When there is only one range finder to the battalion, the Battalion Sergeant Major is the Battalion Range Taker. When not actually engaged in taking ranges, he assists the Major as above or, preferably, he may be charged with the duty of maintaining communication with the companies of the firing line.

The major designates a sergeant to take charge of the battalion combat train. Under the Major's direction, he

  1. Conducts combat train as far to the front with the battalion as directed.
  2. Issues ammunition to the battalion.
  3. Takes combat train to rendezvous for refilling, under direction of the regimental commander.
  4. Rejoins battalion, if it is not in action, or, if it be engaged, joins or establishes communication with the regimental reserve. (548, 549 and 553, i.d.r.)
    (This sergeant is not provided for in the present organization. Recommendation has been made to the War Department that he be included in the Tables of Organization.)

IV. The Captain.

(The Fire Director.)

Position: Where he can best:

  1. Control his four platoons. (248, i.d.r.)
  2. Observe fire effect. (249, i.d.r.)
  3. See the major and platoon chiefs. (234, i.d.r.)

Duties: Before fire action:

1. Conducts his company to place of deployment assigned by the major's orders (297, i.d.r.) in best manner. (212, i.d.r.)
2. Designates target, and allots part to each platoon. (245 and 249, i.d.r.) (See Overlapping Method, page 15, Subject V. Fire Tactics.)
3. Determines the range. (240 and 249, i.d.r.)
4. Announces the sight setting. }(249, i.d.r.)
5. Indicates class of fire and
6. Time to open fire.
7. Informs the subordinates as to the location of the battalion commander, and, when necessary, announces his own position.

During the Action: