Chapter VII: General Information Regarding Range and Field Practices

Section =48=.--Preliminary Training.

=1. Lectures.=--The instruction contained in Chapters I to VI of this book is classified under the head of Preliminary Training, as it lays the foundation of the soldier’s training in the use of the rifle, and prepares him for instruction in both range and field practices. Thus, preliminary training commences with information regarding the construction of the rifle and directions for taking care of the weapon and cleaning it, includes instruction in aiming, firing, visual training, and ranging, and concludes with standard tests in preliminary training and grouping practices on miniature and 30 yards ranges. An extremely important part of preliminary training consists of a systematic course of lectures given concurrently with practical instruction. These lectures will deal with the theory of rifle fire, important points in elementary training, and the tactical application of fire through fire direction and control, including the use of ground and cover, and the duties of fire-unit commanders and observers in the firing-line [see Sec. 74, para. 5 (iii)].

=2. Recruits.=--Although it is only by practice in shooting that a high degree of proficiency can be attained in the use of the rifle, the ammunition allowances are necessarily limited, and are calculated on the assumption _that firing will be preceded by a most thorough course of preliminary instruction_. Recruits, before they begin a course of firing, must reach a satisfactory standard in aiming, and in holding their rifles steadily while pressing the trigger, otherwise range practice will merely result in waste of ammunition.

3. =Trained Soldiers.=--(i) _Besides thoroughly grounding recruits in elementary training, trained soldiers must also be kept efficient in their preliminary instruction._ Preliminary training in musketry exercises should therefore be continued throughout the year by trained soldiers. Skill in judging distance, a perfect trigger release, dexterity in the loading motions, and the habit of adjusting sights, cannot be retained without frequent practice.

(ii) It is therefore of the utmost importance that trained soldiers should develop by constant practice a habit of recognizing targets, judging their distance, adjusting their sights, and firing quickly but steadily without undue effort. It is advisable to test the ability of trained soldiers in the standard tests of preliminary training before they begin firing in range practices. Reconnaissance and ranging exercises will be a necessary preliminary to successful fire direction.

Section =49=.--Tests of Preliminary Training.

=1. Objects of Tests.=--The tests of elementary training have been devised to fulfil the following purposes:

(i) Provide instructors with a means of testing recruits to insure that they have reached a sufficient standard before they begin range practices.

(ii) Insure that trained soldiers have retained their efficiency.

(iii) Prevent any detail of elementary training from being overlooked.

(iv) Provide a standard to be attained by technical and other troops who are unable to devote as much time as is desirable to elementary training.

=2. Nature Of Tests.=--These tests are divided into _oral_, _inspection_, and _standard_ tests. It is important that teaching should not be confused with testing. In the former a man is instructed by example and explanation; in the latter he is questioned, or ordered to carry out a certain exercise without any explanation or assistance, and either passes the qualifying standard or is relegated for further instruction.

=3. Record of Tests.=--A record will be kept for each man of the results of the various tests, which will be inspected periodically by the commanding officer. Extracts from these records will furnish useful guides as to efficiency when men are transferred to other companies or battalions. Men, particularly recruits, should themselves keep a record of their performances.

=4. Oral Tests.=--(i) =Care of Arms and Ammunition.=--A few questions should be put to each man on these subjects.

(ii) =General Theoretical Knowledge.=--A few questions should be put to each man regarding the theory of rifle fire and its practical application.

(iii) =Description of Targets.=--Each man separately should be called upon to describe one or two objects in a landscape, and be questioned as to shape, colours, sizes, units of measure, etc.

5. =Inspection Tests.=--(i) =Firing Positions.=--Every man should be inspected individually in all firing positions, and the existence of any of the following serious faults should be noted in a book for production at subsequent tests: (_a_) Firing from left shoulder; (_b_) eye near cocking-piece or thumb in aiming; (_c_) want of grip with either hand; (_d_) finger round trigger in loading position; (_e_) excessive constraint of the limbs, body, or head in firing.

