Instruction of Units of the Second Line.
This instruction proposes to create the reflex of immediately attacking all resistance that appears and of developing presence of mind by inventing sudden incidents requiring the taking of a rapid decision. In a word, to add a spirit of prompt decision in the troops of the second line to the irresistible élan which one tries to develop in all assaulting troops.
The troops of the second line when facing a resistance should have only one idea: to assault as soon as possible and for that purpose to try to bring about the two following conditions:
To create a sort of parallel of departure at assaulting distance;
To obtain superiority of fire by all means at their disposal.
We will study by means of examples the two preceding cases cited. Troops of the second line should know them by heart, because all cases resemble them more or less.
First Case.—We reach the first line, halted under cover at 150 metres from the enemy; this is a case of organizing a long-distance assault.
Attention should be focussed on the following points:
1. Reestablishment of Order and Calm.
The line of cover is an extemporized parallel, the men are crowded into uncomfortable positions, several units are mixed. These are conditions likely to create disorder, the worst enemy of the assault. Think well as long as you are under cover because amid the bullets you march straight ahead without thinking. Transmit simple indications from man to man and orders to the chiefs of section by note.