Officer of the Watch. In the firing line the company commander arranges a roster of his officers for duty as officer of the watch. Also in each platoon the platoon commander will detail a N. C. O. of the watch. The officer of the watch is responsible for the duties of observation and security, and is especially responsible for the giving of the alarm in case of an attack and consequently for the calling of the artillery barrage by use of rockets, signals, etc.
Standing to Arms. It is of the greatest importance that the troops in the first line are thoroughly trained in taking their positions when the alarm is given as quickly as possible, without confusion. The alarm is often given for practice in order to ascertain the amount of time it will take the men to reach their places in the firing line.
The command “Stand to” is usually given one hour before daylight and one hour before dark. At this time the company commanders arrange for inspection of arms, ammunition, and equipment by the platoon commanders.
Observers’ Duties. Every effort should be made to obtain information of the enemy, his trenches, and his wire entanglements. Any alteration in the enemy’s lines must immediately be reported. The importance of forwarding such information must be impressed upon all ranks. This duty is carried out by observers.
All men of the company are used as sentinels in the first line or as watchers in other lines, but not all are observers. Men who are to act as observers receive special training. A man to become an observer must have a special capacity for this task.
Each platoon should have at least six such observers, enough for proper reliefs.
The observers are placed:
1. In each company the observers are distributed in a number of observation posts properly camouflaged so as not to be discovered by the enemy. These posts may be in advance of the firing line, in the firing line, or at any point within the position that has a wide view of the front. The observers employ periscopes or field glasses. Everything of note that is observed is recorded and from these data the captain makes out his daily observation report.
2. Also in the sector there are 2 or 3 observatories from which the information is turned in directly to the colonel. These posts must be properly concealed and protected. In each one of these we find the following:
(a) Regulations posted that give the personnel, tour of duty, sector of observation, direction to special points of interest, and certain precautionary measures.