1. Scope of Training.—(i) Field practice consists of firing at service targets at unknown ranges under conditions approximating as closely as possible to those of service. In field practice every care should be taken to develop further the skill already acquired in snapshooting and rapid firing in instructional practices. The nerve control gained in deliberate shooting should be supplemented by vigour and alertness, deftness in loading, the habit of correct action under distracting conditions, and skilful use of cover, based on the determination to make fire effective.
(ii) There must be further training in picking up an indistinct target, such as is likely to be presented in war, in estimating its range, in rapidly opening fire, and in making the best use of ground. Every individual must learn to recognize the distances at which individual fire will be effective, and to act in co-operation with his comrades.
(iii) Officers and fire-unit commanders must be practised in their duties of direction, control, and observation of fire, in the use of ground, and in mutual support. With these must be combined the study of the results to be obtained from the delivery of concentrated fire at targets representing troops in different formations, and on ground of varying character, in order that practical experience may be acquired of the principles which govern the employment of fire in the field.
(iv) Under the conditions of peace manœuvres with blank ammunition, fire control may be neglected, targets may be insufficiently described, and it is not known whether the firers recognize them, distances are sometimes roughly guessed, sights are not always adjusted, and men aim carelessly. Unless, therefore, tactical exercises are conducted sometimes with ball ammunition, there will be a want of realism in training during peace time.
2. Individual Field Practices—(i) Progression of Training.—Training in individual field practices may be carried out in the following stages: (a) Snapping at vanishing figures without firing; (b) practices on miniature ranges, or 30 yards range with Solano or other figure targets; (c) individual field practices on open ranges.
(ii) In the individual practices each firer will be provided with a separate target. He will learn to fire at unknown distances, depending on the observation of a comrade for information as to the result of his shots. He will fire at targets representing an advancing enemy, and will advance himself, firing at each halt. He will learn to use ground for fire effect and cover, to pass all orders and information received, to recognize the limits for effective individual fire, and the principles which govern the choice of targets in individual fire.
(iii) It will be well to conclude the individual field practices with a demonstration of the comparative inefficiency of individual fire at distances beyond 600 yards. This may be effected by detailing individuals to fire at low service targets, and noting the time required to produce any required effect, and then applying collective fire at the same targets under proper direction and control of fire leaders, equipped with field-glasses.
(iv) Points for Criticism.—Instructors should note the following points for criticism, besides faults connected with any lessons taught in the course of elementary training:
(a) Correct use of ground and cover, and correct method of resting rifle when possible.
(b) Watching the front and quick location of targets, including marking down.