To take positions rapidly for the assault;
To assault.
The dispositions for the assault are:
The creation or adaptation of a line of a shelter at assaulting distance;
The rapid gaining of superiority of fire.
All the work of maneuver is reduced to the realization of these two ideas. It is a question of applying in slightly varying circumstances the two classic studies above indicated, and one should know them perfectly.
To develop presence of mind in the noncommissioned officers and suppleness in the organization, situations analogous to those formerly used on the drill ground such as, “Cavalry to the right—in rear” should be devised.
Choose a parallel of departure and have the troops of the second line take their formation and march on the objectives designated in advance. Suddenly call out, “Enemy resistance on such a line, our first elements are stopped at such a point ... hostile machine guns in such a region.” Then everybody, infantry, machine guns, light canon, instantly take up their dispositions.
By representing the enemy and having him fire blank cartridges, one becomes accustomed to making rapid reconnaissance of resistances.