Q* DRILL REGULATION (PROVISIONAL) 1917 PREPARED AND EDITED AT THE ARxMY WAR COLLEGE DECEMBER, 1917 WASHINGTON GOVERNSIEXT PPJNTDJG OFFICE 191S WaU DEP.UiTMENT. Documeut No. 723. Office of The Adjutnnt General. WAR DEPARTMENT, VwvsHiNGTON, Dcccmher 10, W17. The followincr pamphlet, entitled " Machir.e-Gnn Drill lie.s^u- lations (Provisional), 1917," is published for the information and guidance of all concerned. [300.7 A. G. O.] By order of the Secretary of War : JOHN RIDDLE. Major Goicral, Acting Chief of Staff. Official : H. P. :\rcCAIN, The Adjutant General. Ill TABLE OF CONTENTS. Pago. Definitions 11 Syllabus of machine-gun training 15 Dudes of officers l,") Gun squads IG Specialists 18 Part I.— Drill. Section I. Introduction 22 Training of ofllicers 25 II. Orders, commands, and signals 26 Orders 27 Commands 27 Bugle signals 28 V.Tiistle signals ' 29 Arm signals 29 Arm signals for controling fire 31 Signals" for control of fire 3.3 in. General rules for drills and formations 33 IV. The school of the soldier 39 Position 0! the soldier 40 The rests 40 Eyes right or left 41 Facings 41 Salute with the hand 41 Steps and marchings 42 Quicktime 42 To mark time 43 The half step 43 Side step 43 Back step 43 To halt 44 To march by the flank 44 To march to the rear 44 Change step 44 V. The squad (dismounted) 45 To form the squad 45 Alignments 40 To "take intervals and distances 47 The oblique march 48 To turn on mo-^ing pivot -58 To turn on fixed pivot 48 To follow the corporal 50 To deploy as skirmishers 50 To increase or diminish intervals 50 The assembly 51 Kneeling and lying down 51 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Section VI. Company drill (dismounted) „ Postof officers, noncommissioned oiiicers, etc. (in line) To form the company To dismiss the company Alignments To open ranks To close ranks To form on march in column of squads from line To change direction while in column of squads To form column of squads from line and change dii-ection. . To form. Une from column of squads To form llanu column of flies from line VII. The gun squad (dismounted, preliminary exercises) Teaching elementary drill To form gun squad To post the gun squad To examine the gun To mount the gun To dismount the gun To load the gun for automatic fire To load for single shots To lay the gun To fire the gun To suspend firing To cease firina; VIII. The squad ( mounted) Squad drill " To post thp gun squad To reform the gun squad in front of the carts 67 To march to the front 67 To change direction 67 To march to the rear OS To oblique 68 To resume the march to the front 6S To halt 68 To prepare for action 68 To reassemble the squad 69 IX. The section (mounted) 69 To change direction 69 To form'line to the front 70 To form line to a flank 70 On right into line 70 To form column and change direction 71 To form close line 71 To re-form. line 71 To form eiose line to a flank 72 To form column of squads to a Oank 72 To prepare for action 72 To reassemble the squads 72 X. The platoon (mounted) ." 73 To change direction 73 To form line to the xront 73 To form column of sections 73 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 3 Section X. The platoon (mounted)— Continued. Page. To form line to the flank "4 On Tizht into line 74 To form column and chan9:e direction 74 To form line of sections 75 To form close line 75 To form clo?e line to a flank 76 To form column of squads to a flank 76 To prepare for action 76 To reassemble the squads 76 XI. The company (moimtcd) 76 Posts of 'officers and noncommissioned officers 77 To form the company 77 To dismiss the company 77 Company drill (mounted) 78 To chauEce direction 78 To form line to the front 78 To form line to the flank 79 On right into line « 79 To form column and change direction 80 Toformlino of subdirisions 80 To form column of subdiyisions 80 To form close line 80 To re-form line 81 To form close line to a fiank 81 To form column of squads to a flank 81 To prepare for action 81 To reassemble the squad 82 XII. The battalion (mounted) 82 To form the bat talion 82 To dismiss the battalion S3 Part II.— Tactics. Section I. Thcuscof machine S'-ms (general) 84 II. The attack 87 III. The defense 92 IV. Selection of firuig position 94 V. Marches (general) 96 Protection of the march 9S VI. Adyance guard 9!) VII. Rearguard 100 VIII. Outposts 100 IX. Village fighting 101 X. Ammunition supply lOt Part III.— Duties of the Personnel, Precedi.vg .vnd During Combat. Section I. General rules 107 Reconnaissance officers 103 Agents 103 Scouts Ill 4 TASLE OF CONTENTS. Page, Section II. The major 113 In attack 113 Arranges for events subsequent to the attack 11-1 During the attack 115 In defense 115 Arranges for events subsequent to the enemy's aUack 116 During the enemy's attack .' lift III. Battalion St at! 117 Sergeant major 117 Supply sergeant 117 Stable sergeant US The signal corporal US Signal private 118 IV. The captain 118 In attack 118 Arranges for events subsequent to the attack 120 During the attack 121 In defense 121 During the enemy's attack 12'i Events subsequent to the attack 122 V. First lieutenant and reconnaissance officer 123 VI. Enlisted personnel 124 First sergeant 124 The sergeant (company range taker) 124 The corporal (company clerk) 124 Signal corporal 124 Signal private 125 Company buglers 125 VII. The platoon loader 125 In attack 125 During the attack 12i) Events subsequent to the attack 120 In defei^se (deUberate occupation of position) 127 During the attack 127 Events subsequent to the attack 127 VIII. The section leader 128 In attack 128 During the attack 128 E vents suteequent to the attack 129 In defense (deliberate occupation of position) 129 During the attack 130 Events subsequent to the attack 13a IX. The corporal ISO In attack ISu During the attack 131 In defense 131 X. The private 132 In attack and in defense 132 XL Thecunners 133 No. 1 133 No. 2 134 No. 3 134 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 6 Section XI. The gunnors— Continued. ^^®- No. 4 134 No3. 5 and 6 134 No. 7 134 No. S 134 XII The r,er3onnel with the tniins 135 "second lieut'enaiit in charge of trains (active operaiion) 135 Mess sergeant '. 135 Supply aergcant 135 Stable' sereean!; 135 in attack and in deicnse 135 P.vuT IV.— Cake and II.indi-ing of Animals. Soctinn I. Genera' principlcr. 136 II . ( '. onorai nt ies for the care of anima-s 137 To rool a heated animal 138 TIL The stable personnel 139 1 V. S I able rules 139 V. The permanent stable 140 VI. The picket line 142 VII. Field picket ;ine3 142 VIII. Grooming 143 IX. Feeding 148 X . Watering 151 XI. Shoeing 152 Inspection of shoeing 154 XII. Sick animals 155 Dress!n.:;s 157 Instruments 157 Past V.— The Soldier (Mounted). Section I. Standard required 158 II. Preliminary instmction 158 General provisions 158 Horse equipment 159 To fold the sadd'e blanket 159 To put on the blaaket and surcingle IGO To saddle 160 McCielJand saddle 161 Fitting the saddle 162 To remove the saddle 16-1 To put on the double bridle 165 Halter bridle, model of 1912 165 To lit the snaflle bridle 166 To fit the double bridle 167 To remove the double bridle 168 To roil the overcoat 168 The blanket rcll for individually mounted men 168 To pack the saddlebags 169 In right pocket 169 In left pocket 169 To pav'k the saddle 169 To stand to heel 170 To stand to horse 170 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Section 11. rreliminary instruction— Continued. Page. To mrunt 170 Position of the soldier 171 Stirrups 171 To dismount 172 Gathering the horse 172 To move forward 173 To halt 173 Establishing confidence 174 Gaits of horses 175 Analysis of gaits 175 The walli 175 The trot 176 The gallop 176 III. Leading the mule 177 IV. Harness 177 To harness 178 To hitch 178 To unhitch 179 To unharness 179 Fitting harness 180 Care of harness 181 V. Care of saddle horses 182 B lanl-ct 1S2 Unsaddling 182 Bitting .■ 184 Part VI.— Managemext of Dkaft Aximals, Section I. Rules for drivers 185 Rules of the road 185 Position of the driver 186 Holding the reins 186 Handling the team 187 To start 187 Pulling up 188 Rules.. 188 II. Care of draft animals 188 Pakt VII.— Miscellaxeous. Section I. Transportation 193 By rail 193 By water 207 II. Camps 2fi8 Semipermanent camps (general) 208 The selection of camp sites in the field 210 Water supplv 211 Kitchen ..:.". 212 Disposal of excreta 213 Daily routine, interior gi;ard, etc 214 III. Ceremonies 21.') General rules 215 Reviews 216 General rules 216 TABLE OP CONTENTS. 7 Section III. Ceremonies— Continired. Page. Reviev/ of machine-gun battalion 218 Parades 220 General rules 220 Machine-gun cat talion 221 Ecgimental parade 222 IV. Inspections 223 Dismounted inspections 223 Battalion inspection 224 Mounted inspccticas 224 Corapany iiispeciion 224 Ciun 225 Battalion inspection (mounted) 227 Inspection of shelter-tent camps 229 BattaUcu or company muster 229 V. Honors and salutes 229 VI. Bugle calls 234 Warning calls 234 Formation calls 234 Alarm calls 235 Service calli^ 235 Drill signals 235 Bugle calls 237 1. First call 237 2. Guard mounting 237 3. Fulldress 23S 4. Overcoats 238 5. Drill 238 6. Stc.ble 238 7. V, ater 239 8. Boots and saddles 239 9. Assembly 239 10. .Adjutant's call 239 11. To the colors. , 239 12. Fire 240 13. To arms 240 14. To horse 241 15. Eeveille 241 16. Tletreat... 241 17. Tattoo 243 18. Call to quarters 246 19. Taps 246 20. Mess 246 21. Sick 247 22. Church '. . 247 23. Recall 247 24. Issue 247 25. Officers' call '....'..'.. 248 26. Captains' call \, 248 27. First sergeants' call.... 248 2S. Fatigue 248 20. School 249 30. Thegeneral 249 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Section VI. Bugle calls— Continued. Page. Bugle signals 250 ' 31. Assemble— March 250 32. Attention 250 33. Attention to orders 250 34. Forward— March 250 35. Halt 250 36. Double time— March 250 37. To the rear— March 251 3S. Commence firing 251 39. Ceasefiring \ 251 40. Fix bavonets 251 41. Charge 251 42. r.oirte order 252 43. Platoons 252 44. Squads right (bv the right flank)— March 252 45. Squads Ich (by the left flank)— March 252 40. Column right— Inarch 252 47. Column left— March 253 48. r.ish turn— March 253 49. Left turn— March 253 50. TightobUaue 253 51. Left oblique 253 52. Ri£ht front into Ime 253 53. Left front into line 254 54. On right Into line 254 55. On left into line 2.54 5(3. Eight into line 254 57. Left into line 2.54 5S. President's march 255 59. OeneraPs march 256 60. Flourishes and re vie V,- 256 61. Sound off 257 62. Rogue's march .. ^ 257 63. Funeral march 253 64. Quickstep No. 1 259 65. Quickstep No. 2 2C0 66. Quic>rstop No. 3 200 67. Quickstep Xo. 4 251 6S. Quickstep Xo. 5 261 69. Qtuckstep Xo. 6 202 70. Quickstep Xo. 7 202 71. Quickstep Xo. 8 263 72. Quickstep Xo. 9 264 73. Quickstep Xo. 10 260 Section I. Manual of the pistol 267 Nomenclature and care 267 G eneral principles 267 The manual , 2&S Position 270 The grip 271 The trigger squeeze 271 Position and aiming drills 271 Quick lire 272 To fire 273 TABLE or CONTENTS. 9 Part VIII.— Manuals. Page. Section II. ilanual of arms (for men armed vrith the rifle) 273 Rifle salute 278 The bayonet 2/^8 The inspection 279 To dismiss the squad 280 To stack and take aiTns 2S0 Loading and firing 281 To load 2S2 To set thcsishl 283 Battle sight. 283 To suspend firing 2S4 To cease firing 284 III. Care of the rifle 284 IV. Manual of the saber 285 V. Manual of tent pitching 288 To make camD 288 Shelter tents 288 To pitch shelter tents 288 Double shelter tents 289 Single sleeping bag 2S0 Double sleeping bag 200 To strike shelter tents 290 To pitch heavy rentage 291 To strike hea\v tentage 292 To fold tents. .'. 292 Illustrations, Plates I to IX 294 - fiJU^uJy ^1 /^ vz ki MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. UNITED STATES ARMY, 1917. DEFINITIONS. AJignmcnt: A straight line upon whicli several elements are formed, or are to be formed ; or the dressing of several elements upon a straight line. Band of fire: A band of fire is formed when the cone_of fire^ is directed at one point and the gun is so elevated that the rnaxHGiun ordinate of the trajectory will not be greater than the^ height of a man. " ' ^ Base: Tlie element on which a movement is regulated. Battle sight: The position of the rear sight, rifte or machine gun, when the leaf is laid down. Barrage (curtain of fire) : A machine-gun barrage is the com- bined she af of several p;i,ii],^ i\\ }nr\^, rmio-P It may be em- ployed defensively, but, normally, it is delivered over the heads of friendly troops to cover their advance. AYhen it is moved forv/ard by time table, or at a stated distance in advance of the leading elements of the attack, it is termed a creeping barragr. Bursts: A term applied tt) a greater or less number of shots /- deliver ed automatically_ between successive releases of the U trigger . Carts: Includes botli the gun and ammunition carts. Center: The middle point or element of a command. Close line: Is a formation in which the squads are in line with an interval of 3 paces between carts. Column: A formation in which the elements are placed one behind another. •c^t^x-.' ^v^ Combat train: Includes the two 4-mule ammunition wagons, (I the kitchen wagon, and two spare gun carts. '^ Combined sights: Are used for the same purpose as searching fire, i. e., to secure distribution in the direction of depth. For 11 12 MACKINE-GTJIT DEILL HEGULATIONS, 1917. diis fire two or more guns must be employed, and such differ- ences made in the elevation of the guns or each pair of guns tliat their beaten zones will overlap and a greater total depth of beaten zone be thus secured. Combined sigJits and searching fire: As a means of adjustment, ^ must not be confused with tliese methods Vviien used in Are for eft'ect. As a method of adjustment, they are used wheix_the range can not be determined with suflicient precision to admit of the use of a single elevation. In fire for effect they are used on cleep targets, which would be but partially covered by a single elevatTon. Conduct of fire: The employment of the technical means neces- sary to cause fire of the desired nature to be brought to bear upon the target. Covering fire: Fire delivered to facilitate the movement of troops and minimize their losses. Depioy: To extend the front. In general to change from col- umn to line or from close order to extended order. Lcpih: The space from liead to rear of any formation, includ- ing the lending and rear elements. The depth of a man is as- sumed to bo 12 inches. Distance: Space betwecm elements in the direction of depth. Distance is measured from the back of tlie man in front to the breast of the man in rear. The distance between ranks is 40 inches in both line and column. Distributed fire, traversing fire, or trap traversing: This method of fire is employed against linear targets and is applied by means of a series of short bursts, of from 5 to 10 shots. The object being to_cover_as wide a front as possible with effective ,^X^ and v\'ithout using more" mhmunifion than is absolutely necessary. Element: A file, squad, platoon, company, or larger body, form- ing part of a still larger body. Field train: Includes the supply wagon, the water and ration carts. File: Two men, the front-rank man and the corresponding man of the rear rank. The front-rank man is the file leader. A file which has no rear-rank man is a blank fde. The term file applies also to a single man in a single-rank formation. (p MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGULATIONS, 1917. 13 File closers: Such officers and noncommissioned officers of a company as are posted in rear of tlie line; for convenience, all men posted in the lino of file closers. Fire direction: The tactical direction of one or more units with a view to bringing their lire to bear on the right place at the right time. Fire discipline: That condition resulting from training and practice v.iiich insures an orderly and efficient working of the personnel in the delivery of fire. Fire for effcci: Has for its object the infliction of losses upon the enemy. Firing company: Includes the guns and personnel necessary for the conduct and control of fire. Fixed fire: Is that in which the gun is directed and fii:e deliv- QVQ0L at a small target, or at a single aiming point on a large target. Flank: The right or left of a command in line or in column; also the element on the right or left of rhe line. Fhinkino fire: Fire directed from a position slightly in ad- van 'o of a line, parallel to that line. Formation: Arrangement of the elements of a command. The placing of all fractions in their order in line, in column, or for battle. Front: The space, in v,-idth, occupied by an element, either in line or in column. The front of a man is assumed to be 22 inches. Front also denotes the direction of the enemy. Guide: An officer, noncommissioned officer, or private upon whom the command or elements thereof regulates its march. Head: The leading element of a column. Horse length: A term of measurement. For convenience in estimating space a horse length is considered as 3 yards ; by actual measurement it is about S feet. — — — , Indirect fire: There are two kinds of indirect fire: First. When the target is visible but indistinct. In this case an oj axiliary a i ming ma rk is selected and the sight so corrected that the cone ofTTrewIirstrike the target. Second. When the target is masked from the gun position. In this case the gun must be laid by quadrant e levation. Fnfiladc fire: Fire that is directed on a trenciror line from a position in prolongation of the trench or line. 14 MACHINE-GTJN DUILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Inferral: Space between elements of the same line. The interval between men in ranks is 4 inches and is measured from elbow to elbow. Between companies, squads, etc., it is measured from the left elbow of the left man or guide of the group on the right to the right elbow of the ris:ht man or guide of the group en the left. Left: The left extremity or element of a body of troops. Line: A formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other. When the elements are in column the formation is called a line of columns. Machine guns (machine gun, heavy type) : A-Weap_on._firing nfie ammunition, aiitomatijcajly. It is provided with a stable mount, suitable mechanism' for controlling the motion of the barrel in elevating^ and azimuth, and is capable of sustained firing. i^.a dsi-f'lt'.--ri. Mask (obstruction) : At] obiect, or a feature of the terrain, which prevents the rjunner from seeing the target. Friendly troops which prevent firing on a target. Order, close: The formation in which the units in double rank are arranged in line or in column with normal intervals and distances. Order, CTfended: The formation in which the units are sepa- rated by intervals greater than in close order. Overhead fire: Fire that is directed over the heads of friendljr troops. ■ Pace: Thirty inches ; the length of the full step in quick time. Point of rest: The point at which a formation begins. Speclli- cally, the point toward which units are aligned in successive movements. Position in readiness: In .attajck, is a position in which the troo])s are ready to move to The "attack but are held until more accurate information of the enemy may be secured. In defen se, is a position selected and occupied by the defensive troops. • Rantfing -fire: Has for its obiect the determination o f the verl- ticatioi: of the firing data when no range-finding instrument is available: '"^ Rank: A line of men placed side by side. Right: Tlio right extremity or elem.ent of a body of troops. Searching fire: Is that in which the fire of the gun is distrib- uted _iii the direction of depth. MACHINE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 15 Squad distance: The distance from the head of the gun mule to the rear of the ammunition cart (10 paces), '^' '' The squad or guii squad: The gun squad consists of the qoy- j)oraI and eight privates. The squad mounted: Consists of the squad plus the gun and annnunition carts, mules, etc. SYLLABUS OF MACHINE-GUN TEAINING. (Four weeks, six ^Yorking days per week.) Tlie order in which the daily work is taken up can not be precisely prescribed. The following is suggested as a logical arrangement. Variations will suggest th/emselves to the in- structor during the course of instruction. The main point is to have the instruction progressive with as little loss of time as possible In passing from one subject to another. DUTIES OF OFFICEKS. Captain — General supervision of all instruction. Senior lieutenant — Instruction of scout and agents of com- munication. Next lieutenant — Instruction of gun squads. Next lieutenant — Instruction of signal men. Next lieutenant — Animals, stables, and transportation. Range taker. Junior lieutenant — Assistant to other officers ; familiarizes himself thoroughly v/ith their -vs'ork. Scliools for officers and uoncomniisaioncd officers. — Prepara- tion for succeeding day's work. SpeciGltsts. — All men of machine-gun companies must thor- oughly understand the mechanics and the service of the gun. so that they may be readily interchanged and the fire of the gun may not be interrupted by casualties. To this end all specialists attend, during the first two weeks, the drills of the gun squads in the forenoon, during the second two weeks in the afternoon, and during such other hours as they are not receiving instruc- tion in their special duties. The latter are given in detail under heading " Specialists." 16 MACHINE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. GUN SQUADS. Subjects. 12 3|. 5 6 General description of gun ! 1 I Stn'pDiDfi and assembling of c^Ji 1 . 1 Mechanism ! S 2 1 2 "i" Drill— Loading and unloading: ! 1 l^ecture-^As'^ignment of dut-?3 i 1 e 2 a o . il Semaphore signals Visual training and estimating distances Lecture — Charact^ri'^tics of the macMnc "Tin 1' 1 1 f Spare-part box — Shown and exnlainefi 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 Belt uilmg— By hand and v/ith belt-fdling 1 Care and preservation of machine gun ' .... Lecture on insnccticn of machine gun. . i i 1 i " 1 1 1 "2" 2 i" 1 .... 2 Packing barrels ! Lecture— Methods of fire 51 Points to be attended to before leaving camp. Designation and recognition of targets o 7 1 Immediate action to jSe taken in case oi stop- page Drill— Diatronal traversing Stoppages — Probable causes and remedies Automatic-'^'Vht correction Overhead fire • ' Points to be attended to before, during, and 1 Lectiu'e— Ta^^tical handlin<^ of machiiie gun<= ' Range cards — Vttac"'-" and defense 1 •■'T"'" Mounting and dismounting guns on imeven Fire orders Concealment o^ guns in po='.itiou 1 Tactical exercises, follo\^-ed by detailed criti- cism, moving guns across country by hand in various formations " i MACHINE-GUN DRILL aEGULATIONS, 1917. GUN SQUADS. 17 ^ 10 11 12 13 14 1 15 1 l(j 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 Hours. 1 1 tc o "o 1 o o o 1 'H ■ 3 o o fi 1 ■"r""!'"'" « 1 .... 1 o .... i 1 .... .... 9 1 1 1 ::::;::: 1 h 1...- i- i h .... t 5 5 1 1 1 i""i "" 1 1 3 •'I'"" 2 1 3 1 ...| 1 .... 1 ......... 1 ...1.. 4 1 1 ' 1 ■ 1 1 2 1 1"" 6 L... i 1 I ... Jr I h \ P^ 1 3 1 >> CI t 2' 1 1 2 .... 5 T c? 3 1 4 1 :^ s 1 •2' h ....L--- 1 1 1 1 1 1 ^ 2 i 1 ;::::: 1 ::::::: r 2 1 1 3 1 1 3 .... a. 1 2 i 1 G 4 4 ■; 8 1 4 4 ! !.... 2 2 2 3 o 11 18 MACHINE-GUN BEILL REGULATIONS, 1317. (JUX SQUADS— Continued. Sribji'cts. 1 i 2 j 3 4 5 16:7 S 1 ! Lecture— Contents of guns end ammunition i I 1 '. Xieht fi'^rn? ... ' . ' Indirect fire '....' 1 Lectures — Saturday 1 i L. Tests ■ . ' 1 1 1 ! 1 ' 1 i 1 ] 1 1 Schools— Officers 1 '1 1 ! 1 1 ' i 1 1 1 SPECIALISTS, Signalmen— Visual training and estimating distance 1 1 1^ 1* 1 .... * i , * h Selections of signal station— Background Signaling — Semaphore 1 i" 1 1 1* 1 1 u Signaling— Wigwag, short and long distance.. Signaling— Arm aud hand Service buzzer — Description and care Laving wire and establi'^liin" stations 4 I Sending and receiving messages Range taker— Construction and care of instrument 2 Setting up instrument — Methods of adjust- 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 Practioal exercises in range finding 1 1 2 1' Preparation of ran^e ca^'ds — \ttack 2 Scouts and agents— Visual training and esti- mating distan ce 1 i h \l h Selection of signal station— Background Signaling— Semaphore T t i h Signaling— Wigwag, short and long distance.. Signaling — Arm and hand . . ... Writing messages and reports "i' .... .... Verbal messages j Orderly and messenger duties j 1 Route sketches ^ i .... :* i i" .... Lee I -ore — Principles of patrolling 1 1 1 Lecture— Orders to and equiprnent of leader.! Practical patrolling— Reports ■ Stable managMnent, stable rules, picket lines. n .... .... MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. GUN SQUADS— Continued. 19 10 11 12 13 H 15 1 16 17 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24 Hours. i 1 3 1 ::::::::::: 3 1 1 .... 4 10 1 1 i 1 :::::;;:::::::!:;:: :.:::: 1 i" 1 t i ■■■•! ^ 8 I 1 -1 1. .■ ..1 1 1 ..'.S'... 12 1 1 ............. Ill ^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 :::::: 20 20 SPECIALISTS. X h 4 .... 1 .... 1 1 1 .... 1 10 2 1 1 1 1^ 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 20 1 3 2 1- 1 1 ? 1 .... 1- .... 8 .... 5 Practical work with company. •) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 10 9 s I .... \ I h f h I' :::: .... 1 .... h 1' "I' .... 1' .... 1^ h "l" h h l' 'i" I % 1' .... 10 10 J. ... . 2 3 2 3 1 1 1 If .... 1 .... 1 1> 1 .... 1 9i 20 MAGHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. SPECIALISTS— Continued. i Subjects. 1 2 3 1 4 5 '• ' ^ Care of animals, grooming, feeding, watering Sicl^ animals, shoeing . 1 'l i....'...J ....'..-J 1 1 1 i % .... Saddlin"' blanket saddle cinching bitting 1 1 ' I Drivers- Stable managem^t . rules . picket lines ... 1^ Care of animals, grooming, feeding, watering ._ 1 Sick"^imals slioein"' 1 ■*"!'■ 1" T 1 1 ! 1 ! 1 1 1 i 1 ' 1 1 ' 1 ' 1 1 Adjustment of harne'ss, practical driving . 1 ^ 1 I 1 i 1 ; 1 MACHINE- GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. SPECIALISTS-Continued. 21 9 10 ; 11 ! j 12 13 1 11 1 15 i<) 17 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24 Hours. ■ i 1 1 1 1 2| 3 4 ...:....| , ....1.-.. .... 1 I""" .... 1 ...I h t h ■■i"i;"";::TT ..:. L .... i 3^ r :.;:: - 1 8 \ \ j 1 1 i i.... i .. ■ 1 i 1 1 .... 1 1 1 11 1"" i 1 PART I. DEILL. Section I. — Inteoduction. 1. A Drill Regulation prescribes fixed movements and gives the basic principles vrhich govern the instruction and training necessary for the maneuvering of troops in peace and war. In- struction is imparted by means of explanations, lectures, fixed drills, or ceremonies, and by field and combat exercises. 2. The object of fixed movements (drills and ceremonies) is to teach a methodical and systematic nmnner in the perform- ance of duty and to insure prompt obedience to commands and orders. Therefore, all drills should be cxecuteil with great attention to detail. The personnel must be so thoroughly drilled that in the excitement of action the duties will be performed as a matter of second nature. 3. Field and combat exercises are for the purpose of illustrat- ing the application of. given principles to concrete cases in the field. In these exercises assumed situations are employed, each exercise being conducted as it v\-ould be under the actual war conditions assumed, and concluded with a discussion on the ground of the exercises and principles involved. These exer- cises serve as a guide as to the best way of dealing with the usual problems M'hich may arise. But every problem which arises has its own best solution, and this solution must be evolved by the officer on the spot. His success will depend upon the extent to whicli he has prepared himself by previous thought and study and by previous practice in the solution of similar problems. MACHINE-GUN DRILL EEGL-LATIONS 1917. 23 Practice by_officers in makin^jiro pjer dispositio ns refill IrGnients nnVT (fevpToriinonrs of tactical situat .to_meet_the •eqglrenients aiul deveT(Spinents of tactical situ ations i s the nest tramiii£jo_r_sei:Yice_in \v:aE. ^^^^^^T-'TT^iTructioii iu peace must tlierefore be conducted with a view, first, of drilling the personnel thoroughly in their. habitual duties ; second, of affording otiicers and men practice and experi- ence in dealing with the situations and difficulties apt. to arise in canipaign. In order that this instruction will follow a definite and logical plan unit commanders should prepare weekly or monthly pro- grams of instruction for their organization. 5. It is essential that the machine-gun officers possess a cer- tain amount of mechanical ability, be resourceful, have plenty of initiative, be thoroughly familiar with the Infantry Drill and Field Service Regulations, and understand the application of combat principles to concrete cases on the battle field. 6. Officers rshould be trained to tliink quickly and logically and to assume responsibilities unhesitatingly. Errors of judg- ment should always be pointed out by the proper commanders, but such errors should not be criticized harshly, as such crit- icism causes timidity and consequent inaction, which are gen- erally more productive of harm than is misdirected zeal. 7. It is the duty of all machine-gun commanders to impart instruction in accordance with the principles announced herein. The means employed should conform to the spirit of these regu- lations, but in the application of given principles to the solution of practical problems the methods prescribed are to be taken as guides only. Great latitude should be allowed in adapting these methods to the peculiar conditions of different cases, and sub- ordinates should be encouraged in every way possible to exer- cise their skill and ingenuity in solving the problems which pre- sent themselves in service. On the one hand, uniformity of mechanisms and commands is requisite, in order that the efficiency of instructed personnel may be uninterrupted, due to the differing opinions of changing unit commanders, and that reserves returning to the ranks may fulfill i mpor tant duties from the beginning of their renewed serviceT i>n the other hand, no progress toward improved metli- ods^is possible*\viThout study and-tggtTrf- yitg^ j e stgfl (^TnTfTgig^' nntt* variations. 24 MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. To secure the ol)jects first mentioned the methods, mecha- nisms, and commands prescribed herein will be habitually prac- ticed. To develop ideas regarding improvements of materiel and methods officers vrill be encouraged to investigate, to develop and to report upon suggestions from any source for the improve- ment of efficiency, with a view to iheir adoption by the proper authority. But such investigations vrill not be permitted to interfere with proficiency in prescribed methods. 8. A progressive order should be followed in all instruction. The annual course of instruction should commence with the smallest unit and proceed to the larger ones in succession, cul- minating in the field maneuvers. 9. The efficiency of nn instructor is measured not only by his knowledge of his subject but also by his ability to hold the..at- tention of those whojn he is endeavoring to instruct. When the men lo.se intej-est and their attention wanders, continuation of the exercise is useless. Hence short and frequent drills arc better tJian long ones, and effort must he made to vary the exer- cises so as to avaid monotony. 10. The instructor maintains a military bearing and, by a quiet, firm demeanor, sets a proper example to the men. Faults are corrected gradually, without nagging or shouting. 11. Officers and noncoujmissioned officers of each grade are frequently practiced in the duties of the next higher grade or command. 12. Thorough training of the individual soldier is the basis of efficiency. Great precision and attention to detail are essen- tial in this instruction in order that the soldier may acquire that habit of implicit obedience to orders and of accurate perform- ance of his individual duties ivhich is indispensable in combined training. 13. If nil the individuals of a company, including the officers, are tliorouglily trained, a comparatively short period of work in formal company drills, occupation of positions, marches, etc.. v.ith tlie company as a vrhole will suffice to produce an efficient oi-ganization for field service. On the other hand, no amount of drill of ;) c-ompany as a wholo is likely to nroduce an ethcient nrua niziiijcu if its meml)ers are not thoroug hly instr u cted aj MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. 25 14. Iiistructiou of the gun squad as a whole will not be taken up to tlie exclusion of individual training until the men are thoroughly proficient in the nomenclature and operation of all those parts of the guns, instruments, and other materiel which the men are called upon to handle in actual firing. It will often be the case that sections and platoons will be detached from their companies and required to act upon their own resources. It is therefore important that special emphasis he laid vpon the instruction of sections and platoons as inde- pendent iniits. 15. So far as concerns the enlisted personnel, the most im- portant element of a company's efficiency on the battle field is its fire discipline. The basis of good fire discipline, as of all other matters, is thorough individual instruction, and it can be secured and maintained only by constant and vigorous drills and other exercises. To this end gam squads will be given daily such exercises as will serve to fix their attention and cultivate their dexterity. Efficient gun squads can not be improvised. The duties of gunners and the manual dexterity required for their perform- ance are easily forgotten. 16. Instruction will be so arranged that during drill hours neither men nor animals will be idle. 17. Guns, carts, harness, and other materiel will be properly cleaned, put in order, and inspected by an officer as soon as practicable after each drill or exercise. When stables are held after drill, such men as may be needed vvdll be detailed to clean and place the materiel in proper order. 18. Both morning and afternoon hours will be utilized for instruction, sufficient time being allowed for the police of bar- racks, stables, and grounds and for the care of the personal equipments and effects of thr» men. All work should normally be done under the immediate direction of noncommissioned offi- cers and under the supervision of officers. T^AI^'IXG OF OFFICERS. 19. Responsibyity for the training cf oflicers rests upon re^- mental and battalion commanders. 20. Among the requisites essential in the training of a machine-gun officer are the following: 26 MACHINE-GTTN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Practical understanding: of the functions of all parts of the materiel. In addition, company officers must be able to dis- mount and to assemble each part of the mechanism without ref- erence to handbooks and without assistance other than the nec- essary labor, and to perform with skill all the duties required in the qualitlcation of crunners. Thorou5i-h kuowled,cre of animals under the saddle and in draft ; how best to ride, control, and manage them in order to conserve their strength ; how to train, care for, and condition them in order to secure obedience, handiness, and endurance. Expertness in the reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of positions. V.'henever a position is to bo chosen a definite, tactical situa- tion should be stated that will invariably recognize the primary purpose of machine-gun tire. Facility in the direction, conduct, and observation of fire. Section II. — Okdees, Comman^ds, and Signals. 21. Commands are employed in drill at attention. Otherwise, either a command, sicDiof, or order is employed, as best suits the occasion, or one may be used in conjunction with another. 22. Signals should be freely used in instruction, in order that officers and men may readily know them. In making signals the saber, rifio, pistol, or headdress may be held in the hand. 23. r)fiicers and men fix their attention at the first word of command, the first note of the bugle or whistle, or the first motion of the signal. A signal includes both the preparatory command and the command of execution ; the movement com- mences as soon as the signal is understood, unless otherwise prescribed. 24. Except in movements executed at attention, commanders or leaders of subdivisions repeat orders, commands, or signals whenever such repetition is sitions. Squads left, Maech : Raise the arm laterally until horizontal ; carry it downward to the side and swing it several times between the downward and horizontal positions. Squads right ahout. Maech (if dismounted), or To the rear, Maech (if mounted) : Extend the arm vertically above the head ; carry it laterally dowmvard to the side and sv/ing it several times between the vertical and downvrard positions. To change direction, or column right (left). Maech : The hand on the side tov/ard which the change of direction is to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal ; then swing in a horizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction. .46- skirmishers, Maech : Raise both arms laterally until hori- zontal. ^l.s- skirmishers, guide center, Maech: Raise both arms later- ally until horizontal ; swing both simultaneously upward until vertical and return to the horizontal ; repeat several times. As skirmishers, guide right {left), Maech: Raise both arms laterally until horizontal ; hold the arm on the side of the guide steadily in the horizontal position ; sv\'ing the other upward until vertical and return it to the horizontal ; repeat several times. Assemble. Maech: Raise the arm vertically to its full extent and describe horizontal circles. (If Action has been given, at this signal the carts rejoin the "Firing Company.") Platoon: Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader : describe small circles vrith the hand. Section: Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader and move the arm through a small vertical arc. Squads: Extend the arm horizontally tovv'ard .the platoon leader ; swing the hand up and down from the wrist. Bight (left) by platoon, Maech: Point at the right (left) platoon leader; signal platoon, then Foewaed. Eight (left) by section. Maech : Point at the right (left) sec- tion ; signal section, then Foewaed, MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGULATIONS. 1917. 31 RiffJif {left) hij ftquad, :\Iakcpi : Point at right (left) squad; signal nquud, then ForvAVAitn. Riglit (left) front into line: Extend the arm vertically and describe several large vertical circles on the right (left) side. On right (ieft) into line, ^Lvkch : Signal column rigid (left) ; then left (right) front into line. Riglit {left) into line: Signal a change of direction to the right (left), followed by describing small circles with the hand while the arm is extended to the right (left). Bt/ the riqht flank (being in close line) : Signal squads right (left), Makch. The signals jjlafrjon, section, and squad are intended pri- marily for connnunicatiou between the captain, platoon, section, and squad leaders. The signal platoon, section, or squad indi- cates that the platoon commander is to cause the signal shown to be executed by platoon, section, or squad. AIIM SIGNALS FOR COISTROLLING FIEF. 36. Action: Strike with closed fist in direction indicated. This signal is used to put guns into firing positions as described in par. 6G4. Out of action: Strike the open palm of one hand with the closed fist of the other hand. (Signal indi(,'ates gun is out of action or not ready to fire.) Range or change clcration: To announce range extend the arm toward the leaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed ; by keeping the fist closed battle sight is indicated ; by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number equal to the hundreds of yards ; to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with the forefinger. To change elevation the fire controller indicates the new range. The fire observer indicates the amount of increase or decrease by pointing upward for increase, downward for decrease, and exposing the number of fingers. What range arc you using? or What is the range? Extend the arms toward the person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on the other hand, fist closed. Are you ready? or / am readii: Raise the hand, fingers ex- tended and joined, palm toward the person addressed. 32 MACHINE-GUN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. Commence firing: Move the arm extended in full length, hand palm down, several times through a horizontal arc in front of the body. Fire faster: Execute rapidly the signal " Commence firing." Fire slower: Execute slowly the signal " Commence firing." Suspend firing: Raise and hold the forearm steadily in a hori- zontal position in front of the forehead, palm of the hand to the front. Cease firing: Raise the forearm as in suspend firing and swing it up and down several times in front of the face. Distributed or traveising fiire: Extend arm to the front, palm to the left, and wave the hand up and down with a chopping mo- tion, at the same time moving the hand and arm from right to left, or left to right, as it is desired that the fire be distrii3uted. Searching fire, mils up: Extend arm to the front, de- scribe a vertical circle in front of the body with the arm ex- tended. Indicate mils as in Up mils. Seair-hing fire, mils dotcn: Extend arm to the front, de- scribe a vertical circle in front of the body. Indicate mils. To siring cone of fire to the right or left: Extend the arm in full length to the front, palm to the right (left) ; swing the arm to right (left), and point in the direction of the new target. Up mils: Extend the arm downward, with palm to the front, and wave upward with a full swing of the arm. Indicate number of mils by thrusting closed fi.st to the front once for each D mils, and upward once for each single mil. Thus, for 4 mils thrust upv.