(o) Mutual assistance.
(p) Passing of orders and information.
(q) Communication with flanks and rear.
Note.—With respect to (a) and (b), all opportunities for delivering enfilade, oblique, or converging fire should be seized, together with opportunities for bringing a crushing volume of fire to bear on favourable targets and at critical moments. Further important points which may be considered in collective field practices are the necessity for searching or distribution in depth and the probable dispersion of the cone of fire.
(iv) Tactical Schemes.—Section and Platoon Exercises.—The earlier exercises for the smaller fire units will be carried out under simple tactical schemes framed by the company commander, and arranged so as to give a progressive training to all ranks engaged. Schemes will be so drawn up as to give separate instruction in each phase of the combat, rather than to combine in each exercise all the operations included in the execution of a successful attack. They will also be designed to illustrate the various situations which may be expected on active service. They should test the proficiency of leaders in making fire effective on first opening and in regulating the volume of fire in accordance with the situation. Mutual support and combined action should be frequently practised, with and without the exercise of control. (See Musketry Regulations, Sec. 98.)
(v) Company Exercises.—Combined Field Firing.—When all the fire-unit commanders have shown proficiency in fire direction and control, companies will be trained to fire collectively against firing-lines at effective ranges. The leaders will be exercised in judging distance, in describing targets, and in concentration or distribution of fire. Great weight will be attached to the accurate passing of orders and information, and to the quickness of the men in recognizing their targets and applying fire. (See Musketry Regulations, Sec. 101.)
(vi) Criticism of Collective Field Practices.—At the conclusion of a collective field practice, in addition to criticism of the conduct of the exercise, there should be a conference as to the conclusions to be drawn from the results. For this reason a complete record must be made of the targets and conditions; the figures showing results must be carefully and fully tabulated.
The criticism of the conduct of the exercise should be complete, and should deal with the application of the tactical principles laid down in the Training Manuals, as well as with the application of the principles contained in these regulations. In appreciating results, chief attention should be paid to the successful or unsuccessful result of the first application of fire, since surprise effect is all-important, and correction of sighting by observation is rarely possible in war.
(vii) Results of Firing.—The percentage of hits to rounds fired is an index to the steadiness of the firing only if the fire direction has been proved to be satisfactory. If the fire direction fails, the more accurate the shooting the fewer will be the hits recorded. In considering the results of fire, the percentage of loss inflicted on the enemy within a limited period of time is the best means of judging the value of the fire.
For general comparison of the collective fire results of units, the average number of hits per man per minute should be calculated if fire was concentrated, or the average number of figures hit per man per minute if it was distributed, but due regard must be paid to the justification of the rate of fire as indicated by the scheme.