Keep cool about starting the action. Don't put all your men in before you understand thoroughly the condition confronting you. Hold a large part of your force out as supports and reserves until you know definitely the enemy's position.
Don't get killed unless necessary; your usefulness to the State comes to an end when that occurs. Take advantage of cover, hug the ground. Learn what is good and what is poor cover.
It is a common fault to forget about the service of information once the action has begun. Keep up your patrolling. Keep yourself posted on what the enemy is about. Otherwise he may have some unpleasant surprise for you.
Be particularly careful about details of time and place. Regulate your watch by the time kept at headquarters.
When you've got the enemy on the run don't let up for an instant. Pursue him without mercy. Turn his retreat into a rout. Capture or destroy his forces.
Scarcely any of these things we are telling you are new. They are as old as war itself. The boxer of a thousand years from now may know a little more about the technique of the game, but the essentials will not change. To wear the champion's belt, he will have to suffer some lusty blows and be able himself to deliver some more powerful. There will be no easy road to the title. So it is with all wars.
SUMMARY
We recommend that each officer become familiar with the following summary:
"1. Avoid combats that offer no chance of victory or other valuable results.
"2. Make every effort for the success of the general plan and avoid spectacular plays that have no bearing on the general result.
"3. Have a definite plan and carry it out vigorously. Do not vacillate.
"4. Do not attempt complicated manœuvers.
"5. Keep the command in hand; avoid undue extension and dispersion.
"6. Study the ground and direct the advance in such a way as to take advantage of all available cover and thereby diminish losses.
"7. Never deploy until the purpose and the proper direction are known.
"8. Deploy enough men for the immediate task in hand; hold out the rest and avoid undue haste in committing them to the action.
"9. Flanks must be protected either by reserves, fortifications, or the terrain.
"10. In a decisive action, gain and keep fire superiority.
"11. Keep up reconnaissance.
"12. Use the reserve, but not until needed or a very favorable opportunity for its use presents itself. Keep some reserve as long as practicable.
"13. Do not hesitate to sacrifice the command if the result is worth the cost.
"14. Spare the command all unnecessary hardship and exertion."
--Infantry Drill Regulations.