(ii) He will describe the shape and nature of the ground, as, for instance, whether it is level, undulating or broken, and rocky, sandy, or pasture. He will then describe its various natural and artificial features, the different kinds of trees, fences, undergrowth, etc., on it, and the shape and size of the fields, with the colour of the earth or of crops growing in them. The approximate measurements of objects, roughly estimated, may also be given, as, for instance, whether they are large, small, of moderate size, tall, short, wide, or narrow. These rough measurements will often help to distinguish objects, such as trees, fields, hedges, or houses from one or more objects of a similar nature. Men will first be thoroughly practised in completing the description of ground and its features commenced by the instructor, and then, as progress is made in describing ground which is merely pointed out by the instructor without being partly described by him. [Fig. 43] illustrates common features of ground which may be described in the manner outlined in these paragraphs.
4. Study of Ground.—It is clear that instruction in military vocabulary provides a good opportunity for training fire-unit commanders and men in the study of ground, which is of the greatest military importance. Therefore, in training men in the description of ground, instructors should also train them to recognize all features of military importance, such as good defensive positions, good lines of approach, good halting-places for attack, covered approaches, dead ground, obstacles, and good or dangerous cover.[17] When men have learned to recognize features of military importance, the instructor will indicate an area of ground, and question the class in turn as to what military features may be seen on it. Men must describe these military features in the correct terms, and they will thus learn an extremely important branch of military vocabulary—namely, that applied to ground—which must frequently be described to them and recognized by them as aiming points in a later stage of their training.
Einery Walker Ltd. &c.
| A. Skyline B. Hollow C. Gentle slope | D. Steep slope E. Dense cover F. Crest of Hill |
Fig. 43.—Military Vocabulary—Terms describing Common Features of Ground.
5. Studying Ground from Cover.—As progress is made in the study of ground, the class should be made to examine the ground and to describe it from behind cover to accustom them to its appearance, as they will see it when firing from cover. This instruction will form a useful preparation for the duties of reconnaissance and scouting. When the class is sufficiently advanced, the areas of ground described will be increased gradually, and, when necessary, these areas will be divided into sectors, as described in Sec. 42, paras. 3 and 5, and each sector will be divided into foreground, middle distance, and background. Men will be trained to note the different zones of ground to which these terms are applied, and then to apply them correctly in describing ground.
6. Committing Features of Ground to Memory.—When men are sufficiently advanced, they may be practised in examining ground for a limited time, and then giving a correct description of its prominent features and principal military features with their backs to it. The instructor will check their description while it is being given by looking at the ground, and bring out points which may have been missed or forgotten by asking men questions. This practice will develop the extremely useful power of rapidly noting features of ground, and also of memorizing ground. The latter power will be useful in reconnaissance, scouting, and reports.
7. Study of Ground in Strange Country.—As the ground and its features, both natural and artificial, together with the names by which they are called, differ considerably in different countries, men should be trained in military vocabulary, the description and study of ground both before and during military operations in unfamiliar country.