other to insure effective assistance by fire and counter attack. d. When the main defensive position is covered by an outpost, the larger infantry units, regiments and brigades, are deployed in sectors generally extending over both areas, with battalions and smaller units deployed on one position only. Whether disposed over one or two positions, combat under any particular situation is delivered for the defense of one main line of resistance. e. The factors of frontage and depth influence the ex ercise of command and tactical teamplay. Deployment on a narrow front, with subordinate elements disposed in column, insures unity of command and efficient signal com munication. However, this does not secure the full initial fire power of the accompanying weapons except by detach ing them from rearward units, and, if the zone of defense is very narrow, maneuver therein is restricted. Deploy ment on a broad front, with subordinate elements disposed abreast, insures great initial fire power and facilitates tactical coordination and mutual support. But, if the sector is too shallow, command is lost. /. The artillery of the command is located to cover the main battle position with the fire of practically all guns. The artillery is disposed in greater depth than in the offen sive in order that its supporting fires may continue without interruption even after the enemy breaks through portions of the main line of resistance. Such disposition also per mits the advance elements of the artillery to be withdrawn, should the necessity arise, under cover of the fire of units farther to the rear. 7. ORGANIZATION OF A POSITION.—a. The extent of the organization of a defensive position depends on the pur pose of the defense, the time available, and the specific mis sions assigned to the security, holding, and reserve elements. b. The outpost in the defense provides security by ob servation and resistance. Where resistance is vital, the strength of the outpost is increased, infantry in the outpost is distributed in depth, and the position is organized to the extent required for a delaying action. The line of resistance

160


of the outpost is the front on which hostile raids and recon naissance are stopped and where an attempt is made to check a general attack. Artillery protective fires support this line. Defensive areas on and in rear of the line of resistance are organized to block routes of approach and to defend ground of tactical importance to the outpost. From front to rear, the elements of the outpost are the line of observa tion, line of supports, and line of reserves. The supports provide reliefs for patrols and groups in observation and may garrison the outpost line of resistance. The three lines of groups are mutually supporting, and are located with that requirement in view. The distance of the outpost line of resistance from the main position is such as to permit some artillery support from guns located in rear of the main position. When an outpost cannot be located beyond small arms range of the main line of resistance of the battle posi tion, local security groups are provided instead of an out post. An outpost position is divided into sectors correspond ing to the defense sectors of the battle position. The outpost troops are sent out usually from the infantry units occupying these sectors, and are under sector command. Where withdrawal of any portion of an outpost endangers the security of adjacent sectors, the order for withdrawal comes from a common commander, or is made in accordance with instructions issued thereby. c. The battle position is organized into four lines or groups, arranged in order from front to rear: firing or main line of resistance, support, battalion reserve, and regimental reserve lines. Farther in rear are the brigade and division reserves. The mission of the infantry in the battle position is to maintain the integrity of that position by fire and local counter attack. Reserves in rear are used to prevent penetration or envelopment of the battle position and to participate in a counter stroke. (1) The integrity of the battle position provides for the freedom of action of all forces in rear. The disposition of the infantry into four lines does not necessarily involve the continuous occupation of the lines. The occupation of tactical areas is generally sufficient to provide effective fire action over the intervals between areas, further assistance being rendered by counter attack.

DEFENSIVE COMBAT

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(2) Within a battle position, the distances between the several line of groups is such that: (a) The infantry of the rearward lines is able to cover by fire the flanks of combat groups of the line immediately in front. (b) The rearward line does not fall within the zone of hostile fire directed at the line next in front. BATTLE POSITION Showing defensive organizations and disposition of troops within a battle position, when prepared to meet attack. In the diagram, the regiment employs two battalions as mam bady and one battalion as reserve

*- 12.00 • Zioo

'f~6OO- 1ZOO yrf

St. 3oo~ 600 ifat

Lin of Observation

Y*pv

Regin%i&ntal Sector

Figure 15

(c) Rapid counter attacks against the flanks of hostile penetrations are facilitated. (d) Each line is so sited, when possible, as to make it, untenable to the enemy by reason of fire from the defending; infantry occupying lines still farther in rear. (3) The firing, support, ^ndbattalion reserve lines are held by front line battalions^ frront line companies organ ize strong points each of which covers both firing and sup

162


port lines, the platoons being disposed in mutually support ing combat groups in such manner as to cover the company sector. Battalion reserves are located and disposed so as to support the front line strong points by fire, by shock action, or by a combination of both. Auxiliary arms are located so as to cooperate in the defense of the battalion sector. A battalion thus disposed constitutes a center of resistance. (4) Regimental reserves are located to fulfill the primary mission of ejecting hostile elements from the regi mental sector. They organize strong points on the regimen tal reserve line to defend the battle position. These strong points are located so as to facilitate counter attack. d. Machine guns are an important element in the de fensive organization. They are sited to cover the width and depth of the position with continuous bands of fire. Infantry combat groups are disposed to cover ground not under machine gun fire. Independently of the machine guns, the field of fire of combat groups is arranged so as to cover their front and the intervals between adjacent combat groups. Light mortars are sited so as to cover dead ground in the bands of machine gun fire or other important dead spaces or to supplement artillery fire. The automatic rifle is used for both frontal and flanking fires. The one-pounder gun is employed as a weapon of opportunity against machine guns or tanks. It is preferably placed where it can con trol the principal approaches. (1) The distribution of machine guns is dependent on the tactical situation and conforms generally to the dis tribution of the rifle companies. In the deployed defense, machine guns are disposed in slight depth. As the organiza tion of the position progresses, the distribution in depth increases. (2) When the main position is covered by an outpost, machine guns generally are not located in advance of the outpost line of resistance. Some participate in the defense of the outpost by delivering flanking fire through the inter vals between supporting points or overhead fire from commanding positions in rear. The greater part of the machine guns, however, are employed in defense of the battle position. They are distributed throughout the posi tion and to a limited depth in rear thereof.

DEFENSIVE COMBAT

163

8. THE DEFENSIVE BATTLE.—a. Early fire action.— During the engagement between the opposing covering forces, long range artillery opens fire on hostile communi cations, road centers, and other sensitive points in the zone of the attack. As the attacking troops approach more closely to the defensive position, artillery, machine guns, onepounders, and light mortars open fire on the advancing in fantry and on located or suspected assembly points. In fantry opens fire on favorable objectives at mid range. Such fire serves to delay the advance. The delay effected gains time for the defense to perfect its disposition and to reinforce threatened points. b. Defensive readjustments.—When the front and di rection of the hostile attack have been determined, the de fense at once takes steps to meet it. Fire on the advancinig infantry is continued. Local security detachments are with drawn, and the defense on the threatened front is reinforced. This reinforcement does not usually increase the number of men assigned to the holding garrison. It increases the force designated for counter attack. c. The fire fight.— (1) When the enemy forms at close range just prior to the assault, the close-in defensive fires are brought down. To prevent the hostile attack from reach ing the main line of resistance, the defense must gain and maintain fire superiority over the attack. In defense, fire superiority is obtained, not by the volume of fire, but by a well aimed and well directed fire, which inflicts losses on the enemy and causes his fire to become inaccurate. The defense relies for fire superiority on the more methodical organization of its fire, especially flanking fires, the more accurate knowledge of ranges and of the terrain, the pro tection afforded by intrenchments, the concealment of its dispositions, and the disorganization which movement, obstacles, and accessory defenses produce in the attacker's dispositions. (2) During the advance of the attacking troops, artil lery, light mortars, one-pounders, and machine guns, sub ject the hostile infantry and its accompanying weapons, machine guns and tanks, to a destructive fire. At night or in a fog the flanking fire of machine guns constitutes a

164


vital element in the defense. A single machine gun, by flanking fire, may repel the most determined assault. d. The hostile assault.—During the hostile assault, adjacent units support each other with flanking fire. If the assault succeeds in reaching the position, riflemen, leaping on the parapet, meet the enemy with the bayonet. (1) If the enemy succeeds in penetrating, the defender strengthens the flanks of the gap, maintains his hold on the tactical supporting points on either side of the gap, resists all attempts to widen it, and counter attacks on the flanks of the salient. For this reason, the organized areas have lines of resistance to the flanks similar to those to the front. From these lines, the garrisons of the organized areas take the penetrating forces under flanking fire, arrest their progress, and prepare and support the counter attack. (2) Every holding unit takes immediate advantage of any gap occurring behind a hostile force which has suc ceeded in penetrating the defensive position, to filter groups or units through the gap with a view to building up a strong point in the enemy's rear. The demoralizing effect of fire from the rear often produces important results. (3) If the enemy is defeated, he is unable to with stand a determined counter blow. The defense must be prepared at all times to change to the offensive and exploit the results of a successful defensive action. e. Connecting groups.—Connecting groups are em ployed to observe or cover intervals between adjoining units in line, and to maintain communication between these units. These groups prevent the occurrence of dangerous gaps in the battle front, and assist by fire the action of adjacent forces. Connecting groups from adjacent forces are not combined for command, but both operate to insure the accomplishment of their individual missions. 9. COUNTER ATTACK.*—a. All defense is based on counter attack. As it is impossible to maintain a rigid re *Counter attack.—A counter attack is an offensive blow under taken by support and reserve units. It is directed against a success ful or a potentially dangerous hostile element which has succeeded in entering the area defended. The purpose of counter attack is to re lieve the pressure of combat directed against the holding elements, to restore captured portions of the defense, or to gain a decisive victory over a halted and disorganized assailant.

DEFENSIVE COMBAT

165

sistance against overwhelming hostile fire power, the con duct of a defensive action contemplates varying combina tions of fire power and counter attack. Ultimate success is favored by flexibility in the conduct of the defense, com bined with the availability of sufficient means to recapture lost ground. b. The counter attack is made vigorously and at the proper time. Counter attacks are made: (1) By launching the reserve against the enemy's flank while the attack is in full progress. This is the most effective form of counter attack. (2) By units in the first line, with their supports, straight to the front after repulsing the enemy's attack and demoralizing him with pursuing fire. (3) By the troops in rear of the first line when the enemy has reached or penetrated the position. c. Counter attacks include: (1) immediate counter at tacks by infantry only, including front line troops, local supports and reserves, (2) counter attacks by sector or general reserves supported by an artillery preparation and accompanied by tanks or artillery. d. Every unit at once expels by counter attack any hostile forces penetrating its sector, unless a withdrawal has been ordered by the higher commander. Counter at tacks against an enemy that has penetrated a position are launched before he has had time to organize the ground. Units held in reserve are assigned definite places to form for counter attack. Provision is made to secure coordinated action by all available auxiliary weapons and supporting arms.

CHAPTER XII

Combat Orders Paragraph

Combat orders , Estimate of the situation Letters of instruction Warning orders Field orders Administrative orders Movement orders Time required for distribution of orders The use of maps with orders Forms for orders Advance Advance guard ' A halt for the night—camp with outpost Attack Defense Administrative orders Artillery annex Table of abbreviations

,

1 2 3. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1. COMBAT ORDERS.—a. A combat order is an order of any type which contains instructions for subordinate units pertaining to any phase of operations in the field. b. Clear and decisive orders are the logical result of definite and sure decisions, and are the means of transform ing a decision into action. As they are the expression of a fixed decision, they state definitely the object to be attained and the part to be performed by each unit in its attainment. c. Combat orders include: (1) Letters of instruction. (2) Warning orders. (3) Field orders. (4) Administrative orders. (5) Movement orders. 2. ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION.—a. An estimate of the situation is a methodical analysis of all the facts and factors affecting the solution of the particular problem. It culmi nates in a definite decision. An estimate of the situation, 166

COMBAT ORDERS

167

either written or mental, is a necessary preliminary to every order. b. In an estimate of the situation the commander (1) considers his mission as set forth in the orders or instruc tions received, or as deduced by him from his knowledge of the situation; (2) considers all available information of the enemy; (3) considers all conditions affecting his own com mand; (4) considers the terrain, weather, climate, soil, morale, and other factors affecting the particular situation; (5) considers the various plans of action open to him, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each; (6) determines the best plan of action as deduced from the above considerations; and (7) definitely decides as to the method of procedure. The definite decision is communicated to the troops by means of a combat order. c. The following form gives, in detail, the various mat ters that should be considered in an estimate of the situation. Only such of the details, enumerated below, as apply to the situation in question should be included. The items listed in the right hand column are given solely for the purpose of recalling to the mind the various factors which may enter. I. MISSION.

A Situation. B Probable

knowledge of our situation. II. ENEMY.

C General

factors.

D . Lines of

action open to enemy.

E Probable

intentions.

a. Strength and composition. b. Location and distribution, movements; troops within supporting distance. c. Physical condition, morale, training, equipment. a. Observation. b. Reconnaissance. c. Prisoners, documents, inhabi tants (friendly or hostile). a. Time and space. b. Terrain. c. Roads and railroads. d. Weather. e. Visibility (atmospheric condi tions, cover, camouflage). f. Supply. Comparison of lines of action as influenced by: a. Situation. b. General factors. c. Special factors. \ General plan.

1

168


a. Strength and composition (comparison with enemy). b. Location and distribution. c. Supporting troops (availabil ity, strength, composition, A. Situation. location, time necessary to arrive). d. Physical condition, morale, training, equipment (com parison with enemy). a. Time and space. b. Terrain. c. Roads and railroads. III. OUR OWN. B. General fac d. Weather. TROOPS. tors. e. Visibility (atmospheric con ditions, cover, camouflage). f. Supply. Comparison of lines of action as influenced by: a. Our situation. b. General factors. C. Lines of ac c. Enemy's probable in tion open tentions. to us. d. Statement of advantages and disadvan tages of each. I IV. DECISION.—General plan, expressed definitely and briefly.

3. LETTERS OF INSTRUCTION.—Letters of instructions are generally issued by the War Department, the General Headquarters, and the headquarters of groups of armies and of armies. They are issued at the beginning of operations and as required from time to time thereafter. They regulate movements over large areas and for considerable periods of time. 4. WARNING ORDERS.—A warning order is an order is sued as a preliminary to a field order. It may take the form of a message or of afieldorder, and may be written or verbal. The purpose of the warning order is to give advance infor mation to commanders. 5. FIELD ORDERS.—a. A field order is the formal order which states the mission and the plan of action, and pre scribes the special activity of each unit. It gives only such details as to method of execution as are necessary to insure coordinated action by the whole command. It is brief and to the point, but contains all information and di rections essential to the proper functioning of the combat arms.

