(v) The readiness of the half-company, section, and squad leaders in adapting formations to the ground in occupying suitable fire positions, and in covering the advance of other half-companies, &c., by fire.
(vi) The accuracy and promptitude in passing orders and reports.
(vii) The work of the scouts.
(viii) The initiative shown by the subordinate leaders.
(ix) The acquaintance of all ranks with signals.
90. SHELTER TRENCH EXERCISE.
Full information on the subject of extemporised cover in the field is contained in Part I of the Manual of Military Engineering.
Instruction of Troops.—Troops should be practised in the use of the pick and shovel, until they can excavate without difficulty the tasks mentioned below. Men unaccustomed to digging should, if possible, be trained at first in sand or very light soil, until they are accustomed to handling the shovel. When the troops practise entrenching, the task set them should require not less than four hours’ actual work, according to the nature of the soil (M.M.E., Section IV).
It will be well to arrange for a portion of the working party with a cart to draw the tools and convey them to the site of the trenches, so that no time may be lost in beginning work.
Tools.—1. Each man will usually require a pick and a shovel, but it may sometimes be desirable to allot two men to each task, in which case the front rank man will carry the pick and the rear rank man the shovel.