DUTIES: 

   (6, 42, 104, 229, 231-233, 244, 245-257, 319, 375, 550, i.d.r.)
   Controls the fire of his platoon and in his fire orders.

   1.  Receives his orders from the company commander.
   2.  If necessary, may indicate the fire position that has been
      ordered.
   3.  Announces sight setting.
   4.  Points out designated target to his platoon, if practicable,
      otherwise to his corporals only, or
   5.  When the target cannot be seen, indicates an aiming target. (247
      and 251, i.d.r., call this an aiming “point”, but the occasions
      upon which infantry would use an aiming “point” are so rare that
      it is believed aiming “target” is a more accurate term as it
      includes both point and line.)
   6.  Assigns target so as to insure that the entire front or sector
      given him by the company commander will be covered with fire.
   7.  Gives class of fire.
   8.  Announces rate of fire.
   9.  If commanding a flank platoon, details a man to watch for
      signals from the combat patrols.
  10.  When his Corporals have signaled that their squads are ready to
      fire, signals the Captain by looking toward him and holding up
      his hand.
  11.  When Captain signals a “commence firing”, repeats same to the
      corporals.

THEREAFTER: 

   1.  Observes for fire effect.
   2.  When platoon is not firing, insures that the front assigned is
      kept under constant observation for any appearance of the enemy
      or any change of position.
   3.  Changes sight-setting of his platoon when necessary.
   4.  Regulates rate of fire.
   5.  Increases rate of fire when large and distinct targets appear
      and decreases it when the target becomes small and indistinct.
   6.  Prevents decrease in rate of fire when—­
      (1) Changing sight-setting,
      (2) Preparing for rushes,
      (3) Fixing bayonets,
      (4) Transmitting firing data to supports,
      (5) Distributing ammunition.
   7.  Increases the rate of fire to cover the advance of adjacent
      units.  For this purpose progress and movements of adjoining
      units are kept under observation.
   8.  Maintains direction of advance of his platoon in rushing, so as
      not to blanket fire of adjacent units.
   9.  Is on the alert for Captain’s commands or signals, for this
      purpose he may use his platoon guide.
  10.  May use his platoon guide to observe adjoining units.
  11.  Must understand all signals.
  12.  Leads his platoon in advancing and charging.
  13.  Prevents changing fire to unauthorized targets.
  14.  Insures distribution of ammunition brought up from the rear and
      the collection and distribution of same from the dead and
      wounded. (540, i.d.r.).
  15.  In coming up with re-enforcements,