Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army Part 34

When a chief of platoon takes post as leader of two or more platoons, his place as platoon leader is taken by the corresponding file closer.

Whenever the =rally= or =a.s.sembly= is ordered, the captain may cause the guidon to be displayed at the rallying or a.s.sembly point indicated.

=640.= In instruction exercises the enemy must always be outlined or represented by troopers, who may carry flags, under command of an officer or noncommissioned officer. In the beginning of this instruction these men will occupy fixed positions; later they will be instructed to ride so as to represent the movements of an aggressive enemy. The captain will explain to the commander the object of the exercise and tell him what to do.

=641.= The platoons of the =attacking line= may attack in one line or successively, as from column of platoons with extended distances. The captain, in addition to designating a reserve, may direct one or more platoons to execute any special mission. In the absence of special instructions from the captain the leader of each platoon, or combination of platoons, that is acting separately uses his discretion, endeavoring so to employ his command as best to a.s.sist in carrying out the general plan indicated by the captain's orders.

=642.= The reserve, in the absence of special instructions, follows the attacking line at from 100 to 150 yards in readiness to support the attacking line, meet a counter attack, or press the pursuit, as occasion may require.

A platoon designated for a =flank attack= is so conducted by its leader as to fall opportunely upon the enemy's flank.

If a flank platoon be so designated, it attacks from that flank unless otherwise directed.

To guard against a flank attack or an enveloping attack the captain may detach a platoon to move to the threatened flank so as to take an enveloping attack in flank or meet a flank attack. If a flank platoon be so designated, it acts on the corresponding flank unless otherwise directed. When no platoon is specially designated for flank guard, the corresponding duties fall upon the reserve.

=643.= The captain's commands should include an indication of the objective, unless the latter is obvious, designate the elements of the attack, and state any special mission that is a.s.signed to any element.

The captain's orders also usually include an indication of the weapon to be used by the several elements of the attack and may prescribe the formations to be employed. All details not prescribed by the captain are left to the discretion of the commanders of the several elements into which the attack is divided.

Where the same weapon is to be used by all it is ordinarily drawn at the captain's orders before the instructions for the attack are given.

Otherwise, each commander gives the proper orders for drawing saber or raising pistol.

=644.= The troop being, for example, =in line=, marching at a gallop with sabers drawn, the captain may command: =Objective, Cavalry in front; Second and Third platoons, to the charge; First platoon, flank attack; Fourth platoon, reserve.= Each element of the attack proceeds at once to carry out its orders. The leader of the attacking line (whether the captain or a lieutenant) directs the leader of the base platoon to close on him before charge is ordered (par. 563). In other respects, the charge is conducted as explained for the platoon (pars.

562-564).

The troop being, for example, in column of platoons, marching at a gallop, no weapon drawn, the captain may command (the objective being obvious): =First and Second platoons, pistol attack; Third platoon, reserve; Fourth platoon, left flank guard.= The leader of the attacking line commands: 1. =As foragers=, 2. =MARCH=, and attacks with the pistol according to the principles explained for the platoon (pars. 566-568) as soon as the second platoon completes its deployment on the left of the first platoon. The commanders of the third and fourth platoons move to their positions, drawing saber or raising pistol in their discretion.

Should the captain command, for example: =First and Second platoons, pistol attack in two lines; Third platoon, charge enemy's right flank; Fourth platoon, reserve=, the third platoon may charge with the saber.

Should the captain cause pistols to be raised before ordering the attack all use the pistol.

The above are only examples to indicate the character of the captain's commands. The actual orders must meet the situation presented.

=645.= At the first indication for the charge the ground scouts move out from the flanks of the attacking line (par. 569) unless otherwise specially directed. The captain usually sends out any necessary combat patrols; but each leader of a separate group is responsible that any further steps necessary for the immediate protection of his own flanks are taken.

THE TROOP IN THE SQUADRON.

=646.= The troop in squadron, in mounted attack, has no reserve, but may have a support in the discretion of the major. If on the flank of the squadron, its own flank defense must be provided by the captain in the absence of instructions.

Pa.s.sING FROM MOUNTED ACTION TO DISMOUNTED ACTION.

=647.= The movements are executed by commands and methods corresponding to those already explained for the squad and platoon, with the following modifications and additions thereto:

The horses of the captain and of one bugler who accompanies the captain are held by the other bugler or by a man specially designated _in advance_ for that duty.

The horses of the first sergeant and other men out of ranks, and not otherwise specially provided for, are secured in the same manner indicated in the corresponding provisions for the squad and platoon.

=648.= The guidon, in the absence of instructions to the contrary, takes general charge of the led horses and performs the duties prescribed for the trooper in charge of the horse-holders and horses (par. 431). Should one of the platoon file closers be senior to the guidon, the first sergeant cautions such file closer and the guidon _in advance_ that the senior will have general charge of the led horses of the troop while such senior remains with the horses. In the absence of other special instructions, the file closer of each platoon reports the additional troopers of his platoon to the troop commander after Nos. 2 dismount. The guidon remains in general charge of the other horse-holders and the horses, a designated trooper having, under the guidon, immediate charge of the horse-holders and horses of each platoon.

=649.= The captain gives any desired special instructions to the guidon and sees that proper measures for security are taken. On dismounting, the first sergeant remains near the horses long enough to see that the designated noncommissioned officer is in charge and is making proper provision as regards the horses; he then joins the captain. Any sergeants who may be extra file closers without special a.s.signment of duties join the captain; other extra file closers not specially a.s.signed join the platoons with which they were riding. The captain, on dismounting, takes position at the point where he desires the base platoon to form or otherwise indicates that position to the leader of the base platoon. The platoon that was the base when the troop dismounted remains the base of the dismounted formation in the absence of other indication. Its leader takes position at once in rear of the captain, or as indicated by the latter, and the dismounted platoon forms in =double column= or as directed. The other platoons form so as to extend the formation =in line of double columns=, or as the captain orders, in accordance with the principles governing the a.s.sembly of the troop. The captain may direct the platoon leaders to proceed at once to designated positions without forming the troop as a unit. _In all cases the measures taken must be such as to prevent unnecessary exposure of men or horses to hostile view or fire._

DISMOUNTED COMBAT (THE TROOP).