(ii) =Fire Discipline.=--Men should be tested for ability to execute orders for fire direction and control rapidly and correctly, including accurate adjustment of sights after each advance in attack, and after every advance of the enemy--represented by fatigue-men--at distances between 600 and 1,400 yards.

=6. Standard Tests.=--(i) =Regulation Aim.=--To be tested by triangle of error. _Standard--No side of a triangle to be over one-third of an inch, or the centre of the triangle more than one-third of an inch from the instructor’s aim._

(ii) =Trigger-Pressing.=--Trigger-pressing will be tested by means of the aim-corrector.

(iii) =Adjustment of Sights.=--Several distances will be named and sights examined after three seconds [M.L.E. rifle, five seconds].

(iv) =Aiming-Off for Wind or Movement.=--Tests in aiming-off for wind. The men will be ordered to lay their rifles on a point at some number of feet, not exceeding 6, right or left of a fatigue-man. One foot of error only, measured from the regulation point of aim, will be allowed. Allowance in aiming-off for wind or movement will be tested with the aim-corrector, the percentage of serious errors being recorded.

(v) =Rapidity of Aim.=--The time required to bring the rifle from the loading position to the shoulder, on the command _Fire_, and to align the sights on an aiming disc held to the eye, will be measured with a stop or ordinary watch with a second-hand. Lying position.

The instructor will stop the watch when the trigger is pressed, provided he is satisfied with the aim. _Standard time, four seconds._

(vi) =Rapid Loading.=--The men to be tested will be equipped with a bandolier, pouch, or cartridge pockets, and six chargers filled with dummy cartridges. The chargers will be placed in the pouches or pockets, which will be buttoned over them. The time required to load, close the bolt, eject the cartridges, the rifle being held in the correct loading position, one charger being inserted at a time, the pouch or pocket, whether empty or not, being buttoned up every time a charger is withdrawn, will be noted. _Standard time, one minute._

(vii) =Rapid Firing.=--This will be a combination of (v) and (vi). On the command _Rapid fire_, each man will load with dummy cartridges in chargers from the pouch or cartridge pocket, the pocket being buttoned up each time a charger is withdrawn, and aim ten rounds at an aiming disc held to the instructor’s eye. If the aiming is unsatisfactory, the test will be repeated more slowly. The time required will be noted. _Standard time, one minute._

(viii) =Eyesight.=--To be carried out in conjunction with Standard Test (iii). Four fatigue-men as “points” should be placed under cover in various directions and at different distances, not exceeding 800 yards. The men to be tested lie down extended to two paces. Each point is called up by signal.

The fatigue-man stands, kneels, or raises his head, according to the degree of visibility required, and fires four rounds of blank ammunition in half a minute, then returning to cover. During the half-minute the observers adjust their sights and place their rifles at arm’s length to the front.

At the end of the half-minute a whistle is blown, and those men who have failed to discern the point are noted, while non-commissioned officers record the elevations found on the sights in connection with Standard Test (x).

In every case the point should be signalled to rise a second time in order that his position may be shown to those men who previously failed to see him, and half a minute should then be allowed to these men to adjust their sights for Standard Test (x). Failures must not exceed one per man, but consideration must be given to the visibility of the points.

(ix) =Recognition of Targets.=--The men to be tested should each have an aiming-rest or sandbags for laying aim. A non-commissioned officer from behind them will describe some difficult aiming-point, such as a point in a hedge or area of open ground. The men aim their rifles at the point which they recognize from the description. Four points should be described for every man tested.

(x) =Judging Distance.=--The distances of four standing fatigue men should be judged at distances not exceeding 800 yards.

(xi) =Grouping with Miniature Cartridges.=--For regular troops, the grouping standards for miniature cartridge practice at 25 yards will be: Marksmen, 1-inch ring; 1st Class, 2-inch ring; 2nd Class, 3-inch ring.

Section =50=.--Progression of Instruction in Range and Field Practices.

