TACTICAL TRAINING OF THE INDIVIDUAL SOLDIER

CONTENTS

CHAPTER	DESCRIPTION	PARAGRAPH
I	Introduction	1 - 3
II	Movement by day and Night	4 - 7
III	Use of Compass and Maps	8 - 11
IV	Observe, Sentinels and Lookouts	12 - 16
V	Scouts and Messengers	17 - 22

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1. General.

a. Individual soldiers are trained not only to carry out their parts in the operations of their squads and platoons as tactical teams but also in a number of combat duties where they may at times-often much of the time be acting alone. Any soldier may be a scout, observer, sentinel, listener, sniper, or messenger. He may have to perform any of these duties by day or night. Some of these duties require a soldier to move about near the enemy, who can be expected to watch carefully for such movements and try to prevent them by fire. Hence all fighting soldiers must learn to protect themselves by concealment, both when in movement and when not in movement, as well as by the proper use of their weapons and equipment.

b. To be "concealed" means to be hidden (as by a bush or tall grass) from view of the enemy but not necessarily protected from his fire. Concealment may also be gained through the fact that the color of a soldier's uniform blends with his background in battle, and through "camouflage" or the use of grass, leaves, branches of trees, and other materials to help in hiding his presence.

"Cover" means protection (as by a trench, a ditch, a building, an air-raid shelter, an armored vehicle, or the side of a hill away from the enemy) from both sight and fire of the enemy ground troops. Cover from ground fire may not be cover from bombs or airplane are, just as concealment from ground observation may not be concealment from an enemy in the air. Complete cover from all fire is only found in such places as forts, dugouts, and caves. The word "cover" is commonly used to mean cover from the fire of the enemy's flat-trajectory weapons. "Cover'' is often used to mean just "concealment," as in an order from a unit commander to "stay under cover, which may simply mean to stay under the trees to avoid detection by the enemy's planes.

c. The duties of scouts, observers, sentinels, listeners, snipers, and messcngen are covered in detail in later chapters of this section.

2. The Scout.

a. General.
In American usage the term "scout" brings to mind the picture of a romantic figure clad io buckskin. skilled in the use of rifle and pistol, able to find his way in darkness or daylight-courageous, intelligent, resolute, strong. Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill Cody were men of this type. To be an effee.tive military scout a soldier must have those same qualities of courage, intelligence, resolution, and strength. With this character, he can gain whatever other qualities may be necessary through training. Lieutenant Andrew S. Rowap, who carried President McKinley's message to Garcia, was such a scout. Men with courage, intelligence, resolution, and strength are to be found in the city as well as in tlie country. Therefore, the city-bred soldier may, and often does, become a good scout,

The knowledge of military scouting increases the value of the soldier many-fold. In our War for Independence the British frequently were held or defeated by inferior numbers, by reason of the superiority of tlie soldiers of the Continental Army in the application of many of the principles and methodi; to be presented here. The same was true in the defense of the Philippines under General MacArthur, in which highly-trained scouts brougbt back information to their commanders. All infantrymen must have a thorough knowledge of the use of cover and concealment by day or night, and of the methods of movement when near the enemy. This knowledge wJil be of the utmost assistance to them in avoiding needless risk on the battlefield.

b. Duties of scouts.
Trained scouts are employed principally to gain information. The scout must develop the ability to move and to see without being seen, to prepare and transmit messages, to find and maintain directfons, and to shoot accurately. To be able to get the information required of him as a scout, training is necessary so that he can interpret what he sees and develop his ability to observe so that no important information escapes him.

c. Scouts in modern war.
In modern war, because of rapid transportation and the great range of weapons, information is highly necessary, and there are many information acquiring services. We find in battle itself units whose principal duty is scouling. Some of these units arc transported to, or close to, the places of rheir employment in such vehicles as armored cars or scout cars, or in trucks. The effectiveness of a scout depends upon his ability to use cover and concealment, to observe without being seen, to use the compass, to read maps, and to make clear and accurate reports.

d. Selection of scouts.
In tbe infantry battalion there is a section of the headquarters detachment known as the intelligence section, all of whose members are trained as scouts. All infantry soldiers receive general training as scouts. Two members of each rifle squad are given specialized training as scouts. Tbns, in each battalion more than sixty men receive special scout training. The training any man reteivcs in scouting and patrolling will make him a more effective soldier.


3. Patrols.

a. Definition.
A patrol is a detachment of troops sent out from a larger body with orders to protect the larger body Erom surprise attack (this is a mission of "secmity"), or to find out something about the enemy or about an area where enemy troops might be (this is a mission of "reconnaissance").

b. Classes of patrols.
Patrols are classified in accordance with the mission upon which they are sent, such as reconnaissance patrols, visiting patrols, combat patrols, flank patrols, or connecting patrols. A recormaissance patrol has the mission of obtaining information, and it fights only if it is necessary to do so in order to accomplish its mission. A combat patrol, as its name implies, does not ordinarily avoid a fight. Its mission is often one of security. As we have seen, a patrol with a security mission prevents the larger body from being surprised by the enemy and, by fighting, holds off the enemy until the larger body is prepared to meet him.

Combat patrols may also be called upon, to carry out raids, to capture prisoners or to ca1 tw·e or neutralize an eneny patrol. Combat patrols may operate like the so-called "guerrilla" groups which attacked various places in the hands of the Japanese in the Philippines after the Japanese gained control of most of the Islands. The "commandos," used by the British to make sudden attacks against Nazi-held points in Norway and France, were simply large, well-equipped combat patrols sent for a long distance to carry out their tasks.

c. Application of scouting to patrolling.
Reconnaissance patrols and combat patrols usually consist of one or two trained scouts and several other men. Large patrols are commanded by an officer.

d. The operation of patrols
is described in detail in "Combat Training-The Rifle Squad."

QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by "cover" and "concealment"?
2. What individual combat duties may a soldier have?
3. What is a patrol?
4. What are the two general classes of patrols, and in what way or ways do they differ?



CHAPTER II

MOVEMENT BY DAY AND NIGHT

4. Concealment by Day When Not in Movement.

Following are a few simple rules for a scout when he is close to the enemy but not in movement:

a. When not observing, keep as close to the ground as possible. Keep still until movement is necessary.

b. Whenever possible observe lying down, or from whatever position will expose you least to possible enemy view.

c. Keep off the skyline if it is at all possible.

d. Avoid single trees and bushes which stand out against the skyline or arc in sharp contrast to the surrounding ground. These attract the enemy's fire.

e. For methods of observing from various localities sec Plates 1 and 2.


5. Movements by Day.

a. A soldier close to the enemy always moves as if he knew for certain that the ground he moves over was being carefully watched by the enemy for just such movements.

b. The following are sound rules for movement by day:

(1) When in the open, lie motionless with your body stretched out flat against the ground. To observe, lift your head slowly and steadily. Enemy eyes may see abrupt and quick movements.

(2) If you must move to a new position for better observation, select your route carefully before you start. If your route carries you over open ground, spring up, run at top speed with body bent low to your next cover, and then stay motionless. See Plates 3 and 4.

(3) Where a wall or hedge is available, keep behind it, well out of sight. If there is only a slight rise of ground between you and the enemy, crawl keeping all parts of your body close to the ground.

(4) Before starting toward a new position, pick out those places around you where the enemy might be, and then move as ii you were being watched from those places. Before starting, search the ground as described in paragraph 12.

(5) Know where you are at all times and do not become lost or confused as to the direction of your own troops. Remember all that you see, and report exactly what you have seen, no more and no less, when you rejoin your unit.

(6) To advance by running. See Plate 5.

(7) To drop to prone position. See Plate 6.

(8) Creeping. See Plate 7.

(9) Crawling. Sec Plate 8.


6. Night Training. General.

a. It is the purpose of night training to enable a soldier to find his way over unknown terrain in darkness, to move silently at night, and to fight at night.

b. Night training is begun on well-known terrain in twilight and is gradually increased in difficulty until it can be successfully carried on in complete darkness on unknown ground.

c. At night-

(1) All objects appear larger. Outlines assume unaccustomed shapes because details disappear.
(2) A light of any kind shows the enemy where you are.
(3) The silence of night makes sound audible for a long distance. Hence, the distance to a sound is generally underestimated.
(4) It is an advantage to have the moon at your back while observing.
(5) You can see better from the prone position and hear better with one ear to the ground.
(6) Choose a location with a dark background and take advantage of the shadow cut by mooonlight.



PLATE 1a - Individual Concealment and Obstruction.


PLATE 1b - Individual Concealment and Obstruction.


PLATE 2a - Correct and Incorrect Methods of Observation.


PLATE 2b - Correct and Incorrect Methods of Observation.


PLATE 3 - Soldier Selecting Covered Route for Advance.


PLATE 4 - Advance by Fast Bounds Over Open Ground.


PLATE 5 - To Advance by Runing.


PLATE 6 - One Method of Hitting the Ground.


PLATE 7 - Correct and Incorrect Methods of Creeping.

d. It is also important-

(1) To fasten articles that make noise, especially mess equipment.
(2) To move quickly and silently, even when not on roads or paths.
(3) To find your way by observing the stars. See Plate 9.
(4) To watch the man ahead of you, when you are moving in column, and follow his movemenu, in order to eliminate the necessity for commands and orders.



PLATE 8 - Crawling.


PLATE 9 - Finding The North Star.

(5) To strike a light only whea ordered.
(6) lf surprised by a flare, to remain perfectly motionless. Avoid looking at a Bare because it will blind you for some time.
(7) To use the passwcml, when one is announced.
(8) To take advantage of sound, such as that of the wind or firing, or falling shells, to make bold movements.


7. Movement by Night.

Movement by night is done somewhat differently than by day. If possible, the ground to be covered by night should at least be searched from a distance by day if it cannot be examined closer up. The route out and back should be selectcd and all points of the ground noted which will help in finding the way by night.

a. Walking. See Plate 10.
b. Creeping and crawling-same as by day-avoid noise.
c. Choosing route at night-avoid crests and skylines. See Plate 11.
d. Crosssing wire-See Plate 12.
e. Cutting wire-See Plates 13 and 14.
f. Crossing trench-See Plate 15.





PLATE 10 - Walking at Night.

Figure 1. On hard ground advance your foot and put your toe down carefully, and then your heel. Then shift your weight to that foot and take another step the same way.

Figure 2. In grass or weeds pick up your foot so that if possible, it clears the top of the growth. Then put your heeldown gently first, and then your toe.


PLATE 11 - Showing Difference Between Day and Night Routes Over the Same Terrain.

Figure 1. On hard gound advance your foot and put your toe down carefully, and then your heel. Then shift your weight to that foot and take another step the same way.

Figure 2. In grass or weeds pick up your foot so that, if possible, it clears the top of the growth. Then put your heel down gently first, and then your toe.


PLATE 12 - Getting Through Barbed Wire.

Figure 1. Locating wire by its outline against the sky.

Figure 2. Crossing over low wire.

Figure 3. Crawling under high wire.


PLATE 13 - Cutting Wire.

Hold the wire tightly with one hand near a post and cut it with the other. Let go of it carefully so it doesn't make any noise.


PLATE 14 - Two Men Cutting Wire.

One holds the wire and the oher cuts it.



QUESTIONS

1. Give four rules for concealment when halted close to the enemy.
2. What is the purpose of night training?
3. In all movement near the enemy at night what, in particular, must a soldier do.?





PLATE 15a - Crossing a Trench.

Scout crawls silently up tp trench and looks in. He removes all loose dirt and rocks from edge if it is a narrow trench.

