FIRE DIRECTION.

248.  When the company is large enough to be divided into platoons, it is impracticable for the captain to command it directly in combat.  His efficiency in managing the firing line is measured by his ability to enforce his will through the platoon leaders.  Having indicated clearly what he desires them to do, he avoids interfering except to correct serious errors or omissions.

249.  The captain directs the fire of the company or of designated platoons.  He designates the target, and, when practicable, allots a part of the target to each platoon.  Before beginning the fire action he determines the range, announces the sight setting, and indicates the class of fire to be employed, and the time to open fire.  Thereafter, he observes the fire effect, corrects material errors in sight setting, prevents exhaustion of the ammunition supply, and causes the distribution of such extra ammunition as may be received from the rear.

FIRE CONTROL.

250.  In combat the platoon is the fire unit.  From 20 to 35 rifles are as many as one leader can control effectively.

251.  Each platoon leader puts into execution the commands or directions of the captain, having first taken such precautions to insure correct sight setting and clear description of the target or aiming target as the situation permits or requires; thereafter he gives such additional commands or directions as are necessary to exact compliance with the captain’s will.  He corrects the sight setting when necessary.  He designates an aiming target when the target can not be seen with the naked eye.

252.  In general, PLATOON LEADERS observe the target and the effect of their fire and are on the alert for the captain’s commands or signals; they observe and regulate the rate of fire.  The PLATOON GUIDES watch the firing line and check every breach of fire discipline.  SQUAD LEADERS transmit commands and signals when necessary, observe the conduct of their squads and abate excitement, assist in enforcing fire discipline and participate in the firing.

253.  The best troops are those that submit longest to fire control.  Loss of control is an evil which robs success of its greatest results.  To avoid or delay such loss should be the constant aim of all.

Fire control implies the ability to stop firing, change the sight setting and target, and resume a well directed fire.

FIRE DISCIPLINE.

254.  “Fire discipline implies, besides a habit of obedience, 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; 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.” (Small-arms Firing Manual.)