=1.= After the soldier has been trained thoroughly in elementary instruction in aiming and firing, and has passed the oral inspection and standard tests of preliminary training satisfactorily, he may be considered fit to commence range practices, with which his instruction in individual and collective firing will begin. The progression of this instruction may be divided roughly into the following stages:

(i) =Individual Firing.=--(_a_) Instruction on miniature ranges and 30 yards ranges.

(_b_) Range practices.

(_c_) Individual field practices.

(ii) =Collective Firing.=--Collective field practices.

=2. Instruction on 30 Yards and Miniature Ranges.=--Instruction on 30 yards ranges is dealt with in Sec. 55. Instruction on miniature ranges is dealt with fully in Chapter X, which contains directions for firing elementary and instructional range practices, as well as individual and collective field practices on these ranges.

3. =Range Practices.=--Range practices consist of the following practices and stages of instruction:

(i) =Practices.=--(_a_) _Grouping._ (_b_) _Application._ (_c_) _Snap-shooting._ (_d_) _Rapid Firing._

(ii) =Stages of Instruction.=--The above practices are arranged in a series of tables for recruits and trained soldiers, demanding a gradually increasing degree of skill on the part of the firer, and are divided into the following stages of instruction:

(_a_) _Qualifying Practices._ (_b_) _Instructional Practices._ (_c_) _Classification Practices._

=4. Field Practices.=--Individual and collective field practices are dealt with in this chapter and in Chapters VIII and X. The general programme of field practice should be arranged as follows:

(i) Individual field practices.

(ii) Fire direction practices.

(iii) Collective field practices, divided into--

(_a_) Exercises for sections and platoons in fire direction and application of collective fire.

(_b_) Standard tests of collective grouping and fire effect.

(_c_) Comparative demonstrations of fire effect and vulnerability.

(_d_) Exercises for companies designed to reproduce service conditions as far as possible, and to illustrate tactical principles.

(iv) Combined field firing (see _Musketry Regulations_).

Section =51=.--Range Practices.

=1.= When recruits have shown clearly that they have acquired a satisfactory standard of skill in all branches of preliminary training, they will commence range practices. _Range practices merely lay the foundation of musketry in its elementary stages._ They are only a means to an end--namely, to prepare soldiers for field practices, by which they are trained to fire under conditions approximating as closely as possible to those of service.

=2. Qualifying Practices.=--The range practices for the Regular Army and Special Reserve begin with qualifying practices, for which standards are prescribed. _If these standards are not attained, it is a sign that the preliminary training has failed in its object._ After passing standard tests in miniature range practice, and firing on the 30 yards range, every man should begin his practice on the open range confident in his own powers, and determined to prove his ability to hit.

=3. Preliminary Training and Range Practices.=--Instructional range practices need not be continuous. Intervals of time between the exercises are often beneficial, especially to nervous men; but in any case, time should be found to continue the exercises of preliminary training on days allotted to range practices, in order that there may be no separation between theory and practice.

=4. Scope of Range Practices.=--(i) In range practices the soldier should attain a high standard of skill in shooting at known distances under easy conditions and in various positions, at large vertical targets easy to see, and furnished with scoring or approximation rings, which enable the error in shooting to be expressed in figures convenient for comparative purposes.

(ii) He will confirm in practice the lessons learned in preliminary training, and be thoroughly acquainted with the peculiarities of his rifle. He will fire in the open and from behind cover in deliberate and rapid practices, and will learn the rate of fire which, in his own case, best combines volume with accuracy. In snapshooting he will realize the necessity for rapid alignment of sights, and the value of time in taking advantage of targets exposed under service conditions.

=5. Hints to Instructors=--(i) =False Standards=.--Instructors must guard against the danger of men setting up false standards of musketry based on the results of their shooting in range practices. Lectures based on the instruction laid down in Sec. II. may be given to recruits at the commencement of or during range practices, so that they clearly understand that the assurance of effect in battle through individual fire is limited to distances within close range, and that collective fire is necessary for fire effect beyond close range.

