U F 
 
 UC~NR*-r 
 
GIFT OF 
 
 1 
 
DRILL REGULATIONS 
 
 FOR 
 
 .CHINE -GUN PLATOONS 
 
 INFANTRY 
 
 UNITED STATES ARMY 
 
 1909 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
 1909 
 
DRILL REGULATIONS 
 
 
 FOR 
 
 MACHINE-GUN PLATOONS 
 
 INFANTRY 
 UNITED STATES ARMY 
 
 1909 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
 1909 
 
OEDEE OF SUBJECTS. 
 
 Par. 
 
 Organization of the section 1-6 
 
 Organization of the platoon 7-8 
 
 Duties of the gun squad 9-63 
 
 Duties of the ammunition squad 64-78 
 
 Duties of the pack squad 79-92 
 
 Drill of the section 93-121 
 
 Drill of the platoon 122-153 
 
 Arrangement of equipment 154-160 
 
 Marches 161-177 
 
 Camps 178-187 
 
 The platoon in action 188-191 
 
 Ceremonies 192-193 
 
 Jams 194-226 
 
 5 
 


 DRILL REGULATIONS, 
 MACHINE-GUN PLATOONS, INFANTRY, 
 
 1909. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ORGANIZATION. 
 
 THE SECTION. 
 
 1. The organization of a detachment of men for the service 
 of machine guns begins naturally with that for a single piece. 
 This is the unit upon which the organization is based, and it 
 is called " the Section." 
 
 2. With reference to the service of the piece, the section is 
 naturally resolved into three elements: 
 
 (a) The gun squad, for the service of the piece. 
 
 (&) The ammunition squad, for the service of ammuni- 
 
 tion and water. 
 (c) The pack squad, for the care of the animals and for 
 
 service as packers. 
 
 To supervise the operations of these three elements a corporal 
 is necessary. He is designated as " Chief of Section." 
 
 3. The gun squad consists of: 
 
 Four privates, one of whom acts as " Pointer." 
 
 4. The ammunition squad consists of: 
 
 Three privates. 
 
 5. The pack squad consists of: 
 
 Two packers, privates. 
 
 7 
 
8 ORGANIZATION OF THE SECTION. 
 
 6. With reference to the tactical operations of the section, it 
 is naturally resolved unto two divisions : 
 
 (a) The Combat Division, consisting of the gun, the ammu- 
 nition squad, the gun squad, one packer, two leading mules, and 
 an emergency supply of ammunition. This division is always 
 held in readiness for instant action. 
 
 (6) The Supply Division, consisting of one packer and the 
 three rear mules of the section. This division is relied upon to 
 carry impedimenta, seek a new supply of ammunition, and re- 
 fill the water boxes from whatever source of supply may be 
 available. It goes after rations, brings firewood, if necessary, 
 and in general provides all the necessaries for the combat 
 division, to enable that division to perform its proper duties. 
 
 Working in platoon, this gives two packers and six mules 
 with pack equipment constantly available to supply all neces- 
 sities for the two guns and for the men and animals with them. 
 
 THE PLATOON. 
 
 7. A platoon consists of two complete sections and the follow- 
 ing in addition : 
 
 One lieutenant, to command the platoon. 
 
 One platoon sergeant, to act in the executive capacity of 
 first sergeant, and to supervise the supply of ammuni- 
 tion in action. 
 
 8. The following is the organization prescribed for machine- 
 gun platoons of the infantry regiments of the Regular Army in 
 time of peace : 
 
 One lieutenant. 
 One sergeant. 
 Two corporals. 
 Eighteen privates. 
 

 >1U\J& 
 CHAPTER II. 
 THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 9. The gun squad is composed of four privates, one of whom 
 acts as " Pointer." They are referred to as " gunmen." 
 
 10. The object of the training of the gun squad is twofold : 
 (a) The gunmen must be taught their individual duties 
 
 and be practiced in them until their performance 
 becomes a matter of second nature even under the 
 stress and excitement of combat. 
 
 (&) The gun squad must be trained as a unit so that its 
 individual members work together smoothly and 
 quietly for the efficient service of their gun. All 
 privates of the platoon receive this instruction : 
 but the permanent gun squad is composed of men 
 who are selected for their special aptitude. 
 
 I. DUTIES OP INDIVIDUALS IN THE SERVICE OF THE PIECE. 
 
 DUTIES IN GENERAL 
 
 1 1 . Pointer : 
 
 Commands gun squad. 
 
 Sets sights. 
 
 Aims piece. 
 
 Packs and unpacks gun. 
 
 Shifts trail. , 
 
 Fires piece. 
 
 Operates roller handle in unloading. 
 
 Reduces jams, if any. 
 No. 1 : 
 
 Leads gun mule. 
 
 Loads piece. 
 
 Unloads piece. 
 
 Assists in packing and unpacking gun. 
 
 Assists pointer to reduce jams, if any. 
 Nos. 2 and 3 : 
 
 Pack and unpack tripod. 
 
 Serve ammunition and water. 
 
10 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 DUTIES IN DETAIL 
 
 Pointer. 
 
 TO LAY THE PIECE. 
 
 12. Firing data will be communicated to the pointer as 
 follows : 
 
 1. Target (that squad of infantry at 2 o'clock). 
 
 2. Range (fifteen hundred yards). 
 
 3. Deflection right (left) seven (or other number) points. 
 If the target does not lie within the arc of traverse, the 
 
 pointer commands : TRAIL RIGHT (LEFT). At this command he 
 straddles the trail, grasps the seat with both hands, and lifts 
 the trail a few inches from the ground, and moves the trail to 
 the right (left) until the target is approximately at the center 
 of the arc of traverse, when he commands HALT, at which com- 
 mand he lowers the trail to the ground. 
 
 The pointer now takes his seat; raises his sight and sets it 
 at the indicated range and deflection; brings the line of sight 
 upon the lower element of the target by means of the traversing 
 and elevating gears; clamps the piece; calls READY, when the 
 piece is laid and clamped. 
 
 TO FIRE THE PIECE. 
 
 13. The piece being loaded and laid, the instructor informs 
 the pointer what kind of fire it is desired to use, and com- 
 mands commence firing. 
 
 While the instructor is giving his directions as to the kind of 
 fire, the pointer grasps the handle block with both hands, places 
 both thumbs on the trigger, and at the command COMMENCE 
 FIRING, presses the trigger and continues the kind of fire di- 
 rected by the instructor until the command CEASE FIRING is 
 given, when he releases the trigger and removes his hands from 
 the handle block. 
 
 TO UNLOAD. 
 
 14. At the command UNLOAD the pointer throws the roller 
 handle twice forward, allowing it to fly back each time with the 
 full force of the recoil spring. 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 11 
 
 Number 1. 
 
 WHEN THE TRAIL IS SHIFTED; 
 
 15. 1. Trail right (left), 2. HALT. At the first command he 
 picks up the ammunition box from which the belt is engaged in 
 the feed box, and at the command HALT replaces the box in its 
 proper position. 
 
 TO LOAD THE PIECE. 
 
 16. LOAD. He places an ammunition box on the ground on 
 the right of the piece opposite the feed box, latch toward the 
 piece ; opens the ammunition box, and, standing in front of the 
 box and facing to the rear, passes the belt through the feed box 
 from right to left, drawing it to the left with the right hand 
 until the first cartridge is engaged by the lower feed-box pawls. 
 Still grasping the belt on the left of the feed box with the right 
 hand, he pulls the roller handle twice forward with the left 
 hand ; each time when he has pulled the roller handle forward 
 to the position of extreme recoil, he then pulls the belt to the 
 left as far as it will go and then releases the roller handle, 
 allowing it to fly back to place with the full force of the recoil 
 spring. The piece is now loaded for continuous fire. 
 
 To load the piece so that it will fire single shots only, he 
 proceeds as above, except that he does not pull the belt to the 
 left the second time the roller handle is in the forward position. 
 To reload when firing single shots the roller handle is thrown 
 forward once and allowed to fly back to place with the full 
 force of the recoil spring. 
 
 DURING FIRING. 
 
 17. The duties of No. 1 during the firing are: 
 (a) To see that the belt feeds freely. 
 
 (&) To assist the pointer to reduce jams, if any. 
 
 (c) To immediately reload the piece in case of misfire 
 
 or failure of the mechanism to function properly. 
 
 (d) When a belt is exhausted, unless he receives specific 
 
 instructions to the contrary, to pass the empty 
 ammunition box to the left side of the piece, receive 
 a filled belt and immediately reload the piece. 
 
12 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 (e) He observes the action of the roller handle while 
 the piece is actually firing, for, by noting its action, 
 he may in nearly every case immediately tell the 
 cause of the minor jams and quickly reduce them. 
 
 TO UNLOAD. 
 
 18. UNLOAD. When the pointer has thrown the roller handle 
 forward, No. 1 grasps the belt on the right side of the piece 
 with the left hand, disengages the lower feed-box pawls, and 
 pulls the belt through the feed box to the right, folds it in the 
 ammunition box and closes the box. 
 
 Number 2. 
 
 19. The duties of No. 2 are: 
 
 (a) When the trail is shifted : To see that the tool box is 
 within reach of the pointer's left hand. 
 
 (Z>) At preliminary commands for firing: To see that the 
 wing nuts are screwed fast. 
 
