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Officers of {iifaqtry
LIBRARY
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Classification
Form No. 25, 0. C. S.
(Ed. 9-13-09—2,000.)
C,
0&
w
■BECEIVED '*
(*'OCT 19 1910 ■*)
FOURTH EDITION; REVISED AND ENLARGED.
HANDBOOK
-FOR-
Noncommissioned Officers
of Infantry.
By CAPTAIN M. B. STEWART,
8th U. S. Infantry.
FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO ,
2 2ND & GlLHAM ROAD,
KANSAS CITY, MO.
;.
Copyrighted, 1903, by
hudson-klmberly publishing co.,
Kansas City, Mo.
Copyrighted, 1905, by
Franklin Hudson Publishing Co.,
Kansas City, Mo.
Copyrighted, 1909, by
By Franklin Hudson Publishing Co.
Kansas City, Mo.
Transler
Army War College
June 20 1933
TABLE OF raf^l?||* VE P%^\
' > OCT 19 1910 •)
CHAPTER II.
The Noncommissioned Officer as Instructor 23-37 12
CHAPTER III. .
The Noncommissioned Officer as Guide 38-78 14
CHAPTER IV.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Extended Order. .79-113 24
CHAPTER V.
Advance and Rear Guard Duty 114-141 31
CHAPTER VI.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Command of
Patrols 142-173 40
CHAPTER VII.
Escorts ..174-214 46
CHAPTER VIII.
Outpost Duty 215-243 57
CHAPTER IX.
The First Sergeant ' 244-274 64
CHAPTER X.
The Company Quartermaster Sergeant 275-289 81
CHAPTER XI.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Quar-
ters 290-305 84
CHAPTER XII.
The Sergeant of the Guard 306-381 36
CHAPTER XIII.
The Corporal of the Guard 382-429 99
CHAPTER XIV.
The Regimental Sergeant-Major ..1-25 108
CHAPTER XV.
The Chief Musician 1-6 116
CHAPTER XVI.
The Drum Major i" 27 118
CHAPTER XVII.
The Color Sergeant 1_15 127
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Provost Sergeant 1_8 132
CHAPTER XIX.
The Regimental Commissary Sergeant 1-4 134
CHAPTER XX.
The Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 1-7 137
OCT 19 1910 Hr)
RECEIVED
LRAB-
Introductory.
The Handbook for the Noncommissioned Officer of Infantry
is a compilation drawn in great part from the Army Regula-
tions, Infantry Drill Regulations, Manual of Guard Duty, U.
S. Army, the Service of Security and Information, and Organ-
ization and Tactics, by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army.
Those chapters not drawn from either of these sources are
merely outlines of the various duties which noncommissioned
officers are called upon to perform, and which, in the absence
of manuals, have been more or less traditional.
The Handbook is not designed to replace any of the above
manuals, but to assist the noncommissioned officer in the
study of all by placing before him in brief and compact
order a comprehensive idea of the scope of his duties and
responsibilities.
The various chapters cover all of the duties which the non-
commissioned officer of the line of infantry will ordinarily be
called upon to perform, and the points touched upon are those
most important and essential to the proper performance of
those duties.
It is designed for use in the schools of the noncommissioned
officer and for the study especially of newly appointed and in-
experienced noncommissioned officers.
The author is indebted to the late Colonel Arthur L. Wag-
ner, assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, for permission to
use his works and plates on the subjects of "The Service of
Security and Information" and "Organization and Tactics,"
both of which books have been extensively drawn upon; also
to Major Chase W. Kennedy, Adjutant-General's Department,
for many valuable suggestions and much valuable criticism.
RECEIVED '<• \
^■^mto 19 i9io •}
The Noncommissfo^dj^c^ejr. ^^ly
i. The noncommissioned officer is selected from the en-
listed men of the company for his character, intelligence, effi-
ciency, and soldierly bearing to assist the commissioned offi-
cer iu the instruction, discipline, and care of the other enlisted
men.
2. He holds his rank and exercises authority within cer-
tain limits by virtue of a warrant.
3. Noncommissioned officers will be carefully selected and
"instructed, and always supported by the company commanders
:n the proper performance of their duties. They will not be
detailed for any duty or permitted to engage in any occupa-
tion inconsistent with their rank and position. Officers will
be ca-utious in reproving them in the presence or hearing of
private soldiers. A. R. 265.
4. Company noncommissioned officers are appointed by the
regimental commander, or by the battalion commander under
certain conditions, on the recommendation of their company
commanders; but in no case will any company organization
have an excess of noncommissioned officers above that allowed
by law. A. R. 266.
5. The number of noncommissioned officers allowed by law
for any company varies with the authorized strength of the
company, and is announced from time to time in general or-
ders. In general, however, the noncommissioned officers of a
company of infantry consist of one first sergeant, one quarter-
master sergeant, from four to six sergeants, and from six to
ten corporals.
8 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
6. To test the capacity of privates for the duties of non-
commissioned officers, company commanders may appoint
lance-corporals, who will be obeyed and respected as corporals,
but no company shall have more than one lance-corporal at a
time, unless there are noncommissioned officers absent by
authority, during which absences there may be one for each
absentee.
7. Each noncommissioned officer will be furnished with a
warrant or certificate of his rank, signed by the officer mak-
ing the appointment, and countersigned by the adjutant; but
a separate warrant as first sergeant, quartermaster sergeant,
or stable sergeant will not be given. A warrant issued to l
noncommissioned officer is his personal property. Warrants
need not be renewed in cases of re-enlistment in the same com-
pany, if re-enlistment is made the day following the day of
discharge, but, upon request, may remain in force until vacated
by promotion or reduction, each re-enlistment and continuance
to be noted on the warrant by the company commander.
A. R. 269.
9. The captain will select the first sergeant from the ser-
geants of his company, and may return him to the grade of
sergeant without reference to higher authority. A. R. 268.
10. Appointments of company noncommissioned officers will
take effect on the day of appointment by the authorized com-
mander, and of first sergeants, quartermaster sergeants, stable
sergeants, ... on the day of appointment by the com-
pany commander; but in case of vacancy in a company in the
field and absent from regimental headquarters, a company
commander may make a temporary appointment of a noncom-
missioned officer, which, if approved by the regimental com-
mander, will carry rank and pay from date of such appoint-
ment. A. R. 266.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 9
11. A noncommissioned officer may be reduced to the ranks
by sentence of a court-martial, or on the recommendation of
the company commander, by the order of the commander hav-
ing authority to appoint such noncommissioned officer, but a
noncommissioned officer will not be reduced because of absence
on account of sickness, or injury contracted in line of duty.
If reduced to the ranks by sentence of a court-martial at a
post not the headquarters of his regiment, the company com-
mander will forward a transcript of the order to the regiment-
al commander. The desertion of a non-commissioned officer
vacates his position on the date of desertion. A. R. 267-68.
12. The detail of a noncommissioned officer on extra duty,
other than that of overseer, will not be made, except in cases
of emergency, without prior approval of the department com-
mander. A noncommissioned officer will not be detailed on
any duty inconsistent with his rank and position in the mili-
tary service. A. R. 169.
13. The noncommissioned officer should, by his military
bearing, dignified conduct, and strict compliance with all orders
and regulations, set an example to the other enlisted men. He
should, by study of the service books and manuals, thoroughly
acquaint himself with the extent and character of his duties
and T'esponsibilities, in order that he may instruct those under
him in an efficient and intelligent manner. He should, in addi-
tion, acquire a thorough knowledge of the details of all duties
lequired of those under his command or instruction. After
becoming proficient in his own duties, he should acquire some
knowledge of the duties of the next higher grade, as he may
be called en to perform them in the absence of his seniors.
14. In the exercise of command, he should be firm, digni-
fied, and patient, without harshness or unnecessary display of
authority. By a careful and quiet use of his authority and
10 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
influence, he should endeavor to prevent the occurrence of any-
thing which would tend to promote discontent or lack of har-
monious feelings in the company.
15. It is the duty of the noncommissioned officer at all
times and under all circumstances, whether on or off duty, in
or out of the post, to check promptly all disputes, quarrels, or
disorderly conduct among enlisted men which would lead to
an infraction of orders or regulations, or would tend to bring
disrepute upon the service.
16. Noncommissioned officers against whom charges may
be preferred for trial will* be placed in arrest in their barracks
or quarters. They will not be confined in the guard-house in
company with privates, except in aggravated cases or where
escape is feared.
17. Noncommissioned officers in arrest will not be required
to perform any duty in which they may be called upon to exer-
cise any command. Noncommissioned officers in confinement
will not be sent out to work with prisoners under sentence.
18. Noncommissioned officers will not, if they object there-
to, be brought to trial before a regimental, garrison, or sum-
mary court-martial, without the authority of the officer com-
petent to order their trial by general court-martial
A. R. 967.
19. A noncommissioned officer in command of a company,
after aligning it at the formation of the battalion, takes post
on the right of the right guide; he takes the post of the cap-
tain when the battalion is in column. At parade, before
bringing the company to parade rest, he comes to the trail,
steps two paces to the front and faces to the ieft, retaining
the piece at. the traii; having given his commands, he re-
sumes his post and conies to parade rest.
20. In exercises in the manual, noncommissioned officers
commanding companies or subdivisions execute only the or-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. li
der and parade rest; in rendering honors, they present; while
marching, they carry their pieces in the same position as
the men.
21. When a noncommissioned officer, while in arrest or
confinement, is reduced by sentence of a court-martial, the
date of the order publishing the sentence is the date of re-
duction. In all other cases reduction takes effect on the
date of receipt of the order at the soldier's station.
22. When passing in review, a noncommissioned officer
commanding a company or platoon executes the rifle salute;
when commanding a company or detachment separate from a
battalion or other command, on passing the colors or any per-
son entitled to the compliment, he salutes in the same man-
ner, first bringing his command to the Eyes Right (or left).
12 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. '
CHAPTER II.
The Noncommissioned Officer as Instructor.
23. In the school of the soldier, the sergeants and corporals
are generally the instructors, under the supervision of a com-
missioned officer.
24. In all drills, and especially in those of recruits in the
school of the soldier, short and frequent drills are preferable
to long ones, which exhaust the attention of both instructor
and men.
25. The instructor should, by careful study and practice,
make himself thoroughly familiar with the details of every
movement which he desires the recruit to execute. He should,
before each drill, read over that portion of the Drill Regula-
tions which pertains to the drill or instruction of the day.
26. The instructor will always maintain a military bear-
ing, and by a quiet, firm demeanor, set a proper example to
the men.
27. The instructor explains the movement to be executed
in as few words as possible, at the same time executing it him-
self. In explaining the movements, the instructor should be
careful to do so in language which the recruit will understand;
and when it becomes necessary to use technical expressions, he
should explain them fully and ascertain by questioning if their
meaning is understood by the men under instruction. *
28. He requires the recruits to take by themselves the
proper positions, and does not touch them for the purpose of
correcting them, except when they are unable to correct them-
selves; 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.
29. After the movements have been properly executed in
the order laid down, he no longer confines himself to that order.
30. When the execution of a movement is improperly be-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 13
gun, and the instructor wishes to begin it anew for the pur-
pose of correcting it, he commands, As you were, at which
the movement ceases and the former position is resumed.
To stay the execution of a movement when marching for
the correction of errors the instructor commands: 1. In place,
2. Halt, when all halt and stand fast. To resume the move-
ment he commands: 1. Resume, 2. March.
31. The instructor should exercise great care in the giving
of commands. The tone of the commands should be animated,
distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the strength of the
command under instruction.
32. Military commands are of two kinds. The preparatory
command, such as, Forward, or Bight shoulder, indicates the
movement which is to be executed. The command of execu-
tion, such as, March, Halt, or Arms, causes the execution of
the movement.
33. The preparatory command should be given at such
an interval of time before the command of execution as to ad-
mit of its being properly understood; the command of execu-
tion should be given at the instant that the movement is to
commence.
34. Each preparatory command is pronounced in an ascend-
ing tone of voice, but always in such a manner that the com-
mand of execution may be given in a more elevated and ener-
getic tone.
35. The command of execution should be pronounced in a
firm and brief tone.
36. The proper giving of commands is of the utmost im-
portance in securing uniformity and precision in the execution
of all movements.
37. In the different schools, the posts of the noncommis-
sioned officers are specified, but, when acting as instructors,
they may go wherever their presence is necessary, or wherever
they may best observe the execution of the movements.
14 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER III.
The Noncommissioned Officer as Guide.
88. A guide is an officer, noncommissioned officer, or pri-
vate, upon whom the command, or fraction thereof, regulates
its march.
39. The guide should always bear in mind that the precise
execution of all movements by the company depends on the
accurate and faithful performance of duty on the part of the
guide. The dress and alignment of a company in line cannot
be preserved unless the guide preserves a uniform cadence in
marching and directs his march in a straight line. In column
of fours of squads the dress and marching of the squads is
equally dependent upon the action of the guide.
40. They should bear in mind that in order to direct the
line of march in any direction, it is necessary to select two
points on the line in their front and so direct their march as
to keep these two points covered while advancing. They
should exercise themselves in thus marching whenever oppor-
tunity offers itself.
41. The positions of the guides of a company in line are as
follows: The right guide is in the front rank on the right of
the first platoon; he is the right guide of this platoon and also
of the company. The left guide is in the front rank on the
left of the second platoon; he is the left guide of this platoon
and also of the company. The left guide of the first platoon
is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the second file from the
left of the first platoon. The right guide of the second pla-
toon is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the second file from
the right of the second platoon. In platoon formations the left
guide of the first platoon and the right guide of the second
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 15
platoon take their positions in the front rank on the left and
right of their respective platoons.
42. In column of squads and twos, the leading and rear
guides are in front and rear, respectively, of the leading
or rear file on the slide opposite the file-closers. Those guides
already in the file-closers conform to the movements of the
file-closers.
43. The point of rest is the point at which any formation
begins.
44. Successive formations include formations, either into
line or column, in which the several subdivisions arrive in
their places successively — that is, one after the other.
45. In all successive formations into line, the guides of
the company first to arrive are posted on the line, opposite
the right and left files of the company and facing toward the
point of rest. These guides are posted by either the adju-
tant or sergeant-major according to which is nearest the
head of the column or the point of rest.
46. In formations from a halt, the guides are* posted at
the preparatory command indicating the direction in which
the line is to extend; if marching, they hasten toward their
positions at the preparatory command, and are posted at the
command march.
47. In the formations on right (left) into line from column
of companies, the first guide is posted eight paces to the right
(left) of the leading company. When executed from column
of squads, the guides are posted eight paces from the right
(left) flank of the leading company excluding the file-closers:
the guide at the point of rest being posted opposite the front
rank of the rear squad. This distance of eight paces may
be increased when desired.
48. In the formations front into line from column of com-
16 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
panies, the guides are posted against the leading company.
When executed from column of squads, the guide at the point
of rest is posted five paces to the front and five paces to the
right or left of the front rank of the leading squad of the
leading company. This distance of five paces may be in-
creased when desired.
49. In the deployments, the guides are posted against the
leading company.
50. The line is prolonged as in forming the battalion; the
guides are assured by the adjutant or sergeant-major nearest
the point of rest, or by both if the formation be central.
51. Companies are halted one pace from the line of guides,
and immediately dressed up to them toward the point of rest.
52. When the principles of successive formations are well
understood by the guides, they may be required to post
themselves.
53. The major commands: 1. Guides, 2. Posts, at the com-
pletion of all successive formations into line.
54. In successive formations, should the major desire to
commence firing pending the completion of the movement,
he instructs the captains as to the kind of fire; the adjutant
or sergeant-major at the head of the column cautions the
guides not to take post marking the line.
55. After a company has moved up to its guides at the
command dress, the file opposite the guide nearest the point
of rest stands fast and the company is not moved to the right
or left for the correction of an error of interval unless the
major so directs.
56. When a company in line is advancing toward the line
of guides, the front rank man on the indicated flank acts as
guide and directs his march on the guide of his company
posted nearest the point of rest.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 17
57. In forming the battalion, the center company is con-
ducted by its captain so as to arrive from the rear, parallel
to the line; its right and left guides precede it on the line
by about twenty paces, taking post facing to the left (point
of rest) at order arms, so that their elbows are against the
breasts of the right and left files of the base company when
it is dressed; they are posted under the direction of the ad-
jutant and sergeant-major.
58. The line of- guides is prolonged to the right by the
right and left guides of companies of the right wing who
precede their companies on the line by about twenty paces,
and establish themselves facing toward the point of rest so
that each is opposite the proper flank of his company when
it is on the line; the left guide places himself about five
paces from the right guide of the preceding company. The
adjutant aligns the guides, placing himself in rear of the
right guides of companies as they successively arrive.
The line of guides is similarly prolonged to the left, by the
guides of companies of the left wing, the sergeant-major
aligning them in their positions, placing himself successively
in rear of the left guides.
59. Guides in front marking the line, in alignments and
in successive formations including the formation of the bat-
talion, stand at the order.
60. In all changes by squads from line into column, col-
umn into line, or from column of squads to twos, files, or
the reverse, and in all turns about by squads, either in line
or column, the guides and file-closers take their proper places
in the most convenient way as soon as practicable after the
command march.
18 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
61. Marching in Line, to Effect a Slight Change of Direc-
tion. The captain commands: Incline to the right {left). The
guide gradually advances the left shoulder and marches in
the new direction; all the files advance the left shoulder and
conform to the movements of the guide, lengthening or short-
ening the step, according as the change is toward the side of
the guide, or the side opposite.
62. Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers ex-
ecute the manual of arms during the drill unless specially
excused, when they remain at the order. During ceremonies
they execute all movements.
A noncommissioned officer as guide, or in command of a
company, sub-division, or detachment, carries his piece as
the men do.
63. Being in line at the halt; to turn on the fixed pivot,
the captain commands: 1. Company right {left), 2. March,
3. Company, 4. Halt; or, 3. Full step, 4. March, 5. Guide {right
or left).
At the second command, the right guide stand's fast; the
right front rank man marks time, turning to the right in
his place; the other front rank men by twice obliquing to
the right place themselves successively abreast of the pivot
and mark time; the rear rank men in the right' squad con-
form to the movement as in the School of the Squad; tbe
men on their left advance three paces, then by twice obliqu-
ing to the right place themselves successively forty inches in
rear of their file leaders and mark time.
At the third command, the right guide places himself
on the right of the front rank.
The fourth command is given when the last man arrives
in his new position; the command halt may be given at any
time after the movement begins, only those halt who are in
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 19
the new position. All align themselves to the right without
command.
Being in march, the movement is executed by the sarm-,
commands and in the same manner; the right guide halts
and stands fast at the second command.