He springs up and leaps across the trench, landing on one foot with the other foot held behind to catch himself in case he misses edge of trench in jumping. He then drops noiselessly to the ground. He lies motionless and listens before proceeding.


PLATE 15b - Crossing a Trench.




CHAPTER III

USE OF COMPASS AND MAPS

8. Knowledge of the Ground.

It is essential for a soldier to have a thorough knowledge of terrain features, since he will often have use for this knowledge in his combat duties. The names of the main features of the ground are shown in Plate 16.

9. Use of the Compass.

a. Every soldier must understand and be able to use the compass. His duties require him to move to distant points through woods and at night, to designate objects discovered, and to guide his platoon in its movements. He must know:

(1) How to determine the direction of an object on the ground.
(2) How to determine the direction of an object on the map.
(3) How to march in a given direction.


b. Directions are generally stated in degrees of magnetic azimuth. The needle at rest points to magnetic north. The angle any Line makes with the north line, measured clockwise from the north point, is the azimuth of that line. To determine the direction of an object on the ground, sec Plate 17. Also see section on "Map Reading."

c. To determine the direction of an object on the map, sec paragraph. llb; to march in a given direction, sec Plate 18.

d. To march in a given direction (azimuth) without a map, look through the lens and turn the body until the required azimuth is read. Pick out a reference point in the Line of sight. March to the reference point. Repeat with successive reference points as often as necessary. To march in a given direction at night, see Plate 19. Note. The above instructions arc for the use of the lensatic compass as shown in the plates. If other types are used, the instructions should be modified accordingly.

10. Determining Direction Without a Compass.

a. Watch. Point the hour haud toward the sun with the watch horizoutal. A line through the center of the watch passing halfway between the hour hand and 12 (in the small angle) will poi11t south. See Plate 20.

b. When a soldier has neither watch nor compass he can still maintain his general direction by observing the position of the sun. In case the sun is hidden he must rely on the map, if he has one, or upon his notes to assist him in moving about by reference to prominent terrain features. He must look back frequently to note landmarks, slope of. ground, and directions of streams to guide him on his return. When lost he should climb a tree or go to high ground and try to locate some familiar landmark. See also Plate 20.

11. Use of the Map.

a. A soldier must be able to read maps and from them visualize the ground over which he is to pass. He should have a sufficient knowledge of conventional signs to enable him to recognize and point out on the map the representations of the various terrain features shown in Plate 16.

b. Orienteering the map.
A map is said to be oriented when the lines on the map are parallel to the Lines they represent on the ground. Thus, if any line which points to the north (or any other direction) on the map is adjusted so that it actually points in that direction with the map laid on the ground, the map is oriented. See Plate 20.

c. The subject of "Map Reading" is treated in Volume I.


QUESTIONS

1.	Describe how to orient a map.
2.	In your own words describe what you understand the following terrain features to be: crest, ridge, ravine, draw, saddle, gentle slope, clearing, cut. fig. ll.
3.	What do you understand to be meant by the following report: "At crossroads 910, the magnetic azimuth of a section of machine guns was meamred as 270 and its range as 900 yards."
4.	How would you plot the position of this section of machine guns on the map?

PLATE 16 - Military Features of the Terrain.


PLATE 17 - Method of Determining Azimuth of Visible Object.


PLATE 18 - Method of Obtaining Azimuth from a Map and Marching by Means of a Compass.


PLATE 19 - Method of Maintaining Direction at Night With a Compass.


PLATE 20 - Methods of Orienting a Map.




CHAPTER IV

OBSERVE, SENTINELS AND LOOKOUTS

12. Observers.

a. In order to gain the maximum of military information a soldier must be trained as an observer. Such training helps to develop his powers of observation, so that nothing of importance to his mission escapes him. Other practice, such as observing and reporting all movements or signs-for example, the license numbers and types of, motor vehicles, directions of travel, and similar things- is also good training.

b. A soldier may be called upon to observe from a stationary observation post or to move from one observation point to another. In approaching an observation post or point he utilizes all methods taught in Chapter II. See Plate 21.


PLATE 21 - Approaching and Observation Position.

c. Searching: ground.
The ability to pick up indistinct, moving objects may be acquired by practice without the necessity of a system of searching, since the eye is naturally attracted to moving things. But to pick out motionless objects requires systematic search. The soldier searches the ground in belts or zones parallel to the front, at successively increasing ranges within his range of vision. He begins with the zone nearest him, searching the belt systematically from right to left, omitting no portion of it. The places where an enemy may be concealed hold his eye longer than open spaces. In this manner, with his eye properly focussed, he searches all places at the same range. He then preceeds to another belt farther out, but oveclnpping the first, and searches back from left to right, and thus proceeds until he has thoroughly examined all terrain to the front and well to the flanks within his range of vision. This search is made with the naked eye. If he is equipped with a field glass, he uses it for closer examination of any localities that appear suspicious. See Plate 22.


PLATE 22 - Scout Searching Ground.


PLATE 23 - Observation Post and Personnel.

13. Observation by Night.

a. An observer can sec very little at night and must depend chiefly on his hearing to obtain information. If he moves abont he should stop frequently and listen intently.

b. If the observer has a compass, he takes the azimuth of sounds made in the enemy lines at night, and estimates and notes the distance to them so as to be able to plot their position on a sketch. Estimation of nature, direction, and distance of sounds must be practiced at night.


PLATE 24 - Listening Post.

c. Listening posts.
The front of a defensive position is covered by listening posts. They arc usually located in open ground or in pits which are covered by camouHage during the day. In general, they arc closer to the enemy than the observation posts and, where practicable, arc located on low ground. A listening post ls manned by one or two scouts. The listener lies prone with his head to the ground. He is thus best concealed and occasionally may be able to see objects silhouetted against the sky. The scout acting as listener should be able to interpn:t the usual sounds heard by night, such as footfalls in various kinds of soil, the manipulation of a rifle, the rattle of equipment, gun butt or other object striking the ground, conversation, whispers, laughter, coughing, sneezing, digging, driving pickets, and erecting wire. He records his observations. Sec Plate 24.

d. Locating gap in enemy wire.
See Plate 25.

