Duties of the Company Commander.

  1. To inspect the sector his company is to occupy, one day in advance of occupying it.
  2. To assign segments to the platoons.
  3. To prepare a plan of defense.
  4. To connect by liaison with the companies on his flanks.
  5. To have an agent or runner at Battalion Headquarters.
  6. To prepare a plan for counter attacks.
  7. To report to the Battalion Commander when his company has taken up its position:
    1. Its situation.
    2. Security.
    3. Liaison.
    4. State of position left by predecessor.
    5. Defense of sector.
    6. Plan of counter attacks.
  8. To inspect the trenches frequently to see that everything is in proper condition and that his men are in jubilant spirits.
  9. To have platoon guides report to Battalion Headquarters on the date for the relief of his company and act as guides to the company that relieves him.
  10. To keep a special log book in which the following are kept:
    1. Work completed by his unit.
    2. Work under way.
    3. Work proposed.
  11. Turn over to his successor:
    1. Measures taken for security.
    2. Plan of attacks.
    3. Plan of counterattacks.
  12. Have one officer on duty at all times.
  13. "Stand to" will take place one (1) hour before daylight, and all available men will attend. There will be a thorough inspection. Rapid loading will be practiced. The firing position of every man will be tested to see if he can hit the bottom of our wire. Gas helmets will be inspected.
  14. Time table—allot hours of work, rest and meals.
  15. Supplies—make timely requisitions for them—be especially watchful about meals and rations—have no delays.
  16. To have one watcher and one relief on duty near Company Headquarters at all times.
  17. To get a good field of fire to the front and cover the sectors of each company on flanks.
  18. (Subject to change)
    1. Red Rocket-Artillery Barrage wanted.
    2. White Rocket Gas Attack.
  19. To report twice daily all changes in wind direction.
  20. To report to Battalion Commander when relieved.

Duties of Platoon Leaders as Officers on Duty with Company.

  1. Report with old officer at company headquarters.
  2. Make frequent inspections of all trenches occupied by company.
  3. Visit each Listening Post; at least once during tour of duty.
  4. Visit all sentinels and receive their reports.
  5. See that one non-commissioned officer per platoon is on duty.
  6. Receive reports of non-commissioned officers after they have posted sentinels.
  7. At end of tour hand over to new officer all orders, a report of work in progress, and any useful information.
  8. Report with new officer at Company Headquarters on completion of tour.
  9. To report anything unusual to Company Headquarters.
  10. To send dead and wounded to dressing station trenches.
  11. To send patrols to front at night.

Duties of Platoon Leaders.