In the turnings the guide on the pivot flank executes the
manual with and carries his piece in the same position aa
the men in ranks.
64. Marching in line: to turn on the moving pivot, the
captain commands: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. March, 3. Full
step, 4. March, 5. Guide (right or left).
At the second command, the right guide faces to the right
in marching and takes the half step; the other front rank
men oblique to the right until opposite their places in line,
execute a second right oblique and take the half step when
abreast of the right guide; the rear rank advances and turns
on the same ground and in the same manner as the front
rank, maintaining the distance of forty inches. All take
the full step at the fourth command, which is given when
the last man arrives in his new position.
Being at a halt, the movement is executed by the same
commands and in the same manner. At the second com-
mand, the right guide faces to the right as in marching
and steps off, at half step.
Right (Left) half turn is executed in a similar manner.
The right guide makes a half change of direction to the right
and the other men make quarter changes in obliquing.
65. To give the battalion a general alignment: 1. Guides
center (right or left) company on the line, 2. Guides on the line,
3. Center (right or left), 4. Dress, 5. Guides, 6. Posts.
At the first command, the designated guides place them-
selves on the line facing the center (right or left); the major
20 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
establishes them in the direction he wishes to give the
battalion.
At the second command, the guides of the other com-
panies take the same posts as in forming the battalion.
At the command dress, each captain dresses his company
to the flank toward which the guides face.
At the command posts, the guides return to their posts.
66. In opening ranks of the company, the right and left
guides of the company step three paces to the rear to mark
the new alignment of the rear rank. When the rear rank has
arrived on the new alignment, the right guide, remaining in
his place in ranks, aligns if. At the command, Front, the
guides resume their positions in the front rank.
In opening and closing ranks, guides, file closers and rear
rank carry their pieces at a trail while changing tneir
positions.
67. In all changes of squads from line into column or from
column into line or from column of squads to twos, files, or the
reverse, and in all wheel about by squads, either in line or col-
umn, the guides take their proper places in the most convenient
way as soon as practicable.
68. Whenever a company is formed in column of platoons,
or line of platoons in column of squads, the fourth and fifth
sergeants place themselves as guides of their platoons as soon
as practicable; they return to their posts in the line of file-
closers when the company unites in line or columns of squads,
unless they mark an alignment.
69. In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading sub-
division is charged with the step and direction; the guides in
rear preserve the trace, step, and distance.
Whenever a guide is forced out of the direction, he recovers
it gradually; the guides in rear conform successively to his
movements.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 21
70. When marching in column of subdivisions, in route
step and at ease, the guides maintain the trace and distance.
71. Being in column at full distance at a halt, if the guides
do not cover or have not their proper distances, to correct
them the major establishes the guide of the leading company
and the guide next in rear, in the desired direction, and com-
mands: 1. Right (or left J guides, 2. Jover. The designated
guides place themselves covering the first two. each at full
distance from the guide next in front; the adjutant and ser-
geant-major assure them in their positions.
72. Distance is open space measured in the direction of
depth — i. e., from head to rear of any formation.
73. Interval is the open space between elements in the
same line, as, the interval between files, between companies
in line, between battalions in line.
74. The following are the intervals prescribed in the Drill
Regulations for organizations:
Between companies, the interval is three paces measured
from guide to guide.
Between battalions, the interval is twenty-four paces mea^
urcd from guide to guide.
Between companies in extended order, the interval is fifteen
paces.
Between regiments in brigade, the interval is forty-eight
paces.
Between companies in line of platoon columns, the full in-
terval is platoon front and three paces; the close interval is
eight paces.
Between squads in extended order, the normal interval is
about fifteen paces.
Between sections in extended order, the normal interval is
about forty-five paces; between sections of two squads each,
about thirty paces.
22 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
75. The following are the distances prescribed in Drill
Regulations:
Between platoons, the distance is platoon front.
Between companies, full distance in column of subdivisions
is such that in forming line to the right or left, the subdivi-
sions will have their proper intervals; in column of companies,
it is company distance and three paces. Between companies in
close column, the distance is eight paces.
76. For battalion movements, guides should perfect them-
selves in judging accurately the three paces, five paces, eight
paces, and company distance prescribed for the various
formations.
77. In successive formations into line, the guides of each
company should post themselves on the line in approximately
their proper positions, and should then change their positions
to conform to the movements of the preceding companies until
their own company arrives on the line. As the latter ap-
proaches, the guide farthest from the point of rest should
glance toward the company and if necessary close up or open
out to the proper company distance, being careful not to get
out of the line of the guides.
78. After a company is halted and begins to dress, its
guides should stand fast, never allowing themselves to be
pushed out of position by the movements of the men in
dressing.
78a.- In all movements of the company in battalion, where
it is prescribed that the guides leave the company and precede
it by about twenty paces on the line, they should be careful
to move forward together. This may be done if the guide of
the company on the flank away from the point of rest watcher
the guide on the other flank — i. e., towards the point of rest,
and starts at the instant the latter starts. They then hasten
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 23
— that is, they run — toward the line, halt facing to the front,
take the order arms together, and face toward the point of
rest. This does not, of course, apply to the movements on
right into line, for the reason that the two guides have differ-
ent distances to travel and must start at different times.
78b. In battalion movements, in executing on right or left
into line, either from column of squads or companies, the
guides of the companies in rear of the leading one must be
careful to preserve the original direction of march — i. e., par-
allel to the new line; otherwise, the execution of the move-
ment by the company in interfered with.
24 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER IV.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Extended Order.
79. The squad is the basis of extended order. Men will be
taught to regard the squad as the unit from which they ought
never to be separated; but if the squad should be broken up or
the men become separated, they place themselves under the
orders of the nearest leader and remain with his squad as if
it were the one to which they originally belonged.
80. Officers and noncommissioned officers give their atten-
tion to preserving the integrity of the squads; they appoint new
leaders to replace those disabled, organize new squads when
necessary, and see that every man is placed in a squad.
81. In instruction in extended order, the movements must
be made with reference to an enemy supposed to be in an indi-
ca + f.d direction. The enemy is said to be imaginary when his
position and force are merely assumed; outlined when his posi-
tion and force are indicated by a few men only; represented
when a body of troops acting as such has his supposed force
and position.
82. Men in extended order fix their attention at the first
word of command, the first note of the trumpet, or the first
motion of the signal; the movement commences immediately
upon completion of the command, trumpet call, or signal.
83. Extended order may be taken from any formation.
r
84. Upon arriving on the line and upon halting, men in ex-
tended order face to the front, whether in squads or as individ-
ual skirmishers.
85. No commands for dressing are given in extended order;
the general alignment is taken toward the base file; the men
stand and march at ease and pay close attention.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 25
86. When necessary for any chief to leave his post, he will
return as soon as possible.
87. Ir the extended order drill of the company, the ser-
geants are the chiefs of sections and the corporals are the
squad leaders.
88. In the normal company, the second sergeant is chief of
the first section; the fourth sergeant is chief of the second sec-
tion; the fifth sergeant is chief of the third section; the third
sergeant; is chief of the fourth section. The corporals are tne
leaders of the squads to which they belong or with which they
are marching.
89. In the exercises in leading the squad, the movements
are executed at the signals of the corporal, and as far as pos-
sible without commands or cautions.
90. The movements are executed in the most direct man-
ner, first in quick time, then in double time, finally at a run;
they should not succeed each other so rapidly as to produce
confusion.
92. The squad is exercised in turning, marching to the
front, rear, and by the flank, obliquing, halting, deploying, and
assembling, etc. In these exercises, the signals prescribed in
the Drill Regulations will be used and will be thoroughly ex-
plained and illustrated to the squads by the squad leaders.
93. The man in front of whom the corporal places himself
is the guide of the squad, and follows in the trace of the corpo-
ral at a distance of three paces. When the corporal does not
want the squad to follow him, he commands: 1. Guide, center,
and indicates the point of direction; if marching by the
flank, he indicates the direction.
97. Before giving commands for increasing or diminish-
ing intervals, or assembling, the corporal indicates the file
who is to be the base. This indication may be made by
26 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
placing himself three paces in front of such file, or by oral
designation.
On halting, the corporal places himself three paces in rear
of his squad if it is acting alone. When the squad is in line
of squads the corporal is three paces in front whether march-
ing or at a halt, and if deployed as skirmishers he is the
left skirmisher.
91. The post of a sergeant is opposite the center of his
section; three paces in rear of the rear rank when the squads
are assembled, and the line of skirmishers when the squads
are deployed. Sergeants not in command of sections are on
the same line, in the same relative position as in close order.
94. The post of a corporal when the squads are assem-
bled, is three paces in front of the base file of his squad;
when the squads are deployed he takes his place as left
skirmisher of his squad. If his squad is detached he fol-
lows the principles of the School of the Squad.
95. The squad is deployed forward when it is in rear of
the line to be occupied, and by the flank when it is already on
that line. If the squad be at a halt, it is placed in march before
deploying forward. If the squad be in march, it is halted be-
fore being deployed by the flank.
§6. The normal interval between skirmishers is two paces;
when a greater or less interval is used, it will be stated in the
preparatory command.
98. The deployment as skirmishers is made on the front
rank men of the second file from the right No. 2). The rear
men place themselves on the alignment to the right of their
file leaders, each, as soon as there is interval.
99. If the squad is to kneel or lie down upon halting, the
corporal gives the cautionary command, Kneel (or Lie down),
upon halting, before giving commands for deploying. The
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 27
squad will then kneel (or lie down) at each halt until other-
wise directed.
100. Officers and noncommissioned officers exact from the
men obedience of the following rules:
a. Never fire unless ordered.
&. Never exceed the number of cartridges indicated.
c. Never fire after the command or signal, cease firing.
d. Always fire at the named objective; if so situated as
to be unable to see the objective, do not fire.
e. Always aim at the bottom line of the objective: if it
be a line of men, aim at the feet; if a clump of trees, aim
at the junction of tree trunks and ground.
Scouts, from the nature of their duties, are given greater
latitude. They are permitted to carry their pieces loaded
and at the ready, and the question of firing is left largely
to their judgment. It is frequently necessary for them to fire
in s?lf-defense, to give the alarm or to avail themselves of
opportunity to fire upon leaders of the enemy.
101. The instructor will give the closest attention to the
execution of the firings, and always exact the most rigid fire
discipline.
102. The firings are always executed at a halt. In ad-
vancing to the attack skirmishers lie down on being halted.
Those who can not see the. objective rise to the kneeling or
sitting position; and of these, those who can not see the
objective rise to the standing position.
103. For the firings, the post of the instructor is three
paces in rear of the squad, but in actual firing he places him-
self where he can best make himself heard and at the same
time best observe the effects of the fire.
104. The instructor should exercise the greatest of care in
the proper giving of all commands for firings. He should thor-
28 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
oughly familiarize himself with the commands as prescribed in
Drill Regulations, never varying therefrom. He should bear in
mind that every command for firing should consist of the fol-
lowing parts in the following order:
1. That portion of the command that indicates the kind of
fire, as: 1. Squad, 2. Load. (Indicating Volley Firing) 1.
Fire at will, Fire (so many) rounds, etc.
2. That portion that indicates the range at which the men
are to fix their sights, as, At (so many) yards.
3. That portion of the command that indicates the object
at which the squad is to direct its fire, as, At line of men, or,
it line of woods, etc.
4. That portion which is necessary for the loading, aiming,
and firing, viz.: 1. Ready, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire, 5. Load.
105. For volley firing, the squad being in line facing the ob-
ject to be fired upon, the pieces loaded and in any position:
I. At (so many) yards, 2. At (such object), 3. Beady, 4. Aim,
5. Squad, 6. Fire.
To fire another volley at the same objective with the same
range: 1. Load, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire.
To fire another volley at the same objective, but with a new
range: 1. At (so many) yards, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire,
5. Load.
To fire another volley at a new objective with a new range:
1. At (so many) yards, 2. At (such and such an object), 3.
Ready, 4. Aim, 5. Squad, 6. Fire, 7. Load.
106. The objective and range will be indicated in the pre-
paratory commands for all kinds of fire, as illustrated in the
preceding examples.
If the objective be at a considerable angle to the front of
the squad, the instructor will change the front of the squad so
as to face it.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 29
The commands are given at sufficient intervals to allow
them to be executed as already prescribed. The command, Fire,
is given when the piieces appear to be steady.
107. More than three volleys will rarely be fired without
intermission; this is to allow the smoke to clear away, to
steady the men, and to prevent the waste of ammunition.
108. To fire at will: 1. Fire at will. 2. At (so many)
yards, 3. At (such object), 4. Commence Firing.
At the fourth command those skirmishers who can see the
enemy aim deliberately, fire, load, and continue the firing until
the command or signal, Cease firing.
The corporal may permit a few men only, usually the best
shots, to fire; for this purpose he calls the men by name and
then gives the same commands as before; the intensity of the
fire is thus regulated by varying the number of the men firing.
109. To fire as skirmishers with counted cartridges: 1.
Fire one (tico, or three) rounds, 2. At (so many) yards, 3. At
(such an object), 4. Commence firing.
At the fourth command those skirmishers who can see the
enemy commence firing. Each man, after firing the number of
cartridges, executes cease firing.
To fire another series, Fire one (two, or three) rounds.
The instructor will see that the number of cartridges indi-
cated is never exceeded.
110. In the rapid fire, the number of cartridges is not lim-
ited; when used in advancing to the attack, the instructor or-
ders bayonets fixed and sights laid down, and then commands:
1. Rapid fire, 2. Commence firing.
111. Halts are habitually made with a view: 1st, to ef-
fective fire upon the objective; 2d, to distances necessary to
pass over: 3d, to the time and gaits required; 4th, to cover.
All other considerations give way to those of effective fire.
30 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
112. In a line of sections, squads, or skirmishers, the chief
of section is six paces in rear of the center of his section.
When the section acts as the support in the battle formation of
a company, the post of the chief of section is six paces in front
of the center of his section.
113. In forming a line of squads or skirmishers, the chiefs
of sections place themselves in rear of their base squads in
line, or abreast of them in column; they see that the base
squads keep the line of direction. The corporals take their
posts in front of their squads, in line at the preparatory com-
mand for forming line of squads; in deploying as skirmishers,
they take or keep their places in ranks, retaining supervision
of their squads.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 31
CHAPTER V.
Advance and Rear Guard Duty.*
114. An advance guard is a body of troops thrown out in
front of a marching column to cover its movements, to pre-
vent surprise, and to gain information.
115. Rear guards are corresponding bodies in the rear of
the column. In forward movements, they protect the rear of
the column from raiding parties or detachments, arrest strag-
glers, prevent pillaging, etc.
116. In retreat they cover the column, checking the enemy,
and delaying him so as to insure the safety of the column.
117. Troops marching in a hostile territory are preceded
on the march by an advance guard and are followed by a rear
guard.
A column of troops on the march consists, therefore, of an
advance guard, the main body, a rear guard, and, if necessary,
flanking parties.
118. In general terms the objects of the advance guard are
to observe and to resist; specifically, they are:
1. To provide for the security of the main body by giving
it time to deploy when the enemy is encountered.
2. To clear the way for the main body and prevent its
march being delayed.
3. To seize and hold important points until the arrival of
the main body.
4. To support the cavalry screen, if there be one in front
of the column.
119. The strength of the advance guard varies with the
:; 'The material for this chapter taken from "The Service of Security
and Information," by the late Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-
General U. S. Army, by permission of the author.
Company 0/ Infontrij efj -flduanca Guard.
Point
• «
Muaiitt Petty
yfu/iport
Tle.st.ri/9.
fie in T3»d\j
Company 0/ Infantry a J Advance. G^ard.
\ Advance Porty deployed /
(/Sect,
!t /Xf^dj
t Plain n I Tfetemt in Ct(uc
of PttLit
Slain &o'dy
i
34 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
strength of the main body, the object of the march, and the
nature of the country through which the column is passing.
As a general rule, the strength of the advance guard may be
placed at one-sixth of the whole force. This may be reduced
to one-eighth for small commands. ~
120. An advance guard consists of a series of detachments
increasing progressively in size from front to rear, each being
charged with the duty of protecting from surprise the body im-
mediately following it and gaining time for the latter to pre-
pare for action.
121. The advance guard is divided into two parts: the re-
serve and the vanguard. The reserve consists of from one-
third to one-half the entire advance guard. The remainder
constitutes the vanguard, which is divided into the advance
party and the support, the support being generally twice the
size of the advance party.
122. When a single company forms the advance guard, tfte
first section constitutes the advance party, the second section
the support, and the second platoon the reserve.
123. The company being in column of squads at a halt, the
captain commands: 1. Form advance guard, 2. March.
At the first command the first sergeant takes command of
the first section, and the corporal of the first squad exchanges
places with his rear rank man.
At the command, March, the front rank of the first squad
under command of the second sergeant, moves to front as the
point.
The rear rank of the first squad obliques to the left to
form a flanking group.
The front rank of the second squad obliques to the right
to form a flanking group.
124; The point and flankers all move out at the double
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 35
time, reducing the pace to quick time when they have gained
their proper distances.
125. The first sergeant detaches two men of the rear rank
of the second squad to march as connecting files between the
advance party and the support, puts the other two in the file-
closers, and commands: 1. Forward, 2. March, the second
command being given as soon as the point has gained its
proper distance.
126. The first lieutenant (remaining with the second sec-
tion) commands: 1. Forward, 2. March. The second com-
mand being given as soon as the advance party has its proper
distance. He then adds: 1. Rear squad, 2. Right and left
oblique, 3. March. The front rank of the rear squad obliques
to the right, the rear rank to the left, at double time, form-
ing the flankers of the support, and taking quick time on gain-
ing their positions.
127. The captain (remaining with the second platoon)
gives the command: 1. Forward, 2. March, the second com-
mand being given as soon as the support has advanced its
proper distance. If necessary, flankers may be thrown out
from the reserve by the same commands and means as from
the support.
128. The entire advance guard marches habitually at
attention.
129. If the command is: 1. Form advance guard, 2. Double
time, 3. March, the point and flankers move out as already
prescribed, but do not reduce their pace upon gaining their
positions. The advance party, the support, and the reserve,
move forward successively at the double time. The reserve
takes the quick time at the command of the captain and the
other parts of the advance guard conform to the movements of
the reserve.
formation f r a
flo/jA/ner G-rouJb.
4 ZS 7*o /00 Tjd$.
Cor/torot
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 37
130. To assemble the advance guard, the reserve is halted
and the other parts of the advance guard at once halt. The
command: 1. Assemble, 2. March, is then given or the signal
for assembly is given. This command is repeated by the com-
manders of the advance party and the vanguard, and at the
command, March, all parts of the advance guard move toward
the reserve by the shortest line and take their places in column.
131. Upon the receipt of an order to form a company as a
rear guard, its captain halts tit, and, if it be not already in that
formation, forms it in column of squads facing the enemy or
to the rear. The main body having gained the proper distance,
the captain commands: 1, Form rear guard, 2. Second platoon,
squads right about, 3. March, and the second platoon under
command of the captain, at once moves to the rear and follows
the main body. At the command: 1. First and rear squads, 2.
Right and left oblique, 3. March, the designated squads move
out as flankers in the manner prescribed for the advance guard,
the front rank to the right and the rear rank to the left.
132. When the reserve has gained its proper distance, the
first lieutenant commands: 1. Second section, 2. Squads left
about, 3. March, and it follows the reserve as a support, main-
taining the proper distance. Flankers are sent out from the
rear squads as in the advance guard.
133. The support having gained its proper distance, the
first sergeant commands: 1. Form rear party, 2. March. At
the first command, the corporal of the first squads exchanges
places with his rear rank man, and at the command, March.
the rear rank of the first squad and the front rank of the sec-
ond squad face to the left and right respectively, leave the
column at the double time, and, upon gaining their proper
interval from the column, march to the rear at the quick
time. The front rank of the first squad stands fast.
38 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
134. Immediately after giving the command for forming
the rear party, the first sergeant commands: 1. Squads left
about, 2. March, and afterwards detaches two men as con-
necting files between the rear party and the support. The
front rank of the first squad, under command of the second
sergeant, assumes the proper formation for the rear point,
and marches to the rear as soon as the rear party has gained
the proper distance.
135. While at a halt, each part of the advance guard re-
mains in its place. All parts of the advance guard should,
while at a halt, face in the supposed direction of the enemy.
136. The point and advance party are charged with the
duty of observing and investigating everything suspicious in
character on or near the line of march of the column. They
should be constantly on the alert for any and all signs of the
enemy, and should make immediate reports of his where-
abouts, when discovered, to the commander of the vanguard.
They should, without unnecessarily delaying the advance of
the main body, investigate all houses, ravines, woods, or other
places likely to afford concealment to the enemy along the line
of march.
137. The flankers are charged with a similar duty on
their respective flanks, and they will exercise especial vigil-
ance in investigating all places where the enemy might con-
ceal themselves and deliver a flank attack on the main body.
138. When it becomes necessary for the different parts of
the advance guard to communicate with each other, they will
do so by means of the prescribed or pre-arranged signals, and
without unnecessary shouting or firing.
139. Flanking parties should be under the command of
noncommissioned officers or experienced privates, and in ad-
vancing they should take up the formation shown in the dia-
gram, i. e., two men in front and one in rear of the group
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 3 9
leader. The distances by which these men will be separated
will depend on the nature of the country through which the
flanking party is passing, being much greater in an open
country than in a rough, broken country.
140. The example heretofore given of the order of march
of a small advance guard serves equally well for a type of a
rear guard of the same strength if it be considered as faced
to the rear throughout.
141. In order to save unnecessary marching on the part
of the point, advance party, and support, it may, under certain
circumstances, be advantageous to assemble the advance guard
on the point. The arrival of the advance guard in camp would
be such a circumstance. The point acting under instructions
previously received or in response to pre-arranged signals
would halt at the designated point. The other parts of the ad-
vance guard, at the command of their respective chiefs, move
by the shortest lines on the point and take their proper posi-
tions in column.
40 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER VI.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Command of Patrols.*
1.42. A patrol consists of from three to nine men under the
command of a noncommissioned officer or experienced private.
It is desirable that at least one member of the patrol speak
the language of the country in which the army is operating.
143. The patrol commander should be given clear and defi-
nite instructions as to the duty to be performed, and he should
be required to repeat them to the members of the patrol in the
presence of the officer giving them.
144. These instructions should inform him: 1. The ob-
ject of the reconnaissance. 2. What is known about the
enemy. 3. The nature of the ground over which he is to re-
connoiter. 4. The direction or directions in which he is to
reconnoiter. 5. How long he is to remain out. 6. Where his
reports are to be sent. 7. If other patrols are to be sent out
at the same time, the particular route he is to follow.
145. The patrol commander must be certain that he under-
stands his instructions thoroughly. If he has the slightest
doubt, he should ask for a repetition of his orders.
146. He then inspects the patrol, being careful that each
man has the proper amount of ammunition, and that none are
sick, intoxicated, or foot-sore. Any member of the patrol hav-
ing a cold that causes him to cough will be replaced. He will
see that the arms and accouterments of the patrol are so ar-
ranged that they do not rattle or glisten.
147. He then points out to the patrol the positions of their
own forces, and indicates a place of assembly in case the patrol
*The material for this chapter taken from "The Service of Security and
Information," by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-General,
U. S. Army. By permission of the author.
Tatrols.)
Pqttol if SWl
Tatrol of S~ men
. ♦
7k>trol 0/ 7 men
i
patrol of 4 *•*
* * * *
/KCO. ft. CO.
*
Patrol of racticei
Commander of Escort
50 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
One wagon upset in the road may block and prevent the re-
treat of the entire train.
186. In escorting prisoners, the strength of the escort is
generally fixed at one infantry soldier for every ten prisoners.
In the case of a small number of prisoners, the proportionate
escort would be much larger.
187. The escort should be formed as indicated in para-
graph 179, the prisoners being placed in some convenient for-
mation, such as column of twos, fours, etc. In this case the
main body would march in rear of the column of prisoners,
with single men marching at intervals on each side of the
column.
188. If the commander of the escort does not speak the
language of the prisoners, he should be provided with an in-
terpreter who does.
189. Prisoners should be treated with kindness and con-
sideration, but should be given to understand that any attempt
to escape, or that any offer of violence to their guard, will be
promptly and severely dealt with. They should not be per-
mitted to hold conversation or communication with any one
except their guard, and then only when necessary.
190. At night they will be placed in enclosures or build-
ings, if possible, but the vigilance of the guard should in no
way be relaxed.
191. If halting for rest or if menaced by the enemy, the
prisoners will be closed in a compact mass. The defense Of
a convoy of prisoners will be conducted as indicated for that
of a train.
192. In time of peace and when escorting military prison-
ers, a noncommissioned officer will, upon the receipt of the
order; report to the post adjutant for instructions. He will
then report with his order to the post quartermaster for the
necessary transportation. If the journey is to be of more than
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 51
one day's duration and the order does not direct otherwise, he
will report to the post commissary for rations for himself and
escort, or commutation thereof.
193. He forms and inspects his detail as prescribed in
paragraph 178, and proceeds to the designated place to receive
the prisoners. He carefully verifies their number and receipts
for the same. Having once received them, he becomes respon-
sible for their safe keeping, and will make such disposition of
his escort as will in his opinion insure their safe guarding.
In case of a small escort, or where it is necessary to conduct
the prisoners through a crowded district favorable for escape,
such as depots, ferries, etc., or where the prisoners are des-
perate characters, and an attempt at escape is apprehended,
it would be best to handcuff the prisoners in pairs, and. if
necessary, handcuff the pairs to members of the escort.
194. In receiving military prisoners, the commander of
the escort will be careful to verify the list of clothing and
other articles of public property in their possession. While
under his charge, he is responsible that they do not discard
or lose any of these articles. The list should be again verified
when the prisoners are turned over at their destination.
195. When on trains or boats, a sentinel should always be
posted over the prisoners, especially at night. When any one
prisoner is separated from the rest — to go to the water-closet,
etc. — he should always be accompanied by a sentinel, with in-
structions to keep the prisoner constantly in sight.
196. In conducting the prisoners and while waiting in de-
pots, ferries, etc., it is best to select some inconspicuous posi-
tion and avoid being an object of public curiosity.
197. Upon arrival at the destination, the party will pro-
ceed to the office of the post adjutant, or, if it be a prison, to
the office of the officer in charge, and the commander of the
escort will report his arrival. In reporting, the commander
Escort o/ 7 men
/or SmoU JTH-mfrer of PrrSoners.
V
Cmmand(j\ 6/ £scorf*
Escort of 7/Jle.n
When flankers are.
/'mp re e//ea Mc
* Of Escort
54 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
of the escort should say: "Sir, Sergeant (or Corporal) So-
and-So, Co. , Infantry, reports his arrival from Fort
with (so many) prisoners. He will tnen dispose of his
prisoners as directed by the official, taking a receipt for them.
Having turned over his prisoners, he will then report to the
proper authorities for subsistence and transportation for aim-
self and escort to their proper station.
198. Upon return to his proper station, he will report his
return to the post adjutant and turn in the receipt for tne
prisoners.
199. While en route, the commander of the escort will not
permit the use of intoxicants by either the members of the
escort or by the prisoners, and he will not permit them to
annoy or disturb the public by noisy or disorderly conduct.
200. If it should become necessary to remain over night
in cities, towns, or other localities where it is impossible to
properly guard the prisoners under his charge, the commander
of the escort will make application at a police station or jail
for permission to lock his prisoners up for the night.
201. An insane soldier will be escorted by a noncommis-
sioned officer. When a number are sent at one time, or when
the patient or patients are violent, the department commander
may order such addition to the escort as may be necessary.
The noncommissioned officer will report to the Adjutant-Gen-
eral of the Army by telegraph, at least twenty-four hours
in advance, the probable time and place of his arrival in Wash-
ington. After leaving his patient at the asylum, the noncom-
missioned officer will report to the Adjutant-General of the
Army for instructions. A. R. 471.
202. Upon receipt of the order for this duty, the noncom-
missioned officer will report, as prescribed in paragraph 192,
for instructions, subsistence, and transportion.
203. If, upon arrival in Washington, there is neither trans-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 55
portation nor instructions awaiting the noncommissioned offi-
cer at the place of arrival, he should remain at that point and
telephone the Adjutant-General's office for instructions.
204. While traveling or waiting in public places, the non-
commissioned officer should endeavor to make himself ana
his patient or patients as inconspicuous as possible.
2U5. The funeral escort of a noncommissioned staff officer
will consist of sixteen men, commanded by a sergeant;
of a sergeant, fourteen men, commanded by a sergeant; of a
corporal, twelve men, commanded by a corporal; of a private,
eight men, commanded by a corporal. A. R. 432.
206. A funeral escort is formed opposite the tent or quar-
ters of the deceased, the band being on the flank of the escort
toward which it is to march. Upon the appearance of the
coffin, the commander of the escort commands: 1. Present,
2. Arms, and the band plays an appropriate air. Arms are
then brought to the order, after which the coffin is taken to
the flank of the escort opposite the music.
207. If the escort be small, as in the case of the escort of
an enlisted man, the escort may be marched in line. The pro-
cession being formed, the commander of the escort puts it in
march, arms at the right shoulder.
208. The escort marches slowly to solemn music; the col-
umn having arrived opposite the grave, line is formed facing
it. The coffin is then carried along the front of the escort to
the grave, arms are presented, the music plays an appropriate
air; the coffin having been placed over the grave, the music
ceases and the arms are brought to the order.
209. The commander of the escort next commands:
1. Parade, 2. Rest. The escort executes parade rest, the offi-
cers and men inclining the head to the front.
210. When the funeral services are completed and the cof-
56 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
fin lowered into the grave, the commander of the escort causes
the escort to resume attention and fire three rounds of blank
cartridges, the muzzles of the pieces being elevated.
211. The escort will be brought to attention by the com-
mand: 1. Escort, 2. Attention. To fire the volleys, the com-
mands are as follows: 1. With blank cartridges, 2. Squad,
3. Load, 4. Ready, 5. Aim, 6. Squad, 7. Fire, 8. Load.
When three volleys have been fired, the command: 1. Cease,
2. Firing, will be given. After the trumpeter has sounded
"Taps," the escort is formed into column, marched in quick
time to the point where it was assembled, and dismissed.
212. When the distance to the place of interment is con-
siderable, the escort, after having left the camp or garrison,
may march at ease until it approaches the burial-ground,
when it is called to attention.
213. When necessary to escort the remains from the quar-
ters of the deceased to the church before the funeral service,
arms are presented upon receiving the remains at the quar-
ters, and also as they are borne into the church.
214. When escorting the remains to some point for trans-
portation, the escort presents arms while the remains are
being transferred from the hearse and embarked for trans-
portation.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 57
CHAPTER VIII.
Outpost Duty.*
215. Outposts are detachments thrown out from a force,
when halted, to protect it from surprise. Like advance guards
on the march, outposts are charged with the duty of observa-
tion and resistance. They prevent reconnaissance of the posi-
tion by the enemy's scouts and patrols, give warning of the
approach of the enemy, and offer sufficient resistance to the
enemy's attacks to enable the main body to prepare for action.
216. The duties of the outposts may be classified as
follows:
1. Observation: To observe constantly all approaches by
which the enemy might advance; to watch and immediately
report the movements of the enemy.
2. Resistance: To prevent reconnaissance by the enemy;
above all, to check the advance of the enemy long enough to
enable the main body to prepare for action.
217. The outpost is divided into four parts — namely:
(1) Sentinels or vedettes, (2) pickets, (3) supports, (4) re-
serve. The sentinels occupy the line of observation; the sup-
ports usually occupy the line of resistance.
218. The strength of the reserve varies from one-third to
one-half of the entire outpost, the rest of the outpost consti-
tuting the supports and pickets. Each picket depends on the
number of sentinels and patrols it has to furnish, and each
support should be equal to the aggregate of all the pickets It
supports.
*The material for this chapter is taken from "The Service of Security and
Information," by the late Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-
General, U.S. Army, by permission of the author.
Lint. oj. P/cAe-ts omitted
3* me\ n ejc\ /'
\ .1 y*
Ife. serve.
\
Outpost Ccmpose.U of
Battalion of Irrfantry
**»Vv
Sc/z t in e. £s
\
\ ^f men each ,$
\ iwUd.ndSenthtdtj!
\5tf /77*/7 £*£>$ ,
if
Reserve
too man
60 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
219. The outpost should cover the front of the force it is
protecting and overlap its flanks unless they are protected by
impassable obstacles.
' 220. The disposition of the parts of an outpost and the
distances between the parts thereof are shown in the accom-
panying plates, both of which show permissible formations
for outposts.
221. The duties of noncommissioned officers on outposr
will in general be confined to the command of examining posts,
detached posts, Cossack posts, the posting, inspecting, instruct-
ing, and relieving of sentinels, and in the group system o''
posting sentinels, in the command of one or more groups.
222. An examining post is a point designated on the line
of the outposts at which all persons desiring to pass the line
of outposts must present themselves for examination and
authority.
223. It will consist of an officer or noncommissioned offi-
cer and six men — three reliefs for one double sentinel post.
221. Upon the approach of any person to the examining
post, one of the sentinels advances and halts him at some dis-
tance from the line, while the other notifies the commander
of the post, who examines the stranger and either allows him
to pass or conducts him to the commander of the picket.
225. Any person approaching the line of sentinels at any
other than the designated point is passed along from post to
post, until he is brought to the examining post. Care should
be taken that such person is not afforded an opportunity to
observe the location of the pickets or supports.
226. The bearers of a flag of truce will not, as a rule, be
permitted to pass the line of sentinels. When such persons
or other suspected persons are passed beyond the line of sen-
tinels, they will be blindfolded.
227. The commander of an examining post should exercise
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 61
the greatest care in the examination of persons before allow-
ing them to pass, and in case of any doubt should report to
the next higher authority, first blindfolding the person before
sending him farther within the lines.
228. A detached post is a detail of from three to twelve
men under an officer or noncommissioned officer, detached
from a picket to protect an exposed point or support an iso-
lated sentinel.
229. A noncommissioned officer in command of a detached
post should, upon arrival at the designated place, post a senti-
nel or sentinels so that they may best observe the surround-
ing country without unnecessarily exposing themselves to
view. He should then place the remainder of the detachment
where it will be concealed from view and at the same time be
within easy reach of the sentinel.
230. He will require the men to remain under arms at all
times, and will not permit noise among them. He will not
permit fires to be lighted.
231. If the post be important, and it is thought that an
attempt might be made by the enemy to capture it, it may
be entrenched with hasty entrenchments, the fresh earth toe-
ing covered by sod and the branches of trees.
232. The times and methods of posting and relieving sen-
tinels will be prescribed by the commander of the outpost.
233. Sentinels may he posted singly or in pairs; in the
latter case, both should be constantly on the alert, and when
anything suspicious is observed, one should ?o and investi-
gate, while the other remains on post. They should be posted
far enough apart to prevent easy conversation.
234. The noncommissioned officers will see that the senti-
nels do not smoke, or have about them any glittering accou-
terments. Except in foggy weather or on a dark nigit, they
will see that they keep their bayonets in the scabbards.
62 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
235. In instructing sentinels, they will see that each sen-
tinel thoroughly understands the following:
1. The countersign. 2. The number of his own post.
3. The number and position of his own picket and the name of
its commander. 4. The position of the neighboring sentinels
and the examining post when there is one. 5. The direction
of the enemy and the probable line of his advance. 6. The
point to which all roads, paths, and railroads in sight lead.
7. The names of all villages and rivers in view. 8. The sig-
nals by which he should communicate with the pickets and
detached posts. 9. The principal thing is to see that the sen-
tinel kndws where to look for the enemy and whaf to do if h>
sees him.
236. Deserters from the enemy are halted at some distance
from the post, and required to lay down their arms. The n.
The second sergeant places himself, facing to the front,
where the right of the company is to rest, and at such a
point that the center of the company will be six paces from
and opposite the first sergeant; the squads form, facing to
the front, in their proper places on the left of the second
sergeant, superintended by the other sergeants, who then
take their posts.
The first sergeant commands: Report. Remaining in po-
sition at the order, the squad leaders, in succession from
the right, salute and report: "All present"; or, "Privatefsj
ahsent." The first sergeant does not return the salutes
of the squad leaders.
66 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
Squads of less than six men are increased or broken up
as provided for the left squad.
The first sergeant then brings his piece to the right shoul-
der, commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open, 4. Chamber,
5. Close, 6. Chamber, 7. Order, 8. Arms, faces about, salutes
the captain, reports: "Sir, all present or accounted for"; or,
the names of the unauthorized absentees, and without com-
mand takes his post, passing around the right flank.
This formation is used in the field and, as far as prac-
ticable, in camp and garrison.