14. Sentinels.

a. A sentinel may be posted to observe by a unit to, insure its safety or readiness for action, or he may be a member of a security detachment sent out to protect a larger body If a soldier is posted as a sentinel, he must be on the job every minute he is on post. He should obtain the following information from the person who posted him: Direction and probable route of approach of the enemy.

(2) Sector he is required to watch.

(3) Names of terrain features of military importance within sight (villages, roads, streams).

(4) Location of the nearest security detachments on the flanks and the meaas of communicating with them; number and location of his own outguard or security detachment, its support, and the routes to them.

(5) Whether patrols or other friendly troops are operating to his front. If so, any signs or signals of recognition or other means by which he can identify them, especially at night.

(6) Other special signals.

(7) Instrm:tions concerning challenging.

(8) What he will do in case of attack.

b. If practicable, a sentinel is provided with field glasses and a means of signaling. He should place himself where he can see his assigned sector at all times and not be seen by the enemy. If possible, in the daytime he should also be able to see the sentinels on his Banks. A position in a tree may be best. The following are sound rules for sentinels to follow: If he sees signs of the enemy, he notifies his commanders at once. In the daytime be should let pass only officers, noncommissioned officers, and detachments that he recognizes. He should stop all he does not recognize and call his commander, who will make the necessary examination of their passes.

At night when persons approach his post he halts them and calls his commander. In halting anyone be keeps him cove.red. If a person fails to stop at his third command to halt, or attempts to escape or to attack, he shoots him. If the enemy attacks or there is other danger, he gives the alarm by firing rapidly. He does not need to challenge if he is certain he has recognized the enemy. If deserters or a small hostile party displaying a white flag approach, he makes them lay down their arms and then calls his commander. He passes on to the sentinel who relieves him all information and instructions relating to his post, including all suspicious signs he has noted while on post.


PLATE 25 - Locating Gap in Enemy Wire at Night.

Scout lies outside of gap in enemy's wire and sights with compass on prominent point on skyline behind his own lines. He then rotates the luminous index to a point over north end of needle and thus records azimuth.

15. Antiaircraft Security and Protection.

a. As long as the enemy has any combat aircraft which will fly, our troops may expect to be attacked from the air. To provide se. curity against such attacks each ground unit estabHshes antiaircraft lookouts to watch for enemy airplanes and warn the troops. These lookouts are provided on the march, in shelter, and in combat. They may remain at one post, march abreast of the marching unit, or move from one post to another by motor vehicles. A soldier detailed on this duty should observe in every direction and especially that from which attacks arc to be expected. The directions of the sun, or of hills, woods, or other cover which might screen low-flying attacks until they are close to the unit are particularly dangerous. Antiaircraft lookouts usually work in pairs and relieve each other at intervals of not more than 15 minutes.

They are equipped with field glasse11 and are instructed as to the standard signals used by observers in transmitting warnings of the approach or presence of hostile aircraft or mechanized vehicles. The ground troops of all arms and services use three long blasts of a whistle, vehicular horn, siren, or klaxon repeated several times, or three equal spaced shots with rifle or pistol; or throe short bursts of fire from machine gun or submachine gun. In daylight, the individual giving the signal points in the direction of the impending danger; at night, the alarm signal is supplemented by voice warning to indicate the direction of the danger.

b. The following are rules to be observed by troops in case of attack from the air:

(1) In case of a daylight air attack, never attempt to escape by running. The plane probalaly has not seen you before but is sure to see you when you run. Your best protection is to lie flat ON the ground. A ditcR, shell hole, depression, or shadows along the road will give you good protection. Whee attacked from low altitudes, unless you have received definite orders not to fire, every soldier should fire on the enemy planes with rifle, automatic rifle, and machine guns.

(2) Dense woods provide complete concealment from aircraft and it is doubtful that you will be seen even in sparse woods provided you do not move around. If you are to be in the open for some time you can conceal yourself by pulling branches or bushes over you to blend with the landscape, and by lying still.

(3) At night enemy airplanes may drop flares to light up the ground. When a Hare is first dropped, it glows for abom a second and then burns brightly. When you see that a flare has been dropp(ld, stop where you are and remain motionleS11 until it has burned out.

16. Antitank Security and Protection.

a. To give warning of the approach of enemy tanks or armored vehicles, antitank lookouts are provided. Sometimes the same lookouts will watch for enemy aircraft as well as tanks and armored vehicles, using the standard signals as previously described to warn our troops. The approach of tanks may be suspected by the noise of their motors and tracks or by unusual columns of dust. When a unit is at a distance from where the enemy is known to be, his tanks or armored vehicles will probably approach over roads. When close to the enemy, however, the entire area to the front must be watched.

b. For the same reason that a soldier should not run from an airplane attack he docs not run from an attack by enemy tanks or armored vehicles. He can't run fut cuough to get away from them and they are sure to see him and have a much better shot at him than if he stays still.

c. The following are rules to he observed in case of a tank attack:

(1) Soldiers equipped with rifle grenades open fire against tanks as their leaders direct.

(2) If you are with your unit when you hear or see the antitank warning signal, wait for orders from your commander.

(3) If you are alone, your best protection from vehicles of this kind is to take advantage of natural obstacles that they cannot cross. These are dacp streams, canals, or other bodies of water, marshes or boggy ground, deep ditches or ravines, heavy woods, stump land, and ground littered with good-sized boulders.

