Strength of the Enemy. The Information Service of a division has so many different methods of obtaining information and data of the enemy and his defenses that the assaulting troops can be constantly kept advised of the state of the hostile position. The regiment receives daily from the division headquarters an information bulletin, aëroplane pictures, and precise maps of the hostile lines. Upon these data the regimental commander bases his plan of battle. Comparisons of aëroplane pictures and maps are particularly useful. From all these data, the regimental intelligence officer makes pertinent extracts for the information of the battalion commander. Copies of the different maps are distributed by the battalion and company commanders to their officers and non-commissioned officers in order that they may have a better knowledge of the hostile position for the attack.
Mission. The general plan of battle is issued by the division commander. Based upon the terms of this order, the Colonel, Battalion Commander, and Captain issue detailed orders of their own plan of battle. The plan of battle of a small unit usually comprehends the following points:
Mission of the unit in the attack.
Front to be attacked, with definite limits.
Objectives, different lines to be taken, the last objective.
Disposition of the unit for the attack; formation, intervals.
Disposition of the unit in the parallels of departure before the attack.
The day (D) and hour (H) of attack.
Direction of the attack; compass angle.