-ard four times ; for G mils thrftst to the front once and upward once. Doicn mils: Extend arm to the front, palm down, and wave downward. Indicate number of mils by thrusting closed fist to the front once for each 5 mils, and downward once for each single mil. To right mils: Extend arm to the front and wave to the right. Indicate mils as in Z^p. To left mils: Same as above, substituting left for right. 37, For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commander in the rear, the subjoined signals are prescribed and should be memorized. In the absence of signal flags, the headdress or other substitute may be used. In transmission of signals their concealment from the enemy's view should be insured. MACHINE-GUN DRILL KEGTILATIONS, 1917. 33 Letter of al- phabet. If signaled from the rear to the If signaling from the fijing line to Ih-iiig line. the rear. AM Amnaunition going forward. -Ammunition required. CVC Charge (mandatory at ail times). Am about to charge if no instruc- tions to the contrary. CF Cease firing. Cease firing. PT Double time. Doable time, or "Rush." F Commence firing. Commence firing. FL Artillery fire is causing us losses. Artillery fire is causing us losses. (} Move forward. Preparing to move forward. niiTT Halt. Halt. K Negative. Negative. LT Left. Left. O What is the (RN., etc.)? Interrog- What is the (RN., etc)? Interrog- atory (Ardois and seraanhore atory. only, all others, . . — , .)• ' P Affirmative. Affirmative. R Acknowledgment. Acknowledgm.ent. EN Range. Range. RT Right. Right. sss Support going forward. Support needed. SUF Suspend firing. Suspend firing. T Target. Target. SIGNALS FOK CONTEOL OF FIRE. C Direction correct. OK Correct range. U Fire unobserved Q Fire observed, uncertain. UP (followed bv number of mils) as Fire observed, correction to the (UP f-o-u-r).' target is UP mils. DN (followed by number of mils) Fire observed, correction to the as (DN f-o-u-r). target is DOWN mils. Section III. — General Rules for Drills and Formations. 38. For convenience in designation herein, the terms dis- mounted find mounted are used. The organization is considered mounted when tlie animal transportation prescribed as part of tlie equipment of the organization is present. It is dismounted when the individual mounted men are dismounted and none of the animal transportation is present. TWO-ARM SEMIPKOEE CODE. TWO-ARI/r SEMIPHORE CODE. 36 MACHINE-GirN DEILL KEGIILATIONS, 1917. When the preparatory command consists of more than one part, its elements are arransred as follows : 1. For movements to be executed successively by the subdi- visions or elements of an organization : (a) Description of the movement. [1)) How executed, or on what element executed. 2. For movements to be executed simultaneously by the sub- division of an organization : {a) The designation of the subdivisions. {h) The movement to be executed. 39. Cross references to paragraphs herein are shown thus : (ST), the number in parentheses calling attention to paragraph number 87 of these regulations. 40. Movements that may be executed toward either flank are explained as toward but one flank, it being necessary to substi- tute the word '• left " for " right, " and the reverse, "to have the explanation of the corresponding movement tov\'ard the other iiank. The commands are given for the execution of the move- ments toward either flank. The substituted word of the com- mand is placed within parentheses. 41. Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If at- a halt, the command for movements involving marching need not be prefaced by fonrard. as: 1. CoUcnni right (left). 2. Maech. 42. Any movement not specially excepted may be executed in double time. If at a halt, or if marching in quick time, the command double time precedes the command of execution. 43. In successive movements executed in double time the leading or base unit marches in quiel- time when not otherwise prescribed: the other units march in double time to their places in the formation ordered and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. If marching in double time, the command double time is omitted. The leading or base unit marches in quiek time, the other units continue at double time to their places in the formation ordered, and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. 44. To hasten the execution of a movement begun in quick time, the command : 1. Double time, 2. Maech. is given. The leading or base unit continues to march in quick time, or re- MACHINE-GTTN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 37 mains at a halt if already halted ; the other units complete the execution of the movement in double time and then conform to the sait of the leading or base unit. 45. To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for the correction of errors, the command : 1. In place. 2. Halt, is given. All halt and stand fast, v.'ithout changing the position of the pieces. To resume the movement the command : 1. Re- sume, 2. Makch, is given. 46. To revoke a preparatory command, or, being at a halt, to begin anew a movement improperly begun, the command : As You Weke, is given, at which the movement ceases and the former position is resumed. 47. Unless othervvise announced, the guide of a company, or subdivision of a company, in line is right; of a battalion in line or line of subdivisions or of a deployed line, center; of a rank in column of squads, toward the side of the gTiide of the com- pany. To march with guide other than as prescribed above, or to change the guide: Guide {right, left, or center). In successive formations into line the guide is toward the point of rest; in platoons or larger subdivisions it is so an- nounced. The announcement of the guide, when given in connection with a movement, follows the command of execution for that move- ment. 48. The turn on the moving pivot is used by subdivisions of a column in executing changes of direction. Elements other than the base unit, vshen mounted, move at a double time. 49. Partial changes of direction may be executed : By interpolating in the preparatory command the word half, as Column half right (left), or Right (left) half turn. A change of direction of 45 degrees is executed. By the command: Incline to the Right (Left), the guide or guiding element moves in the indicated direction and the re- mainder of the command conforms. This m.ovement effects slight changes of direction. 50. The "designations, line of sections (line of platoons ), (line of companies), refer to the formations in which the sec- tions, each in column of squads, are in line. 38 I^ACHINE-GUN DEILL KEGTJLATIONS, 1917. The line refers to the formation in which the squads are in line with an interval of about 10 yards between squads. In coluinn of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is charged with the step and direction ; the guides in rear pre- serve the trace, step, and distance. 51. The squad, the section, the platoon, the company, and the battalion, both mounted and dismounted, execute the rests, eyes right or left, the facings, the salutes, march in quick and double time, mark time, execute the half step, side step, back step, and change step in the same manner and by the same com- mands as given in the school of the soldier (GO). The halt is executed (82) by substituting the designation of the unit, as: 1. Battalion, 2. Halt. 52. The battalion, company, platoon, and section, all resume attention, oblique, resume the direct march, and preserve align- ment, and in addition the battalion and the company dis- mounted take intervals and distances and assemble in the some manner and by the same commands, substituting in the com- mand the words " section,"' " platoon.*' *' company. "" or " bat- talion " for " squad." as given for the squad dismounted. The same rule applies to detachments, details, etc. 53. To insure uniformity of interval betv.-een files when falling in. and in alignments, each man places the palm of the left hand upon tlie hip, fingers pointing downward. In the first case the hand is dropped by the side when the next man on the left has his interval; in the second case, at the command Front. 54. The posts of officers, noncommissioned officers, etc.. in the various formations of the company and battalion are shown in plates imder the various headings. For the position of the machine-gun company in the Infantry regiment see the Infantry Drill Regulations. In all changes from one formation to another involving a change of post on the part of any of these, posts are promptly taken by the most convenient route as soon as practicable after the command of execution for the movement ; oflicers and noncommissioned ofiicers who have prescribed duties in connec- tion with the movement ordered take their new posts when such duties are completed. A^ instructors, officers and noncommissioned officers go wher- ever their i^resence is necessary. As file closers it is their duty MACHINS-GTTN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 39 to rectify mistakes and insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks. 55. The staff of an officer forms in single rank 3 paces in rear of him, the right of the rank extending 1 pace to the right of a point directly in rear of him. Members of the staff are arranged in order from right to left as follows: General staff officers, adjutant, aids, other staff officers, arranged in each classification in order of rank, the senior on the right. The Hag of a general officer and the orderlies are 3 paces in rear of the staff", the Hag on the right. When necessary to reduce the front of the staff and orderlies each line executes twos right or fours right, and folio vrs the commander. When not otherwise prescribed staff officers draw and return saber with their chief. 56. In making the about, an officer, mounted, habitually turns to the left. When the commander faces to give commands the staff, flag, and orderlies do not change position. 57. For ceremonies, such of the noncommissioned staff" offi- cers as are dismounted are formed 5 paces in rear of the color, in order of rank from right to left. In column of squads they march as file closers. 58. Other than for ceremonies, noncommissioned staff offi- cers and orderlies accompany their immediate chiefs unless otherwise directed. If mounted, the noncommissioned staff" offi- cers are ordinarily posted on the right or at the head of the orderlies. 59. In all formations and movements a noncommissioned offi- cer commanding a platoon or company takes tlie same post as an officer in a like situation. Section IY. — School of the Soldier. (Dismounted.) 60. The instructor explains briefly each movement, first exe- cuting it himself, if practicable. He requires the recruits to take the proper positions unassisted and does not touch them for the purpose of correcting them, except v/hen they are unable to correct themselves. He avoids keeping them too long at the 40 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. same movement, although each should be understood before pass- ing to another. He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity. 61. In order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities permit, the recruits are grouped according to proficiency as in- struction progresses. Those who lack aptitude and quickness are separated from the others and placed under experienced drill masters. 62. For preliminary instruction a number of recruits, usually not exceeding three or four, are formed as a squad in single rank. POSITION OF THE SOLDIEK, OPv ATTENTION. 63. Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits. Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45 degrees. Knees straight, without stiffness. Hips level and dravrn back slightly ; body erect and resting equally on hips; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square and falling equally. Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam of the trousers. Head erect and squarely to the front, chin dra^^■n in so that the axis of the head and neck is vertical ; eyes straight to the front. AVeight of the body resting equally upon the heels and balls of the feet. THE EESTS. 64. Being at a halt, the commands are : Fall Out ; Rest ; At Ease; and 1. Parade, 2. Rest. At the command fall out the men may leave the ranks, but are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places at attention at the command Fall In. At the command rest each man keeps one foot in place, but is not required to preserve silence or immobility. At the command at case each man keeps one foot in place and is required to preserve silence, but not immobility. 65. 1. Parade. 2. Rest. Carry the right foot G inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent ; clasp the hands, without MACHIKE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 41 constraint, iu front of the center of the body, fingers joined, left hand uppermost, left thnmb ehisped ])y the tliumb and fore- finger of the right iiand ; preserve silence and steadiness of position. 66. To resume the attention : 1. Squad, 2. Attention. The men take the position of the soldier. EYES RIGHT OR LEFT. 67. 1. Eyes, 2. Right (Lf:FT), 3. Front. At the command right tnrn the head to the right oblique, eyes fixed on the line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in, the same rank. At the command front turn the head and eyes to the front. FACINGS. 68. To the flank: 1. Rif/M (Left). 2. Face. Raise slightly the left heel and right toe; face to the right, turning on the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the left foot ; place the left foot by the side of the right. Left face is executed on the left heel in the corresponding manner. Right (left) half face is executed similarly, facing 45 degrees. " To face in marching " and advance turn on the ball of either foot and step off with the other foot in the new line of direc- tion ; to face in marching without gaining ground in the new direction turn on the ball of either foot and mark time. 69. To the rear: 1. About, 2. Face. Carry the toe of the right foot about a half-foot length to the rear and slightly to the left of the left heel, without changing the position of the left foot ; face to the rear, turning to the right on the left heel and right toe ; place the right heel by the side of the left. SALUTE with THE HAND. 70. 1. Hand. 2. Salute. Raise the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touches the lovv'er part of the headdress above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at about 45 degrees, hand and wrist straight; at the 42 MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGTJLATIONS. 1917. same time look toward the person saluted. (2) Drop the arm smartly by the side. For rules ji'OYerniDS' salutes, see " Honors and salutes," para- graphs G19-63T. STEPS AND MARCHINGS. 71. All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except right step, begin with the left foot. 72. The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches, ineasured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate of 120 steps per minute. The length of the full step in double time is 3G inches; the cadence is at the rate of ISO steps per minute. The instructor, when necessary, indicates the cadence of the step by calling one, two, three, four, or left, rigid, the instant the left and right foot, respectively, should be planted. 73. All steps and marchings and movements involving march are executed in quick time unless the squad be marching in (louhJc time, or double time should be added to the command; in the latter case double time is added to the preparatory com- mand. Example: 1. Squad right, double tt)iic, 2. Makcu. (School of the squad.) QUICK TIME, 74. Being at a halt, to march forward in quick time : 1. Foi'- irard. 2. March. At the conunand foncnrd, shift the weight of the body to the right leg. left knee straight. At the command march, move the left foot smartly straight forward 30 inches from tlie right, sole near the ground, and plant it without shock ; next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above ; continue the march. The arms swing naturally. 75. Being at a halt, or in march in quick time, to march in d(>ul)le time: 1. Double time, 2. March. If at a halt, at the first command, shift the weight of the body to the right leg. At the command march, raise the fore- arms, fingers closed, to a horizontal position along the waist- line: take up an easy run witii the step and cadence of double time, allovring a natural swinging motion to the arms. MACHINE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 43 If marching in quicktime, at the command march given as either foot strikes tlie ground, tal^e one step in quick time and then step off in double time. 76. To resume the quick time : 1. Quick time, 2. Maech. At the command march, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot in doul)le time; resume the quick time, dropping the hands by the sides. TO M^VRK TIME, 77. Being in march : 1. IJarlc time, 2. March, At the command march, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot ; bring up the foot in rear and continue the cadence by alternately raising each foot about 2 inches and planting it on line v\-ith the other. Being at a halt, at the command march, raise and plant the feet as described above. THE HALF STEP. 78. 1. Half step, 2. Marcpi. Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in double time. 79. Forward, Half Step, Halt, and Mark Time may be executed one from the other in quick or double time. To resume the full step from half step or mark time : 1. jPor- tcard, 2. March. SIDE STEP. 80. Being at a halt or mark time: 1, Right (Left) step, 2. March, Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right, bring the left foot beside it, and continue the movement in the cadence of quick time. The side step is used for short distances only and is not executed in double time. If at order arms the side step is executed at trail without command. BACK STEP, 81. Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Backward, 2. March. Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear. 44 IvIACHINE-GITN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. The back step is used for short distances only and is not exe- cuted in double time. If at order arms the back step is executed at trail without command. TO HALT. 82. To arrest the march in quick or double time: 1. Squad, 2. Halt. At the command halt, given as either foot strikes the ground, plant the other foot as in marchin.s; ; raise and place the tirst foot by the side of the other. If in double time, drop the hands by the sides. TO :.IAI1CH EY THE TLAXK. 83. Bein:^; in march: 1. By the right (left) pani:, 2. Maech. At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot, then face to the right in marching and step oft in tlie new direction with the right foot. TO maeck to the eeak. 84. Being in march: 1. To the rear, 2. March. At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot ; turn to the right about on the balls of both feet and immediately step off with the left foot. If marching in double time, turn to the right about, taking four steps in place, keeping the cadence, and then step off with the left foot. change step. 85. Being in march: ]. Change step, 2. InIarch. At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot; plant the toe of the right foot near the heel of the left and step off with the left foot. The change on the right foot is similarly executed, the com- mand march being given as the left foot strikes the ground. MACHINE-GUN DEILL EEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 45 Section V. — The Squad. (Dismounted.) 86. Soldiers are grouped into squads for purposes of instruc- tion, discipline, control, and order. 87. The gun squad proper consists of a corporal and 8 pri- vates. However, for instructional purposes the men are grouped into squads of from 3 to 11 men each. The movements in the school of the squad are designed to make the squad a fixed unit and to facilitate the control and movement of the company. If the number of men grouped is more than 3 and less than 12 they are formed as a squad of 4 files, the excess above 8 being posted as file closers. If the num- ber grouped is greater than 11, two or more squads are formed and the group is terined a section. For the instruction of recruits these rules may be modified. 88. The corporal is the squad leader, and when absent is replaced by a designated private. If no private is designated the senior in length of service acts as leader. The corporal, when in ranks, is posted as the left man in the front rank of the squad, the eighth private takes his place in the file closers. Vvheu the corporal leaves the ranks to lead his squad, his rear-rank man steps into the front rank, and the file remains blank until the corporal returns to his place in ranks, when his rear-rank man steps back into the rear rank. 89. The gun squad is the basic unit of the machine-gun com- pany, hence it should be the endeavor of officers to preserve the integrity of these squads. Men are taught the necessity of remaining with the squad to which they l^elong, and in case it is broken up or they become separated therefrom to attach themselves to the nearest squad and section leaders, whether these ])e of their own or another organization. 9C. The squad executes tiie liali, rests, facings, steps, and marchings as explained in the school of the soldier. TO FORM THE SQUAD. 91. To form the squad the instructor places himself 3 paces in front of v.here the center is to be and commands : Fall in. 46 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. The men assemble at attention, and are arranged by the cor- poral in double rank, as nearly as practicable in order of height from right to left, each man dropping his left hand as soon as the man on his left hfis his interval. The rear rank forms with distance of 40 inches. The instructor then commands : Count off. At this conmiand all except the right file exeentes eyes right, and. beginning on the right, the men in eacli rank count one, tico, three, four; each man turns his head and eyes to the front as he counts. ALIGNMENTS. 92. To align the squad, the base file or files having been established: 1. Right (Left), 2. Duess, 3. Fkont. At the connnand dress, all men place the left hand upon the hip (whether dressing to the right or left) ; each man. except the base file, when on or near the new line executes eyes right, and, taking steps of 2 or 3 inches, places himself so that his riglit arm rests lightly against the elbow of the man on his right, and so that his eyes and shoulders are in line with those of tlie men on his right ; the rear-rank men, in addition, cover in file. The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks from the rigiit fiank and orders up or back sucli men as may be in rear or in advance of the line; only the men designated move. At th.e command front, given when the ranks are aligned, each man turns his head and eyes to the front and drops his left haiid hy his side. In tlie first drills the basis of the alignment is established on, or parallel to, the front of the squad; afterwards, in oblique directions. Wh; iiever rhe position of tlie base file or files necessitates a considej-able movement by the squad, such movement will be executed by marclung ro tiie front or oblique, to the flank or backward, as the case may be, without other command, and at the trail. 93. To preserve the alignmont when marching; Guide right (left). Tlie men pre.serve Iheir intervals from the side of the guide, yieldiJig to pressure irom that side and resisting pressure from MACHn^E-GITN DEILL EEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 47 the opposite direction ; tliey recover intervals, if lost, by .crradu- ally opening out or closing in ; they recover alignment by slightly lengthening or shortening the step ; the rear-rank men cover their file leaders at 40 inches. , In double rank, the front-rank man on the right, or designated flank, conducts the march ; when marching faced to the flank, the leading man of the front rank is the guide. TO TAKE INTEKVALS AND DISTANCES. 94. Being in line at a halt: 1. Take intervah 2. To the right (left), 3. Maech, 4. Squad. 5. Halt. At the second command the rear-rank men march backward 4 steps and halt ; at the command march all face to the right and the leading man of each rank steps off ; the other men step off in succession, each following the preceding man at 4 paces, rear- rank men marching abreast of their file leaders. At the connnand Juilt, given when all liave their intervals, all halt and face to the front. 95. Being at intervals, to assemble the Sviuad : 1. A-sseinhlc, to the right (left), 2. Maech. The front-rank man on the right stands fast, the rear-rank man on the rigiit closes to 40 inches. The other nien face to the right, close by the shortest line, and face to the front. 9f?. Being in line at a halt and having counted off: 1. Take distance, 2. Maech, 3. Squad, 4. Halt. At the command inarch. No. 1 of the front rank moves straight to the front ; Nos. 2, 3. and 4 of the front rank and Xos. 1. 2, 3, and 4 of the rear rank, in the order named, move straight to the front, each stepping off so as to follow the preceding man at four paces. The command halt is given when all have their distances. In case more than one squad is in line, each squad executes the movement as above. The guide of each rank of numbers is right. 97. Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1. AsscnibJc. 2. Maech. Xo. 1 of the front rank stands fast ; the other numbers move forward to their proper places in line. 48 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. THE OBLIQUE MAECH. 98. For the instruction of recruits, the squad being in column or correctly aligned, the instructor causes the squad to face half right or half left, points out to the men their relative posi- tions, and explains that these are to be maiixtained in the oblique march. 99. 1. Right (left) ohUque, 2. March. Each man steps off in a direction 45 degrees to the right of his original front. He preserves his relative position, keeping his shoulders parallel to those of the guide (the man on the right front of the line or column), and so regulates his steps that the ranks remain parallel to their original front. At the command halt the men halt faced to the front. To resume the original direction : 1. Foi-icard, 2. Mabch. The men half face to the left in marching and then move straight to the front. If at a half step or mark time while obliquing, the oblique march is resumed by the commands: 1. Oblique, 2. March. TO TURN ON MOVING PROT. 100. Being in line: 1. Right (left) turn. 2. March. The movement is executed by each rank successively and on the same ground. At the second command, the pivot man of the front rank faces to the right in marching and takes the half step : the other men of the front rank oblique to the right until opposite their places in line, then execute a second right oblique and take the half step on arriving abreast of the pivot man. All glance toward the marching flank while at half step and take the full step without command as the last man arrives on the line. Right (left) half turn is executed in a similar manner. The pivot man makes a half change of direction to the right and the other men make quarter changes in obliquing. TO turn on fixed pivot. 101. Being in line, to turn and march: 1. Squad right {left), 2. ZVIARCH. At the second command, the right flank man in the front rank faces to the right in marching and marks time ; the other front MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 49 rank men oljlique to the right, place themselves abreast of the pivot and mark time. In the rear rank the third man from the right, followed in column by the second and first, moves straight to the front until in roar of his front-rank man, when all face to the right in marching and mark time ; the other number of the rear rank moves straight to the front four paces and places him- self abreast of the man on his right. Men on the new line glance toward the marching flank wliile marking time and, as the last man arrives on the line, both ranks execute foricard, march, without command. 102. Being in line, to turn and halt: 1. Squad right (left), 2. ]\Iaiich, 3. Squad, 4. Halt. The third command is given immediately after the second. The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, except that all men, on arriving at the new line, mark time until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth command should be given as the last man arrives on the line. 103. Being in line, to turn about and march: 1. Squad right (left) about, 2. March. At the second command, the front rank tvs'ice executes squad right, initiating the second squad right v/hen the man on the marching Hank has arrived abreast of the rank. In the rear rank the third man from the right, followed by the second and first in column, moves straight to the front until on the prolonga- tion of the line to be occupied by the rear rank ; changes direc- tion to the right ; moves in the new direction until in rear of his front-rank man, when all face to the right in marching, mark time, and glance toward the marching flank. The fourth man marches on the left of the third to his new position ; as he arrives on the line both ranks execute forward, march, Avithout command. 104. Being in line, to turn about and halt: 1. Squad riglit (left) about, 2. Makch, 3. Squad, 4. Halt. The third conmiand is given immediately after the second. The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, except that all men, on arriving on the new line, mark time until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth com- mand should be given as the last man arrives on the line. 60 MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. TO FOLLOW THE COSPORAL. 105. Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad with- out commands the corporal places himself in front of it and com- mands : Follow Me. If in line or skirmish line, Xo. 2 of the front rank follows in the trace of the corporal at about 3 paces ; the other men con- form to the movements of No. 2, guiding on him and maintaining their relative positions. If in column, the head of the column follov^^s th.e corporal. TO DEPLOY AS SKIRMISHEES. 106. Being in any formation, assembled: 1. As skirmishers, 2. March. The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if not already there. Moving at a run, the men place themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals, Xos. 1 and 2 on his right. Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men on the left of No. 4 ; all men con- form to the corporal's gait. ^Yhen tlie squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly formed on No. 2 of the front rank, Vvdio stands fast or continues the march, as the case may be ; the corporal places himself in front of the squad when advancing and in rear when halted. When deployed as skirmishers the men march at ease, pieces at the trail unless cthervrise ordered. The corporal is the guide when in the line ; otherwise No. 2 front rank is the guide. 107. The normal interval beiveen skirmishers is one-half pace, resulting practically in one man per yard of front. The front of a squad thus deployed as skirmishers is about 10 paces. TO INCREASE OR DIMINISH IXTEP.VALS. 108. If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normal interval ; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease the interval: 1. As skirmishers (so many) paces, 2. March. MACHINE-C-TJN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 51 Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces. If already deployed, the men move by the flank toward or away from the guide. THE ASSEMBLY. 109. Being deployed : 1. Assemble, 2. Maech. The men move toward the corporal and form in their proper places. If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double time, form, and follow him. The assembly while marching to the rear is not executed. KXEELING AND LYING D0V7N. 110. If standing: Kxeel. Half face to the right ; carry the right toe about 1 foot to the left rear of the left heel ; kneel on right knee, sitting as nearly as possible on the right heel ; left forearm across the left thigh, right hand resting on right leg. 111. If standing or kneeling: Lie Down. Kneel, but v.ith right knee against left heel ; carry back the left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body about 35 de- grees to the right. 112. If kneeling or lying down: Rise. If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the left heel. If lying down, raise body on both knees ; stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the knees. 113. If lying down: Kneel. liaise the body on both knees ; take the position of kneel. 114. In double rank, the positions of kneeling and lying down are ordinarily used only for the better utilization of cover. When deployed as skirmishers a sitting position may bo taken in lieu of the position kneeling. Section VI. — Company Drill. (Dismounted.) 115. Company drills dismounted are limited to those neces- sary to fix the attention of the men, to teach habits of dib;cipline 62 MACHINE-GTTK DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. and prompt obedience, and to furnish an orderly means oi handling: the company. 116. The instruction described for the company dismounted is applicable, with obvious modifications, to the instruction of any number of platoons, sections, or squads. 117. A company dismounted comprises the personnel shown in detail in Tables of Organization. 118. For technical and tactical purposes, the enlisted per- sonnel of the comi^any is assigned to sections and platoons. The sections are organized to meet the special conditions of service which they are called upon to perform. A gun section consists of 1 sergeant, who is the section leader, 2 section agents, and 2 gun squads. A platoon consists of a lieutenant, a range taker, 3 platoon agents, and 2 gun sections. One of the company mechanics is assigned to each platoon in the field. 119. The company is divided into 9 sections, the first 6 sec- tions being gun sections. The train, commanded by the train lieutenant, consists of the seventh and eighth sections. The seventh section is the combat train section and consists of two 4-nnile wagons, the kitchen wagon, and two spare gun carts, v\-ith the stable sergeant in charge of the ammunition v>agons and the mess sergeant in charge of the kitchen wagon ; the eighth section consists of the supply wagon, the water and ration carts, and is commanded by the supply sergeant. The nintli section is the company commander's detail and consists of the company agents, signalmen, and scouts commanded ])y the signal corporal. (See Pis. I to VI, inclusive.) 120. The company dismounted is formed in double rank with the platoons arranged from right to left in the order of their permanent numbers, except that the ninth section, plus the platoon and section agents, forms on the right of the first pla- toon and is connnanded by the reconnaissance officer. The mem- bers of the seventh and eighth sections in the order named habitually take their places in the line of file closers. Platoon and section leaders supervise the movements of their units. MACHINE-GUN DUILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. POSTS OF OFFICEKS, NOXCOMMTSSIONED OFFICERS, ETC. (In line.) ISl. The posts of ofncers and noncommissioned officers are as shown in Plate I. The company range taker is the right guide of the company ; the phitoou range takers are the phitoon guides; the platoon range taker of the left platoon is also the left guide of the company. In platoon movements the post of the platoon guide is at the head of the platoon if the platoon is in column, and on the guide flank if in line. Tlie guides of a column of squads place them- selves on the flank opj)osite the file chasers. To change the guides and file closers to the other flank, the captain commands: 1. File closers on left (right) flank, 2. Mav.cu. The file closers dart through the column ; the captain and guides change. In column of squads each rank preserves the alignment to- Vi'ard the side of the guide. 122. In taking intervals and distances, unless otherwise directed, the right and left guides, at the first command, place tliemselves in the line of file closers, face to the flank, and each st(^ps off with the file nearest him. In asscmblinf/ the guides and file closers resume tlieir positions in line. 123. In movements executed simultaneously by platoons or sections (as platoons or sections right, or platoons or sections column rirjM), platoon leaders or section leaders repeat the preparatory command {platoon or section right, etc.) apjilicable to their respective platoons or sections. The command of exe-. cution is given by the captains only. TO FOI?M THE COMPANY. 124. At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant takes position G paces in front of wliere the center of the company is to be. faces it, draws saber, and commands : Fall In. The company range taker places himself, facing to the front, wdiere the right of the company is to rest, and at such point that 54 MACHrNE-GITN DUILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. the center of tlie company will be 6 paces from and opposite the first ser.ueant : the squads and sections form in thoir proper places on the left of the ri.dit uuide. superintended by the section and squad leaders, who then take their posts. The first serueant conmiands : Repoet. Kernaining in position at the order, the section leaders, in succession from the right, salute and report: All i^rcscnt ; or, Privatc(s) ahscnt. The salutes of the section leaders is not returned by the first ser- geant. The first sergeant notes the presence or absence of the men not assigned to sections, then faces about, salutes the cap- tain, and reports: Sir, all present or accounted for, or the names (^f the unauthorized absentees, and. without command, takes his post. r>Ien who are known to be absent by proper authority are not reported absent by the section leaders. The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the center of and facing the company in time to receive the report of the first sergeant, whose salute he returns, and then draws saber. The lieutenants take their posts when the first sergeant has reported and draw saber with the captain. TO DISMISS THE COMPANY. 125. Being in line at a halt, the captain directs the first ser- geant : Dismiss the companii. The ofiicers fall out; the first sergeant places himseli'. faced to the front. 3 paces to the front and 2 paces from the nearest flank of the company, salutes, faces toward opposite flank of the company, and commands : 1. Inspection, 2. Akms, 3. Port, 4. Aems, 5. Dismissed. ALIGNMENTS. 126. The alignments are executed as prescribed in the school of the squad, the guide being established instead of the flank file. The rear-rank man of the flank file keeps his head and eyes to the front and covers nis h\e leaders. At each alignment the captain places himself in prolongation of the line. 2 paces from and facing the tlank toward which the dress is made, verifies the alignment, and commands : Fkont. I*latoon and section leaders take a like position when required to verify alignments. MACHINE'GUN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 65 127. At dismounted formations, if a squad contains less than 6 men, it is increased to that number by transfers from other squads, or it is broken up and its members assigned to other squads or posted in the line of file closers. TO OPEN RANKS.* 128. Being in line at a halt: 1. Open ranks, 2. March. At the command marcli the front rank executes right dress; the rear rank and the file closers march backward four steps, halt, and execute light dress; the lieutenants pass around their respective Hanks and take posts, facing to the front 3 paces in front of their respective platoons ; the train lieutenant takes post 1 pace to the left of the reconnaissance officer. The cap- tain aligns the front rank, the rear rank, and file closers, takes post 3 paces in front of the right guide, facing to the left, and commands : Front. TO CLOSE RANKS. 129. Being at open ranks: 1. Close ranks, 2. March. At the command march, the lieutenants resume their posts in the line of tile closers ; the rear rank closes to 40 inches, each man covering his file leader ; the file closers close to 2 paces from the rear rank ; the captain takes his post. TO FORM OR MARCH IN COLUMN OF SQUADS FROM LINE. 130. Being in line: 1. Squads right {left), 2. March; or 1, Squads right (left), 2. March, 3. Company. 4. Halt. Each squad executes' the movement (102). The platoon and section loaders and the file closers take their places. (PI. II.) The guide of each rank preserves the trace and step of the pre- ceding guide at a distance of 40 inches. to change direction V/HILE in COLUMN OF SQUADS. 131. Being in column of squads, to change direction : 1. Col- umn right (left). 2. March. At the second command the front rank of the leading squad turns to the right on a moving pivot (100) ; the other ranks, 56 lyiACHINE'GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. without command, turn successively on tlie same i;:round and in a similar manner. Column lialf right (left) is similarly executed. TO FOEM COLUMN OF SQUADS FE0:M LINE AND CHANGE DIKECTIONS. 132. Being in line : '1. Squads right (left), column rigid {left), 2. Maech; or 1. Right (left) hif squads. 2. March. In the first case the ri2:ht squad initiates the column right as soon as it has completed the squad riglit. In the second case, at the command march, the right squad marches forward; the remainder of the company executes the squads right (101) column left (131) on the same ground as the right squad, and 1'ollows the right squad. The right squad in moving olT takes four short steps and then the full step. TO FOEM LINE FEOM COLUMN OF SQL^ADS. 133. Being in column of squads, to form line to the flank : 1. Squads right (left), 2. Maech, 3. Guide eight (left) ; or 1. Squads right (left), 2. Maech, 3. Company, 4. Halt. Executed by each squad (102). The platoon and section leaders, file closers, etc., take their posts (PI. I) in the most convenient manner. 134. Being in column of squads, to form line on right or left: 1. On riglit {left) into line, 2. March, 3. Company, 4. Halt, 5. Feont. At the first command the corporal of the leading squad com- mands : Right turn. The corporals of the other squads com- mand : Forward, if at a halt. At the second command the lead- ing squad turns to the right on a moving pivot. The command hrdt is given when the leading squad has advanced the desired distance in the new direction; it halts; its corporal then com- mands: Right {left) dress. The squads in rear continue to march straight to the front ; ouch, when opposite the right of its place in line on the left of the preceding squad executes right turn at the command of its corporal ; each is halted on the line at the command of its cc.rporal, who then commands: Right dress. All dress on the first squad in line. MACHIHE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 57 If executed in double time, all the squads march in double time until halted. 135. Beincz: in column of squads, to form line to the front: 1. Right (left) front into line, 2. Maech, 3. Company, 4. Halt, 5. Front. At the first command the corporals of the squads in rear of the leading one command: Right oblique. If at a halt, the cor- poral of the leading squad commands : Forward. At the sees ond command the leading squad moves straight forward ; the rear squads oblique as indicated. The command halt is given v.^heu the leading squad has advanced the desired distance; it halts ; its corporal then commands : Left dress. Each of the rear squads when opposite its place in line resumes the original direction at the command of its corporal ; each is halted on the line at the command of its corporal, who then commands : Left dress. All dress on the first squad in line. If executed in double time, all the squads march in double time until halted. TO rOEM FLANK COLUilN OF FILES FROM LINE. 136. Movements in flank column have no disciplinary value. Their use should be limited to the rare occasions necessitating a narrow front of the column. They are executed in quick time only. 137. Being in line at a halt: 1. Right (left), 2. Face, 3. For- ivard, 4. March. At the second command all face to the right. At the fourth command all take the full step. Individuals not in the two ranks move so as to preserve the relative positions they had in line. 138. Marching in column of squads : 1. Route order, 2. March ; or, 1. At ease, 2. March. Officers carry their sabers at will or in the scabbard; the men retain their positions in ranks, but are not required to keep step. If the command be ro^lt€ order, the men are permitted to 1 talk ; if the command be at ease, silence is preserved. 58 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Section VII. — The Gux Squad. (Dismounted, iDreliminary exercises.) 139. The .crim squad con'=;ists of 1 corporal and 8 privates, and is tlie l)asic unit of the niachine-irun company. The squad is equipped with two carts, one carrying: the jrun and one the ammunition. The duties of the members of the gun squad are as follov\-s : The corporal commands the squad. Xo. 1 is the gunner, Xo. 2 is the loader, Xos. 3 and 4 are ammunition men, Xos. o and 6 are spare men and are in charge of the belt-filling station, Nos. 7 and 8 are drivers. 140. The following tools are carried by the different mem- bers of the squad : The corporal carries a wire cutter ; Xo. 3. a pick ; Nos. 4, 5, and G, shovels ; and No. 8. a hand ax. 141. The object of the preliminary drills is to insure indi- vidual expertness aud clean-cut movements in handling the gun by night as well as by day ; therefore, night drills or drills with the men blindfolded must be held until all movements are executed smoothly and without false motions. 142. The preliminary drill consists of — 1. Forming the gun squad. 2. Examining the gun, 3. Mounting the gun, 4. Dismounting the gun. 5. Loading for automatic fire. 6. Loading for single shots. 7. Laying the gun, 8. Suspending fire. 9. Ceasing fire, 10. Unloading. TEACHING ELEilEXTARY DEILL. 143. 1, Equipment required for each gun team: Gun, tripod. 2 belt'.' and dummies, 2 ammunition boxes, tool box, landscape targets. MACKINE-GTJN DRILL IlE(JTJLATIONS, 1917. 59 2. The gun and tripod will be placed in line on the ground about 3 paces apart and about 30 yards from the landscape target. 3. Tripod on the left, clamps tight, strap around trail and buckled, traversing clamp sufficiently tight to prevent the tripod head from coming out of the socket and to prevent it from swinging around when the tripod is being carried, legs to the rear, tripod head over trail. 4. Gun on the right, muzzle pointing to the front, stem in, bottom plate slide closed, covers locked, handle block pin screwed in. T head pointing straight up and down, rear sight leaf low- ered with slide set at 600, barrel disk tight and sleeve secured with locking pin. trigger pushed and mainspring released, heads in traversing handles screwed home, water jacket filled (see note below), oil reservoirs filled. 5. Tool box or gunner's pouch (If issued) beside the gun. 6. Ammunition boxes about 3 paces in rear of the interval between gun and tripod. Note. — In elementary drill, water will not be placed in the water jacket until the stage of combined drill has been reached. TO FORM THE GUN SQUAD. 144. The instructor indicates the place of formation, about 8 paces in rear of the gun, and commands : Fall In. At this command the squad assembles as in " The school of the squad " (91). The instructor then commands: Call Off. Commencing on the right the men call off alternately, front and rear rank, " One," " Two," " Three," " Four," and so on. TO POST THE GUN SQUAD. 145. Posts. At the command Posts, No, 1 wi-11 repeat the order ; and all men move at double time to positions as folhjws : No. 1 will pass behind the gun and fall in on the left of the tripod; No. 2 will fall in on the right of the gun; No. 3 will fall in on the left of the ammunition box ; Nos. 4, 5, and 6 will fall in about 5 paces in rear of No. 3, No. 4 being on the right. As soon as No. 1 gets to his position, he will attend to the point mentioned in paragraph 143, section 3, and, in addition, 60 MACHINE-GUI^ DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. %Yill see that the elevating and trunnion pins are properly in position, and that both the elevating screws are equally ex- posed. No. 2 vrill attend to the points mentioned in paragraph 143. section 4, and will inspect the tool box, making certain that the contents are complete. (The inspection of the tool box is done twice only during the drill : once by the first Xo. 2 and once by the last No. 2. ) No. 3 will examine the belt and see that the dummies are cor- rectly placed in the box, and v^ill then lock the box. The catch on the ammunition box will be toward the front. He will th.en report " Correct " to Xo. 2, who will report " Gun and am- uumition correct " to No. 1, who in turn will report '"AH cor- rect " (or otherwise) to the instructor. TO EXAMINE THE GUX. 146. Before commencing the drill the instructor commands : ExAiiixE THE Gl'x. Eacli number then examines the gun and equipment as follows: No. 2 examines the gun and sees that — 1. The follower is screwed down tight. 2. The barrel disk is tight. 3. The stem and drain plug are in. 4. The feed box is seated and the front cover catch turned down. .5, The sight is in working order. 6. The lock is seated and the mainspring is released. 7. The bottom plate slide is closed. 8. The oil reservoirs are full. No. 1 examines the tripod and sees that — 1. The legs are closely folded, strap around trail. 2. The traversing clamp is tight, tripod head over trail, 3. The pins are in and turned down. 4. The elevating screws are exposed the same amount. No. 3 examines the belt and sees that — 1. The cartridges are correctly placed and alignetl. 2. The belt is packed correctly in the box and the lid fastened. As each man finishes his examination he reports to the corporal. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 61 TO MOUNT THE GUN. 147. Note. — The instructor will now bring the team to the left of the spot where the gun is to be mounted, so that they may see all movements clearly and listen to explanations. He will then act as No. 1, himself, giving and repeating the order Mount Gun, and will point out a spot which will be about 30 yards from the target where the gun is to be mounted. On the command Mount Gun, No. 1 picks up the tripod with his right hand at the balance, steadies it with the left hand, and moves forward at a run to the designated position. He then places the tripod on the ground, unclamps the legs, swings legs to the front and clamps them in such position that the socket will be upright and at a convenient elevation. He then sits down behind the tripod and withdraws elevating pin with the right hand and the trunnion pin with the left hand. While adjusting the tripod, the following points must be attended to : The left forearm must be supported by the left thigh and the clamping handles should, if possible, both be manipulated with the right hand. As soon as the tripod is nearly in position. No. 2 pushes the bottom plate slide to the rear, grasps the right handle block with the left hand, passes the right hand over the water jacket and lifts the gun so that the barrel will be pointing to his right, under his right arm, moves forward at a run, and takes position at the right of the tripod and facing it. He must reach the position at the moment No. 1 is removing the elevating and trunnion pins. He places his right foot be- tween the front legs of the tripod, kneels on the left knee, sup- porting the weight of the gun on the right knee. With the assistance of No. 1 he puts the gun in position, inserts the trunnion pin, and turns it down. He then removes the stem and lies down opposite the feed box of the gun, placing the belt box in position in line with the feed box. No. 1 assists No. 2 in adjusting the gun to the tripod and in- serts the elevating pin. After putting in the elevating pin No. 1 will at once level the gun, adjust the traversing clamp to see that it is moderately tight, and take the correct hold ; eyes must be directed toward the target. 33325°— IS — —3 62 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. No. 3 takes two ammunition boxes and places them in reach of No. 2, then returns to his original position. The catches should be to the front and the boxes must not be placed in such a position that No. 2 is likely to knock them over as he lies down. The ammunition' must be at hand by the time No. 2 is ready for it. •' ... .> When the men have made sufficient progi'ess in the foregoing lessons, they will be exercised in combining them and coming into action. Three aiming marks will be pointed out on the landscape target by the instructor, one of which should be in the foreground, one in the middle distance, and one in the back- ground. The instructor will name the range and target and at the com- mand or signal Action the gun will be mounted, loaded, and laid. As soon as No. 2 puts up his hand, the aim and sight set- ting will be checked, and then the various points taught in the earlier lessons will be criticized. No. 2 must not be allowed to adjust the sights. Each number must perform the duties laid down for him in the earlier lessons and the aiming marks given by the instructor must be service targets and not haystacks, windmills, or steeples. 148. When the gun is mounted and the Nos. 1, 2, and 3 are In position, the following points should be criticized by the in- structor : 1. Actions of Nos. 1, 2. and 3 until the gun is mounted. 2. Trail tov\-ard the target. 3. Feet and legs on ground (necessary for rough ground drill). 4. Clamps of legs tight. 5. Socket upright. 6. Traversing clamp tight (this must be tested by the in- structor in the same way that the No. 1 tests it). 7. Pins in properly and turned down. 8. Elevating screws equally exposed. 9. Tripod a suitable height for the firer. 10. Gun level. 11. Stem out. 12. Front cover locked. 13. Bottom plate slide open. 14. Rear sight leaf down, slide at 600 yards. 15. No. 1 siting and holding the gun correctly. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 63 IG. No. 2 lying down with head below the level of the gun, gunner's pouch (if issued) slung across his shoulders. IT. Ammunition box in correct position. 18. No. 3 lying down in rear and to u flank. Note. — When the instructor criticizes, faults should be pointed out in such a manner that all the team benefits from the criticism. TO DISMOUNT THE GUN. 149. xVt the command Dismount Gun, Xo. 1 removes both pins and carries the tripod back to its original position, clamps the legs and lays the tripod on the ground on the left of the gun. In folding the legs he first loosens the clamps, allowing the tripod to collapse, next seizes the tripod head with both hands, and with a sharp upward, forward, and downward move- ment folds up the legs. He then tightens the clamps, and, if necessary, aligns the tripod head over the trail and lies down on the left of the tripod. No. 2 passes the ammunition box to No. 3, lifts the gun from the tripod, replaces the stem before leaving the gun position, and then double times l)ack to the original position. Before placing the gun on the ground he ^ill close the bottom plate slide and reset the sight at 600 yards. No. 3 goes forward at double time to the gun position and brings back both ammunition boxes to the original position. Note. — At the beginning of this exercise it is well to divide the action of dismounting the gun into two parts, the dismount- ing of the tripod being mastered first by all members of the team, after the instructor has shown how the tripod is dis- mounted. When all of the numbers have made reasonable progress with the tripod, the instructor will then continue the instruction in mounting the gun and dismounting the gun. 150. Efliciency having been attained under the preceding paragraphs, with the tripod in its highest position, the gun squad is then instructed in mounting the gun on hillsides, uneven trround. and in the several positions of the tripod. (Pis. 30 to 40. inclusive. :\l. G. F. M.) 151. The gun .'^quad is instructed in mounting the gun fror.i the prone position and in firing from the prone, knoolinir. and sitting positions. 64 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. TO LOAD THE GUN FOE AXTTOMATIC FIEE. 152. 1. Automatic fire, 2. Load. Note. — The instructor first demonstrates the duties of Xo. 1 and No. 2. At the command Load, No. 1 holds the roller handle in its rearmost position with the right hand and advances his left hand to the left of the feed box, ready to grip the tag of the belt. No. 2 opens the ammunition box. holds the end of the belt with his forefinger (right hand recommended) on the brass tag at the point where it joins the fabric, and pushes the tag of the belt through the feed^box as far as possible. No. 1 grips the tag. then pulls the belt through the feed box as far as possible, and releases the roller handle. He again pulls the roller handle to the rear, pulling the belt to the left a second time as far as it will go, and again releases the roller handle. The gun is now loaded for automatic fire and No. 1 resumes his hold on the gun. TO load for single shots. 153. 1. Single shots, 2. Load. At the command Load, No, 1 pulls the roller handle to its rearmost position ; No. 2 passes the tag of the belt through the feed box ; No. 1 holds the roller handle in its rearmost position with the right hand, grasps the tag of the belt with the left hand and pulls it straight through the feed box as far as it will come. He then releases the roller handle and without pulling on the belt he again pulls the roller handle to its rearmost position and releases it. The gun is now loaded for single shots : by bringing the roller handle to the rear after each shot without pulling the belt, the gun will fire single shots. To change from single shots to automatic fire at any time, it is necessary to pull the roller handle to its rearmost position, pull the belt to the left, and release the roller handle. The gun being loaded for automatic fire, single shots may be fired by first operating roller handle once without pulling belt. TO lay the gux. 154. Note. — It is an advantage to combine the adjustment of sights with laying the gun; therefore, instruction in aiming should be given prior to instruction in laying the gun. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 6t The tar.cret being indicated l>y tr.e instructor, the C(.unmand is iriven: 1. 'Ran^'c i.SOO yanJr;) rUjlit {left) (2) (this being tlie deflection in points of windage to the right (left), 2. At (such AN object). At the first command. Ivo. 1 raises tlie rear sight leaf (unless the range announced is less than 500 yards, when the battle sight will be used) and moves the slide until the line of sight coincides with the line on the leaf corresponding to the range ordinate. He then taps the gun over until the correct direction is obtained and elevates or depresses until the aim i' correct. Should a fairly large change in direction be nocessar\-. No. 1 will order No. 2 to loosen the clamp, swing roughly on the target, order No. 2 to tighten, and then lay accurately by tap- ping. It is most important that while tapping the gun or ma- nipulating the elevating wheel, the correct hold should be main- tained with the other hand. As soon as the aim is correct, he then grasps both handles, places the thumbs on the trigger, releases the safety catch, and by calling Ready, orders No. 2 to put up his hand. Care must be exercised when checking the aim to prevent the gun being moved as No. 1 moves his head to one side to allow the aim to be viewed by the instructor. TO FIEE THE GUX. 155. The gun being mounted and loaded, or assumed to be loaded: 1. Range {800) right {left) (2), (this being the deflec- tion in points of windage to the right or left), 2. At (such an ob.ject), 3. Fixed {distrihiited, searching, ranging) fire, 4. {So manij) rounds {as 1 belt, etc.), 5. Commence Firing. The details and methods to be used in teaching the different kinds of fire are given in the Machine-Gun Firing ?.I;inual. For definitions of the different kinds of fire see " Definitions." At tlie first and second commands the operations prescribed in the previous paragraph are performed. The third and fourth connnands are preparatory and indicate the class of fire and th(^ number of rounds to be fired. These commands are given when necessary. At the conunand Co>[^rENCE Firing, No. 1 instantly presses the trigger without deranging his aim and at the same time maintains a steady hold on the handles. 66 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. TO SUSPEND FIBIXG. 156. The instructor blows a long blast on his whistle, and repeats same if necessary, and commands Suspend Firing. Fir- ing stops ; No. 1 releases the pressure on the trigger. The gun is left loaded and in a position of readiness for an instant re- sumption of firing. The corporal and No. 1 continue their observations of the target, the aiming point, or the place at which the target disappeared or at which it is expected to reap- pear. TO CEASE FIKING. 157. At the command Cease Firing, No. 1 releases the pres- sure on the trigger, grasps the roller handle with right hand, and brings it to its rearmost position not less than three times, pulls the trigger, and lays down the rear sight. No. 2 grasps the upper and lower feed-box pawls with the thumb and fore- finger of the left hand, presses them together, and with the right hand withdraws the belt from the feed box, replacing it in the ammunition box. TO UNLOAD. 158. At the command Unload, No. 1 will lower the sight leaf, if it be raised, with the left hand ; at the same time he will pull the roller handle to its rearmost position and immediately allow it to fly forward, repeating this motion at least three times. He will then press the upper and bottom pawls of the feed box with the right hand, the upper pawls being pressed with the thumb and the l)ottom pawls with the finger, taking care to keep the hand clear of the entrance to the feed box. No. 2 will with- draw the belt and pack it carefully in the box ; No. 1 will then release the mainspring by pressing the trigger. Section YIII.— The Squad. (Mounted.) 159. The gun squad is habitually formed for drill as shown in Phite IV. The carts habitually turn on the arc of a circle whose radius is 2 yards. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 67 In all ciianges of direction, turns, and abouts the carts main- tain their relative positions, the gun cart leading. In all changes of direction tlie members of the gun squad con- form to the movement of the carts. T'le gun cart i.-- the guide for the squad in all formations, the other elements maintaining their relative positions with respect to it, SQUAD DltlLL, 160. The gun mule and ammunition mule being hitched, as described on page ITS, the drivers take their positions at the head of the mules and remain at attention. The gun squad -falls in, facing to the front, with the center of the rear rank 3 paces to the front of the gun mule, the squad leader taking post as in the Squad Dismounted. TO POST THE GUN SQUAD. 161. The squad leader commands: Posts. At this command members of the gun squad take their posts as in Plate IV. to re-fokm the gun squad in front of the caets. 162. The squad leader commands: Fall In, placing himself so that the center of the rear rank of the squad will be .3 paces to the front of the gun mule. Members of the gun squad fall in at a run. TO MARCH TO THE FRONT. 163. 1. Foncard, 2. March. At the preparatory command the drivers collect their animals (440) and the men prepare to march (74). At the command of execution all move to the front. TO CHANGE DIRECTION. 164. 1. Sqnads right, 2. March. At the command marcli the gun cart turns on the arc of a circle whose radius is 2 yards. 68 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. The ammunition cart follows in trace and turns on the same ground as the gun cart, the members of the squad conforming to the movement. TO MARCH TO THE KEAE. 165. 1. To the rear. 2. Makch. At the command march the gun cart turns to the left about on the arc of a circle whose radius is 2 yards, followed in trace by the ammunition cart. 166. To march to the rear for a few paces: 1. Backward, 2. March. At the command march, the drivers rein back^ the mules, and the men execute backward march as in the school of the soldier. TO OBLIQUE. 167. 1. Right oblique. 2. March. At the command march the gun and ammunition carts, respectively, execute a half turn to the right and move off in the oblique direction. TO RESUME the MARCH TO THE FRONT. 168. 1. Forward, 2. March. At this command the gun and ammunition carts execute a half turn to the left and continue their march to the front. TO HALT. 169. 1. Squad, 2. Halt. At the command halt the drivers rein in their mules and the men halt. TO PREPARE rOR ACTION, 170. The command is: Action. At this command the carts, if moving, halt. The squad leader marks the place at which the gun is to be set up. No. 1 secures the gun : No. 2 the tripod ; No. 3 the water box and one ammunition box ; No. 4 the tool box. condensing device, and one ammunition box ; Nos. 5 and G secure the belt-filling machine and loose ammunition. The Nos. 1. 2, 3, and 4, as soon as they have secured their equipment, move forward as described in paragraph 147, and, under the direction of the corporal, mount the gim. MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 69 The senior driver takes command of tlie carts, moves tliem on the run to tlie flank, or to the rear, to a position under cover.^ Nos. 5 and 6 establish a belt-filling station as directed by the corporal. TO REASSEMBLE THE SQUAD. 171. The command is : Assemble. At this command the gun is dismounted, the carts move up at a run to their original posi- tions, and halt ; the squad resumes its original formation. In reassembling, the men move at a run. Section IX — The Section. (Mounted.) 172. The section is habitually formed in line or close line as in Plates III and IV or in column of squads as in Plate II. The post of the section leader when the section is in line is 3 paces in front of the center of the interval between squads. When the section is in column of squads his post is on the left of the driver of the leading mule. The section in column of squads marches to the front, to the rear, obliques, and halts in the same manner and by the same commands as prescribed for the squad, substituting " section " for " squad." TO CHANGE DIEECTION. • 173. Being in column of squads: 1, Column right (left), 2. March. At the first command the leader of the leading squad commands : Right turn. The leader of the rear squad com- mands. Foru-ard, if at a halt. At the second command, the leading squad turns to the right as prescribed (164). The rear squad marches squarely up to the turning point and turns on the same ground and in a similar manner to the leading squad. 174. Being in line: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. March. 1 For purposes of drill the carts will form 20 paces to the rear of the gun position, facing to the front. ro MACHINE-GITN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. At tlie first command the leader of the right squad commands : Right turn, the leader of the left squad commands, Rirony]it into nr-tio]]. for a siHgle^un may I)e"TemporarrTy disabled by a jam or a breakdown of its mecha- nism at the decisive moment. 261. An officer commanding a group of machine gims should avoid becoming involved in a duel with the enemy's machine guns, but should use his fire against important targets — the enemy's batteries, reserves, and supports. Section III. — The Defense. 262. In occupying a defensive position a special reconnais- sance should be made. Not only the position itself, but the ground in front, in rear, and on the flanks must be thoroughly reconnoitere. ^>econdary^ positions and lines of re^ iTf^i^ipTit are recon- I'loiterelH i "and "steos are taken to insure that the (lerachmenrs are familiar with them. In case of a withdrawal becoming necessary, machine guns in supporting positions cover the retire- ment of the infantry and guns in the front line. When the latter have occupied their secondary positions, they, in turn, will cover the movement of the guns originally in sup- port. (3. Cooperation is aiTanged with the automatic rifles of the companies, which can c"ov?r tne less important approaches or small depressions or hollows which the machine guns can not sweep. 7. Positions of carts and supply ammunition arranged. 5. Intercon i munica t i on ))etv.-een machine-gun commander and his subordinates and l)etwee:i .subordinates and their machine guns arranged. 9. Definite orders givei^: to all machine-gun officers. 10. -A o-pnor?^ l plan.oF ac tion nTrnni-od^ sn that all can cooper- ate in the event ot unfore:--eeii circumstances. 264. Each machine-gun team should k-^.ow the line of retire- ment, and the positions of the guns on its riglit and le^l. A range card is made for each, gun position. 265. Guns should be concealed in the least obvious position:: and as uTuch cover as time permits provided for the men. 266. Firing at the longer ranges reduces the effect and be- trays one's strength and position prematurely to the enemy. In the defense it is advisable to let the enemy approach to vrithiu short range, and then open fire, especially when the dei'ender is in a strong position. 33825°— 18 4 94 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. 267. It will often be a gain to keep the guns silent at the beginning of the hostile advance, while only the point of the enemy's advance guard or a thin liiie of skirmishers is in sight, and to wait until fire can be opened upon the main advance. Ranges are measured beforehand, and, if possible, marked. In all cases, the sudden and unexpected opening of heavy fire will produce more effect than the expediture of the same amount of ammunition when the tire gi-adualiy develops and does not come as a surjin^ to the attacking force. 26 §^ IirnlT cases the machine guns should, if possible, be pro- tected from fire from the front. At the same time they should be able to flank the front of tlie position with fire. Thus, although each machine gim may be fired to the flank, its front is swept by the fire of another machine gun. Arrangements can be made so that the ma^^hine gun so placed may be able to fire to their front should an emergency make this desirable. This can be done by — 1. Constructing loopholes and blocking them with sand- bags which can be removed. 2. {a) However, if the sandbags are left in place for a considerable time without being removed, they can not be moved. ( h) Loopholes filled with single sacks will not be bullet proof. 3. By training the gimner to: (a) Quickly remove the machine gun from the tripod and fire from the top of the parapet, (b) Lift the machine (r\m and tripod out of the trench and fire it from some previously selected sjjot. 269. Arrangements for firing at night should be made. The day and night gun positions will probably be different ; the changes from the one to the other should be made just after dark and just before dawn. 270. Comnmni cation between the machine-gim units must be arranged v>ith care. JMachine-giui officers must keep in touch with neighboring guns and with the firing line. Section IV. — Selection of Firing Position. 271. Machine guns may be hidden in almost any position, but it is advisable to avoid places which are either obvious or easy MACHINE-GUN DRILL UEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 9S to recognize, such as crcssrouds or single objects, or places v/hicli can easily be located on the map. It is important that gnns sIiouUl merge into the surroundings, and straight edges or distinct shadows should not be m.ade. 272. Banks of rivers, canals, and railway ditches, fold ; in the ground, hedges, palings, or walls, also mounds of earth, may be used either to afford a covered line of approach and supply to a gun position or else a gun position itself. V\lien firing over the top of the cover greater protection is given if hollows are scooped out for the front legs of the tripod. 273. Houses may be employed in the follo'ving manner: The guns may be placed in rear, firing t^.i'ough windows or doors in line or past the sides of the house. When firing from a window, door, or hole in the roof, the gun should be placed well back for concealment. A damp piece of cloth hung in front of the gun helps to conceal the fiash. When firing from a cellar care should be taken not to cause a cloud of dust to rise and give away the ]iositioii. A means of retirement and nlt^i '- native emplacei ue nts should lie arranged . Overhead fire and observation mayoften be obtained from high buildings. 274. Woods and crops provide cover from view, facilities for communication, and good lines of approach or supply. In neither should guns be placed too near to the front edge. In woods it will often be possible to construct hasty overhead cover. 275. If a barricade has been constructed across a road, ma- chine guns should not be put on the barricade itself, but, if possible, in a concealed position to a flank from which they can sweep the road. 276. Haystacks do not as a rule afford a very satisfactory position, but guns may be placed in a hollow in front or behind, firing past the side, or else in a hollow on top, firing through the front face of the stack. A machine gun concealed in a field which is covered with cornstalks, manure heaps, or mounds of roots is difficult to locate. 277. Wood stacks, planks, logs of trees, and farm inmlen-.entt; may be used to conceal guns ; cover from fire can often be obtained by the additioiT'of bricks or sand bags. 278. Trees generally provide better observation posts than machine-gun positions. 9S MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Section V. — Maeches. (Geueral.) (See the Field Service Regulations.) 279. Marching constitutes the principal occupation of troops in campaign and is one of the heaviest causes of loss. This loss may be materially reduced by proper training and by the proper conduct of the march. 280. The training of machine-gun organizations should consist of systematic physical exercises to develop the general pl:ysique and of actual marching to accustom men to the fatigue and hardship incident thereto. Before mobilization troops should be kept in good physical condition and so practiced as to teach them thoroughly the principles of marching. At the tirst opportunity after mobili- zation the men should be hardened to cover long distances without loss. 281. With new or untrained troops, the process of hardening the men to this work must be gradual. Immediately after being mustered into the service the physical exercises and marching should be begun. Ten-minute periods of vigorous setting-Tjp exercises should be given three times a day to loosen and develop the muscles. One march should be made each day with full equipment, beginning with a distance of 2 or 3 miles and increasing the distance daily as the troops become hardened, until a full day's march under full equipment may be made without exhaustion. 282. A long march should not be made with untrained troops. If a long distance must be covered in a fevr days, the first march should be short, the length being increased each suc- ceeding day. 283. Special attention should be paid to the fitting of the shoes and the care of the feet. Shoes should not be too wide or too short. Sores and blisters on the feet should be promptly dressed during halts. At the end of the march feet should be bathed and dressed ; the socks and, if practicable, the shoes should be changed. 284. The drinking of water on the march should be avoided. The thirst should be thoroughly quenched before starting on the MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 97 march and after arrival in camp. On the march the "use of water should, in general, be confined to garglin.cr the mouth and throx'it or to an occasional small drink at the most. 285. Except for urgent reasons, marches should not begin before an hour after daylight, but if the distance to be covered necessitates either breaking camp before daylight or making camp after dark, it is better to do the former. Night marching should l)e avoided when possible. 286. A halt of 15 minutes should be made after the first half or three-quarters of an liour marching; thereafter a halt of 10 minutes is made in each hour. The number and length of halts ' may be varied, according to the weather, the condition of the roads, and tiie equipment carried by the men. When the day's '. march is long a halt of an hour should be made at nooa and the , men allovred to eat. 287. The rate of march is regulated by the commander of the leading company of each regiment, or, if the battalions 'bo separated by greater than normal distances, by the commander of the leading company of each battalion. He should maintain I a uniform rate, uuuilluenced by the movement of troops or [ mounted men in front of him. j The position of companies in the battalion and of battalions I in the regiment is ordinarily changed daily so that each in turn I leads. 288. The marclung efficiency of an organization is judged by ^ the amount of straggling and elongation and the condition of I the men at the end of the march. I An officer of each company marches in its rear to prevent un- j due elongation and straggling. • When necessary for a man to fall out on account of sickness, i he should be given a permit to do so. This is presented to the \ surgeon, who will admit him to the ambulance, have him wait j for the trains, or follow and rejoin his company at the first halt. I 289. Special- attention should be paid to the rate of march. 'It is greater for trained than for untrained troops; for small I connnands than for large ones; for lightly burdened than for ' heavily burdened troops. It is greater during cool than during ' hot weather. V\'ith trained troops, in commands of a regiment i t f ) 98 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. or less, marching over average roads, the rate should be from 2f to 3 miles per hour. 290. The marching capacity of trained infantry in small com- mands is from 20 to 25 miles per day. This distance will de- crease as the size of the command increases. For a complete division the distance can seldom exceed 12^ miles per day unless the division camps in colunm. 291. In large commands the marching capacity of troops is greatly reduced by faulty march orders and poor march disci- pline. The march order should contain such instructions as will enable the troops to take their proper places in column promptly. Delay or confusion in doing so should be investigated. On the other hand, organization commaudei-s should be required to time their movements so that the troops will not be formed sooner than necessary. T he halts and starts of t ]i<^ nnifg; ^f j] po jumn should be regu - lated by the wat e hjinTl Ixe^imultanem i^. Closing up durin g a halt^ or changjii g. g ait to gain or lose d is- tance sn rm id be pi-oTTibited . ^ The nttrseshoer, the saddler, the company clerk, the cooks, and two privates march with the field train, under command of tlie officer in charge of the train. 292. The machine-gun commander habitually accompanies the commanding officer of the unit to which he is attached. A machine-gun reconnaissance party marches with the advance element of the command PROTECTION OF THE MARCH. 293. A column on the march in the vicinity of the enemy is covered by detachments called advance guards, rear guards, or flank guards. The object of these covering detachments is to facilitate the advance of the main body and to protect it from surprise or observation. They facilitate the advance of the main body by promptly driving off small bodies of the enemy who seek to harass or delay it ; by removing obstacles from the line of advance, by repairing roads, bridges, etc., thus enabling the main body to advance uninterruptedly in convenient marching formations. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. 99 They protect the main body by preventing tbe enemy from firini? into it when in close formation ; by holding the enemy and enabling the main body to deploy before coming under efl'ective fire ; by preventing its size and condition from being observed by the enemy and in retreat by gaining time for it to make its escape or to reorganize its forces. Section VI. — Advance Guaed. 294. The duties of an advance guard make it necessary that great li re powej should bo rn-.^ ilnb^ when required. A large proportion of machine guns should, therefore, be assigned to advance guards. 295. Thf^^ nin .chine guns should be well forward in the col- unm. so that they may be able to get quickly into action. 296. The principal duties of machine guns v/ith the advance guard are: 1. Assist in driving back enemy forces by rapid production of great fire povcer at any required point. 2. Assist in holding any position gained until the arrival of the infantry. 3. Cover the deployment of the main body by holding the enemy on a wide front. 297. With advance guards the machine gun will supply a use- ful stiffening which will often make it possible to use a smaller number of men, or, again, by increasing the number of machine guns the advance guard may be given a striking force that will enable it to take a more strongly aggressive tone toward the enemy. 298. As the preliminary action of the advance guard draws to a close and the main body deploys into line and begins the more serious engagement, it will generally be well to withdraw the machine guns from the position which they have occupied to meet the first emergency, in order to assign them to the work they are to do in the actual battle. 299. The characteristics of machine guns render them, as a rule, more suitable for employment with the reserve than with the support, but the size of the support may necessitate machine guns being attached to it. 100 MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Section VII. — Rear Guard. 300. As a rear guard will usually be required to hold positions uith the minimum of men, a laru:e pro po rtion of m;ichine guns shoujd h e assigned to it . '■"^l. li::xperience of war has shown that well-placed machine guns, only supported by a few infantry, will frequently hold up an advance for long periods. 302. In occupying a rear-guard position with machine guns the ordinary principles of the defense apply, but the following points should be specially noted : 1. As wide a held of fire as possible should be selected. 2. Guns must Itej-onc^ ed in the least obvious places. 3. (^ovei^d lines of \'<^^^rem ent must be reconnoitered. 4. Cartslshduld be close xrp To facilitate a lia st y re ti r e ui ent 5. Posityns in rear must be chosen before~the machme ft5ns ret i re'froDi their forward positions. 6. A proportion of the machine guns should occupy the posi- tions in rear, before all the machine guns retire from the for- ward position. Thus the retirement of the last gun can be covered. 303. With a rear guard covering a retreat, the machine guns can render valuable services. Rear-guard fighting is particu- larly well adapted to their power of suddenly opening a heavy fire, and the business of the machine-gun commander will be to choose, if possible, a position from which this fire will come as a sui-prise to the pursuing troops. Having accomplished his ob- ject of checking the enemy's movement and forcing him to de- ploy for the attack, he will fall back to another position where he can repeat the same maneuver. Section VIII. — Outposts. 304. The ease with which a machine gun can be concealed, its mobility, its adaptability to night firing, and its concentra- tion of fire on a narrow frontage makes it the ideal resisting weapon for use wth an outpost for the purpose of covering roads, bridges, defiles, or other marked lines of approach. 