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
1923
THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS PRESS
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
ORGANIZATION 1
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 96
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.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII
Page
MARCHES AND SHELTER 106
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
INFORMATION AND RECONNAISSANCE llfr
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
OFFENSIVE COMBAT 135;
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 at end
vi
List of Plates and Diagrams
Figure Page
1. Divisions of the National Guard 5
2. Divisions of the Organized Reserves 7
3. Typical organization of an army 13
4. Typical organization of a corps 14
5. Diagram of the organization of a division 15
6. Basic organization of a division staff 27
7. Approach formation, infantry platoon 34
8. Assault formations, infantry platoons 35
9. Close approach formations of the battalion (a) 39
10. Close approach formations of the battalion (b) 40
11. Table of road spaces following page 108
12. Terminology and general outline of a battle zone 155
13. Deployed defense 156
14. Position defense 157
15. Battle position 161
16. Means of signal communication 176
17. Conventional signs 177
Vii
Tables of Organisation
Page
1W—Infantry Divisionf 18-19
3W—Special Troops, Infantry Division 20-21
*23W—Infantry Regimentf 44-45
26W—Infantry Battalionf 46
28W—Rifle Company, Infantry Regiment 47
29W—Machine Gun Company, Infantry Regiment 48-49
30W—Howitzer Company, Infantry Regiment 50-51
38W—Battery 75-mm. Gun Regiment 62-63
36W—Battalion, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 64
33W—Regiment, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 66-67
31W—Field Artillery Brigade, Infantry Divisionf 68-69
136W—Battalion, 155-mm. Howitzer, Motorizedf 70
401W—Cavalry Divisionf 82-83
421W—Cavalry Brigadef 84-85
423W—Cavalry Regiment 86-87
426W—Squadron, Cavalry Regimentf 88-89
428W—Troop, Cavalry Regiment 90-91
429W—Machine Gun Troop, Cavalry Machine Gun Squadron 92-93
436W—Separate Battalion, 75-mm. Guns, Horse Artillery 94-95
*Abbreviated.
fConsolidated table.
viii
CHAPTER I
Organization
Paragraph
Military organization 1
Military policy 2
Regular Army 3
National Guard — 4
Organized Reserves 5
Organization in peace .6
Peace to war footing 7
Theater of operations 8
Communications zone 9
Combat zone . 10
Coast defense 11
Classification of troops 12
Functions of larger units 13
The army 14
The corps 15
The division 16
The combined arms and branches 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.
(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, Cavalry divisions are allotted as follows
and one regtmeiif of tnfanrry unoss/gned Cav Div Corps Area
New Hampshire furnishes Corps and Army 21st II & III
troop* 22d IV, V, & VI
Other allotments of Corps and Army troops 23d I, IV, & VIII
and Coajt Artillery Corps n 24th VI. VII, & IX
C33 Aug I" 1922 Figure 1

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 \\
LEGEND11
CORPS AREA HEADQUARTERS
— — CORPS AREA BOUNDARY
— ••— DIVISION AREA BOUNDARY
I.Cavalry Divisions are allotted'aj follows..

Cav DiV to Corps Area
6/ J ' I
6ZJ m
63''den Ibrig) IV
/ brig., 63 "Div VID
61" (less I brig) V
/ brig. 64 * Div 1
65* ' VI
66"i less I brig) VD
lbrig.66l*Div DC
2. Non divisional troops of Corps.
reserve and coast arriiiery districts
omitted
OSS Aug. I''1922

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
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
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 ARMY ARTILLERY
1 Cav div 1 Cav div Combat artillery from GHQ reserve.
•ANTI-AIRCRAFT Ammunition Train (6 cos).

1 Anti-aircraft brigade
AIR SERVICE
Hq Sq 1 Obsn Gp One Attack Wing (320 airplanes).
12 air- 4 sqs, 58 1 Attack Gp— 1 Pursuit Gp, 1 Pursuit Gp.
planes airplanes 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
accordance with plans and orders promulgated by army-

headquarters. 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 ar-
TYPICAL ORGANIZATION OF A CORPS
Two or more divisions temporarily assigned.
ARTILLERY BRIGADE
1 regt 1 regt 1 rppt

155 mm 155 mm 15C m/n
howitzers howitzers •vmrlzers
1 regt Ammunition Train

Obsn (flasM 155 mm
battalion guns 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)
Corps Air Service

Anti-aircraft (CAC) regt
2 obsn sqs
1 MG bn (48 guns)
4 bin cos 1 A-A gun bn (12 guns
and 12 searchlights)
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
ORGANIZATION 15
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 re-
DlAGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION OP A DIVISION

1st Brig 2d Brig
1st Inf 2d Inf ZA Inf 4th Inf
1st FA BnV
M
1st FA (75 mm guns) 2d FA (75 mm guns)
Am Tn 1st FA Brig
1st Engrs 1st Obsn Sq
DHQ
Fwd Ech Hq 1st Div
Rear Ech Hq 1st Div
Sp Tps 1st Div
Hq Co 1st Div 1st Ord Co

1st Sig Co Serv Co 1st Div
1st Tk Co 1st MP Co
1st Med Regt 1st Div Tn
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.
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.
tOCOtOtOMM MM -I M
52 COCOMOCOOO 09 to SCO 0 0 - 3 OS 31 » CO to
1
OOO I) > 1-3
0
g 5
I | 5 1 i
t»
M. G
I t
I
-J
37-mm
3
4-horse
| g |
Carts, wire
Mules, naek
Mules, draft
M
Horses, draft
L 1 s
q
q
1
i
Units
1 a 3
terv and store

I
q 3
Carts, ammunition,
Carts, ammunition,
Total commissioned
Carts, reel, battery,

r
Total warrant officers
Wagons, combined bat

Ambulance, animal-drawn
Carts and reels. 6-horse....

09 Division Headquarters to
CO • GO
00 (Table 2W)
M Special Troops
OS OM CO co
006
998
•00 as*. CO en CO CO (Table 3W)

to en os to
Two Infantry Brigades

•M £>•
oo -a M to to CO D
(Table 21W)
11976
12416
1592
434
to I^CO CO OS OS £>• SO OS
CO M to to M CO
One Artillery Brigade en
1157
1590
146
3118
099
8928
-OS os CO CO O £ (Table 31W)

M o
M00 co
One Combat Engineer Regi OS
908
"M o OS tO 0 0 845 M 00 ment (Table 63W)
co
Division Air Service
190
822
00 (Table 71W)
M One Medical Regiment

CO ooo OS 00
928
098
*>• coos s M (Table 83W)

o
M en Division Train
CO co M CO
766
747
CO-3 CD (Table 91W)
*».
(->
M M to Total 0
-co M M
19389
O O to to to CO co -a SO
3010
1626
812
1923
16
en os CO CO
18553
CO os OS •Ft o
oo os coo
to en
Medical Dept.
515
594
*. O CD co (Table 90W)
2T 1 TT
Attached
1 M M Chaplains d
i i
COtOM Aggregate
<*• M M M O OS co
905
ao MMO o M co t—i to co co COCOMCOCOCO to

19997
Ô OS CO 00 OS - J —1 iO tOtOOSOS t^ O - 3 OS O CO OS
*Insert
19068 Column 12.
M
numerical
REMARKS
designation of
"Exclusive of 2 chaplains carried in
SOIiOVX QNV 'QNVHH00 81

25 2S
26 18 1 19 19
27 12 12 12
28 24 24 24
29 40 40 6 46
30 Bicycles 18 112 20 15 25 190 9 199
31 Cars, motor, 5-passenger 3 8 6 2 2 11 21 53 53
32 Cars, motor, 7-passenger 2 2 2
33 4 4 4
34 2 2 2
35 Motorcycles, with side
cars 26 52 37 16 8 11 39 189 23 212
36 Tractors, 5-ton 2 2' 2
37 Trailers, cargo, l|-ton 6 6' 6
38 Trailers, kitchen 3 1 1 10 4 19" 4 23
39 Trailers, photographic,
2 2 2
40 6 61 6
41 Trailers, ration, J-ton 1 1
42 Trailers, spare parts,
medical 2F 2T 2
43 2 2 2
44 Trailers, storage battery „ 1 1 . 1 o
45 Trailers, tank, 300-gal. 2 2 10 14 4 18
2
to
46 2 2 Q
Trucks, artillery ,rrepair 4 4 4
74 >
51 Trucks, cargo, f-ton 8 10 3 3 34 13 71 3
to;
52 Trucks, cargo, 1J—2-ton.. 18 6 18 62 110 226 226
53 Trucks, cargo, 3 to 5-ton.. 3 2 5 5
30
54
55
Trucks F. W. D. 30
1
30
1 1 >
56 Trucks, light repair. 2 1 3 3

57 Trucks, Mack, with re
inforced springs,
5|-ton 25 25 25
58 Trucks, M. T. machine
1 2 3 3
7 11 12 30 30
70 13 13 13
71 144 144 144
72 10 12 22 22
73 48 48 48
74 14 96 110 110
75 Guns, machine, anti
42 3 45 45
76 Guns, machine, flexible 26 26 26
77 Guns, machine, syn
26 26 26
78 24 24 24
79 Pistols 38 704 5140 3268 214 228 206 9798 9798
80 Rifles 134 6950 631 570 8285 8285
81 648 120 24 792 792
82 Rifles, with grenade
648 648 648
83 Tanks, fighting, light.. 24 24 . 24
84 Tanks, signal, light 1 1 1
TABLE 3W
SPECIAL TROOPS, INFANTRY DIVISION (A)
(War Strength)
May 4, 1921 to
o
10 12 13
O
Units REMARKS
Lieutenant colonel or
major 1 "Commanding officer special
Captains 31 troops, division headquarters com

First lieutenants mandant, and provost marshal.
Second lieutenants b
l adjutant arKl 1 supply officer.
"From Det ,ciied Officers' List.
d
Total commissioned. 32 35 l sergean major and 1 supply
sergeant.
e
Warrant officers. 12 12 12 Personnel records.
Master sergeants 1 1 4 4 'Cobbler.
Technical sergeants 6 2 10 10 BI storekeeper, 1 mail clerk, 1
First sergeants 1 1 6 6 miscellaneous.

