1. Behind the firing line, on left of platoon leader. (163, i.d.r.)
  2. Advancing in line—behind center of platoon. (213 and 223, i.d.r.) To insure prompt and orderly advance.
  3. "Advance by thin lines"—lead even numbered lines. (218, i.d.r.)
  4. Advancing in squad or platoon column—in rear.

Duties:

(104, 213, 223, 229, 255, 367, 375, and 376, i.d.r.)

  1. The platoon leader's assistant and may be assigned any duty the platoon leader sees fit.
  2. Keeps adjoining units under observation.
  3. Watches firing line.
  4. Checks every breach of fire discipline.
  5. Prevents skulking, men leaving the ranks at any time to care for wounded, etc.
  6. Designates new squad leaders and organizes new squads when necessary.
  7. Attaches men that have become separated from squads to other squads.
  8. Insures prompt and orderly advance.
  9. On joining firing line from the support takes over duties of sergeants disabled.
  10. May receive and transmit signals to the Captain.
  11. If the platoon leader is disabled, he takes over his duties. Hence he should know what the platoon leader is doing and how.
  12. When taking over the duties of the platoon leader he calls the senior corporal of his platoon out to act as guide.

X. Corporal.

Position:

  1. Marching in line, as center skirmisher of squad (124, i.d.r.) or
  2. When skirmish line is halted, immediately behind his squad.
    Note.—The School has recommended to the War Department that the Infantry Drill Regulations be changed to provide that the Corporal's position be as prescribed above and in paragraph 20, page 10.

Duties:

Paragraphs 42, 222, 252, 254, 255, 411, and 551, i.d.r., cover in general the corporal's duties.

The squad leader (Corporal) controls the fire of his squad, he must understand the duties of the private and in issuing his fire orders: