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FM 7-40
WAR DEPARTMENT
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE REGIMENT
February 9, 1942
CHANNON, FM 7 ~*°
X
^FANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE REGIMENT
t_ -<oes1 WAR DEPARTMENT,
JMo. 1 J Washington, July 11, 1942.
FM 7-40, February 9, 1942, is changed as follows :
■ 92. Dispositions.
* * * * * *
e. Artillery. — Except for special operations * *
imental command group. (FM 6-20.)
******
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42).] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
■ 161. Contuol. — a. General.
******
(5) Axis of advance of each battalion command
the regimental command post.
* * ■ * * * *
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42).] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
■ 162. Reconnaissance.
*******
6. Regimental reconnaissance detachment.
* * * * * * *
(3) Instructions to the commander of the motorized recon-
naissance detachment should include —
*******
(6) Vital areas and key terrain features to be reconnoitered
by the detachment (e. g., ridge lines, denies, stream crossings).
(c) Essential items of information to be sought.
(d) Arrangements for contact with friendly units operating
to the front in the regimental zone.
(e) Times and places for periodic contacts with regimental
(or advance guard) command post ; any special instructions
regarding reporting.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42).] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
470035°— 42
*
* the reg-
*
post and of
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 178. Security.
*******
6. Antimechanized. — Regimental antitank weapons are em-
ployed to reinforce the antitank defenses of the leading bat-
talions, to deepen the defense within the regimental zone,
and to provide antitank protection on an exposed flank.
Platoons are ordinarily placed in firing or cover positions.
The platoon(s) protecting the rear portions of the regimental
zone is usually located in the area of the regimental command
post and the regimental reserve. The situation may fre-
quently require the employment of the rear platoon(s) in
forward areas. To expedite such employment the rear
platoon(s) will reconnoiter positions and routes to these posi-
tions in the forward areas of the regimental zone.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27—12).] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
■ 183. Initial Advance.
*******
6. With tank support. — (1) When tanks lead the advance of
an infantry regiment, light and heavy machine guns, 37-mm
guns, and 60-mm and 81 -mm mortars are assigned missions of
supporting the tank advance by firing on hostile antitank
weapons which disclose their positions. These fires must be so
placed as not to endanger friendly tanks or hinder their
maneuver.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42) .] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
■ 225. Plans.
*******
c. Weapons designated to support * * * when the objec-
tive has been gained. Plans for supporting fires usually must
be made for two purposes : first, to cover the reorganization of
the "attacking units and prevent hostile counterattack when
the objective is attained ; and, second, to cover a withdrawal if
the attack is repulsed.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42) .] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
2
RIFLE REGIMEXT
■ 269. Battle Position.
*******
6. Long-range fires.
*******
(2) Long-range fires and antiaircraft fires against attack-
ing enemy combat aviation within effective range of machine
guns of units on the main line of resistance are delivered from
positions which will not disclose the location of that line.
c. During advance of hostile attack.
* * * * * * *
(6) When fires have been opened by weapons on the main
line of resistance, heavy machine guns located on or near
that line fire on attacking enemy airplanes within effective
range, when, in the judgment of machine-gun platoon and
section leaders, such targets are more important than ground
targets.
* * * * * ' * *
[A. G. 062.11 (5-27-42).] (C 1, July 11, 1942.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
3
U. S. GOVERNMENT .PRINTING OFFICE : 1942
FM 7-40
c 2
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE BEGIMENT
Changes 1 WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 2 J Washington, December 2, 1942.
FM 7-40, February 2, 1942, is changed as follows :
■ 269. Battle Positions. •
*****
g. Action against tanks (Superseded). — (1) Mine fields and
other obstacles in front of the position must be covered by the
effective fire of rifles, machine guns, and mortars to prevent
their removal or neutralization before or during hostile attack.
(2) (a) Hostile infantry usually accompanies or closely
follows armored vehicles in the attack. Exposed personnel
riding on or closely following armored vehicles are the primary
targets of infantry small arms fire. In no circumstances will
defending infantry be diverted from its basic mission of en-
gaging and destroying the attacking hostile infantry.
(h) Infantry small arms fire is relatively ineffective against
the armor of armored vehicles. However, under favorable con-
ditions, the cumulative effect of small arms armor piercing
ammunition may be effective against tank sprockets, bogie
wheels, and track suspension. The fire of rifles, automatic
rifles, and machine guns for the most part will be directed
against armored vehicle crews who seek to operate with open
turrets, doors, and vision slits in order to improve their field
of view. Circumstances relative to the direction of attack of
armored vehicles, their proximity to defending infantry, the
matter of ammunition supply, the unnecessary disclosure of
the position of crew served weapons, conditions of low visibility,
and the presence of accompanying hostile infantry will deter-
mine how and to what extent small arms fire should be employed
against such vehicles. Defenders employing small arms fire
against hostile armored vehicles or the accompanying infantry,
will continue to fire until they are forced to take cover to
protect themselves and their weapons from the crushing action
of such vehicles.
498662°— 42
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(3) Antitank rifle grenadiers, rocketeers, and other indi-
viduals armed witli antitank weapons engage all armored
vehicles that come within effective range and continue then-
attack until vehicles are destroyed or have passed beyond
range. If not required to engage accompanying hostile in-
fantry, other personnel attack*armored vehicles with incendiary
or chemical grenades at the instant the vehicle passes over or
beyond them.
(4) Antitank guns are sited to cover likely avenues of tank
approach into the position, cover obstacles and mine fields, and
provide mutual support. Fire is opened only when it can be
delivered with killing effect. Every effort is made to prevent
the premature disclosure of the guns.
(5) When a tank attack penetrates through the position,
local commanders take immediate action to close any gap
created, using local supports and reserves.
[A. G. 062.11 (11-20-42).] (C 2, Dec. 2, 1942.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
2
U. S GOVERNMENT PRINTING CFHCE: li>42
CHANNON, R. 1?
FM 7-40
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE REGIMENT
Prepared under direction of the
Chief of Infantry
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1942
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, February 9, 1942.
FM 7-40, Infantry Field Manual, Rifle Regiment, is pub-
lished for the information and guidance of all concerned.
[A. G. 062.11 (10-22-41).]
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
E. S. ADAMS,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution:
R and H 1-4 (2) 5-7, 17 (10) ; IBn 1-5, 10 (2) ; Bn 6, 7
17 (4) ; IC 2, 3, 5, 11 (2) ; C 6, 7, 17 (3).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
Chapter 1. General 1-4 1
Chapter 2. Regimental commander 5-11 4
Chapter 3. Regimental headquarters and staff.
Section I. General 12-17 8
II. Executive 18 11
III. Adjutant (S-l) 19-20 12
IV. Intelligence officer (S-2) 21-22 14
V. Plans and training officer (S-3) 23-24 15
VT. Supply officer (S-^) 25-26 16
VII. Personnel officer 27-28 17
VIII. Headquarters commandant 29-30 18
IX. Chaplain 31-32 18
X. Communication officer 33-34 19
XI. Gas officer 35-36 20
XII Munitions officer 37-38 21
XIII Transport officer 39-40 21
XIV. Maintenance officer 41-42 22
XV. Antitank officer 43-44 23
XVI. Surgeon 45^6 24
XVII. Commanders of attached units 47-48 25
XVIII. Liaison officers 49-50 25
XIX. Estimate of the situation 51-53 25
XX. Combat orders 54-62 26
XXI. Staff records, reports, maps 63-68 31
XXII. Command post 69-76 33
Chapter 4. Troop movements and bivouacs.
Section I. General 77-81 37
II. March technique 82-88 40
III. Day marches 89-106 43
IV. Night marches 107-111 69
V. Motor movements 112-131 64
VI. Rail movements 132-139 75
VII. Bivouacs 140-147 78
Chapter 5. The offensive.
Section I. General considerations 148-156 83
II. Approach march 157-166 85
III. Assembly positions (areas) 167-169 95
IV. Reconnaissance, plans, and orders_ 170-181 97
V. Conduct of attack 182-196 110
VI. Pursuit 197-199 126
VII. Attack of river line 200-214 128
VIII. Attack in woods 215-222 137
IX. Night attack 223-226 141
X. Regiment in reserve 227-231 145
XI. Attack under special conditions 232 147
IH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 6. The defense. Paragraphs Page
Section I. General 233-235 148
II. Tactical organization 236-239 150
III. Preparatory measures 240-244 157
IV. Security 245-251 160
V. Organization of Are 252-254 165
VI. Organization of ground 255-261 167
VII. Counterattack plans 262-263 170
VIII. Conduct of defense 264^269 171
IX. Counterattack 270-273 176
X. Relief 274-277 178
XI. Reserve regiment 278-281 178
XII. Defense under special conditions 282 179
Chapter 7. Retrograde movements.
Section I. General 283-285 180
II. Daylight withdrawal 286-298 181
IH. Night withdrawal 299-309 187
IV. Retirement 310-311 194
V. Delaying action 312-330 193
Appendix. List of references 201
Index 203
IV
FM 7-40
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
RIFLE REGIMENT
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
■ 1. References. — For the general characteristics, organiza-
tion, and tactics of infantry and its operations with other
arms, see FM 7-5. For the organization and operations of
the headquarters company and its components, see FM 7-25.
For the organization and operation of the service company
and medical detachment in regimental supply and evacuation,
see FM 7-30. For the organization and tactics of the anti-
tank company of the rifle regiment, see FM 7-35. For the
general doctrines of troop leading and combat, see FM 100-5.
■ 2. Scope. — a. This manual deals primarily with the tactical
employment of the infantry rifle regiment. The instructions
are also applicable in many respects to other types of infantry
regiments.
b. The procedures indicated in this manual should be con-
sidered as guides and not as fixed methods. Fixed rules and
methods must be avoided; they limit the imagination and
initiative which leaders must have to achieve success in battle,
and they give the enemy a set pattern upon which to base
his countering operations.
c. This manual should be studied in conjunction with FM
100-5 and FM 7-5.
■ 3. Composition. — a. Organic units. — (1) The infantry regi-
ment, rifle, consists of the following (see fig. 1) :
Headquarters.
Headquarters company.
Service company.
Antitank company.
Three rifle battalions.
Medical detachment (attached).
Attached chaplains.
1
3-4
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(2) When specifically authorized, a regimental band may
be organized and made a part of the regiment.
(3) The details of organization, the allotment of weapons,
and the distribution of the major items of equipment and
transportation are shown in Tables of Organization and
Tables of Basic Allowances. Modifications are made from
time to time in accordance with developments in weapons,
equipment, and organization, and to meet changing condi-
tions of warfare.
&. Motor transport. — The motor transportation of the regi-
ment is divided functionally into company transport and
regimental trains. Those vehicles which are used primarily
for tactical purposes (command and reconnaissance, trans-
port of weapons, and signal communication) are called com-
pany transport. Those which operate for purposes of supply,
maintenance, and evacuation (kitchen and baggage, ammuni-
tion, maintenance, and medical detachment vehicles) consti-
tute the regimental trains. Medical train vehicles are
assigned to the medical detachment; all other vehicles of the
regimental trains are assigned to the service company (see
PM 7-30) .
c. Attachments. — The regiment may have elements of other
arms and services attached. The regimental commander
coordinates their action with that of his own units.
■ 4. Role of Infantry Regiment. — a. The infantry regiment,
rifle, usually operates as a major element of a larger force
(brigade or division) . Its mission is assigned by the higher
commander. Its movement and action are coordinated with
other units of the larger force to assure the accomplishment
of the mission of this force.
b. Exceptionally, the rifle regiment may be assigned an
independent mission.
2
RIFLE REGIMENT
4
REGIMENTAL
HEADQUARTERS
HEADQUARTERS
COMPANY
RIFLE
BATTALION
SERVICE
COMPANY
ANTITANK
COMPANY
RIFLE
BATTALION
MEDfCAL
DETACHMENT
RIFLE
BATTALION
BATTALION
HEADQUARTERS
RIFLE
COMPANY
RIFLE
COMPANY
RIFLE
COMPANY
HEAVY
WEAPONS
COMPANY
BATTALION
HEADQUARTERS
DETACHMENT
Figure 1.- — Infantry regiment, rifle
Note. — The medical detachment is permanently attached to the
regiment and is one of its integral parts.
a
5-6
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
CHAPTER 2
REGIMENTAL COMMANDER
■ 5. References. — See FM 100-5 and FM 7-5 for the doc-
trines of operations and trie qualities of leadership; FM
100-10 for administration; FM 101-5 for staff duties and
combat orders; FM 101-10 and FM 7-55 for organization and
technical and logistical data.
■ 6. General. — a. Decisive action is a prime requisite for a
successful regimental commander. He inspires confidence
in his subordinates by decisive action and by his ability to
gain material advantage over his adversaries and to over-
come obstacles. The aggressive characteristics of the regi-
mental commander influence individual and collective con-
duct and performance throughout his entire command.
b. The regimental commander personally controls the regi-
ment and is responsible for its condition and operations. He
meets this responsibility by anticipation; by timely decisions,
plans, and orders; and by supervision of execution. His pro-
fessional knowledge must include a thorough understanding
of the combat and service elements in the regiment and of
their tactical and technical employment, and a general under-
standing of the employment and limitations and capacities
of units of other arms that may be associated with the
regiment in combat.
c. In preparation for combat, the mission of the regimental
commander is to bring his unit to a high state of training
and combat proficiency. In carrying out this training mis-
sion, he subordinates administration to training, and thus
insures that the training for combat of individuals and small
units is a continuing process. He promotes group feeling
within the regiment and cooperative action between its vari-
ous parts. He encourages initiative, ingenuity, and aggres-
siveness throughout all echelons of the regiment. Having
indicated his policies and given his directives, he allows his
staff and subordinates the maximum freedom of action in
order to foster self-reliance and initiative. To simplify and
expedite the action of the regiment in combat, the regimental
commander prescribes brief standing operating procedures
covering the action to be taken in matters that lend them-
4
RIFLE REGIMENT
6-9
selves to routine handling without loss of effectiveness (see
par. 62).
■ 7. Exercise of Command. — a. The regimental commander
must make his authority felt and cause his will to be obeyed
by each individual member of his command. He exercises
his authority by means of orders and personal supervision.
He observes the doctrines of command enunciated in FM
100-5. His orders are based on an estimate of the situation
culminating in a decision (see pars. 52 to 54, incl.) .
b. Whenever the situation requires, the regimental com-
mander obtains the views of his staff officers and principal
subordinates before he announces his decisions and issues his
orders. However, he alone is responsible for what his unit
does or fails to do.
■ 8. Relations With Staff. — a. The regimental commander
makes all major decisions for the operations of the regiment.
He is provided with a staff to relieve him of the details of
planning and administration; to act as his agents in co-
ordinating the plans and operations of the various units and
services under his command; to prepare detailed orders for
the execution of his plans; and to assist him in supervising
the execution of these orders. He must use his staff judiciously
for its intended purpose in order that he may devote himself
to his most important command duties.
b. He encourages his staff officers to submit suggestions
and recommendations. He supports the action taken by staff
officers in carrying out his directives and policies. However,
he does not hesitate to correct them and rectify their mistakes.
c. The regimental commander promotes cordial, coopera-
tive relations between individuals of his staff and between
them and unit commanders. He makes direct personal con-
tact habitual procedure within the staff. He encourages sim-
ilar procedure between staff officers and commanders of sub-
ordinate units, but requires that he be kept informed of
important transactions.
d. The commander inspires the utmost efforts from his
staff. He causes staff work to be properly organized, distrib-
uted, and simplified in order that excessive strain will not
be placed upon individuals.
■ 9. Relations With Subordinate Commanders and Troops. —
The relations of the commander with the commanders of
5
9-11
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
subordinate units are similar to the relatio'ns maintained
with the staff. He spends considerable time with his unit
commanders and their men. He makes inspections and in-
formal visits during which he talks to individuals and to
groups. During combat such visits promote confidence, re-
spect, and loyalty. They give the commander first-hand
knowledge of the tactical situation and of the needs and
capabilities of his units. In issuing instructions, however, the
regimental commander does not interfere with the command
responsibilities of his subordinates except in emergencies.
■ 10. Relations With Commanders of Associated Units. —
a. When units of other arms and services are attached to an
infantry regiment they become a part of the regimental com-
mander's command and are subject to his decisions and
orders. The commander of an attached unit acts as tech-
nical adviser to the regimental commander on matters per-
taining to the employment of the attached arm or service
and its weapons or equipment.
b. When a unit of another arm or service supports the
regiment but is not attached, the regimental commander may
request, but cannot order, the desired assistance. Ordinarily
his request is met unless this is impossible with the
means available or is in conflict with the orders of higher
headquarters.
c. Definite action must be taken by the regimental com-
mander to insure full and complete liaison between his regi-
ment and other units that may be operating with or support-
ing the operations of the regiment. Such units must be kept
informed as to the movements and plans of the regiment and
the locations of its forward elements and command posts in
order to insure the maximum coordination and cooperation.
(For technical details of signal communication and liaison,
see FM 100-5, 101-5, 7-5, and 24-5.)
■ 11. Conduct in Battle. — a. In combat the regimental
commander personally and through his staff provides for —
(1) Reconnaissance and security.
(2) Liaison with higher headquarters and adjacent units.
(3) Timely dissemination of information and orders.
(4) Coordination of effort and cooperation by all units.
(5) Replacement of personnel and supplies.
6
RIFLE REGIMENT
11
b. With the assistance of his staff he studies possible con-
tingencies and formulates tentative plans to meet them. So
far as applicable to each of them, he makes these tentative
plans known to subordinate commanders.
c. During combat it is essential that the regimental com-
mander make reconnaissances and visits to his subordinate
commanders and the troops. Before he leaves the command
post, he orients his staff as the further plans to be made
or measures to be taken in anticipation of future contin-
gencies, and informs the staff of his itinerary and approxi-
mate schedule. In order to keep himself continuously in
touch with developments and to maintain control of the oper-
ation, he keeps in contact with his command post by radio,
telephone, or other available means of signal communication.
If he has occasion to issue orders while away from his com-
mand post, or if he acquires information affecting the
general situation, he informs his staff at the first opportunity.
7
12-13
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
CHAPTER 3
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AND STAFF
Paragraphs
Section I. General 12-17
II. Executive 18
III. Adjutant (S-l) 19-20
IV. Intelligence officer (S-2) 21-22
V. Plans and training officer (S-3) 23-24
VI. Supply officer (S-4) 25-26
VII. Personnel officer 27-28
VIII. Headquarters commandant 29-30
IX. Chaplain 31-32
X. Communication officer 33-34
XI. Gas officer 35-36
XII. Munitions officer 37-38
XIII. Transport officer 39-40
XIV. Maintenance officer 41-^12
XV. Antitank officer 43-44
XVI. Surgeon 45-46
XVII. Commanders of attached units 47-48
XVIII. Liaison officers 49-50
XIX. Estimate of the situation 51-53
XX. Combat orders 54-62
XXI. Staff records, reports, maps 63-68
XXII. Command post 69-76
Section I
GENERAL
■ 12. References. — The organization and functions of staffs
are prescribed in FM 101-5.
■ 13. Composition. — a. The regimental staff includes the unit
staff; the special staff; the commanders of attached units
having .no representative on the staff, such as artillery, tank,
or engineer units; and liaison officers.
b. The unit staff consists of —
(1) Executive. (See par. 18.)
(2) Adjutant (S-l) and assistant adjutant (personnel of-
ficer) . (See pars. 19, 20, 27, and 28.)
(3) Intelligence officer (S-2) . (See pars. 21 and 22.)
(4) Plans and training officer (S-3) . (See pars. 23 and 24.)