Staff sergeants 8 2 23 24 •"Mounted on horse.
Sergeants 19 4 11 58 59 'From infantry. O
Corporals 11 5 15 81 k
82 Medical Dept. technician. in
Privates 1st class 63 30 100 293 297 m

l wagoner and 3 Medical Dept.
Privates 89 60 23 381 389 technicians (incl. 1 dental).
Miscellaneous 1st z
(5) (5) Dental.
Miscellaneous 2d A
(7) (7) The units comprising the special
Miscellaneous 3d (11) 3) (7) (8) troops, infantry division, are com

Miscellaneous. 4th (17) 3) (20) 13) (1) (2) Uk) bined under the command of the
Miscellaneous 5th (fD (6) 9) (19) 10) (4) commanding officer special troops,
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous.
6th
7<*T
(34)
(94)
(61)
(36)
(30)
(32)
17)
30) 81 (23)
(94)
( 4 m)
(7)
primarily for administration end
discipline. This officer is respon

sible for the technical training
Total enlisted 150 (80) ' and operation of the headquarters

198 145 105 100 150 856 15 871
company and military police com
Aggregate 11 213 156 151 112 102 155 900 I 18 918 pany, but not for the technical
training . of the signal company,
Horses, draft. 16 16 light tank company, ordnance com
Horses, riding.
64
23 105 111 pany and service company.
27 Mules, draft i
44 i
8 10 62 4 66
28 Mules, riding 2 2 2
29 Carts, ration, 2-mule 4 1 5 5
30 Carts, water, 2-mule 2 2 2
31 Carts, wire, 2-horse 4 *
4 4
32 Kitchens, rolling, 4-mule 4 1 1 6 6
33 Wagons, escort (combat) 2 2 2
34 Wagons, escort (R. & B.)~ 4 1 1 6 6
35
Wagons, medical, 4-mule.. 1 1
36 Bicycles _ 6 12 18 1 19
37
Cars, motor, 5-passenger 1 1 1 3 3
38
Motorcycles with side
cars 9 2 4 1 10 26 1 27
39 Trailers, kitchen 1 1 1 3 3
40 i 1. 1
41 Trailers, tank, 300-gal. 1 1 2 2
Mi
I I I
42 Trailers, storage battery .. 1 1 1
43 Trucks, artillery repair 1 3 4 4.
44 Trucks, artillery supply,
load B 3 3
i
I
45 Trucks, artillery supply,
load D 1 3 4
I I I : : 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1
46 Trucks, cargo, |-ton 5 1 2 8
Mii
47 Trucks, cargo, 1£—2-ton.. 3 9 6 18 18
48 Trucks, cargo, 3-ton 3 3
49
50
Trucks, gasoline, 750-gal...
Trucks, Mack (5J-ton)
with reinforced springs..
1
25
1 2
25
3
2
25
P
iiiiiiIi 1
51 Trucks, light repair 2 2 2
52 Trucks, patrol, f-ton _ 1 1 1
53 Trucks, radio, army 1 1 1
54 Trucks, radio, divisional 1 1 1
55 Trucks, small arms repair 2 2 2
56 Guns, 37-mm. 10 10 10
57 Guns, machine... 14 14 14
58 Pistols 11 209 156 151 22 155 704 704
59
Rifles 44 90 : 134 134
60 Tanks, fighting, light 24 24 24
61 Tanks, signal, light 1 I 1
CHAPTER II
Command and Staff

Paragraph
Basis of command 1
Exercise of command 2
Staffs 3
The general staff 4
Technical and administrative staff 5
Staffs of lower units 6
Administration 7
Signal communication 8
System of supply 9
System of evacuation and hospitalization 10
Transport system 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
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
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.
(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 those-
of 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 various-
branches, 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.
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.
Division Commander
Personal
3 Aides
Staff
\CofS
GENERAL STAFF
Personnel .Section Military Intel Iigence Section Operation ana Training Section Supply Section
\ AC ofS: G I | I AC ofS: C2 ACofS:G3 A C ofS: G •*
rii iii iiiixx COMBAT TROOPS

TECHNICAL AND
s
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Comdrs
I ><
Inf Brigs
OJJ Comdr
>>
- j
i FA Brig
Zi\ ill Comdr

Air Service
Administrative
3^ troops and Sup-
piu and Techni-
Comdr Light
Tank Co
cal troops.
&
Comdr
Engr fiegt
Note: Dotted line indicates disciplinary and administrative control X used exceptionally
as combat troops
Figure 6
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
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 1
Organization 2
The rifle platoon 3
The rifle company 4
The machine gun company 5
The battalion 6
The howitzer company 7
The regiment 8
The brigade 9
The light tank company 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
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 self-
contained 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
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 FORMATIONS
Echeloned 5«ction Columns • Line of Section Columns:
H Ik 75 to ISO Ms J|
75 Y<u "^ 2* Section i**Sect,on

ts Yds EchelonedI Squa
Squadd 'Columns
\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 one-
pounder 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.
INFANTRY 35
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
toSuitable formation for on assaulting p!a

-) Suitable formation for on assaulting platoon toon advancing without the protection
advancing wifhout }he protection of a rolling of e rolling barrage and in rugged ,wcod
bsrrage: ed or difficult terrain :
i a (Stout*j
•t (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:
(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, one-
pounder 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.
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.
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.
CLOSE APPROACH FORMATIONS Or THE BATTALION
500yds •
25-lSpyds.
I I I I I I I I I I
200-300 yds
I 4
SO-lSOyds
I II
I II
"75"
! II
I I I I II
I II
I II
LEGEND
— — — Section in Skirmish Line I Q Captain ($) Accompanying
I i . J O Ma/or Artillery
I I
1 1 I Section in Squad Columns* T _ „ . j, , .. ^,_
* I Y Bn. Agents # Section MO
m Machine gun carts and animals or" I m. g.platoon
•|« Section of light mortar and one pounder
JL 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
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.
! 5;
lira!
! i i
m : ; Specialist Rating
«*: : (Class)
: :
! iI Symbol Number
Headquarters*
Headquarters Company
Service Company*"
©cscooi! *-" Howitzer Company'
COOd CO*-*
Three Battalions*
I- 1 )£• CO CO CO t JSS
* CO ^
LJL1
P K«\ C*.
T t ^' *^«*
<O00rf».tO P-»
Total Regiment 9
Attached, Medical Dept.
! 1-3
to i
Attached, Chaplains
OSt-i-3 j&. Aggregate
Additional0
\-A
• iff! lili-l
H
"r ""?'««ill 2. I
SOIXOVX QNV 'QNVHHOO

z
Miscellaneous. (8) (8) () N o t authorized for war strength
Miscellaneous.. (H) (17) 2) (33) '63) (5=) units organized in time of peace.
Miscellaneous. 5th (4) (27) 2) (33) (66) £
d ) "See Table 24W.
Miscellaneous (14) (66) 7) (135) (222) (16«) >>See Table 25W.
Miscellaneous. (63) (116) (75) (1764) (2018) (49) 'See Table 30W.
kSee Tables 26W, 27W, 28W and
Total enlisted 121 273 105 2451 2950 87 3037 29W.
Aggregate.. 124 280 109 2532 3054 98 3154
>rses, riding 13 13 10 69 114 14 130
[lies, draft 320 9 48 377 22 399 12
ales, riding 9 4 3 16 16
Total animals. 13 342 23 120 507 36 545 12
rts, ammunition, 37
mm 3 3
rts, ammunition, M.G. 24 24 24
rts, machine gun 24 24 24
rts, ration, 2-mule. .... 18 18 18
rts, water, 2-mule: ^... 18 18 19
rts, mortar, 1 mule. ....... 6 6
tchens, rolling, 4-mule.. 18 18 18
agons, combat, 4-mule 18 18 18
igons, escort (R and B)
4-mule .... 24 24 25
igons, medical, 4-mule..
sycles. :. ;„. 18 25
4
26 3
,rs, motor, 5-passenger 1 1
Dtorcycles, with side
cars. 9 11 15
ailer, radio _• 1 1
ucks, cargo, J-ton 2 2
ucks, cargo, lJ-2-ton.... 1 1
ms, 37-mm 3 3
ins, machine 24 24 24
ortars, 3-inch .... 3 3 3
rtols 87 78 93 966 1233 1233
fles I 66 202 16 1449 1733 1733
fles, automatic 162 162 162
fles, with grenade
dischargers 162 162 162
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 3 4
First lieutenants 6(3*) 3(1*) 14(4*)
Second lieutenants. 6 7
Total commissioned. 15(3*) 5(1*) 27(5*)
Technical or first ser
geants 4
Staff sergeants 1 1
Sergeants 7 36 11 54
Corporals 11 78 14 103
Privates 1st class, incl. 24 159 35 218
Privates, incl 33 324 80 437
Miscellaneous 1st
Miscellaneous 2d
Miscellaneous 3d
Miscellaneous 4th (3) (6) (2) (ID
Miscellaneous 5th (2) (6) (3) (11)
Miscellaneous. (37) (447) (104) (588)
Total enlisted 76 600 141 817
Aggregate 77 615 146 844
Horses, riding 8 23
Mules, draft 16 16
Mules, riding 1 1
Total animals... 25 40
Carts, ammunition, M. G.
Carts, M. G. gun._ 8
Bicycles 3
Motorcycles, with side
cars 1
Guns, machine 8
Pistols _ 71 99 146 322
Rifles 39 444 483
Rifles, automatic 54 54
Rifles, with grenade dis
chargers._ 54 54
Remarks. * 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 Captain 1
3 First lieutenants 2(1*)
4 Second lieutenants.
5 Total commissioned- 2(1-) 2
5(1-)
6 First sergeant 1
7 Sergeants, inch. 3 1
8 Mess (1)
9 Platoon sergeants—
10 Section leaders (1)
11 Signal (1)
12 Supply (1)
13 Corporals, incl 4 26
14 Company clerk 2 __.
15 Section guides (1)
16 Signal (1)
17 Squad leaders (1) "(8)'
18 Pvts. 1st cl. and pvts.,
incl 17 7 21 46 161
19 Barber (1)
20 Buglers (2)
21 Cobbler (1)
22 Cooks (first) 4th (2)
23 Cooks (ass't) 5th (2)
24 Mechanics 6th (2)
25 Riflemen (5)
26 Riflemen, automatic 6th (1) (1) (2) (6)
27 Riflemen, automatic (2) (4) (12)
28 Riflemen, with grenade
dischargers (1)
29 Runners and agents ..... (6) (4)
30 Tailor (1) ........
31 Total enlisted 23 26 57 200
32 Aggregate.. 25 26 58 205
33 Pistols 9 3 33
34 Rifles 16 20 44 148
35 Rifles, automatic 3 6 18
36 Rifles, with grenade dis
charger 18
Second in command. Not authorized for war strength company in time of peace.
TABLE 29W
MACHINE GUN COMPANY, INFANTRY REGIMENT
(War Strength)
Designation: Company * flnfantry; Co *.. .flnf.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 i
One Platoon
Section Headquarters)
toons, Company Hq.

1 Squad (1 Machine Gun)
and Company Train)

Sections and Platoon
1 Section (2 Squads and
Company Headquarters
Total Company (2 Pla

Platoon Headquarters
Headquarters)
Specialist Rating
Total Platoon (2
1 Units
Symbol Number
REMARKS ';4
Company Train
(Class)
(b)
2 Captain lh 1
3 First lieutenants Ihi 1>> 1. 3(1*)
4 Second lieutenants Iho 1 *Insert letter designation of com
5 Total commissioned- 8(»«) :... 1 50*) pany (D, H, or M).
flnsert numerical designation of
a First sergeant lb 1 regiment.
7 Sergeants, incl. 4 1 1 1 3 11 ••Mounted
m
on horse.
8 Mess (1) a
Mounted on mule.
9 Platoon sergeants (i) Includes:
10 Reconnaissance (1) 35 privates 1st class.
11 Section leaders
(1) 80 privates:
12 Signal.
(1) Summary of specialist ratings:
13 Stable
(l m ) 4th class 2
14 Supply
(1) 5th class 3
15 Corporals, incl. 2 2 1 2 6 14 6th class 6
16 Agents b
(1) Section headquarters includes 1
17 Company clerk ... (1) sergeant.
18 Signal (1) "Reconnaissance officer.
d
19 Squad leaders (1) Signalmen, runners, agents and
20 Transport (1) orderlies.
e
1 bicyclist.
Cl Pvts. 1st cl. and pvts., Stable orderly.
incl. 17 4 7 10 20 47 115 a 'Includes 2 drivers for gun a n d
22 Barber (1)b ammunition carts.
23 Buglers (2 ) ^Second in command. N o t au
24 Cobbler (1) thorized for war strength com
25 Cooks (first) 4th (1) panies organized in time of peace.
26 Cooks (ass't) 5th (2)
27 Gunners 6th (1) (2) (4) (3)
?8 Gunners (5)
99 Horseshoer 4th (1)
31 Motorcyclist 6th (1)
Bfl Saddler 5th (1)
33 Tailor. (1)
34 Miscellaneous (ie) (7)d (90
35 Total enlisted. 24 5 10 11 23b 56 141
36 Aggregate 27 5 11 11 23 57 146
37 Horses, riding 6 1 1 8
38 Mules, draft 2 4 8 16
39 Mules, riding 1 1
40 Total animals. 6 1 1 2 4 9 25
41 Carts, ammunition, M. G. 1 2 4 8
A?, Carts, M. G. gun 1 2 4 8
43 Bicycles 1 1 1 3
cars 1 1
45 Guns, machine 1 2 4 8
46 Pistols 27 5 11 11 23 57 146
3 rt-B
Specialist Rating o
(Class)
Q
o
Symbol Number 3 CSJ
t3
Company Headquarters
1 One-pounder Section tr1
1 Light Mortar Section .^ H S1 >
Total Platoon
Total Company (3
Platoons and Com- p M
pany Headquarters)
i 15*
s
-!
:!
SOIlOVi QNV 'QNVKWOO

