Duties:

  1. Conducts his battalion according to sector and mission assigned him.
  2. Directs first disposition of battalion by tactical orders, giving subordinates—
    1. Information of the enemy.
    2. Position of supporting and neighboring troops.
    3. The general object to be attained.
    4. The special problem for each company (291, i.d.r.)
      (This includes making the primary apportionment of the target.) (303, i.d.r.)
    5. If practicable, the point or time at which the fire fight is to open. (304, i.d.r.)
    6. Orders for flank protection and reconnaissance, unless specifically provided for by higher authority. (293, 397 and 398, i.d.r.)
    7. His position and that of the next higher commander.
  3. Controls supports, dispatches reinforcements from support to firing line. (226 and 297, i.d.r.)
  4. Controls subsequent movements by suitable orders or commands. (291, i.d.r.)
  5. Regulates ammunition supply—(See Subject VIII, also Pars. 316-317, f.s.r.) (The combat train is the immediate reserve supply of the battalion.)
    1. Is responsible for the proper use of the combat train.
    2. Insures maintenance of the prescribed allowance at all times.
    3. Causes combat trains to march immediately in rear of the battalion unless directed otherwise. (548, i.d.r.)
    4. When battalion deployed on his own initiative, indicates whether extra ammunition shall be issued. (294, i.d.r.)
    5. When battalion deployed pursuant to orders from higher authority, causes issue of extra ammunition unless specifically ordered not to do so. (294, 548, i.d.r.)
    6. When combat wagons are emptied, directs them to proper rendezvous to be refilled. (548, i.d.r.)
    7. Sees that combat wagons and belts of men are refilled as soon as possible after an engagement. (553, i.d.r.)
  6. Maintains contact with adjoining troops. (399 i.d.r.)
  7. May harmonize ranges used by the companies on the firing line.
  8. Determines when bayonets shall be fixed. (318, i.d.r.)
  9. Subject to orders from higher authority, determines the point from which the charge to be made. (319, i.d.r.)
  10. Orders the charge. (318, i.d.r.)

Special.

  1. In attack:
    1. May select formation in which companies advance. (212, i.d.r.)
    2. Designates—
      1. The direction of the objective. (303, i.d.r.)
      2. The companies for the firing line.
      3. The companies for the support.
      4. The order and front of the companies in the firing line.
      5. The right or left company of the firing line as the base company.
      6. May indicate when the advance by rushes is to start. (311, i.d.r.)
  2. In defense:
    1. Describes front of each company. (292, i.d.r.)
    2. Assigns sector of fire. (244, 302, i.d.r.)
    3. Locates fire, communicating and cover trenches.
    4. Directs preparation of obstacles.
    5. Assigns companies to construct trenches and obstacles.
    6. Details troops to occupy trenches. (321, i.d.r.)
    7. Causes firing line and supports to fix bayonets when a charge by the enemy is imminent. (324, i.d.r.)
    8. Seeks opportunities for counter attacks. (326, i.d.r.)

III. Battalion Staff.

Positions:

Battalion Adjutant
Battalion Sergeant Major		 } with Major.
Mounted orderlies—both with Major (one with major and one with
Adjutant) until horses are sent to rear when both may be with
the horses or one take the horses and the other remain with the
major, as he may direct.

Duties:

All assist the major in any way directed, by

  1. Reconnaissance. (565, i.d.r., 25, f.s.r.)
  2. Observation of the firing line.
  3. Maintaining contact with regimental headquarters.
  4. Maintaining contact with the support.
  5. Receiving, communicating, and sending visual signals from and to front and rear.
  6. Observing fire effect and progress of events.
  7. Keeping copies of all orders, messages, and other data necessary, for his war diary. (35, f.s.r.)