Manual of Military Training by James A. Moss (best value ebook reader .TXT) 📕

Note.—An analysis of the above system of signal flags will show: 1. The color of the field indicates the battalion and the colors run in the order that is so natural to us all, viz: Red, White and Blue. Hence red field indicates the first battalion; white field, the second; blue field, the third.

2. The squares indicate the first two companies of each battalion, and the diagonals, the second two. Hence,

Companies Indicated by A E I Squares B F K C G L Diagonals D H M

3. The colors of the squares and diagonals in combination with those of the fields, run in the order that is so natural to us all, viz.: Red, White and Blue, the color of any given field being, of course, omitted from the squares and diagonals, as a white square for instance, would not show on a white field, nor would a blue diagonal show on a blue field. For example, with a red field we would have white and blue for the square and diagonal colors; with a white field, red and blue for the square and diagonal colors; with a blue field, red and white for the square and diagonal colors.

4. From what has been said, the following table explains itself:

Battalion Field Co. Squares Diagonals First Red A White   B Blue   C   White D   Blue Second White E Red   F Blue   G   Red H   Blue Third Blue I Red   K White   L   Red M   White

Note how the square and diagonal colors always follow in the natural order of red, white, and blue, with the color of the field omitted.—Author. (45)

95. Signal flags used to mark assembly point of company, etc. In addition to their use in visual signaling, these flags serve to mark the assembly point of the company when disorganized by combat, and to mark the location of the company in bivouac and elsewhere, when such use is desirable. (46)

96. Signals used between firing line and reserve or commander in rear. (1) For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commander in the rear, the subjoined signals (Signal Corps codes) are prescribed and should be memorized. In transmission, their concealment from the enemy's view should be insured. In the absence of signal flags, the headdress or other substitute may be used. (See par. 863 for the semaphore code and par. 861 for the General Service, or International Morse Code.) (47)

Letter of alphabet If signaled from the rear to the firing line If signaled from the firing line to the rear A M Ammunition going forward. Ammunition required. C C C Charge (mandatory at all times). Am about to charge if no instructions to the contrary. C F Cease firing. Cease firing. D T Double time or "rush." Double time or "rush." F Commence firing. Commence firing. F B Fix bayonets. Fix bayonets. F L Artillery fire is causing us losses. Artillery fire is causing us losses. G Move forward. Preparing to move forward. H H H Halt. Halt. K Negative. Negative. L T Left. Left. O
(Ardois and semaphore only.) What is the (R. N. etc.)? Interrogatory. What is the (R. N. etc.)? Interrogatory. (All methods but ardois and semaphore.) What is the (R. N. etc.)? Interrogatory. What is the (R. N. etc.)? Interrogatory. P Affirmative. Affirmative. R Acknowledgment. Acknowledgment. R N Range. Range. R T Right. Right. S S S Support going forward. Support needed. S U F Suspend firing. Suspend firing. T Target. Target.

For the semaphore signals, see par. 863.

SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER

97. Duties of instructor. The instructor explains briefly each movement, first executing it himself if practicable. He requires the recruits to take the proper positions unassisted and does not touch them for the purpose of correcting them, except when they are unable to correct themselves. He avoids keeping them too long at the same movement, although each should be understood before passing to another. He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity. (48)

98. Grouping of recruits according to proficiency. In order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities permit, the recruits are grouped according to proficiency as instruction progresses. Those who lack aptitude and quickness are separated from the others and placed under experienced drill masters. (49)

Instruction Without Arms

98a. Formation of squad for preliminary instruction. For preliminary instruction a number of recruits, usually not exceeding three or four, are formed as a squad in single rank. (50)

Position of the Soldier, or Attention

99. Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits.

Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45°.

Knees straight without stiffness.

Hips level and drawn back slightly; body erect and resting equally on hips; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square and falling equally.

Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam of the trousers.

Head erect and squarely to the front, chin drawn in so that the axis of the head and neck is vertical; eyes straight to the front.

Weight of the body resting equally upon the heels and balls of the feet. (51)

The Rests

100. Being at a halt, the commands are: FALL OUT; REST; AT EASE; and, 1. Parade, 2. REST.

At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks, but are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places, at attention, at the command fall in.

At the command rest each man keeps one foot in place, but is not required to preserve silence or immobility.

At the command at ease each man keeps one foot in place and is required to preserve silence but not immobility. (52)