When the company becomes reduced in numbers and the
squads broken up, the men fall in without regard to squads
but in their relative order, closing to the right so as to leave
no blank files; the corporals place themselves as number
four, front rank; the sergeants superintend the formation
and take their posts. The first sergeant then brings the
company to the right shoulder, retains the order himself,
and calls the roll; each man, as his name is called, answers
"Here" and comes to the order. The first sergeant brings
his piece to the right shoulder, causes the company to count
off, forms the left squad, and if the company is large enough,
divides it into platoons and sections; he then brings the com-
pany to port arms, and the formation continues as explained
in the preceding paragraph.
254. The post of the first sergeant, when the company is
in line, is in the line of file-closers in rear of the second file
from the right of the first platoon.
255. At retreat roll call, when there is no commissioned
officer present with the company, the first sergeant w*'ll, nfter
having called the roll, dress the company to the right, bring the
company to parade rest, and, taking his position on the right
of the right guide, execute parade rest. At the conclusion of
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 67
retreat he will bring the company to attention and remain in
this position until the completion of the playing of "The Star-
Spangled Banner,'' when he will dismiss the company and re-
port to the proper officer at the designated place the result of
the roll call. Where one officer superintends the roll call of
several companies at reveille, the company will be dismissed
before the report is rendered. At formation for muster, no
report of the roll call is rendered to the officer superintend-
ing the formation.
256. He will immediately after breakfast each day make up
the sick report book of the company, placing therein the names
of any officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the com-
pany who may desire medical treatment. He will report with
the sick report book to the company commander in ample
time to permit of its being signed and presented by the sick
marcher at the hospital at sick call.
257. Upon return of the sick report from the hospital, he
will make up the company morning report and will present it
to the company commander for signature, together with any
other papers or letters requiring his signature, before eight
o'clock. When the morning report book has been signed by the
company commander, the first sergeant will deliver it to the
post sergeant-major at such time and place as may be des-
ignated by the post commander.
258. At first sergeant's call be will proceed to the adju-
tant's office and obtain the company morning report book.
While there, he will inspect the bulletin-board in the office of
the sergeant-major and will carefully note the particulars of afl
details and instructions concerning his company which may be
posted thereon. He will also report to the sergeant-major for
any additional instructions which the latter may have.
259. Upon returning from the adjutant's office, he will
make out from the roster the company guard detail for the
68 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
following day and will post a copy of the same on the company
bulletin-boai'd. This detail, together with the other deiaJs for
noncommissioned officers in charge of quarters, room orderly
or orderlies, and details for company fatigue or police, will be
published by the first sergeant at the conclusion of the forma-
tion for retreat roll call.
260. At the assembly for guard mounting, the men warred
for duty fall in on their company parade-grounds, facing to the
front, noncommissioned officers and supernumeraries falling in
as file-closers; each first sergeant then verifies his detail, opens
ranks, inspects the dress and general appearance, replaces i^y
a supernumerary any man unfit to march on guard, and then
closes ranks. (The detail is then marched to the vicinity ot
the parade-ground or other place designated for the mounting
of the guard.) When adjutant's call has sounded and the ^er-
geant-major has taken his post, the band plays in quick time
and the details are marched at the right shoulder by the first
sergeants and halted successively on the line established by
the sergeant-major; the detail that arrives first is so marched
to the line that, upon halting, the breast of the right front
rank man shall be near to and opposite the left arm of the
sergeant-major; the first sergeant, remaining at the right
shoulder, halts his detail, places himself in front of and facing
the sergeant-major at a distance equal to or a little greater
than the front of his detail; he then commands: 1. Right, 2.
Dress. The detail dresses up to the line of the sergeant-major
and the first sergeant, the right front rank man placing
his breast against the left arm of the sergeant-major; the non-
commissioned officers take post two paces and the supernu-
meraries nine paces in rear of the rear rank of the detail. See-
ing the detail aligned, the first sergeant commands, Front';
salutes with the rifle salute, and then reports, *'The detail is
correct"; or, "(so many) sergeants, corporals, or privates
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 69
absent"; he then passes by the right of the guard and takes
i)ost three paces in rear of his supernumerary, at the order.
The details alternate in taking the right of the line.
261. The first sergeants and supernumeraries come to pa-
rade rest and attention with the guard; they remain at the
order arms while the guard is being presented and formea
into column. The senior first sergeant commands: 1. Parade,
2. Rest, at the command march for passing in review, and
1. Supernumeraries, 2. Attention, when the officers of the day
come to attention. The first sergeants come to parade rest
and attention with the supernumeraries. The rear of the col-
umn having passed the officers of the day, each first sergeant
marches his supernumerary to the company parade and dis-
misses him.
262. Guard mounting, when there is but the one detail,
is held as previously described; the detail is marched on as
described for the first detail, the supernumeraries are distrib-
uted uniformly on the line nine paces in rear of the rear
rank, and the first sergeant places himself three paces in
rear of the center of the line of supernumeraries.
263. The duties herein described for the first sergeant
may be performed by other sergeants not detailed for guard.
264. After parade, the major may direct the company offi-
cers to form line in order of rank on the left of the staff, in
which case the music ceases when the officers join the staff.
After closing ranks the major causes the companies to pass
in review under command of their first sergeants hy the same
commands as before. The company officers return saber with
the major.
265. The stopping of the music is the signal to the first
sergeants that the officers are not to return and, in conse-
quence, that they are in command of their respective com-
70 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
panies. They should take their posts on the right of the
right guides immediately, moving there and to the head of
the company when column of squads is formed, at the trail
and coming to the right shoulder when the meh in ranks do.
Each first sergeant gives the commands: 1. Squads right, 2.
Company, 6. Forward.
A noncommissioned officer in command of a company at
parade takes post, after dressing the company, on 'the right
of the right guide. Before bringing the company to parade
rest, he comes to the trail, steps two paces to the front and
faces to the left, retaining the piece at the trail; having given
his commands, he resumes his post and comes to the parade
rest.
In reporting, with his piece at the order, he salutes with
the rifle salute and reports: Sir, (Such) company, present
or accounted for; or, so many enlisted men absent. .Aftjer
reporting, he resumes the order arms.
266. The first sergeant will at all times perform the duties
of file-closer in rectifying mistakes and insuring steadiness in
ranks.
267. In movements of the company from line into column
and the reverse, he retains his position in rear of or on the
flank of the right four. The first sergeant always remains
with the original first platoon, when in line, in rear of the
second file from the outer flank, taking the corresponding posi-
tion when the platoons unite in column of squads.
268. In extended order, the post of the first sergeant is
in the line of sergeants, in rear of the base squad. Should
the captain be called from his post in front of the base squad
during the advance, the first sergeant takes such post in
order that all may be constantly aware of the position of
the base squad. On return of the captain the first sergeant
drops back to his post in rear of the base squad.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 71
269. In the advance guard formation, where the company
forms the advance guard of a larger body, the first sergeant
is in command of the advance party, In the rear guard he
commands the corresponding element of the rear guard.
270. Upon assignment to the company of a recruit or of
a man transferred thereto from another organization, the first
sergeant will at once enter in the books of the company the
facts contained in the descriptive and assignment card or in
the descriptive list of the man. He will assign bim to quar-
ters and to a squad in the company. He will have issued to
him by the quartermaster-sergeant a complete equipment of
ordnance and quartermaster property. He will prepare a
requisition for such clothing as the recruit may need.
271. Upon the discharge of a man from the company, he
will prepare the discharge and final statements of the man
for the signature of the company commander or will super-
vise the company clerk in so doing. He will cause the man
to turn in to the quartermaster-sergeant all ordnance or quar-
termaster property in his possession; should any be missing,
he will cause the value of the missing articles to be charged
against the account of the man on his final statements. When
a man has been discharged, his accounts will be closed in the
company books, and they will be prepared for the signature
of the company commander. Should the man re -enlist, he is
regarded as a recruit and new accounts opened.
272. Upon the transfer of a man from his company or the
departure of a man from the post of his company for detached
service, the first sergeant will at once prepare a descriptive
list, setting forth the facts of his payment, the condition of
his clothing allowances, and all facts necessary to the settle-
ment of his accounts with the Government if he should be
discharged. This descriptive list is forwarded to the com-
72 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
manding officer of the post or detachment to which the man
is sent.
273. In case of the death or desertion cf an enlisted man
of the company, the first sergeant will at once secure the ef-
fects and Government property for which the deceas3d or the
ieserter was responsible and hold them for the action of the
company commander.
274. He will, each day, make out a list of the men in the
company desiring passes; he will then make out for each man
a pass for the desired time and will present these passes with
the morning report to the company commander for approval
and signature. "When signed by the company commander,
they should be delivered at the adjutant's office with the morn-
ing report.
274a. The first sergeant, upon being directed by the cap-
tain to dismiss the company, remaining in place, brings his
piece to the right shoulder and salutes, then steps three
paces to the front and two paces to the right of the com-
pany and commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open, 4. Chamber,
5. Close, 6. Chamber, 7. Dismissed.
274b. The first sergeant should keep a list of the sizes of
the clothing or all men in the company.
He should see that all outer clothing is properly marked
with the initials of the owner and the letter of the company.
This assists in preventing the sale of clothing by men of the
company to recruits and others.
He should require squad leaders to keep a proper check
on the clothing of the men, especially the recruits, of their
squads.
He should remind the company commander to read the
Articles of War to the company, at least twice a year, general-
ly in January and June, and to recruits within a day or two
after they join.
Handbook for 'Noncommissioned Officers. 73
He should keep a book, with one page to each officer and
man of the company, and note therein anything such as de-
tail to extra, special or detached duty, relief tlherefrom, ab-
sence with or without leave, court-martial fines, furloughs, etc.,
in fact, all data which is necessary in the preparation of
muster and pay rolls.
He should see that clothing and equipments belonging to
the men of the company are arranged in an orderly and uni-
form manner.
After retreat each night, he should furnish the noncom-
missioned officer in charge of quarters with a list of the men
who will be absent by authority from 11:00 p. m. inspection
of quarters.
In making details for duty from the company, he should
be careful that extra work is distributed equally among the
members of the company, thus avoiding discontent in the
company.
He should also keep the data from which the history of
the company may be compiled.
74 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
Supplementary to Chapter "The First Sergeant."
list of reports and returns to be rendered by commanding
officers of companies.
Daily.
Morning Report To be delivered to the post
adjutant before 8:00 a. m. To
be signed by the first .-sergeant
and the company commander.
A careful record of events
should be entered in the
morning report each day.
Sick Report To be delivered by tie sick
marcher to the attending sur-
geon at the post hospital at
sick call. To be signed by the
company commander before
sending it to the hospital.
Weekly.
List of Men Detailed on Spe-
cial Duty To the adjutant on the day
of the week designated by the
commanding officer of the post
Trimonthly.
Ration Return To be submitted to the adju-
tant, with the morning report,
on the 10th, 20th, and tbp lasT
day of each month.
Trimonthly Field Return.. .. To be submitted only when
(In triplicate.) in the field. To be submitted
on the-lOth, 20th, and last day
of the month. One covj to the
adjutant, one to the Adjutant-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
General direct, one to be t«
tained.
Monthly.
Pay-Roils To be submitted on the last
(In triplicate.)
List of Absentees from Muster
Arms and
Hand.. .
Ammuniticu on
Vacancies to Occur
Current Month ....
Company Return . . . .
(In duplicate.)
day of the month to the adju-
tant for the signature of the
commanding officer. Two cop-
ies for the paymaster, one to
be retained.
To be submitted to the mus-
tering officer with the muster-
or pay-rolls, the list to be al-
phabetical in order, showing
the place of absence and the
authority for the absence of
each absentee.
To be submitted to the adju-
tant on the first day of the en-
suing month. Submitted only
when required by special in-
structions,
e
To be submitted to the adju-
tant on the first day of the
month.
To be submitted to the adju-
tant of the regiment. Inde-
pendent company in the field,
one copy direct to the Adjutant-
General, one copy to be re-
tained. Submitted on the first
day of the following month ;
76 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
also submitted upon leaving a
station.
Allotments Commenced Dur-
ing the Month To be submitted to the Pay-
master-General by registered
mail on the last day of the
month.
Discontinued Allotments To be submitted to the Pay-
master-General on the last day
of the month.
Bimonthly.
Muster-Roils To be submitted to the mus-
(In duplicate.) tering officer so that they may
be mailed within three (3)
days. These rolls are to be pre-
pared in addition to the three
pay-rolls. One copy to be re-
tained. Submitted on the last
day of February, April, June,
August, October, and Decem-
ber.
Requisition for Blank Forms . . To be submitted so as to ar-
rive at the office of the Ad-
jutant-General of the Depart-
ment not later than June 1st
and December 1st.
Ordnance Return i ... . . To be submitted within 20
days after the 30th of June
and the 31st of December,
each year. One copy with all
vouchers forwarded, one copy
retained.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
77
Estimate of
Equipage.. .
Clothing and
Requisition for Stationery.
(In duplicate.)
Requisition for Brooms
Scrubbing Brushes ....
(In duplicate.)
and
To be submitted to the ad-
jutant about ten days before
the end of each quarter.
To be submitted to the quar-
termaster whenever stationery
is required.
To be submitted to the adju-
tant on first day of each quar-
ter for the approval of the com-
manding officer, then to the
quartermaster.
Semi- Annually.
Statement of Charges for Quar-
termaster Supplies To be forwarded to the of-
fice of the quartermaster on
the last day of* each quarter.
At Irregular Intervals.
Descriptive List and Account
of Pay and Clothing of a
Soldier Transferred To be mailed to the com-
manding officer of the organ-
ization to which the soldier has
transferred upon departure of
the soldier from the post.
To be given to the officer
or noncommissioned officer in
charge of soldier or forwarded
by mail. To be sent when the
soldier leaves the post.
Same of Soldier Detached.
78 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
Same of Sick Soldier.
Same of a Deserter.
Special Descriptive List
Deserters
(In quintuplicate.)
Notification of Discharge . .
Deceased Soldiers.
Field Return.
Deposits, List of.
To be sent to the surgeon in
charge when the soldier is de-
tached from the company.
To be mailed direct to the
officer making the report of
the surrender or apprehension
immediately upon receipt of
notification of the same.
>f
Submitted to the adjutant as
soon as the deserter is dropped
from the rolls.
Submitted to the paymaster
to whom the man is to apply for
payment. Should be forward-
ed about a week before the
discharge is to take effect.
This form must be filled out
by the company commander.
Submitted to the Adjutant-
General of the Army direct;
also notification to the nearest
relative. Submitted upon noti-
fication of death. Should be
accompanied by inventory of
effects and final statements of
the deceased.
Submitted to the adjutant 01
the post whenever joining or
leaving a station
To oe submitted to the Pay-
master-General direct immedi-
ately following deposit. If a
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 79
soldier who lias deposits is
transferred or deserts, a report
should be made direct to the
Paymaster- General.
List of Allotments Submitted to the Paymaster-
General direct as soon as' the
allotments are made.
Notification of Cessation or
of Suspension of Allot-
ment Submitted direct to the de-
partment or corps commander
immediately; also to the Pay-
master-General at the end of
the month, a report of the al-
lotments to be discontinuea
during the ensuing month.
Battles or Engagements Submitted through military
channels to the Adjutant-
General, U. S. A., after every
battle or engagement.
Casualties (Killed and
Wounded) One copy to he retained, one
(In triplicate.) submitted through military
channels, and one direct to the
Adjutant-General, U. S. A. To
be submitted after any engage-
ment resulting in casualties.
Captured Property, Return of.. Submitted to the Adjutant-
GFeneral, U. S. A., immediately.
Only required of the company
commander when the company
is acting alone.
80 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
Clothing Requisition Submitted to the adjutant
whenever clothing is needed.
Report of Small -Arras Prac-
tice Submitted to the inspector of
small-arms practice on comple-
tion of the target practice.
Discharge for Disability To the A d j ut a n t-General
of the Department. Careful
attention should be given to
the notes on the blank.
Certificate of Breakage of China
Ware To the Quartermaster at the
end of each quarter.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 81
CHAPTER X.
The Company Quartermaster-Sergeant.
275. The company quartermaster-sergeant is selected by
the company commander from among the sergeants of the
company to which he belongs. A separate warrant as such is
not given, and he may be returned ,to the grade of sergeant
without reference to higher authority.
276. He is usually also the "mess" sergeant and, as
such, he is in immediate charge of the company kitchen,
the' company mess-room, the company store-rooms, and such
other portions of barracks as the company commander may
direct. He has charge of the company cooks, the men detailed
for duty in the company mess-room, and the kitchen police,
and directs them in execution of their duties.
277. He is directly responsible to the company commander
for all Government or company property in possession of the
company. He has charge of and is responsible for the secu-
rity of the subsistence, quartermaster, and ordnance store-
rooms, and for the preservation and care of the articles stored
therein. He will in person make all issues therefrom to the
cooks and to the men of the company. He will make no issues
whatsoever without proper authority.
278. He will keep a record in the company property-book
of all quartermaster and ordnance property on hand in the
store-rooms or issued to the men of the company.
279. He is responsible for the cleanliness and neatness of
the company kitchen, kitchen furniture, mess-room, mess-
room furniture, and will see that the cooks and men detailed
for duty in the mess-room are neat and cleanly in the prepar-
ing and serving of the food. He will see that the meals are
servpd promptly and at the hours designated in orders.
82 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
280. He will, with the assistance of the company cooks,
make out each day the bill of fare for the succeeding day, and
will submit the same to the company commander for his
inspection.
281. Once during each quarter and oftener if necessary,
he will inspect all Government property in the possession of
the company and will submit for the inspection of the com-
pany commander all articles which may be found unfit for
further use. He will make frequent inspections of the quar-
ters of the company, and will report to the company command-
er any repairs needed in the quarters, furniture, or property
of the company.
282. He will keep note of the supply of fuel and oil, ana
will report to the company commander in order that timely
requisition may be made to renew the supply.
283. On ration days he will, with a suitable detail from
the company, report at the commissary and draw the rations
of the company. He will, before reporting for rations, prepare
a list showing the quantities of each article which he desires
to draw or leave undrawn as a saving. When articles are
issued to him, he will verify the amounts and will note the
quality and condition of the same. He will enter in his books
an account of all subsistence stores issued to him, and will
report to the company commander any deficiency in the
amount or quality of the stores.
284. On the days on which fresh meat is issued, he will
report, with a suitable detail from the company, at the desig-
nated time and place to receive the same, making note in his
books of the quality and quantity received.
285. He will, under the direction of the company com-
mander, make purchases from the commissary or from locai
dealers of articles other than those of the ration which may
be desired for the company mess.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 83
286. He will keep a careful account of all such expendi-
tures, taking receipts for the same and turning them in with
his accounts to the company commander at iutervals to be des-
ignated by the latter.
