(a) Balloon companies should each, as far as possible, be allotted specific artillery organizations. This facilitates telephone communication, prevents duplication of liaison work, and leads to a far more intimate and personal liaison than does any other method.
(b) Balloon observers must visit batteries frequently, and sometimes be attached for short periods. Shoots should be discussed, especially if unsuccessful. Observers should prepare and take with them when visiting batteries a list of targets which are clearly visible from the balloon and on which they can observe effectively. Similarly, artillery commanders should let balloon observers know of any further targets which they especially wish to engage, as work previously prepared on the ground saves time and gives better results.
(c) Artillery officers should visit the balloon and make ascents. They will thus become acquainted with the extent of view from the balloon and the ability and difficulties of the observers.
EMPLOYMENT OF BALLOONS.
In view of the above, the work most suitable for balloons is as follows:
GENERAL SURVEYANCE OF ENEMY’S ACTIVITIES.
(a) Reporting modifications of enemy defensive organization; detecting movements of convoys and trains. Their importance and itineraries, locating infantry signals, and all other activities such as revealed by fires, smokes, dust, trails, etc.
(b) Spotting active hostile batteries and reporting hostile shelling. Reporting hostile shelling is a duty for which balloons are especially suitable, as they are favorably situated to observe both the flash of the gun and the fall of the shell. From this information it is possible to direct not only neutralizing fire on the hostile battery, but often also to establish the caliber of the guns and the arc of fire of the battery.
RANGING AND ADJUSTING OF FIRE.
(a) Observing fire for destruction on all targets, counterbattery, or bombardment.