305. A judicious use of machine gims stiffens the line of resistance and permits the employment of the minimum number MACHINE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 101 of riflemen. However, the maeliine gun is solely for the pur- pose of increasing the stopping power of the outpost, and in return it must have the protection of the outpost. 303. Aside from the use of machine guns in covering defiles, advantage may be taken of their characteristics of concentrated- flre power to place them in salients and reentrants and at other points where the establishment of a heavy firing line is not feasible. 307. The size and disposition of the outpost with the number of guns assigned to the different subdivisions thereof depends upon many circumstances, such as the size of the whole camp, the proximity of the enemy, and the situation with respect to him. the nature of the terrain, etc. 308. The guns attached to the outpost, if sufficient in number, may be placed at or near the line of resistance, with a section covering each of the main avenues of approach, or if too few in number to admit of such a distribution, emplacements should be prepared or firing positions reconuoitered and located cov- ering the line of approach, the guns being held in reserve at a central point in rear from which tliey may be moved easily and quickly to that portion of the line v.iiere they are needed. 309. Unless an attack is imminent, machine guns assigned to the outi30st do not occupy their fire position during the day, but are held as reserves in their sector. However, emplacements or firing positions are prepared, routes marked, range cards made, and all preparations for immediate action completed. 310. The night position for each gun is very carefully selected and arrangements made for night firing, and the gun placed in position before dark. The guns are so located that an enemy in advancing must pass over or occupy ground swept by their fire. 311. The avenues of approach to be covered must be con- sidered in the order of their importance and an endeavor made to leave unprotected no approach by which an enemy might advance. Great care must be taken to conceal the guns from observation when bringing them into position or withdrawing them. 312. The orders given by the platoon commander to the leader of a raacliine-gun squad or section detailed for duty. with any 102 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. fraction of an outpost must be clear and definite and should include : 1. InfornuUion as to the situation sufficiently complete to en- able him to act intelligently upon his own initiative should the necessity arise. 2. The exact mission of the guns. 3. The location of adjoining? guns. 4. The disposition to be made of his carts. 313. The machine-gun commander upon arriving at the desig- nated subdivision of the outpost to which he is assigned is given the location of the infantry sentinel or sentinels. He then — 1. Arranges a system of signals between this sentinel or senti- nels and the sentinel at the gun, 2. Selects firing positions for each gun. 3. Obtains ranges and prepares range cards. 4. Arranges for the concealment of the gun by means of natural or artificial cover. 5. Notes the field of fire. 6. Marks the limits of the traverse. 7. Locates neighboring guns, 8. Arranges for mutual fire support. 9. Completes preparation for night firing. 10. Sees to the necessary ammunition supply. 11. Posts his sentinels at the gun (one by day and two by night). 12. Holds the other members of each gun squad in convenient supporting distance of the gun. 13. Sends the carts to the designated assembly point. 14. Assures himself that every man of his command is familiar with the arrangements indicated in so far as it pertains to the gun to which the man belongs, 1"). Arranges for communication with his next higher com- mander. IG, In case of a gas attack sees that machine gun 5s cleaned immediately after. In general, takes every possible means to coordinate his work with the unit to which he is attached. 314. Sentinels over machine guns as part of an outpost are, at night, 'posted in pairs, two men to each gun in position. Usually one sentinel will be sufficient during the day. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 103 The sentinel's orders must be clear and definite. He— 1. Keeps the gun loaded and at the safe while it is la position. 2. Maintains observation constantly to the front. 3. Is responsible that the water does not freeze in the jacket, and that the ^n is protected from dust and sand. 4. Operates the mechanism frequently' to insure that it is in working order. 5. Keeps himself concealed, but does not sacrifice observa- tion to concealment. 6. Must know — (a) The exact mission of the gun. (b) The limits of the traverse. (c) The points marked on the range card. (d) The arrangements for night firing. (e) The position of the rifle sentinels. (/) The arrangements for communication with the sentinel. (g) The avenues of communication to the rear. (h) The location of neighboring guns. (i) The arrangements for supporting fire. 0) The location of the remainder of the gun squad. (k) Any special orders for his gun position, such as action of patrols, etc. (?) What the signal is for- opening fire, and whether or not he is to open fire on his own iniiiative. I In case of an attack at night, No. 2 sentinel catls the other I men of the gun squad. j Upon relief of sentinels, the firing mechanism will be operated I' in the presence of the noncommissioned officer in charge of the ' party. Relieving gun detachments and sentinels will assure them- ! selves that they are fully conversant with the instructions for i the gun squad and the sentinel as described in this and the pre- : ceding paragraph. In addition, relieving sentinels should be , Informed whether or not the gun has been fired during the pre- ' vious relief; and if so, at what target and from what gun [ position. 104 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Section IX. — Village Fighting. 315. As soon as the ritlemeu have made good one edcje of a viUage, machine guns are brought up in close support. They then searcli windows, doorways, roofs, etc., liliely to be held by the enemy. 316. Machine guns are used to command cross streets, etc.. in order to guard against attack on the Hanks or rear of the in- fantry. 317. Guns are posted on the edges of villages to prevent flank attacks. 318. When possible, nuichine guns are pushed forvrard on the flanks, so as to command ihe exits of the village. 310. During village fighting every use is made of windov/s, doors, etc., as machine-gun positions. Section X. — Aaimunition Supply. (Plate VII.) 320. Ammunition supply is of vital imp(»rtance in any engage- ment and must be given very careful consideration and fore- thought. It is a subject that is very much neglected in our Army. The duties of the various commanders with respect to ihe supply of ammunition are outlined in the chapter on the " r>uties of the personnel, before and during combat." In working out the problems before him, the lire controller must V.ear in mind — 1. The amount of ammunition needed immediately. 2. The amount needed from time to time. 3. The distance to be carried by hand. 4. Character of ground to be crossed. 5. ^Method to be used in carrying the ammunition for\;nrd. 6. The number of men required.^ 321. The minimum requirements are: With each gun, 1,500 rounds loaded in belts, tool box, and water box. In each ammunition cart, 3,500 rounds loaded in belts. 1 If he has not enough niei), then he must call on neighboring troops for assistance. MACHINE- GXTIT DRILL HEGITLATIONS, 1917. 105 In each ammunition cart, 2 water boxes, full, and belt-filling machine. The 1,500 rounds. 1 water box, and 1 tool box must be kept with the gun at all times. The belt-filling station must be established as near the gun position as the terrain and the enemy's fire will perrair. At this station will l)e the 3,500 rounds, 2 water boxes, and the belt- filling machine. 322. It is the duty of the fire controller (section leader, platoon leader, or company com.mander) to mark the place for the belt-filling station and establish it with Nos. 5 and 6 as loaders. After establishing this station the fire controller next causes the ammunition on the ammunition cart to be unloaded, provid- ing he expects to remain in his position, and immediately sends the ammunition cart to the combat train to refill. 323. During the time the position is being occupied it is the duty of the commander of the combat trains to communicate with the fire controller and inform him of the best meeting place for the ammunition carts and the combat train. As soon as the ammunition carts are refilled from rhe combat train the combat train must refill from the ammunition train. The suc- ceeding paragraph may apply at times during the offense. 324. In defensive operations it will be advisable for the com- bat trains to unload their ammunition at some place convenient I and accessible to the ammunition carts. The ammunition carts I can then refill, carry anmnmition forward as far as permissible, I and also unload. From that point forward the ammunition i must be carried by hand to the belt-filling station, and from ' the belt-filling station to the gun positions. If ammunition j must be carried over fi.re-swept ground froui the amnuuiition , carts to the belt-filling station, the cases may be dragged or ; opened and the bandoleers carried by the men. If the men are I required to crawl forwarJi, then five bandoleers is a good load I per man. I 325. The machine-gun officer's duties are not over wlien the above requirements have been fulfilled. He must insure com- ! muuication between — 106 MACHINE-GUN DEILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 1. The firing line and tiie belt-filling .station. 2. The b^lt-filling station and the ainnnmition carts. 3. Tiie ammunition carts and the annnunition train. He must also see tliat — 1. In wet weather the amraunilion and belts are kept dry. 2. All the annnunition is not in one place. 3. A careful insi)eciion of each belt is made before it is sent to the gun positions. 4. Sullicient amnmnltion is on iuind for the crisis. PART III. DUTIES OF THE PEESOIOEL, PRECEDING AND DTJEING COMBAT. Section I. — General Rtles. 326. General reconnaissance is the function of the infantry and cavalry. Machine-gun commanders should be kept sufli- ciently well informed of the situation to enable them to use their guns effectively. The machine-gun commander makes such special reconnais- sance as is necessary to insure the proper posting and the effective employment of the gitns in the execution of the assigned tasks. For this purpose the machine-gun commander is assisted by reconnaissance officers and scouts. 1. The effectiveness of machine-gun fire is inlluenced by — (a) The positions. (h) The preliminary dispositions, such as securing firing data and organizing suitable information and com- munication services. (c) Concealment and protective cover. (d) Posting the guns without the knowledge of the enemy, (c) Opening at the proper time a sudden, unexpected, and overpowering fire upon the designated objec- tives. 2. AVhen necessary that guns be brought into action quickly, promptness in opening fire is the main consideration. No time should be wasted in selecting positions, for in such a case con- cealment will be out of the question. The machine-gun com- mander with an eye for groun.d may, however, make use of the cover afforded in his immediate front and thereby gain some little advantage. 107 108 MACHINE-GUN DRIII REGULATIONS 1917. 8. All machine-gun commanders invariably precede their commands to the position to be occupied. Every effort should be made to conclude all preliminary arrangements for action prior to the arrival of the guns. Delay in opening fire must not be caused by lack of timely reconnaissance and preparation. 4. The machine-gun connnander should accompany the com- mander of the troops on the preliminary reconnaissance, should be kept constantly informed as to the tactical situation and the plan of action, and should receive early instructions as to the special tasks to be performed by the machine guns. 5. At the earliest opportunity the machine-gun officer recon- noiters and selects the positions for the companies, or sections, in accordance with the instructions he has received and the tactical requirements of the situation. He informs his subordi- nate commanders when and where they are to report to receive instructions and undertake their own reconnaissance. It Is important that the subordinate commanders be given concise and detailed instructions. 6. ^^'hen the machine-gun commander rides forward on recon- naissance, he instructs the officer left in command on the fol- lowing points : ( (/ ) The tactical situation. (b) Whether or not the command is to follow at once. (c) The time and place for subdivision, if this has not already been covered. id) The route to be followed. (c) The rate of march. (/) The time for quitting transportation should 1)0 speci- fied at this time. if. determined, otherwise this in- formation should be sent back later on. 7. As soon as positions are selected and routes determined, agents or scouts may be sent to meet the machine-gun organiza- tions and guide them by the best routes to their positions. S. Reconnaissance oflicers accompany advanced troops in order that they may secure early information as to the enemy and give the machine-gun commander detailed information as lo the ground, favorable positions, and routes. A reconnais- sance officer operating in this manner, as well as one arriving with his commander, examines the neighborhood of the position, locates his own troops and those of the enemy ; prepares firing MACHINE-GUN DEILL KEGTJLATIOK:?, 1917. 109 da:a ; and in general secures the necessary information for his commanding ofticer and relieves the latter of details. 9. Company reconnaissance oflicers are habitually under the orders of the machine-gun commander on marches in the pres- ence of the enemy. Scouts may be employed to assist recon- naissance officers and supplement the information secured by them. RECONXAISSAXCE OFFICEES. 327. A reconnaissance officer attached to advanced troops sliould, as soon as possible a^ter the determination of the en- emy's location, submit to the machine-gun commander a report, giving all obtainable information as to the enemy and describ- ing the most suitable positions for the machine guns. This re- port should be accompanied by a sketch, showing the enemy's position, the selected gun positions, the characteristics of the country intervening between the two, and such other important information as may be readily set forth. The report should embrace information as to — 1. The routes of approach and their practicability. 2. The possibility of approach under cover. 3. Whether or not the gun positions are masked. 4. Cover afforded for the guns. 5. The need of providing artificial cover. 6. Number of guns that may be used to advantage in each locality. 7. I'rotection for carts. 8. Facility for resupply of ammunition. 9. The most important and immediate targets. 10. Location and strength of the various hostile bodies, 11. Location, or probable location, of the hostile machine guns. AGENTS. 328. 1. L'ntil all elements of the command are in position, agents are especially careful, even without instruction, to watch for and render information to the captains, officers, men of the various details, and others entitled to it. 110 MACHINE-GTJIT DRILL REGTJLATIOJSIS. .1917. 2. Under the direction of the machine-gun commander, main- tain communication between the various elements of the com- mand. 3. Each agent must — (a) Keep himself informed as to the location of the ele- ments of the command, so tliat he can furnish tiiis information to others. (&) Seek the best routes of approach and study ihe ground in and around the pojiition. to enable hira to guide elements into new positions and to trans- mit information bet^^'een the major and neighbor- ing troops. 4. Agents must keep in mind the following : (a) Before starting with a message they ask the follow- ing questions, if their information is not clear : (*L) What is the official designation of the one to whom the message is to be delivered? (2) Where is the person to whom it is to be delivered? (3) What is the best and shortest way there, or can I be given a map of the route? (4) Am I to report back as soon as the mes- sage is delivered ; if not, to whom shall I report? (h) Important messages in writing should have their pur- port understood by the bearer, so that, if neces- sary, they may be destroyed to prevent their fell- ing into the hands of the enemy. (c) On the envelope containing a written message is written : (1) Name of messenger. (2) Date and hour of departure, as: February 15, 9.40 a. m. (3) Rate of speed. (F. S. R.. par. 3G.) (d) Agents must understand how to ride at the different rates of speed, (c) If mounted and ordered to deliver a message, and the hour of departure and rate are not indicated, they ask for them. (/) At all times they keep informed as to the location of their own units. MACHINE- GUN DRILL REGTJLATIONS, 1917. Ill ii/) Note carefully tlie country traversed. (h) Move promptly \vhen on an errand. All military per- sons are required to render assistance in expedit- ing movements of agents. (i) On reaching destination, call out designation of per- son sought. (;■) Having delivered message: (1) Ask if ther-e is any reply. (2) If receiver forgets to do so, ask that he initial the envelope and record hour and date thereon. (7j) If avrare of the na^i;ure of the message carried, after delivering it, report any circumstances affecting the situation which have arisen since leaving the sender. (l) Always repeat a verbal message, word for word, in the presence of the sender, making certain they understand the meaning of the message. (711) After diligent search, if the person to whom the mes- sage is sent can not be found, endeavor to lind some other person who can take advantage of the information conveyed. Whether this can be done or not. always report back to the sender with full statement of facts in the case. (n) Unless otherwise directed, always report back to the sender whether or not the message was delivered, (o) When a messenger carries a message unsealed or not marked " Confidential " he will permit commanders along the route to read it. He sees that they initial the envelope and record the hour and date wiien they read the contents. Wlien it is desirable that neighboring troops get information from a message sent to a superior that fact is noted on the envelope, and it is the duty of the messenger to see that they get it. He must see that they initial the envelope and record the hour and date thereon. SCOUTS. 329. Under the direction of the major or company com- mander — 112 MACHINE-GXm i)EILL REGULATIONS, l&l 7. 1. Act as markers at crossroads, etc., where doubt may arise as to the correct route. 2. Usually operate in pairs, under the supervision of a recon- naissance officer. 3. Understand ' the duties of carrvins; messages as outlined under "Agents" (328). 4. liegarding reports, scouts must keep in mind the following : (a) Word a report like a telegram, brief and clear, but omit nothing that is Important. (h) Write legibly. (c) Names of persons and places .should be in block letters. (d) Report facts and avoid vagueness. (e) Report hearsay information as such and state its source. (/) Always give the reason for surmises. {[/) A report about the enemy should answer the follow- ing questions : (1) By whom seen? (2) How many? (3) What arm? (4) Where? (5) What doing? (6) At what time seen? (h) A report is of no value unless it give.s — (1) Designation of sender or .sending detachment. (2) Place. (3) Date and hour. (4) Signature and rank. (0 When more than one report is sent from a scout to the same person, the reports should be numbered consecutively. (;■) Copies should be kept of all messages. (/:) "Negative" reports are of great value at times. They show where the enemy is not and what the scout or patrol is doing:. (?) Always use compass bearings in reports — never right or left, except when referring to river banks. (m) A message should state what the scout or patrol is going to do next. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 113 (?i) In making a verbal report, think out beforehand wliat is to l)e said ; give the report coolly and be certain that it is understood. Section II. — The Major. 330. The duties described and enumerated for the major apply equally as well to any machine-gun oflicer commanding machine guns attached to a command. IN ATTACK. 1. Advancing to the battle field, ha marches with the com- manding officer In order that he may — (a) Receive information and orders personally from the commander. ( h ) Personally reconnoiter the ground. 2. After hiiving received his orders the major makes a special reconnaissance, assisted by reconnaissance officers and scouts, in order to obtain information concerning — (a) Exact location and disposition of the enemy. (b) Location and disposition of troops he is supporting. (c) Favorable location for machine-gun companies. id) The best routes of advance. (c) And such other information as the situation requires. 3. Orders company commandei's to report to him, designating the rendezvous. 4. Orders machine-gun companies forward, specifying — (a) The formation they take while advancing. (b) Where they will halt. 5. Assembles company commanders. 6. In his orders to them he covers — (a) Information of the enemy. (b) Position of supporting troops, neighboring troops, and guns. (c) The general object to be obtained. id) The special problem for each unit, including — (1) The number of guns placed in action. (2) The number of guns placed in reserve. (3) Designation and apportionment of the target. 114 MACHINE-GXJJJ DRILL REGULATIONS 1917, (e) The point, or time, if possible, at which lire is to be opened, (/) Orders for flanli protection and reconnaissance, un- les covered by orders froni higher authoritj". 7, Orders comnumicatlon witli — (a) Giins going forward. (&) Guns in reserve. (c) Firing line. id) The commander. S. Arranges the supply of ammunition. ; 9. Announces his position and that of the higher commander. ARRANGES FOR EVENTS SUBSEQLT:NT TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the attack is successful : (a) Designates units that are to — (1) Continue firing on the retreating enemy. (2) Watch for, and hinder, any re-forming of the enemy. (3) Place curtain of fire in front of captured posi- tion. (b) Designates units that are to move forward as soon as rlie captured position is secured. (c) Gives those units the following instructions: (1) When they shall advance. (2) By v%-hat route. (3) Approximate positions they must take. (4) Approximate sectors they must cover. (5) Whetlier or not they sacrifice their guns if necessary to hold the captured ground. (6) What communications to establish. (d) Arranges for ammunition supply for guns moving forward. 2. When attack is unsuccessful — (a) Designates the guns that are to cover the retirement of the firing line by — (1) Covering the enemy's fire position. (2) Phicing a curtain of fire in front of retreat- ing troops. (&) Gives explicit orders that these guns will not retreat until ordered. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 116 (c) Selects successive positions in rear, fn case he is forced to retire. DURING THE ATTACK. 1. Watches closely the progress of events by maintaining com- munication with — (a) Tlie commanding officer. (b) The guns in action, (c) Forward observers, id) The guns in reserve, 2. In the absence of instructions from the commanding officer, makes such changes as he considers necessary to meet the chang- ing tactical situation, 3. Supervises ammunition supply, IN DEFENSE, 331. 1. Receives orders from the commanding officer cover- ing— (a) Information of the enemy. (&) Information of friendly troops. (c) The general plan of the commr.nder. (d) The tasks assigned the machi:ie gun, (c) Arrangements for supplying ammunition to combat trains, (/) Arrangements for supplying rations and forage. 2, The major then thoroughly recounolters, with the assist- ance of reconnaissance officers and scouts, the sector his bat- talion is to cover. 3, This reconnaissance should cover — (a) Location of the firing line, (&) The terrain in front and rear, (c) All avenues of approach, (fZ) All dead space. (c) Favorable positions for machine guns. (/) Communication laterally and to the rear. 4, Arranges for establishing communication— (a) Within his command. (6) With the firing line. (c) With the commanding officer. 116 MACHINE-GTJN DRIIL HEGTJLATIONS 1917. 5. Specifies place for caits aud animals. 6. Assisted by the captains, plans and orders constructed the * necessary — (a) Cover for gun crews. (&) Obstacles. (c) Commnnicating: trenches. (d) Splinter and bomb proofs. (e) Ammunitation depots. 7. Arranges for mutual supporting fire — (a) AVithin his sector. (b) Wirh adjacent machine-gun commanders. 8. Sees that observers are stationed with the firing line. ARRANGES FOR EMENTS SI'BSEQUENT TO THE ENEMY'S ATTACK. 1. When assault by the enem.y is unf?uccessful — («) Directs that all available fire power be brought to bear upon the retreating enemy. 2. When assault by the enemy is successful — (a) Designates; the guns to cover the retreat by — (1) Enfilading, fire, and communicating trenches. (2) Placing curtains of fire across the position. (3) Preventing the bringing up of machine guns and supports. (?)) Gives explicit orders that guns will not retire unless ordered. DVEING THE enemy's ATTACK. 1. Watches closely the progress of events by maintaining com- munication with — (a) The commanding oflScer. (b) The guns in action. (c) Forward observers, (f?) The guns in reserve. 2. In absence of instructions from the commanding officer, makes such changes as he considei's necessary to meet the changing tactical situation. 3. Supervises ammunition supply. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 117 Section III. — Battalion Staff. 332. Battalion adjutant, battalion sergeant major, and supply sergeant accompany the major. For the duties of signalmen and agents, see paragraph 328. They assist the major as directed, by — 1. Reconnaissance. 2. Maintaining contact with brigade or division headquarters. 3. Maintaining contact with supporting guns. 4. Receiving and sending visual signals. 5. Carrying messages. 6. Observing the course of events. 7. Keeping copies of all orders, messages, and other data necessaiy for his war diary. seegeant major. 333. Under the direction of the major — 1. Marks the route to he followed by the battalion. 2. Ascertains from the adjutant or major — (a) The rendezvous at which to assemble the captains, and instructs a signalman to watch for and guide them to it. 3. Superintends the work of the signal corporal and signal private in establishing communication with the various gun positions. It is a general rule that the buzzer wire should be laid from reay- to front. The hand reel will then be in front, and if a forward movement is made the length of the wire can easily be extended. 4. In general charge of all messages received or sent by flag or messenger. (a) Keeps a chronological record of all important mes- sages received or sent. (J)) Supervises the sending of messages to reconnoitering parties and observers sent to the front. SUPPLY SEKGEANT. 334. Under the direction of the major — 1. Is responsible for the battalion headquarters property. 2. Commands the battalion headquarters, ration and baggage wagon, and ration cart. 118 MACHINE-GTJN DEILL EEGTJLATIONS, 1917. STABLE SERGEANT. 335. Under the direction of the senior train lieutenant — 1. Acts as wagonmaster for the train. 2. Takes prompt measures to avoid delays due to breakages, etc. 3. Is responsible to the train lieutenant for the care of the animals. THE SIGNAL CORPORAL. 336. 1. Under general supervision of the battalion sergeant major, has charge of, and is responsible for. all signal equipment of the battalion, makes such tests and repairs as he ma.v be authorized to make, and at the first opportunity reports to the adjutant all trouble which he can not remedy. 2. Commands the battalion signalmen on the march. .3. Learns from the leading company commander when com- munication is to be estal)lished and at once reports to the major. 4. Under the direction of the sergeant major, establishes com- munication. 5. Acts as signalman at the battalion station, reporting to the adjutant or major when communication with the various units is established or broken. G. Learns from the adjutant or major what artificial cover is required for the station, and, assisted by signalmen and agents, constructs it at the first opportunity. SIGNAL PBR^ATE. 337. 1. Assists the signal corporal in establishing communi- tion. 2. Assists in constructing artificial cover for the station. 3. Assists, or records, for the signal corporal. Section IV. — The Captain. IN attack. 338. 1. AVhen the machine-gun company is not a part of a machine-gun battalion the duties prescribed for tha major apply. I . MACHINE-GTJW DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 119 When the company is part of the machine-gun battalion, the position of the captain is with his company, and is such that— («) He can best control his company. {b) He can keep in easy communication with battalion headquarters. 2. Conducts his company on the march to the point where carts must be left behind. 3. Receives orders from the major covering the following: (a) Information of the enemy, ( b ) Position of supporting troops, neighboring troops, and guns. (c) Tlie general object to be obtained. id) The •special mission for his company and the sector to be covered. (e) The point or time at which fire is to be opened. (/) Orders for flank protection and reconnaissance, un- less covered by orders from higher authority. (g) The major's position and that of the next higher commander. 4. Selects position for combat trains. 5. Arranges for ammunition supply by — (a) Notifying his platoon commanders to keep him in- formed as to the position of their belt-tilling sta- tions. (b) Causing first sergeant to establish, with the ammuni- tion carts, communication between the belt-filling stations and the combat train. (PI. YII.) (c) Giving instruction to the train lieutenant to keep ammunition carts replenished with ammunition. 6. Reconnoiters, with the assistance of his reconnoissance offi- cer and scouts, the sector assigned him in order to obtain de- tailed information as to the — (a) Exact location and disposition of the enemy, (b) Location and disposition of troops he is supporting. (c) Favorable positions for machine guns, (tZ) The best routes of advance, 7. Selects gun positions with a view to using cross and flank- ing fire. These oositions should have — (a) Clear Afield of fire. 120 MACHrNE-GUN DRILL HEGTJLATIONS,. 1917. (h) Sufficient height above, or distance from the flanli of the firing line, so as not to endanger the attacking troops. (c) Cover to the front and protection from the llantLS. (d) Communication laterally and to the renr. 8. Determines the number of i2:uns to be placed in the sector and the number to be kept in support. 9. Assigns tasks to the platoon or sections, being careful that neighboring guns afford mutual supporting fire (not necessarily adjacent guns). 10. Gives instructions covering: (a) Where the guns are to be held under cover. (h) AVhen the positions selected are to be occupied. (c) When fire is to be opened, id) What cover, if any. is to be constructed. (c) The communication to be established. (PI. VIII.) (/) The position of the captain and the major. ARRANGES FOR EVE^'TS SUBSEQUENT TO TUE ATTACK. 1. When the attack is successful : (o) Designates guns that are to — (1) Continue firing on the retreating enemy. (2) Watch for, and hinder, any re-forming of the enemy. (3) Place a curtain of fire in front of captured position. (h) Designates guns that are to move forward as soon as the captured position is secured, (c) Gives these units the following instructions: (1) When they shall advance. (2) By wliat route they shall advance. (3) Approximate positions they must take. (4) Api:)roximate sectors they must cover. (5) Whether or not the\- sacrifice their guns if necessary to hold the captured ground. (6) What comnnini cations to establish. (7) What arrangements to make for supplying ammunition to guns moving forward. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 121 2. When the attack is unsuccessful : (a) Desiiiuates the guns that are to cover the retirement of the firing by — (1) Covering the enemy's fire position. (2) Placing curtain of fire in front of retreating troops. (h) Gives explicit orders that these guns will not retreat until ordered, (c) Selects successive positions in rear for use in case the line continues to retire. DUEING THE ATTACK. 1. Observes fire effect. 2. In the absence of instructions from the major makes such changes as he considers necessary to meet the changing tactical situation. 3. Is responsible for the supply of ammunition. (PI. VII.) 4. Maintains communication with (see PI. VIII) — (a) The firing line. (&) The major, (c) The guns. IN DEFENSE. 339. Deliberate occupation of position. 1. Receives orders from major. See paragraph 330. 2. Thoroughly reconnoiters the terrain in the neighborhood of the position. 3. Selects gun positions v.iiich fulfill as nearly as possible the following requirements : (a) Open field of fire in the direction in which the fire is to be used (to the front, or flank, or parallel to the firing line). (&) Concealment from the front, flank, and overhead. (c) Guns can be escheloned. (d) Guns at least 30 yards apart. (e) Fire not masked by our troops, if position is in rear of firing line. 122 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. (/) Fire from them can he hrought to bear on — (1) All avenues of approach by the enemy. (2) Places wlK^re enemy is apt to assemble for the attack, (3) Such points as will cover the v\ith(lrav\'al of our troops if defeated. (4) All dead spaces in front of the firin.t; line. 4. Selects alternate ?un positions. 5. Notifies the firing line if overhead fire is to be used. 6. Assigns sectors and fronts to be covered. 7. Sends observer, or observers, forward with the firing lino. 8. Directs the preparation of range cards. 9. Specifies the kind of cover to be constructed. 10. Arranges for conmnmication with (see PI. VIII) — (ff) The gun positions. (&) The firing line. (c) The machine-gun commander. 11. Arranges for ammunition supply by establishing supply service between the combat train and the gun positions (.PI. VII). DUKING THE ENEMY's ATTACK. 1. Determines when and by what gims fire is to be opened. 2. :Makes necessary changes to meet the tactical situation, unless otherwise ordered by the major. 'A. Puts his reserve guns into action if the situation war- rants it. 4. Keeps in constant communication with — («) The firing line. (b) The major. (c) His guns. \ .5. Insures a continuous supply of ammunition. G. Arranges for the necessary care of the wounded. 7. Provides for replacing casualties. E\'ENTS SmJSEQUENT TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the enemy's attack is unsuccessful : (a) Directs all available fire power upon the retreating enemy. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 123 2. When the enemy's attack is successful. {a) Directs his guns to cover the retreat of the firing line by — (1) Infilading communicating and fire trenches. (2) Placing curtains of fire across the position. (3) Preventing the bringing up of machine guns and supports. Note. — Arrangements must be made previous to the attack and each gun given explicit instructions as to its duty. The captain will rarely be able to command his guns in this situa- tion, but will rely upon the platoons, sections, and gun squads carrying out the preconceived plan of action. Sectiox V. — First Lieutenant and Reconnaissance Officer. 340. His duties, when the captain is absent on reconnaissance, are to — {a) Command the company. (&) Conduct the company to the position selected. (c) Make all necessary preparation previous to taking up the position. id) Verify the systems of communication and supply. (e) Supervise the construction of cover, obstacles, etc. 341. As reconnaissance officer, he is charged with — {a) Securing by personal reconnaissance and the assist- ance of scouts such information of the enemy, our own troops, or the terrain as is desirable or ordered. {!)) Supervising the work of scouts, observers, etc. (c) Securing firing data, sketches, and other information required for the direction and conduct of fire. (cZ) Observing the field of action, watching for move- ments of the enemy and our troops fiat may affect the situation, and keeping his commanding officer informed as to changes in the situation. Note. — For detailed duties of reconnaissance officers and scouts, see paragraphs 327-329. 124 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Sectiox VI. — Enlisted Personnel. FIRST SERGEANT. 342. Under direction of the captain — in) Selects position for the carts. (h) Conducts carts to position .selected. (c) Establishes comnnmication with belt-tilling stations established in rear of gun positions. (d) Insures continuous supply of ammunition to belt- lilling .stations from combat train. (PI. YII.) (e) Places animals and carts under cover. (/) Supervises construction of necessary cover for carts and drivers. THE SERGEANT. (Company range taker.) 343. 1. Assists reconnaissance officer in preparing — (a) Reports. ib) Sketches. (r) liange cards. (d) Firing data. 2. Conunands company agents and scouts. 3. Is responsible for the care sind adjustment of the range finder. 4. Obtains rimges required l)y the captain and reconnais- sance oflicer. THE CORPORAL. (Company clerk.) 344. Under the direction of the captain, attends to the details of company administration. THE SIGNAL CORPORAL. 345. Under the captain's direction — (a) Is responsible for all signal property. (&) Makes such repairs as he may be authorized to make. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATION?, 1917. 125 (c) Reports to the captain all trouble that he can not remedy. (cl) Comir.ands the company signalmen. (c) Carries the two buzzers. (/) Establishes buzzer stations. iff) Assisted by the signal private — (1) Lays and takes up buzzer lines. (2) Seuds and receives messages. (3) Keeps record of important messages sent and received. SIGNAL PEIVATE. 346. Detailed from the company signalmen to assist the signal corporal — (a) In caring for the signal property. (b) By carrying the hand reel. (c) By laying buzzer wire. (d) In establishing buzzer station. (e) In receiving and sending messages. (/) In recording messages sent and received. COMPANY BUGLEES. 347. They accompany the captain and — (a) Give commands ordered by the captain. (&) One acts as horse holder for the captain, (c) Act as messengers when directed. Section ^'II. — The Platoon Leadee. in attack. 348. 1. The platoon leader takes a position from which he can control his platoon and watch the captain for signals. 2. Advancing to the battle field, marches at the head of his platoons. 3. Receives orders from the company commanders covering the points enumerated in paragraphs 338 and 339. 33325"— IS o 126 MACHINE-GUN DKILL EEGULATIONS 1917. 4. If time is available, turns the platoon over to the senior leader, and. with the platoon range taker, advances to the posi- tion selected for his guns/ 5. Selects the exact positions for his guns and alternate posi- tions. 6. Assisted by range taker, obtains ranges and prepares range cards. 7. Makes any necessary reconnaissance. 8. Inionus section leaders of the — (a) Situation. {b) Task assigned the platoons. (c) Tasks assigned the sections. (d) The positions to be taken. (e) The cover to be constructed. (/) Arrangements for signal conmuinication. (PI. VIII.) (p) Arrangements for ammunition supply. (PI. VII.) 9. At the proper time conducts the platoon to positions. 10. Supervises th.e construction of cover. 13. Verifies targets and sectors assigned. 12. Si)ecifies the kind of fire to be used. 13. Gives command for opening fire. DURING THE ATTACK. 1. Observes fire effect. 2. Make'-- changes in ranges and kinds of fire where necessary. 3. Keeps the company conunander informed as to the progress of th.e action in his front. 4. Insures annnunition supply. KVKXTS Sl-nSEQUENT TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the attack is 5-.uccessful. he carries out the plan given him by the company commander (338). 2. When the jittack is unsuccessful, he carries out the plan (,uti:red by the company commander (338). ^ He may require the section leaders to accompany him. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 127 IN DEFENSE. (Deliberate occupation of position.) 349. 1. Receives orders from company connnander. 2. Assists tlie company commander — (a) Reconnoiter tiie position. ( h ) Select gun positions. 3. Under the direction of the company commander — . (a) Supervises construction of — (1) Emplacements. (2) Obstacles. (3) Communicating trenches. (4) Caves for ammunition :-ear emplacements. (h) Prepares — (1) Range cards. (2) Data for night firing. (3) Data for overhead fire. (4) Data for indirect fire. (c) Sends observer forward. (d) Arranges for communication between platoon and observer and platoon and captain. (PI. VIII.) (c) Specifies the kind and rate of fire. (/) Gives commands for opening fire. DL~RING THE ATTACK. 1. Observes fire effect. 2. Notifies the company commander immediately of any new targets in his front. 3. Shifts the fire icifliin his sector in accordance with the changing situation. 4. Insures ammunition sup])ly. (PI. VII.) 5. Replaces casualties. G. Provides for the care of the wounded. E\'ENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the enemy's attack is unsuccessful, carries out the plan of action previously arranged (339). 128 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. 2. When the enemy's attack is successful, carries out the plan arranged to cover that contingency (339). Section VIII. — The Section Leader. IN ATTACK. 350. ]. T.