664. Fire discipline implies, besides an unquestioning habit of obedience to commands, a control of the rifle by the soldier (the result of training), which will enable him in action to make hits instead of misses. It embraces taking advantage of the ground; proper understanding of orders as to target designation; care in setting the sight and delivery of fire; constant attention to the orders of the leaders, and careful observation of the enemy; an increase of fire when the target is favorable, and a cessation of fire when the enemy disappears; economy of ammunition. Orderly and regular methods on the part of leaders aid fire discipline. Self possession and a confident tone in giving commands and instructions are indispensable.
In combat, shots which graze the enemy's trench or position, and thus reduce the effectiveness of his fire, have the approximate value of hits; such shots only, or actual hits, contribute toward fire superiority.
Fire discipline implies that, in a firing line without leaders, each man retains his presence of mind and directs effective fire upon the proper target.
665. To create a correct appreciation of the requirements of fire discipline, men are taught that the rate of fire, having constantly in view the available ammunition supply, should be as rapid as is consistent with accurate aiming; that the rate will depend upon the visibility, proximity, and size of the target; and that the proper rate will ordinarily suggest itself to each trained man usually rendering cautions or commands unnecessary.
666. In attack, ammunition must be used with extreme caution in order that the highest rate of fire may be employed at the halt preceding the assault and in pursuing fire.
667. In defense, when the target disappears behind cover, platoon leaders suspend fire, prepare their platoons to fire upon the point where it is expected to reappear, and greet its reappearance instantly with a vigorous burst of fire. In defense the available ammunition supply is not ordinarily so limited as in the attack.
668. For communication between the firing line and the reserve or commander in rear certain signals are prescribed (par. 997). In transmission their concealment from the enemy's view should be insured. In the absence of signal flags the headdress or other substitute may be used.
RANGES.
669. For convenience of reference, ranges are classified as follows:
| 0 | to | 600 | yards, close range. |
| 600 | to | 1,200 | yards, effective range. |
| 1,200 | to | 2,000 | yards, long range. |
| Over | 2,000 | yards, distant range. | |