(4) You will also be safe from these vehicles in a trench or fox hole if you get down below the surface of the ground and allow the tank to pass over you. If you get a chance to shoot at the tank, aim at the vision slots or other openings but withhold your fire until the vehicle is at close range. If the belly of tank is exposed you have a good chance of shooting through it with your .30 caliber armor piercing ammunition.

(5) Above all, remember that armored vehicles can be stopped and destroyed.


QUESTIONS

1	Describe how to scarcn ground.
2	What is the general purpose of stntiucls?
3	How often should antiaircraft lookout, escha.nge duties? Why?
4	What is the main thing not to do in cn.sc of an air atta cdc ? Why,?
5	If your unit is some distance from the enemy (not yet close enough to be firing at him) and you are an antitank lookout, would you expect enemy tanks to approach along roads or crolls country?
6	Bow docs a listening post differ from an observation post?

CHAPTER V

SCOUTS AND MESSENGERS

17, General Duties of Scouts. As we saw in Chapter I, scouts are soldiers whose duty it is to sec what the enemy is doing without being seen themselves, and to hear the enemy without being heard. A scout must be intelligent, and he must have a strong body with great endurance, keen eyesight, fine hearing, and an excellent memory. Much o.f success in war depends on how well scouts perform their duties. They are often on their own. When a scout finds himself in a situation which neither be nor his com• mander could have thought of in advance-this often happens in war-he must remember his "mission" and use bis own best judgment.


PLATE 26 - Scouts as Guide in Night marches; and Sketch and Notes for Night March.

18, Scouting Guides for Night Movements.

a. Scouts are frequently employed as guides in night movements. The scout should study his route from a map, and wi th the aid of an officer select the bounds to be made, scale off tl1e distances and directions of each, and record them. in his notebook or make a rough sketch. He should also note aay land· marks which will be visible at night, and the roads, railroads, streams or valleys which cross his route of march. Usually, the bounds should be from one such feature to another. Finally, if practicable, as will often be the case, the scout should go over the selected route by day.

b. When the scout begins h is movement he moves out in the indicated compass direction, endeavoring to keep on a straight line (except when following a route of travel) and checking direction frequently by any available means. He measures the distance traYeled, and at the end of each bound locates the landmark there before starting on his next bound. A sketch and notes for such movement are shown in Plate 26.

c. Scouts in a night attack.

(1) In order to keep the direction of advance during a night attack the platoon leader will have with him one or more scouts with compasses.

(2) The platoon is preceded by other scouts who form a patrol. The platoon leader indicates to the leader of this patrol (a noncommissioned officer or the senior scout) the next point ahead he wants reconnoitered.

(3) The patrol of scouts, with bayonets fixed, moves forward, keeping in the shadows as much as possible and working to the flank of the point to be reconnoitered. If it is unoccupied, the patrol leader, by means of a prearranged sound signal, or by sending back a messenger, notifies the platoon leader who then advances the platoon to that point. The platoon leader indicates the next point to be reconnoitered and the scouts proceed as before.

(4) If the point is occupied by the enemy and the scouts are challenged or fired upon, they immediately rush the enemy. The platoon leader may, if necessary, then lead a bayonet assault to assist in wiping out the enemy post or patrol.

19. Snipers.

a. Purpose and use.
Snipers are expert riflemen stationed in the forward areas of a defensive position for the purpose of firing on enemy soldiers who expose themselves. Specifically, their duties are:

(1) to fire on enemy scouts or patrols who attempt to approach or observe the positions;

(2) to protect observers and sentinels by firing at hostile snipers who are firing at them;

(3) in case of attack by the enemy;

(a) to fire on the leaders of the attack, thus compelling deployment at long range and possibly delaying it;

(b) to fire on individuals who are especially active in filtering to the front, and also upon machine gunners. In the attack, when the platoon halts for any purpose, as for example to reorganize following a successful assault, snipers are placed in favorable locations to the front and flanks in order to prevent hostile reconnaissance and delay counterattacks. When a force withdraws from a battle front snipers are usually left in position in order to keep back hostile scouts or patrols. Snipers operate in pairs when sufficient men are available, and scouts are habitually employed and·trained for this duty.

b. The sniper's post; location; concealment.

(1) Sniper's posts or nests are generally located in the same terrain as advanced observation points. In fact sniping and observation posts are sometimes combined, and snipers always observe and report what they see. Usually, the observation posts proper occupy the highest ground favorable for observation, while the sniper's posts are on somewhat lower ground, more favorable for fire. Sniper's posts are, in general, similar to small observation posts.

(2) Temporary posts may be located in trees ( preferably trees with plenty of foliage), behind rocks stumps, hedges or bushes, or in shell holes. More permanent posts are dug into the ground, camouflaged, and provided with ovc.rhead cover.

(3) When a sniper's post is manned by a single individual, he performs the duties of both observer and sniper. When there are two men, one acts as observer and the other as sniper.

c. Organizing the sector. As soon as th1: post is occupied the scouts proceed to organize their sector. This is accomplished as illustrated in Plate 27.

d. Duties of the rifieman. The scout acting as sniper must be able to fire quickly and accurately on moving or still targets. As the sniper fires, the observer watches the effect. Long-range sniping may be carried on with rifles equipped with telescopic sights.

20. Platoon Scouts.

a. Each rifle squad includes two men designated as scouts. These men should be good rifle shots, especially trained in the use of cover and concealment, in movements, and in the methods taught in this chapter. At least one, and preforably both, should be equipped with com passes. Both are equipped with tracer ammunition for designating targets.

b. The approach march. As the platoon moves forward, if not otherwise protected, the platoon leader uses his scouts for security and reconnaissance. The scouts fan out to the front and may precede the platoon at distances varying between 50 and 500 yards, depending upon the situation and the terrain. It is their job to discover and thoroughly reconnoiter all dangerous localities that may be occupied by the enemy before the platoon approaches close enough to be unduly exposed to fire from such places. The scouts maintain direction by guiding on the platoon commander or by marching on a distant landmark or on an assigned azimuth.

c. The attack.