16 Barber 1) ing adoption and issue of the in
17 Buglers (2)b fantry howitzer.
18 Chauffeurs .. .. 6th (i) (8«) °To drive new ammunition trucks
Cobbler 11 when furnished.
20 Cooks (first) 4th 1) The following are armed with rifles:
Cooks (ass't) 5th 21 barber, cobbler, tailor, mechanics,
22 Gunners . 6th (1) (1) (2) agents and runnerc except four
23 Gunners (4) equipped with bicycles.
4th (1)
26 Runners and agents (6) (3)
*>7 Tailor (1)
28 Miscellaneous .. .. (8) (9)
29 Total enlisted 21 7 10 11 28 105
30 Aggregate 22 8 10 11 29 109
31 Horses, riding 4 2 10
Mules, draft 1 2 3 9
33 Mules, riding 1 1 1 4
5 6 23
CO
34 Total animals 3
35 Carts, ammunition, 37
mm. 1 1 . 3
36 Carts, mortar, 1-mule . . 2 2 6
37 Bicycles 4 4 1-3
1
coco
38 Guns, 37-mm. 1
i*
40
41
Mortars, 3-inch
Pistols
Rifles
15
7
5
3
10
1
26
3
93
16
3
CHAPTER IV
Artillery
Paragraph
Function of artillery 1
Classes of field artillery 2
Organization of division artillery 3
Artillery command 4
Occupation of positions 5
Preparation of fire 6
Artillery preparation 7
Supporting fires 8
Counter battery fire 9
Liaison 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 re-
allotment 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
Projectiles. Rate of fire, rounds per piece

per minute.
Day Time* a
Weight, Maximum Pro- to
of fire emplace o
Caliber Weight bursting Extreme effective longed Short Maximum (rds). (minutes).
and Kind (lbs). charge range range fire bursts. possible.
type. (lbs.) (yards). (yards).0

*
CO
75-mm. Shrapnel 16 .18 9,700 6,500f
French Shell 11-12.4 1.7 8,000 7,500f 10 25 300 3
gun. Shell 12.8-14.7 1.3 12,000 ) •
155-mm. Shell 95 15.2 12,500 8,500 2 4 150 15 or

French Shell 95 9 12,000 8,500 more. >
howitzer
*Time to change from firing to traveling position is approximately the same. Varies between wide limits. o
GO
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 ex-
t ^ m e ranges, no opportunity to employ fires promising profitable effect should be neglected.
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.
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.
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
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.
I
H
to
2.
1 6 OT
CO
O5
to
>£>
Cn
CC
00
SOIiOVJ, QNV ^^VJLS 'QNVHH00

First Second Third
Platoon Platoon Platoon
Battery Headquarters
Specialist Rating
Units REMARKS
Symbol Number
Fourth Section
Second Section
Total Battery
Third Section
Fifth Section
Maintenance
First Section
(Class)
Section
as to
cr
3'
3
;
cr
First lieutenants
Second lieutenants
D*
cr
—s
1 *Insert letter desienation of bat-

Total commissioned I tery.
tinsert numerical desienation of
to
regiment.
a
First sereeant bBattery executive.
to cr
Oh-1
Reconnaissance officer.
CO
i^
w
5f
13
3
"Includes:
cr
Chiefs of section
00
34 privates 1st class

V
73 privates
©
Summary of specialist ratings:

3
a t
4th class 5
«n
to
1 5th class 2
3
ra 13 § • 5"
to
to
to
to
to
oo
1 6th class 2
(-1
w w, B3"
*
o"
f
1 (
H
o
d
» 3<
?
hIncludes 1 spare team, 6 horses.
cr
s.
to
OO
B"
i
p
B
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o
a
0
(T )
Mounted on horse. (2 horses
0=
(1) (1) (1)

g
Instrument provided for each mounted artil-

lery officer.)
er
Range finder
©
21 Scout
99
Signal (2>>) 'March with battery combat train
23 Privates 1st class and (maintenance section less ration
15 17 15 15 15 12 18 (c) 107 cart).
24 Agent with service
AMMUNITION C A R R I E D
25 Buglers (1") The gun sections, 1st to 4th, in
26 Cannoneers (9) (9) (9) (9) (6) clusive, each carry 124 rounds. The
27 Chief mechanic 4th (Ih.) 5th section (caisson) carries 212
28 Cooks (first) 4th rounds. Total carried in battery 177
29 Cook (assistant) 5th d") rounds per gun. The proportions
30 Drivers (2) (6) (6) (6) (6) (7°) are from 50% to 75% shell; 15%
31 Guidon dh) to 40% shrapnel and 10% smoke, de
32 Horseholders (3")
33 4th oending on conditions- Gas may
Horseshoers (2«) be carried if conditions warrant but
34 Line guards (2ib)
is not carried habitually.
Mechanics 6th (2Z)
36 Operators, instrument .. (2b)
37 (5")
38 Orderly, stable dh)
39 Saddler
5th
40 Total enlisted
26 20 18 18 18 15 21 136 ii
f
41 Aggregate
28 21 18 19 18 15 21 140 tr*
Y> Horses, draft 8 12 12 12 12 12 18d 86
Horses, riding 4
00 O)
43 26 6 2 2 2 48
44 Mules, draft 8
45 Total animals 34 18 14 16 14 14 32 142
46 Cart, ration, 2-mule 1* 1
47 Cart, water, 2-mule 1
48 Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule 1" 1
49 Cart, reel, btry., 4-horse 1 1
SO Wagon, btry., 6-horse 1* 1
Wagon, store, 6-horse 1
52 Wagon, spring, J-ton, 4
horse 1 1
53 Bicycles 1 1
Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse
1 1 il" 1 4
55 Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse
1 1 1 2 6
56 Pistols
28 21
18 19 18 15 21 140
57 Machine guns, A. A.
2
58^ Rifles, automatic
8
00
O C5 £r* S3 osss P p
?§.! i O O i-j O
•ogii &! •a • o mi aa 5 s-B

3 Sg
Specialist Rating
o
(Class)
o
Symbol Number
3
o 3 d
Headquarters and
Headquarters Battery I1 • W l_5
-4 K f J>
Combat Train Co P H
S" S" H CO
co ton i->i CSQim^f^^.^j ^

3 3 Batteries ?
AND
Tabl<
GIMI
Total Battalion
O
O
CO
d
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a P p
i i
P. P.
%. S.
a P
a&
3 MO CO 00
of?
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2 s°
5o
Ct
i
P-
Specialist Rating
(Class)
Symbol Number 50
Q
Headquarters
Headquarters Battery
en
Service Battery
2 Battalions
i I « life

Total Regiment (^ «<< Cc
JO OS
:
<£M
Attached Medical
l
Department
o
Attached Chaplains EEiLivSii
d
3
Aggregate*
B.33
Jff"
3* ifi
iF-as-g-ga
BJ )-• ^ ^ M P a
to *>.sJ-too 2.O
3 o.
B
gg.Bg- a l l
SOIlOVi QNV 'QNVHWOO 99

If) 20 37 304 361 (gvh) (10M
16 Privates, incl. 35 88 654 777 43 1181
17 Miscellaneous 2d (4) (4) (1°)
18 3d (6) (6)
19 Miscellaneous 4th (5) (11) (48) (64) 1 T (3c)
?n Miscellaneous 5th (2) (20) (20) (42)
21 Miscellaneous 6th (7) (18) (26) (51) IT (12) 2<i°
22 Total enlisted 80 148 1214 1442 53 1495
23 Aggregate 11 81 155 1260 1507 63 1 1571
9A Horses, draft. . .. 16 776 792 792
Horses, riding 22 47 23 456 548 38 1 587
26 Mules, draft 8 136 64 208 12 220
28 Total animals 22 71 167 1296 1556 50 1 1607
?9 Car, motor, DT or DS 1 1 1
30 Car, reconnaissance . 1 1 1
31 Motorcycles with side
cars . . 3 2 8 13 2 15
32 Truck, j-ton, cargo 1 1 1
33 Bicycles. 2 8 10 1 11
34 Cart, ration, 2-mule... 1 1 •8 10 10
35 Cart, water, 2-mule 1 1 8 10 10
36 Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule.... 1 1 8 10 10
37 Carts and reels, 6-horse 1 2 3 3
38 Cart, reel btry., 4-horse 6 6 6
89 Wagons, battery, 6-horse.. 6 6 6
40 Wagons, store, 6-horse. 6 6 6
41 Wagons.combined B & S,
6-horse 1 2 3 3
42 Wagons, escort (R & B),
4-mule 31 31 31
43 Wagons, spring, j-ton,
4-horse 1 8 9 9
44 Wagons, medical, 4-mule 3 3
45 Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse 24 24 24
46 Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse 72 72 72
47 Pistols 11 81 155 1260 1507 1507
48 Machine guns, A. A. 2 18 20 20
49 Rifles, automatic 8 48 56 56
50 Ambulance motor 2 2
S0I10VI ONV 'QNVHHOO 89
22 Miscellaneous. 6th (12) (57) (102) 1(171) (25) (196)
23 Total enlisted 75 159 2884 3118 109 3227
24 Aggregate.. 12 77 165 3014 3268 130 2 3400
6 1584 1590 1590
?6 Horses, riding 24 29 8 1096 1157 76 2 1235
27 Mules, draft 28 116 416 560 28 588
29 Total animals 24 63 127 3112 3326 104 2 3432
30 Car, motor, DT or DS 2 2 2 6 6
31 2 2 4 4
cars 4 7 26 37 5 42
33 Truck, |-ton, cargo 1 2 3 3
34 Truck, light repair, 0 . D. 1 1 1
35 Truck, F. W. D. cargo 30 30 30
36 Truck, F. W. D. art. sup >
ply, load A. 1 1 1 w
37 Trailer, kitchen 1 1 1 t-3
38 20 20 2 22 t—i
39 Cart, ration, 2-mule 20 20 20 F
40 Cart, water, 2-mule 20 20 20 F
41 Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule 1 20 21 21
43 Carts, reel, battery, 4
horse
1 6
12
7
12
7
12
3
44 Wagons, battery, 6-horse.. 12 12 12
45 Wagons, store, 6-horse 12 12 12
46 Wagons, combined B. and
S., 6-horse 6 6 6
47 Wagons, escort (combat)
27 27 27
4-mule 7 62 69 69
49 Wagons, spring, f-ton, 4
horse 18 18 18
50 Wagons, medical, 4-mule 7 7
51 Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse 48 48 48
52 Caissons, 75-mm., 6-horse 144 144 144
53 Pistols 12 77 165 3014 3268 3268
54 Machine guns, A. A. 2 40 42 42
55 Rifles, automatic 8 112 120 120
56 Ambulance, motor 4 4
TABLE 136W
TTALION, 155-mm. HOWITZER, MOTORIZED (CONSOLIDATED TABI

