The firing line advances from position to position by means of rushes.  At long range the entire line may rush forward at the same time, but as the range decreases one part of the line rushes forward while the remainder keeps up a hot fire on the enemy.  The number taking part in each rush decreases as the fire of the enemy becomes warmer, until perhaps only one squad, or even less, rushes or crawls forward at a time, protected by the fire of the rest of the company.  The distance covered by each rush also becomes less and less.  After any rush no part of the line again advances until the rest of the line is up.  In making a rush, the leader of the unit gives the signal and leads the way.  The rest follow.  No attempt is made to keep a line, but each man rushes forward at a run, seeking only to reach the new halting position as quickly and with as little exposure as possible.  When halted, the skirmishers need not be in a perfect line, but every advantage should be taken of the ground for concealment and protection.  It is necessary only that no man or group of men should interfere with the fire of other parts of the firing line.

The noise on the firing line will be great.  Leaders will be disabled and new men will take their places.  Reinforcements coming up will cause units to become mixed.  To the green man everything may appear to be in confusion, but this is not so.  This is war as it really is.  If you have lost your squad or your squad leader, join the leader nearest to you.  This is the way the game is played.

As long as the fight lasts every available rifleman must be kept in the firing line.  The first and last consideration is to win the battle.  Therefore, under no circumstances will any soldier be permitted to go to the rear, either for ammunition or to assist the wounded.

If the attacking force can no longer advance, it is much safer to throw up hasty intrenchments and await the arrival of reinforcements or darkness than it is to retreat.  Retreating troops are the one that suffer the greatest.  This lesson is taught by every great war.  Therefore, always remember that the safest thing to do is to stick to firing line.

Troops on the firing line, when not actually engaged in firing at the enemy, busy themselves throwing up shelter trenches.  It only requires a few minutes to construct a trench that gives great protection.  Therefore, never get separated from your intrenching tool.

Concealment is no less important than protection.  Therefore, when conditions permit, as is generally the case when on the defensive, every effort should be made to hide intrenchments by the use of sod, grass, weeds, bushes, etc.

In making an attack the infantry is always supported when possible by its own artillery, which continues to fire over its head until the infantry arrives very close to the enemy’s trenches.  This fire is helping you a great deal by keeping down the fire of the enemies infantry and artillery.  Therefore, don’t think you are being fired into by your own artillery because you hear their shells and shrapnel singing through the air or bursting a short distance in your front, but rather be thankful you are receiving their help up to the very last minute.