(1) It is the duty of leading scouts in. the attack to-

(a) Advance aggressively in the assigned direction, continuouly covering the front of the platoon, or when in pairs, each pair covering its own squad.

(b) Maintain contact (visual) with each other, and with the platoon commander in rear.

(c) Investigate either by observation or by actually visiting all localities, both within the platoon's zone of action and to the flanks, which may be occupied by the enemy, and from which fire may be directed against the platoon. Ordinarily, the scouts remain within the platoon's zone of action.

(d) Fire upon the enemy with tracer bullets when •\1cr they discover him (unless otherwise ordered) thus showing the platoon where the enemy is.

(e) Drive back hostile scouts and isolated enemy individuals or small groups, and continue to advance until compelled to stop by heavy fire or by the enemy in force.


PLATE 27 - Organization of Sector for Sniping. Target Designation.

(1) On encountering the enemy in force, seize the best vailable firing positions for their squads, locate the target, especially its flanks, estimate the range, and outline the target by firing tracer bullets, The scouts iodic;ite-the target to the nearest leader (squad or, platoon) or in some cases may point it out to members of the squad who take firing position near them.

(2) Maintaining direction.
The scouts maintain direction in che same manner as outlined for the approach march in sub-paragraph b above.

(3) Reconnoitering suspicious localities.
Localities which are most apt to be occupied by the enemy are those which afford concealment, cover from fire, and a good field of fire, especially to the flanks. For example, referring to Plate 28, the houses and barn figure E and G and the woods at B afford concealment and oover and have good fidds of fire. There are dangerous localities in the immediate front. The edge of the woods at C, D, F, and I, and the crests ac K and M arc more distant dangerous localities. The woods and ruins at A and H are positions from which the advance of the platoon might be enfiladed, and, being closer, they should be investigated first.


PLATE 28 - Scout Observing Suspicious Localities.


PLATE 29 - Scout Approaching a Wood.

(4) Reconnaisance of woods.

The near edges of woods should always be approached with caution, the platoon being halted if necessary. The scouts approach and reconnoiter the woods in pairs, one man entering the woods, the other remaining at the edge to maintain contact with the platoon. The scout who enters proceeds to the Limit of visibility. If no sign of the enemy is discovered, he signals "Forward", which is transmitted to the platoon by the scout remaining at the edge of the woods. The scouts remain as they are until the advanced elements of the platoon reach the edge of the woods. In passing through the woods, distances and intervals are reduced so that adjacent pairs of scouts can sec each other and the platoon runners in rear. See Plate 29 and 30.

(5) Maintaining contact; signals and messages. It is the duty of the leading scouts to maintain contact with the platoon commander. Generally, this can be done by means of simple, prearranged arm signals. However, when necessary to send the platoon commander information which cannot be conveyed by signals, one of the scouts must go back with a message.

(6) Scouts of support and reserve units, These are employed as flank combat patrols, or arc posted as observers to guard the front or flanks of their units.


PLATE 30 - Approaching a Wood.

21. Messengers.

a. At any time during active operations a soldier may be called upon to deliver a message, and it will be his duty to deliver it in the shortest time possible. If be delays, it may mean the defeat or capture of his unit.

b. Here are the rules a messenger must learn in order to carry out bis duties successfully: Before starting out repe11t back the message, if it is an oral one, to the person who gave it to you in order to fix it firmly in your mind. Ask questions about any points not clear to you and be sure that you thoroughly understand what is expected of you, Next, locate yourself on the ground, and on the map if you have one, and select landmarks to help you find your way.

In order to accomplish your mission it will generally be necessary for you to take full advantage of the concealment afforded by the ground. Be especially careful not to make careless movements which would enable the enemy to locate the station sending the message or the one receiving it. By using different routes in entering and leaving message centers and command posts you will avoid marking out paths which can easily be seen from the air.

If necessary, ask any troops you pass where the person or headquarters is for whom your message is intended. If you should be delayed or lost, show or explain your message to an officer and ask his advice.

Any information of importance you may have obtained along your route should be reported to the person to whom you are delivering the message. Be sure that you explain to him what you have seen and heard yourself and what has been told you by someone else. After delivering your message and before returning, ask if there are any messages or orders to be taken back. Upon your return to the place from which you started, report that you have accomplished your mission.


PLATE 31 - A Careless Message Showing Many Common Mistakes.

22. Messages and Reports.

a. As scouts are frequently employed independently or ordered to lead a patrol, they must know how to prepare brief and accurate messages and reports.

b. Messages.
Messages may be either oral or written.

(1) Oral messages. Experience has shown that in the excitement of battle oral messages are frequently garbled, and they are therefore used only when the sender is reasonably certain the messenger employed will accurately transmit the message to the right place and person. The following points should be observed by the sender:

(a) Use oral messages for short distances only.

(b) The message must be short, ordinarily not more than one short sentence.

(c) The messenger is required to repeat to the sender the name of the person to whom the message is addressed, his location, the entire message, the name and designation of the sender and the sender's location; several times if necessary.

(d) The sender assures himself that the messenger knows the exact route to the person to whom the message is addressed.

(2) Written messages. When a message is sent to a considerable distance, and especially when it is necessary to report exactly the location of the sender, written messages, often accompanied by simple sketches, are used. Such messages are more accurate and more readily understood if prepared in a systematic manner according to form. All written messages whether or not placed on a standard message blank, should include the following:


PLATE 32 - A Clear Correct Message With Accompanying Sketch.

(a) The serial number of the message.
Where several messages arc sent by a scout during a single mission of reconnaissance, they should be numbered serially for identification, so that the commander will know if any are missing.

(b) The place from which the message is sent, so described that it can be located on the map by the person receiving it.

(c) The date and hour at which the message is sent.

