Document text
UliPf* ^J"^ MtUTARV HISTORY INSTITUm
WfllVb ^ CARUSLE BARRACKS, PA 17O«M)(»-20
CO PY y ^
WAR DEPARTMENT
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE BATTALION
September 28, 1942
FM 7-20
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE BATTALION
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1942
For Bale the Snpertntendent of Documentfl* WBsbington, D. C*
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 28, 1942,
PM 7-20, Rifle Battalion, is published for the Information
and guidance of all concerned.
|A. G, 062,11 (8-20-43). I
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief oi Staff.
OFFiciAt :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution :
R and H 1-4 (5), 5-7, 17 (10), 18, 19 (3); IBn 1-3, 10,
11 (2) ; Bn 4-6 (4), 7 (10), 17-19 (3) ; IC 2-5, 11 C2) ;
C 6 (3), 7 (5), 17, 18, 19 (3).
(For explanation of symbols see PM 21-6.)
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
ChaptekI. General 1-3 1
CHAPTix 2. Battalion commander and EtafT.
Section I. Battalion commander 3-6 3
II. Battalion staff and staff duties 7-23 4
m. Troop leading 24-28 14
IV. Staff records, reports, and maps 29-35 18
V. Command post 36-44 20
Chapteb 3. Battalion headquarters company.
Section I. Company headquarters 45-50 24
II. Battalion headquarters Eection 61 27
m. Communication platoon 52-5S 27
IV. Ammunition and pioneer platoon. 57-60 30
V. Antitank platoon-: 61-68 32
VI. Security 69 35
Chapter 4. Battalion medical section 70-77 36
Chapter 5. Administration.
Section I. Battalion trains 78-80 39
II. Supply 61-Bl 40
Chapteb 6. Troop movements and security on the
march.
Section I. General 02 50
II. Day marches 93-99 50
m. Night, motor, and rail movements. 100-102 58
Chapter 7. Bivouacs 103-107 61
Chapter 8. The offensive.
Section I. General 108 66
II. Approach, march 109-121 66
ni. Assembly areas (positions) 122-125 76
IV. Characteristics and methods of
attack 126-128 79
V. Reconnaissance, plans, and orders
for an attack against an organ-
ized position 129-135 82
VI. Conduct of the attack 136-143 94
VII. Reserve battalion 144f-l49 108
VIII. Night attack 150-154 111
IX, Attack m woods 155-158 126
X. Attack of towns 159-162 130
XI. Attack of a river line 1 163-179 133
XTE. Attack of a fortified position 180-184 144
XIII. Balds 185-189 147
Chapter 9. The defense.
Section I. General 190-191 154
n. Front-line battalion 192-208 155
m. Reserve battalion . 209-215 177 '■
IV. Defense on a wide front, in woods,
In towns, and of a river line 216-219 181
V. Defense against air-borne opera-
tions 220-222 185
m
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 10. Eetrografle movements. Paragraphs Page
Section I. General _ 223 191
II. Daylight withdrawal 224-228 191
lit. Night withdrawal 229-236 las
rV. Etelaying action 237-242 200
Appendix. Directives for the tactical training ot
rifle battalion and antitank platoon
of battalion headquarters company. 1—7 206
IV
FM 7-20
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
EIFLE BATTAIIOBT
This manual, together with FM 7-10, June 2, 1942, and FM 7-15.
May 19. 1942, supersedes FM 7-5, October 1, 1940 (Including C 1,
November 15, 1941).
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
■ 1. Role of Infantry Battalion. — The rifle battaJion is the
basic tactical unit of Infantry. It usually operates as an
element of the Infantry regiment. Its mission is assigned by
the regimental commander, and its actions are coordinated
with those of other units of the regiment. Exceptionally,
the battalion may be detached from the regiment to perform
an independent mission. It has administrative functions,
■ 2. Composition. — The rifle battalion consists of a head-
quarters and headquarters company; three rifle companies;
and a heavy weapons company. Medical personnel and non-
organic transportation are attached. (See flg. 1.)
HEWXJUARTtRS
AND
HEADQUftttTEIK
Rifle
COMPAIW
1 Rifle 1
RlFlE
Company
Heavy
KIeapoms
Company
Battauon
MEBICftL
Section
FROM
l^tOICM.
Battalion
TilAINS
FROM
Service
Company
FiGUHE 1. — Infantry battalion, rifle.
a. Battalion headquarters and headquarters company. — (1)
The headquarters consists of the battalion commander (a
lieutenant colonel) and certain members of his staff.
(2) The headquarters company consists of a company
headquarters; a battalion headquarters section; and a
communication platoon, an ammunition and pioneer platoon,
and an antitank platoon.
2
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
b. Rifle company. — Each rifle company consists of a com-
pany headquarters, three rifle platoons, and a weapons
platoon,
c. Heavy weapons company. — The heavy. weapons company
consists of a company headquarters, two caliber .30 (heavy)
machine-gun platoons, and an 81-mm mortar platoon.
BATTALION
HEfcDQUARTERS
[HfADQUftRTtllS C0WPAWY|
Co
BnHq
Con
Anv &.
HQ
Sec
PLftT
PlOMEER
Plat
JZ
Msg-
5E.C
Wiec
Sec
Radio
AND
VlSUAl
Sec
4=
AhtitanJ
PLAT
Ha
Figure 2.-
437-««437-MM
-Headquarters and headquarters company, infantry bat-
talion, rifle. <Soe T/0 7-ie.)
d. Attachments. — ^Por operations, the battalion section
from the regimental medical detachment joins its battalion.
(See PM 7-30.)
e. Motor transport. — (1) Organic motor transport of the
rifle battalion consists only of the company transport of its
component elements. (See FM 7-30 and Tables of Organi-
zation.)
(2) The battalion trains are an integral part of the regi-
mental trains. They include kitchen and baggage, ammuni-
tion, and maintenance vehicles organically assigned to the
service company, and medical vehicles organically assigned
to the medical detachment. In operations, and when the
battalion supply echelon is operative, the battalion section
■of the service company transportation platoon (regimental
trains) joins its battalion, except for those elements which
may be retained under regimental control.
2
CHAPTER 2
BATTALION COMMANDER AND STAFF
SECnorr I. Battalion commander
II. Battalion staff and staff duties--.
III. Troop leading
IV. Steff records, reports, and maps.
V. Command post
Paragraphs
3-6
7-23
24-29
29^5
36-44
Section I
BATTALION COMMANDER
■ 3. General. — a. Aggressiveness and the ability to take
prompt and decisive action are prime requisites for a success-
ful battalion commander. By these qualities he inspires con-
fidence. By his boldness, energy, and initiative he influences
both individual and collective conduct and performance.
b. The battalion commander is responsible to the regi-
mental commander for the condition and operations of the
battalion. He meets tliis responsibility by anticipation; by
timely decisions, plans, and orders; and by supervision of
execution.
c. In preparation for combat, the mission of the battalion
commander is to bring his unit to a high state of combat pro-
ficiency. He subordinates administration to training. He
encourages initiative, ingenuity, and aggressiveness among
liis company officers. Having indicated his policies and given
his orders, he allows his subordinates maximum freedom of
action in order to foster self-reliance and initiative. He
supervises the carrying out of his orders.
d. The battalion commander must make his authority felt
by each individual of his battalion. He exercises his au-
thority by means of instructions, orders, and personal
supervision.
e. For principles of command and leadership, see PM 100-5,
I 4. Relations with Staff. — The battalion commander
malces all major decisions for the operation of the battalion.
He is provided with a staff to relieve him of details, to act as
his agents, to prepare detailed orders, and to assist in super-
3
4-7
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
vising the execution of these orders. He must make full use
of his staff in order that he may devote himself to his more
Important command duties.
■ 5. Relations with ^tborkinate Commanders and Troops. —
The battalion commander makes inspections and Informal
visits to his units during which he talks to individuals and to
groups, li combat, such visits promote confidence, respect,
and loyalty. They give the commander first-hand knovi'ledge
of the tactical situation and of the needs and capabilities of
his units. The battalion commander must not Interfere with
the command responsibilities of his subordinates, except in
emergencies.
■ 6. Relations with Commanders op Supporting Units. — A
field artillery battalion (105-mm howitKers) is usually placed
in direct support of an infantry regiment. 'An artillery liaison
officer, assisted by a liaison section, is sent by the artillery
battalion commander to remain with each front-line battal-
ion. The liaison officer acts as artUlery adviser and assists
the infantry battalion commander in obtaining supporting
fires. (See par. 21.) Elements of other units, such as the
regimental cannon company, engineers, chemical troops, and
Quartermaster truck units may be attached to or support the
infantry battalion. Liaison is maintained by supporting units
through their commanders or representatives who report to
the battalion commander and maintain contact with him.
Units attached to the battalion become a part of the battalion
commander's command.
Section H
BATTALION STAFF AND STAFF DUTIES
■ 7. Composition. — a. The battalion unit staff consists of
the following:
(1) Executive ofBcer (second-in-command).
(2) Adjutant (S-1) (company commander, battalion head-
quarters company),
(3) Intelligence officer (S-2) .
(4) Operations officer (S-3).
(5) Supply officer (S-4) (from the service company).
4
RIFLE BATTALION
7-9
6. Certain ofScers who are charged with technical and
administrative duties, and who are commanders of suhordl-
nate, attached, or supporting units, have staff duties as
advisers to the battalion- commander and stafT In matters
pertaining to their specialties In addition to their primary
duties of command. Such officers are —
(1) Battalion transport officer (second-in-command, bat-
talion headquarters company) .
(2) Company commander of the heavy weapons company.
(3) Antitank ofBcer (commanding battalion antitank pla-
toon) .
(4) Communication officer (commanding battalion com-
munication platoon) . . .
(5) Platoon leader of the battalion ammunition and pio-
neer platoon.
(6) Surgeon (commanding the battalion medical section).
(7) Commanders of attached units, such as regimental
cannon, artillery, tank, antitank, engineer, or chemical units.
(8) Artillery liaison ofBcer (from an artillery battalion in
direct support).
■ 8. Organization of Battalion Headquarters foh Combat. —
The battalion command group should be so organized that it
Can function continuously, day and night, throughout an
operation. To this end staff officers are trained to perform
the duties of other staff officers. Each staff officer keeps brief
notes to enable him to inform the commander, or other staff
officer, of the situation.
■ 9. Executive Officer. — a. The executive officer is second-
in-command and principal assistant of the battalion com-
mander. He performs such duties as are delegated to him
by the battalion commander.
b. The executive officer usually remains at the command
post when the battalion commander is away. He makes
decisions in the name of the battalion commander as the
occasion demands. He keeps abreast of the situation and of
the battalion commander's plans, and keeps the battalion
commander informed of the strength, morale, training, equip-
ment, supply, and tactical situation of the battalion. He
coordinates all staff activities. He verifies the execution of
5
9-11
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
orders and notifies the battalion commander of any matters
needing correction. He supervises the keeping of the unit
situation map and checks reports and orders prepared by
the staff for correctness, completeness, clarity, and brevity.
■ 10. S-1. — a. The Company commander of battalion head-
quarters Company is also the battalion adjutant, S-1. For
duties as company commander see paragraph 46.
b. The duties of S-1 include —
(1) Receiving and delivering replacements to units.
(2) Securing means for recreation and for building and
maintaining morale.
(3) Maintaining strength and casualty reports.
(4> Maintaining the unit journal.
(5) Arranging the, interior installations (except signal
communication agencies) and supervising the movements
of the command post.
(6) Allotting space to subordinate units in bivouac and
assembly areas (coordinating with S-3) .
(7) Arranging for quartering parties. The battalion S-1,
if available, will accompany quartering parties; otherwise he
will arrange for the detail of another officer.
(8) Preparing data for tactical reports.
(9) Arranging lor security ol the command post.
■ 11. S-2. — a. The battalion intelligence officer (8-2) is
primarily concerned with the collection, recording, evalua-
tion, and dissemination of Information of the enemy. He
must be prepared at any time to give his commander a synop-
sis of the hostile situation and an estimate of the enemy
capabilities as they affect the battalion.
b. Other duties of S-2 include —
(1) Planning of reconnaissances (coordinating security
measures with S-3).
(2) Posting of S-2 data on unit situation map.
(3) Preparing data for tactical reports.
(4) Giving special training to the battalioxi Intelligence
personnel and controlling them during operations.
(5) Preparing intelligence plans and orders. (Orders go
to intelligence personnel direct; the battalion commander's
orders are issued to units through the executive or through
S-3.>
6
RIFLE BATTALJON
11-13
(6) Establishing and operating battalion observation posts.
(7) Coordinating battalion information-collecting agen-
cies. Exchanging information with the regiment and with
adjacent and subordinate units.
(8) Examining enemy personnel, captured documents, and
material for information of immediate importance to the
battalion. (See FM 7-25.)
(9) Procuring maps, aerial photographs, and photomaps
from the regimental S-2 and distributing them.
(10) Verifying camouflage and concealment measures.
■ 12. S-3. — a. The battalion operations officer (S-3) is con-
cerned primarily with the training and tactical operations
of the battalion. He must be prepared at any time to give
his commander a synopsis of the situation of the battalion
and of adjacent and supporting troops, and to recommend
Possible lines of action.
b. Other duties of S-3 include —
(1) Planning of security measures (coordinating measures
for reconnaissance with S-2) ,
(2) Insuring that S-3 data are placed on the unit situation
map.
(3) Preparing data for tactical reports.
(4) Planning and supervising all training in accordance
with the regimental training program.
(5) Maintaining training records and preparing training
reports.
(6) Preparing detailed plans based upon the battalion
commander's decision (coordinating with S-1 and S-4) .
(7) Preparing operation maps.
(8) Assisting the battalion commander In the preparation
of field orders (Coordinating with other staff officers) .
(9) Supervising signal communication and liaison with
higher, adjacent, and subordinate units.
(10) Ti'ansmitting orders and instructions for the battalion
commander.
■ 13. S-4. — a. The battalion supply olBcer <S-4) is assigned
to the transportation platoon, service company (see FM 7-30) .
He performs staff and supply duties as directed by the bat-
talion commander and is responsible for the functioning
7
13-14
INFANTRY FIELD MANITAL
of the battalion supply system In the field and in combat,
with particular, reference to rations, water, ammunition,
gasoline, and oil. For details of battalion supply, see
chapter 5.
b. The duties of S-4 include—
(1) Preparing the battalion supply plan based upon the
regimental supply plan and the tactical plan of. the battalion
commander,
(2) Controlling elements of the battalion trains (ammu-
nition and kitchen and baggage trains) when they are
operating under battalion control. He is assisted in this
duty by tlie battalion transport officer.
(3) Coordinating the regimental supply echelon with de-
tails relating to the movement of battalion supplies and
trains.
<4) Ascertaining the supply requirements of companies
and attached units through persona! contact.
(5) Responsibility for establishing and operating the
battalion ammunition distributing point,
(6) Insuring, during combat, that an adequate supply of
ammunition is delivered to companies and any attached
units. (For functions of the transport officer in ammuni-
tion supply, see par. 14.)
(7) Making a reconnaissance for covered routes between
the battalion and the regimental distributing points and
points of release of trains, and regulating the movement of
vehicles on these routes.
(8) Keeping in close touch with the battalion command
post In order to coordinate supply operations with the tacti-
cal situation, and the supply plans with the tactical plans
of the battalion commander.
■ 14. Transport Officer, — a. The transport officer is second-
in-command of the battalion headquarters company. His
staff duties as transport officer constitute his principal func-
tions.
b. The duties of the transport officer include —
(1) In march or approach march situations, controlling
such company transport and elements of the regimental
trains as may be grouped under battalion control.
8
RIFLE BATTALION
14-17
(2) Supervising, coordinating, and expediting the move-
ment of company weapon carriers, ammunition train vehicles,
and hand -carrying parties within the battalion area (be-
tween company areas and the battalion ammunition dis-
tributing point) so as to insure an adequate supply of ammu-
nition to all companies.
(3) Supervising and coordinating the activities of second
echelon motor maintenance facilities operating within the
battalion.
■ 15. Heavy Weapons Company Commander. — The heavy
weapons company commander, in addition to his command
duties, performs such staff duties as the battalion commander
may direct. He assists the battalion commander in develop-
ing the battalion fire plan. He accompanies the battalion
commander on reconnaissance, or makes separate reconnais-
sance and recommendations for the employment of supporting
weapons as directed.
■ 16. ANTITANK Officer. — The leader (platoon commander)
of the battalion antitank platoon is the battalion antitank
ofUcer and performs such staff duties as the battalion com-
mander may direct. He assists the battalion commander in
the planning and execution of the battalion antitank de-
fense. He accompanies the battalion commander on recon-
naissance or makes a separate reconnaissance and recom-
mendations for the employment and coordination of antitank'
means as directed.
■ n. Communication Officer. — a. The battalion communi-
cation officer is responsible for the technical training and
proficiency of the communication platoon of the battalion
headquarters company, and for supervision of such technical
training of communication personnel throughout the bat-
talion as may be delegated to him by the battalion com-
mander. He is responsible to the battalion commander for
the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of the
battalion communication system. His duties Include recom-
mending (usually to S-3) initial and subsequent locations of
the command post, if not previously designated by the
regiment.
9
17-19
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
b. For detailed duties of the battalion communication officer
in combat, see PM 7-25.
■ 18. PLATOON Leader of Ammuottion and Pioneer Platoon. —
a. The leader of the battalion ammunition and pioneer pla-
toon performs such staff duties as the battalion commander
may direct. He is charged with the supervision of his platoon
In the execution of their ammunition, supply, and pioneer
tasks. He accomplishes simple field engineering (pioneer)
tasks not requiring the technical and special equipment of
engineer troops. He assigns duties to members of his platoon
in accordance with the requirements of the situation after
consultation with the battalion S-4. He is also the battalion
gas officer.
b. His duties include —
(1) Performing pioneer reconnaissances; controlling the
pioneer operations of his platoon. (See ch. 3.)
(2) Assisting S-4 in selecting, establishing, and operating
the battalion ammunition distributing point. (See pars. 59
and 60.)
(3) Within the battalion, supervising and coordinating gas
defense training, gas defense measures, and use of decon-
taminating agents.
(4) Inspecting gas defense equipment.
(5) Supervising gas reconnaissance of routes and areas
before their use by troops.
■ 19, Surgeon. — a. The battalion surgeon is a member of the
battalion commander's staff and commands the battalion
medical section. His staff functions pertain to the health
and medical service of the battalion. He is the battalion
sanitary inspector. The battalion section normally has no
administrative or supply functions. The battalion surgeon,
when practicable, is present when field orders are issued.
b. His duties include —
(1) Obtaining from the battalion commander available
information of tactical plans for the battalion; making a
medical estimate of the situation; reconnoltering for aid sta-
tion sites; submitting medical plans (when practicable,
through S-4) to the battalion commander for approval.
10
RIFLE BATTALION
19-21
(2) Establishing the aid station, supervising its operation,
and personally assisting in the care and treatment of
casualties.
(3) Evacuating sick and wounded within the battalion
area to the battalion aid station.
(4) Keeping the battalion commander informed of the
medical situation.
<5) Furnishing information concerning the medical sit-
uation on the battalion front to the regimental surgeon and
to the collecting company in immediate support.
(6) Making timely requests to tho regimental surgeon for
special support, additional supplies, additional personnel,
and for the emergency evacuation of casualties.
■ 20. COMMANUBRS OP ATTACHED UNITS. — a. Commanders of
attached units are advisers to the battalion commander and
staff.
b. Their duties include —
(1) Submitting plans and recommendations to the bat-
talion commander and staff for the tactical employment of
their units.
(2) Keeping the battalion commander and staff advised
of the combat capabilities of their units.
■ 21. Artillery Liaison Opficek and Forward Oeserveks. —
a. The liaison officer sent to a front-line infantry battalion
by an artillery unit in direct support is the personal repre-
sentative of his artillery commander and remains Under his
command. Whenever practicable, the liaison officer makes
early contact with the infantry battalion commander, ac-
companies him on reconnaissance, and thereafter remains
with him. The liaison officer secures detailed information as
to the specific fire missions desired. He is assisted by an
artillery liaison section.
b. The primary mission of the artillery liasion officer is to
keep his artillery commander informed of the plans and op-
erations of the supported infantry battalion and to assist
the infantry battalion commander in obtaining the desired
supporting fires.
(1) To carry out his mission, the liaison officer acts as ar-
tillery adviser to the infantry battalion commander and
11
21-22
INPANTBY FIELD MANTIAL
must be able to inform him of the capabilities of the artillery
in delivering any fires desired and promptly transmit to his
headquarters requests for supporting flres falling within
those capabilities.
(2) To enable the liaison officer to carry out his mission,
the supported infantry battalion commander must keep the
liaison ofBcer informed at all times of the locations of hostile
troops and his own front lines, the scheme of maneuver, and
the immediate needs of the supported unit.
c. As a secondary mission the artillery liaison ofiBcer may
be called upon to adjust the flres of his unit, but he will not
be used normally as a forward observer of artillery fire.
d. In order to secure timely information as to the location
of targets and enable the artillery to place accurate observed
flre on those targets which cannot be engaged by infantry
weapons, each artillery battery sends out a forward observer.
He is provided with a detail of assistants and suitable means
of communication. The forward observer makes contact
with the commander of the leading rifle company and ob-
servers for 81 -mm mortars and renders assistance by calls
for fire direct to his battery. He is not attached to any rifle
unit and does not permit his contact with a supported unit
to interfere with his primary mission.
■ 22, Cannon Company Representatives. — Ordinarily 75-mm
howitzer platoons are utilized for furnishing close, direct sup-
porting flres for front-line battalions; 105-mm howitzers are
usually retained under regimental control for general support
and long-range missions. When supporting or attached to
a leading or front-line battalion, the platoon leader reports
directly to that battalion commander and becomes his ad-
viser, Wlien practicable, the platoon leader accompanies the
battalion commander on reconnaissance; thereafter, he re-
mains with or leaves his own representative with the battalion
commander. The platoon leader seeks detailed information
as to specific flre missions desired; the majority of these will
be direct flre upon targets of opportunity. Frequent dis-
placement of weapons is required in order that they may not
be engaged by hostile artillery. Communication Is main-
tained between the platoon leader and his section leaders by
13
EIFLE EAITALION
22-23
means of light, portable radiotelephones; sound-powered
telephones, motor messengers, and arm-and-hand signals;
pyrotechnics also may be used.
■ 23. Liaison Officers. — a. Staff or other oflBcers may be used
as liaison officers. They may be sent to higher or subordinate
units or to adjacent units (including advanced reconnaissance
elements under control of higher commanders). Contrary to
the employment of liaison officers by larger units (see FM
101-5) , their missions will usually Involve brief visits to other
units and prompt return to the battalion commander, in
order that they may be readily available for subsequent
missions.
b. Prior to departing on a mission, a liaison officer should
receive from the battalion commander —
(1) Definite and detailed instructions, in writing if prac-
ticable, as to the liaison mission.
(2) Information of tiie battalion commander's plans, par-
ticularly if they affect the unit to which he is to be sent.
(3) Information as to what facilities (signal and trans-
portation) are available for transmission of any messages the
iiaison officer is to send prior to his return.
c. Prior to departure the liaison officer should —
(1) Become familiar with the situation of his own unit
and so far as practicable with that of the unit to which sent.
(2) Insiu-e that arrangements for communication (signal
and transportation) are adequate.
(3) Obtain credentials in writing unless obviously unneces- •
sary.
d. On arrival at the headquarters to which sent, the liaison
officer should —
(1) Report promptly to the commander, stating his mission
and exhibiting his directive or credentials. If in writing.
(2) Arrange for the transmission of messages he may be
required to send.
(3) Familiarize himself with the situation of the unit to
which sent,
(4) Accomplish his mission without Interfering with the
operations of the headquarters to which sent,
(5) Keep a record of messages sent to the battalion com-
mander.
481193° — 42 2 13
23-24
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(6) Advise the visited unit commander of the contents of
messages to be sent to his battalion commander.
(7) Make prompt report to his battalion commander if he
is unable to accomplish his liaison mission.
(8) Report his departure to the visited unit commander
on the completion of his mission.
e. On return to his battalion commander the liaison
officer should —
(1) Report on his mission,
<2) Transmit promptly any requests of the commander
from who.se headquarters he has just returned
Section III
TROOP LEADING
■ 24. Actions Prior to Issuance of Orders. — a. Estimate of
the situation. — The estimate of the situation Is a continuing
process for the battalion commander throughout an operation.
During combat operations extending over a period of several
days, the battalion commander seldom faces an entirely new
situation. Combat usually consists of a series of connected
incidents most of which must be acted on Immediately. The
battalion commander must be constantly thinking ahead to
mate plans for future operations and for contingent situa-
tions that may develop. Infantry is frequently engaged on
short notice and time is a vita] factor. Quick and successful
engagement depends on the preliminary planning of the
Commander and on the execution of his plans by his troops.
The necessary preparations for combat. Including reconnais-
sance, estimate of the situation, formulation and Issuance of
orders; tlie movement of troops Into assembly areas (posi-
tions) ; and arrangements for supply, evacuation, and com-
munication are carried on concurrently so far as Is possible.
For a form for a commander's estimate of the situation, see
PM 101-5.
b. Action upon receipt of orders. — (1) The regimental or-
ders may lie delivered to the battalion commander; or he may
be directed to report to the regimental commander to receive
them. In the latter case before leaving the battalion area,
he Issues to his executive officer (second-in-command) In-
14
RIFLE BAIIAUON
21
structions for the conduct of the battalion in his absence. He
takes with him the necessary personnel, communication facili-
ties, and transportation. His party may include S-1, S-2,
S-3, S— 4, the heavy weapons company commander, antitank
officer, communication officer, artillery liaison officer (If he
has reported), operations sergeant, radio personnel with suit-
able equipment, and one or more messengers. The battalion
commander leaves the majority of his party in a concealed
location within signaling distance and takes" only one or two
officers to receive the regimental order.
(2) When the battalion commander receives an oral order
from the regimental or higher commander, he makes such
notes as are necessary to outline his mission and to assist
him in planning his own order. His notes must be sufficiently
clear and comprehensive to permit his successor to under-
stand the assigned mission should the battalion commander
become a casualty.
(3) Upon receipt of the order he obtains, or has his staff
obtain, from the regimental staff and from any representa-
tives of units in contact with the enemy, any additional infor-
mation that applies particularly to his battalion. If he is
not furnished an operation map, he has pertinent data, shown
on the regimental map, copied on his own map. He makes
a brief map study and forms a tentative tactical plan. He
sends to his battalion any necessary instructions for immedi-
ate movement or for expediting its preparations for combat.
Whenever possible, he will designate a time and place for
subordinate commanders to assemble to receive his orders.
He arranges for coordinated action with commanders of ad-
jacent and supporting units or reaches an agreement to effect
this coordination when plans have been developed. He in-
forms the staff of his tentative plan and of the recommenda-
tions he wants from tliem, and designates a time and place
to receive their reports. His further actions depend on the
situation and the time available.
c. Reconnaissance. — When time is pressing, the battalion
Commander's plan of action may of necessity be based solely
on a map reconnaissance or on his previous knowledge of fhe
situation and terrain. Whenever practicable, however, it is
based on a personal ground reconnaissance. Before start-
15
24-25
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
ing he estimates the time available, decides on the route to
follow, and determines what to look for. SufQclent time
must be allowed to issue orders to subordinate commanders
and permit them to make their reconnaissances, prepare their
plans for combat, and issue their orders. The battalion com-
mander usually is accompanied by S-3, the artillery liaison
ofBcer, and in defensive situations, the heavy weapons com-
pany commander. Other available officers may accompany
him on his reconnaissance; however, quicker results can be
obtained by directing these officers to reconnoiter separately,
secure specific information, and report at a designated place
and time with their recommendations. He may take with
him a portable radiotelephone in order to maintain contact
with his command post and other elements,
d. Completicm of plan. — (1) After completing his recon-
naissance, the battalion commander receives any reports or
recommendations not previously rendered and completes his
plans. If time permits he has operations maps (or overlays
or sketches) prepared for issue to the company commanders.
He may release those ofiicers who have accompanied him
on his reconnaissance and who are familiar with his plan, in
order that they may begin their preparations for CQmbat.
(2) When the battalion commander has not directed an
assembly of subordinates to receive his orders, he dispatches
fragmentary orders by the most expeditious means, usually
by a staff officer. Otherwise he promptly prepares notes for
his order while a member of his staff orients the company
commanders on the situation and the terrain,
■ 25. BATTALION Field Obdebs. — The battalion commander
issues field orders to warn the battalion of impending opera-
tions (warning orders) or to direct operations. Items shown
on operation maps or covered by standing operating proce-
dure will be called to the attention of subordinates at the
beginning of the order. Such items and other information
already known by subordinates need not be repeated in the
order,
(4. Warning orders. — Battalion warning orders should give
preliminary notice of contemplated action and enable sub-
ordinates to make necessary preparations to carry out the
16
EIFLE BATTALION
25-26
action to be directed by a more complete field order which
is to follow. Warning orders should normally include only
the answers to such of the interrogatives who, what, when,
where, and why as are available. Details included in the
warning orders may be omitted from the subsequent order.
b. Fragmentary orders. — The battalion commander issues
fragmentary orders when speed in delivery and execution
are imperative. He may issue them orally in person, direct-
a staff ofiBcer to issue them orally, or have them sent as mes-
sages. .In fragmentary orders adequate information must
be included regarding the action ' of units other than the
particular one(s) to which the orders are issued.
C. Oral orders. — Mutual understanding and more thor-
ough coordination is assured by issuing complete oral orders
to assembled subordinate commanders. Such orders must,
however, be issued in sufficient time to permit these sub-
ordinate commanders to make their reconnaissance and pre-
pare plans for combat. The place of issue preferably is one
from which much of the field of operations is visible; loca-
tions which may receive hostile fire are avoided. The bat-
talion commander uses simple, clear, concise language.
When he is sure of mutual understanding, he announces the
time and has watches synchronized. S-3 malces notes so
that a record of the order may be entered in the journal.
■ 26. Actions after Issuance of Orders. — a. Supervision. —
The battalion commander supervises the execution of his
orders to Insure that the plan is understood and is carried
out by subordinate units.
hTKeeping abreast of the situation. — During combat the
battalion commander goes where he can best observe the
action of the battalion or exert the greatest influence to
obtain decisive results. Although the battalion commander
operates from the command post, he will ordinarily spend the
greater part of his time at the observation post or some other
point at which he can obtain the fullest and most direct infor-
mation regarding the operations and situation of his com-
panies. He makes such reconnaissance as he considers
necessary and frequently visits his subordinate commanders
and his troops. He maintains continuous contact with his
17
26-30
INFANTHY FIELD MANUAL
command post and, before leaving the observation post, he
orients his staff as to future plans and informs them of his
itinerary and approximate time schedule. At all times he
studies the situation and considers possible contingencies and
prepares tentative plans to meet them. He keeps his staff
informed of any orders issued or information acquired. If
he issues orders or acquires information affecting the general
situation, he informs higher headquarters at the first oppor-
tunity.
■ 27. Opehatiom Map. — a. The operation map may be a
graphic representation of all or part of the battalion com-
mander's decision and tactical plan. The map should be
authenticated, have such brief explanatory notes as are
necessary, and should present a clear picture. Detailed in-
structions that cannot be shown graphically are put into the
accompanying order. FM 101-5 gives examples of some of
the items which may be placed on the operation map.
b. The battalion commander issues some form of operation
map whenever practicable. It may be only a rough sketch
or an ovsirlay. It should clarify the tactical plan for the
company commanders and serve to shorten the order; it may
constitute the entire order. Sufttcient copies are reproduced
to furnish one to each unit concerned.
B 28. Standing Operating Peoceduee. — Standing operating
procedure of the battaJion will supplement that of the regi-
ment to make routine those administrative and tactical fea-
tures that may be standardized without loss of effectiveness.
(See FM 7^0.) Tactical decisions and dispositions cannot be
subject to standing operating procedure. They must be based
on the immediate situation and cannot be standardized.
Section IV
STAFF RECORDS, REPORTS, AND MAPS
■ 29. References. — For the general form and description of
staff records, reports, and maps, see FM 101-5 and 7-40.
■ 30. General. — ^Battalion staff records should make infor-
mation readily available, form a basis for reports and histori-
cal records, and enable the commander, or any member of
18
RIFLE BATTALION
30-35
the battalion staff, to orient himself quickly concerning the
situation. Staff records must be reduced to the simplest
form and fewest number, in order that the staff may function
in rapidly moving situations, in the field, at night (with little
or no light), and under adverse weather conditions.
■ 31, The Journal. — form for a journal and a description
of its use are contained in PM 101-5. The battalion head-
quarters keeps one unit journal; it is kept under the super-
vision of S-1.
■ 32. Situation Map. — a. The battalion situation map is a
graphic record of the tactical situation at any time. It is
usually maintained at the command post under the super-
vision of the battalion executive. It should be conveniently
accessible to the battalion commander and staff.
t>. Military symbols prescribed in PM 21-30 are used on
the situation map. Entries are removed as they become
obsolete. '
C. Copies or- overlay tracings of the situation map as it
stands at the close of given periods may be prepared to accom-
pany battalion reports. Maps are filed as a record.
■ 33. Staff Notes (Work Sheets). — Each battalion staff
officer keeps such notes as are necessary to write his part of
the unit report.
■ 34. Unit Reports. — A form for a unit report and instruc-
tions concerning it are contained in PM 101-5. It is pre-
pared under the supervision of the battalion executive.
Members of the staff furnish material to be included under
topics pertaining to their staff functions.
■ 35. Maps, Overlays, anii Sketches. — Maps, overlays, or
sketches showing graphically the situation as of a particular
time are a valuable aid in shortening and clarifying unit
reports sent to regimental headquarters. Maps, overlays,
and sketches are used by reconnaissance and security de-
tachments and by subordinate units to advise the battalion
commander with regard to their situation and information
of the enemy.
19
36-39
IMFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
Section V
COMMAND POST
■ 36. References. — For duties of personnel of the battalion
headquarters company at the command post, see chapter 3.
For additional details concerning duties of personnel of the
battalion communication platoon, see PM 7-25 and 24-5.
n 37. General. — In the field the headquarters of the bat-
talion is called the command post. All agencies of signal
communication in the battalion center at the command post.
The battalion commander, the staff, and such other ofQcers
as are required by the commander (see par, 7) constitute the
command group that operates at and from the command
post.
■ 38. Okganesation. — The command post is organized to
furnish facilities for the battalion commander, the staff,
communication agencies, and such other officers and enlisted
personnel as must be present. It should be concealed from
air observation. The different installations should be sepa-
rated by at least 50 jfards to avoid destruction of more than
one by a single shell or bomb.
■ 39. Location. — a. On the march. — During tactical marches
the battalion command group usually moves near the head
of the battalion. The number of vehicles is held to a mini-
mum; those not necessary for cortimand purposes move at
the head of the battalion motor echelon. Part of the bat-
talion communication platoon (messengers and radio) is pre-
pared to furnish communication and marches near the com-
mand group. This group and its accompanying communica-
tion agencies constitute a march command post. When the
battalion is acting as an advance guard, the command group
marches at the head of the reserve.
b. During combat. — (1) During combat the general loca-
tion of the initial battalion command post Is usually pre-
scribed by the regimental commander, who may also pre-
scribe subsequent locations. If the general location Is not so
prescribed, the battalion commander selects and reports its
location to the regimental command post.
20
RIFLE BATTALION
39-40
(2) The battalion command post is so located as to facil-
itate control of the battalion. Other considerations that in-
fluence its location are the type of tactical operation involved
(attack or defense), routes of communication to the regi-
mental command post and to subordinate units, cover and
concealment, proximity to good observation In order to facili-
tate communication with the observation post, and obstacles
to mechanized attack. Entrances to towns and villages, cross-
roads, and other places which attract enemy fire are avoided.
An alternate location is selected to which the command post
can move, if necessary, In static situations wire should be
laid to the alternate command post. In the attack the ini-
tial location should be well forward to avoid early displace-
ment. In wooded or rolling terrain command posts can usu-
ally be located farther forward than in terrain which oSers
less cover and concealment. In defensive situations they are
generally located in the rear part of the battalion defense
area, in rear of the organized position of the battalion re-
serve, in order to avoid displacement in the event of a local
enemy penetration.
(3) The command post should be designated by reference
to some terrain feature which is easily located on the ground
and on the map. Guides are posted to direct personnel and
vehicles to the command post and parking area,,respectively.
(4) After the general location of the command post has
been prescribed, S-1, accompanied when practicable by the
communication oflBcer, selects the exact site in the general
vicinity of the designated point. When S-1 is not available,
the communication officer may be designated to make this
selection.
■ 40. Establishment. — The oflBcer selecting the exact site
determines the Interior arrangement of the command post
and designates the location for installations. The battalion
communication ofBcer directs the installation of communica-
tion facilities; wire is laid to the battalion observation post(s).
(See FM 7-25.) Motor vehicles are parked in a concealed
location, removed from the command post so as not to dis-
close the presence of the command post. Traffic entering
and leaving the parking area is rigidly controlled. Tents are
pitched only at night or when concealment is assured, Sen-
21
40-42
raFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
tries are posted to enforce orders relative to camouflage, con-
cealment, and control of trafBc.
■ 41. Operation. — a. The command post is organized for
continuous operation and to insure the necessary rest for
personnel. Staff officers relieve each other and the battalion
commander as necessary. Enlisted personnel work in shifts.
b. Pull use of signal communication facilities is made in
the transmission of orders and messages. All incoming mes-
sengers go first to the message center. Messages delivered
by scheduled messengers are receipted for by the message
center clerk on duty. The battalion sergeant major super-
vises the delivery of messages to addressees, their circula-
tion to interested ofiScers, and their return for entry in the
unit journal. StaS officers mark on the message any action
taken.
c. Outgoing written messages are usually sent through the
message center. After the message center chief receives
notice that the message has been delivered, he places the
duplicate copy in his dead file which is turned over periodi-
cally to S-1 for entry in the unit journal.
d. Officers see that a synopsis of each message or order
sent or received orally, or by telephone or radiotelephone, is
sent to the unit journal.
■ 42. EtePLACEMENTS. — In an offensive situation the battalion
command post is kept close to the attacking echelon in order
to facilitate communication between the command post and
the troops, and to afford .protection to the command post.
To permit rapid displacement the movement of the command
post must be anticipated and reconnaissance made in time
to permit its accomplishment at the desired time. (See
FM 7-25.) The communication officer keeps the wire head
pushed close to the advancing troops in order that wire com-
munication may be available when the command post is
moved. When the battalion commander directs that the
command post be moved forward, the old location Is aban-
doned except for temporary guides, and the staff and other
personnel proceed to the new location without delay. When
desirable, a staff ofBcer may remain at the old location with
enough communication personnel to operate the agencies ol
22
RIFLE BATTALION
42-44
signal communication and to close these agencies when they
are no longer required. If the regiment has not prescribed
the general locations of command posts for the battalion
along an axis of signal communication, the battalion com-
mander prescribes the new location. The communication
ofi&cer establishes communication in the new location in ad-
vance, when practicable. The regiment is kept informed of
the movement. For displacement of the command post in
retrograde movements, see paragraphs 227, 235, and 238,
■ 43. Company Command Posts. — In combat, companies se-
lect the locations for their command posts and report those
locations to the battalion commander.
■ 44, Security. — The battalion command post, being well
forward, is provided incidental security against hostile air
and ground forces by front-line units(s) and the battalion
reserve. However, small hostile groups may suddenly appear
at any point in the area and the command post must be pro-
vided with a well-planned system of local protection. The
headquarters company commander (S-1) is responsible for
the security of the command post in combat. He uses avail-
able personnel of the battalion headquarters company Who
are at the command post, and such other troops as may be
detailed for the purpose. Observers and small patrols should
be employed to cover all approaches. The command post
must be concealed from air observation. Air-antitank guards
are posted to give warning of hostile mechanized or air ap-
proach including the descent of hostile troops by parachute
or glider. Por the protection of personnel, fox holes are
dug to provide Individual protection against air and mecha-
nized attack.
23
CHAPTER 3
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
Paragraphs
Section I. Company headquarters
II. Battalion headquarters section
III. Communication platoon ■
rv. Ammunition and pioneer platoon
V. Antitank platoon
yi. Security
5a-58
57-60
61-88
45-50
51
69
Section I
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS
■ 45. Composition. — For tacticaJ operations, company head-
quarters is divided Into a command group and an adminis-
tration group.
a. The command group consists primarily of personnel
■whose duties in combat are directly associated with battalion
headquarters and in large part performed at the battalion
command post, ammunition distributing point, or train
bivouac. In this group are the following:
Company commander (battalion adjutant <S-1)).
Second-in-comniand (battalion transport officer).'
First sergeant.
Motor sergeant, chauffeurs, and motor mechanic.
Bugler and orderlies.
Basic privates.
b. The administration group consists of personnel whose
duties relate to the mess and supply of the headquarters and
headquarters company, and to company personnel admin-
istration. This group includes the following;
Mess sergeant, cooks, and cooks' helpers.
Armorer-artificer.
Company clerk.
c. For duties of the supply sergeant, see paragraph 47b.
■ 46. Duties of Command Group. — a. Company covimander
(battalion adjutant). — The company commander is respon-
24
RIFLE BATTALION
4G
sible for the administration, discipline, and training of the
company and for the proper maintenance of its transport.
He assigns appropriate duties to Individual members of the
company in accordance with the Table of Organization, and
provides for additional training of individuals to replace key
personnel. The company commander also functions as the
battalion adjutant (S-1). For the duties of S-1, see para-
graph 10. Individuals armed with the M1903 rifle and anti-
tank grenades, and chauffeurs armed with the Browning
automatic rifle, are trained in the use of those weapons. The
M1903 rifles and antitank grenades are used for the anti-
mechanized protection of vehicles, installations, and person-
nel. A minimum of three men should receive training and
practice in firing for each M1903 rifle provided for antitank
defense in the Table of Organization. (See PM 23-30.) The
automatic rifles are used for antiaircraft defense of the motor
vehicles; they may be used against enemy ground personnel.
b. Second-in-command {battalion transport officer') . — The
second-in-command performs the normal duties of the sec-
ond-in-conunand of a company. In addition he serves in
the special capacity of battalion transport officer. For hia
duties as transport officer, see paragraph 14.
c. First sergeant. — The first sergeant assists the company
commander in the administration of the company.
d. Motor sergeant. — The motor sergeant is responsible to
the company commander for first echelon maintenance ol
all motor vehicles assigned to the company and for the
training of all chauffeurs in the company. He directs the
activities of the company motor mechanics, within the means
of the company, in second echelon maintenance of motor
vehicles assigned to the company and those assigned to the
rifle companies of the battalion. (See FM 25-10.) He su-
pervises the loading and movement of any cargo trucks at-
tached to the company and also acts as assistant to the
battalion transport oflScer.
e. Motor mechanics. — The motor mechanics perform sec-
ond echelon maintenance under direction of the motor
sergeant.
/. Orderlies. — Orderlies serve the battalion commander and
staff. Xhey participate in the defense of the command post.
25
46-49
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
g. Bugler. — The bugler sounds such calls, warnings, and
alerts as may be ordered. He is especially trained as a mes-
senger and serves the company commander in that capacity.
He participates in the defense of the command post.
h. Chauffeurs. — The chauffeurs operate their assigned ve-
hicles as directed by the company commander and perform
first echelon maintenance.
i. Basic privates. — Basic privates are used as messengers,
for replacements, and in the defense of the command post.
■ 47. DTTTiES OF ADMINISTRATION GROUP. — o. Mcss Sergeant. —
The mess sergeant Is responsible to the company commander
for the procurement of rations and water, division of rations
Into meals, training of cooks and cooks' helpers, and for
operation of the headquarters and headquarters company
mess. The mess sergeant, cooks, and cooks' helpers operate
in the kitchen location, which Is usually in the regimental
train bivouac. (See FM 7-30.)
b. Supply sergeant. — The supply sergeant is charged with
receiving and issuing supplies, except rations and water, for
battalion headquarters and for the several components of
headquarters company. He supervises the work of the ar-
morer-artiflcer. During combat he usually will be in the
forward area In, order to assist the company commander in
matters relating to supply, particularly ammunition supply.
c. Company clerk. — The company clerk is employed In the
regimental personnel section under the supervision of the
personnel officer.
■ 48. March Dispositions. — a. When not performing duties
that require their presence elsewhere, the members of the
company command group usually march with or near the
battalion command group,
b. The administration group marches with the battalion
trains, commanded by the senior present but subject to the
orders of the train commander,
■ 49. Training, — In addition to being trained for their special
duties, all personel of company headquarters are trained as
individual soldiers.
26
RIFLE BATTALION
50-52
■ 50. CoMPAKY Administration. — The battalion headquarters
company is administered in a manner similar to that of a
rifle company. For details see FM 7-10, FM 7-30, and TM
12-250.
Section n
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS SECTION
■ 51. Composition and Duties. — The battalion headquarters
section is composed of a group of men provided for the opera-
tion of the battalion command post and observation post(s).
Personnel and their duties are as follows :
a. Sergeant major. — Supervises the functioning of enlisted
men in battalion headquarters; assists the •executive ofBcer
and S-1; also handles messages. (See par. 41.)
b. Operations sergeant. — Keeps the situation map and as-
sists S-2 and S-3.
c. Intelligence sergeant. — In charge of battalion observation
post(s) and scouts; operates at observation post or with
patrols; and may assist operations sergeant, especially in
work for S-2.
d. Clerk, headquarters. — Keeps records and does any typing
required.
e. Gas corporal. — Battalion gas noncommissioned officer;
assists battalion gas officer. (See par. 18 and PM 21-40.)
/. Scouts and observers, intelligence. — Operate at observa-
tion post(s>, or accompany front-line units, patrols, raiding
parties, or reconnaissance and security detachments as in-
telligence scouts.
g. Chauffeurs. — Operate assigned motor vehicles, and per-
form first echelon maintenance.
Section III
COMMUNICATION PLATOON
■ 52. General. — The communication platoon is composed of a
platoon headquarters, a message center section, a wire section,
and a radio and visual section, under command of the bat-
talion communication officer. For duties of the battalion
communication officer, see paragraph 17. He is assisted by
27
52-53
INFANTRY FIELD MANTJAL
the battalion communication chief who is second-in-com-
mand; together they, with any basic privates assigned to the
platoon, compose the platoon headquarters. The regimental
communication officer supervises the technical training of
the platoon. For methods of installing, operating, and main-
taining the means of signal communication, see FM 24-5.
For details of communication methods and procedure and
use of technical equipment, see FM 7-25. For equipment and
transportation, see Table of Basic Allowances No. 7 and
Table of Organization 7-16.
■ 53. Message Center Section. — a. Composition. — The per-
sonnel of the message center section consist of a section
leader, a chief record clerk and assistants, messengers, and
chauffeurs.
b. Mission. — The message center section operates the bat-
talion message center; Its sole purpose Is to speed the trans-
mission of messages. In a message center as small as that of
the battalion, one man may perform the duties of the message
center during slack periods. Each member of the message
center team must be trained to perform all the duties incident
to message center operation. The message center section
should be able to operate as two or more teams in order to
provide for continuous operation when the command post Is
being moved and to allow rest for its members.
. c. Duties of personnel. — (1) The section leader is the mes-
sage center chief. He organizes the message center, assigns
locations within the message center for clerks and messengers,
places necessary guides along routes of approach to the com-
mand post in order to guide messengers and others, instructs
messengers in the route to all command posts and other
installations, sees that sufBcient forms and other message
center equipment are on hand, notifies the battalion com-
munication ofBcer and the battalion sergeant major as soon
as the message center Is in operation, and supervises opera-
tion of the message center.
(2) The message center record clerks are assistants to the
message center chief. They perform such encoding and de-
coding of messages as may be necessary.
(3) Foot and motor messengers are provided for the deliv-
ery of messages to subordinate, higher, and adjacent units.
28
TilFLE BAIIALION
54-56
■ 54. Wire Section. — The wire section Includes a section
leader who is battalion wire chief, a chief switchboard oper-
ator and assistants, linemen (telephone and telegraph), and
Chauffeurs. The wire section installs the switchboard, tele-
phones, and telegraph instrument at the command post and
operates the switchboard. The section delivers the sound-
powered telephone equipment to battalion personnel desig-
nated to use it. The section is responsible for constructing a
wire line to the battalion observation post(s) and keeping a
.wire line well forward in an attack ready for prompt dis-
placement of the command post. In defensive situations the
wire section may be required to install lateral lines to adja-
cent battalions, and in prolonged defensive situations when
extra telephones are made available, lines to front-line com-
panies will be installed. In some circumstances it may be
directed to lay wire between its own command post and the
regimental command post; normally, however, the regimental
wire section lays wire to the initial battalion command post
which is thereafter extended by the battalion wire section
prior to movement of the battalion command post,
■ 55. Radio and Visijal Section. — The radio and visual sec-
tion includes a section leader who Is battalion radio and visual
chief, radio operators, and chauffeurs. The section installs
and operates the radio equipment, panel display and message
dropping ground, and the pick-up message equipment; it
operates the telegraph instrument and visual signaling equip-
ment used at the battalion command post, such as lights, flags,
or pyrotechnics.
■ 56. Means of Signal Communication. — a. The technical
communication equipment carried by the communication
platoon consists of light field wire with the means to lay
and recover it; battery operated telephones and telegraph
instruments; sound-powered telephone sets; key- and voice-
operated radio sets; and visual signal equipment. Motor
and recover it; battery-operated telephones and telegraph
means of communication whenever necessary.
b. Reliance is not placed upon any one means of communi-
cation to the exclusion of others. Wherever possible during
combat, the battalion command post will have wire communl-
481193"
29
56-59
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
cation to the regimental command post and to the battalion
observation post. It will have radio communication to the
regimental command post and the companies and between
the Command post and the battalion commander wherever
he may go. These will be the minimum technical means
which will be in use.
Section TV
AMMUNITION AISTD PIONEER PLATOON
■ 57. RErERENCES. — For training in simple field engineering
and fteld expedients, see FM 5-15 and 25-10.
■ 58. Composition. — The battalion ammunition and pioneer
platoon consists of one officer (platoon leader), one platoon
sergeant, two chauffeurs, one basic private, and three squads.
Each squad consists of a corporal (squad leader) and seven
privates (ammunition bearers).
■ 59. Functions. — The ammunition and pioneer platoon is
concerned with the ammunition supply of the battalion and
the accomplishment of simple field engineering tasks not re-
quiring the technical training and special equipment of engi-
neer troops. The platoon has two functions: ammunition
supply and pioneer work. The platoon leader assigns duties
to members of the platoon in accordance with requirements
of the situation after consultation with S-4. During combat
the platoon operates the battalion ammunition distributing
point as a base for all of its activities,
' a. Avnnunition supply. — In combat the platoon leader
makes available to the battalion supply officer such portion
of tlie platoon as is necessary for ammunition supply. The
platoon operates the battalion ammunition service as di-
rected by the battalion supply officer, loads and unloads
ammunition vehicles, and when the Situation does not per-
mit the transportation of ammunition by weapon carrier
beyond the battalion ammunition distributing point, it car-
ries the ammunition forward by hand to the company areas
where it is taken over by company ammunition bearers. It
may carry the ammunition directly to the weapons.
30
SIFLE BATTALION
59-60
b. Pioneer work. — The pioneer duties of the platoon in-
clude minor road repair, bridging of small streams and
ditches, temporary repair of small bridges and culverts, mak-
ing ravines and ditches passable for motor vehicles, mainte-
nance of crossings at fords, elimination of obstructions and
obstacles to motor vehicles (including mines and traps),
marking routes and localities, executioin of minor demoli-
tions, and execution of such field expedients as are necessary
for the road and cross-country movement of the battalion
vehicles. On the march, when engineers are not attached,
the platoon may be divided into two groups. The first group
is employed near the head of the battalion for minor road
maintenance and repairs and for removing obstacles and
obstructions. The second group accompanies the battalion
trains and assists their movement. During combat a por-
tion of the platoon will usually be employed on pioneer tasks
in order to assist the forward movement of vehicles.
■ 60. Duties of Personnel. — a. The platoon leader super-
vises the work of his platoon and may assist S-4 in the
operation of the battalion ammunition distributing point.
He also functions as battalion pioneer and gas officer, (See
par. 18.)
b. The platoon sergeant is assistant to the platoon leader.
He may he placed in chaJge of all men of the platoon assigned
for duty with ammunition supply, or he may be used to
assist In supervising pioneer work.
c. The squad leaders supervise the work of their squads in
the supply of ammunition or on pioneer work,
d. The chauffeurs drive the vehicles assigned to the platoon
and perform first echelon maintenance.
e. The privates are the ammunition bearers and also per-
form pioneer work. Under the supervision of their squad
leaders they may be used, in whole or in part, for the follow-
ing ammunition supply functions:
(1) To advance ammunition by hand from the forward
limit of movement of ammunition-carrying vehicles to the
company areas or the position of the weapons.
(2) For attachment to one or more subordinate units when
it appears that considerable movement of ammunition by
hand ■will be necessary.
31
60-63
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(3) To accompany empty ammunition vehicles to assist
in loading them at the regimental ammunition distributing
point. For duties performed in pioneer work, see paragraph
59b.
Section V
ANTITANK PLATOON
■ 61. References. — Por characteristics of the 37-mm gun
and for mechanical training, gun drill, and technique of fire,
see SM 23-70. Por training of individuals in other weapons,
see FM 2S-5, FM 23-7, PM 23-10, FM 23-15, and PM 23-30.
For tactics of the squad, section, and platoon, see FM 7-35.
■ 62. Composition. — a. The platoon consists of a command
group (headquarters) and two antitank sections of two
squads each, A minimum crew accompanies each gun in all
combat situations; however, when practicable, all personnel
are transported ou organic vehicles. The command group
Includes a platoon leader, platoon sergeant, agent corporal,
transport corporal, chauffeur, and messengers.
b. Por organization, equipment, armament, and transpor-
tation see T/O 7-16 and T/BA 7.
■ 63. IMissiON. — a. The mission of the antitank platoon, is
the antimechanized defense of the battalion. To insure the
accomplishment of this mission, fire must not be opened too
early. The conditions under which fire should be opened
may be prescribed by the battalion commander. Platoon,
section, and squad leaders usually designate terrain features
which hostile armored vehicles are to cross (or pass) before,
the antitank guns open fire. These designated features
should place the hostile armored vehicles in such position that
there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining effective hits
and that the vehicles are definitely committed. Different ter-
rain features may be designated which different types of ar-
mored vehicles, according to the character of their armor,
must cross (or pass) before antitank guns open fire. Pire
against moving targets at ranges greater than 1,000 yards is
unremuneratlve; best results are obtained at ranges of 600
yards or less. Por illustration of when Are should and should
not be opened, see FM 7-35.
32.
RIFLE BATTALION
63-66
b. The use of antitank guns against targets .other than
armored vehicles is exceptional. In the execution of a spe-
cial task such as the attack of a fortified position the platoon
may be ordered to fire against emplaced heavy weapons, pill
boxes, or similar point targets.
■ 64. Readiness for Action. — Crews manning antitank guns
must be prepared at all times to meet a sudden armored at-
tack. Men are trained to fire in any direction In the short-
est possible period of time. During marches, when the pla-
toon is directed to provide protection by occupying successive
positions along the route or zone of advance, guns may be
held mobile, coupled to truck (prime mover), in the vicinity
of each tentative firing position. In other situations guns
are uncoupled and either occupy firing positions or cover
positions in the Immediate vicinity of firing positions. For
definition of primary, alternate, and supplementary firing
positions; cover positions; and for characteristics of suitable
firing position areas, see PM 7-35.
■ 65. CoMMTiNicATiON. — The platoon must rely on foot mes-
sengers, arm-and-hand signals, and the platoon headquar-
ters truck for transmitting orders or information unless ade-
quate technical means, such as sound-powered telephones or
radiotelephones, are allotted to it. Messages pertaining to
ammunition supply are usually transmitted by chauffeurs of
trucks going to the rear for ammunition, The platoon leader
ordinarily maintains contact with the battalion commander
by stationing the platoon agent corporal with him.
■ 66. Antimechanked Warning Service. — a. All leaders
within the platoon must be informed as to the location and
movements of friendly tanks, their identifications, warning
signals, and the distinguishing features of hostile tanks. In
addition to the standard warning signal described in b below,
other means, such as radio and pyrotechnics, are employed
to give warning. At least one observer is posted near each
gun position to observe for signals and to give warning to the
crew of the approach of hostile mechanized vehicles.
b. The following standard signal is prescribed for use in
transmitting warning of the approach or presence of hostile
33
66^8
INFANTRY FIELD MANTTAI,
aircraft or mechanized vehicles: Three long blasts of a whis-
tle, vehicular horn, siren, or klaxon, repeated several times;
or three equally spaced shots with rifle, carbine, or pistol;
three short bursts of fire from machine gun, automatic rifle,
or submachine gun. In daylight, the individual giving the
signal points in the direction of the Impending danger; at
night, the alarm signal will be supplemented by voice warn-
ing to indicate the direction of danger.
■ 61. Coordination with Other Units. — a. The platoon
leader makes timely recommendations to the battalion com-
mander for the use of his platoon to insure that the combi-
nation of antitank guns, antitank grenades, 'antitank mine
fields, and obstacles provide the best possible protection to
the battalion. He cooperates with the commander of any
other antitank elements which may be located in the imme-
diate vicinity of his position area(s>.
b. Antitank guns must be protected against night attack
by specially detailed troops armed with rifies and bayonets,
or be moved within an area occupied by rlfiemen.
■ 68. Ammunition Supply. — The platoon leader is respon-
sible that sufBcient ammunition is available at gun positions
and that the ammunition supply Is promptly replenished.
He usually delegates supervision of ammunition supply for
one or both sections to the platoon sergeant.
a. Attack. — In the attack, resupply is normally effected as
follows; Section leaders send empty squad trucks to a point
designated by the platoon leader or platoon sergeant; the
latter then directs these vehicles to the battalion ammunition
distributing point for refill and return. Por further details,
see chapter 5.
b. Defense. — (1> In the defense, ammunition for front-line
units is placed on positions in such quantities as prescribed
by higher authority. Replenishment will generally be ef-
fected only during the hours of darkness. Ammunition
placed on positions is distributed between primary, alternate,
and supplementary emplacements in ammunition shelters
dug Into the sides of the emplacements. Additional ammu-
nition may be stored In other nearby shelters. The require-
ments of an ammunition shelter are that the ammunition
be kept dry and concealed.
34
RIFLE BATTALION
68-^9
(2) After the initial supply of ammunition is completed,
trucks of platoons whose guns are emplaced in the areas of
forward battalions are assembled under battalion or regi-
mental control in rear of the battle position. The battalion
transport officer is charged with the movement, of the trucks
to the rear. He informs the transport corporal as to the
route the trucks are to follow and the location of the truck
assembly area. The vehicles of the antitank platoon of a
battalion in regimental reserve will usually be retained with
the platoon in order to move the guns to supplementary posi- '
tions in defense of an area occupied by the reserve battalion,
or to move with the battalion in the execution of a counter-
attack.
Section VI
SECURITY
■ 69. General. — a. For antiaircraft security the elements of
the company employ all practicable passive measures which
are consistent with their mission. Passive measures include
dispersion, concealment, and camouflage. In case of air at-
tack, personnel take cover except gun crews of the anti-
tank platoon who are engaged in, a fire fight with hostile
tanks; such crews continue to combat the tanks. Individuals
armed with the M1903 rifle and antitank grenades combat
hostile tanks when they approach within effective range. (See
PM 23-30.)
h. Individual protection will be sought and improved, or
excavated, whenever troops are halted. When the halt is
expected to be brief, troops, take advantage of such natural
protection as Is afforded by the terrain. When the halt is
to be for a longer period but less than 6 hours, individual prone
shelters (slit trenches) will be constructed. When the dura-
tion of the halt may be more than 6 hours, standing type
one- or two-man fox holes will be dug. For types of emplace-
ments for the 37-mm gun, see PM 7-35.
35
CHAPTER 4
BATTAUON MEDICAL SECTION
n 70, References. — For composition and functions of the
regimental medical detachment, see FM 7-30. For details of
medical supply and operations of the battalion medical sec-
tion, see PM 8-10. The process of evacuation of casualties is
shown in figure 3.
B 71. Composition. — The battalion section of the regimental
medical detachment comprises the personnel and vehicles pro-
vided by current Tables of Organization and forms a com-
ponent part of the battalion trains, (See par. 78.) Tables
of Organization indicate the duties of each individual assigned
to the section.
■ 72. Mission, — The battalion medical section serves the bat-
talion by furnishing medical care for the sick and wounded
In bivouac, on the march, and during combat until these
casualties are evacuated by the division medical service.
■ 73. Duties of Commissioned Personnel. — For duties of the
battalion surgeon, see paragraph 19. The primary duty of
Div Med bn
evacuates caiuallies
(mm Bn*-Re'\H Aid
Stations.
' 4. Repliicei oikI
reinforces Bn
Med 6e".
RC&TL AID MATIOM
llnvi(inili)oFCP.
! Caro for Wl Hn
ami notv&n troopj
jPrCpdicd in take
over ca^UQltieS
From Rts Bn.
PiGUBE 3, — Evacuation of slcfe and wounded.
36
BIFLE BATTALION
73-76
the assistant battalion surgeon is to care for the sick and
Wounded. On the march he accompanies the aid station
group at the rear of the battalion to care for march casualties.
During combat he functions at the battalion aid station.
■ 74. Company Aid Men. — Three company aid men are at-
tached to each lettered company and one to the battalion
headquarters company when on the march, in biouvac, or in
combat. The respective company commanders attach one
company aid man to each rifle platoon, to each platoon of the
heavy weapons company, and to the antitank platoon. Their
duties are as follows:
a. To follow closely the platoon to which they are attached.
b. To send information to their battalion surgeon by litter
bearers and walking wounded. These messages give the loca-
tion of the platoon, any contemplated changes in location or
disposition, and the approximate number and location of
casualties in the platoon area.
c. To administer first aid to the sick and wounded.
d. To inform sicli and walking wounded of the exact loca-
tion of the aid station and the best route thereto.
e. To place all seriously wounded in defiladed locations
along the route of advance. This facilitates the work of the
litter bearers.
■ 75. Litter Squad. — The litter squad provides teams of litter
bearers. Four-man teams are habitually used for long hauls.
The vehicles of the section are utilized to assist the litter
bearers in those areas which are comparatively free from
aimed small-arms fire. In combat the litter bearers are sent
out to move all seriously wounded within the battalion area
to the aid station.
■ 76. Aid Station Groitp. — The aid station group establishes
and operates the battalion aid station; emergency treatment
is given. Only minor surgical procedures are attempted, and
then only when immediately imperative. Casualties requir-
ing evacuation to hospitals are held at the aid station until
picked up by litter bearers or ambulances from the division
collecting company. Walking wounded are directed to divi-
sion collecting stations. The slightly wounded are sent or
escorted back to their companies.
37
77
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 77. Expedients in Theater op Operations. — The exigencies
of combat may require the use of civilian shelter, utilities, iind
transport for the care and evacuation of the wounded. Pris-
oners of war may be used for the evacuation of their own
nationals. All available means for caring for the wounded
within the battalion area must be thoroughly exploited.
38
CHAPTER 5
ADMINISTRATION
Section I. Battalion trains
II. Supply
Section I
BATTALION TRAINS
■ 78. Composition. — Battalion trains comprise the battalion
section of the transportation platoon of the service company
and the battalion section of the regimental medical detach-
ment. The battalion trains are composed of the personnel
and vehicles provided by current Tables of Organization,
(See T/O 7-11 and 7-13.)
■ 79, Mission. — During tactical operations and when the bat-
talion supply echelon is in operation the mission of the bat-
talion trains is to furnish supply, maintenance and evacua-
tion facilities for the battalion. Por details, see section H
and FM 7-30.
■ 80. Duties of Personnel. — a. For duties of the battalion
supply ofHcer (S-^), see paragraph 13.
b. The battalion supply sergeant is the principal enlisted
assistant to the battalion supply officer and works in the bat-
talion area under the supervision of the battalion supply
officer.
c. The section tructmaster is responsible for the move-
ment of vehicles entrusted to his charge. He usually ac-
companies the battalion kitchen and baggage train. _ When
vehicles in his charge are under battalion control, he is re-
sponsible to the battalion supply officer for their movement;
when they are under regimental control, he is responsible to
the regimental transport ofBcer.
d. The chauffeurs, in addition to operating the vehicles of
the battalion transportation section, perform first echelon
maintenance duties and man the weapons provided for anti-
Paragraphs
78-80
81-91
39
80-84
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
aircraft security and antimechanized defense of the vehicles.
e. The basic private is trained as a chauffeur and is used
as a replacement.
Section II
SUPPLY
■ 81. REFiiRENCES- — For definitions, fundamentals, and meth-
ods relating to supply, see FM 100-10: for logistical data, see
FM 101-10; for supply within the infantry regiment, see FM
7-30. For medical supply and evacuation, see chapter 4 and
FM 7-30,
■ 82. Responsibility. — Supply is a responsibility of command
which cannot be delegated. When the battalion echelon of
supply is in operation, the battalion commander is respon-
sible for the initial supply and the replenishment of all classes
of supply to his battalion. He is responsible for submitting
to the regimental commander an estimate of supplies needed
for all the elements of his battalion. This estimate must
Insure an adequacy of supplies for his present or contem-
plated strength without creating an immobilizing surplus.
Estimates or requisitions must be forwarded sufficiently in
advance to enable the regiment to make supplies available for
distribution in time to meet the requirements of the bat-
talion. The battalion commander must use the means at
his disposal to effect this distribution.
■ 83, Means. — a. To assist him with the supply the battalion
commander employs his staff, principally the battalion supply
officer (S-4) and the transport officer. (See pars. 13 and 14.)
He employs personnel of the ammunition and pioneer platoon
to assist in ammunition supply. Supplies for battalion head-
quarters are furnished by the battalion headquarters com-
pany. (See ch. 3.)
b. Transportation for supplying the battalion is furnished
by the battalion trains and by company transport organic
within the battalion. (See FM 7-30.)
■ 84. Class I Supply. — a. General. — (1> Rations and water
are the principal items of class I supply for the battalion.
40
RIFLE BATTALION
84
These items are consumed at a relatively uniform rate irre-
spective of combat operations or terrain,
(2) The field ration may consist of field ration A, B, C, or
D, or combinations of these. For a description of t&ese rations
and their use, see FM 7-30.
(3) Troops should receive three meals daily. A minimum
of two of these meals should be hot. Plans for feeding troops
are based upon the tactical situation, availability of vehicles,
road net, traffic conditions, terrain, and weather. Methods of
preparation and distribution of rations are discussed in FM
7-30. <See flg. 4.)
b. Battalion feeding plan. — (1) During tactical operations
the kitchen and baggage train u.sualiy moves and bivouacs
under regimental control. The battalion section of the train
is released to battalion control when necessary. The regi-
mental supply plan for feeding the troops prescribes the place
and hour that kitchen vehicles will be released to the battalion
and when and where they will be returned to regimental con-
trol. Based upon the regimental plan and the tactical plans
of the battalion commander, the battalion supply ofBcer for-
mulates a plan for feeding troops. This plan includes —
(a) Attachment to companies for rations of units operat-
ing with the battalion which do not have messing facilities.
(b) Provision for feeding elements of companies in re-
mote locations.
(c) Route and plan of movement for kitchen vehicles
from the regimental point of release to the battalion point
of release.
((J) Place and hour that kitchen vehicles will be released
to companies and when and where they will be returned to
battalion control.
(e) Route and plan for movement of kitchen vehicles to
return them to regimental control.
(2) When the battalion commander has approved the plan,
the battalion supply ofiBcer informs each company of the
place and hour that kitchen vehicles will be released and
when and where they are to be returned to battalion control.
He arranges for company guides to meet the kitchen vehicles
and conduct them to company mess locations <see fig. 4).
For characteristics of desirable mess locations, see FM 7-10.
41
85-86
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 85, Class n Supply. — a. Class n supplies comprise arti-
cles for which allowances are established by Table of Basic
Allowances. Type items are clothing, gas masks, arms,
trucks, and items of signal equipment.
b. Clothing and equipment are ordinarily replaced during
periods when the battalion is not engaged in combat.
c. During tactical operations companies send requests for
necessary replacements of weapons, or prescribed items of
equipment, through command channels to the regimental
commander. Delivery is made in the .same manner as class I
supplies. Damaged weapons or equipment are sent for repair
or replacement to the regimental train bivouac by the first
available transport going to the rear.
■ 86. Class HI Supply. — a. Class III supplies include gaso-
line, lubricating oil, and grease. The regiment carries a
reserve of gasoline and oil in containers. A part of this
reserve may be distributed to battalion vehicles. During
movement or in combat regimental and higher headquarters
will establish distributing points for gasoline and oil. At
such points resupply may be effected by exchanging empty
for filled containers or by direct filling of vehicle tanks from
multiple-outlet trucks.
FicuHE 4. — ^Ration distribution.
42
RIFLE BATTALION
86-8B
b. During movement these distributing points are estab-
lished along the route of march when necessary. During
combat individual vehicles of the battalion going to the rear
refill at regimental distributing points established at the train
bivouac or other convenient locations, such as the regimental
ammutUtion distributing point. Also they may refill at dis-
tributing points established in rear areas by higher authority.
For refilling vehicles which do not make trips to the rear,
the battalion commander (usually through his supply officer)
arranges for small stocks of class III supplies to be estab-
lished at a convenient location in the battalion area, such as
the battalion ammunition distributing point, or he may ar-
range for filled containers to be sent forward when meals
are delivered to the troops.
■ 87. Class IV Supply. — a. Class IV supplies comprise arti-
cles which are not covered in the Table of Basic Allowances
and for which demands are directly related to current or con-
templated operations, except articles in classes III and V.
Tjrpe items are fortification materials.
b. In defensive situations, when engineer tools and field
fortification materials are furnished the battalion, tools and
material will be released to the battalion on trucks at dis-
tributing points accessible to the battalion. The battalion
commander (usually through his supply officer) arranges for
delivery of tools and material to companies. He also ar-
ranges for the return of tools when work is completed.
■ 88. Class V Supply. — a. Getieral. — (1) Class V supplies for
the battalion include ammunition, pyrotechnics, antitank
mines, and chemicals. The amount of such supplies carried
on weapon carriers and on the battalion ammunition train ii
that deemed necessary to initiate and sustain combat until
replenishment from the rear can become effective. In addi-
tion the battalion ammunition train carries a small unit
reserve.
(2) The Table of Basic Allowances prescribes the amount
of ammunition carried by the individual soldier for emer-
gency use, and the amount initially carried on weapon car-
riers and the ammunition train. Also it prescribes the
amount of extra ammunition to be issued prior to combat to
43
88
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
rifle units, and any special ammunition (mortar ammunition,
grenades, and pyrotechnics) which may be Issued to siny
xinit. A small reserve, after extra ammunition has been is-
sued, is prescribed in the same table and is carried in. the
battalion ammunition train.
(3) The battalion commander prescribes the location of
the battalion ammunition distributing point and, in offensive
situations, the route of advance for ammunition.
b. Initial supply. — Prior to entry into combat the regiment
releases to the battalion all weapon carriers moving under
regimental control and the battalion section of the ammuni-
tion train. As soon as their need is foreseen, the battalion
commander releases weapon carriers to companies; he re-
leases ammunition train vehicles for the issue of extra am-
munition to rifle units or in order to dump loads on company
defense areas. Usually extra ammunition is issued in the
battalion assembly area before the battalion develops for
combat. At the same time, ammunition train vehicles may
be released temporarily to the heavy weapons company for
the issue of special ammunition such as mortar ammunition
and grenades. Upon completion of the issue or dumping of
ammunition, ammunition train vehicles are returned to the
battalion ammunition distributing point. The battalion sup-
ply officer is usually charged with controlling the ammuni-
tion train vehicles in initial supply. (See par. 13.) He may
be assisted by the battalion transport officer. In defensive
operations, in accordance with the regimental order, the bat-
talion commander prescribes the amount of ammunition to
be placed on the battalion defense area. The minimum
amount so prescribed should be an amount sufficient to obvi-
ate resupply prior to darkness. When the amount exceeds
loads carried by the weapon carriers and ammunition train
vehicles, a sufficient number of emptied vehicles is returned
to the regimental ammunition distributing point to obtain
the additional amounts required. (See fig. 5.)
c. Replenishment. — (1) General. — (a) The battalion am-
munition plan must provide for replenishment In amounts
and types which will support the tactical situation. Often
the ratio of types and amounts of ammunition requested by
company commanders, to satisfy their immediate or future
44
RIFLE BATTALION
8S
requirements, will vary from the normal loads of ammuni-
tion-carrying vehicles. The battalion commander is respon-
sible for the delivery of ammunition to points selected by
company commanders from which the company commanders
can effect distribution.
<&) The battalion commander will keep the regimental
commander informed of his requirements. (See par. 82.)
(2) Battalion ammunition distributing point. — The bat-
talion ammunition distributing point is located in the most
advanced area that is practicable In the situation. The bat-
Vo Am
suppk) Pt
BnHaC
Piot Ui- rfspon-
siWe for Kqnd-
CQrrn Jo Wpns,
Keeps Co.Comdr
informed (a
to skakia of
ommunilion
3Upp^.
Co Comiir makes
«quiremBnts
Am and hand-
Corru Xnovin to
Bn. SimSqt ^
opsrates CoTunPt
when establBhsd. _,. ,_ ,
T NCOS) cortrali ttnt- throu* Co T
menV of Wpn C<irr5. NCOs.
Bn TO coordin-
ates .supervises,
and expedite*
movement of Wpn
Carrs from Bn
IP \o Co anat -
Bn Comcil'
assists Coa
bij Furnish-
inq .carir^jinq
partiia wh«n
needed.
Bn Am Th
and Wpn
Corrs move
under Bn 54
between
Bn and
An? DPS.
FicuKE 5. — Ammunition supply, Infantry battalion.
talion supply officer establishes and operates the battalion
ammunition distributing point and organizes hand-carrying
parties with personnel furnished from the ammunition and
pioneer platoon. In attack the battalion ammunition dis-
tributing point is advanced by bounds along a route of am-
munition advance prescribed by the battalion commander.
Desirable characteristics of battalion ammunition distribut-
ing points are —
Co) Convenience to the units served.
(b) Location at or in rear of a point where routes to
subordinate units diverge.
(c) Facility of motor movement to the rear.
Cd) Concealment from air and ground observation.
481193° — 42 4
45
88
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(e) Defilade from hostile flat-trajectory flres.
(/) Ease of Identification by day or night.
ig) Adequate space for truck turn-around and transfer of
loads.
(3) Control of weapon carriers. — (a) Prior to entry into
combat, weapon carriers are released to company control.
(b) In general, the battalion commander (through the
transport officer) supervisas, coordinates, and expedites the
movement of weapon carriers in rear of company areas.
He assumes control of company transport when enemy ac-
tivity or lack of cover and concealment precludes its reten-
tion in company areas, or when it reports to the battalion
ammunition distributing point for refilling. Weapon car-
riers are returned to company control as soon as practicable.
(c) In defensive situations weapon carriers whose pres-
ence is not essential on the battle position are usually as-
sembled uiider regimental control in or near the train bivouac.
The tactical situation and the terrain permitting, a part or
all of the company transport of the heavy weapons company
of a battalion in regimental reserve may be retained within
Its company area.
(4) 0:Sc-nsive operations. — (a) To maintain adequate
stocks at the battalion ammunition distributing point from
which replenishment to the companies can be effected, loads
of partially emptied trucks are consolidated or unloaded in
order to obtain empty vehicles for immediate dispatch to the
regimental ammuiiltion distributing point. Loaded trucks
are usually held at the battalion ammunition distributing
point until emptied or moved forward along the route of am-
munition advance. As soon as emptied each ammunition
truck is sent back to the regimental ammunition distributing
point for refill.
(b) Replenishment of ammunition to companies is effected
by means of ammunition- carrying vehicles, usually weapon
carriers, supplemented by hand-carrying parties when neces-
sary. Companies return emptied vehicles to the battalion
ammunition distributing point, where they are refilled or
dispatched to the regimental ammunition distributing point
for refill and return.
46
RIFLE BATTALION
88-89
(c) When conditions, such as unsuitable terrain or inten-
sity of hostile fires, prevent the movement of vehicles over
all or part of the routes to company areas, hand -carrying
parties from the ammunition and pioneer platoon or other
personnel are used to complete the movement of ammunition
to company areas or to the weapons.
(ci) The battalion transport officer assists in the replenish-
ment of ammunition by supervising, coordinating, and ex-
pediting the movement of vehicles and hand-carrying parties
forward of the battalion ammunition distributing point.
(5) Defensive operations. — When the initial supply of am-
munition has been placed in the battalion defense area (b
above) , weapon carriers and ammunition train vehicles are
returned to the battalion ammunition distributing point,
vehere they normally revert to regimental control. They
usually are refilled and held under cover at or near the regi-
mental train bivouac. After dark, ammunition train vehicles
and weapon carriers are released to the battalion and brought
forward to the ' battalion ammunition distributing point.
Replenishment of ammunition is effected in the same manner
as in offensive operations.
(6) Fast moving situations — pursuit, motorized security,
and retrograde movements — ia) During fast-moving situa-
tions when considerable distances may separate the battalion
from distributing points, ammunition requirements for the
operation must be anticipated, additional transport secured,
ammunition issued, and replenishment obviated so far as
practicable,
(b) Plans for ammunition supply in retrograde movements
must include provisions for an adequate amount of ammuni-
tion, without replenishment, for elements of the battalion
with the covering force. Temporary ammunition dlstribut-
. ing points, when required, will be established along the route
of withdrawal to provide replenishment for the remainder of
the battalion.
■ 89. Orders, — a. Administrative matters in the battalion
order may include such of the following items as are appli-
cable:
(1) Hour and place of issue of extra ammunition.
47
89-91
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(3) Location of the battalion ammunition distributing
point.
(3) Route of advance of ammunition (in attack only).
(4) Amount of ammunition to be placed on position (in
defense only) .
(5) Disposition of company transport or of train Vehicles.
(6) Location of the battalion aid station.
b. Any additional directions of an administrative nature
may be included in the order or issued later in fragmentary
form to those concerned. These directions may include plans
for feeding, instructions concerning supply of gasoline and
oil, and disposition of individual rolls.
■ 90. Individual Rolls. — On the march the individual rolls
of units of the battalion may be transported in kitchen and
baggage train vehicles when part of organic loads have been
dumped. Rolls arc delivered to units during long halts when
the duration of the halt and weather conditions warrant.
During offensive combat rolls are usually sent forward with
supper and collected after breakfast. In defensive situa-
tions the men often may keep Individual rolls with them.
The battalion commander (usually through the battalion
supply officer) makes the necessary arrangements for the
transportation of rolls and for their delivery and collection.
■ 91. Expedients in Theater of Operations. — a. Exploita-
tion. — Efficient use must be made of all resources in the
battalion area to supplement supply and to provide for de-
fleiencies when the normal means for procurement and dis-
tribution of supplies are Inoperative or partially inoperative.
Troops must be trained to load, lay, and fire captured weapons
in general use by the enemy; and to effect minor repairs and
operate enemy transport, both mechanized and motorized, in
constant use within the theater of operations.
&. Battlefield recovery of vehicles, weapons, and other sup-
plies. — Means within the battalion must be employed to re-
cover vehicles, both oUr own and those of the enemy, which
are serviceable or can be made serviceable within the combat
zone before the fluctuation of battle permits the enemy to
recover or destroy them. Indlvldual.s or crews may often
find it expedient to discard their own weapons for those of the
48
EIFLE BATTALION
91
enemy when their ammunition Is exhausted and serviceable
weapons and ammunition of the enemy are available. Usable
stocks of all types of supplies which are discovered within the
battalion area must be safeguarded and higher authority
immediately notified of the general type, amount, and loca-
tion of such supplies.
e. Destruction of serviceable or reparable vehicles and
usable supplies. — Troops must be trained in quick, effective
methods for the destruction of materiel and supplies of all
types. In the case of weapons and vehicles, efQcIent de-
struction will require further action than the mere removal
of certain working' parts. If organic means are not supplied
with vehicles, efficient methods must be improvised for their
destruction and to render useless all other types of supplies.
Prompt action will be taken to prevent serviceable equipment
or usable supplies from falling into the hands of the enemy.
Generally, such action should be initiated only in compliance
with the orders of a platoon leader or higher authority.
49
CHAPTER 6
•mOOP MOVEMENTS AND SECURITY ON THE MARCH
■ 92. References. — For the fundamental doctrines govern-
ing troop movements, see FM 100-5, For technical and logis-
tical data pertaining to troop movements, see FM 101-10.
For operation of regimental trains, see FM 7-30, For detailed
treatment of motor movements, see FM 25-10. For details of
march hygiene, see PM 21-10. For forms for march orders,
see FM 101-5. For details of Infantry troop movements, see
FM 7-40.
■ 93. General. — The battalion may form part of the main
body, it may be detailed as a security force of a larger unit,
or it may move as an individual unit. When the battalion
forms part of the security force of a larger unit, it may be
detailed an the advance, flank, or rear guard.
■ 94. As Part of Main Body op a Larger Force. — When part
of the main body, the battalion conducts its march in ac-
cordance with the orders of the column commander or the
provisions of standing operating procedure. The motor ele-
ments of the battalion usually march under regimental con-
trol in a separate serial. Normally only such vehicles march
with the battalion as are required for command, communica-
tion, and antiaircraft and antimechanized protection. Heavy
machine guns for antiaircraft protection may be distributed
throughout the battalion or advance by bounds on tlie flanks
of the battalion. The antitank platoon may be held under
regimental control for the protection of the regiment as a
Section I. General
II. Day marches
III. Night, motor, and rail movements.
Paragraphs
93
93 99
... 100-102
Section I
GENERAL
Section 11
DAY MARCHES
50
EIFLE BATTALION
94-95
whole; otherwise It is disposed by the battalion commander
for the protection of the battalion, usually by distributing
squads or sections throughout the column. The battalion
sends patrols to the flanks to furnish ground security and
function as air-antitank guards, and requires each subor-
dinate unit to designate men to transmit warning signals-
■ 95, As Advance Guard of a Lahgeh Force. — a. Mission. —
The mission of the advance guard battalion is to prevent un-
necessary delay of the main body and to protect It against
surprise and ground observation. The advance guard bat-
talion insures for the main body the time and space re-
quired for its deployment for action.
b. Control. — (1) The march order of the regimental or
column commander prescribes the composition of the ad-
vance guard, route or zone of advance, objective of the march,
hour it will pass the initial point, distance at which the main
body will follow, and any special instructions required, such
as successive terrain features to be seized along the route or
zone Of advance.
(2) Based on the orders of the higher commander, the
battalion commander prescribes the formation of the ad-
vance guard, including attached units, and such instructions
concerning security and reconnaissance measures and the
conduct of the advance as are not covered la standing oper-
ating procedure. When contact with the enemy becomes
imminent, he joins the support commander to gain first-
hand information upon which to base his direction of the
advance guard action. When the battalion commander leaves
the vicinity of his command post at the head of the reserve,
he takes with him a radiotelephone and a motor messenger
for prompt communication with his command post and With
his companies.
c. Reinforcements. — The advance guard battalion may be
reinforced by elements of the intelligence and reconnaissance
platoon, a part of the antitank company, elements of the can-
non company, and a detachment of engineers. Engineer and
artillery reconnaissance detaUs march as far forward as pos-
sible in the advance guard. When not attached to the advance
guard, elements of the cannon company usually follow it in
close support. Artillery support usually is furnished by units
51
95
INFANTRY rIEa,D MANITAI, ^
with the main body. When road conditions are such that ar-
tillery with the main body cannot give prompt support to the
advance guard, or when the advance guard is motorized, at
least a battery of light field artillery is attached. In some
situations tanks are attached.
d. Formation. — ^Prom front to rear the advance guard bat-
talion is divided into a support and a reserve. It may be
preceded by elements of the regimental intelligence and
reconnaissance platoon. When contact is not imminent and.
the bulk of the advance guard Is able to march in route col-
umn on a two-way road, its vehicles not employed for com-
mand, reconnaissance, security, and control usually move by
short bounds in rear of the foot troops of the main body
under control of the battalion transport officer. The trans-
port officer maintains communication with the battalion
commander by radiotelephone and motor messenger. On
roads not favorable for passing, vehicles may follow or be
within the column of advance guard foot troops.
<1) Motorized elements. — When under control of the ad-
vance guard commander, the elements of the regimental In-
telligence and reconnaissance platoon precede the leading
foot elements by from 3 to 5 miles. They halt for observation
on successive objectives constituted by the more important
terrain features. Routes leading from the flanks as well as
from the front are observed. Communication with the ad-
vance guard commander is maintained by radiotelephone and
motor messenger. When the elements of the intelligence and
reconnaissance platoon which precede the advance guard
operate under regimental control, the advance guard com-
mander maintains contact with them, usually by a liaison
officer.
(2) Support. — The support is usually a rifle company. It
sends forward the advance party. Weapon carriers of the
support, when not under battalion control, follow immedi-
ately in rear of the foot elements. Motor messengers and
supporting weapons may be attached to the support. Sup-
porting weapons may Include one or more sections of the
cannon company, heavy machine guns, 81-mm mortars, and
antitank guns. Foot elements of engineers usually march
with the support; when engineers are not attached to the
52
RIFLE BATTALION
95
advance guard, elements of the battalion ammunition and
pioneer platoon are attached to the support.
(3) Reserve. — The reserve constitutes the principal maneu-
vance guard commander upon encountering strong hostile
The march command post of the battalion is usually at or
near the head of the reserve. When artillery is attached
to the advance guard, it marches with the battalion motor
echelon; its commander accompanies the battalion com-
mander.
(4) Patrols. — The advance guard sends out patrols to the
flanlis to reconnolter those points which afford extended
observation of the main body, or which provide concealment
for hostile reeonnoitering or harassing detachments. Such
patrols ordinarily are sent out under direction of the support
commander, either directly from the support or (to points
close to the route of march) from the advance party. If
necessary the battalion commander attaches elements from
the reserve to the support to enable it to conduct patrolling
to more distant points, or he may send out motorized patrols
from the reserve.
(5) Antiaircraft security elements. — The machine-gun
platoons of the heavy weapons company furnish antiaircraft
security for the advance guard battalion. They may be
distributed throughout the depth of the column, or may
furnish protection by successive displacement of sections to
firing positions adjacent to the route of march. Guns are
mounted in weapon carriers and are manned by minimum
operating crews. Air-antitank, guards occupy successive
points near the route of march. These guards are detailed
from both the support and the reserve. When they fall
behind the advancing column, they join the tail of the re-
serve; additional guards Eire sent out as required. Flank;
patrols also act as air-antitank guards. Antiaircraft pro-
tection of the motor echelon is provided by the automatic
rifles of vehicles so equipped.
(6) Antimechanised defense elements. — The battalion com-
mander directs the distribution of organic and attached anti-
tank units according to the terrain, the hostile mechanized
threat, and the location of adjacent columns. Antitank
units may be distributed as follows:
53
95
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(a) Guns of the antitank platoon and any attached anti-
tank units may occupy successive positions along the route
of march. Antitank units are given priority on roads to
permit rapid movement to successive positions.
(b) Mobile antitank units may be distributed throughout
the column. At least one section of guns is usually attached
to the support; one of those guns may be attached to the
advance party.
(c) A combination of methods (a) and <b) above may be
employed.
e. Operation of advance guard battalion. — (1) The advance
guard battalion accomplishes its mission by reconnoiterlng
the terrain to the front and on each side of the line of march,
overcoming isolated hostile resistance, and preparing so far
as practicable the route of advance by removing obstacles
and by repairing bridges or constructing detours around them.
Observation aviation, the regimental intelligence and recon-
naissance platoon, and foot and motor patrols furnish the
battalion commander prompt information of hostile forces.
At all halts the advance guard forms a march outpost. Ob-
servers from the forward elements are sent to nearby points
of observation to cover the front and flanks. During long
halts, units of the support occupy critical terrain features
controlling the approaches to the column, These portions
are organized as for a bivouac outpost and reconnaissance
is initiated. (See par. 106.)
(2) When contact .becomes imminent, or when entering
the zone of effective hostile artillery fire, the support moves
forward on a broad front. The reserve may be ordered
to adopt a partially deployed formation. Weapon carriers
are brought forward and may be released to companies.
When the enemy is encountered, the support promptly at-
tj.cks or seizes favorable terrain according to the mission
assigned the advance guard. The battalion commander in-
forms the artillery commander or his liaison ofl&cer of the
Are support desired, and directs the employment of the heavy
weapons company and attached elements of the cannon
company. Antitank guns are disposed to prevent the advance
of hostile mechanized elements.
54
RIFLE BATTALION
95-96
(3) The mission given the advance guard in the regimental
march order determines the action to be taken by the ad-
vance guard commander upon encountering strong hostile
resistance. The advance guard mission may require defensive
or delaying action against a greatly superior force. Usually
the mission is aggressive. The attack of an advance guard
is executed on a broad front holding out small or no reserves.
It is delivered promptly to drive the enemy out of position
or seize a terrain featxu'e that will cover the deployment of
the main body.
■ 96, Flank Guard of a Larger Force. — a. Mission. — The
mission of the flank guard battalion is to protect the march-
ing column from ground observation and surprise attack
from the flank and, in the event of an attack in force, to
provide the necessary time and space for the development of
the main body or for its uninterrupted passage.
b. Reinforcement. — The reinforcements of the flank guard
battalion may include a squad of the intelligence and recon-
naissance platoon, artillery, engineers, tanks, chemical troops,
and antitank units. The employment of these reinforcing
units is generally the same as the employment of similar
units with an advance guard. The flank guard battalion may
be given special material, such as antitank mines and chemi-
cals, and the means for constructing obstacles and executing
demolitions. In addition to the usual means of communica-
tion, observation aviation may be used to maintain liaison
between flank guards and the main body and to transmit
enemy information directly to flank guards.
c. Operations, — On the march the formation of the bat-
talion and its conduct of antiaircraft security and anti-
mechanized defense are similar to the advance guard battalion,
(par. 95(i(5) and (6)). The flank guard battalion employs
the necessary patrols and advance, flank, and rear guards
for its own protection and to give timely warning of the
approach of hostile forces. It takes advantage of terrain
features on the exposed flank, such as stream lines and
ridges, to establish road blocks and prepare demolitions at
deflles. Its operations are conducted with special reference
to the routes which favor attack against the flanks of the
55
96-97
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
command. When the locaHty from which an attack is ex-
pected is well defined, the flank guard battalion occupies a
position covering the routes of hostile approach until the
main body has passed and, on completion of its mission,
joins the rear of the main body. When a route generally
parallel to the line of march of the main body exists; the
battalion may move on that route, distributed in detachments
over sufHcient depth to offer resistance at various points. If
the battalion is motorized, echelons of the battalion may move
by bounds from one position to another.
■ 97. Rear Gttard op a Larger Force. — a. Mission. — A bat-
talion may be employed as the rear guard of a retiring force
with the mission of protecting the main body from harass-
ment and attack. By the successful execution of this mis-
sion the battalion enables the main body to avoid battle and
regain freedom of action. It must execute its mission with-
out help from the main body.
b. Strength and composition. — The rear guard battalion
normally is reinforced by the attachment of antitank weapons
and elements of the cannon company, and may be reinforced
by artillery, engineers, chemical troops, and motor transport
for foot elements. Elements of the regimental intelligence
and reconnaissance platoon may be attached for employment
On reconnaissance and security missions; otherwise the bat-
talion commander uses such motor transport as is available
to organize the necessary motor patrols for these missions.
Sufficient motors should be made available to the battalion
commander for placing motorized patrols or detachments on
exposed flanks.
c. Formation. — When the distance from the enemy permits,
the rear guard battalion moves in march formation in the
reverse order of an advance guard battalion. The successive
elements, starting with the one nearest the enemy, are one
or more motor patrols, a rear point, a rear party, a support,
and a reserve. The support sends out the rear party which,
in turn, sends back the rear point. The strength of each sub-
division corresponds, in general, to that in an advance guard
battalion. When a rear guard battalion moves on foot, the
motor echelon, moving by short bounds, precedes the foot
elements of the reserve, The battalion antitank platoon
56
RIFLE BATTALION
97-98
may be distributed in the column, or disposed with a section
moving by bounds on each flank of the rear guard to prevent
its encirclement by hostile mechanized forces.
d. Operation. — (1) The rear guard battalion opens long-
range Are with its infantry heavy weapons and artillery in
order to force the enemy to deploy and thus delay him. Anti-
tank guns are placed in positions from which they can flre
oti hostile armored vehicles before those vehicles can disrupt
the progress of the rear guard or break through it and strike
the main body. Unless the security of the main body, re-
quires a defense in place, the rear guard battalion conducts
itself as in a delaying action on successive' positions. (See
sec. IV, ch. 10.)
(2) Engineers, if available, and the ammunition and pio-
neer platoon are employed to execute demolitions (such as
the destruction of bridges and roads passing through defiles),
to construct obstacles, and to keep open routes of with-
drawal. Chemical troops execute appropriate smoke missions,
such as the screening of withdrawing elements; they con-
taminate obstacles and demolitions.
(3) Antiaircraft security and antimechanized defense are
conducted as for an advance guard (par. 95(J(5) and (6)).
■ 98. Battalion Marching Alone. — The battalion conducts an
independent march in accordance with the principles and
technique prescribed for the regiment. (See PM 7-40.) The
commander of a battalion marching alone details the neces-
sary detachments for security.
a. Strength and composition of advance guard. — The ad-
vance guard usually consists of a rifle company reinforced by
any or all of the following:
(1) One section of the antitank platoon.
(2) One platoon or one section of heavy machine guns.
(3) One or more squads of the ammunition and pioneer
platoon, depending upon condition of roads and availabilits
of engineers.
(4) Engineer troops, if attached to the battalion.
b. Formation. — The advance guard is organized as a sup-
port which sends forward an advance party in the same
manner as when the battalion is the advance guard of a
larger force. The support also sends out patrols to oper-
57
98-100
IKFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
ate on a broad front. The battalion follows the advance
guard at approximately 500 yards.
e. Flank security. — The battalion secxires its flanks by flank
guards and by the patrols sent out from the advance guard.
Flank guards seldom exceed the strength of one rifle platoon,
reinforced by a heavy machine-gun platoon, an 8l-mm mor-
tar section, a section of the antitank platoon, and a squad
of the ammunition and pioneer platoon. Such flank guards
operate In the same manner as do flank guards of larger
units.
d. Rear guard. — When advancing toward the enemy, a rear
guard seldom exceeds in strength a reinforced rifle platoon
and may consist only of a rifle squad. It is normally motor-
ized and follows the motor echelon. In retrograde move-
ments it may consist of a rifle company, reinforced as indi-
cated In b above. It is formed as a support which sends back
a rear party.
■ 99. TEAiNiNa FOR Endijrance. — ^Troops must be trained to
march 20 miles a day for several successive days without
undue fatigue. Upon occasion troops will be required to
march as much as 35 miles in. 24 hours and arrive at their
destination fit for combat. In training areas and in rear
areas of the combat zone, the battalion commander so con-
ducts training that his unit achieves and maintains a high
standard of proficiency in marching. For march technique,
see FM 7-40.
Section m
NIGHT, MOTOR, AND RAIL MOVEMENTS
■ 100. NioHT Marches. — Night marches are conducted by the
battalion In accordance with the principles governing the
regiment. (See FM 7^0.)
a. Control. — (1) To insure maintenance of direction the
battalion commander provides guides and route markers
when these are not provided by higher authority, designates
the ofBcer to lead the battalion column (s) and employs his
staff to supervise the march.
(2) The battalion commander prescribes the password and
identifying marks to be worn by subordinate commanders,
security elements, and messengers.
58
RIFLE BATTALION
100-101
b. Security. — ^The strength of an advance guard for the
battalion during the night march will vary from a rifle pla-
toon to a rifle cotnpany reinforced with engineers or elements
of the ammunition and pioneer platoon. Plank and rear
security detachments are usually smaller than for day
marches, and consist of rifle units and engineer or pioneer
elements. The battalion may constitute a security force for
the regiment or larger unit.
FiGimiE 6. — Routing of vehicles for movement ol regiment by motor
auring darkness. (Battalion entrucking points are shown.)
■ 101. Motor Movements, — a. For details of operation, in-
spection, maintenance, and management Of motor transport
and the training and duties of operating, maintenance, and
traffic personnel, see FM 25-10. For general doctrines gov-
erning shuttiing. see FM 100-5. For logistics of motor move-
ments, see PM 101-10. For details of motor movements of
the infantry regiment, see FM 7-40.
b. Motor movements made by the battalion are governed
by the principles prescribed for the regiment in FM 7-40.
c. When entrucking can be accomplished under cover of
darkness, battalion (and company) entrucking points may
be used. (See fig. 6.)
59
101-102
INFANTRY FIELD MANTJAL
d. If a battalion must be entrucked In daylight, vehicles
cannot remain in column on or along the side of a road
while troops and equipment are being loaded, even if pro-
tected by natural concealment. Hence entrucking areas and
initial points are designated for companies in order to Insure
orderly loading and movement to the battalion (or regi-
mental) initial point. (See fig. 7.) Concealment and dis-
persion are used to afford passive protection during en-
trucking.
■ 102. Rail Movements. — For general procedure governing
movements by rail, see FM 100-5, For technical and logiiiti-
PiGUEE 7. — Daylight entrucking area of one battalion showing com-
pany entrucking areas and numbereti company initial points.
cal data pertaining to rail movements, see FM 101-10. For
check list for orders and for entraining and detraining tables,
see FM 101-5. For the general organization, operation, and
control of rail transportation, see FM 100-10. For details
of rail movements of a regiment, see FM 7-40. Usually the
battalion making a rail movement will do so as part of the
regiment; exceptionally, it will "move alone by rail. When
the battalion moves alone by rail, the duties of the battalion
commander and his staff are similar to those prescribed for
the regimental commander and staff. (See FM 7-40 and
AR 30-945.)
CHAPTER 7
BIVOUACS
V 103. General. — The battalion bivouac area is usually se-
lected by the regiment. The distribution of units in the
area should be made so as to facilitate the succeeding opera-
tion. For the requirements of bivouac sites, see FM. 7-40
and 100-5.
■ 104. QtTAETEEiNG Party. — a. Composition. — To facilitate
movement into the bivouac, the battalion commander should
designate a battalion quartering party comprising generally — ■
(1) A quartering officer, usually the battalion adjutant.
(2) A guide, preferably a noncommissioned officer, from
each company of the battalion and each attached unit with
the battalion.
(3) When the battalion is operating alone, a medical offi-
cer, if available.
&, Duties. — (1) The battalion quartering officer with his
party reports to and accompanies the regimental quarter-
ing officer. He subdivides the battalion bivouac area and al-
lots space to subordinate units and to the battalion command
post. When tltchens are released from regimental control,
he locates them on one side of the battalion bivouac area
and latrines on the opposite side. Upon the arrival of troops
he reports to the battalion commander.
(2) Shortly before the troops are due to arrive, the bat-
talion quartering ofBcer assembles the company and unit
guides at the point" where the troops leave the route of march
to enter the bivouac area. Guides meet their units, including
vehicles with the motor echelon, and lead them to their re-
spective areas without halting the movement until arrival
thereat, in order to avoid blocking roads.
(3) When the battalion is operating alone, the quartering
ofBcer reserves locations for the aid station and the interior
guard and plans the disposition of the guard. He has the
surgeon examine the sources of water supply and mart the
places for obtaining water for drinking and cooking, for
481193° — 42-
61
104-105
INPANtRY' FIELO MANUAL
bathing, and for washing clothes; he obtains his recom-
mendations concerning the location of kitchens. When the
guard is detailed, he sees that it is posted for the interior
security and control of the area (sentries over water sources
and at entrances into the area) , Unit guides function as
indicated in (2) above.
■ 105. Battalion within Regimental Bivouac Ahea. — a. Se-
curity. — When the battalion occupies a bivouac area within
the regimental area, the regimental commander usually de-
tails the interior guard and coordinates the antiaircraft
security and antimechanized defense of the area. The bat-
talion commander requires all individuals to dig individual
prone shelters or standing type fox holes for occupancy in
case of hostile air or mechanized attack. He also requires
emplacements to be dug for all machine guns and antitank
guns assigned security missions, and for all other machine
guns and mortars which may be employed in defense of the
bivouac.
b. Alerts. — (1) One officer at the battalion command post
and at each company command post, and one noncommis-
sioned ofBuer in each platoon are constantly on duty to alert
the battalion in case of attack.
(2) The battalion commander instructs all units of the
battalion as to the action to be taken when alerted. The
action usually is prescribed in the standing operating pro-
cedure of the unit.
c. Signal communication. — (1) Within the battalion biv-
ouac area communication is normally maintained by foot or
motor messenger. Units of the battalion establish command
posts within their respective areas and notify the battalion
commander and their own subordinate units of the location.
Company messengers, who are familiar with the route to
their own company command posts, are held readily available
at the battalion command post. Sound-powered telephones
may be employed.
(2) The regimental commander usually maintains com-
munication with the battalion by foot and motor messengers;
wire is not installed unless the length of stay and distance
between- command posts Justify it. Radio Is employed only
when authorized by the regimental commander.
62
RIFLE BATTALION
105-106
d. Control of motor elements. — Within the battalion biv-
ouac area, vehicles are controlled as directed by the battalion
commander. Vehicles are dispersed, if practicable, with a
minimum of 75 yards between vehicles. They are parked
irregularly and concealed or camouflaged. At night, each
vehicle moving within the bivouac must be preceded by a
man on foot to prevent running over sleeping personnel.
(1) Company transport. — Company vehicles are usually
parked in the subareas of the units of the battalion to which
they pertain.
(2) Battalion trains. — ^Kitchen and baggage trucks are
released to their companies upon arrival in the bivouac area.
The battalion section of the ammunition train, if present,
Is parked as directed by the battalion commander.
■ 106. Battalion as Bivouac Outpost. — a. Mission. — The
battalion may be detailed as the bivouac outpost of the regi-
ment or division, or it may be assigned as part of the division
bivouac outpost. (See FM 7^0 and PM 100-5.)
b. Control. — (1) The commander of a battalion assigned
to outpost duty will receive his instructions from a higher
commander. These instructions include the designation o£
the outpost line of resistance, the limits (if any) of the bat-
talion outpost position or sector, any detached posts to be
established, action to be taken if the outpost is attacked
In force, special reconnaissance to be executed, approaches
to be especially guarded, signal communication to be estab-
lished, and coordination with adjacent units (if any) of
the outpost.
(2) The advance (or rear) guard battalion assigned out-
post duty may reconnoiter and occupy the outpost position
under the protection of a march outpost provided by its
support. In this event the reserve will usually occupy the
outpost line of resistance and the support will be withdrawn
to become the reserve of the outpost battalion, when occu-
pation of the outpost line of resistance is complete.
e. Strength and composition. — The battalion on outpost
duty is normally reinforced by antitank guns. Engineers
may be directed by higher authority to construct obstacles,
mine fields, and other barriers. Artillery support for the
63
106
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
outpost usually is provided by artillery with the main body
at the rate of one battalion of light artillery per rifle battalion
of the outpost. If the outpost is operating at such distance
from the main body that it cannot be supported by the
artillery with the main body, such artillery should be at-
tached. Motors, motor patrols, or elements of the regimental
intelligence and reconnaissance platoon may be attached to
the battalion to be used for distant patrolling.
d. Organization. — (1) The elements of an outpost battalion
from front to rear are motorized detachments or patrols,
supports, and a reserve.
(2) The outpost line of resistance is subdivided into support
areas. Supports are numbered from right to left; they vary
in size from a rifle platoon to a rifle company and are rein-
forced by attachments from the heavy weapons company
and the antitank platoon. Small groups Coutguards) are
posted by the supports to maintain observation over the sup-
port sector.
C3) The size of the reserve depends on the width of the
outpost sector and the mission. If the mission Is delay,-
only a small reserve need be held out. If the mission is to
hold the outpost line of resistance, a larger reserve is desig-
nated. The reserve usually will not exceed a rifle company.
C4) Some heavy machine guns usually will be attached to
the supports. (See FM 7-15.) Heavy machine guns having
the primary mission of antiaircraft defense during daylight
hours usually remain under control of the outpost com-
mander. Such guns may be moved and attached to supports
at night or during periods of reduced visibility. 81-mm
mortars are emplaced to fire in support of the outpost line of
resistance. Artillery defensive fires are prepared. The anti-
tank platoon is disposed to cover approaches to the outpost
position; elements of the platoon with the reserve may be
held mobile prepared to move rapidly to any one of several
previously reconnoitered positions. The battalion commander
maintains communication with the support by wire, radio-
telephone, and messenger.
(5) Patrols cover the intervals between the supports and
the foreground of the position. Distant patrolling is con-
ducted in accordance with instructions from higher head-
quarters,
64
BIFLE BATTALION
i06-10T
(6) Weapon carriers are with the outpost. Kitchen and
baggage trucks and the battalion ammunition train usually
remain with the regimental trains.
■ 107. Battalion Operating Alone. — When the battalion
bivouacs alone, the battalion commander details the bivouac
outpost and interior guard. He prescribes the necessary
measures for antiaircraft security and antimechanized de-
fense, and for the local protection of the battalion trains
and the command post against attacks by small groups of the
enemy who may succeed in infiltrating through the bivouac
outpost,
a. Bivoiwc outpost. — The bivouac outpost may consist of
one rifle company and attached supporting weapons. The
company is responsible for the all around protection of the
bivouac area. It covers approaches to the area by locating
detachments at critical points, establishing road blocks, and
by patrolling. It normally does not hold out a reserve. Suf-
ficient force for necessary patrols may be centrally located
or the detachments may be required to do the necessary
patrolling. Ordinarily the antitank platoon and not more
than one platoon of heavy machine guns are attached to the
bivouac outpost. In case of attack the battalion occupies a
previously reconnoitered locality for defense. Communica-
tion within the outpost may be by wire, radiotelephone, and
messengers.
b. Antiaircraft .security. — At least one platoon of heavy
machine guns is employed for the antiaircraft protection of
the bivouac area. The guns are emplaced in open spaces
on high ground around the perimeter of the bivouac area.
All guns are carefully camouflaged.
c. Antimechanized defense. — Antitank guns attached to the
bivouac outpost retain their prime movers for rapid move-
ment to threatened areas. Men armed with M1903 rifles and
antitank grenades are posted to cover those approaches to
the bivouac area not covered by antitank guns.-
65
CHAPTER 8
THE OFFENSIVE
Paragraphs
EectiOn I. General 108
II. Approach march . 109—121
in. Ajssembly areas (positions) 122-125
rv. Characteristics and methods or attack 126-128
V. Reconnaissance, plans, and orders for an attack
against an organized position 129—135
VI. Conduct of the attack 136-143
VII. Reserve battalion 144-149
VIII. Night attack : 150-154
IX, Attacit In woods.- 155-158
X- Attack of towns 159-162
XI. Attack of a river line 163-179
xn. Attack of a. fortified position 180-184
Xril. RaiUs 185-189
Section I
GENERAL
■ 108. References. — For fundamental doctrines of oHensive
combat, see FM 100-5 and 7-40. For tactics of the rifle com-
pany and heavy weapons company, see PM 7-10 and FM 7-15.
For tactics of the battalion antitank platoon and the anti-
tank company, sue FM 7-35. For details of antimechanized
defense, see FM 5-30.
Section n
APPROACH MARCH
■ 109. General. — a. For the battalion, the approach march
begins when it changes from route march formation to one
made up of several smaller columns and ends when Its at-
tacking echelon crosses the line of departure. The battalion
ordinarily Initiates the approach march upon receipt of a
development order from the regimental commander. (See
FM 7-40.) However, when necessary to reduce losses from
artillery or air attack, battalion commanders promptly ini-
tiate the development of their own units. The commander of
66
RIFLE BATTALION
109-111
an advance, flank, or rear guard battalion also initiates its
development when necessary to increase readiness for action.
b. The planning and conduct of the approach march of a
leading battalion by day are considered in paragraphs 110
to 119, Inclusive. The conduct of the approach march of a
rear battalion is covered In paragraph 120, For a discussion
of a night approach march, see paragraph 121.
■ 110. Orders of Battalion Commander. — Depending upon
his knowledge of the situation, the opportunity for prior re-
connaissance, and the instructions received from the regi-
mental commander, the battalion commander initially may
issue complete instructions for the movement of the battalion
to the final march objective, or he may issue partial instruc-
tions and supplement these instructions by fragmentary or-
ders as the approach march progresses. Development orders
may include the following:
a. .Information of the enemy and friendly troops.
b. Battalion assembly area (position) or other final march
objective.
c. Battalion zone of advance, or frontages and directions
of advance for subordinate units.
d. Phase lines (successive march objectives) and hours or
conditions for continuing the march beyond each of these
lines, or instructions for periodic reports of progress.
e. Formation, designation of base company (if any), dis-
tance between successive echelons.
/. Instructions for reconnaissance, security, and contact
(connecting groups), to include instructions to leading com-
pany or companies, and missions of antitank weapons, heavy
machine guns (including antiaircraft defense), and ammu-
nition and pioneer platoon.
g. Instructions for control of motor transport (whether
company vehicles are to be retained under battalion control
or released to companies) , route and method of movement of
vehicles retained under battalion control.
h. Instructions for signal communication.
i. Location of march command post or its axis of advance.
■ 111. Zone and Direction of Advance. — a. The regimental
development order usually prescribes a zone of advance for
67
111-112
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
the battaJion. (See FM 7^0.) The battalion commander
announces it in his field order by designating easily dis-
tinguishable terrain features along the lateral limits of the
zone.
b. The battalion commander normally prescribes a front-
age and direction of advance for subordinate units in order
to regulate and control their movements and actions; ex-
ceptionally he may prescribe a boundary between leading
rifle companies. He usually designates a rifle company as a
base company on which other units guide.
'■ 112. Phase Lines (Sitccessive March Objectives). — a.
Phase lines are usually employed when the distance to the
final march objective is considerable, the width of the bat-
talion zone is abnormal, or the visibility is poor. They serve
as intermediate, successive march objectives for the control
and coordination of further action. They are particultirly
valuable in wooded and broken terrain, and when the situa-
tion is obscure.
b. Distances between phase lines will depend largely upon
the character of the terrain and conditions of visibility;
to a lesser extent they depend upon the Imminence of contact
with the enemy. When contact is Imminent, the battalion
must be able to protect, with its supporting weapons, the
advance of ith security elements to the next phase line.
Hence, in open country, under conditions of normal Visibility,
phase lines may be from 1,000 to 2,000 yards apart; when the
terrain or visibility limits the observation of supporting
weapons, phase lines should be closer together. In open
country, when contact with strong enemy forces is not ex-
pected, phase lines may be several miles apart.
c. When phase lines are not prescribed by the regimental
development order, the battalion may be required to report
its progress at stated times or time intervals. In such case
the battalion commander may prescribe phase lines on his
own initiative, or require reports of progress from his sub-
ordinate units. When phase lines are prescribed by the regi-
mental order, the battalion commander may designate inter-
mediate phase lines If required by conditions of the terrain
or poor visibility. However, when the advance is made in a
68
RIFLE BATTALION
112-U3
eone of normal width with good visibility In open terrain,
phase lines need not be employed since the battalion com-
mander will be able to observe and control the movement
or action while advancing generally abresist of his leading
echelon,
■ 113. Formations. — a. Depending upon the terrain, width
of the zone of advance, and whether the flanks are ex-
posed or are protected by adjacent units, the battalion may
be disposed in wedge formation, inverted wedge formation,
or column of companies.. A wedge formation with one rifle
company in the leading echelon, one echeloned to the right
rear, and one to the left rear, is a suitable formation when
neither flank is secure or when the situation Indicates that
prompt enveloping action toward either flank may be re-
quired. An inverted wedge formation, with two rifle com-
panies in the leading echelon and one in the second echelon, is
indicated when the zone of advance is too wide or visibility
is too restricted for one rifle company to provide adequate
frontal security across the entire zone. A column formation
may be employed when the zone of advance is narrow and
both flanks are secure; if the battalion has an exposed flank,
security Is increased by echeloning the rear rifle companies
toward that flank. Placing three rifle companies in the
leading echelon is avoided; a zone so wide or of such limited
visibility that it cannot be secured by two rifle companies re-
quires extensive use of flank patrols.
b. JI contact with hostile ground forces is probable during
the march, a machine-gun section (or platoon) and a mor-
tar section may be attached to each leading rifle company or
directed to follow and support It. Heavy machine-gun ele-
ments on antiaircraft security missions may be distributed
throughout the width and depth of the formation. The heavy
weapons company (less detachments) usually moves abreast
of or behind the rear rifle company or companies of the
battalion.
c. Since the rear of the battalion is protected by regimental
antitank guns and by those of battalions in rear, the bat-
talion antitank platoon usually moves between the leading
and second echelons. Messenger and radio elements of the
69
113-114
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
communication platoon move with the march command post,
which is Usually with the second echelon. In the absence
of an engineer reconnaissance detail a similar detail from the
ammunition and pioneer platoon may move with the leading
echelon. The remainder of the battalion headquarters com-
pany usually moves with the heavy weapons company (less
detachments) .
d. Distances between echelons will vary from 200 to 500
yards, depending upon the terrain and conditions of visi-
bility.
■ 114. Reconnaissance. — a. Reconnaissance is continuous.
Maps and aerial photographs, if available, are used to sup-
plement study of the ground. Friendly troops to the front
and on the flanks are valuable sources of Information.
b. Unless covering forces to the front are sufficiently strong
to protect the regiment against ground attack except by hos-
tile patrols or armored units, the regimental intelligence and
reconnaissance platoon usually operates, under regimental
control, from 3 to 5 miles ahead of the foot elements of the
leading echelon of the I'egiment. Part of this platoon, usually
a reconnaissance squad, may be attached to the battalion
when the latter comprises the entire leading echelon of the
regiment. Instructions of the battalion commander to an
attached unit of this platoon may include —
<1) Route or zone of advance and approximate hour the
leading echelon of the battalion will reach each phase line.
(2) Areas to be reconnoitered (such as ridge lines, defiles,
stream crossings) and the essential information to be sought.
(3) Arrangements for liaison with friendly units operating
in front of the battalion,
(4) Times and places for periodic contacts with the bat-
talion command post; any special instructions regarding
reports.
c. The battalion comander directs the commander<s) of the
leading company (or companies) as to reconnaissance to
be made by dismounted patrols. He may augment the pa-
trols with battalion Intelligence personnel.
d. (1> The battalion commander makes a continuing esti-
mate of tlie situation so that combat action of the battalion
70
RIFLE BATTAIJON
114-115
can be initiated in a minimum period. He reconnoiters the
zone of advance for areas exposed to hostile observation,
gassed areas, and obstacles to motor movement; necessary
detours; stream crossings; areas where mechanized or air
attack are most probable and ways of avoiding or protecting
such areas; favorable routes of approach and tentative firing
positions for the battalion supporting weapons; and suitable
locations for successive march objectives. He is assisted in
his reconnaissance by his stafi and by a recoimaissance detail
from the heavy weapons company, headed either by the
company commander or by the reconnaissance ofBcer. He
may also require reconnaissance to be made by the antitank
officer, the leader of the ammunition and pioneer platoon,
and other subordinates.
(2) When covering forces to the front are sufficiently
strong, the battalion commander and his party may precede
the battalion In order to obtain early information of the
enemy and plan the attack.
■ 115. Security. — a. In addition to the security provided by
advance motorized elements, the leading echelon provides for
frontal security of the battalion-. It covers its advance With
scouts or patrols. (See FM 7-10.)
b. When the battalion is on an exposed flank, a flank guard
is usually detailed by the regimental commander. A small
patrol from the leading echelon will usually suffice to protect
an interior flank when the interval between the battalion and
the adjacent unit is small, the terrain is open, and visibility
is good. Under less favorable conditions, larger patrols or
detachments (squads or, rarely, platoons) may be detailed
from supports or reserves with the mission of providing secur-
ity and maintaining contact with adjacent units.
c. For antiaircraft security the battalion commander in-
sures full utilization of concealment and dispersion, and
assigns antiaircraft missions for heavy machine guns. (See
PM 7-15.) He directs the detailing of air-antitank guards
to cover the front, flanks, and rear of the battalion.
d. As far as is consistent with the tactical situation, the
battalion commander directs the movement of the battalion
so as to utilize terrain difficult for hostile tank action. The
71
115-116
INFANTRY FIEXD MANUAL
location of such terrain Is considered- in determining phase
lines. (See par. 113.) Connecting groups and security pa-
trols may be reinforced with antitank rifle grenadiers.
e. (1) The battalion antitank platoon is employed to pro-
vide frontal and flanlt antitanlt protection to the battalion.
It is usually directed to march and operate as a unit when
the battalion zone of advance Is narrow or when only one
flanit of the battalion is exposed to mechanized attaeit. Dis-
tribution by sections is usually essential when an extensive
front mu.st be covered or when tank, attacks against both
flanks of the battalion are possible. When units of the regi-
mental antitank company are attached to the leading bat-
talion, they are disposed to give depth to antitank defense
and to provide additional flank protection.
(2) When the terrain affords long fields of Are and wide
observation to the front and flanks, antitank guns cover the
advance of the battalion by moving by bounds to successive
terrain features. Unless an armored attack is imminent,
each gun on completing a bound remains coupled to its prime
mover in a cover position located near a tentative firing
Position. Ordinarily the antitank weapons are moved by
echelon so that at least part of them are always prepared
for action.
■ 116. Control of Motor Vehicles. — a. Upon initiation, of
the approach march the regimental commander releases
weapon carriers and battalion ammvmition vehicles to the
leading battalion. The battalion commander releases com-
pany transport to units unless the situation or terrain condi-
tions prohibit vehicles Irom closely following their units; in
this event vehicles are moved forward, weapons and an
initial supply of ammunition are unloaded and carried by
hand, and vehicles revert to battalion control.
b. Since movement by hand of the 37-mm antitank guns
is usually impracticable for extended distances, the vehicles
of the battalion, antitank platoon usually accompany the
unit even if movement by circuitous covered routes is
necessary.
e. Ordinarily, when other unit transport is retained under
battalion control, the vehicles of the heavy weapons com-
72
RIFLB BATTALION
116-119
pany headquarters and the headquarters truck, of each heavy
weapons platoon are released to their units.
d. Whenever practicable, transport retained Under bat-
talion control follows the battalion by short bounds. Under
unfavorable conditions movement by long bounds from cover
to cover or by circuitous covered routes may be necessary.
■ 117. Signal Communication. — Communication is main-
tained by foot and motor messengers, by visual signals, and
by radio when not silenced. Wire Is not laid until initial com-
mand and observation posts for the attaclc are established.
In using pyrotechnic signals the possibility of disclosing the
presence of troops to the enemy must be considered.
■ 118. Supporting Artillery. — The battalion of light artil-
lery which normally supports the infantry regiment is usually
given the mission of direct support for the leading infantry
battalion (s) . An artillery liaison officer with his liaison sec-
tion accompanies the commander of each leading infantry
battalion. Artillery battery forward observers advance with
each rifle company in the leading echelon,
■ 119. Conduct OP Approach March. — a. The units of the
leading echelon, moving on a broad front, advance aggres-
sively from one phase line to the next or as directed by the
battalion commander. By close adherence to the prescribed
direction of advance or by regulation on the base company,
delays for readjustment are avoided. Minor deviations from
the prescribed direction of advance are authorized in order
to take advantage of trails or more favorable terrain. Prin-
cipal roads, important road junctions and crossroads, and
prominent landmarks are avoided.
b. Companies in rear of the leading echelon take advantage
of cover, and where practicable, use trails or secondary roads.
e. The appropriate supporting weapons of the battalion are
kept in constant readiness for use in defense against hostile
air and mechanized attacks and are prepared to render prompt
support to the leading echelon. ' When covering forces in
advance of the battalion are sufficiently strong, heavy ma-
chine-gun and antitank-gun elements may be sent ahead in
order to establish antiaircraft security and antimechanized'
73
119-120
INFANTRY FIELD MANTJAL
defense for a defile or for the battalion assembly area prior
to the arrival of the battalion. When the battalion is to re-
lieve or pass through other infantry units, elements of the
heavy weapons company and the antitank platoon may be
sent ahead to supplement the covering forces and occupy
initial firing positions for the attack prior to the arrival of
the rifle companies.
d. Regular halts are omitted. Such halts as are neces-
sary to rest or reorganize the troops are made on phase
lines or at the time when periodic reports of progress are
made. (See par. 112.) Higher commanders provide lor
long halts as indicated by the situation; when such a halt is
made, a march outpost is established by the leading battalion.
e. The actions of the leading battalion upon encounter-
ing the enemy are similar to those prescribed for an advance
guard battalion in paragraph 95c.
■ 120. Daylight Approach March, Rear Battalion. — bat-
talion in rear of the leading echelon of a regiment seeks
maximum concealment, but maintains readiness for" action
against ground forces. Except for variations noted below,
the principles enunciated in the preceding paragraphs are
equally applicable to the rear battalion.
a. Distribution of troops. — The heavy weapons company
(less those machine-gun elements providing antiaircraft se-
curity to rear elements of the battalion) may move in (he
leading echelon in order to establish early protection for the
battalion when it halts on phase lines or occupies an assembly
area.
b. Route of advance. — Greater advantage is taken of paths
and trails. Movement is directed along the edges of woods
and cultivated fields and along the sides of ravines or hilis to
make concealment and progress easier.
c. Contact. — The battalion maintains contact with the
leading battalion by means of connecting groups; a liaison
oflBcer provided with means of radio communication may
also be used on occasion.
d. Motor vehicles. — The motor elements of the battalion,
less those essential for reconnaissance, security, and control,
are grouped In either a battalion or a regimental motor
74
RIFLE BATTALION
120-121
serial. The battalion transport officer usually controls the
battalion vetiicles.
e. Signal communication. — The march command post
moves with the leading echelon.
■ 121. Night Approach March.— The procedure, except as
noted below, is as prescribed for night marches in chapter 6.
a. Reoomialssance. — When practicable, the battalion com-
mander conducts a daylight reconnaissance of the route of
march and of the battalion assembly area or other final
march objective. When practicable, he takes with him com-
pany guides who will conduct the companies from their point
of release from the battalion column to their respective lo-
cations on the final march objective.
&. Orders of battalion commander. — The battalion com-
mander's order includes the following;
(1) The latest information relative to the enemy and
friendly troops, including the security force.
(2) March objective.
(3) Route.
(4) Initial point.
(5) Time the head of the leading unit passes initial point.
(6) Formation of the battalion.
<7) Special measures prescribed for security, secrecy, and
control.
(8) Instructions as to dispositions and security measures
to be taken upon arrival at the final march objective or
when and where such instructions will be issued.
(9) Instructions i*elative to company transport and bat-
talion train.
(10) Location of the battalion commander.
c. Distribution of troops. — Usually the foot elements of the
battalion are marched in column Without distance. With
the exception of the vehicles needed for command and con-
trol purposes, transport is held in a concealed area and
moved forward so as to arrive at the final march objective
shortly after the foot elements arrive. The battalion anti-
tank platoon usually moves with the battalion motor serial.
(See e below.)
75
121-1.2?
INFANTRY FIELD MANTTAI.
d. Control. — The success of a night approach march de-
pends in great measure upon the forethought exercised to
insuj'e control. Successive bounds, when used> are shorter
than in daylight. Routes are carefully marked. At the
final march objective, guides are provided and active super-
vision is exercised by the battalion commander and his staff,
in order to insure that units move to their assigned locations
without halting.
e. Security. — If practicable contact is gained before dark
with the security force covering the march objective and
its dispositions are made known to the battalion. In some
situations a motorized detachment, including antitank guns
and heavy weapons, may be sent ahead of the battalion to
outpost the battalion march objective. For other security
measures in a night march, see chapter 6.
/. Signal communication. — Chief reliance lor signal com-
munication is placed on the foot messenger. Radios nor-
mally are silenced. Pyrotechnic or other visual signals, and
sound signals when close to the enemy, are prohibited except
in an emergency following certain discovery of the movement
by the enemy. Some use may be made of motor messengers,
particularly between battalion and regimental command
posts.
Section III
ASSEMBLY AREAS (POSITIONS)
■ 122. General. — a. When the battalion is an advance guard
or the leading unit in an approach march not protected by
friendly forces to the front, it may go into action directly
from the approach march. When practicable, however, the
battalion interrupts its approach march to occupy an assem-
bly area preliminary to deployment for attack. In the assem-
bly area the attack is organized; equipment not essential to
combat is discarded; any weapon carriers under battalion
control are released to company control; and extra ammu-
nition is issued to rifle companies. (See par. BBb.) Recon-
naissances and plans for the attack are completed while the
troops are in their assembly positions.
b. (D When the attack is to be launched approximately
at dawn, the battalion may be rested in a rear assembly area
76
laFLE BATTALION
122-124
and conducted under cover of darkness to a final assembly
area. Movement to the final assembly area is made at such
time as will insure complete and coordinated dispositions for
the attack. "The utmost precautions must be taken to pre-
serve secrecy.
(2) If the rear assembly area Is less than 1 hour's march
from the line of departure, companies usually move directly
to their attack positions without halting in a final assembly
area.
■ 123. Assignment of Battalion Assembly Area (Posi-
tion) . — o. The battalion assembly area usually is designated
by the regimental commander; exceptionally, it is selected
by the battalion commander.
b. Except when a rear assembly area is occupied prepara-
tory to an attack at dawn, the assembly area should be the
most forward locality in rear of the line of departure which
affords cover from small-arms fire and concealment from
hostile air and ground observation. It should be sufficiently
large to permit dispersing all elements of the battalion.
Terrain is desirable which permits all around observation on
or near the perimeter of the area, turn-arounds for motor
vehicles, and natural protection against mechanized attack.
■ 124, Reconnaissauce anb Occupation of Assembly Area. —
a. The regiment may send a quartering party, which includes
the battalion quartering party, to the assembly area. (See
FM 7-40.) Composition and operation of the battalion quar-
tering party are generally the same as for movement into a
bivouac. (See par. 104.)
b. When time prior to the attack is short, the battalion
commander usually will be engaged in reconnaissance and
preparation of plans for the attack while the assembly area
is being reconnoitered.. He then informs the quartering oflB-
cer of his contemplated formation for the attack and any de-
sired arrangement of units within the assembly area. He
directs the quartering ofScer to allot space to all elements
of the battalion, including attached units. When time per-
mits, the battalion commander precedes his battalion to its
assembly area in time to reconnoiter the area and approve
481J93°— 42 6
71
124-125
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
the allotments of space made by the quartering officer, or
direct the necessary changes.
c. So far as practicable units are placed "in the assembly
area to conform to their prospective employment in order to
facilitate their forward movement to attack positions. Due
consideration also is given to concealment and dispersion of
troops and transport.
d. All elements of the battalion move directly to their
designated positions in the assembly area without pausing.
Congestion is avoided.
■ 125. Security. — a. Each battalion commander is respon-
sible for the local security of his battalion, including the
establishment of an air-antitank warning system. The regi-
mental commander will coordinate the security measures
taken by the battalion commanders (see PM 7-40) and have
the advance guard or leading battalion establish an outpost
to protect the assembly position of the regiment.
b. The occupation of a battalion assembly area is protected
by elements of its leading rifle company (or companies).
Each company in the assembly area is responsible for its
own local security.
c. The battalion commander should direct that part or all
of the heavy machine guns occupy positions to provide anci-
aircraft security and local security to the assembly area.
Positions which afford all around fire are sought on or near
the perimeter of the assembly area. Any heavy machine guns
not employed on antiaircraft security missions and the 81-mm
mortars may be temporarily emplaced to support the action
of the covering force, outpost, or local security detachments.
d. Protection against mechanized attacks striking deep in
flank or from the rear is normally provided by regimental
antitank guns or by adjacent units. The battalion antitank
platoon is ordinarily employed to provide protection to the
front and forward flanks of the assembly area. It is directed
to occupy, as a unit or by sections, positions which cover the
most favorable approaches for hostile armored vehicles pre-
pared to repel attacks coming from specified directions.
e. Instructions for the antitank platoon, for heavy machine
guns employed for antiaircraft security, and for local security
elements, are issued in time for these elements to move to
78
RIFLE BATTALION
125-127
positions directly from the approach march without halting
in the assembly area.
/. For passive measures for security and local protection,
see paragraph 69.
g. If the occupation of the assembly area Js to continue from
daylight into darliness, plans are made in daylight for changes
In the positions of weapons or local security detachments
to be effected at dark. If practicable the battalion com-
mander should request authority to move the entire bat-
talion shortly after dark to a new assembly area located at
least V2 mile from the area occupied in daylight.
Section IV
CHARACTERISTICS AND METHODS OF ATTACK
■ 126. General. — The battalion ordinarily attacks as part of
the regiment. The regimental attack order assigns each bat-
talion in the attacking echelon a mission (usually the capture
of a terrain objective) , designates its zone of action or front-
age, indicates supporting (or attached) units, prescribes a
line of departure, and usually fixes the time of attack. Inter-
mediate terrain objectives may be prescribed.
■ 127. Characteristics of Attack. — a. Meeting engage-
ments. — A meeting engagement is a collision between two
opposing forces neither of which is fully prepared for combat.
The time element is usually vital and the force which attacks
first in a decisive direction will gain a tremendous advantage.
The conduct of an advance guard battalion in such a situa-
tion is discussed in chapter 6. Regimental orders to bat-
talions In rear are usually issued in fragmentary form. The
battalion commander is frequently directed to continue the
movement of his battalion toward a prescribed area while
he reports for orders. Following receipt of the order, recon-
naissance must be limited to essentials, decisions promptly
reached, and orders to subordinates issued by the most ex-
peditious means. The control of supporting weapons is fre-
quently decentralized. Ordinarily the attack should be co-
ordinated so far as this can be accomplished within a limited
time. Speed in launching the attack and rapidity of action
79
127-128
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
are more ftssential to success, however, than thoroughly co-
ordinated and powerful fire support.
b. Attack against discontinuous resistance. — Resistance
that is not continuous may be encountered by an advance
guard battalion, by leading battalions in approach march,
or by battalions engaged in pursuit. Maneuver by the lead-
ing elements rather than the organization of a powerful
attack is relied upon to reduce such resistance. Infiltration
of small groups along covered approaches and the continued
advance of elements which encounter no resistance will out-
flank isolated detachments, and usually bring about their
withdrawal. Hostile elements continuing to resist are reduced
by encirclement or by combined frontal and flanking action.
c. Attack against an organized 'position. — Thorough co-
ordination and either tank support or the development" of
great flre power in the initial stages are required when the
enemy has prepared his position and organized his fires.
The delays required for preparing and coordinating the at-
tack of such a position will vary with the degree to which
the enemy has been able to organize his defense; against a
highly organized position they may be considerable. Prep-
arations must be made as rapidly as is consistent with thor-
oughness in order to reduce to the minimum the time avail-
able to the defender for improving his defenses,
■ 128. Method of Attack. — a. Whether an attack is the result
of a meeting engagement, is directed against discontinuous
resistance, or is a deliberate attack against an organized posi-
tion, its Conduct is essentially the same. Differences exist
mainly in the coordination and speed developed in the opening
phase.
b. The battalion attacks in daylight by combining flre and
movement to close with the enemy and then by employing
shock action to complete his destruction or capture. Fire
weakens the enemy by inflicting casualties and neutralizes
his elements by forcing them to take cover; in the presence
of the enemy, fire must be used to protect all movements not
masked by cover, or by fog, smoke, or other conditions of
reduced visibility. Through movement the battalion in-
creases Its flre effect by decreasing the range and by placing
elements in positions on the hostile flank from which they
80
RIFLE BATTALION
128
can develop convergent fires; by movement, also, the battalion
advances its attacking echelon close enough to the hostile
position to permit the assault to be made with hand grenades
and the bayonet.
c. The battalion envelops by preference. However, in the
initial stages of an attack against a hostile position it Is
seldom possible for the main attack of the battalion to be di-
rected so as to pass the flank of the hostile position and
strike its flank and rear, unless the battalion is on an ex-
terior flank of a larger force. An interior battalion must
usually make what is essentially a frontal attack. However,
it endeavors to combine flanking witli frontal action by ef-
fecting a penetration. The penetration secures positions from
which flanking fire of light machine guns and other flat-
trajectory weapons can be placed on hostile elements still
resisting, or from which attacks of supports and reserves can
be directed against the hostile flank or rear.
d. The cover from flre and concealment from observation
afforded by the terrain will seldom be uniform in all parts
of the battalion zone of action, nor will the available sup-
porting fires normally be sufficient to neutralize at one time
all the hostile forces opposing the advance of the battalion.
The battalion commander's plan, therefore, must provide for
a concentration of effort for the purpose of advancing a por-
tion of the attacking echelon toward objectives whose cap-
ture will facilitate the advance of the remainder of the bat-
talion. This constitutes the main attack. It is usually made
through the weakest part of the hostile dispositions, that is,
in terrain where the defender cannot use his weapons to ad-
vantage, where covered approaches permit an advance close
to his position, or where his defensive works are exposed to
observation by the attacker's heavy weapons and artillery.
The main attack must be made in conjuction with a second-
ary attack in order to force the defender to disperse his
efforts so that he cannot use his full defensive strength against
one portion of the attacking echelon. In attack orders, how-
ever, the battalion commander does not distinguish between,
nor Use the terms "main attack" and "secondary attack."
e. To increase the power of the main attack the battalion
commander Concentrates the bulk of his supporting fires on
81
128-129'
mFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
those targets whose destruction or neutralization will most
effectively assist its advance. (See FM 7-15.) The power
of the main attack niay also be increased by .assigning to it a,
narrower zone of action than that given to the secondary
attack.
/. The secondary attack is designed to hold the enemy in"'
position, to deceive him as to where the main attack is being
made, to prevent him from reinforcing the elements opposing
the main attack, and to cause him to commit his reserves
prematurely and at an indecisive location. Since these pur-
poses can best be accomplished by a vigorous advance, the
secondary attack Is seldom directed to support the main
attack, initially, by fire only. It Is given this mission only
when its departure position lies within efifective range of its
objective and when its zone of advance is so lacking In cover
that its initial advance depends upon the capture of a ter-
rain feature by the main attack. When given such an initial
mission, the secondary attack advances, at the latest, as soon
as it is able to maneuver elements in rear of the main attack
so as to facilitate its own advance by flanking flre.
SECTION V
RECONNAISSANCE, PLANS, AND ORDERS FOR AN
ATTACK AGAINST AN ORGANIZED POSITION
■ 129. Reconnaissance. — Upon receipt of the regimental at-
tack order the battalion commander conducts reconnaissance,
formulates his plan, and prepares to issue his attack order.
The battalion commander conducts his personal reconnais-
sance and directs that of his staff so as to obtain informa-
tion of the following:
a. Zone of action, assigned line of departure, and battalion
objective (s).
b. Critical points and areas held or likely to be occupied
by the enemy.
c. Areas swept or likely to be swept by hostile flat-trajectory
fire.
d. The location, extent, and type of obstacles; the location
of gassed areas.
e. The location, nature, and extent of favorable avenues
of approach to the hostile position (areas where the defender's
82
BIFLE BATTALION
129-131
observation and Are are restricted by the nature of the ter-
rain) .
/. The location of suitable company objectives.
g. The location of any friendly units through which the
battalion is to pass and determination of assistance that
may be expected from them.
h. The location of suitable position areas and targets for
Bupporting weapons.
i. Determination of the extent to which the battalion
nanks will be initially protected by the location of adjacent
units and the nature of the intervening terrain.
3. Suitable locations for the reserve, for supply and evacu-
ation facilities, and for the battalion observation and com-
mand posts.
k. Location of likely avenues for hostile tank attack.
■ 130. Formulation of Plan. — Based on the Information se-
cured by reconnaissance, the battalion commander decides
how best to employ the elements of his battalion and at-
tached or Supporting units in order to accomplish his mission
promptly and with the fewest casualties. He makes any nec-
essary adjustments in his tentative plan of attack. His final
plan of attack must insure maximum teamwork between the
attacking rifle elements and the supporting weapons. It con-
sists of two main parts, the plan of maneuver and the plan
of supporting fires. In addition, it covers the administrative
details of supply and evacuation, and the establishment of
•the signal communication system necessary for control. (See
fig. 8 ©.)
■ 131. Plan of Maneuver. — The battalion commander's plan
of maneuver is his plan for employing his rifle companies to
accomplish his mission. It includes determination of com-
pany objectives; where- and in what direction the main and
secondary attacks are to be made; zones of action of the
attacking rifle companies; formation of the battalion; secu-
rity measures initially necessary; and in some cases the time
of attack.
a. Objectives. — (1) The regimental attack order usually di-
rects each leading battalion to capture a terrain objective
or a succession of terrain objectives. (See FM 7-40.) The
S3
131
INFANTRY F3ELD MANTJAL
objective assigned to the battalion (or the initial objective
where more than one is assigned) may be located so far
in rear of the hostile main line of resistance that the assign-
ment of portions of this objective as initial objectives for
leading rifle companies would result in the attack breaking
down into separate, uncoordinated attacks by isolated com-
panies. To prevent this the battalion commander selects
intermediate terrain features and assigns them as successive
objectives to his attacking rifle companies.
(2) Suitable successive objectives for the main attack are
those terrain features whose capture will make untenable
nearby portions of the enemy position or which will facili-
tate flanking or enveloping action against them. The flrst
of these successive objectives, which should constitute the
initial battalion objective, is usually the flrst critical terrain
feature in rear of that on which the hostile main line of
resistance Is located.
(3) Suitable successive objectives for the secondary attack
are hostile positions which prevent or impede the advance of
the main attack, or terrain features on which such hostile
positions could be established,
(4) Objectives assigned to attacking companies Should —
(n) Be easy to recognize on the ground.
(b) Be visible from the line of departure or previous ob-
jective wlienever practicable. (Suitable objectives for the
company making the main attack may lie beyond and be
masked by terrain occupied by hostile forward groups. Also
an objective may not be visible because of Intervening woods
used as a covered approach by an attacking company.)
