Training in semaphore signalling. All officers and non-commissioned officers and 20 per cent. of the men to be trained.
179. Annual Course of Training of Auxiliary Forces.
1. The annual training of units will be carried out on the same systematic and progressive principles as have been laid down for the Regular Forces.
2. It is not possible for the Auxiliary Forces in the limited time for training at their disposal to carry out the provisions of the annual course as laid down for the Regular Army, but the spirit of the instructions will be observed.
3. The annual training in camp will be confined to tactical exercises and fire discipline, &c., except in the case of the Militia, by whom drill may, in addition, in very exceptional circumstances be practised.
180. General rules for annual training.
1. All ranks to be instructed.—Every available officer, non-commissioned officer, and man, with the exception of private soldiers of more than fifteen years’ service, bandsmen, pioneers, and such as are exempted from the annual course of musketry, will be present, and will be relieved of all other duties. Leave or furlough will, on days of instruction, be granted only in very exceptional circumstances.
2. During the course the battalion should, if practicable, go into camp or bivouac in service conditions for four days; this may be done separately by companies if more convenient.
181. Company training.
1. Method of instruction.—The duty of the officer commanding the battalion is to supervise the training of the company and give company leaders the benefit of his experience, but he should not lay down the method to be employed in the training of companies. The training must be carried out by the officers of the company without undue interference on the part of superiors. It is only when the methods are manifestly wrong, and would work harm, that there should be interference.