-ikes a position from which he can — (o) Control the squads constituting his section. (b) (^lisorve the target and tire effect. (c) Observe the platoon leader for signals. 2. Receives orders from platoon leader. 3. Conducts his section to the position indicated by the platoon leader. 4. Establishes belt-tilling stjition or stations with Xos. 5 and 6 of the squads. 5. Carries out the platoon leader's orders by providing for — (a) Conceal naent. (b) Cover. (r) Connnuiucation. 6. Obtains data for kind of fire used. 7. Selects aiming marks when targets are indistinct or masked. 8. Announces sight settings (range and windage) and assigns sectors to the gun squads. 9. Specifies the kind of fire (1.")). 10. Checks laying of tlie guns when overliead fire is used. 11. When Ids squad leader signals " Ready," he signals the platoon leader " Ready." 12. When the platoon leader signals " Commence firing," re- peats the signal to the corporals. nriUNG THE ATTACK. 1. Observes fire effect. 2. When the section is not firing, insures that the front assigned is kept under constant observation. 3. Changes sight settings when necessary. 4. Changes method of firing when necessary or ordered. 5. Assures himself that the signalman constantly observes the platoon leader for signals. MACHINE-GUN DRILL PwEGTJLATIONS. 1917. 129 6. Permits no members of liis section, other than Nos. 3 and 4, to ffo to the rear for ammunition. 7. When casualties occur in Iiis section, ijignals the belt- filling: stations for extra men. 8. Carries out such advances as are necessary. 9. When he reaches a new position, immediately upon open- ing fire, estai)l:shes contact with units to his right and left. 10. If on a flank, insures that he will receive timely informa- tion of any changes in that direction. EVENTS SL'BSEQUEN'T TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the attack is successful, carries out the plan of action previously arranged. 2. When the attack is unsuccessful, carries out plan provided for that contingency. IX DEFENSE. (Deliberate occupation of position.) 351. 1. Receives orders from the platoon l(?ader. 2. Directs the construction of: (a) Emplacements. (b) Obstacles. (c) Communicating trenches. (d) Caves for ammunition near emplacements. 3. Assists the platoon leader in preparing: (a) Range cards. (h) Data for night firing, (c) Data for overhead tire. (fZ) Data for indirect fire. 4. Arranges for communication with platoon leader. 5. If necessary, sends observer forward. 6. Orders the rate of fire. 7. When the squads signal "Ready," repeats the signal .j the platoon leader. 8. Gives command for opening fire. 130 MACKINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. DURING THE ATTACK. 1. Observes fire effect. 2. Imuiediatoly. upon the appearance of a new target in his sector, notifies the phitoon leader .*i. Shifts the fire within his sector in accordance with the changing situation. 4. "WjiK'hes carefully the ammunition supply, f). Replaces casualties. 0. Provides for the care of the wounded. EVENTS SrnSEQUEXT TO THE ATTACK. 1. When the enemy's attack is unsuccessful, carries out the plan previously arranged. 2. When the enemy's attack is successful, carries out the plan arranged for that contingency. Section IX — The Coupoual. IN ATTACK. o52. l. The corjioral of the gun squad is in direct charge of the s(|nad in enforcing tire discipline, and assists in fire control. 2. When the gun is in action, the corporal takes a position from which he can observe the fire of the gun and communicate with his section leader. o. Receives ordeis from the platoon or section leader. 4. Constructs such cover as time will permit. 5. Sees that communication is established with the section leader. 6. Issues fire order. (a) Announces range and deflection. (b) Takes the target assigned, or that portion of the sec- tion's target which corresponds to the position of the squad in the section. (c) Designates the target, or aiming mark, to his gun- ners. (d) Verifies sight setting. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 131 (e) Announces kind of fire. (/) AVhen his squad is ready, signals Ready. At the platoon or section leader's order, or signal, to com- mence firing he gives the proper command for his gunners to open fire. (g) If a time has b^eu set for opening fire, he opens fire at the specified time without command. 7. Carefully instructs his squad covering — (a) The passing of orders and signals. (h) The plan of action to be followed during the attack. (c) The plans of action covering the period subsequent to the attack. DUKING THE ATTACK. 1. Insures that the gunner fires at the designated target. 2. Prevents slighting of indistinct or invisible portions of the target. 3. Prevents changing fire to unauthorized targets. 4. Maintains constant observation to the front for appearance of the enemy and to observe effect of fire. 5. Enforces prompt obedience to orders to suspend or cease firing. 6. Makes men use the ground to full extent for concealment. 7. Must know thoroughly the drill regulation signals and have a practical knowledge of handling machine-gun fire. 8. Checks every breach of fire discipline, abates excitement, and prevents any man from leaving the squad. 9. When necessary, takes command of the section, notifying the gunner to take command of the squad. IN DEFENSE. 353. 1. Receives orders from the section leader. 2. Requires his squad to construct — [ (a) Emplacements. ' (&) Obstacles. (c) Communicating trenches. (d) Caves for ammunition near emplacements. 132 MACHINE-GITN DRILL EEC-TJLATIONS, 1817. 3. Inspects — («) His machine gun and tripod. (b) Tlie tool box. (c) The belt-til lin'4 nuichine. (d) All bolts. (c) Water box. 4. Establislips belt-filling station nt»ar c;un emplacement. 5. Carefully instructs his squad as to — in) The squad sector or .^cctors. (b) The kinds of fire to be used. (c) The time for opening: fire. {(1) The passing: of orders and sijrnals. (c) The rules to be observed by the sentinel or sentinels at the ;run. 6. Establishes aiming marks for indirect fire and night firing. 7. Outlines the plans of action covering the period subsequent to the assault. 5. During the enemy's attack carries nut the duties described for him " During the attack." SEc■TI0^' X. — The Private. IX ATTACK AXn IX DEFEXSE. 354. The private must be trained — 1. To re<'()g]n'ze targets from description. 2. To designate targebs. 3. To count distant groups of objects or beings. 4. To use rear sight in designating targets. o. To use horizontal clock system, singly or in combination with vertical clock or rectangular systems, in designating tar- gets. 6. To set sights quickly and accurately as ordered. 7. To aim carefully and deliberately from habit, and to main- tain the correct hold. 5. To fire at the rate ordered. 9. To fire at the designated target. 10. To continue firing on the designated target and to change therefrom only when ordered. 11. Not to slight invisible or indistinct parts of the target. MACHmE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS: 1917. 133 12. To inainliiiii constant ohsorvation to the front. 13. To utilize I'oids of j^i-ound for concealment. 14. To select firinji: positioiLS. 15. To understand effect of various backgrounds with respect to vi^-ibility of targets presented by the enemy or by himself. 10. To fire the gun from all poyitions; behind hillocks, trees, heaps of earth, rocks, depressions, gullies, ditches, doorways, windows, etc. 17. To obey promptly orders from Iiis corporal to suspend or cease firinr/. IS. To watch closely for tlie expected target after having suspended firing. 19. To obey promptly all orders from hi« squad leader. 20. To transmit firing data rapidly and accurately. 21. To have confidence in his own ability to hit. 22. To maintain silence except when transmitting or receiving firing data. 23. To retain presence of mind. 24. Not to waste ammunition. 25. Never to care for dead or wounded during action. 2G. That the first rule of every machine gunner should be to remain at his post and never quit his gun. 27. To know how to disable liis gun quickly and effectively when necessary. 28. Never to fire until he understands what the taryet is, at ichat imrt he is to fire, and with what sight setting. Section XI. — The Gu^'xkks. NO. 1. 355. 1. Carries the gun. 2. Personally cleans and looks after the gun, insures that the I mechanism is working smoothly and that water jacket is full. I 3. Observes his own fire when possible. 4. Is responsible for the operation of the gun and takes such steps as are necessary to insure proper functioning of the mech- anism at all times. 5. Sets sight as directed by the corporal. 6. Directs kind of fire ordered. 134 MACHINE-GTTN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. 7. Corrects stoppages. 8. Sees that the tool and spare part boxes are couveuiently within his reach. NO. 2. 356. 1. Carries tripod. 2. Loads the gun. 3. Sees that the belts being fed into the gun are clean and that the cartridges are properly loaded in belt. 4. Watches roller handle in order to diagnose stoppages. 5. In case of a stoppage, assists No. 1 in reducing it. 6. Sees that ammunition is supplied in the necessary quanti- ties by Nos. 3 and 4. NO. 3. 357. 1. Carries two ammunition boxes. 2. Supplies ammunition to No. 2. 358. 1. Carries tool box, condensing device, and one ammuni- tion box. 2. Returns emptied belts to belt-filling station. 3. Assists No. 3 in supplying No. 2 with ammunition. 359. 1. Establish belt-fdling station. 2. Supply filled belts to Nos. 3 and 4, NO. 7. 360. 1. Is responsible for the gun mule, cart, and equipment. NO. s. 361. 1. Is responsible for the care of the ammunition mule, cart, and ammunition. 2. Supplies ammunition to the belt-filling station. 3. Refills his cart from the combat train. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS- 1917. 135 Section XII. — The Person xei. with the Trains. SECOND lieutenant IN CIIAltGE OF TRAINS. (Active operation.) 36S. 1. Under the direction of the captMin lie is responsible for the supply of — ( a ) Ammunition. (&) Rations and forage. (c) Equipment. 2. Commands the combat train. 3. During action maintains ammunition supply betv/oen the field trains and ammunition carts. 4. Sees that the personnel and materiel of the combat train are cared for, 5. Reports to the' captain any break in the line of supply. MESS sergea>;t. 383. Under the direction of the train lieutenant he commauds th(^ kitchen wagon while in the held and is responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals to the men while on the march and during engagements. SUPPLY SERGEANT. 384. Under the direction of the train lieutenant — 1. Commands the ration and water carts. 2. Is responsible for the care of animals. 3. On the march and during engagements, maintains supply of rations and v/ater. BTARLE SERGEANT. 365. Under the direction of the train lieutenant — . 1. Conmiands the combat train. 2. Is responsible for the care and preservation of ammunition in the combat wagon, IN ATTACK AND IN DEFENSE. 366. 1. Establishes communication with ammunition carts. 2. Maintains a service of supply between the ammunition trains and the ammunition carts. PAET IV. CARE AND EANDLIIvTG OF AMMAIS. Section I. — General Principles. 367. It is essential that a iiuichino-gim ofRccr have a thorou?:li and practical knowledge of ho^Y to care for, condition, and tralQ the animals under his charcre. Deficiency in this knowledge will result in material and avoidable wastage of animals in time of war. The animal requires intelligent care in order that his health and strength may be preserved ; he must be in hard and physically tit condition, else the amount of useful work he is able to'perform will be greatly reduced and his power of resist- ance to injury and disease lowered ; and he requires careful training in ordei* that he may work intelligently and obediently and with the minimum expenditure of muscular and nervous energy. Oflicers should make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the physiology- of the animals under their charge and with the effects of different m.ethods of treatment, changes of diet, etc.. upon the systems and power of endurance of these ani- mals. In addition, they should have a familiar knowledge of the symptoms and treatment of the diseases that are common to horses and mules, what to do in emergencies, and a good knowl- edge of the effects of medicines issued. They should also pos- sess a practical understanding of the principles of horseshoe- ing. The ofhcer in charge of horses and mules must carefully instruct his men in the treatment, stabling, watering, feedinL-. grooming, and exercising of the horses, and by continuous super- vision and in.«?truction insure himself that his instructions are thoroughly understood and fully caiTied out. 13G MACHINE-GUN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 137 Section II. — Genebal Rules foe the Care of Animals. 368. All men who are required to work with horses e led. backed, or ridden out of tlie stable. If they are unwilling, a coat or gunny sack should be thrown over their eyes. Care should be taken that they do not break back into the stables. 392. The lieutenant in charge should make it a point to visit the stables occasionally at odd times of the day. The habits and peculiarities of animals may be rauch better studied when the men are away than when grooming is going on. Section IX. — PYeuing. 393. Three principles should be adhered to in feeding : 1. Water a thirsty animal before feedfng him. 2. Feed in small quantities and often. 8. Do not work an anin}al hard immediately after a full feed. All animals should be fed three times a day — at reveille, in the middle of the day. and at night. This rule must be rigidly enforced on the march, the noon grain being carried on the ani- mal or in the Magon. The forage ration for a horse is 14 pounds of hay and 12 pounds of oats, corn, or barley. For a mule it is 14 ]>ounds of hay and 9 pounds of oats, corn, or barley. To each animal 3 pounds of bran may be issued in lieu of that quantity of grain. A dpsirnble (usrribution of the grain ration is, for a horse which MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 149 is getting 12 pounds per day, 3 pounds in the morning, 3 or 4 pounds at noon, and the rest at night. Hay, as a rule, is not fed in the morning : about one-third of the ration should be fed at noon, except on the march, and the remainder at night, 394. A bran m.ash acts as a mild laxative anrl should be fed once or twice a week to stabled animals, A little dry bran mixed with the oats is of value in compelling more thorough mastication and prevents greedy animals from bolting their grain. In spring or early summer the animals should be grazed daily when practicable. A lump of salt should be kept in each manger. Before feeding hay it should be thoroughly shaken out with a fork so as to get rid of dust and seed : it is also advisable to moisten the hay before feeding it. The grain, if possible, should be run over wire screens or allowed to fall through the air to remove dust. It is advisable to feed at least a portion of the allov\-ance of ha,y before feeding the grain. Grain should never be fed or placed in the mangers until it is certain that the animals are thoroughly cool. Never feed grain to a horse when heated or fatigued. Grain is a highly concentrated food that requires high digestive power. Abnorn.al temperature impairs the power of the digestive or- gans. If the animal has been worked to the point of fatigue, all bodily functions are for a time injuriously affected. For that reason he must be rested and his normal digestive power restored before concentrated food of any kind 's given to him. ( >a the other hand, hay, being a bulky food, will not hurt a ii')]'se, however heated or fatigued he may be. In the morning feed is usually placed in the manger at or herore reveille. The noon feed of hay is tisually placed in the nmnger while the organization is at drill, but the grain is not fod until the animals are thoroughly cool. Tlie evening feed is placed in the mangers after the stables have been thoroughly policed for the night. 395. Immediately after a full feed the stomach and bowels are distended. If hard work is given at once, they press against tlio lungs and impede their power of expansion, thus leading to lildwing and distress. Fast work should therefore be avoided alter a full feed. Moreover, though such work rarely results 150 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS,. 1917. in colic, it interferes with digestion to such an extent that loose- ness of the bowels occurs and the food passes through undigested and is wasted. Food remains in the stomach about one and one- half hours. Fast or heavy work should therefore be deferred from one and one-half to two hours after a full feed. 396. All animals do not require the same amount of forage; the amount given each nmst be l)ased, therefore, upon his indi- vidual requirements, which should be closely watched by the stable sergeant. AVhen a horse or mule leaves some of his grain his ration should be reduced that amount. The amount to be fed each animal each meal should be chalked up on a small black- board placed so as to be easily seen by the men distributing the grain. A convenient arrangement is a board about 12 inches high by 4 inches wide divided by two horizontal lines into three 4-inch squares. In the uppermost square should be marked in pounds tlie morning feed of grain, in the center square the noon feed, and in the bottom square the night feed. "When an animal is sick or injured, his grain ration should be reduced, depending upon the animal. When forage can n(^t he obtained grazing should be required at every spare moment, especially early in the morning when the dew is on the grass, but not if it is covered with frost. All forage should be inspected by the lieutenant in charge to see that ir is up to weight and contract specification,'::. A forage book showing daily entries of all forage drawn, fed. and remain- ing on hand, together with the number of the public and private animals fed, will be kept by the stable sergeant and checked daily by the lieutenant in charge. All ofiicers should be familiar with the characteristics of good forage and the manner in which it is commercially graded for contract specifications. To obtain this knowledge olhcers should be encouraged to visit large com- mercial stables. Barley possesses a husk so tough and indigestible that it should always be crushed before being fed, else a very great part of its nutrient value is lost. Sudden changes in food are to be avoided. The digestive organs are frequently unable to accommodate themselves to a sudden change and scouring, constipation, or colic may result. If sudden changes become necessary the ration of the new feed MACHIITE-GUN DUILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 161 sliOTilcl be greatly reduced and then increased gradually to the full requirements. Good oats weight about 40 pounds to the bushel, barley about 48 pounds, corn about 56 pounds. Pressed hay weighs about 11 pounds per cubic foot. Tlie standard bushel in the United States contains 2,150.4 cubic inches. A cubic yard contains 21.69 bushels. A box 16 by 16.8 by 8 inches holds 1 bushel ; a ])ox 12 by 11.2 by 8 inches holds half a bushel ; a box 8 by 8 by 8.4 inches holds 1 peck ; a box 8 by 8 by 4.2 inches holds one-half peck or 4 quarts. Section X. — Watering. 397. Give the animal an opportunity to drink before leaving the picket line or stable and before putting the bit in his mouth. Animals must be watered quietly and without confusion : the manner in which this duty is performed is an indication of the discipline of a command. They are to be led to and from water at a walk. At the j drinking place none should be hurried or have his head jerked . up from the water. All animals should be allowed ample time ! to drink their fill and not be led away the first time they raise ' their heads from the water. This must be carefully explained j to the untrained man who thinks, because an animal puts up i his head to get his wind after his first fill, that he is fi.nished. i In the field or on the march the watering is from the most j convenient running water ; in garrison it is usually from troughs, ! which should be cleaned each day. In warm weather water drawn from a cold well or spring should stand long enough for the chill to pass off. Watering is under the immediate direction of the stable ser- I geant in garrison and the section leader in the field, but if they , are liable to meet those of other commands at the watering ; place a commissioned officer should supervise 'this duty. All animals should be watered before feeding or not until two hours after feeding. Ordinarily they should be watered twice a day; in hot weather three times a day. In very cold w^eather once a day. about noon, is sufficient. A horse will rarely drink freely very early in the morning. 162 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. If a mounted command is to march a long distance without water, so that it will bo necessary to camp on route, the ani- mals are fed and denied water until ,1ust before starting, when they are permitted to drink freely. The command marches in the afternoon and does not encamp until it has accomplished at least half of the distance and moves early next morning to reach water. Watering the horses on the march depends in a great meas- ure upon the facilities to be had. If nothing is known as to the country over which the day's march is to be made, water call should be sounded shortly before leaving the camp and every horse given an opportunity to drink. As many animals, however, will not drink at an early hour, or until after exer- cising, the horses should be watered at the first opportunity. On severe marches frequent watering is of great benefit. Except as directed in paragraph 369, never water a horse when heated unless the exercise or march is to be resumed im- mediately ; if the exercise or march is to be resumed at once, water will be of the greatest benefit to the horse, no matter how heated he may be, but a horse should not be called upon to do fast work for at least half an hour after a big drink. A horse requires from 5 to 15 gallons of water daily, depend- ing upon the temperature and upon the work he is doing. SiiCTioN XI. — Shoeing. 398. Shoeing is done according to the principles outlined in (he authorized manual. All officers must understand the principles of proper shoeing and must supervise the work of the horseshoers, being espe- cially careful to see that the knife is not used improperly. All mounted men should know how to put on a shoe in an emergency. The following paragraphs are therefore here in- corporated : The foot should be prepared so that it will approximate as nearly as possible to a state of nature, and only such trimming is allowed as is absolutely necessary for the purpose of fitting and securing the shoe. The knife must never be used on the hars or on the frog. The bars strengthen the hoof and assist in its expansion. Cutting, MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. 163 therefore, weakens them and prevents them from performing their function. The practice of using the Icnife to trim the bars or to cut a notcli at the junction of tlie frog and bar at the heel (called " opening the heel " in civilian shops) always tends to produce contracted feet. Never use the knife on liat feet or on the hoof of an animal that has been running barefoot. liagged parts of the frog may be cut away by careful use of the nipper.s. ^^■ith a Hat foot it is frequently necessary to remove a part of the outer ed^e of the wall in order that the nails may be driven in the vdiite line, where they belong. This is the only case v.-here it is permitted to rasp the outside wall. The outer coating of the wall and the layers of dead horn on the sole and frog serve to retain the moisture in the hoof. The hot shoe must never be applied to the foot under any circumstances. V,'hen shoes are left on the feet too long, corns and other ail- ments are the result. Ordinarily a shoe should be replaced at least once a montii. The lightest shoe that will last for this time is the best shoe. It should carefully follow the form of the foot, or, if the foot is broken, the shoe follows the original form of the foot. Its length is regulated by the bulb of the frog. The ground surface of the shoe sliould be level and smooth, except for use in snow, v\heu the ground surface should be con- caved to prevent balling. That portion of the upper surface which presses against the bearing surface of the foot must be level, smooth, and accurately shaped to support it. and when the upper shoe surface is wider than the bearing surface the inner edge must be concaved to avoid excessive sole pressure. This is one of the most important requisites of correct horse- shoeing. Concussion of the sole against the inner edge of the upper shoe surface invariably produces soreness. 399. One side of the shank of a horseshoe nail is flat. The other side is concave and also has a bevel near the point. This bevel, as it enters into the horn, forces the point of the nail in the direction of the other, the flat, side. Therefore in driving a nail always hold it with the Hat side toward the outside edge of the shoe. 154 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Nails should come out at a height of not more than 1 inch from the bottom of the hoof. 400. In garrison, at the discretion of the colonel or of the commanding officer. th(> animals may be left unshod, but shoes will bo kept ready for each animal. INSPECTION OF SHOEING. 401. The following examination should be made while the animal is standing on a level floor with the foot on the ground: 1. Are the axes correct when viewed from the front and from the side? 2. l)oes the shoe follow the outer line of the wall to the last nail hole and from there extend outward, allowing about one- root ><^-"-*sr"'^'' prepdrecf ^or/* y^--'-'*^^^^^ ^usrUP the shoe /'iX 7V\_/^^,>,^^ d€drm§. -V V^^ i ^^^1 Frog- surface \W I \hd- - ^^^^^^ for the V5*«^^*^^ "^^^^ cffro^ shoe eighth of an inch at the heel for expansion? Has the rule against rasping the hoof to tit the shoe been violated? 3. Is the toe clip in the center properly made and properly seated? 4. Are the nails driven at the proper height and proper dis- tance apart? Have an; old stubs been left in the wall? .'). Ai-e the clinches well turned and set in, of the proper size, and have they been smoothed off but not rasped sufficiently to weaken them? The foot should be raised and the examination continued: 1. Is the shoe of the proper size and weight; the last nail hole back of the bend of the quarter? 2. Has enough horn been removed? Has too much been re- moved? Is the foot level? MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 165 3. Does the shoe rest evenly on the wall, covering the hut- tresses, and showing no air space at any point? 4. Is the shoe properly concaved so as to avoid pressure on the sole? 5. Has the knife been used on the bars, sole, or frog? 6. Are the nails well seated and of the proper size? 7. Arc the heels of the shoe correct in width and thickness and are they properly rounded, without sharp edges or points? Is their length even with the bulb of the frog? Section XII. — Sick Animals. 402. The animals on sick report are in charge of the stable sergeant, who reports daily to the captain for instructions as to their treatment. TJie sick animals are inspected daily. The names of the ani- mals on sick report, and the treatment they receive, are re- corded daily in the sick book. In treating sick animals, it is to be observed that very little medicine is ordinarily required, and that unnecessary doses do a great deal of harm. If an animal sustains an injury, neglects his feed, refuses to drink, or gives any evidence of sickness, it will be at once reported. No animal on sick report will be taken from the stable or picket line for exercise or work without permission from proper authority. 403. If there be at any time a suspicious discharge from one or both nostrils of an animal it must be immediately reported. To prevent contagion to man or beast, an animal that shows any decided symptom of glanders is to be isolated at once and confined or tied up in some locality where no other animal can approach him. ! 404. A glandered animal should be killed as soon as possible. I The stall in which he stood is torn down and all the woodwork I burned and the ironwork disinfected, or otherwise it is closed, ' and must remain empty until the rack, manger, and every f p;irt of the iron and v/oodwork, as also the vessels used in I watering and feeding and his saddle antl bit, have been three I or four times thoroughly washed with a 5 per cent solution of 166 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. carbolic acid or a 1 to 1.000 solution of corrosive sublimate; all parts to which the latter has been applied should be thor- oughly scrubbed with hot water to remove all traces of tlio poisonous salt. The application of a lime wash to all the stalls, after complete disinfection, will be desirable. Small articles, such as bits, etc.. can be disinfected by keeping them immersed for a half hour in boiling water. All articles of little value that have been used with a glandered horse, such as halters, bridles, horse cloths, saddle cloths, blankets, nose bags, currycombs, brushes, etc., should be destroyed. Stables occupied by infected or suspected horses should be disinfected daily by washing exposed surfaces with a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, and nose bags, halters, buckets used for drinking water, etc.. should be carefully washed with the same solution or with boiling water. 405. Drugs and dressings sufficient, under ordinary conditions for field service^ for 100 animals for one month : Boracic acid : 4 ounces, saturated solution, for disinfection of wounds of eye and vicinity. Carbolic acid : 16 ounces. A solution of 1 ounce to 1 quart of water to disinfect wounds of body. Alcohol : 1 quart ; 2 ounces in pint of water as a quick stimulant. Aloes : 20 ounces ; 1 ounce as a cathartic ; i ounce to pint of water stinuUates wounds. Alum : 4 ounces : ^ ounce to pint of water acts as a nice stimulant to wounds. Ammonia, aromatic spirits of: IG ounces; 2 ounces in pint of water a quick stimulant. Ammonia, solution of: S ounces; useCANnE. ^MALT£RSaU/fR£:. '3UDINGU0B QUfi/iTERSTRAPSAFL -fiiNs chape: QUARTFR STRAP RWff ■OSCHA STRAP CISCHA SAFE, yi CWCHA RINe. \^ CWCWl COVER. ■ HOR^^ HMR CINCHA. McClelland saddle. The strap is fastened as follows: Pass the end through the upper ring to the front and seize it with the left hand ; place the fingers of the right hand between the outside folds of the strap ; pull slQwly from the horse with the right hand and take up the slack with the left ; cross the strap over the folds, pass the end of it, with the right hand, underneath and through the 162 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. upper ring back to the folds ; theu down aud under the loop that crosses the fold aud draw it tijrhtly ; secure the end of the strap. Another method of fasteuing the cincha strap is as follows: Pass the end through the upper ring to the rear; seize it with the right hand, place the fingers of the left between the outer folds of the strap; pull slowly from the horse with the left hand and take up the slack with the right ; pass the end of the strap underneath and draw it through the upper ring until a loop is formed ; double the loose end of the strap and push it through the loop and draw the loop taut. The free end should then be long enough conveniently to seize with the hand. Having fastened the cincha strap, let down the right stirrup, then the left. The surcingle, if used, is then buckled over the saddle, and should be a little looser tlian the cincha. In saddling the horse the cincha must be tightened gradually, and not with violence, a practice that if persisted in renders a horse ill tempered and mean in saddling. FITTING THE SADDLE. 414. Great care must be taken in the fitting and adjustment of saddles to prevent sore backs. There are six axioms in saddle fitting: 1. The withers must not be pinched nor pressed upon. 2. The central line of the back must have no pressure put upon it. 3. The shoulder blades must have full, nnhampered move- ment. 4. The loins must not carry weight. 5. The weight must be put upon the ribs through the medium of the muscles covering them. G. The weight nmst be evenly distributed over a surface which extends from the play of the shoulders to the last true rib. To fit the saddle: 1. The saddle, without blanket, is placed In its proper position on the back. It should be noted whether the upper or lower edges or the front or rear of the 5?ide bars gouge into the back at any place. If this occurs, or if the saddle when lifted from the back a distance corresponding to the thick- MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 163 ness of the blanket otherwise fails perceptiblj' to conform to the outlines of the back, the test and remedy described below (5) should be made and applied. 2. The existence of wither pressure is determined by blanket- ing and saddling the horse and placing an assistant in the sad- dle. The hand is run over the top and along both sides of the withers beneath the blanket. To make the test effective the man in the saddle should lean forward, and the examiner should not be satisfied with anything less than the introduction of his entire hand. 3. It is noted that the central line of the back and also that the loins bear no weight even when the assistant in the saddle leans to the front, rear, or either side. 4. To determine if the blade bones have unhampered move- ment, the hand is passed underneath the blanket from the front until the play of the shoulder blade can be felt. The fore leg is raised and advanced to its full extent to the front by an assistant while the hand is in this position. If this can be done while the man in the saddle is leaning forward without pinching the fingers between the side bars and the shoulder blade, the fit in this respect is satisfactory. The test should be made on both shoulders. If the fingers are pinched, the blade bones will also be pinched and the action of the horse restricted. To correct the diflaculty the saddle must be raised, assuming that it is at the proper place on the back, by placing under it a greater thickness of blanket or by attaching pieces of felt under the side bars. 5. To ascertain whether the pressure of the side bars is evenly distributed the saddle is ridden for half an hour or more. On completion of the ride the saddle is carefully un girthed and lifted from the blanket without disturbing the latter in any way. The blanket will be found to bear the imprint of the side bars, and an examination of this depression will show at a glance whether the bars press evenly from top to bottom and from front to rear. This examination must be made quickly, as the elasticity of the blanket soon causes it to lose the im- pression of the^ side bars. Any irregularity in the fit of the side bars may be remedied by the introduction of pieces of felt to fill up the spaces between the side bars and the blanket. With very little practice these pieces of felt may be cut to the 164 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. required shape and thickness with a very shai-p knife. Some edges will need to be as thin as a knife edge ; other parts may require the addition of more than one thickness. After deter- mining where these pieces of felt are to rest, they are attached to the side bars with glue and bound in place* by sheepskin tacked to the side bars. The most radical alterations in the fit of the side bars can be effected in this manner. The method is simple and quick and can easily be performed by the average saddler. 6. The cincha should be sufficiently tight to keep the saddle in its place and no tighter. Generally speaking, correct cinch- ing has been obtained when the flat of the hand is easily admitted under the quarter ring safe. With most horses, after exercising for a while the cincha will be found too loose and should be taken up. A tight cincha restricts the animal's breathing, and also brings too much pressure upon and strangles the tissues. Espe- cially is this apt to be the case under the quarter and cincha ring safes, when strangulation soon causes lumps, puffs, and sores, 7. Care is taken that the quarter straps are so adjusted and the cincha so selected that the cincha ring safe will be a suffi- cient distance from the quarter ring safe to avoid pinching and galling the skin between them. TO REMOVE THE SADDLE. 415. The instructor commands: Unsaddle, Stand on the left side of the horse ; unbuckle and remove the surcingle, if in use; cross the left stirrup over the saddle; loosen the cincha strap and let down the cincha; pass to the right side, cross the right stirrup, then the cincha over the saddle; pass to the left side, cross the cincha strap over the saddle ; gi-asp the pommel with the left hand, the cantel with the right, and remove the saddle over the croup and place it in front or rear of the horse as may be directed, pommel to the front ; grasp the blanket at the withers with the left hand and at the loin with the right, remove it in the direction of the croup, the edges falling together, wet side in, and place it across the saddle, folded edge on the pommel, marked side of the blanket upper- MACHINE. QTTN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 166 most ; if in tlie stable, place the saddle on its peg wtien taken otf the horse. TO PUT ON THE DOUBLE BRIDLE. 416. The instructor commands: Bridle. Take the double reins in the right hand, the crownpiece in the left ; approach the horse on the left side ; slip the reins over his Halter briciie, model ol lyli head, letting them rest on his neck ; take the crownpiece in the right hand and the lower left branch of the curb bit in the left, the forefinger against the mouthpiece ; bring the crownpiece in front of and slightly below its proper position ; insert the left thumb into the left side of the mouth above the tush; press 166 MACHINE-GTTN DRIII REGULATIONS, 1917. upon the lower jaw, insert both bits by raising the crownpiece, then with tlie left hand draw the ears gently under the crown- piece, beginning with the left ear; arrange the forelock, secure the throat latch and the curb chain, take care to adjust them properly. The bridle with snaffle bit only is put on in a similar manner. A bridle with curb bit only is not permitted to be used on the horses of individually mounted men. The curb when used alone is a powerful instrument requiring such dexterity in its use that only an expert horseman on a perfectly trained horse is capable of using it with sufficient delicacy and discretion to obtain perfect control without injuring the horse. A horse quickly resents and is easily frightened by abrupt or sudden movements about his head. Bridling should, there- fore, be done in a most deliberate and careful manner. The ears are especially sensitive, and extreme care nuist be used in draw- ing them under the crownpiece and into their place. A reliable test that a horse has not been mistreated in bridling is that he permits, without sign of fear or resentment, the gentle stroking of his ears. 417. Except in the field, or when equipped for field service or when the duty is such as to make it necessary to tie up a horse, the halter is taken off before bridling, the reins being first passed over the neck. If the halter is not taken off, the halter strap is tied in the left pommel ring, or, if the horse be not saddled, around his neck. AVhen the halter is to remain on, care should be taken that the halter rope is untied from the manger before attempt- ing to bridle a horse that is liable to pull back. TO FIT THE SNAFFLE BRIDU:. 418. 1. The cheek straps are adjusted so that they are of even length and so that the snafTle rests easily in, but does not draw itp the corners of the mouth. A mouthpiece that is too low strikes the tushes and makes them sore ; one that it too high causes the horse discomfort and makes the corners of his mouth sore. 2. The brow band is examined. If it is too short, it causes the sensitive skin at the base and back of the ears to be galled f MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 167 or cut by the crownpiece. If it is too Iiigti on tlie crownpiece, it causes the same trouble at the base and sides of the ear. 3. The throat latcli is bucliled loosely, being only sufficiently tight to prevent the crownpiece from slipping over the horse's ears. Generally speaking, it should permit the entire flat of the hand to be inserted between it and the throat when the horse's head is reined in. A tight throatlatch interferes with the large blood vessels of the neck, with the gullet, and also with the windpipe. 4. The mane and forelock are carefully smoothed out under the crownpiece to avoid causing a sore at the poll and also to present a neat and tidy appearance. TO FIT THE DOUBLE BEIDLE. 419. 1. The snaffle is fitted as described in the preceding paragraph. 2. A curb bit is selected with a mouthpiece of such length that the branches bear easily against the horse's lips. A narrow bit pinches the lips, while a wide one works about and bruises the lips and the bars. The mouthpiece is best examined for width by inspecting it from the underside of the lower jaw. 3. The cheek straps are adjusted so that the mouthpiece of the bit rests as near as possible opposite the chin groove, but touch- ing neither the tushes nor the corners of the mouth. Generally speaking, the bit should rest about 1 inch above the tushes of horses and about 2 inches above the corner teeth of mares. It rides below the snaffle. 4. The curb chain is fastened outside and below the snaffle. It must be twisted to the right until it lies flat, and it should rest in the chin groove opposite the mouthpiece of the bit. If not properly adjusted it will have a tendency to ride up and press upon the sharp bones of the lower jaw. The curb chain should be loose enough to admit the flat of two fingers between it and the chin groove when the branches of the bit are in line with the cheek straps. When brought to bear, the branches of the curb bit should make an angle of about 45° with the line of the horse's mouth. When horses are restive it is often due to faulty adjustmeat of the bits and curb chain. 