(d) The name of the person to ulwm sent; usually the officer responsible for the scout's mission. If there is little danger of the message falling into enemy possession, the official designation may also be stated.

(e) A description of the objects or events which form the subject of the message. The scout should carefully distinguish between what he actually sees with his own eyes and what he deduces from his observations, unless the deductions are plain and inevitable. Items of information obtained from others should be so reported, as "A farner told me "• • *" or "Private Jones says he saw "* * *."

(f) The exact locality at which an event occurs or an ob;ect it seen. Usually, this item may be shown by the azimuth from the scout's position and the estimated range in yards. A simple sketch is most weful in conveying such information.

(g) The time at which an event occurs.

(h) A statetnent of the intended nerit action of the scout, such as "I will keep on observing," or "I will continue on my mission."

(i) The signature and rank only of the sender.


PLATE 33a - A Scout's Report.


PLATE 33b - A Scout's Report.

(3) Examples of a carelessly prepared written message and of a correctly drawn written message :arc shown in Plates 31 and 32, respectively.

c. Reports.
The scout should keep notes of all information gathered and on hit return should make a report to his commander. If written, the report should include the following: (l) If a patrol, the size of the patrol.

(2) Name of scout (or patrol leader).

(3) Mission.

(4) Time of departure.

(5) Route.

(6) Number of enemy seen; kind of troops (infantry, cavalry, artillery, armored); where seen actions.

(7) Attitude of the enemy (alert, careless).

(8) Condition of the enemy defenses (wire, trenches, etc.).

(9) General character of the ground passed over.

(l0) Route of return.

(11) Time of return.

(12) If a patrol, condition of the patrol (casualties).

(13) Any other information of importance, not included in the specific orders to the scout, particularly any gassed areas encountered.

d. An example of a scout's sketch report is shown in Plate 33.


Questions

1. Describe the method employed in determining and reporting the poaition of a pp in. the enemy's wire.
2. What arc the duties of snipers?
3. Name three methods by which the scouts of a platoon maintain direction while advancing ahead of the platoon.
4. Describe how the scouts of a platoon in an advance, reconnoiter woods.
5. What is a messenger's principal duty?

Problems 1, Map.
Special Map A, 1:10,000. General situation: A Blue force: has crossed the CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER and attacked to the east.

2. Problem I. Use of the Map.

a. Situation.
Your company occupies ROSSELL RIDGE, facing generally cast. The situation is temporarily stabilized. You have jwt been appointed a scout. Your platoon leader hands you a map (Special Map A) and compass. He: instructs you:

b. Requirement.

Find the azimuth and range as shown by the map, of the following points (disregard magnetic and grid declination) from the company obaervation post in tl1(cl

(l) house on ROSSELL RlDGE (22.8-23.4): BM 454 (24-21 ). ·1 0 ~ .
(2) House on west slope of WRNER HILL (23-21 ). / {l ~ 7!J Ou ,lo .
(3) Road junction just cast of FISHER HILL ( 23-22). / v v c I '"'-H 1

c. Whai: terrain feature is at each of the: following: JdJ · .-

(1) Azimuth: 136 degrees Range:: 2100 yards. flt ;. .--c.N ••
(2) Azimuth: 70 degrees Range: 980 yards. ·i '.Q . .' ' .
(3) Azimuth: 223 degrees R211gc:: 900 yards. - ,d,. .-.-

3. Problem 2. Scouts in Night March.

a. Situation.
Your company is to be relieved tonight for one: day of rest by a unit now in bivouac in the draws north of BM 398 (21-22). You have been ordered to act as a guide for the company which is to relieve yours. You are to meet that company at its bivouac at 5:00 P. M. the day of the field.

The company is to•commcnce its march at 7:30 P, M,, one-half hour after dark. You arc to conduct the company to the· observation post in the house on ROSSELL RIDGE, where you will meet three other scouts of your cpmpany. Thereafter you will gujdc the 3d Platoon of the relieving company to its position at the head of the draw 275 yards southeast of the company observation post. Unimproved roads may be used as far as the northern saddle o"f FREY RIDGE.

b. Requirement. Your notes for the night march.

4. Problem 3, Scouts in Night Attack.

a. Situation. The night following the return of your company to the front line, it is ordered to make a night attack to capture · FISHER HILL. The enemy is known to employ a listening post at the road bend, just east of the stream junction 200 yards southwest of PHILLIPS HILL. FISHER HILL is known to be occupied by two Red platoons. PHILLIPS HILL is occupied by one platoon, aod is to be taken by Company B, 1st Blue Infantry as part of the same attack. Following arc the arrangements for the attack. Rifle companies are to cross stream which flows to north between ROSSELL RIDGE and PHILLIPS and FISHER HILLS at 11 :00 P.M. The heavy weapons company is to follow the assault companies. Company A is to move with its south Bank guiding on the unimproved road running between ROSSELL RIDGE and FISHER HILL and its north Bank guiding on the stream 350 yards north of that road, in the order: 1st and 3d (your) Platoons, right to left in assault, 2d Platoon in support. The light machine-gun and 60-mm mortar sections arc to follow the support platoon. Each platoon is to move in s_quad columns until the north and south unimproved road west of PHILLIPS HILL has been reached, after which the assault platoons are to move in skirmish line. When the leading elements of the assault platoons arrive at a point two hundred yards west of this road, the company will halt until the enemy listening post has been taken and silenced. After the capture of FISHER HILL the scouts of the 3d Platoon are to form a left flank patrol at the sharp bend in the unimproved road 300 yards northeast of the summit of FISHER HILL, and the scouts of the 1st Platoon arc to be similarly employed at the 3-way road junction 300 yards east of FISHER HILL, until they are relieved by other company covering detachments.

b. First requirement. As senior scout 3d Platoon, what is your plan for silently capturing the listening post at the road bend 200 yards southwest of PHILLIPS HILL?

c. Situation, continued. Your platoon leader instructs you to reconnoiter the clearing at (23.80-22.85), on either side of the streamline to a distance of 75 yards, and into the woods beyond the clearing, while the platoon stays inside the woods about 150 yards north of the crest of FISHER HILL.

d. Second requirement. Describe how you accomplish this.

e. Situation, continued. Upon reaching a point about 75 yards inside the woods southeast of the clearing, your leading man signals HALT. You listen, and are able to hear two men coming down the streamline from the direction of the road junction to the southeast. You gather that they are the Red visiting patrol on the way to visit the listening post at the road bend.

f. Third requirement. Describe your actions.

g. Situation, continued. Your patrol of scouts arrives at the unimproved road at the head of the draw you have been following.

h. Fourth requirement. State how you dispose your six scouts to guard the left £lank of the company.