COMBAT ORDERS

169

b. Field orders may be written, dictated, verbal, or in fragmentary form, as in notes, brief messages, or dispatches. Field orders of armies, corps, and divisions are usually written; those of brigades and regiments are either written or dictated; and those of lower units are usually either dic tated or verbal. c. Dictated and verbal orders follow the prescribed form of written orders. Care and exactitude in the choice of lan guage is a necessary requisite. d. The standardized field order form is applicable to every situation wherein it is desired to issue tactical or strategical instructions, whether it be a formal field order, a dictated order, a verbal order, or a field message. It is equally applicable to an army or to a patrol. e. The standardized form for field orders contains the fallowing sections to each of which is assigned a particular class of information: (1) The heading. (2) The distribution of troops (in certain orders). (3) The body. (4) The ending. /. The heading contains the title; the place, date and Tiour of issue; the number of the order; and reference to the map or maps used. (1) The title is the off rial unit designation of the com mand. It may be abbreviated, written in full, or shown by a code name. (2) The place of issue is usually the location of the unit headquarters. If the need for secrecy requires it, the place of issue is omitted. (3) The hour given in the heading is the time when the order is completed, signed, and ready for distribution. (4) The number is the serial number of field orders issued by the command. Field orders are given consecutive serial numbers during the entire period of a war. (5) The map reference designates the map or maps necessary to a thorough understanding of the order, together with the scale and names of sheets or quadrangles used. g. The distribution of troops shows the tactical com ponents into which the command is divided (as advance

170


guard and main body), and the troops assigned to each. Its-, use is limited to march orders, outpost orders, or the first field order issued by a newly created command. When a. distribution of troops is used, it is headed "troops" and follows paragraph 2 of the order, without number; or is placed on the left of the body of the order, occupying about one-third the width of the page. The tactical components appear in letter subheads (a), (b), (c), * * *, the troops listed under each performing the task prescribed in the corresponding lettered subparagraphs of paragraph 3 of the order. h. The body of the order contains information and in structions for the troops. It comprises everything needful to a complete and thorough understanding of the duties to be performed by those receiving the order. It is arranged in five paragraphs, in the following sequence, each with as many subparagraphs as may be necessary: Paragraph 1. Information of the enemy and of our sup porting troops. Paragraph 2. The general plan or mission. Paragraph 3. Tactical instructions for the various units. Paragraph 4. Instructions regarding administration,, supply, evacuation, and traffic control. Paragraph 5. The location of commanders and the routes of signal communication. (1) Paragraph 1 contains such information of the en emy and of friendly supporting troops as it is necessary for subordinates to know to enable them to perform their as signed tasks. Information referring to the enemy and that referring to supporting troops is segregated and a separate lettered subparagraph assigned to each. (2) Paragraph 2 gives the mission and the plan of action or as much thereof as is necessary to insure coopera tion of all parts of the command. It also, when appropriate, gives the general scheme of maneuver by which the plan is to be executed; the objective; the time of attack; line of de parture ; direction of attack; zone of action of the command, if not operating independently or if a limitation as to ma

COMBAT ORDERS

171

neuver is desired; and the dividing line between units, or boundaries of defensive areas. (3) Paragraph 3 gives the tactical instructions neces sary to enable subordinate units to carry out plans outlined in paragraph 2. A definite task is assigned to each of the several combatant components of the command. These tasks are given under as many lettered subparagraphs, (a), (b), (c), * * *, as may be necessary to assign one subparagraph to each tactical unit to which instructions are given. The order in which the subparagraphs are assigned to the sev eral combatant units is optional with the commander. (a) The amount of detail given in subparagraphs as signed to tactical units is reduced to the minimum neces sary to insure coordinated execution of the plan of action with mutual support and assistance by all units of all arms. In general, assignments, missions, positions, special duties, and the maneuver to be performed by each unit are specified. The general rule is that the commander of the unit is told what he is to accomplish, but not how to do it. The order does not trespass upon the province of the subordinate nor destroy his initiative. (b) Subparagraph (x) contains instructions applicable to all the combatant elements of the command, and which, if not placed here, would have to be repeated in several other subparagraphs. (4) Paragraph 4 gives instructions regarding admini stration, traffic, supply, and evacuation. In commands smaller than the division this paragraph is complete in itself and contains all necessary information regarding trains, ration and ammunition distributing points, refilling points, collecting and aid stations, and other administrative matters. In divisions and higher units, the administrative details are generally too voluminous to be covered in paragraph 4 of the field order, in which case administrative instructions are given in an administrative order, and paragraph 4 is limited to a reference thereto, as "See Administrative Orders No. 3." (5) Paragraph 5 gives the plan of signal communi cation, the axes of signal communication, and the location of command posts.

172


(a) If there is a plan of signal communication, cubparagraph 5 (a) of the field order makes a reference to the number of the annex, as: "See Annex No. ." In subse quent field orders, this reference is omitted unless there is a change in the plan. In such case a brief statement is made of the changes, or reference is made to a new annex, (b) Paragraph 5 (b) gives the axes of signal communi cation of the command and of the next lower units. The axis of signal communication is generally the route of ad vance of the command post, and indicates the route along which communication is established. (c) Paragraph 5 (c) gives the location of command posts of the unit and of the next lower units, or of the place where the commanders may be found, or where messages are to be sent. The locations given are the initial locations. If the locations of subsequent command posts can be fore seen definitely they may be given, together with the hour of occupation, as Command Post will be close at LEAVENWORTH at 12:00 noon, 1 Jan 26, and open at LANSING, same date and hour." Or "Command Post, no change." i. The ending contains the signature, a list of appended documents, and the distribution. (1) Field orders are signed by commanders themselves or by their principal staff officers. The commander is ths responsible officer and it is his order, whether signed by him or by a staff officer. (2) Annexes, maps, or tables which accompany field orders are listed and given a serial number under the head ing appended, which is inserted just after the signature. (3) The distribution is given at the bottom and is an essential part of the order. Its purpose is to insure that the order is delivered to every officer or unit directly concerned with the execution of its provisions. It shows to whom the order is sent and how it is distributed. j . Annexes are used in divisions and higher units to amplify the field order, or the subparagraphs containing in structions to tactical units, when the amount of detail neces sary to insure cooperation of all arms is such as to make the field order too voluminous. Such annexes may consist of the field orders of the auxiliary arm concerned or of a co

COMBAT ORDERS

173

ordinating plan fulfilling the same functions. Annexes are numbered serially, and reference is made to them in the proper subparagraph of the field order as "See Annex No 1." When the annex is a field order, it is signed by the comman der by whom it is prepared. When it is a coordinating plan, it is signed by the chief of staff and authenticated by the officer who prepares it. It accompanies the field order and in addition is distributed to officers and units specially con cerned. k. Annexes bear at the top of the first page the cap tion "Annex No— to Field Order No—, —Division," followed on the line below by the subject matter of the annex, as "Artillery," "Machine Gun," and other arms. All or only a portion of the following annexes may be necessary: Artillery Signal Communication Air Service Machine Gun Chemical Warfare Engineer (when directly related to combat operations) Organization of the ground Intelligence.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS.—a. An administrative or der is the order which prescribes administrative functions. Its purpose is to separate instructions pertaining to admin istrative details from instructions relating to combat. It is normally a companion order of a field order. It is issued only by divisions and higher units, and outlines and coordi nates the operations of the administrative, supply, and technical branches within themselves and with those of the combatant arms. b. The standardized form of the administrative order is divided into the heading, the body, and the ending. (1) The heading is similar to that of the field order. When an administrative order accompanies a field order a notation is made to that effect, as "Administrative Orders No 3 (To accompany Field Orders No 1)." (2) The body of the order contains information and in structions to the command as a whole. It does not contain matters that pertain only to the staff and to the several chiefs of branches.