(5) Supply officer (S-4) (from the service company) . (See
pars. 25 and 26.)
c. The special staff consists of officers who command troops
, or are the heads of technical, supply, administrative, and
morale services. Their primary duties are to command their
8
RIFLE REGIMENT
13-15
troops or direct their services. They are consulted when
necessary on matters relating to their troops or services, but
they do not frequent the command post except when their
duties require. The officers who may be considered as mem-
bers of the special staff are —
(1) Headquarters commandant (company commander,
headquarters company). (See pars. 29 and 30.)
(2) Chaplain. (See pars. 31 and 32.)
(3) Communication officer (platoon leader, communication
platoon, headquarters company). (See pars. 33 and 34.)
(4) Gas officer (executive of headquarters company) . (See
pars. 35 and 36.)
(5) Munitions officer (from the service company) . (See
pars. 37 and 38.)
(6) Transport officer (from the service company). (See
pars. 39 and 40.)
(7) Maintenance officer (from the service company).
(See pars. 41 and 42.)
(8) Antitank officer (company commander, antitank com-
pany). (See pars. 43 and 44.)
(9) Surgeon (commanding medical detachment) . (See
pars. 45 and 46.)
■ 14. Organization of Regimental Headquarters for Com-
bat. — The unit staff is so organized that it can function con-
tinuously, day and night, throughout an operation. It * is
organized into two groups, each group capable of functioning
while the other group rests. The composition of these groups
is decided by the commander who takes into consideration
the personalities and capabilities of the members of his
staff. For example, he may put the executive and S-2 in
one group and S-3 and S-l in the other. The free or slack
hours of S-4 seldom are fixed. The executive or S-3 may be
designated to represent S-4 when he is resting. In certain
situations it may be practicable to have the service company
commander act as assistant S-4.
■ 15. Staff Officer. — o. A staff officer as such has no au-
thority to command" (FM 101-5). Whenever a staff officer
issues an order it is only to transmit the orders or desires of
the commander. If a particular order has not been specifically
authorized by his commander, the staff officer who issues it
must inform his commander without delay of its content.
9
15
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
b. The staff officer assists his commander in the exercise
of command, by relieving him of time-consuming and dis-
tracting details and presenting to him at the appropriate
times comprehensive pictures of the essential facts and, in
the light of those facts, feasible courses of action. He keeps
himself posted on the situation and is prepared to make
recommendations when they are called for, or voluntarily
when material changes in the situation indicate specific
recommendations.
c. The staff officer should be helpful to the commanders of
subordinate units and cultivate friendly relations with them.
He should consult them freely to determine the needs and
capabilities of their units and the problems confronting them.
He must visit the troops frequently to find out first-hand what
conditions exist and how regimental headquarters can be
of assistance. Before making a visit, the staff officer reports
to the intervening commanders, stating the object of the
visit. When he leaves he usually reports again, telling what
he has seen and what action he intends to take. In his
visits to lower units he should never assume the role of
critic. He should not infringe upon the responsibility of
subordinate commanders. However, he should offer sugges-
tions for corrective action when he observes matters at vari-
ance with the commander's known desires. He must be
meticulous in bringing about corrections through the com-
manders concerned and not by orders to individuals. Only
in emergencies should he resort to the latter procedure, and
should then report his action to the commander concerned.
d. In order to be able to make reconnaissances and visits
to the troops during combat, the staff officer must organize
and train his assistants so they can function in his absence.
It is often possible to have one of the other staff officers act
for him in his absence. Before he leaves the command post,
he acquaints himself with the general situation, the location
of all units, and the enemy situation. He announces his
destination and probable hour of return, and finds out what
he can do on the trip to help the other staff officers. On
visits to lower units he acquaints the commanders with the
general situation and finds out all he can of their particular
situation and knowledge of the enemy, and any other infor-
mation of value to headquarters.
10
RIFLE REGIMENT
16-18
■ 16. Staff Team. — Each member of the unit staff must be
trained to take over the duties of any other member. This
is essential in order to organize the staff for continuous oper-
ation and to replace staff officers who become casualties or
leave the command post for reconnaissances and visits. The
proper keeping of staff records (sec. XXI) by each staff sec-
tion will enable the relieving officer to inform himself quickly
of the situation in any staff section he may take over.
■ 17. Enlisted Personnel. — Enlisted personnel of regimental
headquarters comprise —
a. Certain members of the intelligence platoon of the head-
quarters company.
b. The regimental headquarters section of the communica-
tion platoon of the headquarters company.
c. Certain personnel from the regimental headquarters
platoon of the service company.
Section II
EXECUTIVE
■ 18. Duties. — a. The regimental executive is the principal
assistant to the regimental commander. In the temporary
absence of the commander, he makes such decisions as the
occasion demands based on the known wishes and policies of
the commander. In order to be able to do this, he must
keep abreast of the situation and be familiar with the com-
mander's plans. The executive should remain at the com-
mand post when the regimental commander is away. If he
too leaves the command post he designates the next senior
member of the unit staff to represent the commander.
b. The executive performs those duties delegated to him
by the commander, and in general those outlined for the
chief of staff in FM 101-5. He adapts himself to the role
assigned him by his particular commander. He relieves the
commander of details, particularly those of an administrative
nature. He sees that the commander is kept informed of
matters pertaining to the strength, morale, organization,
training, equipment, supply, and tactical situation of the
regiment. He brings to the commander's attention all mat-
ters requiring correction. He presents facts concisely with
appropriate recommendations. He amplifies decisions made
by the commander.
11
18-20
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
c. The executive coordinates the activities of the staff. He
sees that its members cooperate and exchange information.
He transmits the instructions and decisions that the com-
mander gives him. He examines the reports, plans, and
orders prepared by members of the staff for correctness, com-
pleteness, clarity, and brevity. He causes staff officers to
verify the execution of orders. He supervises the keeping of
the unit situation map (see par. 65) .
Section III
ADJUTANT (S-l)
■ 19. General. — a. The regimental adjutant is S-l on the
regimental staff, and is responsible for the work of the S-l
section when the entire section is together.
b. The S-l section is divided into the adjutant's group and
the personnel officer's group. The adjutant's group con-
sists of the adjutant, the regimental sergeant major, and
one or more clerks of the staff section of the service com-
pany. (For the personnel officer's group, see par. 27.)
■ 20. Duties. — a. The adjutant has duties similar to those
outlined in FM 101-5 for the adjutant general and for the
G-l, excluding those duties inapplicable to the infantry
regiment or charged to the personnel officer. In post or
camp the adjutant is assisted by the personnel officer, who
is designated assistant adjutant, but during combat the
personnel officer and his group are in the division or corps
rear echelon or in the regimental train bivouac, while the
adjutant and the regimental sergeant major with one or
more assistants are at the regimental command post.
b. Under field service conditions the specific duties of the
adjutant (S-l) may include —
(1) Securing replacements of personnel and making ar-
rangements for receiving, processing, assigning, and quarter-
ing them.
(2) Securing means for recreation and for maintaining
or building the morale of the unit. He works with the chap-
lain on religious, recreational, and welfare matters and he
supervises nonmilitary agencies.
(3) Taking measures to secure decorations, citations, hon-
ors, and awards as prescribed in regulations.
12
RIFLE REGIMENT
20
(4) Maintaining strength reports, casualty reports, pris-
oners of war reports, and reports relative to enemy civilians
(when applicable).
(5) Maintaining the unit journal (see sees. XXI and
XXII).
(6) Arranging the interior of the command post includ-
ing the allotting of space to the commander and staff sec-
tions, and supervising movements of the command post (see
c below).
(7) Allotting of space or areas for camps, bivouacs, or
other quarters of the regiment (see d below) .
(8) Supervising mail clerks and arranging for mail
distribution and collection.
c. The adjutant (S-l) normally is responsible for the
interior arrangement of the command post, and the head-
quarters commandant is responsible for the movement and
installation of command post impedimenta. If necessary
the headquarters commandant may also be charged with
the interior arrangement and S-l relieved of this duty.
d. Ordinarily the headquarters commandant is placed in
charge of quartering parties and quartering arrangements
in camp or bivouac (see pars. 30 and 143). Otherwise, S-l
is responsible for —
(1) Composition of quartering parties, their time and
place of reporting, rations and equipment to be taken, and
arrangements for occupying selected sites.
(2) Assignment of areas to subordinate units under gen-
eral instructions prepared by S-3.
(3) Arrangements for the comfort of troops, including
facilities obtainable from the local community.
e. S-l visits battalions and companies whenever neeessary
to obtain information relative to casualties, replacements
required, and the actual strength of units. He obtains data
relating to the foregoing from reports of subordinate units
received by S-3 and S-2. He keeps the commander informed
of the strength of the command.
/. S-l keeps in close touch with the tactical situation and
the activities of other staff officers, so that he may take over
their duties when necessary. (See also PM 101-5.)
13
21-22
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
Section TV
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (S-2)
■ 21. General. — a. The regimental intelligence officer is S-2
on the regimental staff and during tactical training and in
operations is commander of the intelligence platoon of the
regimental headquarters company.
b. S-2 is assisted in his staff duties by certain members of
the intelligence platoon. The remainder of the platoon
serves as the special intelligence agency of the regimental
commander for the collection of information under the
supervision of S-2. The platoon is also charged with
counterintelligence measures and surveillance.
c. For the doctrines governing combat intelligence, see
FM 100-5; for the general considerations and special aspects
of combat intelligence, see FM 30-5. For the operations of
S-2 and the regimental intelligence platoon, see FM 7-25.
■ 22. Duties. — The regimental intelligence officer has both
staff and command duties. These include —
a. Special training of regimental intelligence personnel,
and such supervision of intelligence and counterintelligence
instruction within the regiment as directed by the regimental
.commander.
b. Preparation of intelligence plans and of orders to in-
formation collecting agencies. (Orders to intelligence pla-
toon direct; to other units through S-3.)
c. Coordination of regimental information collecting
agencies. Maintenance of liaison and exchange of informa-
tion with intelligence agencies of subordinate, higher, and
neighboring units.
d. Recording, evaluating, and interpreting information;
and distributing information and military intelligence to the
commander, interested staff officers, and higher, subordinate,
and neighboring units.
e. Command of the intelligence platoon in tactical training
and in operations.
/. Examination of enemy personnel and captured docu-
ments and material for information of immediate importance
to the regiment.
fir. Procurement and issue of maps, aerial photographs, and
photomaps. He determines the needs of the regiment,
14
RIFLE REGIMENT
22-24
prepares requests to be sent to the division, and supervises
distribution.
h. General supervision of counterintelligence measures
within the regiment. (See also FM 101-5.)
Section V
PLANS AND TRAINING OFFICER (S-3)
■ 23. General. — a. The plans and training officer (S-3) is
concerned primarily with the training and tactical operations
of the regiment.
b. S-3 is assisted by an operations sergeant and clerical per-
sonnel from the staff section of the regimental headquarters
platoon of the service company. S-3 is responsible for the
training of his assistants. He trains them to keep the staff
records and situation map, to make operation maps, overlays,
and sketches, and to prepare routine paper work.
■ 24. Duties. — The duties of S-3 include —
a. Assembly of facts to assist the commander in his prepa-
ration of the estimate of the training situation.
b. Formulation of training plans for the regiment in accord-
ance with the commander's directive.
c. Preparation and coordination of plans for and super-
vision of —
(1) Allocation and use of training facilities.
(2) Organization and conduct of regimental schools.
(3) Allocation of equipment (coordination with S-4).
(4) Assignment of replacements (coordination with S-l).
(5) Troop movements (coordination with S-4 on matters
of transportation and supply).
(6) Distribution of troops in bivouac, assembly areas, and
in combat (coordination with other staff officers concerned) .
(7) Reconnaissance and security measures (coordination
with S-2).
d. Maintenance of training records and preparation of re-
ports of training.
e. Continuous study of the tactical situation and prepara-
tion of tactical plans (coordination with S-2 and S-4) .
/. Preparation of field orders and operation maps (coordi-
nation with other staff officers; see sec. XX) .
<7. Planning and supervision of liaison with higher, adjacent,
and subordinate units.
15
24-26
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
h. Posting of S-3 data on the situation map.
i. Preparation of tactical reports as required by the execu-
tive.
j. Supervision of signal communication and advance plan-
ning for special signal communication measures. (See also
PM 101-5.)
Section VI
SUPPLY OFFICER (S-4)
■ 25. General. — a. The regimental supply officer (S-4)
supervises the regimental supply service and is responsible to
the regimental commander for its functioning in accordance
with the orders of higher headquarters and the tactical plan
of the regiment. His duties require him to keep in close
touch with S-3 and the tactical situation, with the service
company, with subordinate commanders and the troops, with
the division G-A, and with all supply installations.
&. S-4 is assisted by certain members of the supply section
of the regimental headquarters platoon of the service com-
pany. These constitute the supply office group. S-4 super-
vises their training and operation.
c. The service company commander is the principal assist-
ant of S-4 in the execution of the regimental supply plan,
except for class V supply. He commands the regimental
train bivouac and operates from it. He is kept fully informed
of supply plans and uses the personnel and facilities of the
service company in their execution.
d. The munitions officer is assistant to S-4 in all matters
involving ammunition and other class V supply (see sec. XII) .
e. For details of supply operations, see FM 7-30.
■ 26. Duties. — The duties of S-4 include planning for and
supervising matters concerning the following:
o. Procurement, storage, transportation, and distribution
of all supplies except emergency medical supplies.
b. Location of supply, medical, and maintenance installa-
tions.
c. Maintenance of equipment.
d. Salvage (as directed by higher authority) .
e. Collection and disposal of captured supplies (coordina-
tion with S-2 for examination of material and with division
G-4 for disposition).
16
RIFLE REGIMENT
26-28
/. Evacuation of personnel.
g. Traffic control (coordination with S-3 and headquarters
commandant) .
h. Recommendations concerning protection of the regi-
mental train bivouac and other rear installations (coordi-
nation with S-3) .
i. Property responsibility and accountability.
j. Preparation of administrative plans, paragraph 4 of
written field orders, and fragmentary administrative orders
(see sec. XX) . (See also FM 101-5.)
Section VII
PERSONNEL OFFICER
■ 27. General. — a. The personnel officer heads the person-
nel officer's group of the S-l section. This group includes
the regimental personnel sergeant and designated clerks
from the staff section of the service company; it may include
one clerk from each company of the regiment. It maintains
the company and regimental records, reports, rosters, returns,
files, and correspondence prescribed by AR 345-5.
b. The personnel officer is designated as assistant adjutant.
In the field the personnel officer's group may be separated
from the regiment and located at the rear echelon of division
or corps headquarters; otherwise it operates in the regi-
mental train bivouac.
■ 28. Duties. — In general the personnel officer is charged
with the preparation, maintenance, and safekeeping of all
records, documents, correspondence, and statistics of a per-
sonnel and administrative nature that are not required to
be kept at the command posts of the companies, the bat-
talions, or the regiment (see AR 345-5) . He is responsible
under the adjutant for the administration of all company
and detachment personnel records of which the regimental
adjutant is custodian. (These do not include basic company
records retained by company commanders.) (See AR
345-5.) He is charged with the custody of company funds
when the companies go into combat or when in the opinion
of the regimental commander funds might be lost because
of casualties. He receipts for the funds and for all papers
pertaining to them. He has no authority to make disburse-
ments and returns the funds to the permanent custodians
17
28-31
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
when the situation permits. (See TM 12-250.) He is also
charged with the training of personnel to replace clerks
with the regimental staff.
Section VIII
HEADQUARTERS COMMANDANT
■ 29. General. — a. The commanding officer of headquarters
company is the headquarters commandant.
b. He is assisted by personnel of his company headquarters
group. The regimental color sergeants may be detailed for
duty under supervision of the headquarters commandant.
■ 30. Duties. — a. The duties of the headquarters comman-
dant include the following:
(1) Marking of routes and supervision of guides and ad-
vanced details for a march.
(2) Acting as quartering officer under, or in place of, S-l.
(3) Supervision of the physical movement of the com-
mand post, and furnishing the necessary men and transpor-
tation from company headquarters.
(4) Supervision of the messing and quartering of command
post personnel.
(5) Provision for the security of the command post in
combat, using available personnel of his company headquar-
ters and such combat troops as may be detailed for the
purpose.
(6) Provision for the concealment of the command post
from ground and air observation (see sec. XXII) .
(7) Enforcement of traffic control regulations within the
regimental area-
(8) Custody and evacuation of prisoners of war; selection
of regimental prisoner-of-war collecting point (coordination
with S-2).
(9) Custody and return of stragglers to organizations.
b. Some of the duties listed in a above may be performed
by S-l, and some of the duties normally charged to S-l may
be assigned to the headquarters commandant (see par. 20).
Section IX
CHAPLAIN
■ 31. General. — The chaplain is adviser to the commander
and staff on all matters dealing with the spiritual and moral
welfare of the command.
18
RIFLE REGIMENT
32-34
■ 32. Duties. — The duties of the chaplain are outlined in
PM 101-5 and are more specifically covered in AR 60-5 and
in TM 16-205.
Section X
COMMUNICATION OFFICER
■ 33. General. — a. The commander of the communication
platoon of headquarters company is the regimental communi-
cation officer. As a special staff officer he is adviser to the
regimental commander and staff on matters of signal com-
munication technique. He prepares the plans and recom-
mendations for the regimental communication system. As
commander of the communication platoon and of the regi-
mental section of the platoon, he is charged with establishing,
operating, and maintaining the regimental communication
system.
b. The regimental commander is responsible for the in-
stallation, operation, and maintenance of the regimental com-
munication system, and for supervision of the systems of his
battalions in accordance with signal operation instructions of
higher units. His orders for the tactical employment of the
regiment include provisions for signal communication. He
usually exercises his control of signal communication and
supervision of the communication officer through S-3. S-3
sees that the technical plan of signal communication fits and
serves the tactical plan of operations.
■ 34. Duties. — a. In addition to his normal duties of com-
mand of the communication platoon and direction of the oper-
ations of the regimental section, the regimental communica-
tion officer has the following staff duties:
(1) Such supervision of the technical training of com-
munication personnel throughout the regiment as may be
delegated to him by the commander.
(2) Technical advice and assistance to S-4 regarding the
supply of signal communication material for the regiment.
(3) Plans and recommendations for establishing a system
of signal communication throughout the regiment during
combat and technical supervision of the system to insure
maximum coordination within the regiment and between it
and the systems of adjacent, supporting, attached, and higher
units.
19
34-36
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(4) Recommendations for the initial and successive loca-
tions of the command post of his own unit, if these have not
been prescribed by higher authority, and for the next sub-
ordinate units when practicable.
(5) In combat, preparing or securing from higher head-
quarters such orders and signal operation instructions as
may be needed to insure tactical and technical control of the
signal communication system of his unit. Distribution of
such orders and signal operation instructions throughout his
unit.
(6) Recommendations for procurement and replacement
of signal communication personnel.
b. For the detailed duties of the communication officer in
combat, and for the manner of performing these duties, see
FM 7-25.
Section XI
GAS OFFICER
■ 35. General. — The executive officer of headquarters com-
pany is the regimental gas officer. He is adviser to the regi-
mental commander and staff in all matters involving the
use of gas and smoke and the defense against chemicals
(see FM 21-40) .
■ 36. Duties. — The duties of the gas officer include the fol-
lowing:
a. Recommendation to S-4 concerning the supply of chem-
ical munitions and antichemical protective equipment.
b. Supervision and coordination of gas defense training in
the regiment and periodic inspections of gas defense equip-
ment.
c. Supervision of the installation and maintenance of gas
defense measures.
d. Supervision of the use of decontaminating agents.
e. Supervision of gas reconnaissance of routes and areas
before their use by troops.