5. Problem 4, Scouts as Snipers.

a. Situation. A Blue night attack was successful in capturing FISHER HILL and PHILLIPS HILL. You and the other scout of your squad have been detailed to establish a sniper's post in a tree at the point of woods on the southeastern nose of PHILLIPS HILL at (23.75-23 .25), with sector to ipclude edge of woods at (24.15-23.70) on the left (north) and road bend at (24.1-23.0) on the right (south). The road bend and the greater part of the foreground (except where high ground intercepts) is visible, as the FORET DE PERE is a sparse wood, well cleared. The effective range of the rifle is 600 yards.

b. Rt:qm'rement. Show by an overlay the sector as organized by you. Shade the portions you consider dead to your fire ( inspection only) and mark, die ranges to important visible points in your sector.

6. Problem 5. Platoon Scouts.

a. Situation, (I) In this problem the student is the senior scout of the 1st Platoon, Company B, 3d Infantry. The time of the problem is the day of the Blue attack which drove the Reds east to the position they are assumed to have occupied in the preceding problems.

(2) It is now 10:30 A.M. Your company has been attacking toward the cast since crossing the CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER at daybreak. Up to the present, your com· pany has been in battalion reserve. It has been ordered to pass through Company C of your battalion whose leading elements are now halted along the unimproved road extending south and southeast from HOLLIDAY HILL, between stream crossing at (21.3-19.8) and road junction at (21.10-20.15). The enemy has not been seen since 9:00 A.M.1 though some artillery, machine gun and rifle fire can be heard from the north. By the sound, this fire is considered to have its origin somewhere north of FREY RIDGE.

(3) Your platoon, left leading platoon of Company B, is to cross the line of departure, the unimproved road, in squad columns at 10:45 A,M. The platoon has been assigned a fronta~ of 200 yards w1th its left initially at the road junction at (21.10-20.15). It is the base platoon of the company. The 2d Platoon will be on its right, guiding on the 1st Platoon. The platoon is to advance on magnetic azimuth 85 degrees, preceded hy its scouts, of whom you are the senior scout,

(4) Your platoon leader has placed upon you the responsibility for keeping the direction.

b. First requirement.

(1) What steps do you take prior to 10:45 A.M.

(2) State the procedure you follow.

c. Second requirement. From what position do you protect the eastern edge of the woods west of RASMUSSEN HILL? Give reasons.

d. Situation conti11ue4, The platoon is moving toward the eastern edge of the woods west of RASMUSSEN HfLL. However, before it crosses RASMUSSEN HILL you wish to make sure that it will not be exposed to fire from the woods southeast of RASMUSSEN HlLL or the woods on the eastern slope of RASMUSSEN HILL, part of which lies in the platoon's zone of action. You reason that if the portion of the woods in the platoon's zone of action is clear of the enemy, the platoon may use that woods to cover its advance and thus avoid the necessity for detailed reconnaissance of the woods on the right (south) £lank. Therefore, while waiting for the platoon to reach the edge of the woods west of RASMUSSEN HILL, you require the left scout pair to reconnoiter to a depth of 200 yards, the patch of woods 200 yards to the east, which lies in the platoon's zone of action. Defore you receive a rcpo.rt from the left pair of scouts the platoon arrives at the eastern edge of the woods.

e. Third requirement. Your action.

f. Situation continued. The platoon leader comes forward. You explain the situation to him. He directs that you go forward with the remaining scouts to the woods and if no signal is received from the scouts investigating the woods, to continue the investigation rapidly; the platoon to remain halted until signalled forward by one of your scouts. As you approach the western edge of the woods the scouts who have been investigating the woods signal A LL CLEAR.

g. Fot"t/1 requirement. Your actions from the time you receive the left scout pair's signal until the platoon enters the woods which the left scout pair investigated to a depth of 200 yards. Reasons.

h. Situation continued. Upon arriving abreast 0£ the left pair of scouts you direct them to continue the advance in their proper places on the left of the irregular line of scouts. You proceed through the woods, across the streamline and the unimproved road at (22.35-20.1?) without incident. Howev.er, in emerging ~om the narrow strip of woods along the ravme at (22.40-20.17) you receive shon range rifle and machine gun fire from the knoll to vour right front (22.50-20.10). By quickly hitting the ground you arc able to regain the edge of the w0ods by crawling. One scout has been hit. The others are also able to regain the cove,r of the woods.

i. Fift/J ,·eqz,irement. Your actions. i, Situation continued. The platoon leader directs the scouts of the 1st Platoon to remain in position and engage the attention of the enemy by firing, while the remainder of the platoon moves under cover of the BOIS DE FAYS to his south flank, from which it will attack. The attack is successful in driving out the enemy rcsistapce and the platoon leader orders that the platoon proceed, covered by the scouts. On reaching the east slope of the knoll just captured, and the nose extending northeast from it, you are fired upon from the knoll to your front (22.85-20.20) and from the nose to the northeast (22.7-20.4). k- Sixth requirement. Your actions.