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.

=650.= When the troop, acting alone, dismounts to engage in deliberate fire action the captain makes provisions for the led horses (par. 649) and at once sends out scouts (usually two experienced men detailed and trained as such) to the front to reconnoiter. The captain reconnoiters usually in rear of, but in touch with the scouts, and accompanied by platoon commanders and the first sergeant; he explains to them the purpose of the attack, gives them all the information he has about the enemy and about our own troops in the vicinity, points out to them the objective of each platoon if they are to advance, or indicates the part of the line to be held by each if to take the defensive.

=651.= The advance of a troop after dismounting, in antic.i.p.ation of fire action either in attack or defense is made in close order, preferably in columns of fours or twos, until the probability or the actual encountering of hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy.

After such deployment the advance (now designated =the approach=) may be continued in line of skirmishers or other suitable formation before opening fire. The approach dismounted may often be facilitated, better advantage taken of cover, and losses minimized by using formations such as line of platoons each in column of twos or troopers, or a succession of thin lines at varying distances, one directly behind the other or echeloned. The choice of a formation would depend upon conditions, such as the effectiveness of the enemy's fire, cover afforded by folds of the ground, or by natural obstacles. If the deployment is found to be premature, it will generally be better to a.s.semble the troop and resume the advance in close order.

The formations mentioned as facilitating the advance, viz, line of platoons in column of twos or troopers, or a succession of thin lines find application most frequently in the approach when the ground is so difficult or the cover so limited as to make it desirable to take advantage of the few favorable routes on which to move forward.

=652.= The approach in a succession of thin lines is, if possible, made by sections under the immediate direction of platoon commanders with wide intervals between skirmishers. By so advancing continuous control of the line is a.s.sured. If that method is not practicable, then the successive lines are made up of one or more men from each four of a platoon on the skirmish line, the command being: 1. =Numbers 1 (or such number or numbers), first (or such) platoon, forward=; 2.

=MARCH.=

The captain having pointed out in advance the selected position in front of the lines which are to be occupied, the designated numbers move to the front. The line thus formed preserves the original intervals as nearly as practicable; when this line has advanced to the indicated position, a second line is sent forward by similar commands, and so on at irregular distances until the whole line has advanced.

Upon arriving at the indicated position the first line is halted.

Successive lines upon arriving halt on line with the first, and the men take their proper places in the skirmish line.

Ordinarily each line is made up of one man or more from each four of a platoon, and the men of a four are sent forward in order from right to left. The first line is led by the platoon leader of that platoon, the second by its file closer, and so on. Under favorable conditions the successive lines may be made up from all of the platoons which are deployed as skirmishers.

The movement is conducted in quick time unless conditions make double time necessary.

After the entire troop has reached the line a further advance in the same manner may be found advisable.

The movement in a succession of thin lines is used to cross a wide stretch swept or likely to be swept by artillery fire or heavy long-range rifle fire which can not profitably be returned. Its purpose is the building up of a strong skirmish line preparatory to engaging in a fire fight. This method of advancing by thin lines results in serious, though temporary, loss of control over the successive platoons of the troop. Its advantages lie in the fact that it offers a less definite target, hence is less likely to draw fire.

=653.= These are merely suggested methods of advancing preliminary to opening the fire attack; other formations better adapted to particular occasions or terrain may be devised. The best formation is that which advances the line the farthest without drawing the enemy's fire, or, if he does open fire, then with the least loss of men, time, and control.

THE FIRE ATTACK.

=654.= The principles involved in the fire attack are discussed under =Dismounted Fire Action, the Squadron= (par. 716), and necessary modifications as to details made under =Dismounted Action, the Regiment= (par. 760).

When the enemy's fire makes it impracticable for the troop to move forward in one of the above-mentioned formations, it may advance by rushes.

Being in skirmish line: 1. =By platoon (section) from the right (left)=, 2. =RUSH.=

The platoon leader on the indicated flank arranges the details for a prompt and vigorous execution of the rush and puts it into effect as soon as practicable. If necessary he designates the leader for the indicated unit. When about to rush he causes the men of the indicated unit to suspend firing and to hold themselves flat on the ground but in readiness to spring forward instantly. The leader of the rush (at the signal of the platoon leader if the latter is not the leader of the rush) commands, =Follow me=, and, running at top speed, leads the fraction to the new line, where he halts it and causes it to open fire. The leader of the rush selects the new line if it has not been previously designated.

The first fraction having established itself on the new line, the next like fraction is sent forward by its platoon leader without further command from the captain, and so on, successively, until the entire troop is on the line established by the first rush.

The men must be trained to lie perfectly still until the command (since any movement might warn the enemy of the rush to follow), then at command to spring instantly and together to their feet, run at top speed, and drop together at command.

=655.= In an advance by rushes, leaders of platoons in firing positions are responsible for the delivery of an effective fire to cover the advance of each rus.h.i.+ng fraction. Troops are cautioned so to fire as not to endanger the flanks of advanced portions of the firing line. The husbanding of ammunition for the final stages of the fire attack must be constantly impressed on the men.

The rush of a troop as a whole is conducted by the captain on the same principle as described for the platoon. The captain leads the rush, platoon leaders lead their respective platoons, and file closers follow the line to insure prompt and orderly execution of the advance.