174


(a) It is arranged in eight main paragraphs, each with as many subheads as may be necessary in the following sequence: I. Supply: (railheads, ration distributing points, ammu nition distributing points, and supply points for each unit). II. Evacuation of men and animals. III. Roads: (restrictions, maintenance, and circulation). IV. Salvage and burial, including disposition of captured material. V. Military Police: (functions relating to traffic control and stragglers). VI. Prisoners of war. VII. Trains: (dispositions, movements, and special assign ments) . VIII. Miscellaneous.

(b) Paragraphs not required in a specific order are omitted, but the numbers remain consecutive throughout the order. Similarly, subjects considered of sufficient im portance to require a separate heading are given numerical headings in the proper place, and the number of headings are correspondingly increased. (3) The ending is similar to that of the field order. The signature is generally that of the chief of staff. Dis tribution corresponds to that of the field order and in ad dition includes regiments and all other organizations and persons directly affected by provisions of the order. c. An administrative order is based on the administra tive orders of higher units, on the approved plan of opera tions, and on the approved recommendations of the chiefs of administrative branches concerned. d. An administrative order is issued at any time when it is necessary to publish administrative instructions to the command. It does not, therefore, always accompany a field order. e. The first administrative order issued for an opera tion, particularly in the case of new commands, is generally somewhat long and detailed. Those issued thereafter dur ing the same operation contain only such additional details as are required by new conditions. /. The administrative order may be complete within it self, or, whenever it is necessary to publish details too vol uminous for inclusion in the order, it may be accompanied

COMBAT ORDERS

175

by one or more of the following annexes which in some cases may be the field order of the branch concerned: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Circulation map. Plan of rationing and miscellaneous supply. Plan of ammunition supply. Plan of engineer supply and work (other than tactical). Plan of evacuation and medical supply. Plan of salvage and burial. Plan of evacuation of prisoners of war. Plan of ordnance supply. Plan of signal supply.

7. MOVEMENT ORDERS. — A movement order directs movements of corps and army troops, especially movements not directly involved in a combat mission. It is used only in corps and armies to direct the movement of divisions in back areas, but orders for divisions are usually in field order form. 8. TIME REQUIRED FOR DISTRIBUTION OF ORDERS.—In

the field, under favorable conditions, the following are the minimum periods of time required for a complete distri bution of formal written orders to reach the lowest units concerned: For a regiment For a brigade For a division

11 hours 3 hours 6 hours

9. USE OF MAPS WITH ORDERS.—a. It is frequently ad vantageous and convenient to employ maps and tables as appendices to field and administrative orders and their annexes. Examples: March tables—when a movement is to be made by marching, by truck, or by a combination of the two. Entraining tables—when movement is made by rail. Relief tables—for the movement of troops and trains in re lieving front line units. Situation and operation maps. Signal line route maps and traffic diagrams. Intelligence maps. Artillery maps. Artillery and machine gun fire maps. Circulation and supply maps.

b. For conventional signs employed on military maps see Figure 17, "Conventional Signs." 10. FORMS FOR ORDERS.—It is not practicable to pre scribe forms to fit every tactical situation. Those given


176

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

Means

Carried by

VISUAL

Time re quired to place in operation minutes.

Normal Maxi rate of mum transmis sion, range, miles. words per minute. 5 Hi

2 At once At once

Flag—4 ft. —2 ft. —Semaphore

Individuals Individuals Individuals

Signal lamp—small —large

At once • Individuals 5 Combat Train

Pyrotechnics— —signal pistol —rocket, etc.

Individuals

Panels —signaling

•

Hi 5 10

"Wig-wag." "Wig-wag."

5

fi

Ranges at night are considerably greater.

1

X

Each discharge is a prearranged signal. Range depends on height of burst.

y2

H

Ground to airplane, prearranged signals. Not standardized.

xix

1

1

Combat Train or individuals Spring wagon Trailer Trk & trailer

—Cav pack set

Mules

2 5 5 10

42 4

3

25

2

CODING OR CIPHERING

Messengers!

PIGEONS WIRE SERVICE in

field

Same rate for decod ing or deciphering.

Runner Mounted Bicycle Motorcycle Airplane

1 5 10 15 150

3J^ miles per 6 miles per 10 miles per 20 miles per 100 miles per

Permanent loft Mobile loft

100 10

% miles per minute. M miles per minute.

hour. hour. hour. hour. hour.

the

—telephone

—telegraph*

—service buzzer* —buzzerphone*

Cav C Tn C Tn

WIRE CONSTRUCTION,

Individuals

crawl

n

—medium

Individuals Wire cart

H

—heavy

Wire cart or truck

—bare wire

Wagons or trucks

walk walk Walk & trot 5 mi per hr 4 mi per day

—light

Three stations, vari ous ranges.

o

—"Loop set" —FA bns & regts —Inf regts & brigs —Div

oooo

—

SOUND SIGNALS RADIO SERVICE*

Remarks

::::

....

20 X 90-150X

[100

Normal coversation

[20-40 15 12 15

Dictated and recorded

With assault battal ions. Along a clear road. Light aerial construc tion.

•Rate of transmission by telegraph is slowed down by one-half if message is in code or cipher. ' fRate varies with the distance to be covered, and the condition of the roads, weather, and traflBc. ^Standard good speech transmission.

Figure 16

CONVENTIONAL SIGNS

OF MILITARY UNITS AND ELEMENTS

UNITS

Basic

Company! Compay Battalion a Platoon "ggfe SySdron Segment Brigade Division

IEI El

Infantry Artillery

Various CPJjOP»

i

liUorf

Air .Service Cavalry

Engineers

S

0

&

Signal or iommurrication

Medical SPECIAL Tanks

B

Machine £un

Walloons

9

One pdr (37mm) ©—•

O—•

formation • Une Column

Li^bt mortar

^ Q

o-++

BOUNDARIES Regiment

Company

— H I —- m —

Battalion

— • —— • - ^ Dnâde

Enemy fVont Line MJ.

—...—....

Division •——xx——KX-

— x * - — x - Corps

Our n*ont Li n©

——xxie——xx«

IVIMW^WIW

SUPPLY Train Headquarters

Air Service Depot

Motor Transport

Depot r

Keld-Train

Ammunition De

Ordnance General Depot

Ration Cart

Chemica al W Warfare

Prisoner of War

Enclosure

Combat Train

Dislributin3

Water Cart

epot Dt

Distributing Station

Q M General Depot ov

r \ s ^-^'

Railhead

AnimaldravmTnain

Engineer Depot

^ ^

Ration d.fbrade Depot ^

Motorized Train

Gasoline Depot

@)

ReFilling Point «

Railway Train

Medical Depot

Rollin3 Kitchen

Military Police

Medical Cart

Remount Depot Signal Depot

Figure 17

178


hereafter illustrate the principles covered for some of the more common and general situations that arise, and furnish, with suitable modifications, the basis for other situations that confront commanders. They are given only for illus tration and with a view to securing uniformity. The se quence shown in paragraph 3 is not obligatory, but is ar ranged by the commander according to his best judgment. In general, the forms are based on the division but, with such modifications as may be necessary, are suitable for any unit. 11. AN ADVANCE.—The form below is for a unit ad vancing alone in one column. If the advance is made in more than one column, the "Distribution of Troops" and the subparagraphs of paragraph 3 are modified to show the for mation adopted. Title

Place

Date and hour FIELD ORDERS)

No —

J

Maps:

1. Information of the enemy and of our supporting troops. 2. General plan of commander—generally to advance to or on a desig nated locality, mission, route. Troops* (a) Cavalry: Commanderf Troops (b) Advance Guard:

Commanderf

Troops (c) Main Body—in order of march: CommanderJ Troops (d) Right (left) Flank Guard: Commanderf Troops 3. (a) Instructions for cavalry—place and time of departure, roads or country to be covered, special missions. (b) Instructions for advance guard—place and time of departure or distance at which it is to precede main body, route, special missions. •The Distribution of Troops" may be placed either after paragraph 2, or on the left of the body of the order, occupying generally about one-third the width of the page. tWhen only one tactical organization is designated, the name of the commander may be omitted, unless reasons exist for naming him. Jlf a commander is designated for the main body, his name is inserted here.