/. Recommendations concerning the use of chemicals and
smoke.
g. Recommendations for standing orders concerning gas
defense measures.
h. Study of types and characteristics of chemicals and
chemical equipment used by the enemy, and his methods of
employing them.
20
RIFLE REGIMENT
37-39
Section XII
MUNITIONS OFFICER
■ 37. General. — The regimental munitions officer is a mem-
ber of the service company and an assistant of S-4.
■ 38. Duties. — a. The munitions officer's duties in combat
include —
(1) Procuring ammunition and other class V items from
the supply point designated by higher headquarters and dis-
tributing them to battalions and other combat units in
accordance with the approved plan and unit needs.
(2) Establishing, operating, and moving the regimental
ammunition distributing point.
(3) Keeping informed of the ammunition needs of sub-
ordinate units.
(4) Keeping ammunition records and preparing ammuni-
tion reports required by the regiment.
(5) Commanding elements of the regimental ammunition
train not released to lower units.
b. The detailed procedure of ammunition supply is cov-
ered in FM 7-30.
Section xm
TRANSPORT OFFICER
■ 39. General. — a. The commander of the transportation
platoon of the service company is the regimental transport
officer. The personnel and vehicles of his platoon, together
with the medical detachment vehicles and their operating
personnel, constitute the regimental train; the vehicles of
his platoon comprise the supply and maintenance transpor-
tation of the regiment (for composition and use, see FM
7-30).
b. The transport officer must be qualified through train-
ing and experience to direct the supply and maintenance
operations of the transportation platoon and to advise the
regimental commander, his staff, and subordinate com-
manders in technical aspects of automotive operations and
maintenance.
c. The transport officer usually performs his duties under
the direct supervision of the service company commander,
21
39-41
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
who receives orders from the regimental supply officer
(S-4) relating to supply and maintenance missions for the
service company.
■ 40. Duties. — a. In general, the transport officer has the
normal duties of a platoon commander. He commands those
parts of his platoon which are not released to the control of
the munitions officer or to subordinate units. He employs
elements of his platoon as directed by the service company
commander to procure and distribute supplies and perform
second echelon maintenance on motor vehicles of the regi-
ment. He assists the service company commander in the
establishment, defense, and operation of the regimental
train bivouac.
b. For details of his duties in connection with motor
maintenance, see PM 25-10. Certain of the duties prescribed
in that manual for the motor officer (transport officer) may
properly be delegated to the maintenance officer (see par.
42).
Section XIV
MAINTENANCE OFFICER
■ 41. General. — a. Motor operations and maintenance are
functions of command. Continuous and efficient operations
require that all command personnel give to maintenance
activities the necessary time and effort to obtain desired
results. Although a regimental commander may properly
delegate authority to his subordinates, considerable personal
and active control on the part of the commander is necessary
to maintain vehicles in a high state of operating efficiency.
b. The commander of the maintenance section of the
transportation platoon of the service company is the regi-
mental maintenance officer. He is responsible to the trans-
port officer (commander of the transportation platoon) for
the operations of the maintenance section. He must be
qualified through training and experience to supervise motor
maintenance operations and to advise his superiors and
unit commanders regarding maintenance matters and the
condition of vehicles in the regiment.
c. The maintenance section is charged with performing
second echelon motor maintenance for all units of the regi-
ment, except such second echelon maintenance as can be
22
RIFLE REGIMENT
41-44
performed in the companies having assigned motor
mechanics.
d. Second echelon maintenance embraces preventive
maintenance adjustments, minor repairs, and unit replace-
ments within the limits of the time available, utilizing hand
tools and light portable equipment authorized in Tables of
Basic Allowances.
e. For details of automotive maintenance, methods, and
procedure, see FM 7-30 and 25-10.
■ 42. Duties. — The specific duties of the maintenance offi-
cer are prescribed by his unit commander. Details of the
duties he must perform in connection with maintenance are
contained in FM 25-10 under the duties of the motor officer
and maintenance procedure. Certain of the motor officer's
duties pertain to the transport officer and others to the
maintenance officer. An appropriate division is made by the
service company commander.
Section XV
ANTITANK OFFICER
■ 43. General. — The company commander of the regimental
antitank company is the antitank officer. He advises the
regimental commander and staff on matters pertaining to
defense against armored vehicles. He maintains close con-
tact with S-3; he may submit his recommendations through
S-3 and usually receives the commander's orders through S-3.
■ 44. Duties. — The duties of the antitank officer include —
a. Recommendations for the antimechanized defense of
the regiment to include procurement and use of antitank
mines and the location and construction of antitank ob-
stacles.
b. Establishment and supervision of antimechanized warn-
ing system in coordination with the regimental S-2 and the
communication officer, and coordination of this system with
the observation system of supporting artillery, and with
similar systems in adjacent and higher units.
c. Execution of missions assigned to regimental antitank
company.
d. Coordination of all antimechanized activities within the
regimental area and coordination of these activities with the
measures taken by higher and adjacent units.
23
45-46
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
Section XVI
SURGEON
■ 45. General. — a. The regimental surgeon commands the
regimental medical detachment and supervises the medical
service of the regiment. He advises the regimental com-
mander and staff on all matters pertaining to the health of
the command and the sanitation of the regimental area;
the training of all troops in military sanitation and first aid;
the location and operation of medical establishments and the
evacuation service.
b. For the duties and operations of the medical detach-
ment and the evacuation service, see PM 7-30 and 8-10. For
military sanitation and first aid, see FM 21-10; for field
sanitation, FM 8-40. For records of sick and wounded, see
FM 8-45; for medical reference data, FM 8-55.
■ 46. Ditties. — a. The regimental surgeon performs the
following duties:
(1) He supervises the instruction of the regiment in per-
sonal hygiene, military sanitation, and first aid.
(2) He makes medical and sanitary inspections and keeps
the regimental commander informed of the medical situation
in the regiment.
(3) He establishes and operates the regimental dis-
pensary and supervises the operation of battalion dis-
pensaries.
(4) He requisitions for medical and dental supplies and
equipment required by the medical detachment.
(5) He prepares the medical plan, including recommenda-
tion for the location of the regimental aid station.
(6) He arranges with the division surgeon for the evacu-
ation of casualties from aid stations.
(7) He verifies the status of medical supplies in all units
of the regiment and takes steps to insure timely replenish-
ment.
(8) He supervises the collection and evacuation of
wounded.
(9) He supervises the preparation of casualty lists and
other required records pertaining to the medical service.
b. Detailed duties of the surgeon are contained in Army
Regulations and in FM 8-10.
24
RIFLE REGIMENT
47-52
Section XVTI
COMMANDERS OP ATTACHED UNITS
■ 47. General. — Commanders of attached units are advisers
to the regimental commander and staff on matters pertain-
ing to employment of their units.
■ 48. Duties. — The staff duties of commanders of attached
units include —
a. Submitting plans and recommendations to the regi-
mental commander and staff for the tactical employment of
their units.
b. Assisting S-3 in the preparation of the parts of the
field order which concern their units.
c. Keeping the commander and staff advised of* the com-
bat capabilities of their units.
Section XVIII
LIAISON OFFICERS
■ 49. General. — Liaison officers are officers sent to or re-
ceived from other units for the purpose of promoting coopera-
tion and coordination by personal contact.
■ 50. Duties. — A liaison officer represents his commander at
the command post to which he is sent. For detailed duties,
see FM 100-5 and 101-5.
Section XIX
ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION
■ 51. General. — The estimate of the situation is a logical
process of reasoning by which a commander considers all
available data affecting the military situation and arrives
at a decision as to a course of action, including the expression
of his decision.
■ 52. Estimate and Decision. — a. General. — The form for an
estimate of the situation is described in FM 101-5.
b. Use of form for estimate of the situation. — Seldom will
the regimental commander have time to write out an estimate
of the situation. However he should accustom himself to
thinking logically to a sound decision whenever he makes
a mental estimate of any situation. To this end he should
25
52-55
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
be familiar with the form given in FM 101-5 and with the
essential factors to be considered in making an estimate of
a tactical situation.
■ 53. Continuing Estimate. — The regimental commander,
assisted by his staff, must make a continuous estimate of the
situation throughout an operation. He may make a partial
decision and plan, and as the situation develops, complete
them. With each change in the situation he must revise his
estimate and decide whether to change or continue his line
of action. He and his staff must be constantly thinking ahead
and making plans for future operations and for contingent
situations that may develop, so that orders may be issued
promptly when any plan must be put into effect.
Section XX
COMBAT ORDERS
■ 54. Preparation of Orders. — a. After arriving at a decision,
the regimental commander may call upon members of his
staff for additional recommendations or information needed
to prepare the orders for the operation.
b. Orders must be clear and explicit and as brief as is
consistent with clarity; short sentences are easily understood.
Clarity is more important than technique. Detailed instruc-
tions for a variety of contingencies or prescriptions that are
a matter of training are avoided. Trivial, meaningless, or
bombastic expressions weaken the force of an order.
c. Orders should prescribe only so far as conditions can be
foreseen. Orders which attempt to regulate matters too far
in the future result in frequent changes.
d. The orders of the regimental commander should not be
mere repetitions of those from higher authority with required
additions; new orders are more satisfactory.
e. For the technique employed in the preparation of field
orders, see FM 101-5.
■ 55. Types of Orders and Their Issue. — a. Combat orders
are classified as field orders, administrative orders, and letters
of instruction. Letters of instruction deal with the strategical
phases of operations of large units and regulate operations
over a large area for a considerable period of time. Signal
operation instructions are a form of combat orders issued
26
RIFLE REGIMENT
55-56
by division or higher commanders for the technical control
and coordination of signal agencies. The regimental com-
mander issues administrative instructions in paragraph 4 of
his field order or separately in fragmentary form.
b. The regimental commander issues field orders to direct
operations or to warn his command of impending operations
(warning orders) . He may issue written, dictated, or oral
field orders in complete or fragmentary form. For details of
the form and content of field orders, see FM 101-5.
c. The form of the order and method of issue are deter-
mined by the regimental commander when he makes his de-
cision. Principally he considers the time available for orders
to reach all the lower units before action is to be initiated.
Also he considers the training and experience of subordinate
commanders and their units; the location and dispersion of
units at the moment; their situation with regard to the enemy;
the means of signal communication that can be used; and the
routes, weather, and enemy capabilities. He issues orders
to subordinate commanders so that they can make recon-
naissances and prepare plans while their units are moving
forward. In mobile situations he rarely has time to prepare
and issue complete written field orders, but usually must issue
oral or fragmentary orders. In some situations he may direct
that fragmentary orders be issued to initiate necessary action
and that more complete orders be prepared for later issue.
d. Field orders are issued direct to subordinate commanders
or their representatives, or are delivered to them by staff
or liaison officers or special messengers. Fragmentary orders
are often transmitted by wire, radio, or visual means of signal
communication.
■ 56. Oral Orders. — a. Receipt of oral order. — When the regi-
mental commander receives an oral order, he takes the notes
necessary to outline his mission and to assist him in planning
his own order. His stenographer, if present, records the entire
order. The commander's notes must be sufficiently clear and
comprehensive to permit his successor to understand the as-
signed mission should the commander become a casualty.
b. Preparation for issue. — (1) Having received his orders
from higher headquarters or being confronted with a situa-
tion which requires action that will further the plan of the
higher commander, ihe regimental commander makes his de-
27
56-58
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
cisions and formulates his general plan. He discusses details
with the staff and prepares brief notes for his oral order
to insure inclusion of all items to be covered. Where time
permits he may issue a directive to his staff as a basis for
preparing the substance of his order. A complete oral order
follows the sequence for the complete written order prescribed
in PM 101-5.
(2) When time and the tactical situation permit the as-
sembly of subordinate commanders, they are advised, as early
as practicable, of the time and place of issue. The place
of issue preferably is one from which much of the field of
operations is visible, but areas exposed to hostile fire are
avoided. If subordinates are unfamiliar with the terrain,
the regimental commander or one of his staff orients the
group on the ground and on the map before the order is
issued. Those terrain features involved in the order which
can be seen are pointed out. The friendly and hostile situ-
ations are described at this time.
c. Issue. — After this orientation, the regimental commander
directs his subordinates to take notes and issues his oral
order. Much of the data in the order may be placed by
subordinates on their own maps if no operation map is furn-
ished them. The commander uses clear, concise language
and speaks slowly enough to permit subordinates to under-
stand his instructions and take such notes as may be neces-
sary. After he completes his order, he invites questions, and
answers them patiently and thoroughly. When he is sure
of mutual understanding, he announces the time and has
watches synchronized. Whenever feasible a stenographer
records the orders or S-3 makes notes, so that a record of
the order may be entered in the journal and confirming copies
may be issued.
■ 57. Dictated Orders. — The receiver of a dictated order
copies the order verbatim. In all other respects the dictated
order is similar to the oral order. Like an oral order, it may
be complete or fragmentary.
■ 58. Written Orders. — a. Written orders are issued in com-
plete or fragmentary form. The complete written order is
described in detail in PM 101-5. Complete written orders
are accurate, give detailed information, and lessen the chances
28
RIFLE REGIMENT
58-61
of misunderstanding. However, time may not permit the
preparation of the complete written order. The regimental
commander will frequently use written fragmentary field
orders. When practicable, written confirming orders may be
prepared during or after the issue of oral orders and dis-
tributed to those concerned at the earliest opportunity.
b. In the preparation of complete written orders (or of
notes for complete oral or dictated orders) the staff operates
as follows:
(1) The executive coordinates the work.
(2) S-l and S-4 prepare paragraph 4.
(3) S-2 prepares paragraph la.
(4) S-3 prepares the remaining paragraphs and assembles
the entire order. He may require the communication officer
to submit recommendations for the contents of paragraph 5.
■ 59. Warning Orders. — Warning orders give preliminary no-
tice of contemplated action and enable subordinates to make
necessary preparations. The warning order should be brief
and contain only enough information to permit making prep-
aration for executing the detailed order which is to follow.
■ 60. Fragmentary Orders. — a. Fragmentary orders are
orders to one or more subordinate units affecting one or more
phases of an operation. Operation maps, sketches, or over-
lays having brief instructions written on them may accom-
pany fragmentary orders, or may themselves be the orders.
b. The regimental commander issues fragmentary orders
when speed in delivery and- execution are imperative. He
may issue them orally in person, direct a staff officer to issue
them orally, or have them sent as messages.
c. In fragmentary orders adequate information must be
included regarding the action of units other than the par-
ticular one(s) to which the orders are issued.
1 ■ 61. Operation Map. — a. The operation map is a graphic
presentation of all or parts of a field order. Little written
matter is put on an operation map, other than brief notes
and the heading and authentication. Detailed instructions
that cannot be shown graphically are put into the oral or
written part of the order. The operation map should pre-
sent a clear picture. FM 101-5 gives examples of the items
which may be placed on the operation map.
435758°— 42 2 29
61-62
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
b. When practicable the regimental commander issues
some form of operation map. It may be only a rough sketch
or an overlay. The operation map should simplify and
clarify the tactical plan for subordinate commanders and
serve to shorten the order. Sufficient copies are reproduced
to furnish one to each unit concerned. S-3 is charged with
the preparation and issue of operation maps. At least one
of his assistants is trained to prepare and reproduce them.
■ 62. Standing Operating Procedure. — a. Standing operat-
ing procedure is routine procedure prescribed to be carried
out in the absence of orders to the contrary. In the stand-
ing operating procedure of a unit are included standing pro-
cedures for those tactical and administrative features of
operations that lend themselves to routine or standardized
procedure without loss of effectiveness. A standing operat-
ing procedure helps to simplify and abbreviate combat orders,
expedite operations, and promote teamwork. It is published
as an order and governs except when specified otherwise.
b. Each regiment develops its own standing operating pro-
cedure conforming to that established by the next higher
unit. In effect, the standing operating procedure of a regi-
ment is largely an outgrowth of its training as a team com-
bined with the policies and methods of its commander and of
the next higher commander. To be effective, it must be
revised from time to time. (See EM 7-55.)
c. Among the matters that lend themselves to inclusion in
standing operating procedures are the following:
(1) Composition of combat teams (including attached
units) .
(2) Composition of motorized detachments, motorized re-
connaissance detachments, and motorized patrols.
(3) Responsibility of subordinate units for security against
ground and air attack; protection of flanks.
(4) Liaison personnel to be detailed by subordinate units,
the occasions when they will report, and places to which
they will report.
(5) Employment of signal communication agencies, in-
cluding provisions for matters such as radio secrecy, special
codes, and the use of clear text.
(6) The security and interior arrangement of the com-
mand post.
30
RIFLE REGIMENT
62-65
(7) Certain features of intelligence operations. (See
FM 7-25.)
(8) Command post procedure.
(9) Instructions relative to marches, such as formations,
halts, liaison, and periodic reports.
(10) Quartering parties — including composition and
duties.
(11) Traffic control measures.
(12) Certain features of administrative operations. ,
d. Speed of movement in modern warfare demands a
high degree of flexibility and initiative to meet rapidly
changing situations, and a commander must not permit a
standing operating procedure to standardise the tactical
operations of his troops or narrow the scope of their training.
Section XXI
STAFF RECORDS, REPORTS, MAPS
■ 63. General. — Staff records should make information
readily available; form a basis for reports and historical
record; and enable any member of the staff to orient himself
quickly concerning the situation of any other staff section
he may take over. To enable the staff to function in rapidly
moving situations, in the field, at night with little or no
light, and under adverse weather conditions, staff records
must be reduced to the simplest form and fewest number
consistent with the purposes outlined above.
■ 64. Journal. — A form for a journal and a description of
its use are contained in FM 101-5. The regimental head-
quarters keeps one unit journal. It is kept under the
supervision of S-l.
■ 65. Unit Situation Map. — a. The unit situation map is
a graphic record of the tactical and administrative situation
of the unit at any time. The regimental situation map is
also a graphic record of known information of the enemy
situation. It should not be confused with an operation map
(see pars. 55 and 61). In the regimental headquarters the
unit situation map is usually maintained by S-3 under the
supervision of the executive. It is placed where it is con-
veniently accessible to the commander and members of the
staff, usually in that part of the command post occupied
by S-2 and S-3.
31
65-67
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
b. Military symbols prescribed in PM 21-30 are used on
the situation map. Entries are removed as they become
obsolete so that the situation map is always up to date. The
map may show, as far as they are known, such items as
friendly and enemy forces in contact, their supporting troops,
assembly areas, obstacles, supply establishments, artillery,
observation posts, command posts, and boundaries. Other
important information that can be shown graphically may
also be entered. When appropriate, the time of origin of
the information concerning an item should be entered.
c. Copies or overlay tracings of the map as it stands at
the close of given periods may be prepared to accompany
unit reports.
d. When a map becomes so marked or worn as to be un-
serviceable, it is replaced by a new one to which pertinent
data are transferred from the old map. The old map is
:flled as a record.
e. The map may be covered with tracing paper or a sheet
of transparent cellulose plastic, so that symbols and notes
can easily be entered over points on the map and subse-
quently erased or revised without obliterating topographic
details on the map. The use of such a covering sheet also
facilitates transfer to the map of information received in
the form of overlay, and protects the map against the
weather.
■ 66. Work Sheets. — Each unit staff officer of the regi-
ment keeps a work sheet. There is no prescribed form for
a work sheet. Any notebook or pad of paper will suffice. In
it are entered information and data which are pertinent to
the staff section concerned and which are not suitable for
entry on the situation map. Data put on the map may also
be noted in the work sheet if desirable. The work sheet
should be divided into sections, the headings of which are the
subjects the staff officer will cover in his part of the unit
report described in paragraph 67. Items of information no
longer needed are crossed out or torn out of the work sheet.
By reference to his work sheet and the unit situation map
a staff officer should be able to furnish at any time any infor-
mation called for.
« 67. Unit Report. — A form for a unit report and instruc-
tions concerning it are contained in FM 101-5. It is pre-
32
RIFLE REGIMENT
67-71
pared under the supervision of the executive. Members of
the staff furnish material to be included under topics per-
taining to their staff functions. The report may be rendered
by personal conference, by telephone or telegraph, or in writ-
ing. When the report is rendered by personal conference or
in writing it should be accompanied by a situation map,
overlay, or sketch.
■ 68. Maps, Overlays, and Sketches. — Maps, overlays, or
sketches showing graphically the situation of the regiment as
of a particular time are a valuable aid in shortening and
clarifying unit reports sent to higher headquarters, and in
clarifying the situation for the regimental commander, staff,
and subordinates. Maps, overlays, and sketches are also
valuable and simple means which reconnaissance and security
detachments and companies and battalions should use to ad-
vise the next higher headquarters of their situation and of
information of the enemy. Clerical personnel in each in-
fantry headquarters are trained to prepare these graphical
reports.
Section XXII
COMMAND POST
■ 69. References. — For duties of personnel, and installations
of the regimental headquarters company at the regimental
command post, see PM 7-25.
■ 70. General. — In the field the headquarters of the regi-
ment and of its subordinate units are called command posts.
All agencies of signal communication center at the command
post. The regimental commander, the unit staff, and such
special staff officers as are required by the commander (usually
the headquarters commandant, the communication officer,
gas officer, surgeon, and liaison personnel) constitute the com-
mand group that operates at and from the regimental
command post.
■ 71. Organization. — The command post is organized to
furnish space and facilities for the commander, each staff
section, communication agencies, and such special staff and
liaison officers and enlisted personnel as must be present.
The command post should be concealed from air observation.
The larger installations at the command post should be sepa-
33
71-72
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
rated to avoid destruction of more than one by a single shell
or bomb; preferably the distances between them should be
from 35 to 50 yards.
■ 72. Location. — a. During tactical marches the regimental
command group usually moves by motor near the head of
the main body of the regiment. The number of vehicles is
held to a minimum; those not necessary for command pur-
poses move at the head of the regimental motor echelon. Part
of the regimental communication personnel march near the
command group, prepared to furnish signal communication.
The command group and accompanying signal communica-
tion agencies constitute a march command post.
b. If not prescribed by higher authority, the location of
the regimental command post during combat is prescribed
by the regimental commander. Recommendations for its lo-
cation are made to the commander by S-3 following
consultation with the communication officer.
c. The command post is so located as to facilitate control
of the regiment. Other considerations, that influence the lo-
cation of the command post are: type of tactical operation
involved (attack, defense) ; routes of communication and dis-
tance to subordinate units; routes of communication to
higher headquarters; cover and concealment; closeness to good
observation; and obstacles to mechanized attack. Entrances
to towns and villages, crossroads, and other places which at-
tract enemy fire are avoided. An alternate location is se-
lected to which the command post can move if necessary.
In the attack the initial locations of infantry command posts
are well forward in order to avoid early displacement. In
wooded or rolling terrain, command posts can usually be
located farther forward than in terrain which offers less
cover and concealment. In defensive situations they are
generally located in the rear part of their respective areas in
order to avoid displacement in the event of a local enemy
penetration.
d. The command post should be designated by reference to
some terrain feature easily located on the ground and on the
map. At this point markers or guides are posted to direct
personnel to the exact location.
e. S-l (or the headquarters commandant) , accompanied
when practicable by the communication officer, selects the
34
RIFLE REGIMENT
72-75
exact site of the command post in the general vicinity of the
designated point.
■ 73. Establishment. — Having selected the exact site, S-l
(or the headquarters commandant) determines the interior
arrangement. He designates the space or area to be occupied
by the commander, executive, and each staff section. He
coordinates the locations of other activities. Usually the regi-
mental commander and executive are placed near each other
as also are S-2 and S-3, and S-l and S-4. The headquar-
ters commandant supervises the movement and setting up of
command post equipment. The communication officer directs
the installation of communication facilities. Installations are
dispersed. Arrangements are made to park motor vehicles
in a concealed location whose detection from the air will not
disclose the command post. Tents are pitched only at night
or when concealment is assured. Sentries are posted to en-
force orders relative to camouflage and concealment.
■ 74. Operation. — a. The command post is organized for con-
tinuous operation and to insure the necessary rest for person-
nel. Staff officers relieve each other and the regimental
commander as necessary. Enlisted personnel work in shifts.
b. All incoming messengers go first to the message center.
Messages delivered by scheduled messengers are receipted
for at the message center and turned over to the sergeant
major, who represents the addressee. All other messages are
delivered direct to the sergeant major. He supervises the
delivery of all messages to addressees, their circulation to in-
terested staff officers, and their return for entry in the unit
journal. Staff 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 for entry in the unit journal.
d. Each officer is responsible that a synopsis of each mes-
sage or order sent or received by him orally, or by telephone or
radiotelephone, is sent to the unit journal.
■ 75. Displacement. — a. When it appears that the command
post may have to move, S-3 confers with the communication
officer and submits recommendations to the regimental com-
mander. The commander prescribes the new command post
location and at the proper time orders the movement made.
35
75-76
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
The movement must be anticipated and reconnaissance and
installations made in time to permit its accomplishment at
the desired time. A procedure similar to the following is
customary. S-l (or the headquarters commandant) goes
to the new location accompanied by guides and the com-
munication officer with personnel of the communication pla-
toon. He selects the exact site and determines the location
of the various installations as indicated in paragraph 73,
and the communication officer has signal communication
means installed. S-l then instructs and posts guides to meet
the incoming personnel and vehicles and direct them to their
places. When signal communication is operating at the new
command post, the remainder of the command group moves
to the site.
b. A staff officer remains at the old location with enough
communication personnel to operate the agencies of signal
communication and to close these agencies when they are no
longer required.
c. When the command group arrives at the new location,
signal communication is closed at the old location. All per-
sonnel left behind go to the new location, except a guide
left to direct messengers.
■ 76. Security. — The headquarters commandant is respon-
sible for the security of the command post. He is responsible
for the camouflage and concealment of installations and ve-
hicles and the enforcement of concealment discipline. He
makes plans for alerting command post personnel. When the
situation is such that additional troops are needed to protect
the command post, he arranges with S-3 to have them de-
tailed. Hasty entrenchments are dug at the command post
to provide individual protection against air and mechanized
attack.
36
RIFLE REGIMENT
77-79
CHAPTER 4
TROOP MOVEMENTS AND BIVOUACS
Paragraphs
Section I. General.
. 77-81
.. 82-88
. 89-106
107-111
112-131
132-139
140-147
II. March technique-
Ill. Day marches
IV. Night marches
V. Motor movements.
VI. Rail movements..
VII. Bivouacs
Section I
GENERAL
■ 77. References. — For the fundamental doctrines govern-
ing troop movements, see FM 100-5. For technical and lo-
gistical data pertaining to troop movements, see FM 101-10
and 7-55. 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 FM 21-10. For forms for
march orders, see FM 101-5.
■ 78. Types of Movements. — a. Troop movements are made
by marching, by motor transport, by rail, by water, by air,
and by various combinations of these methods. This chap-
ter deals with movements of the infantry rifle regiment made
by marching, by motor, and by rail. For movements by air,
see FM 100-5.
b. All marches in the combat zone are classed as tactical.
While the comfort and convenience of the troops are con-
sidered in such marches., the tactical situation necessarily
governs.
■ 79. Training. — a. The ability of a command to achieve
decisive results on the battlefield depends in large measure
upon the marching capacity of the troops. While mechani-
cal means of transport are employed extensively for troop
movements, sustained mobility in or near the battlefield re-
quires that all troops be thoroughly conditioned to march
exertions; therefore, from the first days of training, ad-
vantage is taken of every opportunity to condition troops for
marching.
b. The regiment will be trained to the point where it can
average on foot 15 to 20 miles a day without excessive fatigue
37
79-80
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
and, under favorable circumstances, march 30 to 35 miles in
24 hours and be fit for battle at the termination of the
march.
c. The regimental staff will be trained in the tactical, tech-
nical, and logistical procedures concerning marches as pre-
scribed in this manual and in those pertinent references
cited in paragraph 77.
■ 80. Preparatory Measures. — a. Warning order. — A warning
order for a march is issued by the regimental commander as
early as possible in order to afford subordinate units the
maximum opportunity for preparation. The warning order
should include information that a march is to be made, how
it is to be made, and the approximate time it will start.
Any other pertinent information that is available, that can be
issued quickly, and that does not conflict with secrecy require-
ments may also be included. Units charged with missions
that require special planning or reconnaissance should receive
a more detailed warning order.
b. Inspections. — Inspections of personnel and equipment to
determine their fitness is an important precaution taken by
the commanders of small units prior to a movement.
c. Reconnaissance. — (1) The route of march is reconnoi-
tered and, when necessary and time and the tactical situation
permit, is marked. Reconnaissance parties are kept to the
minimum. Vehicles move individually at extended distances.
Reconnaissance parties are charged particularly with securing
information covering the following matters:
(a) Type and condition of the road and cross-country
routes.
(b) Condition of bridges, culverts, and fords.
(c) Obstacles, defiles, and bypasses around them.
(.d) Road blocks, barriers, mines, and other enemy devices
affecting the route,
(e) Alternate routes.
(/) Points at which direction is likely to be lost.
(g) Points of probable traffic danger or interference.
Qi) Location of halt sites.
(2) The regimental commander's order to reconnaissance
elements includes such of the following points as are not cov-
ered in standing operating procedure:
(a) Brief statement of situation which requires the recon-
naissance.
38
RIFLE REGIMENT
80
(6) Mission of reconnaissance party, including routes or
area to be reconnoitered, the exact extent and nature of the
information to be obtained, and the form of report desired.
(c) Personnel, transport, and equipment available for the
reconnaissance.
(d) Maximum loads expected, maximum over-all lengths,
widths, and heights of vehicles when loaded, and minimum
turning requirements.
(e) Time and place, report is to be submitted.
d. Traffic control. — In addition to stationary traffic control
posts, at critical points en route, control is exercised by per-
sonnel who station themselves at successive critical points as
directed. The amount of traffic control required is dependent
upon the nature of the route and the traffic control measures
provided by higher authority. For details, see FM 25-10.
e. Pioneer work. — Unless provided by higher authority, route
repair and other essential pioneer work is undertaken by the
regiment with attached engineers or its organic pioneer
elements. Engineers or pioneers should accompany the re-
connaissance party. For details of pioneer work, see FM
25-10.
/. Trail party. — Arrangements are made for a trail party
commanded by a trail officer. This party moves at the rear
of the motor column or under certain circumstances at the
tail of each motor serial. (See sec. V.) The trail party
includes such personnel and vehicles as are necessary to assist
the trail officer in the performance of the following duties:
(1) Dispatching of individual vehicles or motor march units
from the initial point (IP) .
(2) Reporting or, where necessary, taking action to correct
infractions of discipline.
(3) Preventing unauthorized passing of the column from
the rear.
(4) When the column halts, placing necessary guards, flags,
or lights to warn traffic approaching from the rear.
(5) Picking up guides, traffic control personnel, and
markers.
g. Quartering party. — Provisions are also made for a quar-
tering party whose functions are to subdivide the bivouac
area and to facilitate the movement of components of the
regiment into their assigned locations by posting guides and
marking routes. (See par. 143.)
39
80-82
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
h. Supply, evacuation, and maintenance. — Arrangements
must be thorough for supply, evacuation, and maintenance
prior to, during, and at the termination of the movement.
i. March order. — The march order for the regiment may be
either written or oral. (See pars. 56 to 61.) Routine de-
tails should be covered in standing operating procedure. The
order must be issued in ample time to permit the necessary
preparations by battalion and separate unit commanders.
It may be supplemented by a march graph, a march table,
or an operation map. For the form for a march order, see
PM 101-5. For march graphs and march tables, see FM
101-10.
■ 81. Standing Operating Procedure. — March planning,
march orders, and the conduct of marches are greatly facili-
tated by the adoption of a standing operating procedure.
Accordingly the regimental commander establishes the neces-
sary standing operating procedure for the regiment as a
whole and requires his battalion and separate unit com-
manders to establish similar procedures for their units. For
a guide for standing operating procedure, see FM 7-55.
Section II
MARCH TECHNIQUE
■ 82. Subdivisions of Column. — a. Serials. — The designation
of serials is principally for convenience and simplicity in
the issuance and reading of march orders, including graphs
and tables. The determining factor in the decision as to the
number of serials necessary will usually be as follows:
A serial should be formed for each unit or group of units
to which a single set of instructions in a march table will
apply. This usually implies the same initial location, the
same initial point, the same route, the same destination, the
same restrictions, and the same rate of movement. Insofar
as practicable, the infantry regiment on the march is usually
divided into a foot serial and a motor serial (foot echelon and
motor echelon).
b. March units. — (1) March units are formed to facilitate
march control en route, and their size is governed by the size
of the unit that can be readily controlled by a single com-
mander. In foot serials, the battalion is a suitable march
40
RIFLE REGIMENT
82-85
unit. Foot elements of organizations not included in the
battalions may be attached to the battalions or may be con-
stituted into an additional march unit. The march units for
motorized columns should be as small as tactical grouping will
permit. March unit's of from 15 to 25 vehicles are usually
-atisfactory. Platoons and smaller units should not be di-
vided but should be assigned to a single march unit.
(2) When the situation permits, the order of march units
is rotated daily.
■ 83. Forming the Column. — A march column is formed by
the successive arrival of its component units at an initial
point. This point should be an easily recognizable or well
known terrain feature near all units which are to move, and
in their direction of march. Concealment from air ob-
servation is desirable. The march order or march table pre-
scribes the initial point and the exact times at which both
the heads and tails of the subordinate units pass it. Sub-
ordinate commanders calculate the time required to reach
the initial point at the prescribed hour and start their com-
mands so that there will be neither delay nor unnecessary
waiting at the initial point or elsewhere. Activities at the
initial point are supervised by the trail officer (par. 80/) or
other designated staff officer. (See FM 101-5 and 101-10.)
■ 84. Movement op Motor Elements. — Where the situation
permits, motor vehicles not required for reconnaissance, se-
curity, and control are moved independently of the foot ele-
ments. When there is adequate security, it is advantageous
to send the motor elements in advance, as they include
kitchens and other service facilities, and, as a result of their
faster rate of movement, they can be prepared to operate
in the new area when the foot troops arrive. However the
tactical situation usually requires that the motor echelon
of the regiment follow the foot echelon. (See pars. 92c and
109d(3).)
■ 85. Distances. — Distances between march units and be-
tween elements within march units are prescribed by stand-
ing operating procedure or for each march in accordance
with the situation. For night marches of foot troops there
are usually no distances between platoons and companies,
and 10 yards between battalions. For road spaces of
infantry units, see FM 7-55.
41
86
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 86. Conduct of March. — a. The commander of each march
unit regulates the rate of march in accordance with instruc-
tions issued for the march. For average rates of march, see
FM 7-55.
b. When an unforeseen crossing of two columns occurs and
no control personnel of a superior headquarters is present,
the senior commander regulates the crossing, basing his
action on the situation and the mission of each column.
c. Provision for periodic halts should be covered in stand-
ing operating procedure. Foot elements, or columns con-
taining foot elements, halt for 15 minutes after the first 45
minutes of marching. Thereafter, troops march 50 minutes
and rest 10 minutes. Motor columns usually halt for 10
or 15 minutes after the first hour. Thereafter, halts are
made every 2 or 3 hours.
d. Each march unit of foot troops halts and resumes
marching simultaneously according to a prescribed time
schedule; march units of motor columns may halt and move
simultaneously or successively.
e. Ordinarily, troops keep to the right of the road, leaving
the left free for passage of other traffic along the column.
On muddy, sandy, or dusty roads, or when both sides of the
road provide concealment from air observation, or when
attack by hostile combat aviation is probable, troops may
be directed to march on both sides of the road; the middle
of the road is kept clear for other traffic.
/. If on the road at the signal for a halt, troops fall out
to the side of the road. The road must be left clear by
foot troops at a halt. Motor vehicles clear the road if
practicable; if they are forced to halt on the road, gaps are
left between march units to facilitate the flow of traffic.
g. Shortly before the termination of the halt, the com-
mander of each march unit gives the preparatory signal
for the resumption of the march. Troops fall in, drivers
resume their seats. Each march unit moves out at the
signal of its commander.
h. Men are not permitted to fall out during the march
or to leave the immediate vicinity of their unit during halts
without the specific authority of an officer of their unit.
An officer marches at the tail of each march unit. He is
charged with keeping the unit closed up and with preventing
straggling. He examines men who fall out on account of
42
RIFLE REGIMENT
86-89
sickness or sore feet. He gives them a written note to the
surgeon or requires them to continue the march.
i. A small guard marches at the tail of the foot echelon of
the regiment to control stragglers not admitted to medical
vehicles by the surgeon. Stragglers are returned to their
unit at the first opportunity.
j. A medical officer and one or more medical vehicles march
at the tail of the regiment. The medical officer examines
men authorized to wait until he comes by. He admits them to
a medical vehicle or authorizes them to put all or part of
their arms and equipment on a medical vehicle or on other
transportation provided for that purpose, or directs them to
report to the guard at the tail of the regiment. For details
concerning collection and evacuation of casualties, see FM
100-10 and 7-30.
■ 87. Forced Marches. — a. Forced marches impair the fight-
ing power of troops and are undertaken only when necessary.
At the end of the march, troops must be in condition to
accomplish the object for which the march was made.
&. The length of marches for foot troops is increased by
increasing the number of marching hours per day and not
by increasing the hourly rate of march. The march may be
broken into short stretches by halts of several hours' dura-
tion. A long forced march is, in effect, a succession of daily
marches of greater than average length with shorter intervals
of rest. See forced-march graph, FM 101-10.
■ 88. Motor Columns. — For details of march technique of
motor columns, see paragraphs 112 to 131, inclusive, and
FM 25-10.
Section III
DAY MARCHES
■ 89. General. — Tactical marches by the infantry battalion
and regiment are undertaken during daylight hours only when
there is little danger of attack from the air or when the mis-
sion of the force and the time and space factors demand that
the risk be taken. Marches under cover of darkness or condi-
tions of poor visibility are advantageous not only for the
security afforded but in the interest of secrecy.
43
90-92
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 90. Scope. — Tactical marches by the infantry regiment by
day are covered in this section. Modifications of formations
and other provision for marches during hours of darkness are
covered in section IV. Motor movements are discussed in
section V.
■ 91. Formations. — a. The regiment ordinarily marches in
one or two columns whether marching independently or as
part of a larger force. Higher authority usually assigns a
definite route of march.
b. In some situations a zone of advance instead of a definite
route may be prescribed. If a zone of advance is prescribed,
the decision as to the number of columns and the selection
of march routes rests with the regimental commander. The
composition and proximity of hostile ground forces, the activ-
ity of hostile aviation, and the available road net in his zone of
advance determine in large measure the number of columns
and their routes of march.
c. Should the regiment march on an exposed flank, its
columns may be echeloned to that flank. If it is an interior
regiment, its columns may march abreast, or with one column
leading and the other (s) echeloned to the flank(s) and rear.
■ 92. Dispositions. — a. General. — The regiment on the march
is disposed so as to provide continuous all-around protec-
tion and to permit its rapid development for combat.
b. Foot elements. — The foot elements of the regiment
march in column under the protection of the necessary ad-
vance, flank, and rear guards with such intervals and dis-
tances between elements of the command as the situation
dictates. The information relative to intervals and distances
in figure 2 is to be used as a guide only.
c. Motor elements. — (1) In tactical marches, the situation
precludes a complete separation of foot and motor elements.