(War Strength)
March 7, 1921
Designation: *Battalion fField Artillery (155-mm. howitzer);
*Bn fFA (155-mm. how)
Units REMARKS
sm
lajor.
aptains
Irst lieutenants *tlnsert numerical designati
econd lieutenants. battalion and regiment.
Total commissioned. 19 Ammunition carried

Each caisso
caisson
n bod
bodyy carrii
'irst sergeants
1 1 2 rounds. ~Total
~ with 2 batten
taff sergeants
1 1 2 rounds.
ergeants.
5 9 18 Each truck, P. W. D., cargo,
!orporals.
11 7 36 40 rounds. Total with ba
'rivates first class, incl.
16 29 72 combat train 960 rounds.
'rivates, incl
32 71 158 Total with battalion 1296 i
Miscellaneous
4th (4) (3) (34) 162 rounds per piece.
Miscellaneous
5th • (6) (18) (14) Approximately 1 day of fire
Miscellaneous
6th (11) (21) (22)
Total enlisted... 66 118 288 472
Aggregate 74 121 296 491

!ars, motor, 5-passenger 2 5
Jars, reconnaissance 2 4
cars 12 22
'ractors, 5-ton 28 29
'railer, kitchen 2 4
'railer, machine gun 2 2
'railer, reel and cart 2 3
'railer, water, 180 gallons 2 4
'rucks, F. W. D. art.
supply, load A 2 2
'rucks, F. W. D., cargo 28 6 36
'rucks, f-ton, cargo ....... 2 4
'rucks, light repair, O. D. 2 3
Caisson bodies, 155-mm. 24 24
runs, machine, A. A 4 4
lowitzers, 155-mm 8 8
'istols 74 121 296 491
tifles, automatic 2 16 24
CHAPTER V
Cavalry
Paragraph
Role of cavalry . 1
Organization 2
Cavalry operations 3
General tactical employment 4
Offensive action 5
Defensive action 6
Pursuit 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
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.
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.
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 COMMAND, STAFF AND TACTICS
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
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 en-
emy's trains, throw them into disorder, and destroy them.
CO «. 0 0 en CO to
•-3 i-3 H
3 ps £ £ ® ® o 2 2S o o o
I i.
E t
cj
Q, g. B.
j o"
il
j 8L
i
1 1g
1 !
i
!:! r
i !
to Division Headquarters
(Table 402W)
to CO
H" Special Troops
300
to
(Table 403W)
Two Cavalry Brigades Q
656
5194
120
5104
5372
262
528
OS
(Table 421W)
Men CO One Separate Battalion
oo © en en Horse Artillery
(Table 436W)
co CO CO One Combat Engineer
en © en Battalion (Mounted) en
(Table 466P and W)
One Ambulance Company
o CO to (Animal Drawn) -q § g
(Table 490W) M >
to en to to O td
no Ol en
One Division Train
CO OMH'
OtOi^ co en 00
-a (Table 491P and W)
H»OJ 05 S. h-1 «. O î
>o en co H' co
roi-»© CO en oo M en
o en -q 00 Total CC
ô« ©
^^ co to
en en Medical Department M
©
rt
(Table 490W)
i
a-
i M
i CO -3 Chaplains 1-'
HO) - q
0 0 tO - q OJ CO t o en
o eo 00 00 Aggregate to
• s.
An
carts,
tegral
the c
but a
from t
chens.
a.
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rt of
adron
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8
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ater
batta ion,
SOIXOVX QNV 'QNVHH00

14 Aparejos 200 200 200
15 Carts, ration 5 5 5
3 3 3
17 Carts, reel, pack- 4 4 4
18 Carts and reels, 6-horse 1 1 1
11 5 5 5
to to to to
Carts, wire, 2-horse 4 2 6 6

cotoi-i-o
Kitchens, rolling 5 5 5
Wagons, battery 4 4 4
Wagons, combat, battery
and store 1 1 1
24 Wagons, escort 13 156 16 9 2 124 320 320
25 Wagons, medical . 17 17
26 1 58 4 4 1 68 68
27 Wagons, store 4 4 4
28 Wagons, tool 13 13 13
29 Bicycles 1 1 1
30 Cars, motor, 5-passenger 6 6 1 13 13
31 Cars, motor, 7-passenger 1 1 1
cars 20 32 4 8 1 65 10 75
33 Trailers, kitchen 2 2 2
34 Trailers, ration, f-ton 1 1 1
35
36
37
38
39
Trailers, storage battery
Trailers, tank, 300 gals.
Trucks, cargo, f-ton
1
1
7
8
2
2
1
1
7
10
2
1
1
7
10
2
5
40 Trucks, light repair 2 2 2
41 Trucks, radio, army 1 2 3 3
42 Trucks, radio, divisional 2 2 2
43 Trucks, small arms re
pair 3 3 3
44 Bolos 72 72 72
45 Caissons, 75-mm. 36 36 36
46 Guns, 75-mm. 12 12 12
47 36 36 36
48 Guns, machine, anti-air
craft . 9 9 9
49 Pistols 28 278 5372 760 82 75 6595 6595
50 Rifles 120 3918 263 188 4489 4489
51 Rifles, automatic 144 4 6 154 154
52 Sabers 14 53 3030 3097 3097
at co to o to oo-3 as en
w
ft- h
31
0
i -t 5'
rn2. 1"
1 g3' i.
3
1
Corporals.
3
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I 1 = -t
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I
a
-t-
|
(
•5
Units
-t-
f 3_
a
D
a. 5" iL
nical serwarits
3
3
Lieutenant colonels or
•j
First sergeants or tech

/]
sr
'
Specialist Rating to
Symbol Number 03
to co M Brigade Headquarters *
•fe
o
to M M
Brigade Headquarters cn
Troop
-q M M Two Cavalry
102
4 ' 210
OOiOJ OJ to o E to to Regiments Oi
* **i>
a"
o <x w >
O3 M <i
to to co
to M Machine Gun Squadron - 5" 3 IT1
«<
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to
-•MM 00 CO W £° s a to
CO
29 ' 243
131
MOOO cn -q to to to M Total Brigade oo tg_ M

tfq" H
P to
P- O
M At'gfhed Medical
torn to to
M E artment
co " " t o
to to Attached Chaplain o
to M
M
>0t0tO 03 - q - 3 it*. CO O5 10 tOtOM Aggregate M
246 "
S3
B4.
brigade.
•"Veterinary.
1389 privates
to
"Form part of F Tn.
•>Form part of C Tn.
REMARKS
The brigade includes:

665 privates first class
d"Executive officer B Ex.

•Insert numerical designation of
and training officer B3, Supply officer

cer Bl, Intelligence officer B2, Plans
Personnel and administration offi
S0I10VI, QNV 'QNVHH00

17 Privates first class and
76 1686 292 2054 78WV 2132
18 Miscellaneous.. 1st (2) (2)
19 Miscellaneous 2d (4) (8) (12)
20 Miscellaneous 3d (12) (12) (42V)
21 Miscellaneous... 4th (9) (86) (18) (113) (5*v)
22 Miscellaneous 5th (10) (110) (33) (153)
23 Miscellaneous.'... 6th (11) (122) (49) (182)
24 Total enlisted 90 2104 358 2552 101 2653
25 Aggregate 9 92 2208 377 2686 115 2 2803
26 Horses, riding 18 65 2140 374 2597 99 4 2700
27 Horses, pack 2 162 100 264 264
28 Horses, draft 4 48 8 60 60
30 Mules, draft 8 260 60 328 28 356
31 Total animals 18 79 2654 545 3296 127 4 3427
32 Wagons, escort (combat) 18 6 24 24
33 Wagons, escort (ra-
2 22 4 28 28
34 Wagons, spring3 1 24 4 29 29
35 Wagons, escort (forage .
and pioneer)a 20 4 24 24
36 Wagons, 1medical, four
mule ' 7 7
Carts, reel, pack. 2 2 2
Carts, wire, two-horse 1 1 1
1 2 3 3
car 3 12 1 16 3 19
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
Bolos 36 36 36
Machine guns, heavy 18 18 18
Machine rifles (Browning
72 72 72
Rifles 79 1700 180 1959 1959
Pistols 9 92 2208 377 2686 2686
9 51 1434 21 1515 1515
i-»© <o oo -j a or *^ co to
%% a s *
c+£l P ,
HIM l
i i i i i
Specialist Rating
Symbol Number
Regimental^Headquarters
and Headquarters
Troop
Service Troop
Two Squadrons
o
cnoooo ca Total Regiment
Attached Medical
Department
Attached Chaplain
O
OKIS CO Aggregate
CD
ffii °s ^11
3. B 01 o p
o_ o
B>ig,O M
g n S a ' ^S3"
8,2 | I? 8
1 f »• I e
soixovx QNV 'QNVHHOO
x
Corporals 10 9 86 105 1 lO6 The regiment includes:
u
15 Privates first class and
88 101 654 843 877
272 privates first class.
571 privates.
16 Miscellaneous 2d (4) (4) 'Two horses per officer.
17 Miscellaneous 3d (6) (6)
18 Miscellaneous 4th (8) (5) (30) (43) ( ! 2 iv)

20 Miscellaneous... 6th (14) (23) (24) (61)
21 112 122 818 1052 44 1096
22 Aggregate 6 115 127 856 1104 50 1 1155
93 Horses, riding 12* 112 54 892 1070 43 2 1115
24 Horses, pack 17 —----- 64 81 81
25 Horses, draft 24 24
26 22 22 22
97 Mules, draft 130 130 12 142
28 Total animals 12 129 230 956 1327 55 2 1384
29 Wagons, escort (combat) 9 9 9
30 Wagons, escort (ration
and baggage) 11 11 11
>
31 12 12 12
32 Wagons, escort (forage
10 10 10
33 Wagons, medical, four
3 3
1 1 1
4 2 6 1 7
36 Machine rifles (Brown-
36 36 36
37 Rifles 100 88 662 850 850
38 Pistols 6 115 127 856 1104 1104
39 Sabers .. . . . 6 61 20 630 717 717
00
TABLE 426W 00
SQUADRON, CAVALRY REGIMENT (CONSOLIDATED TABLE)

{War Strength)
February 3, 1921
Designation: t .Squadron,, *Cavalry; f. Sq *Cav
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 li
r-l Squadron Headquarters and
Headquarters De iachment
REMARKS
arters
*Insert numerical designation of
I regiment.
g- flnsert numerical designation of
1 Units a T3 a squadron. i-3
fl m b
•s 1 g Officers' mess.
"43 o o "Squadron detachment includes:
o o
co
O
fn
i
& j 9 privates first class.
15 privates.
g
-3
9a
o _ a> ; Total squadron includes:
r-H
Sect]
Stafl
a g T3
^ 105 privates first class.
m w 00 P5 H H 222 privates.
V 1 1 1
Captains 3 3
4 Lieutenants 3d 3 12 15 6th class 12 Q
f. 4 4 15 19 •-3
6 First sergeants 3 3 Adjutant Sq. 1.
7 2£ 2 2 Intelligence officer Sq. 2.
8 Squadron sergeant Plans and training officer Sq. 3.
(1) ! Supply officer Sq. 4.
9 Squadron supply One of the squadron staff officers
(gl) is adjutant, one combines the duties
10 1 1 33 34 of intelligence officer and plans and

