To make a little résumé, we may say that the best results will be obtained by the proper combination of all of these weapons. The low trajectory weapons (rifle, A. M. R., H. G., and the 37 mm. gun) concentrate on everything that shows itself above the trenches; while the high-angle missiles (H. G. and R. G.) seek out the enemy under cover. The riflemen complete the success of the specialists by rushing forward and occupying the enemy’s position and fighting hand to hand for it if necessary.
III. Formations for Maneuvering this Resultant Company of Specialists
(Formation of the Platoon)
Initial Formation. The initial formation of the platoon in sections of specialists as per diagram is almost self-explanatory. Each group of specialists is in this formation under the control of its leader ready for any maneuver.
The platoon is the attacking unit because it contains all the specialists required for the assault. The frontage of an offensive is composed of a series of platoons, each with a definite objective, and each with reinforcing platoons in depth following.
All other formations, whether for combat or ordinary march maneuvers, are based upon this initial formation.
Close Order and March Formations. From the initial formation, we pass to the close order formations, used for parade, roll call, or the march.
(a) First we have the company in line, which is the habitual formation for assembly.
(b) From the company in line is formed a column of fours, for marching. The squads that are complete execute “squads right or left,” while the remaining odd number of specialists in any section execute the easiest movement to bring them into column of fours, sometimes with blank files behind the rest of their section.