168 MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 5. The tliroatlatch and brow band are fitted as directed in paragraph 41S. TO REMOVE THE DOUBLE BRIDLE. 420. The instructor commands : Unbridle. Stand on the left side of the horse; pass the reins over the horse's head, placing them on the bend of the left arm ; unbuckle the throatlatch, grasp the crownpiece with the right and assisting with the left hand, gently disengage the ears ; grasp the bit with the left hand, and gently disengage it from the horse-s mouth by lowering the crownpiece ; place the crownpiece in the palm of the left hand, take the reins in the right hand, pass them together over the crownpiece, make two (u- three turns around the bridle, then pass the bight between the brow band and crownpiece and draw it snug. The bridle is hung up by the reins or placed across the saddle on the blanket. If the horse has no halter, unbridle and push the bridle back so that the crownpiece will rest on the ufck behind the poll until the halter is replaceil. TO ROLL THE OVERCOAT. 421. Spread the overcoat on the ground, inside down, skirt buttoned throughout, sleeves parallel to the middle seam, collar turned over on the shoulders. Turn the tails of the coat under about 9 inches, the folded edge perpendicular to the back seam. Fold over the sides to form a rectangle not more than 34 inches across, according to the size of the coat. Roll tightly from the collar with the hands and knees and bring over the whole roll that part of the skirt which was turned under, thus binding the roll. THE BLANKET ROLL FOR INDIVIDL"^ALLY MOUNTED MEN. 422. Spread the shelter half on the ground, roll straps under- neath, and fold over the triangular part on the rectangular part. Turn under the roll strap edge of the shelter half so that the width of the fold will be 8 inches. Fold the blanket once MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 169 across the longer edges and lay the blanket on the shelter half, folded edge within 1 inch of the roll strap edge of the shelter half. Fold the sides of the blanket and of the shelter half in- ward, width of folds about 11 inches. The shelter tent pole and pins are now laid on the blanket at the edge farthest from the roll strap edge, pole on one si-G HABNES3. 447. The cart harness consists of a breast strap and traces, or Dutch collar, saddle, and breeching. When the soldier has become familiar with harnessing and unharnessing he should be thoroughly instructed in the fitting of harness. Tliis subject should be given proper attention, everything being done to impres's upon the soldier its im- portance. Bridle. — The bridle is fitted as described in the soldier mounted. Chcckrcin. — The checkreiu should be so fitted that it will not exert pressure on the bit unless the mule lowers his head from its normal position. A checkreiu that is too tight puts the animal at a disad- vantage when he is required to pull a heavy load ; in addition, it wili cause him to fret and is apt to make him vicious. Breast strap. — The breast strap should be so fitted by means of the shoulder straps that it will remain horizontal and Uear on the fleshy part of the mule's breast. Care should be taken that it is not adjusted high enough to come in contact with the windpipe. If the breast strap is too low it will make the animal awkward in movement. Saddle. — The saddle should be placed in rear of the withers approximately 4 fingers' breadth from the shoulder blade. In no case should it be placed so that it will come in contact with the backbone or withers. Breeeh strap. — The breech strap should be so adjusted that it will bear quickly when the mule is required to check the movement of the cart, but will not impede his movement while pulling. This adjustment is very important. It can best be made by watching the mule while pulling and tightening the MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIZONS, 1917. 181 straps as much as can be done without impeding the free move- ment of the animal. Hip straps. — The liip straps sliould be of such length that the breech will bear Just below the point of the buttocks. The lower the breech strap is adjusted, the less does it assist the mule in checking the movement of the cart. Loin straps. — The loin straps should be so fitted that the traces, when taut, will be straight and witiiout a down-pull on the loops. Traces. — The length of the traces must depend in great measure on the size of the animal, and for this reason no set rule can be given. Care must always be taken, however, to place the mule as near his load as possible and to see that the traces form a straight line from the breast strap to the single- tree. The loose ends of the trace chains are fastened to the hooks provided on the front part of the cart frame. CARE OF HAKXESS. 448. Breaks and rips in harness should be repaired without delay. Temporary repairs may be made by the driver, but he should take the harness to the saddler for permanent repairs as soon as possible. Harness must be kept clean and in good condition no matter how often the conditions of weather require it to be \yorked on. At least once each week every harness should be given a general overhauling, parts separated, buckles and fastenings disen- gaged, and all leather and metal parts cleaned with harness soap and rubbed. Wlien leather shows signs of drying out it should be given a light coat of neat's-foot oil. The oil can be rubbed in on the rough side of the leather so as to discolor tan leather but slightly. Leather must not be soaked with water. Just enough water is used with saddle soap to produce a lather. Leather may be cleaned with castile soap and then coated with the lather of saddle soap. Saddle-soap lather should be left on, and after about 15 minutes the leather rubbed with a dry cloth. 182 MACHINE-GTTN DUILL REGULATIONS 1917. Section V. — Cap.e of Saddle Hokses. 449. Ill order to keep saddle horses in condition tiiey must be fed and worked properly and the greatest care exercised in preventing sore backs. They must be well groomed and their feet kept in good con- dition. BLANKET. 450. The blanlcet should, if possible, be kept dry and free from sand, caked dandruff, and hairs. It should be frequently shaken out and well switched, if necessary, to restore its plia- bilit.\- and remove dust and hair. In warm weather, when the animal sweats freely, a fresh, clean bearing surface on the blanket should be placed next to the back. It is not a good plan to dry the sweat-soaked surface of a folded blanket in the sun and put this dried surface next the back the following morning. Sucli drying hardens the dandruff mixed with sweat and dust that is always present, and makes this part of the blanket rough and hard. It is preferable to double the sweat-soaked folded blanket on itself, so it will remain moist and soft. Care must be taken that tlie blanket is free fi-om sand and dust and that the mane lies properly. The blanket is placed, with no wrinkles in any of its folds, in position in such a man- ner that it will not disturb the mane or ruffle the hair of sad- dle bed. UN SADDLING. 451. On arriving in camp and having dismounted, the cincha is eased off about 3 inches and the bearing of the saddle changed l)y moving it to rear or front at least an inch. The saddle is left on the back for 10 minutes to enable the almost bloodless skin beneath (caused by weight of rider and pack) and the tired saddle muscles to regain to some extent their lost tone, while the rider attends to the bridle and halter and the religious duty of closely examining the feet for loose shoes, rocks, nails, bruises, thrush, and interfering sores. The saddle is then removed, the blanket turned over, and let so remain In place until the back has dried. MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 183 Never remove the saddle and blanket in such a way as to ex- pose a wet back either to the hot rays of the sun or to a sudden cooling-. The pressure of the saddle restricts the blood supply and so weakens the tissues of the back. In this condition a hot sun more readily burns or inflames the skin, while a sudden cooling contracts the blood vessels and prevents the proper re- turn of the blood to nourish the tissues. In either case sores and swellings may result. AMien the saddle is removed the back should be promptly rubbed and massaged to dry it and restore the circulation. 452. If any dry spots are noticed on the sweaty skin while the blanket is being turned over, they are inflammations of the skin, produced by unequal distribution of weight, and are liable to puff up later if not attended to. Their location should be marked well and not neglected. When the back is dry the blanket is removed and the back taken care of. The spots re- ferred to are massaged vrell from front to rear, the saddle bed bathed with clean water, dried, and let the animal roll if he will. Should small swellings appear, however, the blanket is kept in place until a soaking wet gunny sack is procured. The blanket is then removed and the swelling vigorously massaged ; tlie wet folded gunny sack pack is tlien put over the back and secured. The animal is not allowed to roll if it can be avoided, and the pack is kept wet during the night. In the majority of cases the animal will be ready for careful saddling in the morning. 453. Should a gall have been produced the place should be bathed and disinfected with a creolin or carbolic-acid solution (1 ounce to the quart of water), the spot protected from the Hies, cold packed if necessary, and the animal led until nature effects a cure. Close attention to cleanliness, disinfection, and stimula- tion of the wound will hasten the process. A solution of aloes or alum in water (one-half ounce of either to a pint of water) as a stimulant may be used. 454. Even with very close attention to saddling, galls may be produced if the rider is not a careful one. Irrespective of the fit of the saddle and condition of blanket, the things that cause galls and " bunches " most frequently are carelessness in balancing and securing the pack, a lounging, shifting seat, and a sloppy method of handling the reins, inat- tention to proper cinching, unequal length of stirrups, neglect 184 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. of adjust ment at the halts, the riding of a lame animal . and rho galloping of a leg-weary one. BITTING. 455. The inside of the lower jaw is often injured by ignorant liandling of the curb rein. These injuries appear above the bridle teeth or " tusks " and present inflamed places that some- times exhibit ulcers. Quite often the bone is splintered. Less frequently the under part of the jaw, in the vicinity of the curb groove, is bruised and perhaps fractured more or less com- pletely. Any of these conditions may be made manifest by the animal '•fighting the bit." "throwing the head," or rearing. 456. These injuries should be treated by putting the animal on a simflle at once and placing it high enough in the mouth to avoid any pressure on the injured parts. If ulcers appear, they are washed out frequently with a saturated .solution of boracic acid. When the bone is splintered it is usually a serious nuitter and requires the services of a trained veterinarian. PART VI. MANAGEMEITT OE DEAFT ANIMALS. Section I. — Rules for Dri\ters. 457. Drivers of all animal-drawn vehicles are prohibited from leaving their teams standing unheld or untied. Drivers must refrain from shouting or making threatening noises or motions around their teams. Always gather a team before starting, changing direction or changing gait. This is done by tightening the reins and urging the animals into the bits. Keep a steady pressure on the reins ; never drive with reins lying loosely on the animals' backs. See to it that the vehicle is well greased. Vehicles in column should never be stopped when it can pos- sibly be avoided. The adjustment of the load or the picking up of articles dropped off should be done without stopping, if at all possible. Stopping an entire column for any but a serious cause is inexcusable, and is a form of carelessness or willful- ness that should be punished. Drive at a steady gait ; do not " back and fill ; " gain lost dis- tance gradually. RULES OF THE ROAD. 458. Always be courteous; give plenty of room to others; remember that a smile or a pleasant laugh will do more than a grov.l or surly remark. When a vehicle is in colunm it is necessary to follow in trace, but be sure to drive where It is intended, and do not encroach upon the road or cut corners. 185 186 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. When alone always drive on the right side of the road, and keep to the right Avhen meeting vehicles. On a narrow road a loaded team has the right of way, and it should be given inigriidgingly. On overtaking a vehicle pull out to the left and pass it at a steady pace without cracking the whip or coming in too close. "When followed by other vehicles, or when driving in a place where other vehicles are liable to be following, always signal before slackening the gait or changing direction. Signals are made by liolding the hand or whip vertically for slackening and horizontally for turning. When approaching a railroad crossing bring teams to a walk, a halt if necessary; but always look and listen. Never halt upon a railroad track, POSITION OF THE DKIVEK. 459. The driver should sit firmly Imt comfortably in the seat, body erect without stitYness, and elbows close to the sides, with the point almost touching the hips. He should not lean forward. The wrist should be well bent, as this enables him to keep a steady pressure on the reins. Tiie forearm should be horizontal, and the fingers from 3 to 5 inches from the center of the body, with the knuckles to the front. HOLDING THE REINS. 460. Place both reins in the left hand, the left rein over the forefinger and the right rein under the middle finger. Thus you liave two fingers between the reins. The reason for this is that it giyes much more scope for play of the wrist on the mouths than if you only have one finger between the reins. The thumb shoidd point straight to the front and should not be pressed down on the reins. The forefinger will be held well out, pointing to the right rear. This will keep the rein close to the knuckle, and the pair may be easily moved from side to side by simply turning the bfick of the hand up or down ; up for left turn and down for right turn. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 187 The right hand is known as the whip hand and, in addition to holding the whip, is used to assist the left hand in shorten- ing the reins by pulling them through from loehind the rein hand. HANDLING THE TEAM, 46 i. Bring the pair to attention by feeling their mouths gently and speak tu them. If they do not respond, touch them gently with the whip. The moment they start, drop the hand slightly ; " jibbing " is often caused by neglect of this precaution. In all movements from a halt each driver gathers both of his horses just before they are to move; if in march and the gait or direction is changed, both horses are gathered just before they change gait or direction. Care should be taken that both the horses move off together and change the gait at the same time. In starting a cart or wagon it is especially important that both the horses of the team should throw their weights into the collars gradually but simultaneously. Unremitting atten- tion is required upon the part of every driver in order that each horse shall at all times do its proper share of the work. By observing these important rules, a team is enabled to pull steadily together, and the horses are not fatigued by jerks, which make them balky, gall their shoulders, and break the harness. TO START. 462, Feel all the animals' mouths, and, if necessary, give' them the word to go, dropping the hand to them at once until the vehicle is fairly off. The wheelers ought to start the wagon, and this can be effected by touching them with the whip if they require it. It is never safe to start without hav- ing the whip in the right hand ready for immediate use. The whip is to the driver what the leg is to the rider ; that is, it keeps the team up to their bits. As* soon as the team is going straight, take the right hand off the reins, at the same time keeping it close by ready for any emergency. 1S8 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. PULLING ur. 463. To pull up, shorten all the four reins by passing the left hand up to the right or else by pulling all the four reins through from behind, as before explained : then., having the right fore- finger on the left lead rein, the middle finger on the left Avheel. and the lower fingers of the right hand on the right reins, pull both hands l)ack toward the body, and if necessary lean back a little. Should the team be getting the better of you and you find thai: you can not stop it. it will be found a great assistance to place the right leg over all the four reins, as you may be able to stop them by the extra power and leverage by the position of the leg. Of course, it is understood the brake has been applied. EULES. 464. Always keep a steady pressure on the reins. Never remove the left hand from reins. Alter position of bits if the team pulls hard. Always take a pull at the team to steady it just before you arrive at the crest of a hill, and begin to descend slowly, hold- ing the leaders steady, and with just enough traction to keep their single trees from hitting them. In crossing ruts and in turning corners be careful that the leaders are out of draft ; otherwise the pole may be snapped off or the wheelers pulled down. If, while going down a hill and especially when near the bottom, you find a wheeler slipping on his hocks, do not try to pull him up. but drop the hand and allow the team to go a trifle faster. Section II. — Caee of Deaft Animals. 465. Constant and intelligent supervision of adjustment of the bearing parts of harness, packs, and saddles is productive of better results than medication in keeping transportation animals in serviceable condition. Animals in a command lose fle.sh rapidly for the first 10 days of a march, and during this period the adjustment of all parts of the harness, more especially the collars, should be given close attention. MACHINE- GL'N DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. 189 466. Feeding .should be done soon after reaching camp, a little hay being offered first. Animals are watered before feeding grain when possible. Grain is offered immediately after water- ing, and what remains of the hay for thai day is then placed before the animal. The morning water must of necessity be governed l,)y circumstances. If absolutely sure of water on the road, say one hour after breaking camp, it would be needless waste of time and energy to water immediately before or after the morning feed on the line. 467. Collars of steel, such as those furnished to artillery com- mands, are preferable to leather for military use, when prop- erly adjusted and cleaned. When improperly adjusted they are inferior to the leather article. Steel collars are adjusted by means of bolts and plates. Leather collars by means of top straps and hames. When these methods will not produce the desired results the use of collar pads must be resorted to. Felt collar pads are not desirable as they soon become stiff and hard. A collar should fit snugly to the sides of the neck without compressing it, and its bearing surface should rest squarely on the bed of muscles situated on the front of the shoulder. When in position there should be a space between its lower part and the windpipe sufficiently large to comfortably admit the inser- tion of the open hand, back up, as far as the wrist. All collars should be furnished with a neck plate of zinc, for the protection of the top of the neck against rubbing. To prevent blistering of the top of the neck on' hot, sunny days, it will be found that a wet sponge or a wet piece of folded gunny sack, properly secured to the top of the collar and wetted at intervals, is effective. The bearing surface of steel collars and neck plates should be washed carefully soon after making camp.. They should never be seoured irifh sand or rubbed with an abrasive substance, for the reason that the steel beneath the zinc platino may be thus exposed. The exposed steel rusts quickly, pits rapidly from the action of the acid sweat, and acts as a rasp would on the soft tissues with which it com.es in continual contact. The bearing surface of leather collars should not be scraped unless considered absolutely necessary to remove accumulated dirt due to negligence. If scraped, they should be boned smooth and then slightly oiled. Leather collars may bo easily cleaned 190 MACHmE-GUN DKILL REGULATIONj^, 1&17. vrith a damp sponge. They should be thus cleaned each even- ing. A careful man \vill not let his collars remain, on the ground overnight, Init will hang them on a wagon pole or put them in some safe place where they will be protected from the rain and the dust of the camp. 468. On arrival in. camp collars are left in position for about 15 minutes. Their weight on the hot. tender skin affords suffi- cient pressure to prevent the formation of swellings so often observed after the collai- is suddenly removed. Normal circula- tion will establish itself gradually under collar pressure alone, and the skin of the shoulders and neck will regain its tone and elasticity. Mter removal of the collar, the shoulder and neck is bathed with clean water ; this removes sand and dust that would other- wise remain in the hair, where it may not be reached by the horse brush. Salty water, or a weak solution of vinegar in water, when applied to the shoulders and neck, acts as a tonic to the jaded skin. Animals v/ith narrow, lean shoulders should not be placed in the collar. For these, if they must be harnessed, a breast strap (Dutch collar) should be used. Care must be taken in putting a collar on a horse that the mane hangs naturally beneath the neck plate. . If the collar is a steel (me, care is taken when snapping it in place to see that the skin of the upper part of neck is not pinched be- tween the ne<.-k plate and the collar itself. If swellings appear on the shoulders they are massaged to reriiove them and in addition a cold-water pack is applied dur- ing the night ; a wet sack properly adjusted and held in place will answer the purpose. If a gall appears it should not be greased, but washed with water and soap, drietl thoroughly, and a weak solution of alum (one-half ounce to a pint of water) or a solution of aloes in vrater (one-half ounce to the pint) applied. If the animal must be worked, a chambered (cut-out) pad is placed over the spot to remove pressure. Greasy ointments serve as a trap for dust and sand, and con- sequently should never be used. 469. The length of traces must be verified frequently. The chain links as a guide in hitching can not be depended on. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 191 Leather traces stretch considerably in wet weather. A differ- ence of, lialf an inch in the length of traces will cause trouble on the shoulder of the shorter side. It is also liable to pro- duce lameness due to irritation of extensor muscles. If the point of attachment of the trace to the collar should be too high it will cause a downward pull on top of neck, with its consequent irritation. If too low it will cause the collar to " ride," and nearly all the pressure v/ill be on the point of the shoulders and on the windpipe. The number of sore-shouldered draft animals in a command on the march is an excellent standard by which to judge the horsemanship of the personnel. 470. The breeching should be fairly loose ; otherwise it is lialile to chafe the quarters and to interfere with the free play of the muscles. It should be taken up, as the animals become thin. Martingales should not fit too snugly, as they are very liable to chafe the soft, thin skin of the under part of the body. 471. Yoke straps should be adjusted with a view to the height of the pair. They should never be permitted to trespass on the bearing surface of the collars. 472. Backstraps should be so adjusted as not to let the saddles ride the withers, but at the same time there should not be sufficient strain on them to cause the crupper to irritate the under part of the tail. 473. BcUyhands and cinchas should never be unduly tiglit- ened, as they cause cinch sores near the elbow and quarter- strap sores beneath the ring shields. When a cinch gall appears, the cause is removed, the place kept clean, and a solution of aloes or alum in water applied. Either of these will stimulate the gall and deter insects from alighting on the wounds. 474. Hearing reins should be of such a length that the animals may have free use of the muscles of head and neck. Bearing reins are not a necessity. 475. A driving bit sliould be smooth and jointed. It should be so adjusted that it will not lift the corners of the mouth. If placed too high in the mouth, the animal uses his molar teeth to press against it and gains for himself the reputation of a hard-mouthed puller. 192 MACHINE-GTTN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. The men sliould be taught to beware of thread ends in collar pads and of knots in headstalls, throatlatches. bell-ybands, cinclias. and surcingles, and to be careful that buckles are not turned toward the skin. These readily produce irritations and abrasions and are plain evidence of negligence and carelessness on the part of the rider or driver as well as loose supervision on the part of those superior in rank. 476. To keep his animals in the collar and otf the lead line should be the aim of each driver. This can be accomplished with little irouble. barring accidents, if the harness is kept in proper shape and tit and necks and shoulders are kept clean. PART VII. MISCELLANEOUS. Section I. — Tkaxspoktation. 477. The arraugement for transportatiou of troops by com- mercial railways is a function of the Quartermaster Corps. To enable the quartermaster properly to estimate for cars, he should be informed as to the exact number of men and animals and the amount of materiel and equipment to be transported for each separate company and headquarters. Except in thea- ters of actual operations, the quartermaster must also be given such itemized lists of property and \Yeiglits as will enable him to prepare bills of lading. To assist the quartermaster, each company commander and each headquarters should furnish a list of the numbers and kinds of cars required for the unit. 478. Whenever practicable sleeping cars are provided for the personnel on journeys of 24 hours' or greater duration. Suffi- cient cars are furnished to provide a section for each three men and for each two officers. In determining the number of cars allowance must be made for employees of the sleeping-car com- panj' and of the railroad. These employees include a porter for each car, two cooks for each tourist kitchen car, a sleeping- car conductor, and a railroad agent. Each of these employees utilizes one berth. 479. Tourist sleepers usually contain 14 or 16 sections and tourist kitchen cars 12 sections. A standard sleeper has 13 or 14 sections, including the drawing room and stateroom. 480. When day coaches nuist be utilized and the journey is considerable a seat should be provided for each man. On this basis a standard day coach will carry about 30 men. 193 194 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 481. The carts are ordinarily transported in box cars. 40 feet long and 9 feet wide: a car of these dimensions will carry eight gun carts and eiglit annnunition carts, leaving enough free space to facilitate loading and unloading. 482. Field and combat wagons are transported on flat cars, three wagons to the car. The kitchen wagon, ration cart, and water cart make one carload. 483. Harness, officers' baggage, and such of the personal equipment of the men as are not necessary on the journey are carried in a baggage car provided for the purpose. 484. Box cars are provided for forage, annnunition, and other property according to the necessities. Unless the companies are to detrain in the theater of operations, ammunition should be boxed and carried in a special car. 485. Box cars are usually 40 feet in length. The interior cross section is about 9 by 8 feet. The load capacity varies from 40,000 to 100.000 pounds. It is inadvisable, however, to load a car to its capacity, and 40,000 pounds may be asstimed as the load and 2,400 cubic feet as the cubical capacity of the average box car. 486. The weight limits the amount of annnunition and of oats which can be carried in a single box car. Cubical capacity lim- its the amount of military stores of other kinds, especially hay. One thousand two hundred pounds, or 100 rations, of oats occupy a space of about 40 cubic feet: 1,400 pounds, or 100 ra- tions, of baleil hay occupy a space of about 120 cubic feet. When access must be had to the forage during the journey, 1.200 rations is a suitable load for a forage car. 487. Animals are carried in stock cars or palace stock cars. If palace stock cars are not available, a box or stock car should be provided for eAch six privately owned officers' mounts. The capacity of both the ordinary and the palace stock car averages about IS horses per car. The ordinary stock car will carry about 20 mules. 488. The amount of baggage, forage, and rations to be taken depends upon circumstances and should be definitely prescribed in tlie order directing the movement ; ordinarily rations and forage sufficient for three days after the completion of the journey is ample. More than this is generally mmecessary and causes delay and congestion in entraining and detraining. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATION^, 1917. 195 489. When movements from garrison or semipermanent camps are contemplated, ample notice should, if possible, be given so that the necessary arrangements concerning property not per- taining to the field equipment may be made. Not less than 48 hours should be allowed for the orderly transaction of this busi- ness. When sufficient time is not available for these purposes the security and care of such property as is left behind devolves upon the troops remaining in the garrison or camp. 490. The time required for loading each train carrying ma- chine-gun companies depends upon the facilities for loading, and especially upon the amount of equipment and supplies to be car- ried. 491. Delays and confusion in loading are chiefly due to lack of advance preparation of a definite and rational plan or to failure to follow such a plan during the loading. A common mis- take is the attempt to rush the loading by assigning cars so as to begin the loading of all companies simultaneously vrithout ade- quate facilities or cars therefor. In general, confusion will be eliminated and time will be saved by making up each train complete before spotting it at the loading places. For the stor- age of cars and the making up of trains ample switching facili- ties should be set aside. It is especially important that the loading platforms for any one organization be not widely sepa- rated. The number of trains which can be loaded simultane- ously thus depends upon the available switching facilities. As under .a suitable plan similar cars for the several organizations are loaded from the same platforms, the heavier stores for each organization may be transported to the loading platforms before the departure of the preceding organization. Care must be taken to avoid interfering with the loading and to keep the stores to be loaded on any one train separate from those going on another. 492. Sufficient tags should be kept on hand to mark all equip- ment not carried in the cars with the men or not otherwise readily identified. The loading of each class of property should be under the immediate charge of an officer, who should list all items going into each separate car^ noting on each list the mark- ings and number of the car. I 196 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 493. Whenever practicable each company occupies one train with all of its personnel, animals, and materiel complete. It is, however, preferable to have trains of moderate size with good speed rather than long trains with low speed. 494. The cars required to move a machine-gun company are in the sequence in which the train is arranged, as follows : Flat cars 2 Box car for ammunition, harness, forage, etc 1 Box car for gun and ammunition carts 2 Stock cars 3 Baggage car, or box car with end doors 1 Tourist sleeping cars (61 sections) (IG section cars)- 4 Total 13 In making request upon the quartermaster for transporta- tion the necessary sleeping-car section should be specified. The number of cars then depends upon the type of sleeper furnished. 495. Battalion headquarters usually will accompany a com- pany, the following additional transportation being required : For a 3-company l)attalion : Flat cars 1 Stock cars 1 Tourist sleepers (16 sections) 1 Total 3 For a 4-company battalion : Flat cars 1 Stock cars 1 Tourist sleeper (20 sections)^ 1 Total 3 496. When movements of large bodies of troops are involved, ordinary coaches or box cars may frequently have to be sub- stituted for sleeping cars. 1 The extra men can be taken care of in the surplus space in one of the company cars. HACHINS-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 197 For movements of a few hours in the theater of operations the personnel may have to ride on the flat cars. As in such cases the equipment is limited, the harness and stores may be carried on the flat cars with the carts. 497. In preparation for the journey all personal equipment and other property needed en route are kept separate from that not needed. All the mechanics are provided with the heaviest hammers available. These hammers, with a supply of nails, are taken in the cars by the mechanics. The blanket roll of each man is tagged and the rolls of each squad are tied into a bundle. These bundles, together with the officers' baggage, are carried in the baggage car. Rations and kitchen equipment which will be needed during the journey or immediately upon arrival are placed under the charge of one of the cooks, who sees that they are loaded in the baggage car so as to be immediately accessible. If the animals will probably be unloaded during the journey, each section leader collects the feed bags belonging to his sec- tion and turns them over to the stable sergeant, who makes a memorandum thereof. The stable sergeant sees that the feed bags, necessary grain measures, a few bandages and disinfec- tants, and stable tools are placed in the center of the forage car so as to be readily accessible. The men take their packs, slickers, overcoats, canteens, and haversacks or saddlebags with them in the cars. Such ar- rangements are made as will avoid the necessity for carrying these articles while at work and insure their being properly guarded and Jivaiiable at the proper time. 498. So far as practicable all stores, forage, etc., should be at the loading places before the train arrives (491). Similarly each company, complete with all its materiel, anim.als, and per- sonnel, except those men needed as guards over stores, should arrive, so that the animals may be unharnessed and harness and carts placed convenient to the loading places before its train is spotted. 499. As soon as the animals have been unhitched they should be taken to the vicinity of the place at which the harness is to be loaded and there unharnessed. The two mules are held by a driver designated by the section leader. 198 2^ACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. When harness sacks are avaUable tlio harness of each animal is packed in its sack, plainly marked (492). The horse equip- ment of officers and individually mounted men are placed in gunny siicks or. if sacks are not avaihible, wrapped in saddle blankets, plainly tagged. The horse equipments of officers are placed in the baggage car, or, if a separate car is provided, in the car with their mounts. The horse equipment of individually mounted men are phiced in the car with the harness. The drivers take the animals to a designated place and secure them. If the stables or permanent picket lines are avail- able, they should be secured there and left under the charge of two drivers detailed as guards. The animals are given a feed of hay. which should have been withheld from them for some hours before. AVhenever prac- ticable they should be watered about one hour before they are loaded. DOO. All animals having been unhitched and secured, the com- pany falls in, each man carrying his individual equipment or saddlebags, canteen, and slicker. These articles are deposited on the ground and a guard placed over them. The necessary details are made and the loading is started as scon as the cars have been inspected and turned over to the organization. 501. Each train connuander should detail an officer to accom- pany the quartermaster in the latter's inspection of the cars, made after the train is made up and before it is turned over to the troops for loading. Passenger cars must be clean, fully supplied with water and ice and sufficiently lighted and heated. Common defects are lack of water, ice. and illumination. Stock cars must be inspected with special care to see that they are in good order througliout. Common defects are loose boards, rotten flooring, broken fixtures, protruding nails, and filthy condition. These are sources of danger and discomfort to the animals and of loss to the Government. Such cars should be re- jected. In time of peace the commanding officer should not hesitate to suspend the movement until proper cars have been provided. In time of war it is usually necessary to be content with what can be obtained. Such repairs as are practicable should be made, and a report should be forwarded setting forth the conditions. ' MACHINE-GUN BRILL REGITLATION^. 1917. 199 Baggage, box, and flat cars should also be thorouglily in- spected. 502. As soon as the cars have. been accepted they are pre- pared for loading. The officer detailed to load the animals, ac- companied by the stable sergeant and one or more of the me- chanics, makes a detailed inspection of the stock cars. All projecting nail points are bent and splinters are removed. The breast bars on the doorways opposite the loading platform are examined, put in place, and the doors themselves securely fas- tened. Such repairs as may be necessary are made with the material available. The cars should be clean and the floor cov- ered with at least 21 inches of sand or sawdust. In perma- nent garrison material lor this purpose should be kept on hand. The brake handles of the flat cars should be removed, so that the carriages may be run from one car to another. 503. <3rdinarily a section carr be usefully employed in loading a box car. A noncommissioned officer and about six men should be inside the car to stow the property. The remaining me« pass the packages in. 504. Ordinarily no attempt is made to load more than one vehicle car at a time. Frequently the length of the loading platform will be such that several of the cars must be reached by running the carriages across other cars. The vehicles are secured with 2 by 4 inch timbers, as follows : Pieces nailed to the floor of the car on both sides of each wheel prevent transverse motion ; in front and rear of each wheel, longitudinal motion ; over the lowest part of the fellows and nailed to the timbers which lie alongside the wheels, vertical motion. All these pieces can be of the uniform length of 9 feet. 505. The necessary timber and nails are furnished by the quartermaster. For each car h)aded with ammunition and gun carts, 432 feet of timber (cut into 9-foot lengths) and 10 pounds of nails are required ; for cars loaded with fleld wagons 270 feet of timber and 8 pounds of nails. 506. As each flat car is loaded the mechanics nail the secur- ing timbers in place. A gun squad should be detailed to bring the timbers and put them in position for nailing. In the field, when suflicient lumber can not he obtained, chocks must be improvised ■ from all available material. In 200 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. such cases additional security is obtained by lashing together the wheels that are placed tire to tire. 507. When ample time is available it may be desirable to re- move such articles as pauling, lanterns, etc., from the carts and carry them properly paclied in a ])ox car with other stores. 508. The animals should not be loaded until the loading of all carts and stores has been completed. Whenever possible loading pens and chutes to be found at railroad stations should be used. In any case especial care must be taken th.it the ani- mals have secure footing in passing into the car. For each car being loaded four selected noncommissioned offi- cers, a mechanic, and a squad should be detailed. Two of the noncommissioned officers work inside the car. The remaining noncommissioned officers work at the door of th.e car. Two of the members of the squad collect the halter shanks and .see that they are turned over to the stable sergeant at the forage car. The remaining men assist the noncommissioned officers at the doors. When chutes are available all these men, except the non- commissioned officers, should remain outside the runways until they are called for. When pens and chutes are available the animals are penned by carload lots. A noncommissioned officer and a squad are assigned to work in each loading pen, the re- maining men bring the nnimals from the holding pens as soon as the preceding lot has been loaded. As the animals arrive the men in the loading pen remove the halter shanks and pass them to the men detailed to collect them. The gate to the runway Is kept closed until the gangplank is in place, the side gates closed against the car, and the noncommissioned officers in place. Everything being in order, the gate is opened and one of the men leads"^ the gentlest animal in the pen up the runway. The re- maining men cause the animals to follow as closely as possible. This is accomplished without shouting or otherwise exciting them. Animals that hold back are slapped or gently struck acro.ss the rump with a halter shank. The noncommissioned offi- cio's inside the car place themselves near the door and keep them quiet by speaking to them. When the first animal arrives one of the noncommissioned officers takes him from the man leading hii'! and leads him to one end of the car. After this the noncom- missione?e per day. This supply should be properly piped and delivered at con- venient places in each organization camp. KITCHEN. 