Security forces require immediate access to their vehicles.
(2) The motor elements, less those employed for recon-
naissance, security, and control, and less kitchen and bag-
gage trains, march in a regimental motor echelon in rear of
the foot troops of the regiment.
(3) The kitchen and baggage trains, and some mainte-
nance vehicles, are usually held in the old bivouac and moved
forward under cover of darkness.
44
RIFLE REGIMENT
92
250-800
YARDS
FLANK
RECONNAISSANCE ELEMENTS OF THE
| LARGER FORCE
10-25 MILES
0-3
A
GUARD
OR PATROL
MOTORIZED RECONNAISSANCE
DETACHMENT
3-5 MILES
POINT: NOT EXCEEDING RIFLE SQUAD
WITH AUTOMATIC RIFLE TEAM
200 YARDS
"9 '""
I AND ENGRS
400 YARDS
r*i SUPPORT: RIFLE COMPANY, LESS THE
PLATOON SENT FORWARD AS THE
U ADVANCE PARTY
BOO YARDS
ADVANCE PARTY: RIFLE PLATOON, WITH
RECONNAISSANCE PARTIES FROM ARTY
RESERVE: RIFLE BATTALION, LESS THE
COMPANY SENT FORWARD AS THE
SUPPORT; ATTACHED ENGINEERS
lOOO -1S0O YARDS
FOOT ELEMENTS OFTHE MAIN BODY: THE
REGTL CP.. HO. Co.. AND TWO INFANTRY
BATTALIONS
0-2/2 MILES
D COMPANY TRANSPORT AND AMMUNITION
AND MEDICAL TRAIN VEHICLES OF
M. ADVANCE GUARD. ADVANCING BY SHORT
BOUNDS UNDER CONTROL OF ADVANCE
r GUARD COMMANDER
0-2'/2 MILES
I THE ATTACHED OR SUPPORTING ARTILLERY
J FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER OFTHE
K REGTL MOTOR ECHELON (EXCEPT
| ELEMENTS REMAINING IN BIVOUAC OR
I WITH DIVISION TRAINS). MOVEMENT BY
SHORT BOUNDS.
Figure 2. — Diagram of route column (to be used as a guide only) .
45
92
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(4) When the regiment marches in more than one col-
umn, motor elements march in a generally similar manner
in rear of the foot elements to which they pertain.
(5) The order of march within the motor echelon(s) de-
pends upon the probable order of entry into action of the
units and vehicles involved. So far as practicable, motor
elements advance by bounds from one concealed area to
another.
d. Antitank company. — The distribution of the antitank
company varies according to the terrain, the hostile mechan-
ized threat, and the location of adjacent march columns.
For an interior regiment the most probable direction of hos-
tile armored attack is from the front; therefore the bulk of
the company marches well forward in the column, one or
more platoons usually being attached to the advance guard.
For an exterior regiment with an exposed flank, some of the
regimental antitank guns also are attached to the flank
and rear guards. For further details of dispositions of the
antitank company, see FM 7-35.
e. Attached artillery. — Except for special operations or
when the terrain and road net are such that support by the
artillery with the main body would be unduly delayed, it is
seldom necessary to attach motorized artillery to an advance
guard the size of an infantry battalion. It is usual to sup-
port an advance guard of this size by motorized artillery
with the main body. When the attachment of artillery to
an advance guard the size of an infantry battalion becomes
necessary, usually one battery is attached. For larger ad-
vance guards, the attachment of a battalion of light artillery
is usually appropriate. The artillery commander and his
party march with the regimental command group. (See
FM 6-20.)
/. Engineers. — When engineer troops are attached to the in-
fantry regiment on the march, some or all are attached to the
leading elements to facilitate the march. Some may be at-
tached to flank guards to execute demolitions, construct road
blocks, and assist in other passive antimechanized measures
for the defense of the column. Any foot elements of engineers
not attached to security units march near the head of the
main body; motor elements not attached to security units
march near the head of the regimental motor echelon or
46
RIFLE REGIMENT
92-94
with the motor echelon of the leading battalion of the main
body.
sr. Other attached units. — Other units attached to the regi-
ment are disposed in the march column in accordance with
their combat mission, in the order of their probable entry
into combat, and with due consideration for their security
and tactical integrity.
h. Command group. — The regimental command group
moves in motors in the interval between the main body and
the advance guard. The number of vehicles is held to a mini-
mum; those not necessary for command purposes move at the
head of the regimental motor echelon.
■ 93. Security on the March. — a. The regimental command-
er is responsible for the security of his regiment, regardless
of the protective measures taken by higher authority. He
prescribes the security measures to be taken for the protection
of his command as a whole and coordinates those measures
adopted by subordinate commanders. The measures he
adopts are appropriate to the hostile threat. As the danger
becomes greater, he increases his security measures.
b. Security detachments regulate their movements so as to
give the main body the protection required by the tactical
situation and the terrain.
c. The regiment protects itself on the march by some or all
of the following:
(1) Motorized detachments.
(2) Advance, flank, and rear guards.
(3) Antiaircraft, antimechanized, and antichemical warn-
ing systems.
(4) Antimechanized defense.
(5) Antiaircraft security.
■ 94. Motorized Reconnaissance Detachments. — a. Gen-
eral. — In proximity to the enemy, an advancing force secures
itself to the front by mobile reconnaissance elements sent out
in advance of the command and by an advance guard.
(See FM 100-5.)
b. Composition. — A motorized reconnaissance detachment
for an infantry regiment should include personnel, trans-
portation, and equipment sufficient to permit formation
of one or more motorized patrols, each consisting of three
or four vehicles. More than three such patrols will seldom
47
94-95
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
be needed. The detachment should be under one commander
and should be provided with radio facilities permitting two-
way communication between the commander and each patrol
and between the commander and the regimental command
post. The armament of motorized reconnaissance detach-
ments should be light. Vehicles should possess a high degree
of cross-country mobility.
c. Operation. — The detachment may be attached to the
advance guard or may operate under the control of the
regimental commander. One vehicle in each patrol is
designated "get-away vehicle"; it follows the remainder of
the patrol at the limit of visibility. The remaining vehicles
move forward individually by bounds from one observation
point to another. One vehicle is always in position to cover
the forward bound of the other. In close terrain or con-
ditions of low visibility much reconnaissance on foot will
be necessary.
d. Missions. — The motorized reconnaissance detachment
reconnoiters far enough to the front and flanks to get timely
information of the enemy and terrain and to warn the col-
umn of threats by hostile mechanized forces and artillery
fire. It may be charged with such missions as reconnoitering
routes, clearing away road blocks, and maintaining contact
with advance security and reconnaissance elements of higher
echelons. Exceptionally it may be charged with seizing
and holding critical terrain features. Usually, however, a
Special motorized detachment of greater strength should be
organized for such missions.
■ 95. Advance Guard. — a. Mission. — The mission of an ad-
vance guard is to prevent unnecessary delay of the main
body and to protect it against surprise and ground observa-
tion from the front. (See PM 100-5.)
b. Control. — The march order of the regimental or column
commander prescribes the composition of the advance guard,
the route or zone of advance, the objective of the march,
the hour it will pass (or clear) the initial point, the distance
at which the main body will follow, and any special instruc-
tions. Routine missions and instructions should be included
in standing operating procedures. The regimental or col-
umn commander maintains close contact with the advance
guard commander and supplies him with all pertinent in-
48
RIFLE REGIMENT
95
formation received during the course of the march. When
contact becomes imminent he joins the advance guard com-
mander in order to obtain first-hand information upon which
to base the development of his command.
c. Strength and composition. — (1) The advance guard of
a reinforced rifle regiment marching on foot in proximity to
the enemy in daylight will usually consist of a battalion re-
inforced by a motorized reconnaissance detachment, part of
the antitank company, and a detachment of engineers.
Artillery support is usually furnished by units with the main
body. In some situations artillery and tanks may be at-
tached (see par. 92e) . When the march is covered by se-
curity elements of higher echelons, the advance guard may
be as small as a reinforced rifle company. In this situation
the regimental commander usually retains direct control of
the motorized reconnaissance detachment. Similarly, when
contact is remote a reinforced rifle company may suffice.
(2) In retrograde movements the strength and composition
of the advance guard will depend upon the likelihood of at-
tack on the head of the column. If the threat is by mobile
enemy troops the advance guard should consist of motorized
infantry, antitank, and engineer detachments. The require-
ments for flank and rear guards in such a situation will usu-
ally limit the advance guard to a reinforced rifle company.
d. Formation. — From front to rear the advance guard is
divided into a motorized detachment (unless retained under
regimental control) , a point, an advance party, a support, and
a reserve (for details, see FM 100-5 and 7-5). In advance
guards smaller than a rifle battalion, the reserve is usually
omitted and the support takes over its functions. When con-
tact is not imminent and the bulk of the advance guard is
able to march in route column, its vehicles usually move by
short bounds immediately in rear of the tail of the foot troops
of the main body. As combat becomes imminent, weapon
carriers of advance guard units are moved forward and re-
leased to companies. (See fig. 2.)
e. Operation of advance guard. — (1) The advance guard
accomplishes its mission by reconnoitering the terrain to the
front and on each side of the line of march, overcoming iso-
lated hostile resistance, and reconnoitering and preparing, so
far as practicable, the route of advance for the movement of
troops (removal of obstacles, repair of bridges and roads, con-
49
95-96
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
struction of turn-outs for motor columns). It reconnoiters
those points which afford extended observation of the dispo-
sitions of the main body or which provide concealment for
hostile reconnoitering or harassing detachments. In prox-
imity to the enemy, it seizes and holds important features
of the terrain, particularly those that will cover the deploy-
ment of the main body and those that provide good observa-
tion and defilade for the employment of artillery. According
to circumstances, it pushes back hostile covering detachments,
or opposes an enemy advance in force long enough to permit
the main body to make its dispositions.
(2) As soon as hostile resistance is encountered, the lead-
ing elements of the advance guard move on a broader front
(see fig. 3) . At the earliest indication of contact, the attached
artillery begins to displace forward by echelon in order to be
prepared at all times to support the action of the advance
guard. One echelon occupies position and remains prepared
for instant action. Antitank weapons are disposed to prevent
infiltration of hostile mechanized elements seeking to attack
the main body or rear subdivisions of the advance guard.
(3) The combat action of the advance guard is regulated by
the contemplated maneuver of the main body. The mass of
the advance guard is therefore put into action only for the
purpose of gaining or retaining advantages which contribute
to the tactical success or security of the main body.
(4) For conduct of advance guards during long halts, see
paragraph 106&(3) . For conduct during approach march, see
paragraph 164.
■ 96. Flank Guards. — a. General. — The regimental com-
mander protects an exposed flank by means of a flank guard,
and if his command is marching in more than one column
he may echelon the columns to that flank to provide additional
protection. Ordinarily a flank guard must travel farther and
faster than the main body; therefore, whenever possible a
flank guard should be motorized.
b. Mission. — The mission of a flank guard is to protect the
marching column from ground observation and surprise 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.
c. Strength and composition. — The strength and composi-
tion of a flank guard depend upon the protection provided
50
RIFLE REGIMENT
96-97
by higher echelons and adjacent units, the situation, and the
terrain. A flank guard for a reinforced regiment may vary
from a three- or four-vehicle detachment with rifles and light
automatic weapons to an infantry battalion reinforced by
artillery, tanks, antitank guns, engineers, and chemical troops,
depending upon the degree of danger. Flank guards are given
special material such as antitank mines and chemicals and
the means for constructing obstacles and executing demoli-
tions. In some situations they are supported by combat
aviation.
d. Operation,. — (1) The operations of flank guards are con-
ducted with special reference to the routes which favor at-
tack against the flanks of the command. When the locality
from which an attack can be expected is well defined, a flank
guard occupies a position covering the routes of hostile ap-
proach until the command has passed. Infantry on foot as-
signed a mission of this kind must start its march in advance
of the movement of the main body; upon the completion of its
mission it rejoins the column as directed.
(2) When several dangerous flank localities must be passed
during the progress of a march, echelons of the flank guard
move by bounds from one position to another. Missions of
this sort require motorized troops.
(3) When a route generally parallel to the line of march
of the main body exists and flank protection is required
throughout the march, the flank guard marches parallel to
the main body, distributed in detachments over sufficient
depth to be able to offer resistance to attack at various points
on the flank of the main body and to deal with inroads of
small hostile detachments.
■ 97. Rear Guards. — a. General. — A retiring force covers its
retirement by a rear guard. A force advancing toward the
enemy details a rear guard if attack or harassing action, es-
pecially by mechanized or other mobile forces, is possible.
b. Mission. — (1) The mission of the rear guard of a retiring
force is to protect the main body from surprise, harassment,
and attack.
(2) The mission of the rear guard of an advancing force is
to protect the main body from surprise, harassment, and
observation by hostile ground forces from the rear.
c. Strength and composition. — (1) The rear guard of a
51
97
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
retiring force must be strong enough to execute its mission
without help from the main body. It should be strong in
infantry heavy weapons in order to engage the enemy at
the longer ranges and delay him by forcing his early and
repeated deployment. Antitank weapons are attached.
Artillery, engineers, chemical troops, and motor transport for
foot elements are particularly valuable and should be attached
when available. In the reinforced regiment a rear guard
might, for instance, consist of the following: one rifle com-
pany, one heavy weapons company, one or two platoons of
antitank guns, one battery of light artillery, an engineer de-
tachment, a detachment of chemical troops, and the necessary
signal communication and medical detachments. ' The rear
guard commander organizes the necessary motorized detach-
ments for reconnaissance and security missions. A rear
guard, so composed, would be commanded by the commander
of the battalion that furnishes the rifle and heavy weapons
companies.
(2) The rear guard of an advancing regiment seldom ex-
ceeds a rifle platoon with a section of heavy machine guns and
a section of antitank weapons attached. Where the regi-
mental motor echelon moves by bounds in rear of the foot
echelon, the rear guard following the motor echelon must be
provided with motors.
d. Formation. — When the distance from the enemy permits,
the rear guard moves in march formation in the reverse order
of an advance guard. . The successive elements starting far-
thest from the main body are: a motorized detachment; a
rear point; a rear party; a support; and a reserve, if the
rear guard is as large a§ a battalion. The strength and dis-
positions of the subdivisions of a rear guard correspond, in
general, to those of an advance guard.
e. Operation. — (1) With a retiring force. — When in contact
with the enemy, the rear guard distributes small groups over
a wide front and opens long range fire with its infantry heavy
weapons (and artillery, if attached) in order to force the
enemy to deploy and thus delay him. Unless the security
of the main body requires stubborn resistance, the rear guard
avoids close combat and withdraws successively from position
to position as the enemy approaches. When necessary for
the security of the main body, the rear guard sacrifices itself
in the execution of its mission. Engineers contribute to the
52
RIFLE REGIMENT
97-98
rear guard mission by executing demolitions, placing mines,
and constructing obstacles. Chemical troops assist by exe-
cuting appropriate smoke missions and contaminating ob-
stacles and demolitions. Motorized detachments forestall
attempts to pass the flanks of the rear guard.
(2) With an advancing force. — The rear guard of an ad-
vancing force operates, except for the execution of demoli-
tions, generally as prescribed for the rear guard of a retiring
force. It will usually advance by bounds in rear of the
regimental motor echelon.
■ 98. Antimechanized Defense. — a. General. — (1) The com-
mander of the antitank company is charged with the organiza-
tion and coordination of the antimechanized defense of a
marching regiment in accordance with instructions from the
regimental commander. (See par. 92d and FM 7-35.)
(2) Advance, flank, and rear guards furnish antimechanized
protection for the marching column as described in para-
graphs 95, 96, and 97.
(3) Within the column, those units having suitable weapons
are, in general, responsible for their own immediate defense.
Those units not having such weapons are so disposed as to
receive incidental protection from suitably armed units, or
special provision is made for their defense.
b. Warning system. — An antimechanized warning system in-
cludes an intelligence system and a signal communication
system, both carefully coordinated to insure early and con-
tinuing information of the presence and action of hostile
mechanized and motorized forces. The regimental warning
system embraces the reconnaissance and security detachments
operating under control of the regiment and antitank look-
outs (see PM 7-5) equipped with means for giving the alarm.
Motorized patrols operating well to the front and flanks are
particularly valuable adjuncts to the warning system. Higher
commanders take the necessary steps to integrate the regi-
mental warning system with the systems of adjacent units
and with the reconnaissance and security elements of higher
units. All observation and reconnaissance agencies, both
ground and air, are required to make an immediate report
of a mechanized threat. These reports are made to the
nearest commander without regard to the chain of command.
Timely warning requires quick, reliable, and positive means of
53
98-99
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
signal communication. The organization of the warning
system can be covered in large measure in standing operating
procedures.
c. Action against mechanised attack. — (1) Upon receipt of
warning of a mechanized attack, troops and vehicles clear the
road and take advantage of nearby natural obstacles. Anti-
tank guns and artillery are placed in positions covering the
terrain over which the attack is expected. All elements are
dispersed and take advantage of cover and concealment. If
time permits, troops dig in, barriers are erected, and mines
are placed. Individuals and units that have weapons and
equipment suitable for disabling armored vehicles prepare
for action. As enemy vehicles come within the effective
range of the various weapons designated for antimechanized
defense, fire is directed at the parts most vulnerable to the
weapon involved. Chemical troops assist in the defense by
executing appropriate smoke missions.
(2) If mines have been placed, the commander who ordered
their emplacement must make sure that they are protected
by fire and that a traffic warning patrol is maintained to pre-
vent damage by mines to friendly vehicles.
■ 99. Antiaircraft Security. — a. General. — Regardless of the
effectiveness of the security measures taken by the higher
command through the offensive action- of combat aviation,
all units must consider the probability of air attack and re-
connaissance and provide appropriate security measures.
Protective measures comprise warning, concealment, disper-
sion, and fire.
b. Antiaircraft warning system. — The first requirement of
antiaircraft security is an efficient warning system. Air
guards are posted in pairs to cover the front, flanks, and rear
of the regiment. They give warning of the approach of any
aircraft not known to be friendly. When necessary, observers
are detailed to relay signals from the airguards. (See PM
7-5.)
c. March dispositions. — When the column marches on a
road under threat of hostile air attack, foot troops march in
column of twos, one file on each side of the road. All weapons
are kept loaded, and mounted weapons are kept elevated.
Vehicles carrying troops or mounted automatic weapons have
truck covers removed. So far as the situation permits, ve-
54
RIFLE REGIMENT
99-100
hides move by bounds from one covered area off the road
to another. Full advantage is taken of the cross-country
mobility of vehicles to avoid presenting conspicuous and prof-
itable targets to hostile aircraft. Heavy machine-gun units,
with first priority on roads, move by bounds to selected posi-
tions off the road. Some heavy machine-gun units are sta-
tioned to furnish antiaircraft protection for the column during
the passage of defiles. Distances between individuals and
between elements of the column are increased. When the
hostile air threat is particularly serious the regiment may be
assigned a zone of advance and be required to march across
country; vehicles will then also move across country.
d. Action when attacked. — (1) When the air alarm is
sounded, foot troops deploy off the road and seek cover.
Unless prohibited by their immediate commander, they open
fire as soon as the attacking planes are within range.
(2) All vehicles are driven to the side of the road and
stopped, or if the terrain permits, they are driven off the road
far enough to clear the probable impact area of the air at-
tack. Previously designated crews man any weapons mounted
on vehicles for antiaircraft fire. All other troops dismount
from the vehicles, deploy, and seek cover away from vehicles.