11 Corporals, incl 2 1 1 4 39 43 training officer, and one is supply
Bugler (•10 officer.
13 Squadron detachment •Two horses per officer.
clerk (1) (1) (1) 'Not armed with the rifle. (x).
14 Miscellaneous isNot armed with the saber. (*).
15 Privates first class and Âssumed.
privates, incl. 16 6 2 24 303 327 The headquarters detachment, oil
16 Cooks, assistant 5th (flbg) (6) the march, is divided as follows
17 Cooks, first 4th (£le) (3) generally:
18 Gunners, machine At the head of the column:
rifle 6th (9) 1 staff sergeant (sergeant
19 Horseshoers 4th (9) major),
20 Messengers and scouts 6th (2) 1 corporal bugler,
21 Messengers and scouts f(6)
1 corporal clerk,
Motorcyclists 6th 8 messengers and scouts,
23 Orderlies (5««0 1 motorcyclist,
24 Radio operators
4th" (2) 4 orderlies,
25 Saddlers
5th
( (3) 8 NCOs and privates (radio
27
Miscellaneous
Total enlisted
20 s (2)
3 31 378 409
section).
24 enlisted men.
28 Aggregate 4 20 8 3 35 393 428
29 8° 19 8 3 38 408 446 At the rear of the column:
30 3 2 5 27 32 2 cooks (1 for officers' mess),
31 Total animals 8 19 11 5 43 435 478 1 mess orderly,
3 NCOs and privates (wire
32 Motorcycles, with side section).
car 1 1 1
6 enlisted men.
33 Machine rifles (Browning With the train:
automatic) 18 18 1 supply sergeant.
0000
coco
34 Rifles.... 14 25 306 331
35 Pistols 4 20 35 393 428
36 Sabers 4 14 18 297 315
1
i
00
CO
OO-JCSCT if»-CO N) t-i © 5D 0 0 - 3 O> Cl lO-COtsS
iii&Hfifflri! Iff Sa:

^Se.g.81 ! 5i
Specialist Rating
Symbol Number
Troop Headquarters
Platoon" Headquarters
o
2? o
p CD
Rifle Squad
Total Rifle Platoon W

(three squads)
Februar
s S fe
Total Three Rifle Platoons 6 »

PlatoonTHeadquarterS g
sg. H
Machine Rifle Squad0 |g
•-3
Machine Rifle Platoon
(three squads)
Total Troop
£}• O O £t
'ill
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5
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SOIiOVl CENV 'QNVHH00 06

19 Horseshoers. 4th All armed with t h e rifle carry 90
20
21 Orderlies
m (1) (1) (3) (1)
rounds of rifle ammunition, (x)
Machine rifle platoon, (x)
(4) (1)
22 Saddlers 5th (1) Gunners (corporal and rated
23 Miscellaneous . . (7) (21) (63) ............ (£6) (188) private), 160 rounds of rifle ammu
24 Total enlisted. 18 (3) (8) (27) 81 i>27 "126"" nition carried in magazines in
belt, 1 spare part case. 1 ammu
25 Aggregate 19 (4) (8) (28) 84 (4) (8) 28 131 nition filler.
Assistant and carriers:
26 Horses, riding (d) 20 (5) (8) (29) 87 (5) (8) 29 136 400 rounds of rifle ammu
27 Horses, pack. (2) 6 9 nition (carried in magazines
28 Total animals. 23 87 35 145 in the belt) and bandoleer. 1
magazine filler.
29 Machine rifles (Browning Led horse:
automatic) (2) 6 6 1 automatic rifle (temporary)
00 00 00
30 Rifles 12 (3) (27) 81 (3) 9 102 and extra barrel. 480 rounds
31 Pistols 19 (4) (28) 84 (4) (8) 28 131 of rifle ammunition (carried in
32 Sabers 14 (4) (28) 84 (1) 1 99 magazines).
The automatic rifle, extra barrel, No. 2 is the horseholder be At rear of column:
and 480 rounds of ammunition are hind the corporal gunner. 1 mess sergeant.
carried on the led horse. The gun No. 3 is the assistant gunner. 3 cooks.
ner carries 160 rounds of ammuni No. 4 is the carrier. 3 horseshoers.
tion and each assistant 400 rounds, Gun crew No. 2 is similarly 1 saddler.
making a total in the squad of 1440 formed behind gun crew No. 1 at 4
rounds—all in magazines. When feet distance. 8 enlisted men and 8 led horses.
necessary, extra ammunition in With troop train:
bandoleers can be carried on the The machine rifle platoon in col 1 supply sergeant.
led horse, or issued to and carried umn of fours is a formation in As specially ordered, usually
by the other members of the platoon. which the three squads form a col with rear echelon:
(Last paragraph assumed in the umn, the leading squad being the 1 corporal (troop clerk).
absence of definite information.) base, the second and third squads The cooking outfit contains:
following, all in column of fours 2 grates.
Flares and marking panels. with 4 feet distance throughout the

Issued as needed, (x) column. 1 coffee boiler.
The machine gun squad is com Pots.
posed of two gun crews, No. 1 and The troop headquarters detach Bake pans.
No. 2, each consisting of a gunner, ment on the march is divided as Cooking utensils.
an assistant, an ammunition car follows generally: Butchering utensils.
rier, a horseholder and a pack horse.

The squad is formed as follows: At the head of the column:
The corporal gunner and the pri 1 first sergeant.
vate gunner form a set of twos in 1 stable sergeant (carries
front, the corporal on the left. guidon and assumes
Gun crew No. 1 forms a set of fours charge of led horses).
behind the gunners as follows: 2 buglers.
No. 1 is the pack horse be 4 messengers.
hind the private gunner.
8 enlisted men.
o ™v
oggggW9£«5> $2 Sg'g&S I
??! Specialist Rating

o
Symbol Number
Tro^D i-itadiv-j rter o

o
One'S quad
Total Platoon (two squads)

o
Total Three Platoons
S
en 4^ H> Total Troop
d
O
d
t>
d
w
o
S0IX0V1 QNV 'QNVHH00
25 5th (2; At the head of the column:

26 Miscellaneous (lh) (95kh) 1 first sergeant.
27 Total enlisted 27 (11) (26) 78 105 1 stable sergeant (carries guidon
and assumes charge of led
28 29 (5) (11) (27) 81 , 110 animals).
1 sergeant (range finder).
29 Horses, riding (•*) _ 31 (6) (11) (28) 84 115 2 corporals (liaison).
30 Horses, pack. „ .. 3m (5) (10) 30 33 2 buglers.
31 Total animals .. 34 (16) (38) 114 148 4 privates (messengers).
2 privates (orderlies).
32 Bolos (2) 12 12 1 private (miscellaneous).
33
34
Machine guns, heavy
Rifles 12 (2)
(1)
(5)
ill
(12)
6
36
6
48 14 enlisted men.
35 Pistols 29 (5) (H) 81 110 At the rear of the column:
36 2 (27) 3 5
1 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). 105 Enlisted
Troop Hq. 27 3 Platoons 78

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 Platoon Hq 4
1 Platoon
1 Squad 11 Squad 11
26
I
1—Supply Sgt. (R) 1—Lt—In command 1 Corpl (in command)
1—Range finder Sgt. 1—Sgt—2d in command

10 Pvts (5 gun squad;
1—Corpl, Clerk (R) 1—Sgt—File closer

5 horse
2—Corpls, Liaison Agents (R) 1—Messenger (R) leaders) (5R)
2—Buglers 1—Orderly (R)

1—First Cook 11 horses, riding
2—Asst Cooks 6—horses, riding 5 horses, pack
3—H orsesh oers 2—rifles
1—Chief mechanic 5—pistols 2 bolos
1—Mechanic I machine gun
4—Messengers (R) 5 rifles
2—Orderlies (R) I I pistols
1—Saddlers
1—Miscellaneous (R)
22—rifles
29—pistols
2—sabers
31-—-Horses, riding Transport from Sq Hq Transport of troop CO

3—Horses, pack CO
(1 picket line and pannier) 2—combat wagons (2 wagoners) 84—horses, riding
(1 kitchen outfit ) 1—R & B wagon (1 wagoner) 30—horses, pack
(1 rations. ) 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 tO H-» O 5D 00
er si
§
Specialist Rating
(Class)
o >
Symbol Number
Battalion Headquarters
and Headquarters Battery
^ 1-3
Combat Train (k)

ill
o p
Three Batteries >-i
V! « g ^ td
W CO
Total Battalion p SO? ^
-S o ^ ^)
Attached
Medical Department
w
Attached Chaplain O co
Aggregate (a) Htg

Sg
g
Ed
m* a4Kflf W
S.B
h 111 & B
g.tr§
O M H
P ?"£. 2,
S0II.0VX QNV 'QNVWH00
h
15 Miscellaneous 5th (2) (4) (9) (15) k
Mounted on horse.
16 Miscellaneous.. 6th (5) (21) (6) (32) ld 5 c lv Includes service platoon.
17 Total enlisted 70 194 471 735 25 760
18 Aggregate .... 78 199 483 760 29 1 790
19 Horses, draft. 10 126 258 394 394
20 Horses, riding. „ 75 112 369 556 24 1 581
?1 Mules, draft 8 72 24 104 4 108
23 Total animals.. 93 318 651 1062 28 1 1091
24 Carts, ration, 2-mule 1 1 3 5 5
horse. 3 3 3
?fi Carts and reels, 6-horse 1 1 1
?,7 Carts, water, 2-mule 1 1 3 5 5
28 Kitchen, rolling, 4-mule 1 1 3 5 5
9q Wagons, battery, 6-horse 1 3 4 4
30 Wagons, store, 6-horse 1 3 4 4
4-mule 16 16 16
3? Wagons, medical, 4-mule 1 1
33 Wagons, spring, J-ton,
4-horse 1 3 4 4 5
cars 2 2 4 1 5
35 Caissons, 75-mm., 6
horse 18 18 36 36
36 Guns, 75-mm., 6-horse 12 12 12
37 Guns, machine, anti
aircraft 3 6 9 9
38 Pistols 78 199 483 760 760
39 Rifles, automatic 4 4 4
CHAPTER VI
Division Air Service, Engineers,

Medical Troops, and Transport
Paragraph
Mission of the air service 1
Employment of division air service 2
Balloons 3
Mission of division engineers 4
Organization of a combat engineer regiment 5
Division medical troops 6
Division transport 7
Organization of trains 8
Operation of the service trains 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.
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
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:
(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:
(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.
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.
Vehiclt>,s
trucks and
Unit. Principal items carried.

kitchens,
medical
trailers
wagors,
wagons,
combat
rolling
water
carts,
Rifle Co._ 1 1 1 Kitchens: unconsumed portion 1 day's ration.

MG Co 1 1 2 Carts, water: water for unit.
Bn Hq & Hq Co .... 1 1 Wagons, Combat:
Rifle cos: 120 rounds per rifle, 560 rds per
Total in bn 5 5 5 automatic rifle.
MG cos: 5000 rds per MG.
How Co: 280 rds per light mortar, 299 rds
Regt Hq & Hq Co 1 1 1 per one-pounder gun.
How Co 1 1 4 Wagons, medical: medical supplies and litters.
Med Det 1 "4 Truck and trailer: regtl signal equipment.
Serv Co It It
Total in regt._ 18 19 19 4 1
^Marches with field train.
(b) Field artillery, 75-mm. horse-drawn.
Vehicles Principal items carried

1 I*
Bn combat train: 159 rds per gun.
tery and stc
with limber
wagons, ba
kitchens,
wagons,
battery
wagons,
wagons,
rolling
caissons
ration
Unit.
escort
Kitchens: unconsumed portion

carts,
store
water
carts,
1 day's ration.
Carts, ration: rations:
Carts, water: water.
Wagons, battery: tools, spare
parts.
Battery (main Wagons, store: spare parts,
tenance section).. 1 1 1 1 1 maintenance, cleaning, and
repair materials.
Battalion 18 1 1 1 — 1 Wagons, battery and store: tools
spare parts, maintenance,
Regt Hq Btry .. — 1 1 1 1 cleaning and repair materials.
Bn Hq Btry 1 Wagons, escort: 1 day's re
serve, 2 day's field rations for
Bn Hq Btry.
In addition to the above, 3 medical wagons and 2 motor ambulances form part of the
combat equipment of a regiment.
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.
Vehicles Principal Items Carried

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.
2 trucks Extra supplies.
(b) Field artillery, 75-mm. regiment.