COMBAT ORDERS

179

(c) Instructions for main body—place and time of departure or distance at which it is to follow advance guard. (d) Instructions for flank guard—place and time of departure, route, missions. (e) Instructions for air service—reconnaissance, contact, especially with cavalry, selection of landing fields and time of moving thereto. (x) Instructions for outpost—when relieved, subsequent duties. Other instructions applicable to whole command. 4. If an administrative order is issued, refer to it by number. If one is not issued, give such instructions for trains, supply, and evacuation as are necessary in each case. 5. (a) Plan of signal communication—refer to annex, or indicate changes. (b) Axis of signal communication—if necessary, otherwise omit. (c) Command posts—give successive locations and hours to be occupied if advance by bounds, otherwise location of com mander in column, or place to which messages are to be sent. Signature. Distribution:

12. ADVANCE GUARD.—The following form is suitable for advance guards: Title Place Date and hour FIELD ORDERS )

No —

j

Maps:

1. Information of the enemy and of our supporting troops. 2. General plan of commander—generally a statement that the com mand forms the advance guard for the larger designated com mand, destination or direction of march. Troops* (a) Cavalry: Commander Troops (b) Support: Commander Troops (c) Reserve— in order of march. 3. (a) Instructions for cavalry—place and time of departure, roads, or country to be covered, special missions. (b) Instructions for support—place and time of departure, route, reconnaissance, special missions. (c) Instructions for reserve—distance at which it is to follow support, reconnaissance, (x) General instructions relating to whole command. 4. Instructions for field and combat trains. 5. Place of commander or where messages are to be sent. Signature Distribution: *In small commands this column can be omitted, the distrib'"tior in the subparagraphs of paragraph 3.

icing covered

180

COMMAND, STAFF AND TACTICS 13. A HALT FOR THE NIGHT—CAMP WITH OUTPOST.—

The following form is generally suitable for a halt for the night, including the establishment of outposts: Title Place Date and hour FIELD ORDERS)

No —

]

Maps:

1. Information of the enemy and of our supporting troops. 2. General plan of commander—to encamp or bivouac, general loca tion. 3. (a) Instructions for cavalry—reconnaissance, contact with enemy, special missions. (b) Designation of troops and commander* for outpost, general line to be held, special reconnaissance, connection with other outposts, if any. (c) Instructions for troops not detailed for outpost duty—location of camp, designation of camp commanderf, observation of flanks and rear when necessary. In large commands, when separate camp or bivouac sites may have to be assigned the different units, a separate lettered subparagraph may be assigned each unit, containing the special instruction for that unit. (d) Instructions for air service—location, reconnaissance, special missions. (x) General instructions applicable to whole command, such as conduct in case of attack. 4. If administrative order is issued, refer to it by number. If one is not issued, give instructions as to trains and such other ad ministrative, supply, and evacuation details as are necessary. 5. Command posts—of unit and principal subordinate units, if neces sary. Signature Distribution:

14. ATTACK.—The following form is a suitable guide for offensive operations: Title Place Date and hour FIELD ORDERS)

No —

J

1. Information of the enemy and of our supporting troops. 2. General plan of commander—give mission or objective, scheme of maneuver (whether envelopment, frontal attack, penetration, etc.), time of attack, line of departure (if entire command "jumps off" from same line; otherwise, line of departure for each unit •When the advance guard is large, the order may direct the advance guard com mander to establish the outpost. tOmitted when the superior commander exercises immediate command of the camp.

COMBAT ORDERS

181

in appropriate subparagraph of paragraph 3), direction of attack (when necessary), zones of action, or dividing lines between units. 3. (a) Instructions for infantry—(a separate lettered subparagraph is assigned to each infantry unit to which instructions are given)—mission or objective, scheme of maneuver, time of attack (if different from that given in paragraph 2), line of departure (if not given in paragraph 2), direction of attack (when necessary), zone of action (if not indicated in para graph 2). (b) Instructions for artillery—assignments, general locations, mis sions or targets, special directions as to use of gas and smoke, general instructions as to forward displacement. If necessary, amplify by annex. (c) Instructions for cavalry—position, reconnaissance, special mis sions. (d) Instructions for air service—reconnaissance, combat and special missions. If necessary, amplify by annex. (e) Instructions for tanks—generally attached to assaulting units. (f) Instructions for reserve—composition, position, special mis sions. (g) Instructions for engineers—assignments, special combat duties. If assigned duties by administrative order, refer to that order.* (h) Instructions for any troops not otherwise covered, (x) Instructions applicable to whole command. 4. If administrative order is issued, refer to it by number. If one is not issued, give such instructions regarding supply and evacua tion as may be necessary. 5. (a) Plan of signal communication: Refer to annex by number, or note changes, if any. (b) Axes of signal communication: Axis of unit and of next lower units. (c) Command posts: location of command post of unit and of next lower units.

Signature!

Distribution:

15. DEFENSE.—The following form is a guide for all classes of defensive situations. However, one should be guided by the peculiarities of each situation in determining the contents of the field order. Title Place Date and hour FIELD ORDERS J.

No —

j

Maps:

1. (a) Information of the enemy.* (b) Information of our supporting troops. 2. (a) General plan of commander giving general lines to be de fended. "Engineers should not be used as combat troops nor as a reserve except in an emergency. tit is not always possible to issue a complete attack order like the above, dis posing of an entire command. In unexpected encounters, for instance, orders will be fragmentary and must be given as the situation develops.

182

COMMAND, STAFF AND TACTiCS

(b) Positions to be organized, giving, in general terms, main line of resistance of each position, and reserve lines in appropri ate cases.f (c) Boundaries of sector occupied by the command. 3. (a) Infantry: assignment to primary subdivisions (unit sectors), special missions; use a subparagraph (3) (a), 3 (b), * * * for each organization holding one of the subdivisions and give boundaries thereof. (b) Artillery: assignment and location of units to support unit sectors, proportion to be employed in defense of each posi tion; provisions for anti-tank defense.} (c) Reserves: designation of units; commander; positions; degree of readiness; work to be done in organization of position. (d) Tanks: assignment to reserve, or to primary subdivisions; positions; missions. (e) Cavalry: position (to cover one or both flanks, or main force held in suitable position to act in crises of engagement) ; re connaissance. (f) Air service: battle reconnaissance, special reconnaissance, giv ing area within which observation is to be carried out; character of information specially desired; combat and special missions. 11 (g) Engineers: organizations attached to infantry and artillery units for organization of positions; special work in connec tion with defensive organization; for other details refer to Administrative Order. (h) Instructions for any troops not otherwise covered. (x) Instructions pertaining to whole command.