Unless prohibited by their immediate commander, they open
fire as soon as the hostile planes are within range. All
remain close enough to their vehicles to resume the movement
when the attack has passed.
(3) In case of attack without warning, vehicles are stopped;
personnel, other than those manning guns fixed on the ve-
hicles, dismount and seek cover. Unless prohibited by the
immediate commander, fire is opened by all mounted auto-
matic weapons and others in a position to fire, as soon as
the planes are within range.
(4) If time is not a vital factor in the march, and if warn-
ing of the impending attack permits, vehicles are driven into
concealed locations.
■ 100. Regiment as Security Force. — a. The infantry regi-
ment, reinforced, may be given security missions calling for
protection of the front, the rear, or flanks of a larger force on
a march. The regiment, in turn, provides itself with the nec-
essary security elements to the front, flank, or rear. For
example, an interior division marching on a single road may
designate a reinforced regiment as advance guard. Under
55
100-101
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
such conditions there is no material change in the dispositions
described in paragraph 95. The main body of the regiment
(with its attachments) becomes the main body of the advance
guard, and dispatches detachments' as previously described,
for its own security. Similar considerations apply to the
regiment as a flank guard or a rear guard.
b. When acting as a security force for a larger unit, the
regiment conducts itself in conformity with orders from
higher authority which prescribe its mission, its objective,
its route or zone of advance, and control measures.
■ 101. Obstacles and Defiles. — a. General. — Special precau-
tions are taken to avoid congestion and delay during the
passage of obstacles and defiles. If practicable, troops and
vehicles are moved at increased speed and increased dis-
tances while in a defile and its approaches. When delay can-
not be avoided, the column is halted, without closing up, and
commanders of march units are notified of the probable
length of the delay. In the passage of a defile, security forces
should have possession of the exit and the flanks before the
main body begins the passage. A march column avoids
halting in a defile or astride an obstacle. Whenever prac-
ticable, obstacles are crossed on a broad front to expedite
the passage.
b. Antiaircraft security. — Troops engaged in the passage of
a defile are particularly vulnerable to air attack. The col-
umn commander makes early provision for protecting the
passage of the troops at each defile. When available, anti-
aircraft artillery is used for this purpose. In its absence,
heavy machine guns are set up to provide all-around pro-
tection.
c. Fordable streams. — Fordable streams are reconnoitered
and additional crossings are prepared to expedite the passage.
A simple plan is worked out in advance covering the actual
crossing and the regaining of distances. Fords with treach-
erous bottoms and roads that lead- through quicksand or
swamps should have warnings posted at their dangerous
places or have their limits clearly marked.
d. Bridges. — (1) Foot troops crossing bridges march with-
out cadence. In crossing a ponton bridge, motor vehicles
travel slowly, holding to the center of the bridge and main-
taining the distance prescribed by the engineer officer.
March unit commanders are responsible that vehicles which
56
RIFLE REGIMENT
101-102
exceed the maximum load capacity of the bridge are cut out
of the column for crossing at some other bridge or ferry.
(2) In event of an air attack during a crossing, all com-
manders of units en route to the bridge halt their troops to
prevent jamming at the bridge approaches. (See FM 100-5.)
e. Ferrying. — (1) Personnel. — When foot troops are to be
ferried, they are brought to covered assembly areas near the
embarkation point. Here they are organized into tactical
groupings corresponding to the capacity of the means for
ferrying; engineer equipment needed for the crossing is is-
sued and instructions are given regarding embarking and dis-
embarking and conduct during the crossing. At the proper
time each tactical grouping is conducted by an engineer
guide to the point of embarkation. Movement from the final
assembly area to the river is under control of the engineer
troops. Upon arrival at the embarkation point, troops enter
the boat or raft in the manner directed by the engineer in
charge, who is responsible for the arrangement of the loads
and the handling of the boats. Individual equipment is loos-
ened so that it may be removed easily.
(2) Vehicles. — Vehicles may be ferried on a standard pon-
ton raft ferry or on an existing or improvised ferry. Small
vehicles may be floated across by inclosing the chassis in a
large paulin or truck cover. Vehicles awaiting passage are
held under cover at a point where they will not block the
approaches. Vehicles are loaded as directed by the engineer
officer in charge. In unloading, the debarkation point is
cleared promptly.
■ 102. Cross-Cotjntry Marches. — The regiment will fre-
quently be required to march across country during the
approach march or for the purpose of diminishing its vul-
nerability to air attack. In cross-country movement it is
usually assigned a zone of advance. To avoid overextension
in depth it may march in two or more columns. The situa-
tion and the practicability of the terrain for motor move-
ments determine the number of columns. If the regiment
marches on an exposed flank, columns are echeloned to that
flank. The regimental commander coordinates the progress
of the several columns. He may do this by prescribing terrain
(phase) lines to be reached at stated times, or by requiring
periodic reports of progress from the column commanders
57
102-106
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
and making necessary adjustments by halting columns that
are too advanced, or by lengthening their periodic halts.
■ 103. Marches Under Special Conditions. — For procedure
governing marches in mountainous terrain, deserts, jungles,
and in extreme cold, see FM 100-5.
■ 104. Signal Communication. — a. Signal communication
within the column should be regulated by standing operating
procedure, supplemented as necessary by special instructions.
Standing operating procedures of higher echelons ordinarily
govern communication between the regiment and adjacent
march columns and between the regiment and higher
headquarters.
b. In the regiment, communication on the march is nor-
mally maintained by radio, motor messenger, visual signals,
and connecting files. Wire lines are not established on the
march, but full use is made of existing commercial signal
communication systems. Security detachments are provided
with radio equipment. The use of a prearranged message
code in combination with the marking of maps (See Map
Coordinate Code, FM 24-5) will often prevent the enemy
from understanding radio messages and avoid the delay
caused by the use of more formal codes. Radio messages
may be transmitted in clear text at the discretion of the
commander, subject to restrictions placed by higher
headquarters.
c. A radio team, with radio truck from the division signal
company, may be attached to the regiment for communica-
tion with higher and adjacent units.
d. For detailed operation of regimental signal communica-
tion, see FM 7-25.
■ 105. Supply and Evacuation. — For details of regimental
supply and evacuation, see FM 7-30.
■ 106. Halts. — a. General. — (1) in tactical marches the time
and place of halts are largely governed by tactical considera-
tions. It may be necessary, for instance, to eliminate a
periodic halt in order that the command may clear a danger-
ous defile, avoid straddling an obstacle, or gain terrain af-
fording cover and concealment. Commanders of march units
are promptly notified of the time and approximate length of
any halts not provided for in the march order.
58
RIFLE REGIMENT
106-108
(2) Halts are divided into two general classes: periodic
rest halts and long halts. Periodic halts are taken at regular
intervals to rest men, to service vehicles, and to adjust equip-
ment. Only grave tactical reasons justify the elimination
of any of these regularly scheduled rest periods. Long halts
may be made to avoid the excessive heat of midday, to effect
a redistribution of troops, and to preserve secrecy. They also
occur during forced marches.
b. Security. — (1) General. — A halted command protects it-
self by dispersion, the use of cover and concealment, and the
establishment of march outposts.
(2) Periodic rest halts. — During periodic halts the column
clears the road, avails itself of the cover and concealment at
hand, and rests under the protection of the security elements
provided for the march.
(3) Long halts. — When the command makes a long halt
during a march, security elements (advance flank, and rear
guards) become march outposts, modifying their dispositions
as necessary. They occupy critical terrain features control-
ling the approaches to the column, establish outguards or
lookouts at commanding points, and when necessary send out
patrols. Areas for long halts are selected with a view to the
security they afford. Cover, concealment, and natural ob-
stacles to mechanized attack are features particularly sought.
Areas for long halts should be near the route of march.
Section IV
NIGHT MARCHES
■ 107. General— a. Night marches are extensively employed
to maintain secrecy of troop movements. They are less
exposed to hostile observation and to air and mechanized
attack than day marches. They are more difficult to control
and they are more trying on the troops.
b. Ordinarily a night march is not undertaken if there
is any likelihood of a collision with important enemy forces
during the hours of darkness.
■ 108. March Rate. — On good roads the night march rate for
foot troops approximates that of the day rate of march under
the same conditions. On poor roads, on very dark nights,
or in unfavorable weather the rate of march may be con-
59
108-109
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
siderably reduced. (See FM 7-55 and 101-10.) Motor ele-
ments travel at reduced speeds at night.
■ 109. Control. — a. General. — Special measures must be
taken to maintain direction and control at night. A loss of
direction at night may split a column into several parts,
interfere with adjacent columns, result in loss of secrecy or
failure to reach the march objective prior to daylight, and
ultimately occasion a failure of the command to accomplish
its mission.
b. Reconnaissance. — Whenever practicable, a night march
should be preceded by a detailed daylight reconnaissance of
the route and the march objective. If circumstances pre-
vent this, a map reconnaissance is made. In either event
route sketches should be prepared for the use of those
charged with the maintenance of direction in each march
unit. These sketches should show the road, prominent land-
marks near the road that can be easily recognized at night,
road junctions and crossroads and any features that dis-
tinguish them, compass bearings for each important change
of direction, and distances from the initial point to the more
important features.
c. Route markers. — (1) When the situation permits prior
reconnaissance, the route is carefully marked. Special pre-
cautions are taken at road junctions and crossroads to indi-
cate the correct route. Guides, luminous markers, lime,
tape, or paper strips are particularly useful.
(2) If it is not possible to mark the route prior to the
march, guides accompany the leading elements for this pur-
pose. Provision is made to pick up guides (and markers)
when the column has cleared them.
(3) Regardless of the directional aids provided by the col-
umn commander, march unit commanders remain responsi-
ble for maintaining the direction.
d. March dispositions. — March dispositions at night are the
same as those'for day marches with the following exceptions:
(1) Distances between all elements of the command are
reduced. (See PM 7-55.)
(2) Connecting files are closer together.
(3) All vehicles, except those necessary for command, con-
trol, reconnaissance, and security, march in the regimental
motor echelon. It will often be possible for the motor eche-
60
RIFLE REGIMENT
109-110
Ion to remain in bivouac until the foot echelon has reached
the new bivouac and then make the move in a single bound.
e. Identification. — To facilitate control and communica-
tion, special means of identification are provided for unit
commanders, security elements, messengers, patrols, and other
personnel moving in or out of the column who must be
quickly and positively identified. White arm bands, white
hat bands, undershirts worn over outer clothing, counter-
signs, and similar devices are all useful.
/. Liaison. — A representative of each commander marches
with the next higher commander.
g. Use of Staff. — Members of the staff are used to assist the
commander in supervising the movement. They verify the
route of march of the leading element at frequent intervals
and especially when changes of direction are made. They
see that close contact is maintained between march units.
They see that guides are properly posted and properly in-
structed. They determine the cause of any unauthorized
halt and assist in overcoming it.
■ 110. Secrecy. — a. General. — In a tactical night march,
secrecy is a paramount consideration. Therefore, measures
are taken to preserve secrecy in preparing for the march, dur-
ing the march, and at the termination of the march. Failure
at any stage invites hostile air attack and harassment. It
may also serve to reveal the purpose for which the march is
made and thereby nullify its effect. If a column is discovered
while it is moving to a concealed bivouac, the location of the
bivouac is usually discovered also.
b. Preparations. — If daylight reconnaissance is permitted, it
must be conducted by single vehicles widely separated. If
guides are posted prior to the march, they remain concealed
during the hours of daylight and display no lights at night
except as authorized for column control. Any activity that
might be observed and interpreted as preparatory to a march
is prohibited before dark. If the old bivouac is known to the
enemy, normal activity is simulated during the night. A few
men and vehicles may be left behind to continue the deception
the following day.
c. During march. — Standard measures for preserving secrecy
during a night march and in bivouac or assembly areas should
be covered in standing operating procedures. Exceptions and
435758° — 42 3 61
110-111
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
special measures are published in the march order. Standard
measures may include the following:
(1) Smoking is prohibited.
(2) Fires and lights are prohibited except —
(a) Authorized night driving lights.
(b) Shielded flashlights (standing operating procedure
should prescribe the method of shielding flashlights and list
those who may use them or who may authorize their use) .
(3) Radio is silenced or transmission restricted.
(4) Rifles (including those of security elements) are car-
ried unloaded.
(5) If illuminated by flares from hostile aircraft, the col-
umn halts and remains motionless until the light dies out.
Troops keep their heads down during the period of illumi-
nation.
(6) Hostile aircraft are not fired at unless the column is
attacked.
(7) Security elements use the bayonet in dealing with any
enemy encountered.
d. At termination of march. — The command is disposed in
concealed bivouac or assembly areas prior to daylight. Ar-
rangements must be made to receive the column in the new
area prior to its arrival. If possible these arrangements are
made prior to the march; if the situation prevents this, the
necessary reconnaissance of the new area, its allotment to the
several units of the command, the marking of routes in the
area, and the posting of guides to meet the column must be
undertaken during the march. Units of the command are
conducted into the area as fast as they arrive. Careful
planning is essential to avoid congestion or confusion at the
termination of the march.
■ 111. Security. — a. General. — The concealment afforded by
darkness, the extreme difficulty of organizing a ground attack
against a moving objective in the dark, and the fact that a
night march is not undertaken if there is a probability of
collision with a major enemy force, all combine to reduce
materially those security measures necessary to a marching
column in daylight. The major dangers to protect against
are, therefore, hostile air observation and attack, harassment
by small enemy forces, and prior seizure of the march objec-
tive by th& enemy.
62
RIFLE REGIMENT
111
b. Advance guard. — (1) At night an advance guard usually
consists of rifle units and engineers. Infantry supporting
weapons cannot be used profitably under night march condi-
tions and therefore are not included in the leading elements.
The minimum rifle strength for the advance guard of a re-
inforced regiment in night route march is a rifle company;
the maximum is a battalion. All members of the advance
guard wear some easily recognized identifying device.
(2) The distances between elements of the advance guard
and between the advance guard and the main body are re-
duced. (See EM 7-55.) The subdivisions of the advance
guard, and the advance guard and the main body, are tightly
linked by connecting files.
(3) If the leading elements of the advance guard collide
with the enemy, the support deploys at once on both sides
of the road and attacks with the bayonet. Fire under night
march conditions is difficult to control and is usually pro-
hibited.
(4) Only those motors essential for command and control
move with an advance guard at night.
c. Other security detachments. — Approaches to exposed
flanks or rear are covered by flank and rear guards as pre-
scribed in day marches. Ordinarily these security elements
are smaller than those necessary by day and, like the advance
guard, consist only of rifle elements and engineers. If a
mechanized threat exists, road blocks are established by flank
detachments and protected by fire. Appropriate allotments
of antitank weapons may be made to flank detachments.
d. Antiaircraft security. — When the column is illuminated
by flares it halts and remains motionless until the flares have
died out. The fact that the column has been illuminated is
not conclusive in itself that it has been discovered. Repeated
illumination usually indicates that the movement has been
discovered. If the column is attacked by hostile aviation,
only those weapons specifically designated for the purpose
will fire on the attacking planes.
e. Prior seizure of march objective. — When the situation
permits, a detachment, preferably motorized, is sent ahead to
seize and hold the march objective until the arrival of the
column. The detachment is not dispatched until nightfall.
Its personnel wear some identifying device that can be readily
recognized at night.
63
111-115
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
Section V
MOTOR MOVEMENTS
■ 112. References. — For the details of operation, inspection,
maintenance, and management of motor transport, and the
training and duties of operating, maintenance, and traffic per-
sonnel, see FM 25-10. For general doctrines governing shut-
tling, see FM 100-5. For logistics of motor movements, see
FM 101-10 and 7-55.
■ 113. General. — a. When the infantry regiment, rifle, moves
by motor, additional vehicles must be obtained from sources
outside the regiment, or it must shuttle with its own trans-
portation.
b. Movements of troops or supplies in nonorganic transpor-
tation (convoys) are, in the absence of orders to the con-
trary, commanded by the senior line officer present. Indi-
vidual vehicles are commanded by the senior in each vehicle.
(For further details, see FM 25-10.)
c. The regimental commander ordinarily will be given the
following information regarding additional vehicles for mov-
ing his foot elements:
(1) Number and type (or capacity) of vehicles to be made
available.
(2) Points and times at which they will pass to and from
his control.
■ 114. Planning. — After receipt of the information indicated
in paragraph 113, the commander must make plans to insure
the following:
a. Reception and distribution of the additional vehicles.
b. Loading of personnel and material as required.
e. Timely servicing, loading, and disposition of organic
transportation.
d. Coordination of the movement from all entrucking points
to insure the desired formation of the column.
■ 115. Reception and Distribution of Vehicles. — a. A staff
officer receives the vehicles at the designated point or points
at which vehicles are made available to the regiment. If that
point is suitable for use as a regulating point it may be so
prescribed.
64
RIFLE REGIMENT
115-116
b. Distribution is made from the regulating point. This is
a selected point from which the incoming motor vehicles are
distributed to the units to be entrucked. It should be in or
near the regimental area on the side from which the vehicles
approach. It should be easily recognizable and so located
that no unnecessary travel is required to reach any point at
which troops are to be entrucked. When practicable, it should
be a point concealed from air observation.
c. Activities at the regulating point are in charge of a regu-
lating officer designated by the regimental commander. He
is assisted by such personnel as is required.
d. Vehicles are distributed to the various entrucking groups
in proportion to the number of troops and amount of material
to be entrucked. Vehicles are dispatched to entrucking points
in the order in which it is desired that they re-form in column
after entrucking has been completed. For capacities of vari-
ous types of vehicles, see PM 101-10 and 7-55.
e. (1) When feasible, guides are used to conduct trucks
from the regulating point to the entrucking points. The
column is halted upon the arrival of the first truck at the
regulating point and a guide from the first entrucking point
is placed upon the first truck. The column moves forward
under his guidance until the number of trucks to be sent
to the first entrucking point has passed, when the remainder
of the column is again halted. A guide from the second
entrucking point is placed upon the leading truck of the
remainder of the column, and the process is continued until
all trucks have been disposed of as planned. Spare trucks
are sent to the last entrucking point in order that they may
fellow the tail of that group and be available to transport
the loads of, or to tow, any vehicles that may be disabled
en route.
(2) When the incoming trucks are so far apart that drivers
cannot be sure of seeing the vehicle ahead, a system of road
markers must be used to assure the arrival of trucks at their
proper destination. This system must be carefully super-
vised by officers.
■ 116. Entrucking. — a. An entrucking point (EP) should —
(1) Be an easily recognizable terrain feature.
(2) Be near the troops and supplies to be entrucked and
near a locality where entrucking is facilitated.
65
116-117
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(3) Be on a road which leads forward in the direction of
the initial point (IP) after entrucking. (See par. 83.)
(4) Be in a locality affording concealment. Entrucking
points are numbered in the order in which the groups
entrucked are to pass the initial point.
b. Troops are prepared for entrucking by allotting speci-
fied groups to specified trucks. The entire unit may be lined
up at the entrucking point and counted off in groups equal
to the capacity of the vehicles, or vehicles may be assigned
to each subordinate unit, attaching men from one unit to
another for the purpose of making full use of the capacity
of the vehicles. Each commander responsible for entruck-
ing is given information which will permit him to determine
the approximate location for the entrucking of his unit.
This usually includes the location of the entrucking point,
the number of vehicles ahead of those allotted to his unit,
and the number of vehicles allotted to his unit. In all motor
movements the tactical unity of battalions is preserved
when practicable, but elements of two smaller units may
be loaded on one truck.
c. When organic vehicles are to be introduced into the
column at the entrucking points, each entrucking group
commander is responsible that the vehicles are loaded and
properly placed to begin their movement to the initial point
at the prescribed time.
d. Movements to the initial point must be carefully planned
and conducted to avoid a concentration of vehicles at this
point or along any stretch of the road(s) leading to it.
e. For entrucking table and work sheet for its preparation,
see FM 7-55 or FM 25-10.
