Chapter IV.
THE FIELD MESSAGE.
Definition.—The term "field message" is applied to all messages sent over field lines of information. All field messages for transmission over field lines of information by electrical or visual means should be plainly written by the sender on the blank forms in the United States Army Field Message Book. The practice of verbally delivering telegrams to enlisted men for transmission should invariably be discouraged.
"In framing telegrams, all words not important to the sense will be omitted. The last name of the officer addressed, or his title, and the last name of the sender are generally sufficient." (Paragraph 1198, Army Regulations.)
The blank form.—The United States Army Field Message Book issued by the Signal Corps is 45/8 inches wide by 6¾ inches long, and contains 40 message blanks with duplicate tissue sheets and two sheets of carbon paper.
The message is written on the yellow sheet, which can be torn out for delivery. The carbon sheet is attached to the book, and contrary to the custom in most carbon duplicating books, is placed under the tissue sheet when a message is being written. When not being used, the carbon sheet should invariably be kept in the back of the book. When the upper carbon sheet has become worn out, it should be torn out and the second carbon sheet used instead. The blank form is shown in [figure 16]. The back of the blank is ruled in squares and provided with scales for use in making sketches.
Fig. 16.
Writing the message.—In writing the message the name of the sending detachment should appear after the heading "from" on the upper line, as "from Headquarters 1st Brigade," while the location of the sender should appear on the second line after the heading "at." The heading "hour" on the third line should show the hour the message was written and not the hour the message was transmitted. The heading "received" at the bottom of the page is filled in by the addressee and shows the time of the receipt of the message by him.