Conduct of Defense:

(1) Function of each position when there is more than one (use lettered paragraph for each position). (2) Manner of defending each position; strength to be em ployed. (3) Action in case of surprise attack and in case of foreseen attack; instructions for outpost. (4) Counter attack, when made, by what units, direction and extent. (5) Directions for coordination of infantry and artillery de fensive measures. (6) General instructions as to missions of machine guns; ar rangements for coordination within organization and with adjacent organizations.^ (7) Instructions for gas defense; gas alert and danger zones. (8) Special instructions for organization of the ground; pri ority of work. 4. Refer to administrative order by number. 5. (a) Plan of Signal Communication; refer to annex or note changes. (b) Axes of signal communication: of unit and next lower units. (c) Command posts: of unit and next lower units. Signature. Distribution: When time permits, and the situation requires, the various paragraphs of the field order are supplemented by annexes as shown below, which contain details: •Annex No . Intelligence (or refer to Sumary of Intelligence, En emy Situation Map, or all). tAnnex No . Organization of the Ground. j Annex No —. Artillery. 11Annex No . Air Service. IJAnnex No . Machine Guns (generally in form of map of machine gun fires).

COMBAT ORDERS

183

16. ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS.—In using the following form, the details to be included depend entirely upon the situation, and upon the state of training and experience of the unit. Only such paragraphs as apply to the situation are embodied in the order. Title Place Date and hour ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS }

No —

J

To accompany Field Orders No—*

Maps: I.

SUPPLY:

A. Railhead: Give location of, and date of drawing supplies therefrom. (Give assignment of army troops, corps and corps troops and divisions.) B. Rations: 1. Give any special instructions about rations, such as kind and replacement of reserves. 2. (Refer to plan of ration and miscellaneous supply, if is sued.) 3. Give location of distributing point or points, giving organiza tions to draw and hours of drawing at each point. C. Ammunition: 1. Give location of distributing point or points, and organiza tions served thereat. 2. Refer to plan of ammunition supply, if issued. 3. (Give refilling points with kinds of ammunition and organiza tions to refill at each.) D. Engineer Material: 1. Give location of refilling point or points, and description of materiel. (Give organizations to be served at each.) 2. Give location of distributing point or points for use of com bat troops, if necessary. 3. Refer to plan of engineer supply and work (other than tac tical) if issued. E. Water Supply: 1. Give location of water distributing points or method of sup piy 2. Give any special instructions or caution relative to condi tion of water, keeping water wagons filled and chlorina tion. NOTE.—Similar subparagraphs pertaining to supplies of other services, such as ordnance, signal corps, medical, and gasoline and oil, are added when necessary. *A11 formal field orders of units larger than a brigade, which make changes of administration or supply necessary, should be accompanied by an administrative order. This order, however, should include only the necessary changes, referring to previous administrative orders in force for other details, or stating, in ttie miscel laneous paragraph, "Other administrative details; no change."

184


II. EVACUATION:

By whom. A. Men: Give location of: 1. Collecting stations (for march and combat). 2. Hospital stations (in attacks and defensive situations). B. Animals: 1. Give location of collecting station. 2. Give any special instructions for division veterinarian which are of interest to the command. C. Refer to plan of evacuation and medical supply, if issued. III. ROADS:

A. Restrictions: Give instructions relative to assignment or use of certain roads, such as reserved roads, traffic direction between certain hours, and daylight traffic. B. Maintenance: 1. Give instructions to engineers about repair and construction of roads and bridges. 2. Give instructions relative to signs. C. Circulation: 1. Give axial roads, if necessary. 2. Give instructions regarding direction of traffic on certain roads, or refer to circulation map (normally issued when circulation is restricted). IV. SALVAGE AND BURIAL:

A. Salvage: 1. Give instructions relative to collection and evacuation of salvage. 2. Give any special instructions relative to units and trans portation detailed for salvage duty. 3. Give instructions relative to disposition of captured ma terial. B. Burial: 1. Give assignment of details for burial duty, with time and place of reporting. 2. Give assignment of transportation and tools for burial duty, with time and place of delivery. 3. Designate cemeteries to be used. C. Give any instructions that pertain to both salvage and burial, such as disposition of equipment of the dead. V. MILITARY POLICE:

A. Traffic Control: 1. Give instructions to provost marshal relative to police ar rangements on roads. 2. Give schedule of traffic priority, if necessary. 3. Give any special instructions relative to distances to be maintained between groups of vehicles or troops when marching.

COMBAT ORDERS

185

B. Give special instructions for use of military police, such as special points to be policed, use of mounted officers and motor cycle patrols. C. Give location of straggler line and straggler collecting point. VI. PRISONERS OF WAR:

A. Give location of collecting point (cage for corps, or enclosure for army). B. Give instructions relative to disposition and evacuation of pris oners of war, or references to plan of evacuation, if issued. VII.

TRAINS:

A. Service Trains: 1. Give necessary special instructions relative to location or movement. 2. Give instructions relative to special assignments or release. B. Field Trains: 1. Give instructions relative to formation in columns or other movements. 2. Give location of bivouacs, when required. C. Give instructions relative to reporting exact location of all trains, and liaison between them and division headquarters. NOTE.—Any subject deemed of sufficient importance for a sep arate main paragraph should be entered here with proper Roman nu meral. VIII. MISCELLANEOUS: A. Surplus Baggage:

Give instructions relative to its disposition.

B. Quartering: Give any special instructions for quartering parties or guides. C. Mail:

Give any special instructions necessary.

D. Captured Materiel:

Give any instructions relative to reports of same.

E. Give any other administrative matters which do not require a separate paragraph in the order. By command of Major General—. Chief of Staff. Official:

A C of S, G4

Distribution:

186


17.

ARTILLERY ANNEX

(for attack or defense).

ANNEX No— TO FIELD ORDERS No—, — DIVISION

ARTILLERY*

Title Place Date and hour FIELD ORDERS)

No —

]

Maps:

1. (a) Information of the enemy: Such general information as necessary. (b) Information of other troops: 1. Mission and general plan. 2. Zones of action of such units as necessary. 3. Other information needed by the artillery. (c) Information of supporting artillery (higher and adjacent units). 2. (a) General mission of the artillery unit. (b) General description of artillery preparation (if any). (c) Character or general description of artillery support (includ ing hours). 3. (a) Instructions to each unit or group of units. Positions, assignment to support particular unit or sector, and mission (similar subparagraphs as necessary), (b) Instructions for any attached troops, (x) Such of the following instructions as are applicable to all units. (1) Movements to position. (2) Preparation (or counter preparation and other defensive fires). (3) Support during the attack—as barrages and concentra tions. Kind of fire and methods of employment. (4) Accompanying batteries and guns (or forward guns). (5) Rates of fire or ammunition expenditure. (6) Use of gas and other special shell. Often includes prohibitory instructions. (7) Restrictions as to hours of firing. (8) Assignment of units to respond to airplane calls for fire. (9) Displacement of artillery. 4. (a) Refer to division administrative order by number. (b) Instructions for combat, ammunition and field trains, and other details not contained in administrative order. 5. (a) Plan of Signal Communication, if necessary. (b) Axes of Signal Communication—

That of unit and such other units as necessary.

(c) Command posts: Of unit, next lower units, and such other units as neces ary. Signature. Attached maps and tablesf Distribution: "The artillery annex to a division field order is the field order of the artillery brigade, with the addition of this caption. tFrequently it is desirable to use marked maps, charts, tracings and tables in connection with the order.