(ii) =Deliberate Practices.=--Instructors must bear in mind that deliberate practice at bull’s-eye targets tends to inculcate a slow method of shooting, as minute attention to changes of wind and light, and fine adjustments of the backsight based on shot-by-shot marking, are necessary to produce the best results under such conditions. Therefore, directly recruits have attained a satisfactory degree of skill at deliberate practices, they must commence snapshooting and rapid firing. _Instructors must make it clear to soldiers that high scores in range practices under easy conditions and shot-by-shot marking bear no relation whatever to the results to be expected from their skill when firing under service conditions even in peace time._

(iii) =Range Practices and Service Conditions.=--In battle at close range fire effect depends on snapshooting and rapid firing under conditions in which the effect of wind and light may usually be disregarded; alteration of sights is seldom possible, and the result of fire is frequently impossible to ascertain by observation. Beyond close range in battle, accurate ranging, allowance for deflection due to wind, and observation of fire, which are all necessary for accurate individual firing, are beyond the powers of unassisted individuals, even when targets are easy to discern and recognize with the naked eye, which is not ordinarily the case.

(iv) As the conditions of range practices differ in all these important respects from those of service, it is clear that another and extremely important stage of training, for which range practices are only a preparation, must be carried out before the soldier can be considered fit to perform his duties in the firing-line efficiently. This further stage of training is known as “field practices.”

(v) =Standard of Accuracy.=--There is no object in establishing a phenomenal standard of accuracy in elementary range practices and deliberate shooting. A satisfactory degree of proficiency is soon attained by the majority of men, and they should then proceed to snapshooting and rapid firing practices. _It is in snapshooting and rapid firing up to 600 yards that a very high degree of proficiency is desired._

(vi) =Faults of Aim.=--Although instruction on the firing-point is an indispensable form of musketry instruction for young soldiers, if it leads to continual alterations of sighting to meet errors in shooting, the firer is confirmed in his errors, and his faults are only obscured. _During the firing the instructor should watch the recruit, not the target, and should insist on being told the probable result of the shot before it is signalled._

(vii) =Firing Positions.=--No departure from correct firing positions should on any account be permitted. The rifle must be gripped firmly, the face kept back from the right hand, and there should be no constraint in the position of the body.

(viii) =Breathing and Let-Off.=--The management of the breathing and the let-off must be noticed, and the recruit reminded of them continually, so that his mind may be centred on the more important details of shooting, and not on changes of wind or light, with which he will become familiar later.

(ix) =Dwelling on Aim.=--Although care and deliberation are necessary in elementary firing instruction, recruits must not be allowed to fall into the habit of dwelling on their aim nor of aiming and returning to the loading position repeatedly before pressing the trigger. These errors arise chiefly from taking a fine sight, and focussing the eye on the foresight instead of on the target. When such methods are adopted, it is a sign that the object of range practices is misunderstood, and that the firer is in need of more practical instruction.

(x) =Shock of Discharge.=--In preliminary training the recruit has not accustomed himself to the shock of discharge. In some cases there is extreme difficulty in overcoming the tendency to flinch from this shock, and this is one of the commonest causes of inaccurate shooting. Men who flinch should not proceed with firing practice. The cause of the flinching can be detected, and can sometimes be removed after one or two rounds only.

(xi) =Important Points for Instructional Practices.=--The following are important points to remember with reference to range practices:

(_a_) That best instruction available must always be given.

(_b_) One instructor can only watch and instruct one man at a time.

(_c_) No hurry should be allowed. It is better to discuss the reasons for failure of a few shots thoroughly than to hurry over many.

(_d_) The first shot is the important one, and from the result of it the others must be applied to hit the mark.

(_e_) A true declaration of the point of aim when the shot was actually fired must be made immediately after firing.

(_f_) The firer or his rifle should never be touched. He should be made to correct his position and alter his own sights, etc., as required.

(_g_) The firer should not be told the reason for his faults until he has first been questioned regarding them, and made to reason out for himself the causes and remedies for failure.

