When an action is pending, the Captain receives from the Major the primary apportionment of the target or sector of fire. (303, i.d.r.)
The Captain returns to the company, and, avoiding dangerous grouping, assembles the platoon leaders and range estimators, and points out to both the target of the Battalion and Company.
The Range Estimators immediately begin their estimation of the range to the company target; the Captain meanwhile continues with his instructions to the Platoon Leaders.
The instructions to the Platoon Leaders completed, the Range Estimators announce to the Captain either their individual estimates, or the mean of their estimates as deduced by one of the estimators. The Range Estimators then take their customary posts (240, i.d.r.), and the Captain indicates to the Platoon Leaders the range to be used.
The Range Estimators act in an advisory capacity to the Captain. The mean of their estimates will usually be the most accurate deduction available in battle. The adoption by the Captain of the range thus determined, however, is not obligatory.
Range Estimators should be ready to signal their estimates of the range to the platoon leaders at any time during the action.
VII. The Platoon Leader.
(The Fire Controller.)
Position: Where he can best:
- Control the squads constituting his platoon. (252, i.d.r.)
- Observe the target and fire effect. (252, 414, 415, i.d.r., and 216, s.a.f.m.)
- Observe the captain for signals or commands. (234, 251, i.d.r.)