COMBAT ORDERS

187

18. TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS.—The following are some of the abbreviations employed in combat orders. Their use is encouraged. Abbreviations are written with out spacing or periods between capital letters. UNITS:

Squad Section Platoon Company Battalion Regiment Brigade Division

Sqd Sec Plat Co Bn Regt Brig Div

BRANCHES:

Air Service Artillery Cavalry Chemical Warfare Service Coast Artillery Corps Engineers Field Artillery Infantry Medical Corps Medical Department Military Police . Ordnance Department Signal Corps Veterinary Corps

AS Arty Cav CWS CAC Engrs FA Inf MC MD MP Ord Dept Sig C VC

OFFICERS, RANK:

Lieutenant Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel (General) Colonel Brigadier General Major General

Lt Capt Maj Lt Col (Gen) Col Brig Gen Maj Gen

OFFICERS, FUNCTION:

Adjutant Assistant Chief of Staff Chaplain Chief of Staff Commander Commanding General Commanding Officer Headquarters Commandant and Provost Marshal Judge Advocate Quartermaster Remount Officer Signal Officer Surgeon Division Machine Gun and Howit zer Officer Inspector Intelligence Officer

Adj AC of S (Gl, G2, G3, G4> Chap C of S Comdr CG CO Hq Comdt & PM JA QM Rmt O Sig 0 Surg DMGHO Inspr Int O

188


OFFICERS, STAFF: Adjutant Intelligence Officer Operations and Training Officer— Supply Officer

Battalion Regiment Bn 1 R 1 Bn 2 R 2 Bn 3 R 3 Bn 4 R 4

MISCELLANEOUS:

Administrative Orders Afternoon (i.e., between 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight) ___ Collecting Point Collecting Station Combat Train Command Post Detachment Exclusive Field Orders Field Train Howitzer Company Inclusive Light Tank (Battalion) (Company) Light Mortar (Section) Machine Gun (Battalion) (Company) Morning (i.e., between 12:00 mid night and 12:00 noon) . Number One-pounder (Section) Postal Section Ration Distributing Point Road Junction Special Troops Verbal Orders East South North West

Adm O PM Coll P Coll Sta C Tn CP Det excl FO F Tn How Co incl L Tk (Bn) (Co) LM (Sec) MG (Bn) (Co) AM No. 1-pdr (Sec) Post Sec RDP RJ Sp Trs VO E S N W

Names of months are also abbreviated.

Brigade B 1 B 2 B 3 B 4

1 n de x Page

Page

Abbreviations for field orders 187

Action after attack 150

Active defense 153

Administration 28

Administrative staff 25

troops 11

Administrative orders 173

form for 183

Advance, form for field

orders 178

Advance guard, form for field orders 179

Advance guard artillery 109

Advance guards 124

Air service 96

reconnaissance 118

Ambulance battalion 100

in camp 114

Ambuscades 148

Ammunition, artillery 53

train 104

Animal-drawn transport 105

Annexes to administrative

orders 175

to field orders 172

Approach formations 34, 39

Areas, corps 10

quartering 112

Arms and branches, com bined 16

Army artillery 53

cavalry 71

Army, of the United States. 12

organization of 13

Regular, the 3

service area 10

Artillery 52-61

ammunition train 104

annex, form for 186

battalion, horse 94

combat train 102

command 56

data 54

dispositions in defense 159

division 52

field, classification 53

field train 103

in the advance guard 109

observation airplane 119

on the march 108

organization 53

preparation 57

Tables of Organization. —

battalion, 75-mm. gun_ 64

155-mm. howitzer 70

battery, 75-mm. gun__ 62

brigade, field 68

regiment, 75-mm. gun 66

with cavalry 79

Assault, formation 35

infantry 38

the hostile 164

Attack — action after 150

advantages of 135

against a defensive zone 149

a prepared position 149

an enemy deployed 148

deployment for 143

difficulties of 135

enveloping 138

fire, the 38

form for field order 169

forms of 136

frontages in 143

frontal 137

limited objective 140

local 140

meeting engagements 148

methods of 141

mounted, cavalry 74

night, 145

of river lines 141

penetrating 137

plan of 141

preparation for 146

successful 150

the counter 164

time of 144

Authority, exercise of 22

Axes of signal communi cation 172

Balloons 97

Barrage, defensive 60

rolling 59

Basis of command 22

Battalion, ambulance 100

artillery 55

75-mm. gun 64

189

190

INDEX Page

Page

155-mm. howitzer 70 hospital 100 infantry 37, 46 reserve line, the 160 sanitary 99 Battery, artillery 55 frontage 56 organization, 75-mm. gun 62 Battle, defensive, the 163 indecisive 151 position 160 reconnaissance 118 reconnaissance, air ser vice 97, 119 zone defense 155 Boundaries, conventional signs 177 Branches, administrative 28 the combined 16 Brigade, artillery 68 cavalry, organization of 84 field artillery 68 infantry 41 Bridge equipment 99 Camp, form for field orders 180 engineers in 113 sanitation of 113 site, selection of 112 water, supply 113 Casualties, march collec tion 110 Cavalry 71-81 advance guard 126 division, the 12 marches 108 offensive action 73 operations 72 pursuit 80 reconnaissance 119 with an outpost 130 versus cavalry 74 Centers of resistance 162 Channel of command 24, 26 Charge, the cavalry 74 Chief of staff 24 Ciphering, rate of 176 Civilian Military Training Camps 2 Classification of troops 11 Close reconnaissance 118 Coast defense 11 Coding, rate of 176 Collecting stations, march__ 111 Combatant troops 11

Combat, defensive 152-165 engineer regiment 98 offensive 135-151 groups 162 localization of 135 orders 166-188 trains 57, 101 units 32, 37 zone 10 Combined action by cavalry. 76 Command 22-30 artillery 56 basis of 22 chain of 24 channel of 26 exercise of 22 posts 29, 146, 172 Commander, company 35 position of 146 outguard 133 outpost 132 reconnaissance by 121 support, in an outpost 132 Communication, means of 176 signal 28 Communications zone 10 Company, combat engineer 99 howitzer 38 light tank 42 machine gun 34 veterinary 100 Composition of outposts 130 Concentrations, progressive- 59 Conduct, of marches 107 of the defense 153 of the outpost 129 Connecting groups 37, 164 Continuing the attack 150 Conventional signs 177 Corps areas 6, 0 Corps, artillery 53 cavalry , 71 organization of the _13, 14 Cossack posts 113 Counter attack 164 Counter battery fire 61 Counter offensive preparation fire 60 Covering force, in the de fense 157 Data, artillery 54 Decisive arm, infantry as the 30 Defense, active, conduct of_ 153 coast 11 form for field orders 181 national 2