Vehicles Principal Items Carried
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.
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.
(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 _ 1
Preparation for marches 2
Conduct of marches , 3
Rate and length of marches 4
Artillery on the march 5
Signal troops on the march 6
Medical troops on the march 7
Transport on the march 8
Shelter in campaign 9
Quartering troops 10
Selection of camp sites 11
Camps 12
Division trains in camp 13
Medical service in camp 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
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
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
MOTORIZED SECTIONS FOOT OR ANIMAL DRAWN SECTIONS
Troops, C Tn
Troops, C Tn UNITS
Service Tn
Service Tn
and F Tn
and C Tn
and F Tn
and C Tn
s.
Troops
G
Troops
a a
o EH
0
U EH 2 0
s
31)0 300 300 Fwd Ech DHQ
30 30'"' Hq Co, Inf Div, Fwd Ech 45 55 100 70 170
495 495 425 70 Sig Co, Inf Div 100 40 140 140
825 '30 " 795 425 370 Totals, above units 145 95 240 310
COMBINED TOTAL, above units 515 520 1035 100 1135
INFANTRY
Rifle Co. Inf. Regt. 95 55 150 35 185
MG Co. Inf Regt 205 75 280 35 315
Hq and Hq Co. Inf Bn 55 35 90 35 125
Total, Inf Bn 545 275 820 175 995
How Plat, Inf Regt 35 20 55 55
How Co, Inf Regt 115 115 230 80 310
65 Serv Co Inf Regt 265 265
35 35 36 Hq and Hq Co, Inf Regt 110 90 200 55 255
90 55 35 35 Total Inf Regt 1865 1070 2935» 925 3860
COMBINED TOTAL, INF REGT 1865 110." 2970 980 3950
60 25 35 35 Hq and Hq Co, Inf Brig 85 50 135 35 170
240 135 105 106 Total, Inf Brig 3815 2190 6005 1885 7890
COMBINED TOTAL, 1 INF BRIG 3815 2293 6110 2020 8130
480 270 210 210 2 Inf Brigs 7630 4380 12010 3770 13780
COMBINED TOTAL, 2 I N F BRIGS 7630 4590 12220 4040 16260
ARTILLERY 75 mm
Battery (75 mm) 0 305 D105 410 v 55 465
Bn C Tn (75 mm) 520 520 v 55 575
Hq and Hq Btry, Bn (75 mm) 180 D 35 215 V 40 255
Total Bn (75 mm) Ei 445 520 1965 V 260 2225
25 25 775 775
D
55 55 55 Hq and Hq Btry, Regt (75 mm) 245 55 300 300
135 25*~" 110 110 Total Regt (75 mm) 13350 G1040 4390 W925 5315
COMBINED TOTAL REGT (75 mm) 3460 1040 4500 950 5450
110 110 110 Hq & Hq Btry FA Brig (75 mm) 210 0 45 255 120 375
380 50..... 330 330 Total FA Brig (75 mm) 6955 •>2080 9035 1970 11006z
COMBINED TOTAL FA BRIG (75 m # 7285 2080 9365 2020 11385^
Am Tn FA Brig (75 mm) 566
ENGINEERS (combat)
Co Engr Regt 60 75 135 20 155
Bn Engr Regt K190 225 415 60 475
Hq, Hq and Serv Co, Engr Regt (less trucks and 12 inf
wagons; 140 100 240 100 340
Engr Regt (less trucks and 12 inf wagons) 520 650 1070 220 1290
240
565 ....... Total Engr Regt 520 550 1070 220 1290 240
COMBINED TOTAL ENGR REGT 520 550 1070 220 1290 805
1685 350 1335 635 700 (Total 1st Fwd Ech DHQ, Sig Co, 2 Inf brigs. 22355 6030 28385
1655 15250 7105 795
COMBINED TOTAL OF ABOVE UNITS 15950 7740 23690 6380 30070 2450
420 420 42" Rr Ech DHQ

60 60 Hq Co, Inf Div, Rr Ech 50 55 105 70 175
55 55 55 MP Co Inf Div 290 50 340 35 375
Serv Co Inf Div • 40
610 Ord Co Inf Div
610 535 60 475 475 Total, Rr Ech DHQ, MP Co, Serv Co, Ord Co 340 105 445 105 550 40
COMBINED TOTAL OF ABOVE UNITS 815 105 20 165 1085 650

Div ASi
1040 1040 220 820 Tk Co
MEDICAL UNITS
Sn Co, Med Regt 70
120
300 Amb Co (animal) Med Regt 500
mmm
vm>
1605
Amb Co (motor) Med Regt 5 ^ $ ^
Hosp Co Med Regt
500
j-
1840
Serv Co Med Regt ZQ
190 Med Sup and Lab Sees
360 Total Serv Co and Med Sup and Lab Sees 25
65 Vet Co Med Regt
4090 ; ~ — Total Med Regt 670
COMBINED TOTAL, MED REGT 4760
DIVISION TRAIN
900 MTCo
280 M Rep Sec
1125 Mtcl Co
Wag Co 1275
• - — - - — - " —
6360 Total Div Tn 2550

COMBINED TOTAL, DIV TN 7910
12505 3260 410 2850 855 1995 TOTAL OF DIVISION 15590 7210 22800 6135 28935 4055
COMBINED TOTAL, DIVISION 17585 8065 25650 6545 32195 16560
- COMBINED TOTAL, DIVISION, INCLUDING 48755
SERVICE TRAINS
TROOPS FREQUENTLY ATTACHED
ARTILLERY (155 how)
675 110 565 D105 C460 Btry (155 how)
250 25 225 D 35 190 Hq and Hq Btry Bn (155 how)
900 80 820 D820 Bn C Tn (155 how)
2500 325 2175 820 E1355 Total Bn ;155 how)
820 820 Serv Btry (155 how)
360 55 305 35 270 Hq and Hq Btry Regt (155 how)
2765 B820 7045 Q2460 84585 Total Regt (155 how)
910 910 910 Det Corps Am Tn
CHEMICAL UNITS
Plat, Chem Regt 20 80 100 100
225 65 160 160 Co, Chem Regt T 100 320 4Zu 420
735 196 540 540 Bn, Chem Regt ° 320 960 1ZS0 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 NOTES:
E,n.",r or the ne\ tab'es of organization:
Vi yd per man infantry in column of squads (a) The sergeants, officers, etc., will be given proper relative space;
(S) 1 vd per horse Cavalry in column of fours for example, the captain will take up space of four horses, unless it is as
1
(b ) 2 yus per animi.l Spare Mules sumed he rides with a lieutenant, in which case he takes up space of two
•vc) 4 yds per animal Pack Animals horses.
(d) 4 yds per bicycle, Bicyclists (riding) (b) I t is assumed the spare mules go two abreast; if there is one separate
(d) 20 yds per motorcycle, motorcyclists, solo or side car (riding) spare mule, he takes up as much space as 2.
8 yds per cart machine gun carts, chemical carts, ammunition carts, (c) It is assumed that pack mules march in single file.
etc. (d) Small numbers of these will generally be omitted, because they
15 yds per cart water carts, ration carts would not logically form part of a column or would be in extra spaces or
(e) 15 ydc per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 2 animals, not tandem would be off on special missions; they will be figured only when they form
le) 20 yds pjr vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 4 animals part of a column.
(e) 25 yds per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 6 animals (e) 1, 3, 5, etc., animal drawn vehicles take up same space as 2, 4, 6, etc.,
(e) 30 yds per vehicle animal drawn vehicles, 8 animals animal drawn vehicles.
(f) 20 yds per vehicle 3-in. gun or caisson (includes the animals) In any cases not covered by above a proper assumption has been made
(d) 27 yds per vehicle motor cars based on the provisions of Field Service Regulations and the regulations of
(d) 27 yds per vehicle trucks the several arms.
(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.
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 !
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
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
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 animal-
drawn 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
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
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.
(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 1
Military intelligence , 2
Combat intelligence 3
Reconnaissance 4
Reconnaissance by air service 5
Reconnaissance by cavalry 6
Reconnaissance by infantry 7
Reconnaissance by commander and staff 8
Observation 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
INFORMATION AND RECONNAISSANCE 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.
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
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
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.
(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.
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 1
Security detachments 2
Advance guards 3
Flank guards 4
Rear guards 5
Functions of outposts 6
Conduct of outposts 7
Strength and composition 8
Distribution of troops 9
Establishing the outpost 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
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
SECURITY 125
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 one-
third 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.
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
SECURITY 127
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
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.
SECURITY 129
(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.
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
SECURITY 131
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 one-
fourth 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 out-
guards, 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
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 out-
guards 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.
SECURITY 133
(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 out-
guard, 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
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 1
Forms of attack 2
The frontal attack 3
The penetration 4
The envelopment 5
Special operations 6
Plan of attack 7
Deployments for attack 8
Time and space factors 9
Position of commanders 10
Types of offensive situations 11
Surprise attacks 12
Meeting engagements 13
Attack against an enemy deployed for defense 14
Attack against a prepared position 15
Attack against a zone defense 16
Action after the attack 17
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
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
OFFENSIVE COMBAT 137
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
(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
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.
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.
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 strongly-
organized 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
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
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 1
Principles of defensive action 2
Conduct of defensive combat 3
Forms of defense 4
Occupation of the ground 5
Disposition of troops 6
Organization of a position 7
The defensive battle ; 8
Counter attacks 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
DEFENSIVE COMBAT 153
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
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

\ouft'post ^ v i Outpost Area
r
X
OUTLINE OF A RATTLE ZONE ea
1 Are • N N *(may contain an organized
\Outpojt and «^ _ "K Hfc of resistance)
f< Delayins < I
[ Area I =
i" - , 2:~ Deracnea strongs
I '
I De/ayi'ns y\ Delaying Area

>' tfnay contain an organized!
I Area. i line of res/'stance oran)
s
I 'Battle Zone i organized position)
Bart/c
{ Local Security
Area.
O
\ Rattle
K
Area. I Main line of resistance
K Position 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
Reserve Battle Position i Contemplated main

line of resistance
J2"BattleZone
Figure 12
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
Small Group*
l i l l I I I I I I I I I of Observers
firing Una «
Support Line »
Bn Reserve
Line "
Rest Reserve
X
f I \ \
S'lnP i 2'lnf
Brig Reserve Brig Reserve
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
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.
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.
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
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.
(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

