Duties: (235, i.d.r.)
1 One Bugler—Observes the enemy.Observes the target.Observes for fire effect.Watches platoon leaders for signals.Transmits signals to platoon leaders.
2 The other—Watches the Major for signals and repeats them back.Transmits information to the Major.
3 Both—Repeat bugle signals "charge." (319, i.d.r.)Carry field glasses, message pads, pencils and signal flags. (i.u.a.e.m., 387, i.d.r.)Act as messengers.All Of The Above Implies That They Must Be Proficient In:Signaling—Hand, Arm and Letter Codes.Observation for fire effect.Location and definition or description of targets.Bugle calls.
VI. Range Estimators.
Five or six officers or men, selected from the most accurate estimators in the company are designated "Range Finders." (240, i.d.r.)
The term "Range Finder" is a misnomer as a range finder is an instrument. The school uses the term "Range Estimator" when applied to an individual. The attention of the War Department has been called to this.
The range estimators are given special training in the estimation of ranges.
When an action is pending, the Captain receives from the Major the primary apportionment of the target or sector of fire. (303, i.d.r.)
The Captain returns to the company, and, avoiding dangerous grouping, assembles the platoon leaders and range estimators, and points out to both the target of the Battalion and Company.
The Range Estimators immediately begin their estimation of the range to the company target; the Captain meanwhile continues with his instructions to the Platoon Leaders.
The instructions to the Platoon Leaders completed, the Range Estimators announce to the Captain either their individual estimates, or the mean of their estimates as deduced by one of the estimators. The Range Estimators then take their customary posts (240, i.d.r.), and the Captain indicates to the Platoon Leaders the range to be used.
The Range Estimators act in an advisory capacity to the Captain. The mean of their estimates will usually be the most accurate deduction available in battle. The adoption by the Captain of the range thus determined, however, is not obligatory.
Range Estimators should be ready to signal their estimates of the range to the platoon leaders at any time during the action.
VII. The Platoon Leader.
(The Fire Controller.)
Position: Where he can best:
1 Control the squads constituting his platoon. (252, i.d.r.)
2 Observe the target and fire effect. (252, 414, 415, i.d.r., and 216, s.a.f.m.)
3 Observe the captain for signals or commands. (234, 251, i.d.r.)
Duties:
(6, 42, 104, 229, 231–233, 244, 245–257, 319, 375, 550, i.d.r.)
Controls the fire of his platoon and in his fire orders.
1 Receives his orders from the company commander.
2 If necessary, may indicate the fire position that has been ordered.
3 Announces sight setting.
4 Points out designated target to his platoon, if practicable, otherwise to his corporals only, or
5 When the target cannot be seen, indicates an aiming target. (247 and 251, i.d.r., call this an aiming "point", but the occasions upon which infantry would use an aiming "point" are so rare that it is believed aiming "target" is a more accurate term as it includes both point and line.)
6 Assigns target so as to insure that the entire front or sector given him by the company commander will be covered with fire.
7 Gives class of fire.
8 Announces rate of fire.
9 If commanding a flank platoon, details a man to watch for signals from the combat patrols.
10 When his Corporals have signaled that their squads are ready to fire, signals the Captain by looking toward him and holding up his hand.
11 When Captain signals a "commence firing", repeats same to the corporals.
Thereafter:
1 Observes for fire effect.
2 When platoon is not firing, insures that the front assigned is kept under constant observation for any appearance of the enemy or any change of position.
3 Changes sight-setting of his platoon when necessary.
4 Regulates rate of fire.
5 Increases rate of fire when large and distinct targets appear and decreases it when the target becomes small and indistinct.
6 Prevents decrease in rate of fire when—Changing sight-setting,Preparing for rushes,Fixing bayonets,Transmitting firing data to supports,Distributing ammunition.
7 Increases the rate of fire to cover the advance of adjacent units. For this purpose progress and movements of adjoining units are kept under observation.
8 Maintains direction of advance of his platoon in rushing, so as not to blanket fire of adjacent units.
9 Is on the alert for Captain's commands or signals, for this purpose he may use his platoon guide.
10 May use his platoon guide to observe adjoining units.
11 Must understand all signals.
12 Leads his platoon in advancing and charging.
13 Prevents changing fire to unauthorized targets.
14 Insures distribution of ammunition brought up from the rear and the collection and distribution of same from the dead and wounded. (540, i.d.r.).
15 In coming up with re-enforcements, he takes over the duties of disabled platoon leaders of the platoon into which his men have dropped, or it may be some other section of the line needs his service in which case he goes there.
16 Endeavors to preserve the integrity of squads, designates new squad leaders to replace those disabled, organizes new squads when necessary, sees that every man is placed in a squad and takes every opportunity for restoring order in the firing line. (104, 375, i.d.r.)
17 In "Advance by thin lines", leads odd numbered lines. (218, i.d.r.).
VIII. The First Sergeant.
Commands a Platoon, Never a Guide.
Guides.
General Rules:
1. Guides must be resourceful, have good health, vigorous physique, keen eyesight, presence of mind and courage, with good judgment, military training and experience. They must be able to read maps, make sketches and send clear and concise messages.
2. Equipment.—Guides are equipped with whistle, watch, compass, message book, knife, pencil, wire cutters, map, pace scale and glasses if possible.
3. As instructors they go where needed.
4. As file closers they insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.
5. In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is charged with the step and direction.
Close Order.—The guides of the right and left, or leading and rear, platoons, are the right and left, or leading and rear guides respectively of the company when it is in line or in column of squads. Other guides are in the line of file closers.
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 guiding flank if in line. When a platoon has two guides their original assignment to flanks of the platoon does not change.
The guides of a column of squads place themselves on the flank opposite the file closers. To change the guides and file closers to the other flank, the Captain commands: 1. File closers on left (right)