Every opportunity must be taken for instruction of officers and men in the many devices and methods of obtaining cover, protection from the weather, construction of huts, kitchens, ovens, latrines, etc., and the tactical use and care of the battery.
Mountain-batteries are organized by platoons; each being complete in itself and capable of being detached from the battery at a moment's notice. Therefore the whole of the equipment, stores, camp-equipage, and baggage belonging to each platoon should remain at all times under immediate charge of the chief of platoon.
In like manner chiefs of section should have charge of their respective sections, receiving their orders from their chiefs of platoon.
The baggage-mules form part of the section, and should be picketed with the ordnance-mules of the section and be under the same supervision.
A set of heliographs and signal apparatus should be carried and used.
A mountain-battery must be able to climb and keep with infantry.
As the number of guns engaged is always small, concentration of fire is especially desirable, even when the ground does not admit of concentration of guns.
Mountain warfare involves frequent exposure to sudden attacks. Guns should therefore always have a strong infantry escort; but the fact of having an escort should not prevent the commander from having a lookout posted on his exposed flank.
Choice of positions and taking advantage of ground are exceptionally difficult, and need special training, quickness, and constant practice.
It is not always easy to secure a ready supply of ammunition. Firing should therefore be confined, as a rule, to the most effective ranges. It is a waste of ammunition to fire at long ranges.