1. In skirmishing the unit of fire will usually be the section or squad.
2. The squad leader will be careful that no man who cannot see the mark fires.
3. The instructor should constantly inspect the recruits when firing from behind cover, direct them to correct their positions, and make certain that they recognise the target at which they have been ordered to aim.
It will be explained to the recruits that—
(i) Fire is only effective when the mark can be seen, and when it is steadily delivered.
(ii) It is useless to fire merely for the sake of firing, when no enemy is visible, and his position is unknown.
(iii) Battles are won mainly by the accurate fire of individuals at decisive range. Long range fire should rarely be opened without special directions from a superior; in the absence of orders, however, it may be directed against large bodies, such as half a battalion in close order.
(iv) In crises, and against large and conspicuous targets, fire should be as rapid as is compatible with accuracy, in order that as great loss may be inflicted as possible. In ordinary circumstances fire should be slow.
(v) The moral and material effect of concentrated fire, when every rifle is directed against one portion of the enemy’s line, is far greater than when each man fires at a mark of his own selection.
(vi) Oblique fire (that is fire delivered at an angle to the hostile line) will give better results than frontal, because the surface exposed by the enemy will be greater.