287. He will supervise the company cooks in the handling
of the rations, being careful to see that the amount cooked
each day is in accord with the number of men to be fed. He
will see that the articles of the ration are not wasted and that
they are used only for the purpose for which they are intended.
288. He will be present at and preserve order in the mess-
rooms during the serving of meals. He will see that the men
of the company are neat and orderly in their conduct while
at table.
289. He should familiarize himself thoroughly with the
different components of the ration as authorized In the Army
Regulations and in orders, together with the allowances of
each. He should be able to compute readily the quantities of
each component of the ration for any number of men.
84 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XI.
The Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Quarters.
290. The noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters is
detailed by order of the company commander from a roster
of the noncommissioned officers of the company.
291. The tour of duty is of twenty-four hours' duration,
beginning at reveille of the day designated and continuing
until reveille of the following day unless otherwise pre-
scribed. Noncommissioned officers detailed for this duty re-
lieve each other without reporting to the company commander.
292. The noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters
receives his orders from the company commander.
293. He will instruct the room orderly or orderlies in their
duties.
294. He will be responsible for the proper police of the
company quarters, rears, bath-rooms, amusement-rooms, bar-
ber and tailor shops, and the yard or vicinity of barracks.
295. He will have charge of company fatigue details and
direct them in their work of policing.
296. Where the company is quartered in more than one
squad-room, he will not be held responsible for the police of
the squad-rooms unless so directed by the company commander.
297. He will report promptly to the company commander
any necessary repairs of the barracks, barrack furniture,
luartermaster or company property which may come under
his observation.
298. He will see that all lamps are filled, cleaned, and
trimmed during the day for lighting at night.
299. He will promptly quell all disturbances and disorder-
ly or noisy conduct in the barracks or vicinity, and will report
the same to the first sergeant.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 85
300. At the 11:00 p. m. inspection of the company, he will
take a careful check of the men of the company, using for
this purpose a list furnished him by the first sergeant, show-
ing those men who are absent by authority.
301. He will report all unauthorized absentees to the offi-
cer of the day at the designated time and place, and at reveille
he will make a similar report to the first sergeant. In report-
ing to the officer of the day he will state the number of non-
commissioned officers and men absent without authority, but
to the first sergeant he will report the absentees by name.
302. He is responsible during his tour for the proper care
of all company property or Government property in possession
of the company, and will not permit it to be damaged, or re-
moved without proper authority. The first sergeant or quar-
termaster-sergeant of the company is authorized to remove
such property in their discretion.
303. He will be excused from all other duty unless other-
wise directed by proper authority.
304. He will hold himself in readiness to accompany the
company commander on his daily inspection of the company
quarters, and will see that all directions of the company com-
mander are promptly complied with.
305. In camp his duties will include all those heretofore
prescribed and such others as may be prescribed by compe-
tent authority.
86 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XII.
The Sergeant of the Guard.
306. The senior noncommissioned officer of the guard al-
ways acts as sergeant of the guard, and, if there be no officer
of the guard, -will perform the duties prescribed for the com-
mander of the guard.
307. At guard mounting the sergeant of the guard remains
in his place in the file-closers in rear of the company detail
until the command: 1. Noncommissioned officers, front and
center, 2. March. Then he executes the right shoulder arms,
passes around the nearest flank of the guard, along the
front and takes place on the right of the line of non-
commissioned officers, three paces in rear of the officer of the
guard; or, if there be no officer of the guard, three paces in
front of the adjutant. At the command: 1. Noncommissioned
officers, 2. Posts, 3. March, he faces about and takes the post
of chief of the first platoon, as prescribed in the school of
the company. If there be no officer of the guard, the non-
commissioned officer commanding the guard takes post on the
rigbt of the right guide, when the guard is in line; and takes
post of the officer commanding the guard, when in column or
passing in review.
308. If there be no officer of the guard, the sergeant of
the guard commands the guard while passing in review, and
will bring the guard to the eyes right when at a point about
six paces from the officer of the day and will salute with the
rifle salute when at six paces from the ©fficer of the day, re-
maining at the salute until the guard has passed six paces
beyond the reviewing officer. Having passed the reviewing
officer, he will form the guard into column of squads without
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 87
halting and march it to the guard-house or other designated
post. If there he no division of platoons, and if there he pres-
ent an officer of the guard, the sergeant of the guard takes
post in the line of file closers in rear of the right squad of
the guard.
309. Having arrived at the post of the guard, the new
guard marches in quick time past the old guard, the sergeant
of the guard, if in command, saluting, with the rifle salute.
310. As the new guard approaches the guard house,' the
old guard is formed in line, with its field music three paces
to its right; and, when the field music at the head of the
new guard arrives opposite its left, the commander of the
new guard commands: 1. Eyes, 2. Right; the commander of
the old guard commands: 1. Present, 2. Arms; commanders
of both guards salute. The new guard marches in quick
time past the old guard.
When the commander of the new guard is opposite the
field music of the old guard, he commands: Front; the com-
mander of the old guard commands: 1. Order, 2. Arms.
The field music having marched three paces beyond fhe
field music of the old guard, changes direction to the right,
and. followed by the guard, changes direction to the left,
when on a line with the old guard; the changes of direc-
tion are without command. The commander of the guard
halts on the line of the front rank of the old guard, allows
his guard to march past him, and, when its rear approaches,
forms it in line to the left, establishes the left guide three
paces to the right of the field music of the old guard, and
on a line with the front rank, and then dresses his guard
to the left; the field music of the new guard is three paces
to the right of its front rank.
311. The new guard being dressed, the commander of
88 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
each guard, in front of and facing its center, commands:
1. Present, 2. Arms, resumes his front, salutes, carries sa-
ber, faces his guard and commands: 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Should a guard be commanded by a noncommissioned
officer, he stands on the right or left of the front rank, ac-
cording as he commands the old or new guard, and exe-
cutes the rifle salute.
312. The detachments and sentinels of the old guard
are relieved, and as they come in, form on its left; the
commander of the old guard theu marches it, with the
guide right, six paces to the front, then in column of
squads to the right; the field music begins to play and the
guard marches in quick time past the new guard, both guards
saluting.
313. Upon arriving on the parade ground, the commander of
the old guard forms it in line, opens and closes chamber, or-
ders successively the company details two paces to the front,
and sends each, under charge of a noncommissioned officer,
or private, to its company.
" 314. To receive prisoners at the guard-house after their
number has been verified by the officer of the day, the ser-
geant of the guard forms bis guard with an interval in the
middle of it sufficient for the prisoners when in line and in
double rank, and commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Right face, 3. For-
ward, 4. March. The prisoners having arrived opposite the in-
terval in the new guard, he commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Halt,
3. Left face, 4. Bight (or left) backward dress, 5. Front. The
prisoners dress on the line of the new guard.
315. After the salutes have been acknowledged by the offi
cers of the day, each guard is brought to the order by its com
mander; the commander of the new guard then directs the or-
derly or orderlies to fall out and report, and causes bayonets
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 89
to be fixed if so ordered by tbe commanding officer. He then
falls out members of the guard for detached posts, placing
them under charge of the proper noncommissioned officers,
divides the guard into three reliefs, first, second, and third from
right to left.
316. The sergeant of the guard has general supervision
over the other noncommissioned officers and the musicians and
privates of the guard, and must be thoroughly familiar with
all their orders and duties.
317. He is directly responsible for the property under
charge of the guard and will see that it is properly cared for.
He will make lists of articles taken out by working parties and
will see that all such articles are duly returned. If not, he will
immediately report the fact to the commander of the guard or,
if there be none, to the officer of the day.
318. Immediately after guard mounting he will prepare
duplicate lists of the names of all noncommissioned officers,
musicians, and privates of the guard, showing the relief and
post or duties of each. One list will be handed as soon as pos-
sible to the commander of the guard; the other will be retained
by the sergeant of the guard.
319. He will see that reliefs are turned out on time and
that the corporals thoroughly understand and are prompt and
efficient in the discharge of their duties.
320. During the temporary absence from the guard-house
of the sergeant of the guard, the next in rank of the noncom-
missioned officers present will perform his duties.
321. Should the corporal whose relief is on post be called
away from the guard-house, the sergeant of the guard will
designate a noncommissioned officer to take his place until
his return.
322. After breakfast, he will cause the guard-house or
guard-tent and the space around it to be policed by the pris-
90 Handbook for JS'o commissioned Officers.
oners if there be any, or by the members of the guard if there
be no prisoners.
S23. He will see that the guard-room and cells are thor-
oughly policed twice daily, morning and evening.
324. At first sergeant's call he will proceed to the adju-
tant's office and obtain the guard report book.
325. In the absence of the color-bearer and guard, when
the national or regimental colors are taken from the stacks of
the color line, the sergeant of the guard unarmed, and two pri-
vates of the guard armed, will escort the colors to the Colonel's
quarters as prescribed in the Infantry Drill Regulations.
326. Upon the return of sofdiers having passes, the passes
will be given to the sergeant of the guard, who will endorse
upon it the time at which each of the men included in a pass
returns; at guard mounting he will turn them in to the com-
mander of the guard.
327. He will report to the commander of the guard any
suspicious or unusual occurrence that comes under his notice,
will warn him of the approach of any armed body, and will
send to him all persons arrested by the guard.
328. When the guard is turned out the formation will be as
follows: The senior noncommissioned officer, if commander
of the guard, is on the right of the right guide; if not the
commander, he is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the right
squad of the guard; the next in rank is right guide; the next
left guide; the others in line of file-dosers usually each in
rear of his relief; the field music, with its left, three paces to
the right of the right guide. The reliefs form in the same
order as when the guard was first divided, except that if the
guard consists of dismounted cavalry and infantry, the cavalry
forms on the left.
329. The sergeant forms the guard, calls the roll, and, it
not in command of the guard, reports to the commander of
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 91
the guard in the manner prescribed for the first sergeant form-
ing a troop or company; the guard is not formed into platoons
or sections, and except when the whole guard is formed prior
to marching off, they do not count off.
330. The sergeant reports as follows: "Sir, the guard is
present"; or "Sir, the guard and prisoners are present"; or,
"Sir, the guard is present and the prisoners are secured"; or,
"Sir (So-and-so) is absent"; or, if. the roll call has been
omitted, "Sir, the guard is formed." Only men absent with-
out authority are reported absent. He then takes his place
without command.
331. At night the roll call may be by reliefs and numbers
instead of names; thus the first relief being on post: "Second
relief, Corporal: No. 1; No. 2, etc. Third relief, Corporal, etc'
332. Calling the roll will be dispensed with forming the
guard when it is turned out as a compliment, on the approach
of an armed body, or in sudden emergency; but in such cases
the roll may be called before dismissing the guard. If the
guard be turned out for an officer entitled to inspect it, the
roll will, unless he directs otherwise, always be called before
a report is made.
333. When directed by the officer of the guard to dismiss
the guard, the sergeant salutes, steps in front of the guard,
and commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open chamber, 4. Close
chamber, 5. Dismissed; or, 5. Order, 6. Arms, 7. Stack, 8. Arms,
9. Dismissed.
334. The sergeant of the guard has direct charge of the
prisoners and is responsible to the commander of the guard
for their security.
335. He will carry the keys of the guard-room and cells
and will not suffer them to leave his personal possession while
he is at the guard-house, except as hereinafter provided.
Should he leave the guard-house for any purpose, he will turn
92 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
the keys over to the noncommissioned officer who takes his
place.
33G. He will count the knives, forks, etc., given to the pris-
oners with their food, and see that none of these articles re-
main in their possession. He will see that no forbidden articles
of any kind are conveyed to the prisoners.
337. Prisoners, when paraded with the guard, are placed
in the line in its center. The sergeant, immediately before
forming the guard, will turn over his keys to the noncom :
missioned officer at the guard-house. Having formed his
:guard. he will divide it into two nearly equal parts. Indicating
the division with his hand, he commands: 1. Right, 2. Face,
3. Foncard, 4. March, 5. Guard, 6. Halt. 7. Left, 8. Face. If the
first command be, Right face, the right half of the guard only
will execute the movements; if Left face, the left half only will
execute them. The command, Halt, is given when sufficient in-
terval is obtained to admit the prisoners. The doors of the
guard-room and cells are then opened by the noncommissioned
officer having the keys. The prisoners will then file out under
the supervision of the sergeant, the noncommissioned officer
and the sentinel on duty at the guard-house, and such other
sentinels as may be necessary; they will form in line in the
interval between the two parts of the guard.
338. To return the prisoners to the guard-room and cells,
the sergeant commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Right, 3. Face, 4. For-
ward, 5. Column right, 6. March. The prisoners, under the same
supervision as before, return to their cells.
339. To close the guard, the sergeant commands: 1. Left
(or right), 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. March, 5. Guard, 6. Halt,
7. Right (or left), 8. Face. The left or right half only of the
guard, as indicated, executes the movement.
340. If there be but few prisoners, the sergeant may indi-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 93
cate the point of division as above, and form the necessary in-
terval by the command: 1. Right (or left) step, 2. March, 3.
Guard, 4. Halt, and close the interval by the same commands.
341. If the sentinels are numerous, reliefs may, at the dis-
cretion of the commanding officer, be posted in detachments,
and sergeants, as well as corporals, required to relieve and
post them.
342. Sergeants assigned to reliefs perform the duties pre-
scribed for corporals of the guard. They will not be so as-
signed unless the number of corporals detailed for guard be
less than the number of reliefs.
343. If the sergeant of the guard be also the commander of
the guard, he will, in addition to what has already been pre-
scribed, be governed by the following instructions for the com-
mander of the guard.
344. The commander of the guard is responsible for the In-
struction and discipline of the guard. He will see that all its
members are correctly instructed in their orders and duties,
and that they understand and properly perform them.
345. He receives and obeys the orders of the commanding
'officer and of the officer of the day, and reports to the latter
without delay all orders not given or transmitted by him; he
•transmits to his successor all material instructions and infor-
mation relating to his duties.
v ' 346. He is responsible under the officer of the day for the
general safety of the' post or camp as soon as the old guard
marches away from the guard-house. In case of emergency
occurring while both guards are at the guard-house, the senior
commander of the two guards will be responsible that the
proper action is taken.
347. Except in emergencies, he may divide the night with
the next in command, but retains his responsibility; the one
on watch must be constantly on the alert.
94 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
348. When any alarm is raised in the camp or garrison,
the guard will be formed immediately. If the case be serious,
the proper call will be sounded, and the commander of the
guard will cause the commanding officer and the officer of the
day to be at once notified.
349. If the sentinel calls: "The guard," the commander
of the guard will at once send a patrol to such sentinel's post.
If the danger be great, in which case the sentinel will dis-
charge his piece, the patrol will be as strong as possible.
350. When practicable, there should always be at least one
noncommissioned officer and two privates at the guard-house,
in addition to the sentinel there on post.
351. The commander of the guard will see that the guard
is formed promptly, and under arms, whenever it is turned
out for any purpose whatever.
352. When a guard commanded by a noncommissioned
officer is turned out as a compliment or for inspection, the non-
commissioned officer, standing at the right shoulder on the
right of the right guide, commands: 1. Present, 2. Arms. He
then himself executes the rifle salute. If a report is required,
he will, after saluting and before bringing his guard to an
order, report as proscribed for the report of the sergeant of the
guard to the officer of the guard.
353. Between retreat and reveille, the commander of the
guard salutes and reports, but does not bring the guard to a
present.
354. To those entitled to have the guard turned out, but
not entitled to inspect it, no report will be made; nor will a
report be made to any officer unless he halts in front of the
guard.
355. A noncommissioned officer marching a guard or re-
lief will salute all officers.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 95
356. A guard being in line and not under inspection, when
commanded by a noncommissioned officer, is brought to atten-
tion, when an officer, not entitled to have the guard turned out
passes, and the noncommissioned officer salutes with the rifle
salute.
357. If a person entitled to compliment pass in rear of the
guard, it does not salute, but stands at an order, facing to
the front.
358. After a person entitled to the compliment has been
saluted by the guard or guards, official recognition of his pres-
ence thereafter, while he remains in the same vicinity, will
be taken by bringing the guard or guards to attention.
359. The commander of the guard will inspect his guard
at retreat and reveille to assure himself that the men are in
proper condition to perform their duties and that their arms
and equipments are in proper order; for inspection by other
officers, he prepares the guard for inspection as directed in
each case by the inspecting officer.
360. Any person having authority to inspect the guard,
and who wishes to do so, will, after its commander has report-
ed, direct him to prepare it for inspection, stating in what
manner.
361. The guard will not be paraded during ceremonies un-
less so directed by the commanding officer.
362. At all formations of the guards or reliefs, he will see
that the chambers and magazines of all rifles or carbines are
opened as soon as the men have fallen in.
363. After receiving the report of the corporal, he will in-
spect each relief before it goes on post to assure himself that
every sentinel is properly armed and equipped and is in proper
condition to perform his duties. The same rule applies to all
patrols and sentinels over prisoners. The relief first posted
after guard mounting need not be thus inspected.
96 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
364. He will see that sentinels are habitually relieved
every two hours, unless the weather or other cause make it
necessary or proper that it be done at shorter or longer inter-
vals, as directed by the commanding officer.
305. He will question the noncommissioned officers and
sentinels as to instructions they may have received from the
old guard; he will see that patrols and visits of inspection are
made as directed by the officer of the day.
3GG. He will see that the orders for each sentinel are post-
ed, cither written or printed, in the guard-house, and, if prac-
ticable, in the sentry-box or other sheltered place to which the
sentinel has constant access.
367. He will see that the proper calls are sounded as
directed by the commanding officer.
368. Should a member of the guard be taken sick, or be
arrested, or desert, or leave his guard, the commander of the
guard will at once notify the adjutant.
369. He will, when the countersign is used, communicate
it to the noncommissioned officers of the guard and see that
it is duly communicated to the sentinels before the hour for
challenging; the countersign will not be given to the sentinels
posted at the guard-house.
370. He will have the details for hoisting the flag at re-
veille, and lowering it at retreat, made in time for the proper
performance of these duties. He will see that the flags are
kept in the best condition possible, and that they are never
handled except in the proper performance of duty.
371. The commander of the guard may permit the mem-
bers of the guard, while at the guard-house, to remove their
headdress, overcoats, and gloves; if they leave the guard-house
for any purpose whatever, he will require them to be properly
equipped and armed according to the character of the service
in which they are engaged, or as directed by the commanding
officer.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 97
372. He will enter in the guard report a report of his tour
of duty, and on the completion of the tour, will present it to
the officer of the day. He will transmit with his report all
passes turned at the post of the guard.
