Military Instructors Manual

by J. P. Cole; Oliver Schoonmaker

Field Orders:

1. Heading.—Title, place, date, hour and number.
2. Distribution of troops.—Division of command.
3. Body:
   1. Information of enemy and supporting troops.
   2. General plan of commander.
   3. Detailed tactical dispositions to carry out general plan.
   4. Instructions for trains—also the positions of ammunition and dressing stations.
4. Ending.—Authentication and method of sending.

Marches and Convoys:

• Successful march.—That which places troops at destination on time, and in best possible condition.

Rates of March:

• Infantry.—2 to 2-½ miles per hour.
• Cavalry.—4 miles (walk), 8 miles (trot), 12 miles (gallop).
• Artillery.—(Same.)

Average Marches:

• Infantry.—15-20 miles per day.
• Cavalry.—25 miles per day.
• Artillery.—15-20 miles per day.
• Load of pack mules equals 250 pounds.

March Orders, State:

1. Object of march.
2. Distribution of troops.
3. Order of march of main body.
4. Manner of forming the column.