Infantry Drill Regulations Volume 6 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 Excerpt: ...flanks. This is equally true in attack or defense. 307. The fact that cavalry patrols are known to be posted in a certain direction does not relieve infantry commanders of the responsibility for reconnaissance and security. To be surprised by an enemy at short range is an unpardonable offense. 398. The commander of a battalion on a flank of a general line invariably provides for the necessary reconnaissance and security on that flank unless higher authority has specifically ordered it. In any event, he sends out combat patrols as needed. Where his battalion is on a flank of one section of the line and a considerable interval lies between his battalion and the next section, he makes similar provision. 399. Battalion commanders in the first line establish patrols to observe and report the progress or conduct of adjoining troops when these can not be seen. FIRE SUPERIORITY. PURPOSE AND NATURE. 400. In a decisive battle success depends on gaining and maintaining fire superiority. Every effort must be made to gala it early and then to keep it. Attacking troops must first gain fire superiority in order to reach the hostile position. Over open ground attack is possible only when the attacking force has a decided fire superiority. With such superiority the attack is not only possible, but success is probable and without ruinous losses. Defending troops can prevent a charge only when they can master the enemy's fire and inflict heavy losses upon him. 401. To obtain fire superiority it is necessary to produce a heavy volume of accurate fire. Every increase in the effectiveness of the fire means a corresponding decrease in the effectiveness of the enemy's fire. The volume and accuracy of fire will depend, upon several considerations: (a) The number of rifles employed....