563. Camp kettles are himg on irons or on a support consist- ing of a green pole lying in the crotches of two upright posts of the same character. A narrow trench for the fire, about 1 foot deep, under the pole, protects the fire from the wind and saves fuel. A still greater economy of fuel can be effected by digging a similar trench in the direction of the wind and slightly narrower than the diame- ter of the kettles. The kettles are then placed on the trench and the space over ^t and between the kettles filled in with stones, clay, etc.. leaving the flue rtmning beneath the kettles. The draft can be improved by building a chimney of stones, clay, etc., at the leeward end of the flue. MACHINE-GUN DEILL SEGXJLATIONS, 1917. 213 Four such trenches radiating from a common central chimney will give one flue for use whatever may be the direction of the wind. A sliglit slope in the flue, from the chimney down, provides for drainage and improves the draft. 564. The lack of portable ovens can be met by ovens con- structed of s^one and covered witlf earth to retain the heat. If no stone is. available, an empty barrel with one head out is laid on its side and covered with vv-et clay to a depth of 6 or more inches, and then with a layer of dry earth equally thick. A flue is constructed with clay above the closed end of the bar- rel, which is then burned out with a hot Are. This leaves a baked clay covering for the oven. A recess can be similarly constructed with boards or even brushwood, supported on a horizontal pole resting on upright posts, covered and burnt out as in the case of the barrel. When claybanks are available, an oven may be excavated therein and used at once. To bake in such ovens, first heat them, and then close flues and ends. 565. Food must be protected from flies, dust, and sun. Facili- ties must be provided for cleaning and scalding the mess equip- ment of the men. Kitchens and the ground around them must be kept scrupulously clean. 566. Solid refuse should be promptly burned, either in the kitchen fire or in an improvised crematory. 567. In temporary camps, if the soil is porous, liquid refuse from the kitchens may be strained through sacking into seepage pits dug near the kitchen. Boards or poles covered with brush or grass and a layer of earth may be used to prevent the access of flies. The strainer should also be protected from flies. Pits of this kind in clay soil will not operate successfully. All pits should be filled with earth when the camp is abandoned. DISPOSAL OF EXCKETA. 568. Immediately on arriving in camp sinks should be dug. This is a matter of fundamental sanitary importance, since the most serious epidemics of camp diseases are spread from human excreta. 214 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. One sink is usually provided for eacli company, and one for the officers of each battalion. Those for the men are invariably located on the side of camp opposite the Ivitchens. All sinlis should be so placed that they can not pollute the water supply or camp site as a result of drainage or overflow. To insure this, their localities and their distance from camp may be varied. 569. When camp is made* for a single night, shallovv' trenches, 12 inches deep and^lo to 18 inches wide, which the men may straddle, will suffice. In camps of longer duration, and when it is not possible to provide latrine boxes, as for permanent camps, deeper trenches should be dug. These may be used as straddle trendies or a seat and back rest provided from poles or other available mate- rial. They should be screened by brush, condemned canvas, or other material. "When open trenches are used, special care must be taken to insure that all excreta is covered with earth, lime, or ashes as soon as it is deposited. 570. In permanent or semipermanent camps special sanitary facilities for the disposal or disinfection of excreta will ordi- narily be provided. When trenches r.re used in such camps they should be at least G feet deep and 12 feet long and not more than 2 feet wide. Seats are walled to the ground and provided v/ith lids to keep flies from reaching the deposits; urinal troughs discharging into the trenches are provided. Each day the latrine boxes are thoroughly cleaned, outside by scrubbing, and inside by applying when necessary a coat of crude oil or white- wash. The pit is burned out daily with approximately 1 gallon of crude oil and 15 pounds of straw. When filled to within 2 feet of the surface, such latrines are discarded, filled with earth, and their position marked. In permanent camps urine tubs should be placed in the com- pany streets at nightfall ; they are emptied after reveille. Their location should be plainly marked and thoroughly and fre- quently disinfected. DAILY EOrTI^'E, INTEEIOK GUAED. ETC. 571. In camps of some duration guard and other duties fol- low closely the custom in garrison. Machine-gun organiza- tions provide guards for their parks, picket lines, and for such MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGITLATIONS, 1917. 215 other places within their camps as may be necessary. These are known as interior guards and it should ordinarily be suffi- cient to furnish for each picket line a double sentinel from the or.canization to which the line pertains. The guard is, when practicable, mounted by battalion or regi- ment, the necessary officers and noncommissioned officers being detailed by roster. The necessary sentinels for stores, etc., are also detailed by battalions or regimental roster; especially in permanent or semipermanent camps all members of guards are sent to join their organizations at reveille. V.'hen prisoners are to be guarded during the march, they are either turned over to the organization commander or marched v\-ith and guarded by the company to vv'hich the officer of the day belongs. The protection of the camp in campaign is pro- vided for by means of outposts (305). The camp is policed daily after breakfast and all refuse burned. Tent \yalls are raised immediately after breakfast and the bedding and clothing aired daily, v.^eather permitting. 572. When troops bivouac for the night the necessity for ex- tensive sanitary precautions is not great ; however, shallow sink trenches are dug to prevent general pollution of the vicinity. If the cooking be collective, shallow kitchen sinks should be dug. If the cooking be individual, the men should be required to build their fires- on the leeAvard Hank of the camp ov bivouac. Before marching the ground should be thoroughly policed, all refuse burned or burled, all trenches- filled in, and fires extinguished. Section III. — Ceremonies. GENERAL RULES. 573. The order in v\-hich the troops of the various arms are arranged for ceremonies is prescribed by Army Regulations. When forming for ceremonies the companies of the battalion and the battalions of the regiment are posted from right to left in line and from head to rear in column, in the order of rank of their respective commanders present in the formation, the senior on the right or at the head. 216 TrlACHINE-GTJN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. The commander faces the command ; subordinate commanders face to the front. 574. At the command present arms, given by the colonel, the lieutenant colonel, and the colonel's staff salute; the major's staff salute at the major's command. Each staff returns to the carry or order when the command order anus is given by its chief. 575. At the assembly for a ceremony companies are formed on tiieir own parades and informally inspected. At adjutants eall, except for ceremonies involving a single battalion, each battalion is formed on its own parade, reports are received, and the battalion presented to the major. At the sec- ond sounding of adjuianfs eall the regiment is formed. EEVIEWS. GENERAL RULES. 576. The adjutant posts men or otherwise marks the points where the column changes direction -in such manner that its Hank in passing will be about 12 paces from the reviewing officer. The post of the reviewing officer, usually opposite the center of the line, is indicated by a marker. Officers of the same or higher grade, and distinguished per- sonages invited to accompany the reviewing officer, place them- selves on his left ; their staifs and orderlies place themselves, respectively, on the left of the staff and orderlies of the re- viewing officer ; ail others who accompany the revievring officer place themselves on the left of his staff, their orderlies in rear. A staff officer is designated to escort distinguished personages and to indicate to them their proper positions. 577. While riding around the troops, the reviewing officer may direct his staff", flag, and orderlies to remain at the post of the reviewing officer, or that only his personal staff and flag shall accompany him ; in either case the commanding officer alone accompanies the reviewing officer. If the reviewing officer is accompanied by his entire staff, the staff officers of the com- mander place themselves on the right of the staff of the re- viewing officer. MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 217 The reviewing: officer and others at the reviewing? stand salute the color as it passes ; when passing around the troops the re- viewing officer and those accompanying him salute the color when passing in front of it. The reviewing officer returns the salute of the commanding officer of the troops only. Those who accompany the review- ing officer do not salute. 578. In passing in review, each staff salutes Avith its com- mander. 579. After saluting the reviewing officer, the commanding officer of the troops turns out of the column, takes post on the right of the reviewing offi.cer, and returns saber; the menibers of his staff accompanying him take post on the right of the re- viewing oHicer's staff and return saber. When the rear element of his command has ]oassed, without changing his position, the commanding officer of the troops salutes the reviev.ing officer; he and the members of his staff accompanying him then draw saber and rejoin his command. The commanding officer of the troops and the members of his staff are the only ones who turn out of the column. • 580. If the person reviewing the command is not mounted, the commanding officer and his staff, on turning out of the column «fter passing the reviewing officer, dismount prepara- tory to taking post. In such case the salute of the command- ing officer, prior to rejoining his command, is made with the hand before remounting. 581. WJien the rank of the reviewing officer entitles him to the honor, each regimental or battalion 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. 582. The l)and of an organization plays while the reviewing officer is passing in front of and in rear of the organization. Each band, immediately after passing the reviewing offiicer, turns out of the column, takes post in front of and facing him, continues to play until its regiment has passed, then ceases playing and follov.'s in rear of its regiment ; the band of the following regiment commences to play as soon as the preceding band has ceased. 218 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. While marching in review but one band in each brig-ade pUiys at a time, and but one band at a time when within 100 paces of the reviewing officer. 583. In line, when the regimental color salutes, the march, flourishes, or ruffles are sounded by all the field music. 584. The formation for review may be modified to suit the ground, and the present onus and the ride around the line by the reviewing officer may be dispensed with. 585. If the post of the reviewing officer is on the left of the column, the troops march in review with the guide left ; the commanding officer and his staff turn out of the column to the left, taking post as prescribed above, but to the left of tlie reviewing officer ; in saluting, the captains give the command : 1. Eiics, 2. Left. 586. Except in the review of a single battalion, the troops pass in review in quick time only. 587. In reviews of brigades or larger commands, each bat- talion, after the rear has passed the reviewing officer 50 paces, takes the double time for 100 yards in order not to interfere with the march of the column in rej^r ; if necessary, it then turns out of the column and returns to camp by the most practi- cable route ; the leading battalion of each regiment is folloAved by the other units of the regiment. 588. In a brigade or larger review a regimental commander may cause his regiment to stand at ease, rest, or staek arms and fall out and resume attention, so as not to interfere with the ceremony. 589. When an organization is to be reviewed before an in- spector junior in rank to the commanding officer, the command- ing officer receives the review and is accompanied by the in- spector, who takes post on his left. IIEVIEW OF MACHIXE-GUX BATTALION. 590. The bati alien having been formed in line or in line of sections : (If the battalion is formed in line of sections, the front of the battalion may be reduced by causing the section to close to 10-pace intervals. The command will be: 1. On right section, to 10 paees, 2. Close. Ten paces being the interval between squads in line.) The major faces to the front; the reviewing MACHINE-GUH DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 219 officer moves a few paces towartl the major and halts; the ma.ior turns about and commands : 1. Present, 2. Aems, and again turns about and salutes. The reviewing oflicer returns the salute; the major turns about, commands: 1. Order, 2. Aems, and again turns to the front. The reviewing ofRcer approaches to about six paces from the major, the latter salutes, takes post on his right, and accom- panies him around the battalion. The band plays. The review- ing officer proceeds to the right of the band, passes in front of the captains to the left of the line, and returns to the right, passing in rear of the file closers and the band. On arriving again at the right of the line, the major salutes, halts, and when the reviewing officer and staff have passed moves directly to his post in front of the battalion, faces it, and commands: 1. Pass in revieii', 2. Platoons {squads) right {left) turn, 3. March. 4. Forward, 5. Maech. At the first command the band changes direction, if necessary, and halts. At the last command, given when the band has changed direc- tion, the battalion moves off, the band playing; without com- mand from the major, the column changes direction at the points indicated ; the major takes his post 30 paces in front of the band immediately after the second change ; the band hav- ing passed the reviewing officer, turns to the left out of the column, takes post in front of and facing the reviewing officer, and remains there until the review terminates. The major and staff salute, turn the head as in eyes right. and look toward the reviev,-ing officer when the major is 6 paces from him ; they return to the carry and turn the head and eyes to the front when the major has passed 6 paces beyond him. AVithout facing about, each captain or'special unit commander, except the drum major, commands : 1. Eyes, in time to add, 2. Right, when at 6 paces from the reviewing officer, and com- mands Feont when at 6 paces beyond him. At the command Eyes the company officers armed with the saber execute the first motion of present saber ; at the command Right all turn head and eyes to the right, except drivers, the company officers complete present saher, and the noncommissioned officers armed 220 MACHINE-GUN DEILL EEGTJLATIONS, 1917. with the saber execute the first motion of present saber; at the command Feoxt all turn head and eyes to the front, and officers and noncommissioned officers armed with the saher resume the carry saber ; without arms in hand, the first motion of the hand salute is made at the command Right, and the sec- ond motion not made until the command Feo^tt. Noncommissioned staff officers, noncommissioned officers in command of subdivisions, and the drum major salute, turn the head and eyes, return to the front, resume the carry or drop the hand at the points prescribed for the major. Olucers and dismounted noncommissioned officers in command of subdivi- sions with arms in hand render the saber salute. Drivers charged with the gait, trace, and direction do not execute eyes right. If the reviewing officer is entitled to a salute from the color the regimental color salutes when at 6 paces from him, and is raised when at G paces beyond him. The major, having saluted, takes post on the right of the reviewing officer, returns saber and remains there until the rear of the battalion has passed, then salutes, draws saber, and rejoins his battalion. The band ceases to play when the column has completed its second change of direction after passing the reviewing officer. 591. As part of a regiment in a regimental review the ma- chine-gun company takes its prescribed post in line or in line of sections. At the colonel's command, Pass ix Review, the captain gives the necessary command for forming his company in column of squads, moves off in time to follow the organization, preceding it at proper distance. GEXEUAL RULES. 592. If dismounted, the officer receiving the parade, and his staff, stand at parade rest, with arms folded, while the band is sounding off; they resume attention with the adjutant. If mounted, they remain at attention. 593. At the command Report, given by a battalion adjutant, the captains in succession from the right, salute and report; MACHINE-GTJN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 221 A (or other) company, present or accounted for; or, A (or other) company (so manjO, officers, or enlisted men absent; and resume the order saber. At the same command given by the re;?imental adjutant, the majors similarly report their battalions. MACIIIXE-GUX BATTALION. 594. At adjutanVs call the battalion is formed in line or in line of sections, but not presented. The major takes post at a convenient distance in front of the center and facing the battilion. Tie adjutant, from his post in front of the center of the bat- talioi, commands : 1. Parade, 2. Rest ; the battalion executes parale rest. The adjutant directs the band : Sound Off. Th* band, playing in quick time, passes in front of the line of officer 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, fol- lowing, the last note and while the flag is being lowered, the band tays the Star-Spangled Bannee. Just before the last note of retreat the adjutant comes to attentiai and, as the last note ends, commands : 1. Battalion, 2. Attrition. When the band ceases playing he turns about and reprts : Sir, the parade is formed. The major directs the adjutan: Receive the reports, sir. The rports received, the adjutant turns about and reports: Sir, all o'c present or accounted for; or. Sir, (so many) officers or enlistd men are absent, including in the list of absentees those froi the band and field music reported to him by the drum major pnr to the parade. The n^toY directs: Publish the orders, sir. The adjtant turns about and commands : Attention to orders; he then tads the orders, and commands: 1. Officers, center, 2. Makch. At the Ommand march the captains carry saber and form line, closin on the center, facing to the front; the adjutant turns aboutand takes his post. The ofRcGp having closed and faced to the front, the senior commands :\. Forward, 2. Makch. The ofiicers advance, the 222 MACHINE-GXTN DEILL EEGULATIOITS, 1917. band playing; the captain of the center or right center com- pany is the guide and marches on the major ; the officers are halted at 6 paces from the major by the senior, who commands : 1. Officers, 2. Halt. They halt and salute, returning to tiie carry saber ^Yith the major. The major then gives such :n- structions as he deems necessary, and commands : 1. Officers, post, 2. March. At the command march the captains turn outward and tike their posts. The music ceases when all officers have resumed their p«sts. The major then commands : 1. Pass in review, 2. Sqiads right, 3. March, and returns saber. The battalion marches according to the principles of re'^iew ; when the last company has passed, the ceremony is conclided. The band continues to play while the companies are in narch upon the parade ground. Companies are marched to their respective parades by their captains. When the company officers have saluted the major, hi may direct them to form lino with the .staff, in which case t^ey in- dividually move to the front, passing to the right and left of the major and staff, halt on the line established by tb staff, face about, and stand at attention. The music cease when the officers join the staff. The major causes the compiuies to pass in reviev/ under the command of their first sergants by the same command as before. The company officer return saber v.ith the major and remain at attention. EEGI^CENTAL P^UIADE. 595. The regiment is formed in line or in line of msses ; the formation having proceeded up to, but not including the Pre- sent, the parade proceeds as described for the battUon, with the following exceptions : " Colonel " is substituted for " major," " regiment for " bat- talion," in the description, and " battalions " for '' bctalion " in the commands. After publishing the orders the adjutant commads : 1. Offi- cers, center. 2. March. The company commanders remain at their pos^ with their companies. MACHINE-GUN DHILL REGULATIONS 1917. 223 The field and staff officers form one line, closing on the center. The senior connnands : 1. Forward, 2. March. The second major is the guide and marches on the colonel. After being dismissed by the colonel, each major moves in- dividually to the front, turns outvcard, and followed by his staff resumes his post by the most direct line. The colonel directs the lieutenant colonel to march the regiment in review; the latter moves to a point midway between the colonel and the regiment and marches the regiment in review as prescribed. If the lieutenant colonel is not present, the colonel gives the necessary commands for marching the regiment in review. Section IV. — Inspections. DISMOUNTED INSPECTIONS. 596. The company being in line, dismounted (120), the ofli- cer^ al carry saber, the captain causes the company to open ranks (128). 597. The captain then commands: Peepaee foPv Inspection. The captain returns saber, inspects the lieutenants, the ranks, and the tile closers, beginning on the right of each and return- ing by tlie left and rear. Each man as approached executes Inspcctio'i. Pistol, and after being passed by the inspector ex- ecutes R(\t'uni, Pistol. The buglers raise their bugles for in- spection. During the inspection of the ranks the lieutenants face abou\ and stand at ease; they may be directed to accom- pany the eiptain or to assist in the inspection. Upon the com- pletion of ;he inspection the lieutenants face to the front and resume the attention. The captain causes the company to close ranks (129). 598. Shoitd the inspector be other than the captain, the lat- tei', after conmanding Front, adds Rest, and faces to the front (when the irspector approaches, the captain faces to the left) brings the company to attention, faces to the front, and salutes. The salute aclnowledged, the captain carries saber, faces to the left, command?: Prepare for Inspection, and again faces to the front. The inspectioi proceeds as before ; the captain returns saber and accompanie; the inspector as soon as the latter passes him. 599. At inspection of quarters the inspector is accompanied by the captain and follov>'ed by the other officers, or by such of 224 MACHUJE-GITN DRILL HEGTTLATIONS, 1917. them as he may designate; the men, without accoiiterments, stand uncovered near their respective bunks ; in camp they stand covered without accouterments. in front of their tents'; upon the approach of tlie inspector the first sergeant commands : Attention, salutes, and leads the way through the quarters or camp. BATTALION INSPECTION. 600. Battalion inspection is conducted in accordance with the principles and by the methods and means laid down in Com- pany Inspection, Dismounted. MOUNTED INSPECTIONS. 601. Inspections will habitually be mounted. Machire-gun organizations carry, for inspection mounted, every article that is prescribed as a part of the regular equipment and for which there is a specially designated place on the transportation, ^he signalmen and scouts are assigned, three to each gun sqtad. COMPANY INSPECTION. 602. The company being in line or in close line, the captain commands: 1. In -front of the carts, 2, Fall In. The .gun squads fall in in front of the carts, as described in paragraph 162. The captain then causes the company to open ranks, as described in paragraph 128, and aligns the company oi the right equad. The captain dismounts and turns his horse ove' to one of the buglers. All mounted men dismount and stand lo horse. The captain then takes post 5 paces to the front of the right of the company. If the inspection is to be conducted by him. he faces to the left and commands : Prepaee fop. Inspection. He then passes down in front of the platoon leade'S, inspecting them, and returns to the right of the company ii front of the section leaders, inspecting them. The inspection of the dismounted men is car'ied on by the company commander, assisted by the platoon haders, if he so desires, as in the company dismounted. Upon completion of the inspection of the gun squads the cap- tain makes such inspection as he deems necessa'y of the drivers, MACEINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 225 carts, and equipment. If he desires to inspect all the guns and equipment, he gives the command : Izvtspection Equipment. At this command the gun squads secure the guns, tripods, etc.. and mount tliem as described in paragraph 147 10 paces in front of their respective positions. The ammunition boxes, tool boxes, water boxes, etc., are placed in line as described in paragraph 147. The men take position as described in paragraph 147 and remain at attention during the inspection. The carts, signal- men, and agents do not move. For this inspection the captain may direct each platoon leader to inspect the equipment of his platoon. This inspection of equipment should cover the following points : Gun. (a) Front sight. ( 1 ) Straight and without lost motion. (6) Rear sight. (1) Half nut should hold slide in any position. (2) Elevating screw should work freely. (3) Aperture disk should be straight. (4) Pivot spring should hold aperture disk in posi- tion. (5) Movable base without lost motion. (c) Muzzle attachment. ( 1 ) Front disk cap should be clean. (2) Front disk should lit tightly. (3) Sleeve should not bind. (4) Inspect locking pin. (.5) Follower should lit snugly. (6) Barrel disk not loose. (d) Water jacket, etc. (1) Inspect stem. (2) Inspect water plug, (8) Front plug screw should be in position. (e) Feed box. (1) Slide should work freely. (2) Test all springs for strength. (3) There should not be dirt or friction in the feed box. 16 MACHINE-GITN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. Gnn — Continued. (/) Lock. (1) Test safety sear by releasing hand sear. (2) Test hand sear by releasing safety sear. (3) There should not be excessive friction. (4) Test firing pin by snapping lock and seeing how far the point protrudes through the carrier, (5) Test gib and gib spring. (g) Rear cover. (1) Catch should hold securely. (2) Trigger bar should work smoothly. (3) Brushes should be in good condition. (4) Reservoir should be full of oil. (5) Test trigger-lever spring for straightness and strength. (6) The safety catch should be tested, (/i) Crosshead and crank. (1) Roller handle should be straight — when the roller handle is on the dead stop the tail of the roller handle should not touch tlie roller. (?) Recoil spring and fusee. (1) Test the strength of the recoil spring. (2) Inspect the spring-box fixings. (3) Inspect the spring box. (;■) Recoil plates, etc. (1) These plates should be straight. (2) The carrier supporting springs should be stiff. (3) The recoil plates should be free from burrs. (7c) Side plates. (1) The side plates should be straight and free from burrs. (2) The side cams should be smooth and free from burrs. (7) Bottom plate slide. (1) The slide should open and close properly. (2) The bottom plate slide catch should hold the slide when set. (m) Barrel. (1) The barrel should be free from obstruction and clean. (2) The bore should be inspected for corrosion. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 227 Gun — Continued. (ni) Barrel — Continued. (3) Tlie barrel should fit close up to the trunnion block when fully forward. (.n) Tripod. (1) Inspect trunnion and elevating pins to see that they fit without lost motion. (2) Inspect the elevating mechanism to see that there is no lost motion, (o) These tests should be applied: (1) Tilt the gun forward to .see that outer steam tube is working. (2) Weigh recoil spring. It should be from 7 pounds to 9 pounds when the roller handle is 1 inch above, dead stop. (Without muzzle attach- ment, 5 pounds to 7 pounds.) (3) Inspect belts to see that the points of the cartridges are even vrith the ends of the brass strips. Turn a few cartridges around in the belt to see if they fit very tightly. 603. The company having been .inspected, the captain com- mands : Replace EquiPxMent. At this command the equipment is returned to its original position, and the men fall in in front of the carts. 604. While inspecting the company or accompanying the in- spector the captain does not return his saber while mounted; if dismounted, he returns saber. 605. Should the inspector be other than the captain, the latter prepares the company for inspection and awaits the arrival of the in&ijector. Upon the approach of the inspector the captain, at his post, salutes. The inspector returns the salute and informs him of the character of the inspection desired ; the cap- tain gives the necessary commands, faces to the front, and, when inspected, accompanies the inspector. BATTALION INSPECTION. (Mounted.) 606. The battalion is formed in column of companies, each company in close line. On the approach of the inspector the S28 ]iIACHINE-ur shall come to attention if at rest or at ease. 628. Saluting distance is that within which recognition is easy. In general, it does not exceed 30 paces. MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. 233 When an officer entitled to the salute passes in rear of a body of troops, it is brought to attention while he is opposite the post of the commander. In public conveyances, such as railway trains and street cars, and in public places, such as theaters, honors and personal sa- lutes may be omitted when palpably inappropriate or apt to disturb or annoy civilians present. 629. Officers and enlisted men passing the uncased color will render honors as follows: If in uniform, they will salute as re- quired in paragraph 628 ; if in civilian dress and covered, they will uncover, holding the headdress opposite the left shoulder v.ith the right hand ; if uncovered, they will salute with the right-hand salute. Sentinels on post doing interior guard duty conform to the foregoing principles, but salute by presenting arms wiien armed with the rifle. They vvill not salute if it interferes with the proper performance of their duties. Troops under arms will salute as prescribed in drill regulations. 630. Commanders of detachments or other commands will salute officers of grades higher than the person commanding the unit by first bringing the unit to attention and then saluting as required. 631. If the person saluted is of a junior or equal gi-ade, the unit need not be at attention in the exchange of salutes. If two detachments or other commands meet, their command- ers will exchange salutes, both commands being at attention. 632. Salutes and honors, as a rule, are not paid by troops actually engaged in drill, on the march, or in the field under campaign or simulated campaign conditions. Troops on the service of security pay no compliments whatever. 633. If the command is in line at a halt (not in the field) and armed with the rifle, or with sabers drav/n, it shall be brought to " present arms " or " present sabers " before its commander salutes in the following cases : When the national anthem is played, or when " To the Color " or " To the Standard " is sounded during ceremonies, or when a person is saluted who is its immediate or higher commander or a general officer, or when the national or regimental color is saluted. 634. At parades and other ceremonies, under arms, the com- mand shall render the prescribed salute and shall remain in 234 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGTJLATIONS, 1817. the position of salute vrhile the national anthem is being played ; also at retreat and during ceremonies when " To the Color " is played if no band is present. If not under arms, the orj^ani- zations shall be brought to attention at the hrst note of the national anthem, " To the Color," or " To the Standard," and the saltite rendered by the officer or noncommLssioned officer in command, as prescribed in regulations, as amended herein. 635. No officer in civilian clothes or present informally in uniform shall be saluted with guns or have a guard paraded in his honor. 636. Guards shall not turn out on Sundays as a matter of compliment for officers of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps. 637. Soldiers at all times and in all situations pay the same compliments to officers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Volunteers, and to officers' of the National Guard in uniform as to officers of their own regiment, corps, or arm of service. Section YI. — Bugle Calls, warning calls. 638. Fii'st call, guard mounting, full dress, overcoats, drill, stable, water, and boots and saddles precede the assembly by sucli intervals as may be prescribed by the commanding officer. Mess, church, and fatigue, classed as sei'viec calls, may also be used as warning calls. First call is the first signal for formation for roll call on foot. Guard mounting is the first signal for guard mounting. Drill call is the first signal for drill dismounted. Boots and saddles is the signal for mounted formations; for mounted drill, it immediately follows the signal for drill. The buglers assemble at first call, guard mounting, and boots and saddles. When full dress or overcoats are to be worn, the full dress or overcoat call immediately follows first call, guard mounting, or boots and saddles. rOIlMATION CALLS. 639. Assembly. — The signal for the companies or details to form on their company parade grounds. MACHINE- GTTN DRILL KEGULATIONS, 1917. 235 Adjutant's caU.—The signal for the companies or guard de- tails to assemble on the camp or garrison parade ground; it follows the assembly at sucli interval as may be prescribed by the commanding officer. It is also used as a signal for the battalions to form regiment, following the first adjutant's call at such interval as the commanding officer may direct. To the color is sounded when the color salutes. ALARM CALLS. 640. Fire call. — The signal for the men to fall in, without arms, to extinguish a fire. To arms. — The signal for the companies to form at a desig- nated place, completely equipped, as quickly as possible. SERVICE CALLS. 641. Taps, 7ness, sick, church, recall, issue, officers', first ser- geants', fatigue, school, and the general. The general is the signal for striking tents and loading wagons preparatory to marching. Reveille precedes the assemhly for roll call; retreat follows the assemhly, the interval betv\'een being only that required for formation and roll call. Taps is the signal for extinguishing lights ; it is usually pre- ceded by call to quarters by such interval as is prescribed in Army Regulations. Assembly, reveille, retreat, adjutant's call, to the color, the flourishes, and the marches are sounded by all the musicians united; the other calls, as a rule, are sounded by the musician of the guard or orderly musician ; he may also sound the as- sembly when the musicians are not united. The morning gun is fired at the first note of reveille, or, if marches be played before reveille, it is fired at the commence- ment of the first march. The evening gun is fired at the last note of retreat. DRLLL SIGNALS. 642. The drill signals include both the preparatory com- mands and the commands of execution; the last uote is the command of execution. 236 MACHINE-GITIT DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. The drill signals are taught in succession, a few at a time, until the officers and men are thoroughly familiar with them, some drills being specially devoted to this purpose. The memorizing of tliese signals will be facilitated by observ- ing that signals for all moveuieuts to the right are on the ascend- ing scale; that signals for the correspoudinc.- movement to the left are corresponding signals on the descending scale; that the changes of gait are all upon the same note. 643. All bugle calls, with the exceptions noted, are prohibited in the presence of the enemy. BUGLE CALLS 1. First Call. Quieh I «» p * * * J-^ J-i Quxclc> 2. Guard Mounting. -^m-^ Z_^- ^^— * 33325°— IS 9 237 238 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 3. Fuu. Dress. I Quick [± Tn^n = r =H-r-r-hEm^ f 1 f /TS ^ IF f— ^ ^ 8 * #v#: 4. Overcoats. I ^-—^ # *- ■# ^ ifczzp: ^ ^ ^ 5. Drill. i QuicZ:. ::S=«3: r^-»T r~g ^ ^> -ffB itz-t 1^=:^ =S=5: £^ Q nick. 6.f STABLEr^ > p^P f tm —-^ ^=^ H-f-^ 5^ MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 7a Water. Quiele, ^^ I r Quick. 8. Boots and Saddles. 9 ^^ i ^ ^ ^ fi fi » ■uj Moderate. 9. Assembly. ^ * ' - 1 1 — »-\z: :ff=iE ttt i^ I _^ ii -^•-^_-*- :^ia: -»---#- 10. ADJUTANT'S Call. Quick. J=fc!Lai ^^^^^^3 S3 .^ -P-^f- ^^^^^^ •*— ^ Quick time. 11. To THE Color. E^t -^-!-^- -^-^-^P~ i =^=^i'^tT q=srs: -#i#- :i^" 240 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. To THE Color— Concluded. End. -^— ^=^ .m ==^ -^— #— # — ^ ^ — I — ^— — I— t=t=t 0=^ E aJ i I "^ -t—- h 12. Fire. i Q«te^. /:> ^Htt: ^^^^ ^n^.- ^t- i= rsi ^ i ^s Bepeat at wilL ^ j:=j:= f-"±-r^ 3=qg ^ (IS.^TotArms: i^ ^f^:%. . . ;r^ r-¥- 3^^^ -T f - •LL'LuLaUli a< wZZ. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 241 14. To Horse. Presto. -#-=-*- \ \ ~e: -3 r*-^ ^ -■ x^^g^rfj^F-bhff . ^ f* ^ ^ -j I 15. Reveille. Quich WT^= ^^ — y ■Ph— ^' ■ F I P . P - "t 1 End. f^tt=t ' >> | pierr:_^-i---^-L-4 f I y . i #H— * -.P^-^ ^— ^ ■^ CJ ' — CJ _j » #- hl — l-v*^ z).a 16. Retreat. I Moderate. 2-0 f . . \r 3.i= ^j..\.,_,^ EM=* E^ -* i Li tzt l=ttt ?:?=t ^^^1^^^^ ^^=^^^S?^^^^ 242 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. R ETR EAT— ConcZiided. ^fc:^ ■--^4^^ 3ff-g-s- — ^-W- -1 — ^ fe=t= ^ri'-h^ 1 ^ r - -^V- ^ =^r=f ^=t= -^-^- _•. [: i^ tr J — H E ^ ^— -H- ?i=il: ;^ MACHINE-GUN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1?17. 1 7. Tattoo. Quick I ^g ^^=^ U Je^^e^ -^■ ^ - . - I ^ . I T=^ Ei^ f*-^ ^^^^ it:iq ^ tiS # — 0^-^-0 — #- ri^^^ £ ^Mt- i=a=t 3 •rs I !- -^j-;_;_ -=:arti -^tft-^- - -*-^^^3=f-f S — •'— #^- J J 1 1 _ ra I H^ - ^'.€Usl 244 KA.CHINE-C1JN DRILL REGTJLATIONS, 1917. T ATTOO— Continued. » ff'* 2«: m i — r- *^ 0-^-0-0 » *'0 Si -^— «-i-#?-*— «-^-*- i=t: -^LiA. F^f- fit t=t ■# # i=^^=C n^. ri ^^^ H^t: I I'S I 1 \ 0*0 ! [- 5_-^^ -^ r^Ti 4^ p=;ib±i; M^;jM ^ ^=p: £^ — # 0^^0-0^ J-f-t-t * 00- '->.- a^s^^ .,- ^■.^^1 -;: -^-'-^- ^-^ ^ F ^fa=.lfr|:n^^ :3^- MACHINE-GUN DRILL EEQULATIONS, 1917. Tattoo— Concluded. 245 I=? :ii^ ^ r=l 4^- ^- 5t:=^ g ^ i "r "T |z»= :iff=z^zpi^ipzaqr *«c\ ^^ :^=q: 5^=t^- "^ g^^=^-U-i=gE^^^W^^^E ^ =3=5 — f»» 1&- i^ 246 MACHINE-GTJN DKILL HEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 1 8. Call to Quarters. i Slow. M-M-JJL. -f^- ^ /T^ 0\ /T> -« \- T=i^ i 19. Taps. g ?£ ;ijJ-J 'f 4 4 gi ^^i T°n^T^J ■ rair- l 20. Mess. 2 ^ , ^ ^ ^ - . __ * — ^ -« — e 4iiit MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 247 21. Sick. Quick. 3 m V ^ ' m 3 |z= =i n fL|| r ^ =^= ^1 ^ ^ ^M^ =^ a • m 3 ^ F—^^ m^ ^r^ 22. Church. Slow. ^ ^ /TN B3 ^— ^-^ :i« :#:)£{=? iL^-f!U '^m -M-*- qngi^iz^ .|e-^-H=H— J- -#-^H 23. Recall. Moderato. 24. Issue. Allegro^ 248 MACHINE-GirN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 25. OFFICERS' Call. Quidk. PH 6 , rrj > — ^e-^^_> ^m \=t m=--f=^=f=f^^ R^;^=t^ 26. Captains' Call. Quick. 27. First Sergeants' Call. S _ 8 i 28. Fatigue fT f -# — P P P P -v^ ^ — ^ y-T w - ^ # — ffpp ^ §^ -#-H-#- ^c^ -/t-^ -f — ?- MACHINE- GTTN DKILL HEGTJLATIONS, 1917. 249 29. School. Quick ^^s A—^ ^ 30. The General. Q^^6L i • ^ ^ I I I I 1 — ^b»'-i — 1 — I — h P p ^-^t-g-A j g^dr^zf^ BUGL E SIGN ALS. 31. Assemble. MARCH. Same as Assembly, No. 9. 32. Attention. P /f\ ^- — ^- ^-ii N I ^ i 33. Attention to Orders. Slow. ,^ ti^^^^tJJfn 34. Forward. MARCH. Slow. /-^ t:R^*-l-^ i 35. Halt. ^i ^ 36. Double Time. MARCH. Quick ^ 250 MACHINE- GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 37. To' THE Rear. MARCH. 251 Slow. :&^ -0 t=t4 38. COMMENCE Firing. i Quick. 4 ^ § l^^ 39. Cease Firing. Quick. 252 MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGITLATIONS, 1917. 42. Route Order. Moderate. ^^^ *giS m^m 43. Platoons. Quick i#5EfeM 44. Squads Right (by the right flank). MARCH. Moderate, g^ i 45. Squads Left (by the left flank), MARCH. Moderate. JL. E^dEJ^^Efe^ 46. Column Right, MARCH. a-^^^^ MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 253 47. Column Left, MARCH. mow. ^m 48. Right Turn, MARCH. Moderate* 8 49. LEFT Turn, MARCH. Moderate. 