373. Whenever a prisoner is sent to the guard-house or
guard-tent for confinement, the commander of the guard will
cause him to he searched, and will, without unnecessary delay,
report the case to the officer of the day.
374. If any one is to be passed out of the camp at night,
he will be sent to the commander of the guard, who will have
him passed beyond the line of sentinels.
375. The commander of the guard will detain at the guard-
house all suspicious characters, or parties attempting to pass a
sentinel's post without proper authority, reporting his action
to tbe officer of the day, to whom persons so arrested will be
sent if necessary.
376. He will inspect the guard-room and cells, and the
irons of such prisoners as may be ironed, at least once during
his tour and at such other times as he may deem necessary.
377. He will see that the sentences of prisoners under
his charge are executed strictly as confirmed by the reviewing
authority.
378. He will cause sentinels over working parties to be
taken from those assigned to posts guarded at night only, If
there be none, he will cause this duty to be divided as equal-
ly as possible among the privates of the guard.
379. He will inspect all meals sent to the guard-house for
prisoners, and see that the quantity and quality are in accord-
ance with regulations.
380. At guard mounting he will report to the old officer of
the day all cases of prisoners whose terms of sentence expire
on that day, as also all cases of prisoners concerning whom nq
statement of charges has been received.
98 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
381. While both guards are at the post of the guard, and
after each has been presented to its officer of the day, if other
persons entitled to the salute approach, each commander of the
guard will bring his guard to attention if not already at atten-
tion. The senior commander of the two guards will then com-
mand: 1. Old and new guards, 2. Present, 3. Arms. The junior
will present at the command. Present arms, given by the senior.
After the salute has been acknowledged, the senior brings both
guards to the order.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 99
CHAPTER XIII.
The Corporal of the Guard.
382. Corporals of the guard are assigned to reliefs by the
commander of the guard. They are assigned to reliefs accord-
ing to rank, the senior corporal having command of the first
relief, etc.
385. The corporal of the guard receives and obeys orders
from none but noncommissioned officers of the guard senior to
himself, the officers of the guard, the officer of the day, and the
commanding officer.
386. It is the duty of the corporal of the guard to post and
relieve sentinels, and to instruct the members of his relief in
their orders and duties.
387. Immediately after the division of the guard into re-
liefs the corporals will assign the members of their respective
reliefs to posts by number, and a soldier so assigned to a post
will not be changed to another during the same tour of guard
duty, unless by the direction of the commander of the guard or
higher authority.
Usually, experienced soldiers are placed over the arms of
the guard and at remote and responsible posts.
3S8. Each corporal will then make a list of the members
of his relief, including himself. This list will contain the num-
ber of the relief, the name of the company, the regiment of
every member thereof, and the post to which each is assigned.
The list will be made in duplicate, one list to be given to the
sergeant of the guard as soon as completed, the other to be
retained by the corporal.
389. As soon as directed by the officer of the guard, the
corporal of the first relief posts his relief.
fttui Cirfi
formation of *>«(,*/ • • • •
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Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 101
390. The corporal forms his relief and then commands,
Call off. Commencing on the right, the men call off alternate-
ly, rear and front rank, '"one," "two," ''three,"' and so on; if
in single rank, they call off from right to left. The corporal
then commands: 1. Right, 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. March.
If formed in siDgle rank, the corporal commands: 1. Twos
right, 2. March. In wet weather the relief may be marched
at secure arms.
391. The corporal marches on the left and near the rear
file, in order to observe the march. The corporal of the old
guard marches on the right of the leading file, and takes com-
mand when the last one of the old sentinels is relieved, chang-
ing places with the corporal of the new guard.
392. When a relief arrives at six paces from a sentineL
the corporal halts it and commands, according to the post,
No. ( ). At this time the old sentinel should be standing
in the middle of his beat, facing the relief and at the right
shoulder. Both sentinels execute port arms or saber; the new
sentinel approaches the old, halting at about one pace from
him.
393. The corporals advance and place themselves, facing
each other, a little in advance of the new sentinel, the old cor-
poral on his right, the new corporal on his left, both at the
right shoulder, and observe that the old sentinel transmits cor-
rectly his instructions. (See diagram on opposite page.)
394. The instructions relative to the post having been com-
municated, the new corporal commands, Post. Both sentinels
then resume the right shoulder, face toward the new corporal,
and step back so as to allow the relief to pass in front of them.
The new corporal then commands: 1. Forward, 2. March.
Thr> old sontinol then takes his place in rear of the relief as
it passes him. his piece in the same position as those of the
relief. The new sentinel stands fast at a right shoulder until
102 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
the relief has passed six paces beyond him, when he walks
his post. The corporals take their posts as the relief passes
them.
3&5. The sentinels at the guard-house are the first relieved;
they are left at the guard-house. All others will march with
the relief.
306. On the return of the old relief, the new corporal falls
out when the relief halts; the corporal of the old guard forms
bis relief on the left of the old guard, salutes, reports to the
commander of the guard: "Sir, the relief is present"; or, "Sir,
(So-and-so) is absent," and takes his place in the guard.
397. To post a relief after the sentinels of the old guard
have been relieved, the corporal forms it by the commands r
1. (finch) relief, 2. Fall in; and, if the arms are stacked,
3. Take, 4. Arms. The relief is formed in double rank, facing
to the front with arras at an order; the men place themselves
according to the numbers of their respective posts — viz., the
even numbers in the front rank, the odd numbers in the rear
rank, numbers one and two being on the right. The corporal,
standing about two paces in front of the center of the relief,
commands: 1. Call, 2. Off. The men call off as heretofore
prescribed. The corporal then commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms,
3. Open chamber, 4. Close chamber, 5. Order, 6. Arms; faces the
commander of the guard, salutes with the rifle salute, reports,
"Sir, the relief is present"; or, "Sir, (So-and-So) is absent,''
and then takes his place on the right at the order arms.
398. Having inspected the relief, the commander of the
guard directs the corporal, Post your relief. The corporal sa-
lutes and posts his relief as prescribed for the first relief. The
corporal of the relief on post does not go with the new relief
unless it be necessary to show the way.
399. If so directed by the commander of the guard, the
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 103
corporal, before posting his relief, will command: 1. With
ball cartridges, 2. Load, 3. Lock, 4. Pieces, 5. Order, 6. Arms.
400. To dismiss the old relief, it is halted and faced to the
front at the guard-house by the corporal of the new relief,
who then falls out; the corporal of the old relief steps in front
of the relief, and commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open
clmmbcr, 4. Close chamber, 5. Dismissed; or, 5. Order, 6. Arms,
7. Stack, 8. Arms, 9. Dismissed.
401. Should the pieces have been loaded before the relief
was posted, the corporal will, before dismissing the relief, see
that no cartridges are left in the chambers or magazines. The
same rule applies to sentinels over prisoners.
402. Each corporal will thoroughly acquaint himself with
all the special orders of every sentinel on his relief, and see
that each sentinel correctly transmits such orders in detail to
his successor.
403. He will see that each sentinel, on being posted, clearly
understands the limits and extent of his post.
404. There should be at least one noncommissioned officer
constantly on the alert at the guard-house — usually the cor-
poral whose relief is on post. This noncommissioned officer
takes post near the entrance to the guard-house, and does not
fall in with the guard when it is formed. He will have his
rifle with him constantly.
405. Whenever it becomes necessary for the corporal to
leave his post near the entrance to the guard-house, he will
notify the sergeant of the guard, who will at once take his
place, or designate another noncommissioned officer to do so.
+06. He will see that no person enters the guard-house, or
guard-tent, or crosses the post of the sentinels there posted,
without proper authority.
407. Should any sentinel call for the corporal of the guard,
104 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
the corporal will, in every case, at once and quickly proceed
to such sentinel. He will notify the sergeant of the guard be-
fore leaving the guard-house.
408. He will at once report to the commander of the guard
auy violation of regulations or any unusual occurrence which
is reported to him by a sentinel, or which comes to his notice
in any other way.
409. Should a sentinel call, "The Guard," the corporal will
promptly notify the commander of the guard.
410. Should a sentinel call, "Relief," the corporal will at
once proceed to the post of such sentinel, taking with him the
man next for duty on that post. If the sentinel is relieved
for a short time only, the corporal will again post him as soun
as the necessity for his relief ceases.
411. When the countersign is used, the corporal at the post-
ing of the relief during whose tour the challenging is to begin,
gives the countersign to the members of the relief, excepting
those posted at the guard-house.
412. He will, at the proper time, notify No. 1 of the hour,
if the sentinels are required to call the hours or half-hours of
the night.
413. He will wake the corporal whose relief is next on post
in time for the latter to verify the prisoners, form his relief,
and post it at the proper hcur.
414. Should the guard be turned out, each corporal will
call his own relief and cause its members to fall in promptly.
415. Tents or bunks in the same vicinity will be desig-
nated for the reliefs, so that all members of each relief may,
if necessary, be found and turned out by the corporal in the
least time and with the least confusion.
416. When challenged by a sentinel, while posting his re-
lief, the corporal commands: 1. Relief, 2. Halt. To the sen-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 105
tinel's challenge he answers, "Relief," and at the order of the
sentinel, he advances alone to give the countersign, or to be
recognized. When the sentinel says, "Advance, Relief," the
corporal commands: 1. Forward, 2. March. If to be relieved,
the sentinel is then relieved as prescribed.
417. Between retreat and reveille, the corporal of the
guard will challenge all suspicious-looking persons or parties
he may observe, first halting his patrol or relief, if either be
with him. He will advance them in the same manner that
sentinels on post advance like parties; but if the route of the
patrol be on the line of a continuous chain of sentinels, he
should not challenge persons coming near him unless he has
reason to believe that th^y have eluded the vigilance of the
sentinels.
418. Between retreat and reveille, whenever so ordered by
an officer entitled to inspect the guard, the corporal will call,
Turn out the guard, announcing the title of the officer, and
then, if not otherwise ordered, he will salute and return to
his post.
419. Between retreat and reveille, on the approach of an
armed party other than a relief or other detachment of the
guard, he will call, Turn out the guard, armed party, and re-
main where he can observe the movements of the party while
the guard is forming, and then return to his post.
420. As a general rule, he will advance parties approach-
ing the post of the guard in the same manner that sentinels
advance like parties. Thus the sentinel at the guard-house
challenges and repeats the answer to the corporal; the cor-
poral, advancing at a port arms, says, Advance, (So-and-so),
with the countersign, or to oe recognized, if there be no
countersign used; the countersign being correctly given, or
the party being duly recognized, the corporal says, Advance,
106 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
(So-and-so), repeating the answer to the challenge oi the
sentinel.
421. When officers of different rank approach the guard-
house from different directions at the same time, the senior
will be advanced first, and will not be made to wait for his
junior.
422. Out of ranks and under arms, the corporal salutes
with the rifle salute. He will salute all officers, whether by
day or night. If marching his relief, he will bring his relief
to "eyes right" before saluting the commanding officer and
his superiors.
423. The corporal examines parties halted and detained
by sentinels, and if he have reason to believe that the parties
have no authority to cross sentinels' posts, will conduct them
to the commander of the guard.
424. The corporal of the guard will arrest all suspicious-
looking persons prowling about the post or camp, all persons
of disorderly character disturbing the peace, and all persons
taken in the act of committing crime against the Government
on a military reservation or post. All persons arrested by
corporals of the guard, or by sentinels, will be at once con-
ducted to the commander of the guard by the corporal.
3S3. When the guard detail falls in on the company parade-
ground, the corporals fall in in the line of file-closers. They
retain this position after the formation of the guard, and until
the command: 1. Open, 2. Rank, when they step three paces
to the rear and dress to the right.
'-J84. At the command by the adjutant: 1. Officer wnd non-
commissioned officers, front and center, 2. March, the noncom-
missioned officers pxecute the right shoulder, pass by the near-
est flank, and. moving along the front, form in order of
rank, from right to left, three paces in rear of the officer; if
there be no officer of the guard, they form in line three paces
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 107
in front of the adjutant. They remain at the right shoul-
der. At the command: 1. Noncommissioned officers, 2. Posts,
3. March, they face about and take the posts assigned them, as
prescribed in the school of the company, with open ranks, and
order arms.
425. The morning and evening gun will be fired by a de-
tachment of the guard consisting, when practicable, of a cor-
poral and two privates. The morning gun is fired at the first
note of the reveille, or, if the marches be played before the
reveille, it is fired at the commencement of the first march.
The retreat gun is fired at the last note of retreat. The cor-
poral marches the detachment to and from the piece, and the
piece is fired, sponged out, and secured under his direction.
108 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Regimental Sergeant-Major.
1. The regimental sergeant-major is the principal as-
sistant to the regimental adjutant. He will, preferably, be
selected from the noncommissioned officers of the regiment
who are most distinguished for efficiency, bravery, and soldier-
ly bearing. Paragraph 251, A. R. 1908.
2. He is the senior noncommissioned officer of the regi-
ment. In the clerk's office at regimental headquarters, he is
the representative of the adjutant, and his orders should be
obeye^ without question.
3. At first sergeant's call, he will transmit all routine
orders and communications to the first sergeants, either by
posting them on the bulletin-board or verbally. He will as-
sist the first segeants, especially those of recent appoint-
ment, with information and advice as to the proper prepara-
tion of return, reports, letters, etc.
4. Under no circumstances, except by permission of the
adjutant, will he give out any information concerning the
administration of the regiment, or of any other matters pass-
ing through his office. He should not gossip about official mat-
ters either in or out of the office.
5. He will not lend communications, books, maps, etc., per-
taining to Headquarters to anyone, except by permission of
the adjutant.
6. He is responsible, under the adjutant, for the proper
care and preservation of all regimental, noncommissioned staff,
and band records. He will supervise the clerks at regimental
headquarters in the work pertaining to the regimental, non-
commissioned staff, and band records; he will see that files of
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 109
all orders, circulars, letters, retained copies of rolls, returns,
etc., are properly kept.
He will see that copies of Army Regulations at Headquar-
ters are amended to date, and lie should be required to keep
a memorandum-book of records of events pertaining to the
regiment for the information of the adjutant in compiling the
regimental history.
7. He is responsible to the adjutant for all Government
and regimental property at headquarters.
8. He wir see that the janitor at headquarters keeps the
rooms and lavatories clean and orderly. He will also see that
the headquarters is kept properly heated and lighted.
9. If the regiment has a printing press, he will, under
the adjutant, be in immediate charge of the enlisted men
employed in the printing office.
10. He is charged with the duty of keeping all rosters
pertaining to the noncommissioned officers and musicians and
of personally making all details for guard, fatigue, and other
duties.
11. In the field, in addition to his clerical duties, he
should assist the adjutant in keeping the records of field or-
ders, messages, etc., received and sent, carefully noting the
time of receipt and dispatch of orders, messages, etc.
In the field, the regimental sergeant-major should be
mounted, else he will be of little use to either adjutant or
commanding officer.
12. In all formations of the regiment in line, the regi-
mental noncommissioned staff officers, the sergeant-major on
the right, form, at one pace apart, on the right of the non-
commissioned staff of the first battalion; in column, the in-
terval between them is such that they cover the head of the
column. Paragraph 350, I. D. R.
110 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
13. In the formation of the regiment, the regimental
noncommissioned staff takes post as the last battalion is be-
ing formed on the line. Paragraph 352, I. D. R. When the
last battalion is nearing the line, the regimental sergeant-
major forms the regimental noncommissioned staff in line,
with one pace interval, the left about thirty paces in rear and
one pace to the right of the noncommissioned staff of the
first battalion. He gives the command: 1. Draw, 2. Saber,
followed by. 1. Forward, 2. Guide left, 3. March. He halts
the noncommissioned staff one pace in rear of the line, each
taking the order saber upon halting, and dresses it to the left
without leaving his place in line.
At regimental review, at the command of the Colonel:
1. Prepare for review, 2. Open ranks, the regimental noncom-
missioned staff otucers carry saber. At the command: 3.
March, they are dressed to the left, the line verified by the
sergeant-major, who then gives the command, Front, at which
command they turn their heads and eyes to the front and
take the order saber.
14. In passing in review, the regimental sergeant-major
gives to the noncommissioned staff the same commands for
changing direction and for saluting the reviewing officer as
are given to the company by the company commander. He
should previously caution the noncommissioned staff to ex-
tend its front during the second change of direction to cover
the head of the column — i. e., the front of the leading company.
15. At regimental inspection, en the approach of the in-
spector, the adjutant gives the command: 1. Inspection, 2.
Arms. At the second command, the noncommissioned staff
officers take the carry saber. When the inspector approaches
each, each executes the first motion of the present saber, turn-
ing the wrist to show both sides of the blade when the in-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. Ill
specter is in front of him and resuming the carry saber when
the inspector has passed. As soon as inspected, the noncom-
missioned staff may be dismissed. The adjutant gives the com-
mands: 1. Return, 2. Saber, 3. Noncommissioned staff and
color guard, 4. Dismissed.
At inspection with field equipment, after the inspection above
described, the adjutant should give the necessary commands
for returning sabers, after which he would give the neces-
sary commands for unslinging and inspection of packs, remak-
ing of packs, dismissal, etc.
16. At muster, as the mustering officer approaches, the
adjutant brings the noncommissioned staff to the carry saber,
if not already there, and commands: 1. Attention to muster.
The mustering officer or the adjutant then calls the roll; and
as each man's name is called, he answers, "Here," and takes
the order saber. Paragraph 399, I. D. R.
17. There is notning prescribed in Infantry Dill Regula-
tions as to the post of the regimental sergeant-major in ex-
tended order. It is believed that he, with the rest of the non-
commissioned staff, snould take post in rear of the Colonel
and his staff.
18. At adjutant's call, the adjutant, dismounted, and the
sergeant - major on his left, march to the parade-ground. The
adjutant halts and takes pest so as to be twelve paces in
front of and facing the center of the guard when formed;
the sergeant-major continues on, moves by the left flank, and
takes post facing to the left, twelve paces to the left of the
front rank of the band; the band plays in quick or double
time; the details are marched to the parade-ground by the
first sergeants; the detail that arrives first is so marched
that, upon halting, the breast of the right front rank man shall
be near to and opposite the left arm of the sergeant-major;
112 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
the first sergeant halts his detail, places himself in front of
and facing the sergeant-major, at a distance equal to or h
little greater than the front of his detail, and commands:
1, Right, 2. Dress. The detail 'dresses up to the line of the
sergeant-major and first sergeant, the right front rank man
placing his beast against the left arm of the sergeant-major;
the noncommissioned officers take post two paces, and the
supernumeraries nine paces in rear of the rear rank of the
detail. The detail aligned, the first sergeant commands:
Front, salutes, and then reports: The detail is correct; or, (So
many) sergeants, corporals, or privates are absent; the ser-
geant-major returns the salute with the right hand after the
report is made; the first sergeant then passes by the right
of the guard and takes post three paces in rear of his
supernumerary.