INDEX

191

Page

Page

passive, conduct of 154

tactical principles in 152

zone, attack against 149

Defensive, areas 155

barrage 60

cavalry action 77

combat 152-165

78

position, cavalry in Delaying action 154

Departments, overseas 6

Departure, line of 146

Deployed defense, the 156

Deployment, cavalry 78

depth of 154

for attack 143

Depth in attack 144

Destruction fire 58

Detachments, medical 101

security 123

Dictated orders 169

Dismounted action of cav alry 76

Distant reconnaissance 117

Distribution, of orders -172, 175

of troops in defense __ 158

Division, air service 96

artillery : 52

cavalry 71, 82

engineers 97

organization 14, 15, 18

staff, the 27

trains 104, 113

transport 101

Division of the general staff- 25

Double envelopment 140

Draft, selective service 8

Echelon, definition of 73

Enemy deployed, attack against an 148

Engagements, meeting 148

Engineers, division 97

Engineer, train 104

troops, in camp 113

Enlisted Reserve Corps — 4

Enveloping attack 138

Envelopment, the double 140

Establishing the outpost 132

Estimate of the situation _ 166

Evacuation, system of 29

Field artillery, classification

of 53

Field forces _____ 10

commander : 12

Field orders 168

Field trains 103

Fire, artillery 52

adjustment for . 57

counter battery _ 61

destruction , 58

direction of 55

for effect 57

interdiction 58

neutralization 58

preparation of 57

registration 57

supporting 58

Fire attack, infantry 38

superiority 34

Fire fight, in defense, the__ 163

Firing line 160

First line of defense 4

Flank guards 126

Flank to envelop, determin ation of 139

Foragers, line of 73

Form, administrative orders- 173

estimate of the situa tion 167

field orders 169

Formal orders 168

Formation, approach 34

assault 35

of security detachments 124

Forms, of attack 136

of defense 154

Frontages, cavalry 74

in attack 143

in defense : 159

Frontal attacks 137

Functions, of the artillery. 52

infantry 31

larger units 11

Regular Army 3

Staff 24

trains 30

General Headquarters Re serve 12

General Staff 24

Ground observation 3

Gun, one-pounder (37-mm.)_ 38

Harbor defense 11

Halt, form for field orders. 180

Holding units •. . 153

Horses, led, cavalry 76

Hospital battalion _. 100

in camp 114

Hospitalization, system of _ 29

Howitzer company 38

organization 50

Indecisive battle 151

Infantry 31-43

battalion 37

brigade 41

combat train 102

company 34

contact airplane ______ 119

192

INDEX Page

Pag«

field train 103 howitzer company 38 intelligence airplane ___ 119 light tank company 42 machine gun company 36 platoon 33 120 t reconnaissance regiment 41 superiority 136 Information 116 Intelligence 116 Interdiction fire, artillery 58 Key-points, in the defense _ 158 Larger units, functions 11 Leadership 22 Led horses, cavalry 76 Length of marches 107 Letters of instruction 168 Liaison officers 61 Limbers, artillery 57 Limited objective attack 140 Line of departure 146 Line of resistance 158 Line officers 11 Local attacks 140 Localization of combat 135 Machine gun company 36 organization 48 Machine guns in the defense _162 Machine gun troop 92 Maneuver, the scheme of, 142 Maps to accompany orders 175 March casualties 110 Marches 106-112 artillery 108 medical troops 110 signal troops 109 transport 111 Means of communication 176 Meeting engagements 148 Medical detachments ^101 on the march 110 Medical, personnel and units 29 service in camp 114 regiment, in camp 114 on the march 110 train 104 troops, division 99 Messengers 176 Methodic attack, the 142 Methods of attack 141 Military, intelligence 116 organization 1 policy 1 Militia 3 Mobilization 8 centers 9 Mortar, light, infantry 38

Motor transport 30,105 Mountains, operations in 140 Mounted, attack, cavalry 74 formation 73 Movement, turning 140 National defense 2 National Guard 3 divisions 5 Neutralizing fire, artillery — 58 Night attacks 145 Objective, limited 140 Observation 121 air service 96 posts, artillery 57 Occupation, of positions by artillery 56 of the ground, in defense_158 Offensive combat 135-151 Officers, intelligence 117 liaison 61 line and administrative __ 11 Officers' Reserve Corps 4 Operation of service trains 104 Operations, cavalry 72 in mountains 140 special 140 theater of 9 Orders, administrative 173 and instructions 23 combat 166-188 field 168 forms for • 175 outpost 132 warning 168 Organization 1-16 air service, of the division 96 artillery 53 cavalry 71 brigade 84 division 82 machine gun troop 92 regiment 86 squadron 88 troop 90 divisions, Organized Reserves 7 engineer regiment 98 horse artillery battalion- 94 infantry 32 infantry division 18 special troops 20 in peace 6 National Guard 5 of a corps 14 of a division staff 27 of an army 13 position in defense 159 trains 101

INDEX

193

Page

Page

Organized Reserves 4

divisions 7

Outguards 131

Outposts 128

defensive system 159

form for field orders 180

Panels, signal 176

Passive defense 154

Patrols, outpost 131

reconnoitering 119

Peace, organization in 6

to war footing 8

Penetrating attacks 137

Pigeons 176

Plan, of attack 141

of maneuver 142

of signal communication 171

Plans for penetrations 137

for pursuit 150

Platoon, engineer 98

rifle 33

Platoons, line of, cavalry 73

Policy, military 1

Position defense, organization of 156

Position, of commanders 146

organization of a 159

Positions, defensive, for cavalry 78

occupation of, artillery 56

Post, command 146

observation, artillery 57

Preparation, of artillery fire_ 57

for attack 146

for marches 106

for war 2

of fire, artillery 57

Prepared position, attack against a 149

Principles, defensive action _152

offensive combat 135

supply 29

Progressive concentrations 59

Pursuit 150

by cavalry 80

Pyrotechnics 176

Quartering parties 112

Radio transmission, rates of 176

Raids 140

Rate of marches 107

Rear guards 127

Regiment, cavalry 86

combat engineers 98

infantry 41, 44

medical 99

75-mm. gun 55, 66

155-mm. howitzer 55

Regimental reserve line, the 160

Reconnaissance 117-122, 136

air service 97, 118

cavalry 119

combat 120

commander 120

infantry 120

in force 140

Reconnoitering, cavalry 119

Regular Army, The 3

Relief of the outpost 133

Reserve, General Head quarters 12

Officers' Training Corps _ 2

Reserves, cavalry 75

Organized 4

Resistance, the line of 158

Resources, national 2

Rifle, company 34, 47

platoon 33

Rifles, automatic 33

River crossings 141

Rolling barrage 59

Sanitary battalion 99

in camp 114

Sanitation of camps 113

Scheme of maneuver 142

Sectors, in a defensive system 156

Security 123-134

Selective service draft 8

Sentinels, outpost 133

Service area, the army 10

Service company, infantry __ 41

trains 104

Shelter 112-115

Shock action, cavalry 71

Signal communication 26, 28

combat 147

on the defensive 159

on the march 109 plan of 171

Signal troops, on the march __109 Signature, of field orders 172

Signs, conventional 177

Situation, estimate of the —166 Situations, types of 147

Special operations 140

Special troops, organization of 20

Squad, infantry 33

Squadron, cavalry 88

Squads, line of, cavalry 73

Staff and command 22-30

Staff, division 27

of lower units 26

reconnaissance 121

technical and administra tive 25

Staffs 24

194

INDEX

Page

Page

Strength, comparison of cavalry 76

of outposts 130

Strong points 161

Superiority, infantry 136

Supervision, indirect 26

Supply, system of 29

Support, the line 160

Supporting fires, artillery 58

Supports, outpost 131

Surprise 148

attacks 148

System, evacuation and hospitalization 29

signal communication 28

supply 29

transport 30

Tactical opportunities 141

Tank company, light 42

Technical, control 28

staff, the 25

Telegraph, rate of transmis sion 176

Telephoning, rate of 176

Terminology, defensive 155

Territorial organization,

National Guard divisions. 5

Organized Reserve divi sions 7

Theater, of operations 9

of war 9

Time, distributing orders 175

of attack 144

Trains 30

combat 101

field 103

in camp 113

infantry battalion organization of service Training, voluntary Transmission, signal, rates of Transport, division on the march system Troop, cavalry Troops, classification of on outpost quartering Turning movement Unsuccessful attack, action after Verbal orders Veterinary company in camp Visual signaling Voluntary training Vulnerability, mounted formations Wagon transport . War footing War strength, organized reserve units War, theater of Warning orders Water supply in camps Waves, infantry Wire construction, rate of Withdrawal Zone, combat communications defense attacks against Zone of action

38

101

104

2

176

101

111

30

90

11

130

112

140

151

169

100

115

176

2

73

30

8

6

9

168

113

33

176

159

10

10

157

149

142

Army National Guard Tactics (1923)

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