(xii) =Measures to prevent Faults becoming Habitual.=--It is a common experience that serious faults become formed habits in recruits before they are discovered by the instructor, and that they are exposed only after repeated visits to the range, by which time it will be difficult to correct them. In order to compel analysis of faults, to indicate clearly how defects may be remedied, and to remove all suspicion as to the accuracy of his rifle, preliminary and qualifying practices are divided into exercises in (_a_) grouping, and (_b_) applying fire.

Section =52=.--Grouping and Application.

=1. Definition of Grouping.=--The term “group” as applied to a number of shots fired at an objective has previously been explained. Grouping practices consist of firing a series of shots--usually five--at a distinct and fixed aiming mark without any alteration of sighting or point of aim.

=2. Object of Grouping Practices.=--The object of grouping practices is not to score hits on the mark aimed at, but to develop in men the power of grouping a series of shots as closely as possible. In other words, the object of these practices is to teach soldiers to shoot steadily and consistently as the foundation of their training in rifle-shooting. When they are able to fire so that their shots are grouped closely together, their training will be advanced another stage to application practices, when they will be taught to “apply” their shot groups to an aiming-mark. That is to say, they will be taught to hit the mark aimed at, as well as to group their shots closely.

=3. Testing the Value of Groups.=--Thus, in grouping practices, the position of a shot group in relation to the aiming-point is no test of its value, which is judged only by the closeness of the shots in each group. Shot groups are measured by rings, as described in Sec. 56, para. 2, and in Sec. 49, para. 6 (xi) (Miniature Ranges).

=4. Point of Mean Impact.=--(i) When all the shots in a group are contained in a measuring-ring, the point where the centre of the ring falls on the target is termed the _point of mean impact_. The position of the group in relation to the point of aim is decided by recording the distance and direction of the point of mean impact from the point of aim. As already stated, the position of the group in relation to the point of aim is immaterial, and it does not matter if all the shots miss the point of aim. Nevertheless, the position of the point of mean impact in relation to the point of aim is important for instructional purposes, because it indicates the constant faults of the firer and errors of the rifle.

=5. Faults of Firer shown by Shot Groups.=--For example, a very small group well placed shows consistency of aim, trigger-pressing, and holding. If badly placed, it may show inaccuracy of the rifle, or a constant error in aiming. A group dispersed vertically on the target shows vertical variation either of the amount of foresight, or of the point of aim; whilst a group dispersed horizontally shows incorrect centring of the foresight in the notch of the backsight, or horizontal errors in aiming. A group low left may show forward movement of the shoulder; and one low right may show jerking the trigger, and high right flinching. These faults, however, can only be ascertained _if the firer has been watched closely whilst firing_.

=6. Analysis of Faults.=--(i) Thus, grouping practices are valuable for discovering and correcting the faults of the firer at the commencement of his instruction on the range. Instructors should carefully note the positions of good groups as well as bad ones, for some constant error in aiming or fault of the rifle may thus be discovered, which will escape notice in application practices when every shot is signalled, and error is attributed to wind or other causes for which allowance is easily made in sighting. Such errors are not uncommon even among marksmen, and often affect their shooting unfavourably in field practices when the result of each shot is not signalled.

(ii) =Testing Rifle for Faults.=--Should a soldier make a bad group, and the rifle is suspected, it should at once be fired under similar conditions by a reliable marksman. Should the marksman also make a bad group with the rifle, the rifle should be tested according to the rules laid down in _Musketry Regulations_, and, _if found inaccurate, the man to whom the rifle belongs should be allowed to recommence the course, the necessary ammunition being found from the authorized allowances_. If the rifle is proved accurate, the soldier’s aim should next be tested by the triangle of error, and his let-off should be tested by means of the aim-corrector. His eyesight should also be examined.