3 3 /!\ Ep3 Slmo. 50. Right Oblique. ^. UABCH* — a — s^~ 51. Left Oblique. Slow. ^ MABCH. 2?: 132: 52. Right Front into Line. Moderate. IklARCB. i >— ^ s=tt ^-«- :f^ f^J Vtf ^ 33320"^— IS 10 264 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 53. Left Front into Line. Moderate, — ^ — . 54. On Right into Line. Moderate. /-s '^ aLAJicn. 42- 55. On Left into Line. 56. Right into Line. ^ Quick. MARCH. ^-^1^ £jsa m i Quick. ^ _g_r n 57. Left into Line. ^M^- MARCH. F^pjg^i^ MISCELLANEOUS BUGLE CALLS. 58. PRESIDENT'S MARCH. QuicJi time. ff'^ifpf m ^•1^~>. f -?^ :JPM^ s at #^^##-ri-<*-.^ a: £ ^^ ^^ ^^^ -^^^^^ »55 266 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 59. GENERAL'S March. -i« -3- Q^^ck time. Ee5 -# * # r-f i pas Frn f ' I ^=a 62. ROGUE'S March. Q^ick time Repeat at will 268 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 63. Funeral March. Very slov)'. fk.'i^ f^f ff ^ f -(^ ^ \(^ -^ ip^ft-ft,^^ — ^ ^-W^ fi i. r-:--Hp — -1-' '-i 1 — Ul- fet5-fi'-r:r-r r-4q=^[f - ^ri^f;r-p=fj ^ L.-U-I ..-I- -J. L... ■ ■ -rTii ! — 4- i^zLf^^^-^-i 1 i^ ^yjj _;.iv^3_^;4. I =^-=^^=Et=^=^^ F*^P' ^ I I I i ^1 * P g~-r-:gr -^^—4--^ ;jt=it li^:^ dr— ^^^5-5 ^ .-^ziir ^^-^*-#-^#— # ZIS^l ^ Repeat at will I QUICKSTEPS. Quick. 64. Quickstep No. I. I ^^ i — ^ 3E3E33EhE3^3E£ -^— ^- ^ End. ^^ Fl i f ^' ^ =it A*r^ H #-!-^ :^3:? ^ =:i: •-#-#-h#-#- :;^:J: J ^ * /> 0-0-S-0-0^ m^^m -! — ^— End. 1^ •^=^;l -#- -0-\ — h t- I :^n\ ^ — ^^^ t=a: S #4-*- ^^ -I — h*-^ till — I I I ^ - -! h# I \ \ — H — I — h III !■■ ' Hi l l \~0 '.a End. E5j: ^-J=Fa= :t ^l^^l^fe^ 259 260 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 65. Quickstep No. 2. 2S 0-0-0-0-0- -«— ^-i- 66. Quickstep No. 3. f GE^^S^EHS ±4: fe ^j-g-M-^^ m !_) ■ -*-*- i ^^m .^Lua: MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 261 67. Quickstep No. 4. ■^-^^ ^i±l^tat -«-^ xB sife^i^S^ '-r^-W^- -^ r— .— ^ r^-= ^-l^ ^^ ^^^l^l^g ^n^^^^- «-^^ 2f -^- m^^^^^^^^^^ 68. Quickstep No. 5. I ' ^ ^ < +#-#-#^^^^# — -I — t- '-T-^ MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 69. Quickstep No. 6. '^^. m r-^-^f-f- '\ ^??- ^_r ^ » I , r> : ^^/ -^^- -Nsr-a PN, >< 1/- >. — ^-^--' -#-#■ 1^^ _7 J J : -g-g-^ 70. Quickstep No. ::*=3 r^ _^. A^^^^-^- -3±^. ^^4-4- •=;L^: r-+ T-^ ^^E^Eg±^^^f±SS| ^J__^- .#rc «-t ^!?!^ >t=: Second time. End. mk^^^ -s-?-sd- :t^ i^^ i!z^^i5i tf-r~^ ~1*~"~*T ~ll *^^ ^ ^^ ^ Z)a Capo. 1^ 'J -fl — -^-^ -?— ^r — f •■ i * H "J rt^! * L :^^-^ 264 MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGULATIONS, 1917. 72. Quickstep No. 9. F Trumpet. ifc p ..| p I ^ pi^zg » -8-h-V- -^ ! , ' f-M-M-^ C Crook. ■1 1 I I r^ ^ -V*f.f End. $ r«^«-f^ E^^- :f-^ I -m * » » ^ ^ , =^=t=q=^ ?^-3-^ 5E^ ^ — h •—s-s-l — ^-ff-iif PART VIII. MANUALS. Section I. — Manual of the Pistol. NOMENCLATURE AND CAEE. 644. The soldier is first taught the nomenclature of the parts of the pistol necessary to an understanding of its action and use the proper measures for its care and preservation, as given in Ordnance Pamphlet descriptive of the pistol. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 645. Whenever men fall in ranks with the automatic pistol the officer or noncommissioned officer in charge will command : 1. Raise, 2. Pistol, 3. Withdraw, 4, Magazine, 5. Open, 6. Cham- ber, 7. Close, 8. Chamber, 9. Insert, 10. Magazine, 11. Return, 12. Pistol. The connnander of any company or detachment thereof is re- sponsible for giving the necessary commands to put the pistols in a safe condtion. 646. The pistol with cartridge in chamber is habitually car- ried cocked and locked, whether in the hand or in the holster. The hammer will not be lowered while a cartridge is in the chamber. 647. In campaign, the pistol should habitually be carried with a magazine in the socket, loaded with seven ball cartridges, chamber empty, hammer down. The extra magazines should also be loaded with seven ball cartridges each. 648. When action seems imminent, the pistol should be loaded by command. It may then be returned by command to the holster till the time for its use arrives. 267 268 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 649. Recruits are first taught the motions of loading and firing without using cartridges. However, the automatic action and the effect of ball cartridges in operating the slide can not be taught without firing ball cartridges. Practice without car- tridges is very necessary to acquire facility in the exact move- ments of the manual, and in aiming, holding, and trigger squeeze. To execute the movements without cartridges, first withdraw magazine, open chambers, and examine both pistols and maga- zines to assure that none contain ball cartridges. The automatic pistol must at all times be assumed to he loaded with ball cartridges until an inspection has disclosed that it is not so loaded. 650. All the movements in loading pistol should be practiced without kxDking at it. In order to do this successfully it is necessary to know exactly where the magazines are carried so the hand may find them without fumbling. Also, since the projection at the front of the magazine base is on the same side as the bullets, and the magazine must be inserted in the socket with these to the front, the magazine should be carried in the pocket with the projection to the left and should be withdrawn from the pocket with the same grasp as is prescribed for icith- draw magazine. 651. This manual must be practiced with all the precision and exactness required for the manual for the rifle. Accidents will be reduced to a minimum and familarity with the pistol gained. THE MANUAL. 652. The pistol being in the holster : 1. Raise, 2. Pistol. At the command raise, unbutton the flap of the holster with the right hand and grasp the stock, back of hand outward. . At the command pistol, draw the pistol from the holster, re- verse it, muzzle up, the hand holding the stock with the thumb and last three fingers; forefinger outside of the guard; barrel to the rear, and inclined to the front at an angle of about 30 degrees ; hand as high as the neck and 6 inches in front of the point of the right shoulder. This is the position of raise pistol, and it may be similarly taken from any position. 653. To withdraw magazine, pistol in any position: 1. With- draw, 2. Magazine. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 269 At the command magannc, place pistol, barrel down, in left hand and clasp barrel in full grip of left hand, thumb clasped over barrel in front of trigger guard, butt of pistol up, barrel pointing to the left front and slightly downward. With tip of right forefinger press stud releasing magazine, and then catch magazine with little finger under projection at front of magazine base. Raise magazine about an inch, then close tlr,;mb and second finger on sides of magazine, giving a secure grasp with which it can be withdrawn from socket and placed inside belt (in pocket of shirt or otherwise disposed of without throwing it av.-ay). Ilight hand then grasps stock, back of hand to the left. 654. To open chamber, 'the pistol in any position : 1. Open, 2. Chamber. ' Carry the pistol to the left hand (if not already there) barrel to the left, frciit end of slide grasped between the thumb and forefinger of left hand ; right hand grasping stock, back of hand up: right thumb under slide stop. Hold left hand steady and push forward with right hand till slide reaches end of stroke; engage slide stop, and come to raise pistol. Should the pistol be cocked and locked, it must be unlocked, so that the slide can move. 655. To close chamber, being at raise pistol, chamber open: 1. Close, 2. Chambee. At the connnand eliamher, release slide stop with right thumb and let hammer down gently. To let hammer down, pull dowm- ward with point of right thumb till hammer presses against grip safety and forces it home; then while continuing this pres- sure on hammer, pull trigger ; and while continuing pull on trigger let the hammer down. While letting hammer down, grasp stock firmly ])etween the palm and last three fingers to prevent pistol rotating in hand. 656. To insert magazine, pistol being in any position, no magazine in socket : 1. Insert, 2. Magazine. Lower pistol into left hand as in witMraw magazine, grasp magazine with tip of right forefinger on projection at base of magazine, withdraw from pocket, and insert in pistol. To make sure that magazine is home strike base of magazine with palm of right hand. Bring the pistol to the position of raise pistol. 33325°— 18 11 ^70 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGTTLATIONS, 1917. 657. To return pistol, being at raise pistol: 1. Return, 2. Pistol. Lower the pistol and raise tlie flap of the holster with the right thumb ; insert the pistol in the holster and push it down ; button the flap with the right hand. If the pistol be loaded and cocked, the command, 1. Lock, 2. Pistol, must precede the command " Return." 658. To load, having loaded magazine in pistol, pistol in any position, chamber empty: 1. Load, 2. Pistol. Place pistol in left hand, barrel down, butt of pistol up, barrel pointing to left front and downward, slide grasped between thumb and forefinger. Push forward with right hand until the slide is fully open, then release slide, allowing it to move for- ward, and load cartridge into chaml^er. Come to raise pistol. If the last shot in the magazine has been fired, to reload; same command, but execute witlidraic magazine, insert magazine, close chamher. As soon as the pistol is loaded it will be imme- diately locked by the commands, 1. Lock, 2. Pistol. Should the command for locking pistol be inadvertently omitted it will be locked without command. 659. To unload pistol, being in any position, loaded : Execute by the commands, 1. Withdraic. 2. Magazine. 3. Open, 4, Cham- EEE, 5. Close, 6. Chamber, 7. Insert, S. ^Magazine. 660. To Inspect pistol, it being in the holster: 1. Inspection, 2. Pistol. Execute raise pistol. To inspect the pistol more minutely add, 3. Withdraic, 4. Magazine, 5. Open, 6. Chamber. To avoid accidents, individual men out of ranks, in barracks, or camp will first witlidraic magazine, then open chamher, when- ever the pistol is removed from the holster for cleaning, for examination, or for any oth-^r purpose. Accidental discharges will not occur if the above rule is always observed, and failure to observe it must be considered a military offense, whether or not accident results. 661. Stand firmly on both feet, body perfectly balanced and erect and turned at such an angle as is most comfortable when MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 1917. 271 the arm is extended toward the target ; the feet far enough apart Mahout S to 10 inches) as to insure steadiness; weiglit of hody boruc equally upon both feet; riglit arm fully extended but not locked ; left arm hanging naturally. THE GRIP. 662. Grasp the stock as higii as possible with the thumb and last three fingers, the forefinger alongside the trigger guard, the thumb extended along the stock. The barrel, hand, and fore- arm should be as nearly in one line as possible when the weapon is pointed toward the target. The grasp should not be so tight as to cause tremors, but should be firm enough to avoid losing grip. The lower the stock is grasped the greater will be the movement or jump of the muzzle caused by recoil. If the hand be placed so that the grasp is on one side of the stock, the recoil will cause a rotary movement of the weapon toward the opposite side. The releasing of the sear causes a slight movement of the muzzle, generally to the left. The position and pressure of the thumb along the stock overcomes much of this movement. To do uniform shooting the weapon must be held with exactly the same grip for each sliot, not only must the hand grasp the stock at th-7 same point for each shot, but the tension of the grip must be uniform. THE TKIGGEll SQUEEZE. 663. The trigger must be squeezed in the same manner as in rifie firing. The pressure of the forefinger on the trigger should be steadily increased and should be straight back, not sideways. The pressure should continue to that point beyond which the slightest movement will release the sear. Then, when the aiu: is true, the additional pressure is applied and the pistol fired. When the pistol is fired the greatest effort should be taken to hold the pistol to the mark as nearly as possible. This will be of great benefit in automatic firing. PCrSITION AND AIMING DRILLS. 664. The squad is formed with an interval of one pace be- tween files. Black pasters are used as aiming points. The 272 MACHINE- GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. pasters are 10 paces distant from the squad. The instructor commands, 1. Raise, 2. Pistol, and cautions " Position and Aim- ing Drill." The men take the position prescribed in parata'aph 661. At the command : 1. Squad, 2. Fike, slowly extend the arm till it is nearlj' horizontal, the pistol directed at a point about 6 inches below the bull's-eye. At the same time put the fore- finger inside the trigger guard and gradually feel the trigger. Inhale enough air to comfortably till the lungs and gradually raise the piece until the line of sight is directed at the point of- aim, i. e.. just below the bull's-eye at 6 o'clock, \yhile the sights are directed upon the mark, gradually increase the pres- sure on the trigger until it reaches that point where the slightest additional pressure will release the sear. Then, when the aim is true, the additional pressure necessary to fire tlie piece is applied so as not to derange the alignment of the sights. The weapon will be held on the mark for an instant after the hammer falls and the soldier will observe what effect, if any, the squee7.- ing of the trigger has had on his aim. When the soldier has become proficient in taking the proper position, the exercise is conducted "At will." QUICK FIKE. 665. Being at the 7'aisc pistol, chamber and magazine empty : 1. Quiclc-fire exercise, 2. One. Lower the forearm until it is nearly horizontal, pistol pointing at the target, 3. Two. Thrust the pistol forward to the position of aim. siiapping the pistol just before the arm reaches its full extension. Then look through sights to verify the pointing. 4. Theee. Return to raise pistol and cock the pistol. In this exercise the soldier must keep his eyes fixed upon the mark. He should constantly practice pointing the pistol until he acquires the ability to direct it on the mark in the briefest interval of time and practically without the aid of the sigiits. In other words, the pistol in this exercise is accurately pointed instead of accurately aimed. In night firing pointing the pistol is the only method that can be used. After careful practice in this exercise it is surprising what good results can be obtained at night. This exercise should then be practiced from the position of the pistol in the holster instead of raise pistol. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1917. 273 666. Boiii,!! at raise pistol, the pistol loaded and locked: To fire: With the rii;ht thumb release the safety lock, if in the locking position ; extend the arm, hrini;ing- the sights on the target, and press the trigger. Tlie energy of recoil causes the mechanism of tlie pistol to eject the empty cartridge case, load, and prepare the pistol for the next shot. Pressure must be entirely relieved from the trigger after each shot in order that the trigger may reengage the sear. At the firing of the last cartridge, as the slide moves to the rear, it is automatically locked in the open position by the slide stop, thus calling attention to the fact that the maga- zine is empty. 667. To reload after firing out a magazine: Remove the maga- zine, insert a filled one. and release the slide stop with the left hand. 668. To exercise the squad in collective firing, either actual or simulated: 1. At (stieh an object), 2. Ready, 3. Squad, 4. FlPvE. At the command ready the pistols are cocked or the safety hitches are released. At the command fire, each man aims and fires by steadily increasing the pressure of his grip. It is im- portant that no attempt be made to pull the trigger. Section II. — Manual of Aems. (For men armed with the rifle.) 669. As soon as practicable the recruit is taught the use, nomenclature, and care of his rifie. When fair progress has been made in the instruction without arms, he is taught the manual of arms. Instruction without arms and that with arms alternate. 670. The following rules govern the carrying of the piece : First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or the magazine, except when specifically ordered. When so loaded, or supposed to be loaded, it is habitually car,- 274 MACHINE-GUN DEILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. Tied locked ; that is, with safety lock turned to the " safe." At all other times it is carried unlocked, with the trigger palled. Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at the commands: 1. Inspection, 2. Akms, 3. Order {rigid shouUlcr, port). 4. Aems. A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal. It cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine, they are removed and placed in the belt. Third. The cut-off on the 1903 rifle is kept turned "off," except when cartridges are actually used. The 1917 rifle, is not provided with a cut-olT. Fourth. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard, or for combat. Fifth. Fall in is executed with the piece at the order arms. Fall out, rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming attention the position of order arms is taken. Sixth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is brought to the right shoulder ;it the command march, the three motions corresponding with the first three steps. Move- ment.s may be executed at the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words at frail: as. I. At trail, foricard. 2. M.'UJCii ; the trail is taken at the command march. When the facings, alignments. oi)en and cl(;se ranks, taking intervals or distances, and assemblings are executed from the ordei*, raise the piece to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting. Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution of the order begins when the halt is completed. Eighth. A disengaged hand in double tini.' is held as vvdien without arms. 671. The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms : First. In all po.sitions of the left hand at the balance (center of gravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps the piece; the sling is included in tlie grasp of the hand. Second. In all positions of the piece "diagonally across the body." the position of the piece, left arm and hand are the same as in port arms. Third. In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the motion next to the last concludes with the butt of the piece MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 275 nbont 3 inches from the ^iround, barrel to the rear, the left haiul above and near the right, steadying the piece, fingers ex- tended and .joined, forearm and wrist i^traight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right hand grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side, and take the position of order arms. Allovring the piece to drop througii the right hand to the ground, or other similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect in executing the manual, is prohibited. Fourth. Tlie cadence of the motions is tiiat of quick time ; the recruits are first required to give their whole attention to the details of the motions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become accustomed to handling their pieces. The in- structor may require them to count aloud in cadence with the motions. Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are, for the purpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail : in this case the ccmnuand of execution determines the prompt execution of the first motion, and the commands two, three, four, that of the other motions. To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cau- tions : By the nurdhers; all movements divided into motions are then executed as above explained until he cautions : Witliout the numhers; or commands movements othei> than those in the manual of arms. Sixtli. Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of the manual of arms and the firings may be ordered without regard to the previous position of the piece. Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the rifle may be carried in any manner directed. 672. Position of order arins standing: The butt rests evenly on the ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on a line with toe of, and touching, the right shoe, arms and hands hanging naturally, right hand holding the piece between the thumb and fingers. 673. Being at order arms: 1. Present, 2. Akms. With the I'ight hand carry the piece in front of the center of the body, barrel to the rear and vertical, grasp it with the left 276 MACHTNE-GTTN DEILL REGULATIONS, 1917. hand at the balance, forearm horizontal and resting against the body. (Two) GrasiD the small of the stock with the right hand. 674. Being at order .arms: 1. Port, 2. ApwMS. With the right hand raise and throw the piece diagonally across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands ; the right, palm down, at the small of the stock ; the left, palm up, at the balance ; barrel up. sloping to the left and crossing opposite the junction of the neck with the left shoulder ; riglit forearm hori- zontal : left forearm resting against the body ; the piece in a vertical plane parallel to the front. 675. Being at present arms : 1. Port, 2. Aems. Carry the piece diagonally across the body and take the posi- tion of port arms. 676. Being at port arms: 1. Present, 2. Akms. Carry the piece to a vertical position in front of the center of the body and take the position of present arms. 677. Being at present or port arms : 1. Order, 2. Aems. Let go with the right hand ; lower and carry the piece to the right with the left hand; regrasp it with the right hand just above the lower band ; let go with the left hand and take the next to the last position in coming to the order. (Two) Com- plete the order. 678. Being at order arms: 1. Right shoulder. 2. Aems. With the right hand raise and throw the piece diagonally across the body : carry the right hand quickly to the butt, em- bracing it. the lieel ItetVNoen the first two fingers. (Two) With- out changing the grasp of the right hand, place the piece on the right slioulder, barrel up and inclined at an angle of about 4-5 degrees from the horizontal, trigger guard in the hollow of the shouhler, right elbow near the side, the piece in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front; carry the left hand, thumb and fingers extended and joined, to the small of the stock, tip of the forefinger touching the cocking piece, wrist straight and elbow down. (Theee) Drop the left hand by the side. 679. Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Order, 2. Aems. Press the butt down quickly and throw the piece diagonally across the body, the right hand retaining the grasp of the butt. (Tm'o). (Theee) Execute order arms as described from port arms. 680. Being at port arms : 1. Right shoulder, 2. Aems. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 277 Change the right hand to the butt. (Two), (Thkee) As In right shoulder arms from order arms. 681. Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Po7't, 2. Akms. Press the butt dovvn quickly and throw the piece diagonally across the body, the right hand retaining its grasp of the butt. (Two) Change the right hand to the small of the stock. 682. Being at right shoulder arms : 1. Present, 2. Akms. Execute port arms. (Three) Execute present arms. 683. Being at present arms : 1. Right shovlder, 2. iViuis. Execute port arms. (Two), (Three), (Four) Execute right shoulder arms as from port arms. 684. Being at port arms : 1. Left shoulder, 2. Arms. Carry the piece with the right hand and place it on the left shoulder, barrel up, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder ; at the same time grasp the butt with the left hand, heel be- tween first and second fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock. (Two) Drop the right hand by the side. Being at left shoulder arms : 1. Port, 2. Arms. Grasp the piece with the right hand at the small of tlic stock. (Two) Carry the piece to the right with the right hand, re- grasp it with the left, and take the position of port arms. Left shouhler arms may be ordered directly from the order right shoulder or present, or the reverse. At the command arms execute port arms and continue in cadence to the position ordered. 685. Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. Rest. Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to the rear. left knee slightly bent ; carry the muzzle in front of the ceiUer of the body, barrel to the left; grasp the piece with the left }i:uid just below the stacking swivel, and with the right hand below and against the left. Being at parade rest : 1. Squad. 2. Attention. Resume the order, the left hand quitting the piece opposite the right hip. 686. I^>eing at order arms : 1. Trail, 2. Arms. Raise the piece, right arm slightly bent, and incline the muz- zle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about 30 de- grees with the vertical. When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to others, the piece may be grasped at the balance and the muzzle 278 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATION!, 1917. lowered until the piece is horizontal ; a similar position in the left hand may be used. 687. Being at trail arms: 1. Order. 2. Arms. Lower the piece with the right hand and resume the order. r.IFLE SALUTE. 688. Being at right shoulder arms : 1. Rifle, 2. Salute. Carry the left hand smartly to the small of the stock, fore- arm horizontal, palm of hand down, thumb and forefingers extended and joined, forefinger touching end of cocking piece; look toward the person saluted. (Two) Drop left hand by the side; turn head and eyes to the front. With the rifle on the left shoulder, the salute is rendered in a corresponding manner Avith the right hand. 689. Being at order or trail arms: 1. Rifle. 2. Salute. Carry the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and lingers extended and joined, forefinger against piece near the muzzle; look toward the per.son saluted. (Two) Drop the left hand by the side; turn the head and eyes to the front. For rules governing salutes, see " Honors." the dayoxet. 690. Being at order arms : 1. Fix, 2. Bayonet. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt : Execute parade rest ; grasp the bayonet Avith the right hand, back of hand toward the body; draw the bayonet from the scal)bard and fix it on the barrel, glancing at the nuizzle; resume the order. If the bayonet is carried on the haversack : Draw the bayonet with the left hand and fix it in the most convenient manner. 691. 1903 rifle. — Being at order arms: 1. Unflx. 2. Bayonet. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute parade rest ; grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, pressing the spring with the forefinger of the right hand : raise the bayonet until the handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece; drop the point to the left, back of the baud tov/ard the 1iody, and. glancing at the scab- bard, return the bayonet, the blade, passing between the left MACHINE-GUN DKILL REGULATIONS 1917. 279 arm and the body ; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversacl^ : Take the bayonet from the rifle with the left hand and return it to tlie scabbiird in the most convenient manner. If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed in tlie most expeditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the original position. Fix and unfix bayonets are executed with promptness and regularity, but not in cadence. 1911 rifle. — If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt : Execute parade rest ; grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with the right hand, pressing the spring with the forefinger of the left hand ; raise the bayonet until the handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece ; drop the point to the left, back of the hand toward the body, and, glancing at the scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm and the body ; regrasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order. 692. Charge Bayonet. — Whether executed at halt or in motion, the bayonet is held toward the opponent as in the position of guard in the Manual for Bayonet Exei*cise. Exercises for instruction in bayonet combat are prescribed in the Manual for Bayonet Exercise. THE INSPECTION. 693. Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. Akms. At the second conniiand take the position of port arms. (Two) Seize the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, turn the handle up, draw the bolt back, and glance at the chamber. Having found the chamber empty, or having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front. 694. Being at inspection arms: 1. Order {right shoulder, port), 2, Akms. 1003 rifle. — At the preparatory command push the bolt for- ward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port a^rms. At the command arms, complete the movement order(;d. 1917 rifle. — At the preparatory command press the follower down with the fingers of the left hand, then push the bolt for- 280 MACHINE-GUN DRILL HEGULATIONS, 1917. ward just enough to engage the follower, raise the fingers of the left liand. push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume vort arms. At the command arms complete the movement ordered. TO DISMISS THE SQUAD. 695. Being at halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ^Vems ; 3. Port, 4. Akms ; 5. Dismissed. TO STACK and take AEMS. 696. The squad being in line at a halt: Stack Ar.MS. Each even number of the front rank grasp:^ his piece with the left hand at the upper band and rests the b;itt between his feet, barrel to the front, muzzle inclined slightly to the front and opposite the center of the interval on his right, the thumb and forefinger raising the stacking swivel ; each even number of the rear rank then passes his piece, barrel to the rear, to his file leader, who grasps it between the bands with his right hand and throws the Initt about 2 feet in advance of that of his own piece and opposite the right of the interval, the right hand slipping to the upper band, the thumb and forefinger rais- ing the stacking swivel, which he engages with that of his own piece; each odd number of the front rank raises his piece with the right hand, carries it well forward. barr»^l to the front; the left hand, guiding the stacking sv.'ivel. engages the lower hook of the swivel of his own piece with the free hook of that of the even number of the rear rank ; he then turns the barrel outvrard into the angle formed by the other two pieces and lowers the butt to the ground, to the right of and against the toe of his right shoe. The stacks made, the loose pieces are laid on them by the even numbers of the front rank. When each man has finished handling pieces he takes the posi- tion of the soldier. 697. The squad, being in line behind the stacks: Take Akms. The loose pieces are returned by the even numbers of the front rank : each even number of the front rank grasps his own piece with the left hand, the piece of his rear-rank man with his right hand, grasping both between the bands ; each odd number MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS 1817. 281 of the front rank grasps his piece in the same way with the right hand, disengages it hy raising the butt from the gi'ound and then, turning the piece to the right, detaclies it from the stack ; each even number of the front rani-: disengages and detaches his piece by turning it to tlie left, and then passes the piece of his rear-rank man to him and all resume the order. 698. Should any squad have Nos. 2 and 3 blank files. No. 1 rear rank takes the place of No. 2 rear rank in making and breaking the stack ; the stacks made or broken, he resumes his post. Pieces not used in making the stack are termed loose pieces. Pieces are never stacked with the bayonet fixed. LOADINGS AND FIRINGS. 699. The commands for loading and firing are the same whether standing, kneeling, or lying down. The firings are always executed at a halt. When kneeling or lying down in double rank the rear rank does not load, aim, or fire. The instruction in firing will be preceded by a command for loading. Loadings are executed in line and skirmish line only. 700. Pieces having been ordered loaded are kept loaded with- out command until the command unload, or inspection arms, fresh clips being inserted when the magazine is exhausted. 701. The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out. This may be done before or after announcing the sight setting. Both are indicated before giving the command for firing, but may be omitted when the target appears suddenly and is unmis- takable ; in such case battle sight is used, if no sight setting is announced. 702. The target or aiming point having been designated and the sight setting announced, such designation or announcement need not be repeated until a change of either or both is neces- sary. Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming point or target designated, and at the sight setting announced, until a change is ordered. 703. If the men are not already in the position of load, that position is taken at the announcement of the sight setting ; if the 282 MACHINE-GTJN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. announcement is omitted, tlie position is taken at tlie first com- mand for firing. 704. When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to accu- rate firing is discretionary with each man. < TO LOAD. 705. Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (hlank or hall) cartridges, 2. Load. 1903 rifle. — At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half right and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body ; raises or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height of the breast, and turns the cut- off up. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slots, places the thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazine floor plate ; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb ; without removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to the " Safe " and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear-rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the right of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads. lOl": rifle. — At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half right and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body ; raises or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left thumb ex- tended along the stock and the muzzle at the height of the breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slots, places the thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazine fioor plate ; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb ; without removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle ; turns the safety lock to the " Safe " and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each MACHINE-GUN DRILL EEGULATIONS, 1917. 283 rear-rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the right of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads. A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly as practicable in the position of load. If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh ; if sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground. For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are designated as that of load. 706. For purpose of simulated tiring : 1. Simulate, 2. Load. Raise the bolt handle as in the preceding paragi*aph, draw the bolt back until the cocking piece engages, then close the bolt and turn the bolt handle down. With the 1903 rifle the cut-off remains " off." The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing; after a few lessons dummy cartridges are used. Later, blank cartridges may be used. 707. Unload. — Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move the bolt alternately backward and forward until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed by pressing the follower down with the fingers of the left hand, to engage it under the bolt, and then thrusting the bolt home. The trigger is pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the belt, and the piece is brought to the order. TO SET THE SIGHT. 708. Range. Eleven HrNOEED (Eight-Fifty, etc.), or Battle Sight. The sight is set at the elevation indicated. The instructor explains and verifies sight settings. BATTLE sight. 709. Their sight corresponds to a sight setting of about 440 yards and is used when there is no time to set the leaf sight. 284 MACHINE-GUN DRILL IlEGrLATION.j, 1917. TO SUSPEND FIKING. 710. The instructor blows a long blast of the whistle and repeats same, if necessary, or commands : Suspend Firing. Firin? stops ; pieces are held, loaded and locked, in a position of readiness for instant resumption of firing, rear sights un- changed. The men continue to observe the target or aimin.2: point, or the place at which the target disappeared, or at which it is expected to reappear. This whistle signal may be used as a preliminary to cease firing. to cease fieing. 711. Cease Firing. Firing stops; pieces are loaded and locked ; the sights are laid down, and the piece is brought to the order. Cease tiring is u.sed for long pauses to prepare for changes of position or to steady the men. 712. Commands for suspending or ceasing fire may be given at any time after the preparatory command for firing whether the firing has actually commenced or not. Section HI. — Care of the Rifle. 713. In order to keep the rifle in good working condition, it is necessary that it be kept well oiled and cleaned. The rifle should be inspected each day during campaign to insure that the mechanism is working properly and that the cartridges in the magazine have not become rusted. The rifle should never be placed where it can fall and injure the sights ; it should never be placed in the bottom of a wagon where the jolting will injure the sights. It should never be left uncovered during the night, or in rainy weather or when the dust is blowing, except in case of necessity. Great care should be taken to avoid getting dust or mud in the ■ mechanism. Dust in the breech mechanism will cause this mechanism to fail to function; the bolt will not open and the gun will be useless to the operator. MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS, 1917. 286 A rag: sboiild never be put in the nniz;:le of a gun in order to keep out dampness, because a rag will invariably collect mois- ture, and the result will be a rusty bore at that point. In a windy and dusty country, it is a wise precaution to cut the toe out of a sock and slip the sock over the breech mechanism. This will keep out dust and the sock can easily and quickly be removed. In trenches, where mud is plentiful, the use of the sock will keep mud out of the breech mechanism. Mud or a rag in the muzzle is very dangerous, and if the gun bo fired it will inevitably result in bursting the barrel or some part of the breech mechanism. In case of gas coming in contact with the gun — either from gas shells or a gas attack — it is imperative that the gun be cleaned immediately after such attack and thorouglily oiled. The chamber of a gun is the part that will ordinarily give the most trouble in service. Dust, dirt, sand, mud. and rust all cause the chamber to grip the cartridge tightly, and in many cases it will be impossible to extract the shell from the chamber. The chamber should be cleaned vviienever the gun is cleaned. 1. Never allow anything to get in the chamber of the rifle. 2. Keep all cartridges scrupulously clean. 3. Operate the bolt once every day. 4. If sand is blowing while firing, put more oil on the gun. 5. After firing, thoroughly clean the gun every day for 10 days. G. When the gun is not being used, it should be thoroughly cleanetl and kept in a case of cloth or waterproof material. Section IV. — ^Manual of the Saber. 714. 1. Droit', 2. Saber. At the command drair, unhook the saber with the thumb and first t\vo fingers of the left hand, thumb on the end of the hook, fingers lifting the upper ring; grasp the scabbard with the left hand at the upper band, bring the hilt a little forward, seize the grip with the right hand, and draw the blade 6 inches out of the scabbard, pressing the scabbard against the thigh with the left hand. At the command attention resume the order snhcr and the arm to its full extent to the right front, at an angle of about 45 286 MACHOTE-GXTN DRILL REGTTLATIONS, 1917. degrees with the horizontal, the saber, edge down, in a straight line with the arm ; mal^e a slight pause and bring back of the blade against the shoulder, edge to the front, arm nearly ex- tended, hand by the side, elbow back, third and fourth tingers back of the grip ; at the same time hook up the scabbard with the thumb and first two fingers of the left hand, thumb through the upper ring, fingers' supporting it ; drop the left hand by the side. This is the position of carry saber dismaiintcd. Officers and noncommissioned officers armed with tlie saber unhook the scabbard before mounting; when mounted, in the first motion of drair saber they reach with the right hand over the bridle hand and without the aid of the bridle hand draw the saber as before; the right hand at the ci *>i!'in K^fys 'Vi ®^® *-'?^(5) ' ~^A)Vi «>®®a> *®«xs> eS'i'Ti es®® OJ'tHj CCSCv O®©? OOS® C«(!X5 OdXS-S) ©Ol* 9«i®® 9C(S»5) O-D®® «®S«i OSO® OO OCi 0<$ 03 49 <50 C 9 OO 90 OS OO QO lcl^©0©ich»Hci©lc]|GlEl|l lill'lllilli'fillli^llfi _.g Q s a g g a a s E a a 7>yateJt :&: rS 1 ywn J... , #! :1: :1: & :1: • M© s^A® oM® oM® ©M'5 ©U.® G.'J,® ilAifi o'Ao o'A® gIa;® o|A; AMMi/NlT'Or^ CARTS iSPARiGUJI/ D J COrnBATTRMN TfiMNUZUZ. JAAu.^ dXoiA. X{>^jJU . ITTLE CONDITION Make Building Use Only 19 4