Lin of
St. 3oo~ 600 ifat
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
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.
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, one-
pounders, 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
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.
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 , 1
Estimate of the situation 2
Letters of instruction , 3.
Warning orders 4
Field orders 5
Administrative orders 6
Movement orders 7
Time required for distribution of orders 8
The use of maps with orders 9
Forms for orders 10
Advance 11
Advance guard ' 12
A halt for the night—camp with outpost 13
Attack 14
Defense 15
Artillery annex 17
Table of abbreviations 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. Strength and composition.
b. Location and distribution,
movements; troops within
A Situation. 1 supporting distance.
c. Physical condition, morale,
training, equipment.
B Probable a. Observation.
knowledge of b. Reconnaissance.
our situation. c. Prisoners, documents, inhabi
tants (friendly or hostile).
a. Time and space.
II. ENEMY. b. Terrain.
c. Roads and railroads.
C General d. Weather.
factors. e. Visibility (atmospheric condi
tions, cover, camouflage).
f. Supply.
Comparison of lines of action
D . Lines of as influenced by:
action open a. Situation.
to enemy. b. General factors.
c. Special factors.
E Probable \ General plan.
intentions.
a. Strength and composition
(comparison with enemy).
b. Location and distribution.
c. Supporting troops (availabil
A. Situation. ity, strength, composition,
location, time necessary to
arrive).
d. Physical condition, morale,
training, equipment (com
parison with enemy).
a. Time and space.
b. Terrain.
III. OUR OWN. c. Roads and railroads.
TROOPS. B. General fac d. Weather.
tors. e. Visibility (atmospheric con
ditions, cover, camouflage).
f. Supply.
Comparison of lines of action
as influenced by:
a. Our situation.
C. Lines of ac b. General factors.
tion open c. Enemy's probable in
to us. tentions.
d. Statement of advan-
tages and disadvan
I tages of each.
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
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.
(a) If there is a plan of signal communication, cub-

paragraph 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.
(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) Circulation map.
(2) Plan of rationing and miscellaneous supply.
(3) Plan of ammunition supply.
(4) Plan of engineer supply and work (other than tactical).
(5) Plan of evacuation and medical supply.
(6) Plan of salvage and burial.
(7) Plan of evacuation of prisoners of war.
(8) Plan of ordnance supply.
(9) 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 11 hours
For a brigade 3 hours
For a division 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
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
Time re Normal

quired to Maxi rate of
Means Carried by place in mum transmis Remarks
operation range, sion,
minutes. miles. words per
minute.
VISUAL
Flag—4 ft. Individuals 2 5 Hi "Wig-wag."
—2 ft. Individuals At once Hi 5 "Wig-wag."
—Semaphore Individuals At once
10
Signal lamp—small Individuals At once
• xix Ranges at night are
—large Combat Train 5
5 fi considerably greater.
Pyrotechnics—
—signal pistol Individuals 1 X
Each discharge is a
—rocket, etc. 1 prearranged signal.
Range depends on
height of burst.
Panels —signaling • 1 y2 H
Ground to airplane,
prearranged signals.
SOUND SIGNALS — Not standardized.
RADIO SERVICE*
—"Loop set" Combat Train
or individuals 2
oooo
—FA bns & regts Spring wagon 5 42
—Inf regts & brigs Trailer 5 4
—Div Trk & trailer 10 Three stations, vari
ous ranges.
—Cav pack set Mules 3 25
o
CODING OR CIPHERING 2 Same rate for decod

ing or deciphering.
Messengers!
Runner 1 3J^ miles per hour.
Mounted 5 6 miles per hour.
Bicycle 10 10 miles per hour.
Motorcycle 15 20 miles per hour.
Airplane 150 100 miles per hour.
PIGEONS Permanent loft 100 % miles per minute.
Mobile loft 10 M miles per minute.
WIRE SERVICE in the
field
[100 Normal coversation

—telephone
[20-40 Dictated and recorded

—telegraph*
:::: .... 15
—service buzzer* Cav C Tn 12
—buzzerphone* C Tn 15
WIRE CONSTRUCTION, Individuals crawl n With assault battal
—light
ions.
Individuals walk H
—medium
Wire cart walk
Wire cart or Walk & 20 X Along a clear road.
—heavy
truck trot 5 mi
per hr
Wagons or 4 mi per 90-150X Light aerial construc
—bare wire
trucks day 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
Company!
Compay Battalion
a Various
Basic Platoon "ggfe SySdron Segment Brigade Division CPJjOP»
Infantry IEI
Artillery El liUorf i
Air .Service
Cavalry S
&
Engineers 0
Signal or
iommurrication
Medical
SPECIAL
Tanks B Machine £un O—• formation •

Une ^
Walloons 9 One pdr (37mm) ©—•
Column Q
Li^bt mortar o-++
BOUNDARIES
Company — H I —- m — Regiment —...—.... Division •——xx——KX-

Battalion — • —— • - ^ Dnâde — x * - — x - Corps ——xxie——xx«
Enemy fVont Line MJ. Our n*ont Li n© IVIMW^WIW
SUPPLY
Train Headquarters Motor Transport
Air Service Depot Depot r
Keld-Train Ordnance General

Ammunition De Depot
Ration Cart al W
Chemica Warfare Prisoner of War
epot
Dt Enclosure
Combat Train Dislributin3 Q M General Depot
Water Cart Distributing ov r \ s Railhead

Station ^-^'
AnimaldravmTnain Ration d.fbrade
Engineer Depot ^ ^ Depot ^
Motorized Train Gasoline Depot @) ReFilling Point «
Railway Train Medical Depot
Rollin3 Kitchen Military Police Remount Depot
Medical Cart Signal Depot
Figure 17
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:
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 icing covered
in the subparagraphs of paragraph 3.
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:
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

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."
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:
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 Sqd
Section Sec
Platoon Plat
Company Co
Battalion Bn
Regiment Regt
Brigade Brig
Division Div
BRANCHES:
Air Service AS
Artillery Arty
Cavalry Cav
Chemical Warfare Service CWS
Coast Artillery Corps CAC
Engineers Engrs
Field Artillery FA
Infantry Inf
Medical Corps MC
Medical Department MD
Military Police . MP
Ordnance Department Ord Dept
Signal Corps Sig C
Veterinary Corps VC
OFFICERS, RANK:
Lieutenant Lt
Captain Capt
Major Maj
Lieutenant Colonel (General) Lt Col (Gen)
Colonel Col
Brigadier General Brig Gen
Major General Maj Gen
OFFICERS, FUNCTION:
Adjutant Adj
Assistant Chief of Staff AC of S (Gl, G2, G3, G4>
Chaplain Chap
Chief of Staff C of S
Commander Comdr
Commanding General CG
Commanding Officer CO
Headquarters Commandant and Hq Comdt & PM
Provost Marshal
Judge Advocate JA
Quartermaster QM
Remount Officer Rmt O
Signal Officer Sig 0
Surgeon Surg
Division Machine Gun and Howit
zer Officer DMGHO
Inspector Inspr
Intelligence Officer Int O
OFFICERS, STAFF: Battalion Regiment Brigade

Adjutant Bn 1 R 1 B 1
Intelligence Officer Bn 2 R 2 B 2
Operations and Training Officer— Bn 3 R 3 B 3
Supply Officer Bn 4 R 4 B 4
MISCELLANEOUS:
Administrative Orders Adm O
Afternoon (i.e., between 12:00
noon and 12:00 midnight) ___ PM
Collecting Point Coll P
Collecting Station Coll Sta
Combat Train C Tn
Command Post CP
Detachment Det
Exclusive excl
Field Orders FO
Field Train F Tn
Howitzer Company How Co
Inclusive incl
Light Tank (Battalion) (Com- L Tk (Bn) (Co)
pany)
Light Mortar (Section) LM (Sec)
Machine Gun (Battalion) (Com- MG (Bn) (Co)
pany)
Morning (i.e., between 12:00 mid
night and 12:00 noon) . AM
Number No.
One-pounder (Section) 1-pdr (Sec)
Postal Section Post Sec
Ration Distributing Point RDP
Road Junction RJ
Special Troops Sp Trs
Verbal Orders VO
East E
South S
North N
West W
Names of months are also abbreviated.
1 n de x
Page Page
Abbreviations for field organization 53
orders 187
preparation 57
Action after attack 150

Tables of Organization. —
Active defense 153

battalion, 75-mm. gun_ 64
Administration 28
155-mm. howitzer 70
Administrative staff 25
battery, 75-mm. gun__ 62
troops 11
brigade, field 68

regiment, 75-mm.
form for 183
gun 66
Advance, form for field

with cavalry 79
orders 178
Assault, formation 35
Advance guard, form for infantry 38
field orders 179

the hostile 164
Advance guard artillery 109

Attack —
Advance guards 124
action after 150
Air service 96
advantages of 135
reconnaissance 118
against a defensive
Ambulance battalion 100
zone 149
in camp 114
a prepared position 149
Ambuscades 148
an enemy deployed 148
Ammunition, artillery 53
deployment for 143
train 104
difficulties of 135
Animal-drawn transport 105

enveloping 138
Annexes to administrative
fire, the 38
orders 175
form for field order 169
to field orders 172

forms of 136
Approach formations 34, 39

frontages in 143
Areas, corps 10
frontal 137
quartering 112
limited objective 140
Arms and branches, com local 140
bined 16
meeting engagements 148
Army artillery 53
methods of 141
cavalry 71
mounted, cavalry 74
Army, of the United States. 12

night, 145
organization of 13
of river lines 141
Regular, the 3
penetrating 137
service area 10
plan of 141
Artillery 52-61
preparation for 146
ammunition train 104

successful 150
annex, form for 186

the counter 164
battalion, horse 94
time of 144
combat train 102

Authority, exercise of 22
command 56
Axes of signal communi
data 54
cation 172
dispositions in defense 159

Balloons 97
division 52
Barrage, defensive 60
field, classification 53
rolling 59
field train 103

Basis of command 22
in the advance guard 109

Battalion, ambulance 100
observation airplane 119

artillery 55
on the march 108 75-mm. gun 64
189
190 INDEX
Page Page
155-mm. howitzer 70 Combat, defensive 152-165
hospital 100 engineer regiment 98
infantry 37, 46 offensive 135-151
reserve line, the 160 groups 162
sanitary 99 localization of 135
Battery, artillery 55 orders 166-188
frontage 56 trains 57, 101
organization, 75-mm. units 32, 37
gun 62 zone 10
Battle, defensive, the 163 Combined action by cavalry. 76
indecisive 151 Command 22-30
position 160 artillery 56
reconnaissance 118 basis of 22
reconnaissance, air ser chain of 24
vice 97, 119 channel of 26
zone defense 155 exercise of 22
Boundaries, conventional posts 29, 146, 172
signs 177 Commander, company 35
Branches, administrative 28 position of 146
the combined 16 outguard 133
Brigade, artillery 68 outpost 132
cavalry, organization reconnaissance by 121
of 84 support, in an outpost 132
field artillery 68 Communication, means of 176
infantry 41 signal 28
Bridge equipment 99 Communications zone 10
Camp, form for field Company, combat engineer 99
orders 180 howitzer 38
engineers in 113 light tank 42
sanitation of 113 machine gun 34
site, selection of 112 veterinary 100
water, supply 113 Composition of outposts 130
Casualties, march collec Concentrations, progressive- 59
tion 110 Conduct, of marches 107
Cavalry 71-81 of the defense 153
advance guard 126 of the outpost 129
division, the 12 Connecting groups 37, 164
marches 108 Continuing the attack 150
offensive action 73 Conventional signs 177
operations 72 Corps areas 6, 0
pursuit 80 Corps, artillery 53
reconnaissance 119 cavalry , 71
with an outpost 130 organization of the _13, 14
versus cavalry 74 Cossack posts 113
Centers of resistance 162 Counter attack 164
Channel of command 24, 26 Counter battery fire 61
Charge, the cavalry 74 Counter offensive preparation
Chief of staff 24 fire 60
Ciphering, rate of 176 Covering force, in the de
Civilian Military Training fense 157
Camps 2 Data, artillery 54
Classification of troops 11 Decisive arm, infantry as
Close reconnaissance 118 the 30
Coast defense 11 Defense, active, conduct of_ 153
Coding, rate of 176 coast 11
Collecting stations, march__ 111 form for field orders 181
Combatant troops 11 national 2
INDEX 191
Page Page
passive, conduct of 154
destruction , 58
tactical principles in 152

direction of 55
zone, attack against 149

for effect 57
Defensive, areas 155

interdiction 58
barrage 60
neutralization 58
cavalry action 77
preparation of 57
combat 152-165
registration 57
position, cavalry in 78
supporting 58
Delaying action 154