(iii) =Faults due to Nervousness, etc.=--If no other cause for constant faults can be discovered, unsteadiness may be traced to illness, to some habitual excess, such as cigarette smoking, to lack of determination, or to nervousness due to some natural or exciting cause. If faults are found to be due to nervousness or lack of will-power, the best remedy lies in developing the power of nerve and muscular control through physical exercises which develop these powers.[26] Rope-climbing is a good exercise for developing nerve and will-power.

(iv) =Faults due to Firing Position, Eyesight, etc.=--Faults may sometimes be remedied at once by correcting the fire positions, by allowing time to elapse between the shots, or by snapping practice. Some men can aim quickly, but lose their power of seeing objects well defined if the eye is strained by dwelling on aim. Thus, the cause of the failure may sometimes be due to the firer’s effort to succeed. By dwelling too long on aim the muscles of the eye become tired, the vision becomes blurred, and the will-power is impaired. It is necessary to take time in overcoming difficulties in such cases. In serious cases the soldier should be examined medically with a view to discharge, or the provision of proper glasses.

(v) =Record of Analysis of Faults.=--A complete analysis of the faults of the firer and his rifle should be made before leaving the range, and a note should be made on the register of the steps decided upon for remedying defects.

=7. Application Practices.=--(i) When a man has acquired sufficient skill in aiming and trigger-pressing to make a good group with certainty, he will commence application practices. These teach the firers to adjust their sights and point of aim so as to apply the result of their groups to an aiming mark.

(ii) Application practices should be fired first at bull’s-eye targets similar to those used for grouping, but when once a man becomes proficient at these easy targets, figure targets should be used. Figure targets have been devised to accustom men gradually to the difficult targets which will be found in war, and also to counteract the following faults: (_a_) Taking too long an aim; (_b_) taking a fine sight; (_c_) focussing the eye on the foresight instead of the target at the moment of firing. _All these are common errors when a bull’s-eye target is used._

(iii) Grouping standards may in some cases be attached to application practices in order to emphasize the importance of care and consistency in shooting. In application practices instruction is given in making allowance for atmospheric influences, chiefly cross-winds; but it is not desirable that trifling changes of wind should be met by minute adjustment of the wind-gauge. The instructor should call upon the soldier to estimate the wind before firing, and tell him the corrected allowance which he is to place on his sights. Subsequent alteration should be unnecessary. _In application, and, in fact, any practice, small adjustments of sights should be discouraged._ The point of aim should be varied as may be found necessary to counteract any error of the rifle.

Section =53=.--Snapshooting, Rapid Firing, and Firing at Crossing Targets.

=1. Snapshooting.=--(i) Snapshooting means firing an effective shot in the shortest possible time, and necessitates--

(_a_) Watching the front.

(_b_) Quickness of aim.

(_c_) Observation of the strike of the bullet, when possible.

(_d_) Loading immediately after firing.

Snapshooting may follow application practices, and in the early stages it is advisable to use the figure-targets used for these practices, which can be exposed for any length of time to suit the skill of the firers at different stages of training. Six seconds is sufficient in the early stages, and this may be reduced to four or three seconds as progress is made.

(ii) =Snapshooting from Cover.=--In snapshooting practices from cover, not only the exposure of the target, but also that of the firer, should be limited. Strict attention must be paid to adapting the firing positions correctly to cover, and to firing with the least possible movement and exposure.

(iii) =Snapshooting on Miniature Ranges.=--Practices in snapshooting on miniature ranges will be found in Chapter X.

=2. Rapid Firing.=--(i) Rapid fire, which has been dealt with in previous sections, means firing as many rounds as possible with reasonable accuracy in a given time. This method of firing shows the best rate of individuals, and brings out the necessity for clean and quick loading and manipulation of the bolt, with the butt to the shoulder, combined with quickness of aim. The best rate of fire depends in every case upon the degree of training of the individual and the size and visibility of the aiming-mark. In rapid firing a man of normal temperament should be able to attain the regulation rate with trifling loss of accuracy, _but it is not desirable to make a great sacrifice of accuracy to produce even the regulation rate_.

