The Plattsburg Manual Part 32

The main difficulty in seeing the distinction between Independent and Divisional Cavalry consists in our forgetting that we have different kinds of organizations in the army as well as we have anywhere else. Let us clearly understand this:

(1) An Infantry Division is composed of nine regiments of infantry, two of artillery, and one of cavalry.

(2) A Cavalry Division is composed of nine regiments of cavalry, one regiment of horse artillery, and no infantry.

The cavalry attached to an Infantry Division is, in general, called Divisional Cavalry. It operates at but comparatively short distances from its division, its duties being of a somewhat local nature.

The Independent Cavalry, because it can move so rapidly, is sent far in advance (thirty, forty, or even fifty or more miles) of the main army to obtain general information, such as the approximate strength and location of the enemy's forces. The Division Commander, since he is so far away from the Commanding General of the army in rear, and since he has broad general duties to perform, must of necessity have broad powers and, in general, be permitted to act as the occasion demands. He is, therefore, said to act independently, and his cavalry is called Independent Cavalry.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRATEGY AND TACTICS

Strategy is generals.h.i.+p in its broadest conception. A strategist conceives and projects campaigns. He determines where armies and navies are to be sent. He is not concerned with the handling or manuvers of armies and fleets. He turns over those details to tacticians. He is the master mind, far removed, generally, from the battle line, who picks up an army or fleet here, and puts it there.

Tactics is the act and science of disposing (arranging) armies and fleets in order for battle. A tactical commander (tactician) solves local details.

Strategy pertains to conception, to policy; tactics, to technique.

The great General Staff in Was.h.i.+ngton inaugurates the problems to be solved (strategy), and details commanders (tacticians) to solve them.

EMPLOYMENT OF AIR CRAFT ON AND NEAR THE FIRING LINE IN THE THEATER OF OPERATION

Airplanes will move far out, perhaps hundreds of miles, in front of our most advanced cavalry for the purpose of gathering general information of large bodies of the enemy's forces. This is called Strategical Reconnaissance. Other airplanes do more local scouting. They go but comparatively short distances from the firing line for the purpose of determining the location of trenches, supports, reserves, artillery positions, etc. This is called tactical reconnaissance. They give their artillery commanders information as to where their projectiles are falling.

During siege operations (as in Europe, where some trenches have remained in about the same place for long periods) photographers go up in airplanes each morning and photograph the enemy's trench lines. Blue prints are made of these lines. By comparing these with the lines of the previous day it is easy to determine the changes that have been made during the night.

Other airplanes are detailed for the purpose of combat. They prevent opposing airplanes from gathering information.

THE BIG IDEAS OF MARCHES

For marches to be entirely successful three conditions must be fulfilled: (1) the troops must get there; (2) they must get there on time; (3) and they must get there in good condition.

Now suppose that you were ordered to conduct the march of a company of green men for a distance of 200 miles, just how would you solve the problem?

Before starting, very careful preparations should be made. Your men should be in good physical condition; they must be given so much work that they are athletes.

Keep these points in mind:

1. Always have, when possible, the comfort of your men in mind. Their work in carrying a load of nearly forty pounds and marching around fifteen miles a day will be hard enough. Don't give them any extra hards.h.i.+ps.

2. Make the conditions of the march pleasant. Encourage the men to laugh and sing.

3. Use wagons, automobiles, etc., to carry heavy loads (burdens) whenever possible.

4. It is a custom of the service to help a man who may not be strong physically but who is straining every nerve to get there. Be the first to volunteer to carry for him his rifle or part of his burden.

5. Look out especially for the feet of your men and the hoofs of your animals.

6. On long marches one day in seven should be a day of rest and recreation.

7. Never take an extremely hard and long (forced) march unless imperative.

8. As a rule troops pay no compliments on the march. They have enough to do without that.

9. Let the object to be accomplished determine the general conduct of the march (the time of starting, the rate, length of march, halts, etc.)

SHELTER

When troops are sheltered under canvas (in tents), they are in camp.

When they are resting on the ground without tents (for instance, on the firing line the night before or during a battle), they are in what is called bivouac. When they occupy buildings in towns or villages, or huts especially erected, they are in cantonment. When they are a.s.signed to public (such as post-offices, town halls, court houses, hotels, etc.) or private buildings they are said to be billeted.

SELECTION OF A CAMPING GROUND

Suppose that you were sent on ahead of troops on the march to select a camp ground for them, what big ideas should you bear in mind.

1. The ground should be large enough for the troops without crowding. In case of rain it should be easily drained. And there should be no stagnant water near (say, within 300 yards).

2. There should be plenty of pure water.

3. There should be good roads around.

4. Wood, gra.s.s, forage, and supplies for the men and animals must be at hand or obtainable. Closely cropped turf with sandy or gravelly subsoil is best.

Let us not forget that good old-fas.h.i.+oned guide, common sense. Men are as human in camp as elsewhere. In hot weather shade trees are desirable.

In cold weather ground sloping to the south, with woods to break the winds is fine.

Avoid old camp grounds, marshy ground, and places where mosquitoes are plentiful.

ADVICE TO OFFICERS

A company of infantry is composed of three officers and one hundred and fifty non-commissioned officers and privates. What a shame to have a private the mental and moral superior of those above him!