4. Musketry course to be combined.—The field practices which can be combined with training, should be carried out as part of a tactical exercise.
In field practices in which the whole company fires at one time, the exercise may, in the first instance, be practised with blank ammunition, and afterwards be carried out with ball cartridge. During the exercise the manner in which the men take advantage of cover, and how they adapt the firing position to the irregularities of the ground, will be carefully watched by the company instructor.
5. Equipment for instruction.—The tents and tools authorised Equipment Regulations, Part I, S. X, “Camp Equipment and Intrenching Tools,” and the bridging stores laid down in Regulations for Engineer Services, will, in ordinary circumstances, be sufficient for the instruction. Should any increased issue be required, a special application will be made through the general officer commanding.
6. Returns.—To ensure that every man is accounted for, A.F. B 214 will be kept during the annual training and produced for the inspection of the general officer commanding, if he desires.
5. Night Operations.—On days when night operations are to be carried out the work during the day should be of a light nature, although not suspended altogether.
Night outposts should be practised on four occasions at least.
6. Intrenched posts, &c.—Arrangements will, whenever possible, be made by general officers commanding for a post to be placed in a state of defence in order that the defences and obstacles mentioned in para. 8 (vii) may be shown to the men. They should occasionally place the services of an officer of the Royal Engineers at the disposal of company commanders to give technical advice on the entrenchments and field work executed by the company.
7. Blank ammunition.—Blank ammunition will be used in practising the more advanced exercises.
8. Syllabus of Instruction.—The Syllabus of Instruction is given as a guide; the captain being held responsible that his company is thoroughly instructed. To ensure this it may be necessary to repeat many, and combine some of the practices.
(i) Attack and defence; general principles; control of fire; effect of fire; fire discipline; infantry formations with regard to fire; protection of flanks; duties of half company, section, and squad commanders. Infantry in attack; general rules; distribution; duties of several bodies; the decisive attack; the assault; rallying and redistribution; measures to secure a position won; holding attacks; feints; flank attacks; surprises; issue of orders; formations generally and formations to meet emergencies; frontage, direction, pace; utilisation of cover and adapting formations to ground; fire positions and mutual support of units, by fire, to cover advances; practice of casualties. Infantry in defence; distribution; occupation of a position; counter-attacks. Attack and defence of positions, woods, defiles, bridges, houses, &c. Retirements. Action against cavalry and artillery. Escort to guns. Supply of ammunition.