(ii) Dexterity of loading and a habit of rapid alignment of the sights should be developed in preliminary training. In the range practices the opportunity is afforded to every man to ascertain his own best rate for combining accuracy in shooting with rapidity of fire so as to produce a high average of hits per minute, but there is no obligation to fire all the rounds allotted in any rapid practice.

(iii) =Rapid Firing on Miniature Ranges.=--Instructions for carrying out rapid firing practices on miniature ranges will be found in Chapter X.

=3. Firing at Crossing Targets.=--As already stated, practices in firing at crossing targets can be carried out economically and with good results on miniature ranges. Practices in firing at crossing targets are contained in Chapter X.

Section =54=.--Field Practices.

=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.

(_c_) Accurate judging distance within close range.

(_d_) Quick opening of fire and rate of fire.

(_e_) Instant reloading after firing.

(_f_) Reloading magazine as opportunity occurs.

(_g_) Co-operation when working in pairs, including the following points: (1) Consultation as to choice of targets; (2) hesitation in opening fire and settling who shall fire and who shall observe; (3) whether observer reports results of shots accurately.

(v) =Justification for Opening Fire.=--Men will be trained in individual field practices to use their judgment as to opening fire. Tendency to open fire prematurely must be checked, and men must be taught to watch for favourable targets and good opportunities so as to enable them to obtain the fullest effect from fire.

(vi) =Choice of Targets.=--Men must also be trained to choose their targets so as to obtain the fullest effect from fire--that is to say, they must choose the most favourable target presented at any moment.

=3. Fire Direction Practices.=--(i) Just as the men have been trained in progressive stages in preliminary training, range practices, and individual field practices, so fire-unit commanders must be practiced thoroughly in fire-direction, and make a careful study of it before undertaking the direction of collective field practices.

(ii) These practices are useful for training officers and N.C.O.’s in simple problems connected with the tactical application of fire, and to illustrate clearly that fire effect depends on (_a_) correct estimation of range, (_b_) fire orders being clearly given, correctly understood, and instantly obeyed. In other words, these practices serve to prove that good fire direction and control and fire discipline are essential for fire effect beyond close range.

(iii) =Progression of Training.=--Fire direction practices may be carried out in the following stages: (_a_) On the Solano Target, or landscape targets, without firing; (_b_) on miniature and 30 yards ranges, with ·22 and ·303 cartridges on Solano Target, or landscape targets; (_c_) on open ranges at distances beyond 600 yards.

(iv) At the conclusion of the fire-direction practices, all fire-unit commanders should be familiar with the effects of winds and temperature in shooting at 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 yards. The range tables should be studied, and lectures given on the influence of ground, ranging errors, and other details of fire direction.

(v) =Concentration and Distribution of Fire.=--Fire-direction practices will afford opportunities for training fire-unit commanders in the concentration and distribution of fire (see Sec. 44, paras. 8 and 9). Fire should generally be concentrated against very vulnerable targets, or when it is required to produce great effect at a particular point; it should be distributed when it is required to disturb the enemy’s aim along a portion of his front in order to assist movement.

(vi) For example, a company commander wants to produce great effect at a particular point, so he concentrates the whole of his fire on it; or he wishes to strike the enemy’s line in two, four, or eight places, and orders: _By platoons_, or _By sections_, when the commanders of these units each select an aiming-mark for their unit in the enemy’s front corresponding to the position of their own unit in the company. Should the company commander wish each man to select his own aiming-mark in the enemy’s line corresponding to his own position in the company, he orders: _Distribute fire_.

(vii) The chief guides in deciding on the amount of distribution to be employed will be the visibility of the aiming-marks, the volume of fire available, and the range. In the absence of clear aiming-marks service targets usually consist of large scattered groups, which require a greater volume for assurance of fire effect. The greatest distribution of fire occurs when each man selects his own aiming-mark. Such distribution will not as a rule be employed beyond 600 yards, owing to the difficulty at longer ranges of finding sufficient aiming-marks.