(c) Be such that their attainment will promote the ac-
complishment of the mission of the regiment and facilitate
probable future action,
(d> Afford good observation and suitable terrain for fire
support of a further advance.
(e) Whenever practicable be within effective range of bat-
talion supporting weapons located on or in rear of the line
of departure (or last previous objective).
(5) No pause is made on any objective forward of the
initial objective assigned to the battalion, except where im-
perative for reorganization. Continuity of fire support is
84
RIFLE BATTALION
131
Insured by prompt forward displacement of organic and at-
tached supporting weapons.
b. Location of main and secondary attacks. — il) Main at-
tack. — Prior to the attack, knowledge of the hostile disposi-
tions and strength, will usually be incomplete since the enemy
will seldom disclose his exact strength or dispositions until
forced to do so. The battalion, therefore, primarily attacks
terrain. The location of the main attack of the battalion may
be prescribed in the regimental order. Otherwise the bat-
talion commander directs liis main attack at the weakest
part of the hostile position in his zone. (See par, 128<i.)
(2) Secondary attack. — An interior battalion is usually
assigned a zone of action from 500 to 1,000 yards in width.
It is not necessary that elements of the battalion extend con-
tinuously across this entire zone; part of .the zone often
can be covered by fire, by small patrols, or by both. Where
the battalion zone is narrow, the unit making the secondary
attack may be given all of the battalion zone not allocated
to the main attack, in order to permit maneuver of its ele-
ments. In a wide zone a gap may be left between the units
making the main and secondary attaclts; the unit making
the secondary attack then is directed to attack in a zone of
action which contains the best remaining cover and conceal-
ment.
c. Direction of attack. — The battalion commander desig-
nates the direction of attack by magnetic azimuth and,
whenever practicable, by successive landmarks. When the
main attack and secondary attack initially are convergent
(for example, when the main attack is directed to outflank
hostile resistance on the initial battalion objective while the
secondary attack is made frontally), separate directions of
attack should be prescribed for each. Otherwise only a single
direction of attack indicating the general direction of advance
of the battalion as a whole is ordinarily prescribed.
d. Zones of action. — (1) Each rifle company in the at-
tacking echelon is assigned a zone of action. It is responsible
for driving out or destroying all hostile elements within its
zone.
(2) The battalion commander ordinarily does not designate
boundaries between companies but defines their zones of ac-
85
131
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
tlon by assigning eacli company an area or a section of tlie
line of departure from wlilch to start its attack and by es-
tablishing the lateral limits of its objective(s) , If desired
the width of the zone may be indicated by directing that the
company attack on a frontage prescribed in yards. An inte-
rior company may be assigned a. zone of action from 200 to
500 yards wide.
(3) Companies remain within the battalion boundaries
unless they are authorized to cross them by the battalion
commander or his representative. However, either attacking
company is authorised to move elements in rear of the adja-
cent company of its own battalion in order to execute a flank
attack or place flanking fire on the enemy.
e. Attack vositions. — The regimental attack order may di-
rect the battalion to attack from a given area or locality;
this Is particularly applicable to an exterior battalion making
an envelopment, tJsually, however, the regimental comman-
der prescribes a line of departure. At times a line of de-
parture prescribed by the regimental commander may be
difficult to locate on the ground or be so located that it can-
not be reached without exposure to hostile observation and
fire. Under these circumstances the battalion commander
should prescribe a more suitable line of departure or direct
each attaclung company to launch Its attack from a pre-
scribed area; these attack positions must not be in advance
of the line of departure prescribed by the regimental com-
mander.
■ /. Reserves. — (1) Initially, a portion of the rifle strength
must be held in reserve for later use In repelling counterat-
tacks, replacing an exhausted or disorganized part of the
attacking echelon, exploiting a hostile weakness developed
by the attacking echelon, or striking the final blow necessary
to capture an objective.
(2> The reserve may vary in size from one platoon to two
companies (see 9 below) . When the reserve that can be held
out initially is considered inadequate, the battalion com-
mander may also require that company commanders secure
his prior approval before committing their supports.
(3) The reserve is placed initially in a locality where it
is afforded protection against hostile observation, flat-
SB
RIFLE BATTALION
131
trajectory Are, and air or mechanized attack. It should be
able to move rapidly to points of possible employment, par-
ticularly to further the main attack. U the battalion Is
making an envelopment the reserve usually is disposed toward
the outside flank so that it may promptly extend or exploit
the envelopment. When the battalion has an exposed flank,
the reserve should be disposed so that it can move promptly
to meet any hostile threat that may develop.
g. Formation. — The formation of the battalion is gov-
erned by the relative strength of the main and secondary
attacks and of the reserve. Most frequently the battalion
commander will place one rifle company in the main attack,
one in the secondary attack, and one in battalion reserve.
When he has only two rifle companies at his disposal, the
battalion commander normally takes the reserve from one
rifle' company and uses the remainder of that company to
make the secondary attack. When the situation is obscure,
the zone of action is narrow, or passage through part of the
zone is to be avoided, both the main and secondary attacks
may be made by elements of one rifle company; the two
rifle companies in resei'Ve may be in column behind the
leading company or echeloned toward an exposed flank. Ex-
ceptionally, when the battalion is making a secondary attach:
on a very broad front with limited objectives requiring a
short advance and with hostile resistance expected along vir-
tually the entire front, three rifle companies may be placed
in the attacking echelon and one or two platoons, from one
or two different companies, held in reserve.
h. Security. — (1) Flank. — (a) The battalion commander is
responsible for the close-in protection of his flanks through-
out the attack irrespective of any flank protective measures
that may be taken by the regimental commander. Protec-
tion of an interior flank is usually provided by the presence
of the adjacent unit if that unit is ahead or generally abreast;
it Is then sufficient to employ a connecting group to maintain
contact with the adjacent unit and to report periodically the
location of its nearest flank. A flank security patrol should
be detailed for an exterior flank or for an interior flank
where the location of the adjacent unit, or the nature of the
intervening gap, would permit a hostile counterattacK to
87
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
strike the flank of the battalion without coming under effec-
tive fire from the adjacent unit,. The size of the security el<;-
ments depends upon the terrain, distance to any adjacetit
unit, and probable number of messages to be sent back; for
an interior flank the size will seldom exceed one rifle squad,
<For the method of operation of connecting groups and flank
security patrols, see FM 7-10.) All connecting groups and
flank security patrols may be furnished by the reserve, or
they may be furnished for one flank by the unit making the
secondary attack. Preferably they operate directly under the
battalion commander; however, the commander of a reserve
company may be made responsible for flank security,
(b) Other measures for providing security on an exposed
flank may include locating the reserve toward that flank
and disposing heavy machine guns so that they can cover
the exposed flank in addition to their other missions.
(2) Antiaircraft. — The battalion commander insures that
each company details air-antitank guards. (For the stand-
ard Warning signal, see par. 66b.) Security against air attack
is also gained by dispersion of all units and vehicles and by
concealment of all elements not yet engaged. The battalion
commander's instructions must insure that flre is not opened
on hostile airplanes by units or from vehicles whose conceal-
ment is essential and is believed to have been achieved. In
case of air attack, subordinate leaders of other units (and
drivers of vehicles) direct the flre of rifles, automatic rifles,
and heavy machine guns at attacking airplanes when, in their
opinion, the air attack is a more immediate threat than
are available ground targets.
(3) Antimechanized. — (a) The battalion commander em-
ploys his antitank platoon for the protection of the front
and flanks of the attacking echelon of the battalion; deeper
protection to the flanks and rear is provided by the regimental
commander. Usually the battalion commander directs that
the platoon initially occupy a designated flring position area
or that its sections occupy designated areas prepared to pro-
tect the attacking echelon by flre in specified directions of
likely enemy mechanized attack. These directions are bost
defined by reference to prominent terrain features visible
from the flring position area(s), (For conditions under
83
RIFLE BATTALION
131
which fire should be opened, see par. 63.) The attack order
should also prescribe at least the next position area(s) to
which the platoon or its sections are to displace and the
time at which the displacement is to be effected. The time
is usually fixed by prescribing that displacement be made
immediately upon the capture by the attacking echelon of
certain specified terrain features. The mission (s) to be
accomplished in the new location are included.
(b) When it is manifestly impossible to foresee the best
employment of the platoon after displacement from initial
Positions, the battalion commander may direct the platoon
leader to maintain the protection of the attacking echelon
and leave to him both the selection of new firing position
areas and decision as to the method of operation of the pla-
toon.
(c) Exceptionally, the platoon or elements thereof may
be attached to attacking rifie companies or be directed to
follow and protect them.
(4) Command post. — The battalion commander must in-
sure that the command post is provided with adequate local
security against attack by hostile patrols or air-borne troops.
For details, see paragraph 44.
i. Time of attack. — (1) The time of attack is usually pre-
scribed by the regimental commander; depending on the
instructions received frOm him, it may be announced as a
definite hour or subordinate elements may be directed to
Commence the attack on a prescribed signal or at the time
a prescribed tactical action occurs.
(2) When the time of attack must be determined by the
battalion commander, he allows time for the movement of
the battalion to its attack positions and also for the neces-
sary reconnaissance, preparation of plans, and issuance of
orders by himself and his subordinate leaders when these
activities cannot be carried on concurrently with the move-
ment.
(3) If the battalion commander prescribes a line (or areas)
of departure in rear of the line of departure set by the regi-
mental commander, he must advance the time of attack suffi-
ciently to insure that his leading elements will cross the
regimental line of departure at the time prescribed in the
regimental order.
89
132
INFANTRY FIELD MANTTAL
■ 132. Plan of Supporting Fires. — The plan of supporting
fires must be designed to support the plan of maneuver and
give maximum assistance to the advance of the main attack.
Therefore the major portion of the available flre support
is directed initially against the targets most likely to endanger
the main attack, whether they are in Its zone of action or
in adjacent zones. The plan includes determination of the
employment to be made of the fires of battalion supporting
weapons and of the fires of attached or supporting artillery,
cannon company weapons, chemical units, and combat avia-
tion.
a. Fires of the heavy weapons company. — (1) Exception-
ally, when the nature of the terrain makes control extremely
dIfHcult, heavy machine-gun and 81-mm mortar units may
be attached to rifle companies of the attacking echelon.
Ordinarily, however, the battalion commander retains control
of these units and employs them through orders issued to
the heavy weapons company commander. The battalion
commander plans to employ their fires in coordination with,
and to supplement the fires of, the artillery and the regi-
mental canon company and those of any available chemical
units. To effect coordination between the various units under
his control the battalion commander designates the position
area to be occupied by the heavy weapons company or, iS
practicable, by each of its platoons. These position areas
and the initial fire missions of the company are announced
in the battalion order. When fragmentary orders are issued
to a rifie company commander. Information of positions and
missions of the heavy weapons company which will directly
aHect the rifle company's operations is included. (For suit-
able targets for the heavy machine gun and 81-mm mortar
and for the characteristics of suitable 'position areas for
heavy weapons units, see PM 7-15.)
(2) Heavy weapons are emplaced initially as close as prac-
ticable to the line of departure to delay forward displace-
ment for the maximum time. It is desirable for the heavy
weapons to be able to cover, from their initial positions, the
advance of the attacking echelon to the initial battalion
objective.
90
HlFLE BATTALION
132
(3) Short preparatory machine-gun fires may be employed
in conjunction with an artillery preparation. 81-mm mor-
tars seldom Are prior to the time of the attack.
b. Artillery fires. — (1) An artillery battalion usually is
placed in direct support of the infantry regiment. The in-
fantry regimental commander and ' the artillery battalion
commander prepare the general plan of artillery fire sup-
port. This includes the location and duration of any prepar-
atory fires to be put down prior to the time of attack, the
priority in which the artillery is to give support to the at-
tacking battalions during the initial stages of the attack, and
the pyrotechnic signals to be employed in calling for the
placing or lifting of artillery fires.
(2) The supporting artillery sends a liaison detail, includ-
ing a liaison officer, to each attacking infantry battalion (see
par. 21). The infantry battalion commander and the artil-
lery liaison officer prepare the detailed plan of close artillery
fire support. In accordance with his plan of maneuver the
battalion commander indicates to the liaison officer the exact
locations on which he desires artillery fire tc, be placed or
for which he desires the data to be prepared so that fires may
be placed upon call. For each location where fire is to be
placed, the battalion commander indicates the duration and
density of fire desired and the purpose the fire is intended to
accomplish. Where appropriate, he also indicates the se-
quence in which the targets are to be engaged. The liaison
oflBcer makes the necessary arrangements for securing the
fires requested. For fires which are to be placed or lifted on
call from attacking rifle company commanders the battalion
commander and liaison officer mutually agree on at least
one alternate means for the company commanders to em-
ploy in transmitting the request, to supplement the pyrotech-
nic signals prescribed by the regimental commander.
(3) When a rifle company is to attack through terrain
which prevents effective observation from any point in rear,
the artillery liaison officer will often be able to arrange for
a battery forward observer to follow it; this will frequently
be the only way of insuring effective artillery support to the
company. For a discussion of the operations of battery for-
ward observers, see paragraph 21d.
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132-133
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
e. Cannon company fires. — (1) A 75-mm platoon of the
regimental cannon company usually is placed in direct sup-
port of an attacking rifle battalion; occasionally it may be
attached. When in direct support, any employment of the
platoon in preparatory fires is directed by the regimental
coiumander,
(2) The cannon platoon stations a representative with the
battalion commander. He is equipped to communicate the
battalion commander's requests for fire support to the sup-
porting or attached platoon; radiotelephone Is used when
practicable.
(3) The battalion commander employs the cannon pla-
toon as a highly mobile supporting unit to provide close
support to the attacking echelon, often by direct fire, it
supplements but does not replace the fires of the supporting
artillery. Its primary use is promptly to neutralize or destroy
hostile emplacements, pill boxes, machine guns, or forward
cannon against which fires of the heavy weapons company
are ineffective and on which the fire of the supporting artil-
lery cannot be immediately secured. In case of hostile tank
attack it is employed as a powerful reinforcement to the bat-
talion antitank defense.
d. Chemical support. —-'The 81 -mm mortars and supporting
artillery may be employed to place smoke screens of limited
extent and duration. When the need for an extensive smoke
screen can be foreseen, the regimental commander should
be requested to arrange for the placing of the screen by the
division 155-min howitzer battalion or by chemical troops.
If available a chemical platoon may be attached to the bat-
talion for such missions. A chemical platoon with normal
organic ammunition loads is equipped to place a smoke screen
800 yards in length and to maintain it under average wind
conditions for approximately 25 minutes.
e. Support of combat aviation. — For methods of obtain-
ing support of combat aviation, appropriate missions, and
prearranged means of identification, see FM 7-40 and 31-35.
■ 133. SuippLY AND EVACTiATiOH. — ^Before deciding on the sup-
ply and evacuation details of his plan, the battalion com-
mander usually considers the recommendations of the bat-
talion S-4 for the location of the battalion ammunition dis-
92
RIFLE BAIIALIOK
133-135
tributing point and route of ammunition advance, and the
recommendations of the battalion surgeon regarding estab-
lishment of the battalion aid station. For further details,
see chapters 4 and 5 and PM 7-30.
■ 134. SiGNAi, CoMMtiNicATioN. — a. The initial general loca-
tion of the command post and the axis of its advance (axis of
signal communication) normally are prescribed by the regi-
mental commander. Otherwise they are determined by the
battalion commander. The initial location of the command
post should be as far forward as practicable. For details of
the establishment and operation of command posts, see para-
graphs 40 to 42, inclusive.
&. Communication between the command post and obser-
vation post ordinarily is established by radiotelephone and
messenger, and, when practicable, by telephone. The com-
mand post of the heavy weapons company is located near
the battalion command post. Communication between the
battalion command post and the rifle companies is by mes-
senger, radio, and visual signals. Between the battalion and
regimental command posts communication is by radio, tele-
phone, telegraph, and messenger (motor or foot) . Com-
munication between the battalion and aviation ordinarily is
conducted through the regimental command post, but may
be direct by means of radio, panels, dropped and picked- up
messages, and pyrotechnic signals.
■ 135. Attack Orders. — a. It is essential in offensive situa-
tions that subordinates be informed without delay of plans
for the employment of their units in order that they may
have the maximum available time for reconnaissance and
the preparation of their plans. For this purpose warning
and fragmentary orders are used freely. (See par. 25.)
b. Battalion attack orders include —
(1) Pertinent information of the enemy which is not
already known by the companies.
(2) Information relative to the situation and missions of
the regiment, adjacent battalions, supporting artillery, tanks,
aviation, and covering force, not already known by the
companies and which have a direct bearing on the battalion's
attack.
481193
93
135-136
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(3) Battalion mission, formation, objective, plan of ma-
neuver, zone of action, line of departure, direction of attaclt,
and hour of ^ttaclt.
(4) Specific instructions to each rifle company in the a.t-
tacking echelon, including its zone of action and objective(s)
and any security mission assigned it.
(5) Instructions to the antitank platoon and the heavy
weapons company, including general position areas, piincipal
direction (s) of fire for antitank guns, targets or sectors of
fire for heavy weapons, and conditions or time for opening
fire and for forward displacement if that can be foreseen.
(6) Reserve; initial location; contemplated employment,
if determined; security or other special missions.
(7) Instructions regarding any alterations or additions to
standing operating procedure, or concerning security, secrecy,
or other matters, which apply to more than one subordinate
unit.
(3) Initial location of ammunition distributing point, route
of advance of ammunition, and any alterations or additions
to standing operating procedure.
(9) Instructions relative to company transport and the bat-
talion train.
(10) Initial location of aid station.
(11) Any alterations or additions to signal operations in-
structions or standing operating procedure; special provi-
sions for the use of radio or wire communication; initial
location of battalion command post and observation post, and
axis of signal communication.
c. For discussion of battalion field orders, see paragraph 25.
Section VT
CONDUCT OP THE ATTACK
■ 136. Flexibility. — a. An attack seldom progresses exactly
as planned. The battalion commander should carry out his
plan vigorously but not adhere to It blindly. He must be
alert to exploit favorable developments and overcome unfore-
seen obstacles. He gives his main attack all the assistance at
his command so long as It has a chance of success, but If
enemy resistance blocks all its eiforts to advance, he must be
94
SIFLE BATTALION
136-137
prepared to shift his main attack to another part of his
front where hostile weakness has been discovered.
h. For schematic representation of a battalion plan of at-
tack and supporting fires, and for subsequent maneuver In the
conduct of the attack, see figure 8.
■ 137. Launching the Attack. — a. Without tank support. —
(1) The attack begins when the ieading elements of com-
panies in the attacking echelon cross the line of departure.
The battalion commander coordinates the forward movement
of his units from the assembly area to insure that the lead-
ing rifle company elements crosS the line of departure at the
prescribed hour and that his supporting weapons occupy their
initial positions in time to support the rifle elements. He
also insures that the movement of the antitank platoon from
position area(s) which were occupied to protect the battalion
assembly area to position area(s) for the attack provides
uninterrupted protection for the attacking echelon 'during its
movement to its attack positions.
(2) The heavy weapons commence flring in accordance
with the battalion plan of supporting flres. The attacking
echelon crosses the line of departure in deployed formation;
leading rifle units continue their deployed advance until
forced to return the hostile fire. The supporting artillery,
cannon company, and heavy weapons are relied upon initially
to gain fire superiority. At ranges beyond 500 yards, rifle
company weapons open flre only when other available Are
support is Inadequate.
b. With tank support. — (1) When GHQ tanks are employed
to assist the advance of infantry, an officer of the GHQ tank
unit contacts the battalion, or regimental commander prior to
the attack and informs him of the detailed plan for the tank
attack. Together they select passages for the tanks through
the infantry; these passages are marked by tank personnel.
The infantry commander promptly informs all infantry
units, attached troops, and representatives of supporting
units of the location of these passages and insures that the
latter are cleared of friendly troops well In advance of the
hour of attack.
(2) The infantry and supporting weapons support the tank
attack by neut
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