THE FIRE ATTACK.
154.—The time to fire.
It is determined by the casualties.
155.—The order to fire.
It is given by the captains; (only in case of extreme emergency by a subaltern.)
156.—Fire Control.
The section leaders, under the direction of the captain; control the fire: classes of firing, volley firing, firing at will; the target (the nearest hostile troops within the sector of the objective being the usual target); the range, the opening and cessation of fire in volley fire.
157.—Fire observation.
The section leaders are helped in their observation of the fire effect by observers standing besides them. The fire is usually directed independently by section or half section.
158.—Verification of range.
In principle, the corporals do not take part in the fire but verify the range and direction of the fire of their respective squads.