=4. Collective Field Practices.=--(i) Collective field practices are primarily intended to afford the commanders of fire units practice in their duties of direction and control of fire. With this must be combined the study of the results to be obtained from the delivery of fire at targets representing troops in different formations, 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. _Any omission or neglect in fire direction, as well as any failure to adjust the sights, should, at this stage of training, be regarded very seriously._

(ii) =Progression of Training.=--Training in collective field practices will be carried out on the following stages: (_a_) On the Solano Target, or landscape targets, without firing; (_b_) on the miniature, or 30 yards range with the Solano Target, or landscape targets; (_c_) on the open range.

(iii) =Points for Criticism.=--The principal points to be considered in collective field practices are:

(_a_) The choice of targets.

(_b_) The justification or necessity for opening fire.

(_c_) The volume of fire required to effect the object in view.

(_d_) The method of ranging and error of the day.

(_e_) The orders for fire direction.

(_f_) Timing of movement.

(_g_) Mutual support.

(_h_) Regulation of volume of fire.

(_i_) Concentration or distribution of fire.

(_k_) The description and recognition of target and aiming-point.

(_l_) Skilful use of ground and cover.

(_m_) Reinforcement.

(_n_) Ammunition supply.

(_o_) Mutual assistance.

(_p_) Passing of orders and information.

(_q_) Communication with flanks and rear.

NOTE.--With respect to (_a_) and (_b_), all opportunities for delivering enfilade, oblique, or converging fire should be seized, together with opportunities for bringing a crushing volume of fire to bear on favourable targets and at critical moments. Further important points which may be considered in collective field practices are the necessity for searching or distribution in depth and the probable dispersion of the cone of fire.

(iv) =Tactical Schemes.=--_Section and Platoon Exercises._--The earlier exercises for the smaller fire units will be carried out under simple tactical schemes framed by the company commander, and arranged so as to give a progressive training to all ranks engaged. Schemes will be so drawn up as to give separate instruction in each phase of the combat, rather than to combine in each exercise all the operations included in the execution of a successful attack. They will also be designed to illustrate the various situations which may be expected on active service. They should test the proficiency of leaders in making fire effective on first opening and in regulating the volume of fire in accordance with the situation. Mutual support and combined action should be frequently practised, with and without the exercise of control. (See _Musketry Regulations_, Sec. 98.)

(v) =Company Exercises.=--_Combined Field Firing._--When all the fire-unit commanders have shown proficiency in fire direction and control, companies will be trained to fire collectively against firing-lines at effective ranges. The leaders will be exercised in judging distance, in describing targets, and in concentration or distribution of fire. Great weight will be attached to the accurate passing of orders and information, and to the quickness of the men in recognizing their targets and applying fire. (See _Musketry Regulations_, Sec. 101.)

(vi) =Criticism of Collective Field Practices.=--At the conclusion of a collective field practice, in addition to criticism of the conduct of the exercise, there should be a conference as to the conclusions to be drawn from the results. For this reason a complete record must be made of the targets and conditions; the figures showing results must be carefully and fully tabulated.

The criticism of the conduct of the exercise should be complete, and should deal with the application of the tactical principles laid down in the Training Manuals, as well as with the application of the principles contained in these regulations. In appreciating results, chief attention should be paid to the successful or unsuccessful result of the first application of fire, since surprise effect is all-important, and correction of sighting by observation is rarely possible in war.

(vii) =Results of Firing.=--The percentage of hits to rounds fired is an index to the steadiness of the firing only if the fire direction has been proved to be satisfactory. If the fire direction fails, the more accurate the shooting the fewer will be the hits recorded. In considering the results of fire, the percentage of loss inflicted on the enemy within a limited period of time is the best means of judging the value of the fire.

For general comparison of the collective fire results of units, the average number of hits per man per minute should be calculated if fire was concentrated, or the average number of figures hit per man per minute if it was distributed, but due regard must be paid to the justification of the rate of fire as indicated by the scheme.