■ 117. Formation of Motor Column. — a. The organization
of a motor column depends primarily on the tactical and
traffic conditions likely to affect its movement. The main
part of the column may be organized into serials and march
units to facilitate march control (see par. 82) .
b. A staff officer usually is stationed at the initial point while
the column is being formed to insure that groups leave the
area in the prescribed order and to take such emergency action
as may be necessary to correct serious miscalculations or
mistakes. This duty may be performed by the trail officer.
c. For duties of reconnaissance, pioneer, traffic control, and
66
RIFLE REGIMENT
117-118
trail parties, see paragraph 80. For duties of quartering party,
see paragraph 143. For tactical reconnaissance, see para-
graph 125.
■ 118. Types of Motor Movement. — a. General. — Motor
movements by infantry regiments are divided into two gen-
eral types — those by infiltration and those with march unit
control. Under march unit control, vehicles are somewhat
regularly spaced, either by means of prescribed maximum and
minimum distances between vehicles, by prescribed time in-
tervals, or by both. They may be closely spaced at minimum
safe driving distances (close column) or widely spaced (open .
column) . For detailed description and discussion of the
types of motor movements, see FM 25-10.
b. Infiltration. — This type of movement is suitable for use
when secrecy is important and observation from the air is
to be expected. The desired formation is obtained by regu-
lating the dispatch of vehicles and prescribing a maximum
and average road speed. Density prescribed should be such
as to result in normal traffic density on the route to be fol-
lowed. Drivers may be authorized to pass en route to promote
deception. Such authorization is important where the route
to be used is forbidden to other traffic moving in the same
direction as the column.
c. Close column. — (1) Close column may be used under the
following conditions:
(a) For short movements at high speed from one concealed
location to another.
(b) For night "blackout" movements, espcially over poorly
marked routes.
(2) When close column is used the column should be di-
vided into serials and march units with time intervals of
from 1 to 3 minutes to reduce congestion and interference.
When the column halts, vehicles in each march unit clear the
center of the road. Distances between march units are
maintained.
d. Open column. — Open column may be adopted to reduce
the effect of hostile air attack, to reduce interference and
congestion within the column, or for both of those purposes.
Desired distances between vehicles and units may be obtained
by prescribing a time interval, by prescribing a maximum and
a minimum road distance, or by a combination of those two
67
118-120
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
methods. Open column is suitable for use in a daylight
march when passive protection against air attack is neces-
sary, and when the necessity for the movement is such as
to make the element of secrecy subordinate.
■ 119. Control During Movement. — a. Control during the
movement is exercised principally by means of personnel in
vehicles with the column and of personnel stationed at se-
lected points along the route. These means are supplemented
by radio when available and when the situation permits, and
by visual signals transmitted from vehicle to vehicle. An air-
. plane may be made available to the column commander for
purposes of march control. Panels may be used to mark
the command post of the column or the command post of
serials and the head and tail of the column for the informa-
tion of friendly air observers. The command posts of column
and serial commanders are usually at the head of the main
body of the column or serial concerned. For details, see
FM 7-25, 25-10, and 24-5.
b. Commanders, including commanders of serials and march
units, have no fixed posts in the column, but go where they
can best observe the movement and exercise control. Usually
each commander should move near the head of the element
for which he is responsible in order to obtain early informa-
tion of any emergency that may arise and to take suitable
action.
c. A control officer moves at the head of each serial and
march unit. He regulates the rate of march of his unit and
insures maintenance of direction.
d. A trail officer in a fast-moving vehicle moves at the tail
of the column. (For duties, see par. 80/ and FM 25-10.)
■ 120. Maintenance. — a. Nonorganic trucks sent to an in-
fantry unit for transportation of its foot elements will usually
be accompanied by adequate maintenance vehicles and per-
sonnel. The organic maintenance facilities of the unit should
be disposed with regard to the other organic vehicles so as
to insure early and adequate maintenance where required.
For the infantry regiment, one mobile crew usually should
follow the organic vehicles of each battalion, and the remain-
der of the maintenance section of the transportation platoon
should follow at the tail of the last regimental unit.
68
RIFLE REGIMENT
120-123
b. A disabled vehicle is removed from the road if prac-
ticable. If it cannot be removed by the personnel at hand,
the vehicle commander arranges for assistance; he is re-
sponsible for directing traffic around the disabled vehicle.
He does this by posting personnel as traffic guards.
c. For further details, see PM 7-30 and 25-10.
■ 121. Halts. — a. Where halts are to be made en route, selec-
tion of the points for such halts should be made in advance
by the reconnaissance party and should be prescribed in
orders for the movement.
b. Periodic halts should be made at points which permit
all vehicles to get off the road. Where longer halts are
necessary (as for the midday meal or for refueling vehicles) ,
locations should be selected which permit clearing the road
and which also permit the necessary operation of supply ve-
hicles among the vehicles of the column. (See also par. 86c.)
■ 122. End of Movement. — a. Breaking up column. — Upon
arrival at the destination, the column is broken up into
groups at a previously selected regulating point. Road
markers or guides should conduct each unit from this point
to its previously designated location, where guides should be
stationed to facilitate movement into the area to be occu-
pied.
b. Detrucking. — For safety reasons detrucking should be
accomplished simultaneously on signal within each march
unit after all vehicles are halted; this is particularly impor-
tant at night.
c. Disposition of nonorganic trucks. — As soon as troops
have detrucked and loads have been removed from non-
organic trucks, they are dispatched, according to a previ-
ously prepared schedule, to a selected initial point where they
revert to control of their commander.
■ 123. Shuttling. — a. General. — (1) The movement of a
unit in two or more trips using the same vehicles is called
shuttling. The organic transportation of the rifle regiment
is insufficient to move its foot troops at one time. Therefore,
any motor movement of the entire regiment by its organic
transportation involves shuttling. In order to move the
regiment in two shuttles, additional motor vehicles must
be obtained.
69
123-124
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(2) In the infantry regiment all vehicles are considered as
a pool of transportation to be used as required. Mainte-
nance vehicles, prime movers, and weapon carriers of tacti-
cal units should not be diverted to use as personnel carriers.
(3) Infiltration, close, or open column may be used for
shuttling. Infiltration is usually the best method of moving
because vehicles may proceed individually to their destina-
tion and return without the delay involved in waiting for
other vehicles to arrive, unload, and take their place in close
or open column.
b. Plans and orders. — (1) In order to save as much time
as possible, standing operating procedure of the regiment
should cover such matters as composition of tactical group-
ings for each shuttle, assignment of trucks, method of load-
ing, and control provisions for the several types of marches.
Standing operating procedure is supplemented by such spe-
cial instructions as may be necessary.
(2) In a shuttling movement, troops and supplies may be
transported over the entire distance between the origin and
the final destination, or troops may be required to march
part of the way either at the beginning or at the end of the
movement. The first method is easier on the troops and
simpler to plan and execute than the second method. The
second method is a little faster than the first and provides
additional conditioning and training in marching.
(3) Dumping of normal loads may take place in the origi-
nal location or in the new area. If they are dumped in the
original location, they must be reloaded for transportation to
the new area before the movement can be completed. If they
are dumped in the new area, they can usually be reloaded at
leisure after the movement is completed. Since it requires
longer to load than to unload supplies, some timesaving
usually will be accomplished by transporting the normal loads
first.
(4) In moving the regiment by shuttling, either with organic
vehicles only or with additional vehicles allotted from higher
headquarters, the regimental commander maintains tactical
groupings for the move.
■ 124. Security. — a. The regiment will ordinarily not be or-
dered to move by motor through an area that is not already
secured by friendly forces unless higher authority has pro-
vided suitable antitank protection for the route or unless the
70
RIFLE REGIMENT
124-126
situation clearly indicates that major interference in the area
is impossible. This fact, however, does not relieve the regi-
mental commander from responsibility for the security of his
regiment during movement.
b. Security detachments for a motorized column may in-
clude advance reconnaissance detachments, an advance
guard, flank guards, and a rear guard. Motor transport ter-
minal areas are protected by an outpost. (See par. 144.)
c. In the regiment, security detachments may be assigned
missions involving technical and tactical reconnaissance in
addition to their security mission.
■ 125. Advance Reconnaissance Detachments. — a. Small mo-
torized reconnaissance detachments (or patrols) provide ad-
vance reconnaissance in the direction of march. They operate
15 to 30 minutes ahead of the advance guard. They are
charged with reconnoitering the route over which the column
is moving and important intersecting routes. If contact is
remote, one or two patrols may suffice. As contact becomes
imminent the number of patrols is increased. Advance pa-
trols operate under a detachment commander whose message
center vehicle usually moves on the route followed by the
column.
b. For composition, strength, and operation of motorized
reconnaissance detachments, see paragraphs 94 and 95.
■ 126. Advance Guard. — a. Composition and formation. —
The advance guard of a motor column may consist of a
point, advance party, support, and reserve. The reserve is
usually omitted in advance guards smaller than a rifle bat-
talion and the support takes over its functions. In advance
guards smaller than a rifle company the support may be
omitted. If the regiment is moving by motor in one or
more columns, the strength of the advance guard of each
column may vary from a reinforced rifle platoon to a rein-
forced rifle company. In some situations a reinforced bat-
talion may be used as advance guard of a regiment moving
by motor in one column. The point consists of three or
four vehicles, one of which is designated as the "get-away"
vehicle and moves well to the rear. Scout cars are used if
available. The strength of the point is held to the minimum
necessary for observation. The advance party consists of
three or more vehicles. An appropriate allotment of anti-
71
126-127
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
tank guns should be attached to the advance guard. Some
trucks in the advance guard should mount automatic weap-
ons for antiaircraft protection. The rear vehicle of each
element of the advance guard is designated "get-away"
vehicle.
b. Dispositions. — The rear subdivision of the advance guard
marches 5 to 15 minutes ahead of the main body. The point
precedes the advance party by 2 to 5 minutes. As contact
becomes imminent, the point moves by bounds. The ad-
vance party usually follows the point in open column. The
support follows several minutes behind the advance party.
c. Conduct. — (1) The principal function of the advance
guard of a motorized column is to give warning of the presence
of hostile resistance. It observes the route of march and
intersecting roads for indications of hostile movement. It
drives off small hostile elements by rapid and aggressive
dismounted action, and develops and delays strong hostile
forces. When strong forces are encountered, the column is
halted, and when the situation demands, the action of the
advance guard is supported by elements from the main body.
(2) Should the resistance encountered consist of mecha-
nized forces, each element, successively from the front, im-
mediately informs the next element in rear and takes such
steps as time permits to delay the enemy. These include
the preparation of temporary road blocks at favorable loca-
tions, such as laying antitank mines and blocking the road
with vehicles. The unit laying the mines protects them
with fire and maintains a traffic warning patrol to prevent
damage by the mines to friendly vehicles.
■ 127. Flank Guards. — a. General. — The flank guard of a
motor column is composed of motorized detachments which
secure the route of movement of the main body by offering
resistance on avenues of probable hostile approach. All such
detachments are placed under the command of the flank
guard commander who is kept informed of the progress of
the main body and of any hostile threats on the flank for
which he is responsible. The distance between the flank
guard and the main body will depend upon the terrain and
the road net. It must be such as to prevent hostile ground
observation of the route of march and, in case of serious
attack, to permit the main body to prepare for action.
72
RIFLE REGIMENT
127-129
b. Composition. — Flank guards vary from reconnaissance
patrols to detachments similar to advance guards in size
and composition.
c. Operation. — (1) Flank guards usually must move out
well in advance of the main body. For marches which do
not include a long halt, it will seldom be practicable for a
small detachment to furnish security at more than one
point.
(2) Flank guards cannot expect reinforcement from the
main body and must be made strong enough initially to
accomplish all missions which can be reasonably foreseen.
■ 128. Rear Guard. — The rear guard is similar in organiza-
tion to the advance guard. It consists of a rear party fol-
lowed by a rear point. The time-distance from the tail of
the main body to the head of the rear party is 1 to 4
minutes. The time-distance from the tail of the rear party
to the rear point is 1 to 2 minutes. The mission of the
rear guard is to protect the rear of the main body from
surprise attack by hostile forces which have faster marching
rates than the column. It cannot expect reinforcement
from the main body and therefore should be made strong
enough initially to accomplish the mission expected of it.
In retrograde movements the rear guard may be charged
with executing demolitions prepared by the main body.
When attacked, the rear guard makes dispositions similar
to those of the advance guard, except that trucks remain
closer to personnel to permit quick withdrawals.
■ 129. Antiaircraft Security. — a. Warning syste m. — The
plan of antiaircraft defense includes a warning system. If
an aircraft warning service exists in the area through which
the column is moving, the regimental commander is directly
connected with it by radio. Other measures may include
the use of friendly airplanes, the antiaircraft artillery intelli-
gence service (if present) , and the use of air guards through-
out the column, in terminal areas, and in security detach-
ments to the front, rear, and flanks.
b. Passive defense. — (1) General. — Passive defense meas-
ures available to a motor column include concealment, dis-
persion, deception, and speed.
(2) Concealment. — Concealment is obtained in terminal
areas by use of woods and camouflage. Concealment is ob-
73
129-130
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
tained on the march by taking advantage of darkness, fog,
low clouds, and the use of smoke.
(3) Dispersion. — Dispersion is effected by taking full ad-
vantage of all parallel routes available to the command.
Within the column or columns, dispersion is obtained by the
use of infiltration or open column (see par. 118).
(4) Deception. — In movement by infiltration, deception is
promoted by mixing different types of vehicles, by permitting
passing within the column, and by avoidance of uniformity
whether in motion or halted.
(5) Speed. — Short movement at high rates of speed ma-
terially reduce the likelihood of air attacks.
c. Active defense. — Plans for active defense against attack
from the air are based upon the nature and location of such
defensive means as are made available by higher authority.
Antiaircraft artillery frequently will be stationed to provide
protection at defiles and other critical points along the route
of march. Where automatic weapons of antiaircraft artil-
lery are attached, they will be so located in the column as
to increase the protection afforded to its most important ele-
ments. Where no antiaircraft artillery weapons are at the
disposal of the regimental commander, he will coordinate
the disposition of his organic antiaircraft weapons (heavy
machine guns and automatic weapons mounted on vehicles)
so as to provide protection throughout the length of the
column. As a rule organic weapons will be so disposed as to
afford protection to the elements to which they pertain —
heavy machine guns to the battalions to which they belong,
and field artillery antiaircraft weapons to their batteries or
battalions.
d. Critical locations. — Antiaircraft artillery of 37-mm and
larger caliber, if available, take position at traffic bottlenecks
and other critical points along the route of march prior to
arrival of the main body.
e. Conduct when attacked. — See paragraph 99d.
■ 130. Antimechanized Defense. — a. General. — Antimecha-
nized protection for a motor column includes a warning
system and both active and passive defense measures. Re-
liance for protection against mechanized attack cannot be
placed on terrain alone. Special measures are taken to block
favorable approaches.
74
RIFLE REGIMENT
130-133
b. Warning system. — See paragraph 98b.
c. Passive defense. — Passive defense measures include con-
cealment, natural and artificial obstacles and barriers, anti-
tank mines, dispersion, and speed. (See FM 100-5 and 5-30.)
d. Active defense. — Antimechanized weapons are distributed
throughout the column with the bulk in the advance and rear
guards and with a flank guard operating on an exposed flank.
e. Conduct when attacked. — Upon making contact with hos-
tile mechanized units, the column commander may try to use
the speed of his column to elude or outdistance the enemy on
the same or an alternate route while delaying the enemy with
his antitank weapons; or he may undertake an active resist-
ance with all of his appropriate means of defense (see par.
98c).
■ 131. Night Movements. — a. General. — Night motor move-
ments are made to preserve secrecy and as a passive antiair-
craft measure. They may also be made as part of a forced
march or to avoid excessive heat. For details, see section IV
and PM 100-5 and 25-10.
b. Special precautions. — Strict march discipline is necessary
to keep units closed up, to prevent elements from becoming
lost, to avoid accidents, and to eliminate the unauthorized use
of lights (matches, cigarettes, flashlights, etc.). (See also
par. 110.) Drivers should be relieved every 2 hours, should be
provided with hot coffee, and required to dismount and exer-
cise during halts in order to ward off drowsiness. Vehicle
commanders (riding beside the driver) are required to insure,
by conversation and other means, that the driver stays awake.
Section VI
RAIL MOVEMENTS
■ 132. References. — For general procedure governing move-
ments by rail, see FM 100-5. For technical and logistical data
pertaining to rail movements, see FM 101-10 and 7-55. 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.
■ 133. General. — a. Orders directing the movement of an
infantry regiment by rail usually indicate the station (s) at
which the entrainment will take place, the number and types
75
133-135
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
of trains, the hours of departure, the detraining area or des-
tination of the movement, and in some instances the detrain-
ing stations.
b. In many situations motor elements of the regiment march
to the destination while foot elements move by rail.
■ 134. Preparatory Measures. — Upon notification of an im-
pending move by rail, the regimental commander takes the
following steps:
a. Issues a warning order.
b. Orders a reconnaissance made of the entraining area,
the entraining points or stations, and the routes to the several
stations.
c. Dispatches, when authorized, an advance reconnaissance
detachment and quartering party to reconnoiter the detrain-
ing area and the new location of the regiment, and to make
the necessary provisions for the arrival of the regiment. For
details pertaining to quartering parties, see paragraph 143.
d. Provides for the necessary construction at entraining
points of loading platforms and ramps and for the necessary
material for securing vehicles and equipment.
e. Prepares an entraining table in conjunction with a repre-
sentative of the railway transportation service.
/. Takes steps to insure the security of his command in
the movement to the entraining area and during entrainment.
When practicable, similar steps are taken for the detraining
area.
g. Details an officer to take charge of each entraining sta-
tion; charges him with the entrainment, police, and anti-
aircraft security at the station; and gives him the means to
perform these tasks.
■ 135. Priority of Entrainment. — a. General. — In rail move-
ments made in connection with the execution of a tactical
mission, tactical considerations usually govern the priority
in which the elements of the regiment are moved. In non-
tactical movements, the order of movement is chiefly in-
fluenced by considerations of administration and the
convenience of the troops.
b. Troop groupings. — (1) In a tactical movement, an ad-
vance echelon of regimental headquarters, a small, balanced
force of riflemen, heavy machine guns, antitank guns, engi-
neers (if available), and signal communication and medical
76
RIFLE REGIMENT
135-138
personnel, together with the necessary vehicles, should be
transported on the first train or the first two trains. A
quartering party should be assigned to the first or second train
if it is impracticable to send it to the new area in advance of
the troop movement.
(2) If artillery is attached to the regiment, batteries may
be entrained to alternate in arrival with infantry battalions
or to arrive on successive trains after one or two battalions
are in the area.
(3) Weapon carriers move with their companies. Bat-
talion communication sections, medical and ammunition
trains move with their battalions. Kitchen and baggage
trains move with their companies.
(4) Usually, the regimental executive with one or two
staff assistants and a small force of rifle elements, machine
guns, antitank guns, communication and medical personnel,
and the necessary vehicles, will be required in the old area
for security and administrative purposes until the bulk of
the regiment has been moved. This detachment moves out
on the last train. Elements not specifically mentioned
usually move on the last trains.