Each of the other details is formed in like manner on the
left of the one preceding; the privates, noncommissioned of-
ficers, supernumerary, and the first sergeants of each detail
aress on those of the preceding details in the same rank or
line; each first sergeant clcses the rear rank to the right and
fills in blank files, as far as practicable, with men from his
front rank.
The company details alternate in taking the right of the
line. Paragraph 508, I. D. R.
When the last detail has been formed, the sergeant-major
takes a side step to the right, draws sword, verifies the de-
tail (passing down the front of the guard, around the left
flank, and in rear of the guard to his post), takes post two
paces to the right and two paces in front of the guard, facing
to the left, causes the guard to count off, completes the left
squad, if necessary as in the school of the company, and if
there be more than three squads, divides the guard into two
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 113
platoons (leaving his post to indicate the point of division if
necessary), again takes post as described above, and com-
mands: 1. Open ranks, 2. March.
At tne command, March, the rear rank steps back and halts
three paces in rear of the front rank; the noncommissioned
officers three paces in rear of the rear rank; all dress to
the rank. The sergeant-major verifies the alignment of the
ranks, file-closers, supernumeraries, and first sergeants, again
takes post as described above, and commands: Front, moves
parallel to the front rank until opposite the center, turns
to the right, ihalts midway to the adjutant, salutes, and r^
ports: Sir, the details are correct; or, Sir, (so many) ser-
geants, corporals, or privates are absent; the adjutant re-
turns the salute, directs the sergeant-major: Take your post,
and then draws saber; the sergeant-major faces about, ap-
proaches to within two paces of the center of the front rank,
turns to the right, moves three paces beyond the left of the
front rank, turns to the left, halts on the line of the front
rank, faces about, and brings his sword to the order. Para-
graph 509, I. D. R.
During inspection of the guard, if the adjutant approaches
him, the sergeant-major executes inspection saber.
When the guard is presented to the new officer of the
day, he salutes as prescribed. Paragraph 526, I. D. R.
When the guard has been presented to the new officer of the
day and has been formed in column of platoons to the right,
the sergeant-major places himself six paces from, and abreast
of, the front rank of the second platoon.
If the guard be not divided into platoons, the sergeant-
major takes post abreast of the front rank, covering the
adjutant.
If the march in review is omitted and the guard is
114 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
marched to its post in column of squads or twos, the sergeant-
major, remaining in place, returns sword with the adjutant,
salutes the adjutant with the right hand, and retires.
When marching in review, the sergeant-major salutes with
the adjutant.
Having passed twelve paces beyond the officer of the day,
the adjutant halts; the sergeant-major halts abreaat of the
adjutant and one pace to his left; they then return saber,
salute, and retire.
19. In camp, the tents of the noncommissioned staff and
band are at the head of the column. Paragraph 563, I. D. R.
The sergeant-major's tent is on the flank of the line to-
ward the officer's line.
20. The sergeant-major is not required, but is permitted,
to attend the annual target practice of the command.
He is required to take the dismounted course in pistol
practice.
He is entitled to the extra pay provided by law for quali-
fication at target practice.
21. The sergeant-major is allowed one room as quarters.
For heating allowance, he is given the fuel prescribed in
Paragraph 1053, A. R., 1908.
He is allowed the illuminating supplies prescribed in Par-
agraphs 1062 and 1065, A. R., 1908. The allowances for heat
and light are cumulative during any fiscal year, provided that
at no time the accumulated allowance be exceeded.
The allowance for subsistence is that prescribed for all
enlisted men.
The clothing allowance is determined by the length of his
service.
22. When traveling under orders without trocps, the ser-
geant-major is entitled to a double berth in a sleeping-car, or
Handbook jor Noncommissioned Officers. 115
to the customary stateroom accommodations on steamers
where extra charge is made for the same. Paragraph 1136, A.
R., 1908.
23. The allowance of baggage of a sergeant-major to be
transported at public expense on a permanent change of sta-
tion is 3000 pounds. This allowance is in excess of the
weights transported free of charge under the regular fare by
pujlic carriers. Paragraph 1144, A. R., 1908.
24. On board any Army transport, the sergeant-major is
subsisted at the ship's officer's mess, rie will he assigned by
the transport quartermaster to a second-class cabin or dormi-
tory quarters, according to rank, when such accommodations
and quarters are available.
25. The arms and equipments of a sergeant-major, as pre-
scribed in G. O. No. 23, War Department, 1906, are as follows:
1 noncommissioned officers sword;
1 waist-belt for garrison service;
1 frog;
1 revolver;
1 revolver holster;
1 revolver cartridge box ror garrison service;
1 revolver cartridge belt, with fasteners;
1 first aid package, with pouch for same;
1 canteen, haversack, meat can, cup, knife, fork
and spoon;
1 set blanket-roll straps;
2 canteen-haversack straps;
1 shelter tent half;
1 shelter tent pole;
5 shelter tent pins.
116 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XV.
The Chief Musician, Principal Musician.
1. The duties of the chief musician are nownere clearly
and distinctly defined, but depend upon the will of the com-
manding officer of the band. In some bands, he is charged
with the administrative and disciplinary duties of a fir^t
sergeant or a company. In this case, his duties in general
will be those prescribed for the first sergeant as prescribed in
Chapter IX., as far as they may pertain to the band, with the
exception of the clerical work, which is usually performed in
the adjutant's office under the supervision of the sergeant-
r ajor. In some regiments, he is charged only with tne mus-
ical instruction of the band, together with the discipline of
the band as far as it pertains to that instruction. In such
cases, the administrative and disciplinary duties of the first
sergeant are imposed upon the drum-major.
2. In general, nowever, he should be in direct charge of
the band during all formations, rehearsals, concerts, or other
musical duties required cf it.
3. He is responsible for the musical instruction of the
band. Ordinarily, it will devolve upon him to select proper
music, assign members of the band to instruments, give in-
structions for individual practice, and, in every way, to be
responsible for the musical efficiency of the band.
4. He is the senior noncommissioned officer of the band,
and should receive his orders and instructions direct from the
commanding officer and the adjutant.
5. He should make recommendations to the adjutant in
regard to the appointment and promotions of noncommis-
sioned officers of the band.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 117
6. He should supervise the drum-major and principal mu-
sician in the performance of their duties.
THE PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN.
1. He should assist the chief musician in the musical
instruction of the band, take his place in case of sickness or
absence, and should be in charge of and responsible for the
instruction of the field musicians.
118 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Drum-Major.
1. When so ordered, the drum-major's duties in the dis-
cipline and administration of the band are similar to those
prescribed for the first sergeant in Chapter IX.
2. He is generally charged with the duties of mess ser-
geant as prescribed in Chapter X., and with the property re-
sponsibility prescribed for the quartermaster-sergeant in the
same chapter.
3. Unless living apart from barracks, he is responsible
for the order and police of the same at all times.
4. He should accompany the adjutant at daily inspections
of the quarters.
5. At military formations of the band, he has charge of
and marches it. He should thoroughly acquaint himself with
the post of the band at all formations for the battalion and
the regiment at all ceremonies.
6. The post of l^e drum-major is three paces in front of
the center of the band. He gives the signals or commands
for the movements cf the band as fcr a squad, substituting in
the commands band for squad. Paragraph 536, I. D. R.
7. With the battalion in line, the band is posted with the
left of its front rank twenty-four paces to the right of the
front rank of the battalion.
In column, it marches with its rear rank twenty-four paces
in front of the leading company, or .uS front rank twenty-four
paces in rear of the rear company, according to the direction in
which the battalion is facing. In the line of columns, the
band retains its line position, marching abreast of the lead-
ing guides.
Handbooh for Noncommissioned Officers. 119
The field music, if present with the band, forms in rear
of it.
8. For the formation of the battalion, and before adju-
tant's call is sounded, the band takes a position designated by
the adjutant at a signal from him, the drum-major causes the
band to sound the adjutant's call. When the call has been
sounded, he causes the band to play a march and marches it
at the same time as tne companies to its position on the line.
Paragraph 257, I. D. R.
9. At formations of the regiment in line, in line of col-
umns, anu in line of masses, the band is posted with the left
of its front rank twenty-four paces to the right of the first
battalion. In evolutions, it takes, as far as practicable, the
positions prescribed in the school of the battalion, unless ex-
cused or a position is assigned to it by the Colonel. Para-
graph 350, I. D. R.
10. At the formation of the regiment, the movements of
the band are the same as prescribed in paragraph 8, except that
adjutant's call is sounded twice, once for the formation of
the battalions and, the second time, for the formation of the
regiment. After the second sounding of the call, the band
plays a march and moves to its place in the formation. Par-
agraph 477, I. D. R.
11. At reviews, the band of each regiment plays while the
reviewing officer is passing in front of and in rear of the
regiment.
Each band, immediately after passing the reviewing offi-
cer, turns out of the commn, takes post in front of him, con-
tinues to play until its regiment has passed, then ceases plac-
ing and follows in rear of its regiment; the band of the fol-
lowing regiment commences to play as soon as the preceding
band has ceased.
120 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
When marching in review, but one ^and in each brigade
plays at a time, and but one band at a time wnen within one
hundred yards of the reviewing officer. Paragraph 454, I.
D. R.
12. In line, when the color salutes, the march, flourishes,
or rumes are sounded by all the field music; in passing in
review, by the field music with the uand that is halteu in front
of the reviewing officer, the band continuing to play. Para-
graph 455, I. D. R.
13. At battalion review, while the reviewing officer is go-
ing around the battalion, the band plays, ceasing when ne
leaves the right to return directly to his post. Paragraph 461,
I. D. R.
When passing in review, the drum-major causes the band
to change direction at the indicated points witnout command
from the officer commanding the review.
14. The drum-major salutes and executes Front, when
passing in review, at the same points prescribed for the
major. Paragraph 4G2, I. D. R.
15. The band ceases to play when the column has com-
pleted its second change of direction after passing the review-
ing officer. Paragraph 463, I. D. R.
16. If the battalion is marched in review in double time,
the band plays in double time. Paragraph 464, I. D. R.
While playing in double time, it remains in its position in
front of the reviewing officer, commencing to play at the com-
mand: 1. Double time, 2. March.
The review terminates when the last company has passed
the reviewing officer (in double time); the band then ceases
to play and, unless otherwise directed by the major, returns
to the position occupied before marching in review, or is dis-
missed. Paragraph 464, I. D. R.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 121
At regimental review, in passing in review, the band
marches with its rear rank thirty-six paces in front of the
leading company. Paragraph 466, I. D. R.
17. At battalion parade, at the command, Sound off, from
the a^jdtant, the band, playing in quick time, passes in fro-it
of the captains to the left of the line and back to its post
on the right, when it ceases playing. At evening parade, when
the band ceases playing, retreat is sounded by the field music,
and following the last note, and while the flag is being low-
ered, the band plays "The Star - Spangled Banner." Para-
graph 474, I. D. R.
18. The officers having closed and faced to the front, the
senior company officer commands: 1. Forward, 2. Guide cen-
ter, 3. March. The officers advance, the band playing. . . .
It continues to play while they march to the front, salute, and
return to their posts. . . . The music ceases when all officers
have resumed their posts.
After marching in review, the band continues to play while
the companies are in march upon the paradge-ground. Para-
grapn 47 4, I. D. K.
Should the officers not return to their posts with their
companies, the band ceases to play as they move to take post
with the staff of the Major. Paragraph 475.
19. At regimental parade., the band, playing in quick time,
passes in front of the adjutant and field officers to the left
of the regiment and back to its post on the right, when it
ceases playing. Paragraph 477, I. D. R. During the parade,
it plays as prescribed for the parade of the battalion.
20. At battalion inspection, at the command: 1. Prepare
for inspection, 2. March, the drum-major conducts the band,
if not already there, to its position in rear of the column, and
opens ranks. Paragraph 488, I. D. R.
122 Handbook fur Noncommissioned Officers.
The adjutant gives the necessary commands for the in-
spection of the band. Paragraph 490, I. D. R.
The band plays during the inspection of the companies.
Paragraph 491, I. D. R.
When the inspector approaches the band, the adjutant com-
mands: 1. Inspection, 2. Instruments. As the inspector ap-
proaches him, each man raises his instrument in front of the
body, reverses it so as to show both sides, then returns it to
its former position.
21. In escorting the color: the escort is formed in col-
umn of platoons, the band in front; the escort then marches
without music to the Colonel's quarters or office, and is formed
in line, facing the entrance, the band on the right.
When tne escort presents arms to the colors, the field
music sounds to the color.
Wihen the colors have been received, the escort is formed
in column of platoons and marches in quick time back to
the regiment, the band playing; the march is so conducted
that when the escort arrives at fifty paces in front of the
right of the regiment, the direction of its march shall be par-
allel to its front.
While arms are being presented to the color in front of
the regiment, the field music again sounds to the color.
When the escort is marching oack to its post, after pre-
senting the colors to the regiment, the band plays until the
escort has passed the left of the line, when it ceases playing
and returns to its post on the right, passing in rear of the
regiment. Paragraph 497, I. D. R.
22. In the funeral escort, the escort is formed opposite
the quarters of the deceased, the band on the flank of the
escort toward which it is to march.
Upon the appearance of the coffin, the commander com-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 123
mands: 1. Present. 2. Arms, and the band plays an appro-
priate air.
The escort marches slowly, to solemn music.
While the coffin is being carried along the front of the
escort to the grave, tne band plays an appropriate air. The
coffin having been placed over the grave, the music ceases.
When the ceremony has been completed, the escort is
formed in column and marched in quick time to the point
where it was assembled, and dismissed. The band does not
play until it has leift the enclosure. Paragraph 499, I. D. R.
23. When the distance to the place of interment is con-
siderable, the escort, after having left the camp or garrison,
may march at ease in quick time until it approaches the burial
ground. The band does not play while marching at ease.
While marching at attention, the field music may alternate
with the band in playing. Paragraph 500, I. D. R.
24. The field music sounds the mraches, nourishes, or ruf-
fles, according to the rank of the deceased, whenever arms are
presented, after which the band plays an appropriate air.
Paragraph 502, I. D. R.
25. At guard mounting: the band cakes post on the
parade, so that the left of its frcnt rank shall be twelve paces
to the right of the front rank of the guard when the latter is
formed. Paragraph 507, I. D. R.
At a signal from the adjutant, adjutant's caa is sounded,
after which the band plays in quick or double time as directed,
continuing to play until the last 'detail of the guard has been
halted upon the line.
During the inspection, the band plays. Paragraph 509, I.
D. R. A concert selection is usually played at this time.
During the rendering of this selection, the chief musician
usually takes his post in front of the band to lead it, and the
124 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
drum-major retires to the file-elosers until the selection has
been finished.
When the guard has been brought to parade rest, the band,
playing, passes in front of the officer of the guard to the left
of the line, and back to its post on the right, when it ceases
playing. Paragraph 511, I. D. R.
When column is formed to march in review, the band turns
to the right and places itself with its rear rank twelve paces
in front of the first platoon. Paragraph 511, I. D. R.
The march in review is conducted on the same principles
as for review, the bana turning out of column ana continuing
to play until the guard has marched off the parade-ground.
26. The band is formed in two or more ranks with suffi-
cient intervals between the men and distances between the
ranks to permit a free use of the instruments.
When a battalion or regiment turns about by squads, the
band executes the countermarch; when the battalion or regi-
ment executes right, left, or about face, the band faces in the
same manner.
In marching, the different ranks dress to the right.
In executing open ranks, each rank takes the distance of
1 three paces from the rank next in front; the arum-major veri-
fies the alignment.
The field music sounds the march, flourishes, or ruff lev,
and to the color, at the signal of the drum-major. Paragraph
535, I. D. R.
27. The signals of the drum-major: Preparatory to a sig-
nal, the staff is held in the right hand, hand oelow the chin,
back to the front, head of the staff near the nand, ferrule
pointing upward and to the right.
Prepare to play: Face toward the band and extend tne
right arm to its full length in the direction of the staff.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 125
Play: Bring the arm back to its original position in front of
the body.
Prepare to cease playing: Extend the right arm to its full
length in the direction of the staff. Cease playing: Bring
the arm back to its original position in front of the body.
To march: Turn the wrist and bring the staff to the front,
the ferrule pointing upward and to the front; extend the arm
to its full length in the direction of the staff.
To halt: Lower the staff into the raised left hand and
raise the staff horizontally above the head with both hands,
the arms extended; lower the staff with both arms to a hori-
zontal position at the height of the hips.
To countermarch: Pace toward the band and give the sig-
nal to march. The counter-march is executed by each front
rank man to the right of the drum-major turning to the right
about, each to the left turning to the left about, each followed
by the men covering him. The drum-major passes through
the center.
To oblique: Bring the staff to a horizontal position, the
head of the staff opposite the neck, the ferrule pointing in
the direction the oblique is to be made; extend the arm to
its full length in tne direction of the staff.
To march by the right flank: Extend the arm to the right,
the staff vertical, ferrule upward, back of the hand to the
rear.
To march by the left flank: Extend the arm to the left,
the staff vertical, ferrule upward, back of the hand to the front.
To diminish front: Let the ferrule fall into the left hand
at the height of the eyes, right hand at the height of the hip.
To increase front: Let the ferrule fall into the left hand
at the height of the hip, right hand at the height of the neck.
The march, flourishes, or ruffles: Bring the staff to a ver-
126 Handbook for 'Noncommissioned Officers,
tioad position, hand opposite the neck, back of hand to the
front, ferrule pointing down.
To the color: Bring the staff to the horizontal position at
the height of the neck, back of hand to the rear, ferrule point-
ing to the left.
When the band is playing in marching, the drum-major
beats the time with his staff and supports the left hand at
the hip, fingers in front, thumb to the rear.
The drum-major before making his report at parade,
salutes by bringing his staff to a vertical position, head of the
staff up and opposite the left shoulder.
The drum-major, marching in review, passes the staff be-
tween the right arm and the body, head of the staff to _ the
front, and then salutes with the left hand.
At a halt, the band not playing, the drum-major holds his
staff with the ferrule touching the ground about one inch from
the toe of the right foot, at an angle of about sixty degrees,
ball pointing upward to the right, right hand grasping staff
near the ball, back of the hand to the front; the left hand at
the hips, fingers to the front, thumb to the rear. Paragraph
537. I. D. R.
28. The drum-major is responsible for the marching of
the band, and may drill it in all marching movements until it
is proficient.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 127
CHAPTER XVII.
