When there is no wind or a light six o'clock wind, the waves go straight up, or "boil." Never fire when the mirage is boiling,—wait for it to move from one side to the other and then take windage to correct for it.
[1401]. Summary of temperature, light and moisture effects:
| Raise elevation for— | Lower elevation for— |
|---|---|
| Dull target | Bright target |
| Shooting in the sun | Target in sun |
| Hot gun | Cold gun |
| Dirty gun | Clean gun |
| Cold day | Hot day |
| Bright or shining sight | Moist day |
| Cloudy day | Full sights |
| 12 o'clock wind | 6 o'clock wind |
[1402]. Firing with bayonet fixed. In firing with bayonet fixed usually a lower point on the target will be struck, corresponding to a reduction of about 50 yards in the range.
[1403]. Care of rifle. Since the accuracy of a soldier's rifle has a most important bearing on his shooting, and since the proper care of a rifle affects its accuracy, the care of the rifle is an important subject in which every soldier should be thoroughly instructed. The subject is fully covered in the preceding chapter. (Chapter XV, Part I).
COLLECTIVE INSTRUCTION
(Combat practice)
[1404]. General scheme. While individual instruction is most important, it is not everything. The maximum effect of fire in battle is obtained when a command, as a whole, is a pliable, manageable, effective instrument in the hands of a commander who can use it intelligently and efficiently. Therefore, the two objects to be obtained are:
1. To make the command a pliable, manageable, effective instrument in the hands of its commander.
2. To train and instruct the commander so that he will know how to use this instrument in an intelligent and efficient manner.