1.  The platoon leader’s assistant and may be assigned any duty the
      platoon leader sees fit.
   2.  Keeps adjoining units under observation.
   3.  Watches firing line.
   4.  Checks every breach of fire discipline.
   5.  Prevents skulking, men leaving the ranks at any time to care for
      wounded, etc.
   6.  Designates new squad leaders and organizes new squads when
      necessary.
   7.  Attaches men that have become separated from squads to other
      squads.
   8.  Insures prompt and orderly advance.
   9.  On joining firing line from the support takes over duties of
      sergeants disabled.
  10.  May receive and transmit signals to the Captain.
  11.  If the platoon leader is disabled, he takes over his duties. 
      Hence he should know what the platoon leader is doing and how.
  12.  When taking over the duties of the platoon leader he calls the
      senior corporal of his platoon out to act as guide.

X. CORPORAL.

POSITION: 

   1.  Marching in line, as center skirmisher of squad (124, i.d.r.)
      or
   2.  When skirmish line is halted, immediately behind his squad.

   Note.—­The School has recommended to the War Department that the
      Infantry Drill Regulations be changed to provide that the
      Corporal’s position be as prescribed above and in paragraph 20,
      page 10.

DUTIES: 

   Paragraphs 42, 222, 252, 254, 255, 411, and 551, i.d.r., cover in
      general the corporal’s duties. 
   The squad leader (Corporal) controls the fire of his squad, he must
      understand the duties of the private and in issuing his fire
      orders: 

   1.  Receives his instructions from the platoon leader.
   2.  Points out indicated objective to his squad.
   3.  Takes as the squad target that portion of the platoon target
      which corresponds to the position of the squad in the platoon.
   4.  Announces sight setting.
   5.  Announces class and rate of fire.
   6.  When his squad is ready to fire looks toward the platoon leader
      and holds up his hand.  At the platoon leader’s signal to
      commence firing he sees that the squad opens fire.

THEREAFTER: 

   1.  Makes all fire from the shoulder.
   2.  Makes all use ordered rate of fire.
   3.  Insures that all fire at designated objective.
   4.  Prevents slighting of invisible portions of the target for more
      visible parts.
   5.  Prevents men from changing fire to unauthorized targets not in
      the assigned front or sector.
   6.  Maintains constant observation to the front; when squad is
      firing, for effect of fire—­when squad is not firing, for
      appearance of enemy.
   7.  Insures prompt obedience to orders to suspend and cease firing.