Prev | Current Page 175 | Next

"The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training"

" (Infantry Drill Regulations.) They are dangerous because control
is difficult and confusion is frequently unavoidable. Only trained
troops should be used, and the formation must be simple. Don't attempt
anything complicated.
Observe the following suggestions. For an attack or offensive movement:
(1) Study by daylight and after dark, if possible, the ground you are
to cross.
(2) Make careful preparations with secrecy.
(3) Avoid fire action. Pieces should not be loaded. Rely on the
bayonet.
(4) Give each unit a definite objective and direction. Avoid collision.
(5) Have each man wear a distinctive badge. (For instance, a white band
on one arm.)
If on the defensive and you expect a night attack, place obstacles in
front of your position, heavily patrol your front, fix bayonets, move up
your supports, open fire as soon as results may be expected, and
illuminate the foreground.

OBSTACLES

The main object in placing obstacles in front of a defensive position is
to delay the enemy while he is under the defenders' fire, and thus make
his advance as difficult as possible.


Pages:
163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187