The Color Sergeants.
1. The color sergeants are regimental noncommissioned
staff officers. They are selected from among the noncommis-
sioned officers of the regiment who have the longest and most
honorable service. They bear the colors at all formations
where the colors are present, and are charged with the safe-
keeping and preservation of them at all times.
2. The color guard consists of the two color sergeants,
who are the color-bearers, and two experienced men selected
by the colonel. The senior color sergeant carries the Na-
tional Color; the junior color sergeant carries the Regimental
Color. The Regimental Color, when paraded, is always on the
left of the National Color, in whatever direction the battalion
faces.
The colors are kept at the office or quarters of the Colonel,
and are escorted thereto and therefrom by the color guard,
which is formed and marched in one rank, the color-bearers
in the center. Paragraph 248, I. D. R.
3. The color guard, by command of the senior color ser-
geant, presents arms on receiving and parting with the colors.
After parting with the colors, the color guard is brought to
the order arms by tne command of the senior member, placed
as the right man of the guard. Paragraph 249, I. D. R.
4. At drills and ceremonies, excepting escort of the color,
the color, if present, is received by the color company after
its formation. The word color implies the National Color and
includes the Regimental Color when both are present.
The formation of the color company completed, the cap-
tain faces to the front; the color guard, conducted by the
128 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
senior sergeant, approaches from the front and halts at a
distance of ten paces from the captain, who then faces about,
brings the company to the present, faces to the front, salutes,
again faces about and brings the company to the order, the
color guard comes to the present and order at the command
of the captain, and is then marched by the color sergeant
directly to its post on the left of the color company. Para-
grapn 250, I. D. R.
5. The color company is the left company of the right
wing (of the battalion); the color guard remains with it un-
less otherwise directed.
In line, the color is between the inner guides of the right
and left wings; the members of the guard in the line of file-
closers in rear of the color.
In line of columns, the color guard, in one rank, is mid-
way between the wings and on line with the captains.
In column of companies, platoons, or sections, the color
guard, in one rank, is midway between the wings and equi-
distant from the flanks of the column.
In column of squads, the color is between the wings,
abreast of the guide of the color company, in front or in rear
of the file or files next to the file-clcsers; the other members
of the guard retain their places in the line of file-closers.
If, by movements of the battalion, the color guard finds
itself not between the wings, it takes post there as soon as
practicable. Paragraph 251, I. D. R.
6. The color, when with a battalion that takes the battle
formation, joins the regimental reserve, whose commander
either directs the color to join a certain company or detaches
a guard to remain with it during the action. Paragraph 323,
I. D. R.
7. When ranks are opened, the color-bearers remain in
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 129
place; the other members of the color guard step back with
the file-closers. Paragraph 261, I. D. R.
8. If the company or battalion is faced about by the com-
mand: 1. About, 2. Face, the color-bearer steps into the rear,
now become the front rank. Paragraph 273, I. D. R.
9. When the colors and the guard halt in front of the col-
or company, the colors are brought to the order and remain
there while arms are being presented. Paragraph 534, I. D. R.
10. At reviews, when the rank of the reviewing officer
entitles him to the honor, each color salutes at the command,
Present arms, given or repeated by the Major of the battalion
with which it is posted; and again in passing in review.
Paragraph 453, I. D. R.
11. In the Escort of the Color, when the escort has been
formed in column of platoons, the color-bearer takes his post
midway between the platoons, equidistant from the flanks;
when the line is formed in front of the Colonel's office or
quarters, the color-bearer 'takes post in the line of file-closers.
The color-bearer, preceded by the first lieutenant and fol-
lowed by a sergeant of the escort, then goes to receive the
color.
He enters the building, secures the color, comes out and
halts facing the escort. When arms have been presented, the
color sounded, and the escort formed in column of platoons,
the color-foearer takes post between the platoons as before.
When line is formed in front of the regiment, the color-
bearer, passing between the platoons, advances and halts
twelve paces in front of the Colonel. He executes the color
salute at the command, Present arms, of the Colonel. The
Colonel then faces about and brings the regiment to the or-
der or at which the color-bearer resumes the carry and take^
his post with the color company. Paragraph 497, I. D. R.
130 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
12. At funeral escorts, when the rank of the deceased is
such as to have entitled him to the honor, the color salutes
whenever arms are presented.
13. At the carry, the heel of the pike rests in the sock -t
of the sling at the right hip; the right hand grasps the pike
at the height of the right shoulder.
At the order, the -eel of the pike rests on the ground near
the right toe, the right hand holding the pike in a vertical
position.
At parade rest, the heel of the pike is on the ground, as
at the order; the pike is held with both hands in front of
the center of the body, left hand uppermost.
The order is resumed at the command, Attention.
The carry is the habitual position when the troops are at
the shoulder, port, or trail.
The order and parade rest are executed with the troops.
The color salute: Being at the carry, slip the right hand
up the pike to the height of the eye, then lower the pike by
straightening the arm to the front.
The color salutes in the ceremony of the Escort of the Col-
or, and when saluting an officer entitled to the honor, but in
no other case.
If marching, the salute is executed when at six paces from
the officer entitled to the salute; the carry is resumed when
six paces beyond him.
At a halt, the salute is executed at the command, Present
arms, the color being brought to the carry at the command,
Present; the salute executed, the order is resumed at the
command, Order arms, the color being first brought to the car-
ry. Paragaph 534, I. D. R.
14. The offices below named are entitled to the salute
by the color: The President, the General, the Lieutenant-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 131
General, a Major-General, a Brigadier-General, the Vice-Presi-
dent, Members of the Cabinet, the Chief Justice, the Presi-
dent of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives, American or Foreign Ambassadors, Governors within
their respective States and Territories, the Assistant Secretary
of War, American or Foreign Envoys or Ministers, Officers of
the Navy of the assimilated rank of Brigadier-General or
higher, Officers of Marines, Volunteers, and Militia, when in
the service of the United States when of the rank of Briga-
dier-General or higher, and to officers of foreign services if of
the rank of Brigadier-Geneal or higher. Paragraphs 381 and
382, A. R.
15. On the march, the colors are ordinarily carried cased.
In camp, during fair weather, cue colors are displayed in front
of the tent of the Colonel, flying free from reveille to retreat.
At retreat, they are cased and removed to the Colonel's tent.
The color-sergeants are charged with the duty of attend-
ing to this.
132 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Provost Sergeant.
1. The provost or police sergeant is the assistant to the
police officer of the post or camp. He is usually selected from
among the noncommissioned officers of the regiment on ac-
count of his energy, trustworthiness, and known ability to con-
trol and direct the labor of men.
2. Under the police officer, he is in direct charge of the
work of all prisoners at the post. He is also in cnarge of the
work of all general and special fatigue parties, and is held
responsible for the proper police of the post or camp.
3. At a designated hour each day, generally after recall
from fatigue, he reports to the police officer for instructions as
to the work for the following day. At the same time, he makes
report concerning the progress of police or other work under
way.
4. At fatigue call, he is present at the guard-house and as-
signs the prisoners, under proper guard, to tasks of general
and special police work. He also takes charge of the fatigue
parties and assigns them to work.
5. During the day, he visits all working parties frequent-
ly, to see that they are working according to instructions
and that they do not shirk. He also makes inspection after
the completion of work to see that it has been proper'y done.
6. He may be placed in charge of the delivery of fuel and
illuminating supplies.
7. On board transport, under the police officer, he has
charge of the various police details and will supervise the
police of all parts of the ship occupied by troops, especially
the parts used in common, such as baths, latrines, and wash-
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 133
rooms. He will see that troop decks are swept clean each
morning, and the mess decks after each meal.
8. In a post or camp of any considerable size, the provost
sergeant is usually furnished a mount.
134 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
CHAPTER XIX.
Regimental Commissary Sergeant.
1. The regimental commissary sergeant is a member of
the regimental noncommissioned staff. He is selected by the
regimental commander, preferably from noncommissioned offi-
cers of the regiment who are most distinguished for effi-
ciency, excellence of character, gallantry, and soldierly bear-
ing. He is usually assigned to duty in the subsistence depart-
ment at the post where the regiment is serving, or he may be
assigned to such other duties, not inconsistent with his rank
and position, as the regimental commander may order.
2. In the field he assists the regimental commissary in
making issues and in caring for the property for which the
regimental commissary may become responsible.
3. He should have a thorough knowledge of all the papers
pertaining to the subsistence department, so that he is able to
assist the commissary in preparing returns, reports, etc., re-
quired to be rendered.
4. He should be familiar with the care and preservation
of subsistence stores and property; that is, how stores are ar-
ranged in the store-room and the method of caring for same.
This being a very important part of his duties, he should
carefully study all details pertaining thereto. He should be
a good store-keeper as well as a clerk, and always bear in
mind that troops depend upon the commissary for subsist-
ence, especially in the field.
LIST OF REPORTS, RETURNS, ETC., RENDERED BY
THE COMMISSARY.
Account Current: Form 1, is a report of all public funds
for which the commissary has been accountable during the
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 135
period covered. It is supported by numerous other forms,
showing expenditures and receipts. It is forwarded to the
Commissary-General not later than the 10th of each month.
Return of Subsistence Stores: Form 19, is a consolidated
statement of all stores for which the commissary was account-
able during the period covered. It is forwarded to the Com-
missary-General not later than the 10th of each month.
Return of Subsistence Property: Form 30, is a form sim-
ilar to the return of subsistence stores. It covers a period
of six months ending June 30th and December 31st. It is
forwarded to the Commissary-General not later than July 10th
and January 10th.
Requisition for Subsistence Stores and Funds: Form 41,
is one of the important papers rendered by the commissary.
The period for which stores and funds are called for is desig-
nated by the chief commissary of the department; the amounts
usually called for being based on previous consumption for
same period. On this form is also entered the amount of
stores on hand at the end of each month, and the amount
received, shipped, gained, saved, and condemned during the
imonth, and the amount consumed during the past period
for which the requisitions call for. From the commissary
book the consumption of the various articles is readily figured
and used as a basis for the monthly requisition. The re-
quisition is submitted to the post commander for approval on
the first day of each month, and should be forwarded to the
chief commissary on same day.
Requisition for Subsistence Property: Form 30, is for
authorized articles of subsistence property and will be made
out, semi-annually, on January 1st and July 1st, for periods
of twelve months, and mailed, after approval of the post
commander, to the chief commissary, not later than the 15th
136 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
of the month in which made. A careful inventory of all prop-
erty on nand will be taken before the requisition is made.
Requisition for Blanks: Form 44, is for blank forms to
be used by commissaries. In the United States, at posts,
arsenals, and in the field, this requisition is forwarded to the
Commissary-General; in the Philippines, to the Chief Commis-
sary of the Division. Such requisitions should be made ordi-
narily for a seven-months supply for a garrisoned post, be-
ginning June 1st and December 1st, and should be mailed
direct.
Office Records Consist of the Following: Correspondence
book, a document file, order file, a sales book, cash book, com-
missary book, inventory book, and such memorandum books
as may be found necessary.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 137
CHAPTER XX.
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.
1. The regimental quartermaster sergeant is appointed by
the regimental commander on the recommendation of the
regimental quartermaster. The appointment is generally
made from the older noncommissioned officers, the selection
being made from those conversant with the papers of the
Quartermaster's Department and the care of property, and is
also a reward for faithful service.
2. He assists the quartermaster in preparing estimates,
requisitions, reports, returns, and other papers pertaining to
tne department, and in receiving, shipping, and issuing prop-
erty. If there is a post quartermaster sergeant stationed at
t^e post, tnese duties are divided, eacn taking charge of some
special part of the work.
3. He should familiarize himself with Army Regulations
and current orders, especially those that pertain to the Quar-
termaster's Department and to money and property account-
ability; also with the circulars issued from time to time from
the office of the Quartermaster-General.
MONEY ACCOUNTS.
4. Money accounts are rendered monthly, direct to the
Quartermaster-General, and should be mailed by the 10th of
the ensuing month.
The principal money papers are as follows:
Form No. 6, Account Current. . . This form, with its vari-
ous vouchers, should show all
funds received and disbursed
for the period rendered.
138 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
Form No. 26, Invoice of Funds.
Form No. 25, Abstract C . .
Form No. 7, Abstract of Funds
Form No. 45, Account of Sales
at Auction
Form No. 8, Abstract of Pur-
chases
Form No. 10, Voucher for Pur-
Used in all transfers of
funds. No receipt is given un-
less the transfer is in cash.
For convenience, all funds
transferred to officers on Form
26 are entered on this form,
and the totals only under each
appropriation are carried to
the account current. With
slight alterations in the head-
ings, this form is also used
when necessary for funds re-
ceived from officers.
received from sales to officers.
Used only when sales of con-
demned quartermaster's sup-
plies are made by order of an
inspector.
For convenience, all vouch-
ers for purchases are entered
on this form under the several
appropiations, and totals only
are carried to the account
current.
This form is used for all
purchases, except for articles
for which a special form is
provided. It is the only pur-
chase voucher ordinarily used
■sao^s'Braj3^iBnb }sod Aq
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 139
Forms 31, 31a, and 31b, Report
of Purchases On these forms, assembled,
all articles, purchased during
the month are entered in al-
phabetical order, and all items
purchased are carried to the
return' of quartermaster's sup-
plies.
Form No. 11, Abstract of Ex-
penditures For convenience, all vouch-
ers for expenditures are en-
tered on this form under the
several appropriations, and
totals only are carried to thj
account current.
The principal vouchers entered on Form 11 are:
Form No. 12, Receipt Roll . . . . This form is generally used
when more than one perma-
nent employee is paid from
any appropriation. Separate
rolls should be made for civil-
ian employees and extra duty
men, and distinct groups un-
der the several item numbers
of each appropriation.
Form No. 13, Individual Voucher
for Services This form is used for tem-
porary services, either personal
or non-personal, and may be
used for permanent employees
when only one person is paid
from a certain appropriation
140 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
or when payment is made for
only a part of a month.
All payments made on the above vouchers, (12 anu 13), either
personal or non-personal, are
reported to the Quartermaster-
General on Form No. 1. An
original and duplicate is pre-
pared at the commencement of
services and the original is
transmitted with the first ac-
count current. The duplicate
is retained, all payments made
are noted thereon, and when
the service is completed or the
employee is relieved, dis-
charged, or for any other rea-
son leaves the service, it is
forwarded with the first ac-
count current. In cases where
the service commences and
terminates in the same month,
both copies are transmitted as
above.
Funds received from sales to officers or at auction are placed
in a designated depository, to
the credit of the Treasurer
of the United States, under
the several appropriations. A
duplicate certificate of deposit
is received, which is filed with
the retained papers.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 141
Form No. 28, Estimate of
Funds This form is used in esti-
mating for all funds required
for payment for supplies pur-
chased and is submitted when
ever necessary.
Form No. 146, Request for Funds
for Services This form is used in asking
for all funds required for pay-
ment for services, either per-
sonal or non - personal. For
payment of permanent employ-
ees it is submitted on the first
of the month for such funds
as are required. For other ex-
penses it is submitted when
required.
RETURN OF QUARTERMASTER'S SUPPLIES.
This form No. 27 (front cover), 27a (original return), 27b
(duplicate return), and 27c
(back cover), when assembled,
shows all property on hand at
the beginning of the quarter,
all property received, transfer-
red, issued and expended dur-
ing the quarter, and on the
bottom line all property re-
maining on hand at the close
of the quarter. It is rendered
quarterly within twenty days
after the close of the quarter.
No abstracts are used, all
142 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
vouchers being entered direct
ly on the return.
Some of the principal vouchers are as follows:
Form No. 117, Combination In-
voice and Receipt This form is used in all
transfers of property and is
also used as a shipping invoice
and receipt.
Form No. 65, Requisition for
Clothing Submitted by company com-
manders when clothing is re-
quired for issue to the men of
their companies.
Form No. 38, Requisition for
Fuel Submitted monthly for ex-
penditures for enlisted force
at post.
Form No. 38a, Requisition for
Forage, Straw, and Mineral
Oil Submitted monthly for ex-
penditures for public animals
and enlisted force at post.
Form 38d, Issues of Fuel, Forage, Straw, and Mineral Oil to
Officers. Submitted monthly.
Form No. 41, Requisition for
Stationery Submitted quarterly for or-
ganizations and as required
for other purposes.
Form No. 43, List of Q. M. Supplies Expended. Submitted
monthly.
Supplies other than those purchased are received on estimates
and requisitions, submitted
generally at stated periods.
Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers
143
The principal estimates are
Form No. 53, Estimate of
Clothing
Form No. 61, Estimate of Lamps,
Lanterns, Oils, etc . . .
Form No. 95, Estimate of Table-
ware and Kitchen Utensils . . .
Form No. 60, Requisition.
Submitted quarterly. On
January 1st an estimate is
submitted for the quarter end-
ing June 30. On April 1st an
estimate is submitted for the
quarter ending September 30,
etc. Care must be taken in
compiling this estimate to pre-
vent an accumulation of sizes
of articles not often asked for.
Submitted quarterly forty-
five days before beginning of
period for which supplies are
needed.
Submitted quarterly, forty-
five days before beginning of
period for which supplies are
needed. The numlber of each
article allowed is fixed by gen-
eral orders, and estimates are
generally made to replace sim-
ilar articles expended by or-
ganizations under their an-
nual allowance for breakage,
and those charged against en-
listed men.
This form is used in estimat-
ing for all supplies for which
144 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers.
a special form is not fur
nished. When used as a quar
terly requisition it is submit
ted forty-five days before th(
period commences for which the
supplies are required. It is
also used as a special requisi
tion when the exegencies c
the service requires suppli'
the need of which could m
be foreseen when the quarter!
estimates were prepared.
5. In addition to the foregoing papers, there are numeroi
reports required at stated intervals, such as report of wate.
supply, report of fire apparatus, report of progress of public
buildings, report of typewriting machines, etc., and at post
where a Government boat is stationed, a monthly report <
public service rendered, quarterly report of cost, etc.
6. Bills of lading and transportation requests are issue
as required. Circular proposals for supples or services, t>
gether with the necessary plans and specifications, are pr
pared when required.
7. The principal books and records of the Quartermaster
Department are, a correspondence book, a cash book, reco
of interments, descriptive book of public buildings, descrip.
ive lists of public animals, file of letters received, copies o*
all accounts, returns, and reports rendered, and of all estimates
and requisitions submitted.
BEENTANO'8
SoekaeUera * SUtSoaw*,
Washington. D. C
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
027 204 314
J