■ 136. Transportation Grouping. — A transportation group-
ing consists of the troops, equipment, and supplies trans-
ported on one train. The order of entrainment of the trans-
portation groupings of the regiment at each entraining
point is fixed in accordance with the priority of the arrival
of the various, elements of the regiment in the detraining
area. Each transportation grouping includes medical per-
sonnel and cooking facilities.' For duties of commanders of
transportation groupings, see FM 100-5.
■ 137. Control. — Neither the regimental commander nor
the commanders of transportation groupings exercise any
control over the operation or movement of trains. A repre-
sentative of the railway transportation service accompanies
each train and serves as the intermediary between the troop
commander and the railway personnel. Troop commanders
are responsible for the maintenance of order.
■ 138. Security During Rail Movement. — Higher authority
usually provides the necessary antiaircraft security for rail
movements. Such security may take the form of air escort,
air control of the area through which the movement is being
77
138-142
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
made, antiaircraft artillery weapons mounted on each train,
or combinations of these. The commander of each trans-
portation grouping supplements the antiaircraft weapons
on the train with weapons of his own troops.
■ 139. Supply. — a. Normally, each transportation grouping
carries with it the supplies necessary for the entire trip. On
long rail movements it may be necessary to arrange for
resupply or partial resupply en route. Meals are cooked
en route.
b. When boxcars transport personnel, filled water cans
are placed in each car; stops must be made to distribute
food from the kitchens.
Section VII
BIVOUACS
■ 140. References. — For general doctrines governing bivou-
acs and security of bivouacs, see FM 100-5. For admin-
istrative considerations (quartering), see FM 100-10. For
technical and logistical data, see FM 101-10. For sanitation,
see FM 8-40 and 21-10. For details of regimental train
bivouacs, see FM 7-30.
■ 141. General. — A halt at the completion of a march should
be considered in the nature of preparation for the following
operation. The bivouac area is selected and the troops dis-
tributed in it to facilitate the succeeding operation. Halts
during the march are discussed in section III.-
■ 142. Selection. — a. Bivouac sites should be selected which
afford cover and concealment against air observation and
attack, natural obstacles for protection against mechanized
attack, sufficient area to permit dispersion as a passive anti-
aircraft measure, an adequate water supply, and enough roads
or trails to accommodate the regimental transportation or,
in the absence of roads and trails, terrain that will permit
cross-country movement by vehicles. The site should be
close to the route of march. Insofar as tactical requirements
permit, the comfort and convenience of the troops are con-
sidered in the selection.
b. The site is selected and announced as early as possible
in order that the quartering party may complete all necessary
arrangements prior to the arrival of the regiment.
78
RIFLE REGIMENT
143
■ 143. Quartering Party. — a. Composition. — A regimental
quartering party consist of —
(1) A quartering officer, usually the headquarters com-
mandant or S-l.
(2) A medical officer.
(3) A representative, preferably an officer, from each bat-
talion and one representing the remaining units of the
regiment.
(4) A guide, preferably a noncommissioned officer, from
each company of the regiment.
b. Duties. — (1) General. — The general duties of the quar-
tering party are —
(a) To select the bivouac site if this has not been defi-
nitely determined and to make the necessary arrangements
for its occupancy.
(b) To apportion the area among the battalions and sepa-
rate units of the command.
(c) To reserve facilities for the general service of admin-
istration, supply, and command (interior guards, headquar-
ters, infirmaries, supply installations).
(d) To make the necessary sanitary inspections and prepa-
rations.
(e) To guide each unit to its assigned area without the
necessity of halting.
(2) Quartering officer. — The quartering officer commands
the quartering party. After reconnaissance he allots areas
to battalions and separate units; he reserves locations for
regimental headquarters, the aid station, and the interior
guard; and he formulates a plan for the disposition of the
guard. He announces the time and place the quartering
party will assemble after inspecting and preparing their
subareas. (The party assembles, shortly before the troops
arrive, at the point where the command enters the area.)
When the interior guard is detailed, the quartering officer
sees that it is posted for the proper interior security and
control of the area (sentries over water sources and at
entrances into the area) . He prepares a sketch of the area
showing the location of subareas and installations for the
information of the regimental commander.
(3) Medical officer. — The medical officer examines the
sources of water supply and marks the places for obtaining
water for drinking and cooking, for bathing, and for wash-
79
143-144
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
ing clothes. He makes such recommendations as are desir-
able concerning the location of kitchens and latrines.
(4) Battalion representative. — Battalion representatives
suballot their assigned areas to companies and detachments,
reserving a place for battalion headquarters.
(5) Company representatives. — Company representatives
divide their area among the platoons and company headquar-
ters. They reserve locations for the company command post,
company transport (when necessary) , kitchens, and latrines,
They familiarize themselves with the routes to their areas.
Upon arrival of their companies, they meet and guide them to
their areas.
e. Arrival of troops. — Upon arrival of troops in the quarter-
ing area, the quartering officer reports immediately to the
regimental commander. Battalions and companies, guided
by their representatives, are marched to their respective areas.
■ 144. Bivouac Outposts. — a. General. — (1) A command in
bivouac establishes an outpost to provide protection in all
directions from which hostile forces may have access to the
main body. The mission of the outpost is to protect the
resting command against annoyance, surprise, and observa-
tion by hostile ground forces.
(2) The halt order of the higher commander either pro-
vides for an outpost under centralized control by naming the
outpost commander and detailing the outpost troops, or it
requires column commanders to organize outposts for their
commands. For check list for halt order, see FM 101-5.
b. Strength and composition. — The strength of an outpost
for an infantry regiment may vary from a reinforced com-
pany to a reinforced battalion. It should be no stronger than
is necessary. Outposts smaller than a battalion are normally
reinforced by heavy machine guns, mortars, and antitank
weapons. A battalion on outpost ordinarily has antitank
weapons attached. When artillery is available some may be
attached to the outpost or disposed in support of it. Engineers
prepare demolitions and block favorable avenues of approach
as directed by the regimental or higher commander. Motor-
ized detachments may be used for distant patrolling and for
intercepting small hostile elements.
c. Organization and operation of outpost. — For organization
and operation of outpost, see FM 100-5 and 7-5.
80
RIFLE REGIMENT
145-146
■ 145. Security Within Bivouac Proper. — a. Interior
guard. — The regimental commander establishes an interior
guard to provide local security within the bivouoc area. This
guard is charged with giving warning in the event of gas at-
tack or the approach of aircraft or hostile ground troops, and
with the enforcement of regulations governing such matters
as traffic control, police, use of lights, and circulation of
civilians.
b. Concealment and cover. — Vehicles are irregularly spaced,
dispersed, and concealed or camouflaged. Shelter tents are
not erected when disclosure of the bivouac to hostile air obser-
vation might result. Massing of troops or vehicles is pro-
hibited. Restrictions on the use of lights are prescribed in
orders. Hasty individual trenches usually are dug to provide
cover in the event of air or mechanized attack.
c. Antimechanized and antiaircraft dispositions. — Anti-
tank weapons not attached to the outpost are sited to cover
approaches to the bivouac. Machine guns not attached to the
outpost are sited for defense against air attack. Upon the
approach of airplanes, the interior guard sounds the alarm.
All standing antiaircraft defensive measures are then put into
effect.
d. Alerts. — (1) One officer at each headquarters down to
include the company, and one noncommissioned officer in each
platoon, are constantly on duty to alert the command in event
of attack.
(2) All units are instructed as to the action to be taken
when alerted (see PM 100-5 and 7-5).
■ 146. Signal Communication. — In bivouac, command posts
are located within the areas occupied by their units, and the
next higher and subordinate commanders are notified of their
location. Communication within the area is normally by
messenger unless the units are widely separated, in which
event battalions may be authorized to operate radio stations
if secrecy requirements permit. Sound-powered telephones
may be used to advantage. Battery-operated telephones are
not installed unless the length of stay and the distance be-
tween command posts justify it. Any wire laid is recovered
for later use. Signal communication between the regimental
command post, the outpost, and detached posts is established
by the regiment.
81
147
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
■ 147. Clean-up Party. — A clean-up party is detailed to in-
spect bivouac areas and halt sites after they are vacated and
to correct and report any deficiencies noted. On the march,
this party follows the column and picks up any guides, guards,
and markers not picked up by the trail party.
82
RIFLE REGIMENT
148-152
CHAPTER 5
THE OFFENSIVE
Paragraphs
Section I. General considerations.
148-156
157-166
167-169
170-181
182-196
197-199
200-214
215-222
223-226
227-231
II. Approach march
III. Assembly positions (areas)
IV. Reconnaissance, plans, and orders.
V. Conduct of attack
VI. Pursuit
VII. Attack of river line.
VIII. Attack in woods
IX. Night attack
X. Regiment in reserve
XI. Attack under special conditions.
232
Section I
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
■ 148. References. — For the fundamental doctrines of of-
fensive combat, see FM 100-5. For the basic factors of infan-
try combat, infantry operations in the various phases of
offensive action, and liaison with other arms, see FM 7-5.
■ 149. General. — a. Offensive action. — Through offensive ac-
tion, a commander exercises his initiative, preserves his free-
dom of action, and imposes his will on the enemy.
b. Surprise. — Infantry obtains surprise by concealing the
time and place of the attack, by screening its dispositions and
movements, by rapid maneuver, by deception, and by avoid-
ing stereotyped procedures. Speed of execution may be a
determining factor in achieving surprise.
■ 150. Infantry Mission. — In the attack, the primary mission
of infantry is to close with the enemy and destroy or capture
him.
■ 151. Tactical Grouping. — The infantry regiment may be
grouped with a battalion of light artillery and units of other
arms in suitable proportion. Such tactical groupings are
called combat teams and their composition may be prescribed
in standing operating procedure.
■ 152. Distribution of Troops. — The general distribution of
the infantry regiment in offensive action comprises a recon-
naissance and security echelon, an attack echelon, a reserve
echelon, and an administrative echelon. The security echelon
may include reconnaissance detachments, an advance security
83
152-155
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
detachment (advance guard) , flank and rear security detach-
ments, connecting groups or contact patrols, and antiaircraft
and antitank lookouts. The attack echelon may comprise one
or more battalions with any attached units or weapons. The
administrative echelon comprises the service company (less
regimental headquarters personnel) and the medical detach-
ment. The reserve echelon, comprises the remainder of the
regiment.
■ 153. Reconnaissance. — a. Reconnaissance is a responsibility
of all units. Reconnaissance is conducted with a view to
gaining contact with the enemy and maintaining this contact
when established.
b. Information obtained by reconnaissance is of little value
unless it is rapidly transmitted to the superior commander.
c. For details of combat intelligence operations in the
regiment, see FM 7-25.
■ 154. Security. — a. Every commander is responsible for the
security of his command. Security of attack forces is pro-
moted by a timely search for information in all directions
from which a hostile threat may come, and by a judicious
use of security forces.
b. The regimental commander provides such additional se-
curity beyond that provided by the higher commander as his
own local protection requires. The regiment always pro-
tects itself by —
(1) Antiaircraft, antimechanized, and antichemical warn-
ing systems.
(2) Antimechanized defense.
(3) Antiaircraft security.
(4) Reconnaissance and security detachments.
c. The provisions for security on the march are contained in
paragraphs 93 to 102; for security in the approach march
in paragraphs 163, 165, and 166; in attack, in paragraphs
178, 187, and 191.
■ 155. Liaison and Contact. — a. When the regiment develops
for combat it usually dispatches a liaison officer to the next
higher headquarters. Commanders of adjacent units may,
by mutual arrangement or by order of higher authority, ex-
change liaison officers. Commanders of supporting units are
responsible for establishing liaison with the supported units.
For details governing liaison and the selection and duties of
84
RIFLE REGIMENT
155-157
liaison officers, see FM 101-5. For artillery liaison, see para-
graph 177a(l) and FM 7-5.
b. All units maintain contact with adjacent units. This
is usually accomplished by the detail of contact patrols.
c. Liaison is maintained between the regiment and its sub-
ordinate units by means of command and staff visits, signal
communication agencies, and regimental intelligence person-
nel operating in the battalion zones of action. The contin-
uous detail of liaison officers between the regiment and its
subordinate units is seldom justified.
■ 156. Method of Attack. — a. Infantry fights by combining
fire, movement, and shock action. It utilizes the terrain to
attain maximum fire effect, to conserve personnel, and to
conceal movement.
b. It seeks to combine flanking action with frontal action.
It concentrates the mass of its means of action in its main
effort, which is directed through known or suspected weak
points in the enemy dispositions to gain a decisive objective.
c. Attacking units do not ordinarily meet uniform resistance,
nor do they have equal terrain advantages or disadvantages.
Small units that find enemy weakness and succeed in pene-
trating his defense continue to advance to their objectives.
They do not stop to engage enemy resistance on their flanks
unless they are required to do so by the commander's plan
of maneuver or to further their own advance. The infil-
tration of small units through enemy dispositions tends to
open gaps for the action of larger formations. If necessary,
battalion and regimental reserves are used to reduce areas
of resistance remaining in rear of the attacking echelon.
(See also sec. V.)
Section n
APPROACH MARCH
■ 157. General. — a. The approach march begins (initiation
of the development) when the imminence of contact forces
the regiment to change from route march formation to one
made up of several roughly parallel columns, and ends when
the attack echelon crosses the line of departure.
b. The purposes of the approach march are —
(1) To bring the regiment close to the enemy with
minimum losses.
85
157-158
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
(2) To increase its readiness for action.
c. The approach march may be started for the purpose of
increasing readiness for action, or to reduce vulnerability
to threatened hostile fires. To increase readiness for ac-
tion, the regiment ordinarily will be broken down succes-
sively into battalion, company, and smaller columns. When
effective artillery fire is a threat, units should be so dispersed
that not more than one platoon will be affected by the burst
of a single shell.
d. Approach march formations vary with conditions such
as the nature of the terrain and the presence or absence of
friendly covering forces to the front.
e. Intensive reconnaissance is carried on during the ap-
proach march to verify information already at hand, and
to gain additional information so that the commander can
more effectively estimate the situation and plan his action.
f. Where practicable, assembly positions (areas) are desig-
nated for battalions. In these positions, units are prepared
for performance of their assigned combat missions (see
par. 168).
■ 158. Development Order. — a. By higher commander. —
For a regiment not in the leading echelon of the larger unit
or not yet to be committed to action, the development order
of the higher commander may prescribe a regimental as-
sembly position, the route or zone of movement to this
position, and the time by which it is to be reached. Orders
to a regiment in the leading echelon, or to one that is to
be committed to action, may prescribe the initial mission or
successive march objectives and a zone of advance, and may
limit the offensive action to be undertaken initially by the
regiment.
b. By regimental commander. — If the regiment is merely
ordered to an assembly position and its approach march is
made behind other forces whose strength and dispositions
afford protection against ground attack except by small
elements and mechanized forces, the regimental develop-
ment order may be very brief. If the regiment is in the
leading echelon of the larger unit, or is assigned an initial
offensive or defensive mission, more detailed instructions are
necessary in the regimental development order. The de-
velopment order will usually be issued in fragmentary form
and will include the instructions necessary to insure coordi-
86
RIFLE REGIMENT
158-160
nation of the forward movement of battalions, proper secu-
rity dispositions of all units, and timely reconnaissance by
subordinate commanders of their zones of advance and
successive objectives.
■ 159. Approach March. — The planning and conduct of the
approach march by day are considered in paragraphs 160
to 165, inclusive. For a discussion of a night approach
march, see paragraph 166.
■ 160. Dispositions. — a. General. — Battalions may be dis-
posed in —
(1) Column of battalions — either in trace or echeloned
toward an exposed flank.
(2) Inverted wedge formation — two battalions leading.
(3) Wedge formation — one battalion leading, one eche-
loned to the right rear, and one to the left rear.
(4) Exceptionally, all battalions abreast.
b. Column. — A column formation, with battalions in trace
or echeloned, permits the best use of the terrain and promotes
flexibility. This formation is usually indicated when the
zone of advance is relatively narrow; when adjacent units
are in position to provide flank security; and when the situ-
ation is obscure or a long advance is probable. It is normal
when only two battalions are available to the regimental
commander. When the regiment is on an exposed flank, rear
battalions should usually be echeloned toward that flank.
c. Inverted .wedge. — An inverted wedge is a suitable forma-
tion when the situation indicates the probable initial use of
two battalions abreast or when the regimental zone of ad-
vance is too wide to be reconnoitered and secured by one
battalion. The remaining battalion should be echeloned
toward the more dangerous flank.
d. Wedge. — A wedge formation may be indicated at times
when enveloping action promises advantages to both flanks.
It may at times promote security of the rear elements of
the regiment when both flanks are insecure.
e. Line. — A formation with all battalions abreast is rare.
An example of a situation which might justify its use is when
the regiment has been assigned a mission involving action on
a very broad front with a limited objective and when only
a short approach march is necessary. When such a forma-
tion is required, a fraction of one or more battalions is held
87
160-161
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL
in regimental reserve, or restricted by prescribing that they
will be used only by regimental authority.
/. Antitank company. — The bulk of the antitank company
is disposed to furnish antimechanized protection to the for-
ward battalion (s) and those disposed to secure a threatened
flank. (See FM 7-35.)
g. Motor transport. — Company transport, communication
vehicles, and the ammunition and medical vehicles of the
battalion train accompany battalions in the leading echelon.
The remaining motor elements, less those employed for re-
connaissance, security, and control, are grouped in either
battalion or regimental motor echelons. The kitchen and
baggage train and some maintenance vehicles are usually
held in the old bivouac and moved forward during darkness
to perform their mission (see par. 92c and FM 7-30) .
h. Artillery. — Artillery attached to the regiment is moved
well forward in order to support any action of the leading
elements and to protect the occupation of assembly positions.
The artillery is ordered to support covering forces on call.
(See par. 164b.)
i. Engineers. — When engineers are attached to the regiment
during an approach, small engineer reconnaissance elements
are usually attached to the leading battalion (s). The bulk
of the engineers is kept well forward in the formation under
regimental control in order to be available for prompt employ-
ment on appropriate tasks as they develop.
j. Command group. — As far as practicable the regimental
command group moves in motors in the interval between the
leading battalion (s) and those in rear. The number of
vehicles is held to a minimum; those not necessary for com-
mand purposes move at the head of the regimental motor
echelon.
■ 161. Control. — a. General. — Any or all of the following
measures for control may be prescribed in the regimental
development order:
(1) Battalion zones of advance:
(2) Phase lines (successive march objectives) ; hours for
continuing the advance beyond these phase lines or conditions
for such continuance.
(3) Periodic reports of progress.
88
RIFLE REGIMENT
161
(4) Assembly positions (see sec. Ill) .
(5) Axis of advance of each battalion command post.
(6) Connecting groups (see par 163c) .
b. Zones of advance. — Zones of advance are areas of respon-
sibility. They are defined by designating their lateral
boundaries. The points designating a boundary should be
successive terrain features that extend in the direction of
movement and are easy to identify on the ground. Zones
of advance regulate the lateral limits of reconnaissance,
movement, and action for the units to which assigned. To
take advantage of favorable routes of approach, units or frac-
tions of units may be authorized to move temporarily into
adjacent zones. Such movements must not interfere with the
action of adjacent units and should be made only after agree-
ment by the commander of the unit whose zone is entered.
c. Phase lines. — (1) When phase lines are employed as a
means of control, they serve as intermediate march objectives
on which further action may be coordinated. They are espe-
cially useful for control in an obscure situation or in broken
or wooded terrain. Phase lines are sought which favor
friendly observation and action and act as a mask to hostile
observation and action. To this end they should connect
laterally those terrain features which afford observation and
fields of fire for artillery and infantry heavy weapons; which
afford natural obstacles to hostile mechanized forces; and
which conceal the activities of friendly forces to the rear.
(2) Distances between phase lines for units of the regiment
will depend upon the character of
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