Fire attack, infantry 38
Departments, overseas 6
superiority 34
Departure, line of 146

Fire fight, in defense, the__ 163
Deployed defense, the 156

Firing line 160
Deployment, cavalry 78
First line of defense 4
depth of 154
Flank guards 126
for attack 143

Flank to envelop, determin
Depth in attack 144
ation of 139
Destruction fire 58
Foragers, line of 73
Detachments, medical 101

Form, administrative orders- 173
security 123
estimate of the situa
Dictated orders 169
tion 167
Dismounted action of cav field orders 169
alry 76
Formal orders 168
Distant reconnaissance 117

Formation, approach 34
Distribution, of orders -172, 175

assault 35
of troops in defense __ 158

of security detachments 124
Division, air service 96

Forms, of attack 136
artillery : 52
of defense 154
cavalry 71, 82
Frontages, cavalry 74
engineers 97
in attack 143
organization 14, 15, 18

in defense : 159
staff, the 27
Frontal attacks 137
trains 104, 113

Functions, of the artillery. 52
transport 101
infantry 31
Division of the general staff- 25

larger units 11
Double envelopment 140

Regular Army 3
Draft, selective service 8

Staff 24
Echelon, definition of 73
trains 30
Enemy deployed, attack General Headquarters Re

against an 148
serve 12
Engagements, meeting 148

General Staff 24
Engineers, division 97
Ground observation 3
Engineer, train 104

Gun, one-pounder (37-mm.)_ 38
troops, in camp 113

Harbor defense 11
Enlisted Reserve Corps — 4

Halt, form for field orders. 180
Enveloping attack 138

Holding units •. . 153
Envelopment, the double 140

Horses, led, cavalry 76
Establishing the outpost 132

Hospital battalion _. 100
Estimate of the situation _ 166

in camp 114
Evacuation, system of 29
Hospitalization, system of _ 29
Field artillery, classification

Howitzer company 38
of 53
organization 50
Field forces _____ 10

Indecisive battle 151
commander : 12
Infantry 31-43
Field orders 168

battalion 37
Field trains 103

brigade 41
Fire, artillery 52
combat train 102
adjustment for . 57
company 34
counter battery _ 61
contact airplane ______ 119
192 INDEX
Page Pag«
field train 103 Motor transport 30,105
howitzer company 38 Mountains, operations in 140
intelligence airplane ___ 119 Mounted, attack, cavalry 74
light tank company 42 formation 73
machine gun company 36 Movement, turning 140
platoon 33 National defense 2
t reconnaissance 120 National Guard 3
regiment 41 divisions 5
superiority 136 Neutralizing fire, artillery — 58
Information 116 Night attacks 145
Intelligence 116 Objective, limited 140
Interdiction fire, artillery 58 Observation 121
Key-points, in the defense _ 158 air service 96
Larger units, functions 11 posts, artillery 57
Leadership 22 Occupation, of positions by
Led horses, cavalry 76 artillery 56
Length of marches 107 of the ground, in defense_158
Letters of instruction 168 Offensive combat 135-151
Liaison officers 61 Officers, intelligence 117
Limbers, artillery 57 liaison 61
Limited objective attack 140 line and administrative __ 11
Line of departure 146 Officers' Reserve Corps 4
Line of resistance 158 Operation of service trains 104
Line officers 11 Operations, cavalry 72
Local attacks 140 in mountains 140
Localization of combat 135 special 140
Machine gun company 36 theater of 9
organization 48 Orders, administrative 173
Machine guns in the defense _162 and instructions 23
Machine gun troop 92 combat 166-188
Maneuver, the scheme of, 142 field 168
Maps to accompany orders 175 forms for • 175
March casualties 110 outpost 132
Marches 106-112 warning 168
artillery 108 Organization 1-16
medical troops 110 air service, of the division 96
signal troops 109 artillery 53
transport 111 cavalry 71
Means of communication 176 brigade 84
Meeting engagements 148 division 82
Medical detachments ^101 machine gun troop 92
on the march 110 regiment 86
Medical, personnel and units 29 squadron 88
service in camp 114 troop 90
regiment, in camp 114 divisions, Organized
on the march 110 Reserves 7
train 104 engineer regiment 98
troops, division 99 horse artillery battalion- 94
Messengers 176 infantry 32
Methodic attack, the 142 infantry division 18
Methods of attack 141 special troops 20
Military, intelligence 116 in peace 6
organization 1 National Guard 5
policy 1 of a corps 14
Militia 3 of a division staff 27
Mobilization 8 of an army 13
centers 9 position in defense 159
Mortar, light, infantry 38 trains 101
INDEX 193
Page Page
Organized Reserves 4
Reconnaissance 117-122, 136
divisions 7
air service 97, 118
Outguards 131
cavalry 119
Outposts 128
combat 120
defensive system 159

commander 120
form for field orders 180

infantry 120
Panels, signal 176

in force 140
Passive defense 154

Reconnoitering, cavalry 119
Patrols, outpost 131

Regular Army, The 3
reconnoitering 119
Relief of the outpost 133
Peace, organization in 6
Reserve, General Head
to war footing 8
quarters 12
Penetrating attacks 137

Officers' Training Corps _ 2
Pigeons 176
Reserves, cavalry 75
Plan, of attack 141

Organized 4
of maneuver 142
Resistance, the line of 158
of signal communication 171
Plans for penetrations 137

Resources, national 2
for pursuit 150

Rifle, company 34, 47
Platoon, engineer 98
platoon 33
rifle 33
Rifles, automatic 33
Platoons, line of, cavalry 73

River crossings 141
Policy, military 1
Rolling barrage 59
Position defense, organization Sanitary battalion 99
of 156
in camp 114
Position, of commanders 146

Sanitation of camps 113
organization of a 159
Scheme of maneuver 142
Positions, defensive, for Sectors, in a defensive system 156
cavalry 78
Security 123-134
occupation of, artillery 56

Selective service draft 8
Post, command 146

Sentinels, outpost 133
observation, artillery 57
Service area, the army 10
Preparation, of artillery fire_ 57

Service company, infantry __ 41
for attack 146

trains 104
for marches 106

Shelter 112-115
for war 2
Shock action, cavalry 71
of fire, artillery 57
Signal communication 26, 28
Prepared position, attack combat 147
against a 149
on the defensive 159
Principles, defensive action _152

on the march 109
offensive combat 135
plan of 171
supply 29
Signal troops, on the march __109
Progressive concentrations 59
Signature, of field orders 172
Pursuit 150
Signs, conventional 177
by cavalry 80
Situation, estimate of the —166
Pyrotechnics 176
Situations, types of 147
Quartering parties 112

Special operations 140
Radio transmission, rates of 176

Special troops, organization of 20
Raids 140
Squad, infantry 33
Rate of marches 107

Squadron, cavalry 88
Rear guards 127

Squads, line of, cavalry 73
Regiment, cavalry 86
Staff and command 22-30
combat engineers 98
Staff, division 27
infantry 41, 44
of lower units 26
medical 99
reconnaissance 121
75-mm. gun 55, 66

technical and administra
155-mm. howitzer 55
tive 25
Regimental reserve line, the 160

Staffs 24
194 INDEX
Page Page
Strength, comparison of infantry battalion 38
cavalry 76
organization of 101
of outposts 130
service 104
Strong points 161

Training, voluntary 2
Superiority, infantry 136

Transmission, signal, rates of 176
Supervision, indirect 26
Transport, division 101
Supply, system of 29
on the march 111
Support, the line 160

system 30
Supporting fires, artillery 58

Troop, cavalry 90
Supports, outpost 131

Troops, classification of 11
Surprise 148
on outpost 130
attacks 148
quartering 112
System, evacuation and Turning movement 140
hospitalization 29
Unsuccessful attack, action
signal communication 28
after 151
supply 29
Verbal orders 169
transport 30
Veterinary company 100
Tactical opportunities 141

in camp 115
Tank company, light 42

Visual signaling 176
Technical, control 28
Voluntary training 2
staff, the 25
Vulnerability, mounted
Telegraph, rate of transmis formations 73
sion 176
Wagon transport . 30
Telephoning, rate of 176

War footing 8
Terminology, defensive 155

War strength, organized
Territorial organization,
reserve units 6
National Guard divisions. 5

War, theater of 9
Organized Reserve divi Warning orders 168
sions 7
Water supply in camps 113
Theater, of operations 9
Waves, infantry 33
of war 9
Wire construction, rate of 176
Time, distributing orders 175

Withdrawal 159
of attack 144
Zone, combat 10
Trains 30
communications 10
combat 101
defense 157
field 103
attacks against 149
in camp 113
Zone of action 142

Army National Guard Tactics (1923)

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Army National Guard Tactics (1923)

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COMMAND, STAFF,

OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL

GUARD AND ORGANIZED RESERVES

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS PRESS

STAFF, AND TACTICS

OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD

AND ORGANIZED RESERVES

A brief discussion of the general organiza­

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS PRESS

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

1. Divisions of the National Guard 5

2. Divisions of the Organized Reserves 7

3. Typical organization of an army 13

4. Typical organization of a corps 14

5. Diagram of the organization of a division 15

6. Basic organization of a division staff 27

7. Approach formation, infantry platoon 34

8. Assault formations, infantry platoons 35

9. Close approach formations of the battalion (a) 39

10. Close approach formations of the battalion (b) 40

11. Table of road spaces following page 108

12. Terminology and general outline of a battle zone 155

13. Deployed defense 156

14. Position defense 157

15. Battle position 161

16. Means of signal communication 176

17. Conventional signs 177

3W—Special Troops, Infantry Division 20-21

*23W—Infantry Regimentf 44-45

28W—Rifle Company, Infantry Regiment 47

29W—Machine Gun Company, Infantry Regiment 48-49

30W—Howitzer Company, Infantry Regiment 50-51

38W—Battery 75-mm. Gun Regiment 62-63

36W—Battalion, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 64

33W—Regiment, 75-mm. Gun Regimentf 66-67

31W—Field Artillery Brigade, Infantry Divisionf 68-69

136W—Battalion, 155-mm. Howitzer, Motorizedf 70

401W—Cavalry Divisionf 82-83

421W—Cavalry Brigadef 84-85

423W—Cavalry Regiment 86-87

426W—Squadron, Cavalry Regimentf 88-89

428W—Troop, Cavalry Regiment 90-91

429W—Machine Gun Troop, Cavalry Machine Gun Squadron 92-93

436W—Separate Battalion, 75-mm. Guns, Horse Artillery 94-95

1. MILITARY ORGANIZATION.—a. Military organization

tion of measures necessary for national defense and for

3. REGULAR ARMY.—The Regular Army constitutes

(2) As a component of the Army of the United States,

C33 Aug I" 1922 Figure 1

b. The Enlisted Reserve Corps is composed of persons

— — CORPS AREA BOUNDARY

— ••— DIVISION AREA BOUNDARY

I.Cavalry Divisions are allotted'aj follows..

2. Non divisional troops of Corps.

reserve and coast arriiiery districts

OSS Aug. I''1922

specially exempted. In accordance with policies enun­

(4) The mobilization of National Guard corps and

on separate operations at great distances from each other,

mally covers the territory between corps rear boundaries

Istratively a self-sustaining unit. It possesses fire power,

Two or more corps temporarily assigned.

A brief discussion of the general organiza

specially exempted. In accordance with policies enun

Wagons, combined bat

Captains 31 troops, division headquarters com

Miscellaneous 3d (11) 3) (7) (8) troops, infantry division, are com

discipline. This officer is respon

(2) Four divisions corresponding to the four func

specified responsibilities and duties and are given the per

wise, a thorough knowledge is essential to insure the effi