 (c) During firing : To receive the belt as it is fed through 
 
 the gun, and when it is exhausted to fold it and 
 place it in its box, passing the box to such member 
 of the ammunition squad as comes to receive it, or 
 to No. 3. 
 
 (d) When the pointer directs No. 2 to fill water jacket or 
 
 at other times when necessary. No. 2 fills the 
 filling cup with water, removes the cap from the 
 filling valve (and condenser tube, if used, from 
 steam escape), places the nozzle of cup in filling 
 valve, handle of cup to the right, cup canted 
 slightly to the right, empties contents of cup 
 into water jacket, and repeats the operation 
 until the jacket is full. Water can not be intro- 
 duced into the jacket when there has been sufficient 
 firing to make an appreciable pressure of steam, 
 although it is not essential, per se, that firing be 
 suspended while the jacket is being filled. The 
 jacket being filled, No. 2 replaces cap on filling 
 valve (and condenser tube, if used, in steam 
 escape). 
 

 
PLATE i. 
 
 No.2 
 
 
 Pointer 
 
 No. 3 
 
 
 No.l 
 
 GUN SQUAD WITHOUT PACKS. PAR. 21. 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 13 
 
 (e) When piece is being unloaded: To see that the free 
 end of the belt does not become entangled or 
 twisted before passing through the feed box. 
 
 (/) When the ammunition squad or gun squad becomes 
 reduced : To supply No. 1 with ammunition and to 
 procure for himself an ample supply of water to 
 cool the barrel. 
 
 (g) To assist in moving the piece by hand. 
 
 Number 3. 
 
 20. The duties of No. 3 are: 
 
 (a) When trail is shifted: To replace ammunition within 
 reach of No. 1, and water and filling cup within 
 reach of No. 2. 
 
 (&) At preliminary commands for firing: To procure a 
 full box of ^ammunition, open it, and hand it to 
 No. 1. 
 
 (c) During firing: To see that Nos. 1 and 2 have an un- 
 interrupted supply of ammunition and water, No. 3 
 going to procure this supply himself should the 
 ammunition squad be unable, from any cause, to 
 keep the gun properly supplied. 
 
 (cZ) To assist in moving the piece by hand. .02 
 
 II. THE GUN SQUAD AS A UNIT. 
 
 2 1. The gun squad is formed in double rank in the following 
 order from right to left; the pointer on the right of the front 
 rank, covered by No. 1 ; No. 2 on the left of the pointer, covered 
 by No. 3. (Plate I.) 
 
 22. In the preliminary instruction of recruits, or when the 
 men are not assigned to permanent positions, the instructor may 
 cause the gun squad to CALL OFF. The pointer calls off Pointer, 
 his rear rank man One, the man on the left of the pointer Two, 
 etc. 
 
 23. The posts of the gun squad with the piece in pack are as 
 follows : 
 
 Pointer : On the near side of the gun mule opposite and in 
 reach of the handle block, facing to the front. 
 
 No. 1 : On the near side of the gun mule opposite its head ; 
 leads gun mule. 
 
14 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 No. 2 : On off side of gun mule opposite and within reach 
 
 of the front lashing of the tripod. 
 No. 3 : On off side of gun mule opposite and within reach 
 
 of the rear lashing of the tripod. (Plate II.) 
 
 24. The posts of the gun squad with the piece unpacked are as 
 follows : 
 
 Pointer : Seated on trail seat, facing to the front. 
 
 No. 1 : Kneeling on right side of piece, slightly forward of 
 
 feed box, within reach of and facing it. 
 No. 2 : Kneeling on left side of piece, opposite feed box, 
 
 within reach of and facing it. 
 No. 3 : Kneeling about 20 inches to the right and abreast 
 
 of the pointer, facing to the front. (Plate III.) 
 In seeking cover, the gun squad may take their posts prone. 
 
 25. On occasions of ceremony, the members of the gun squad 
 take posts as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, except that 
 all stand at their posts in the position of the soldier, the pointer 
 standing directly in rear of the trail. 
 
 MOVEMENT OF THE PIECE BY HAND. 
 Short Distances. 
 
 26. The instructor commands 1. Forward (to the rear; by the 
 right flank; by the left flank), 2. MARCH. At the preliminary com- 
 mand the pointer rises, collects the tool box and intrenching 
 tools, and stands ready to carry them. (He throws the roller 
 handle forward twice if the piece is loaded). No. 2 springs to 
 the muzzle, and, facing the piece, places both hands under the 
 water jacket near the muzzle and commands LIFT. At this com- 
 mand he raises the water jacket, and, facing to the front, places 
 it on his shoulder. He then grasps the legs with his hands to 
 steady the piece. No. 3 springs to the trail, grasps the seat with 
 both hands, and when No. 2 calls LIFT, lifts the piece from the 
 ground. 
 
 No. 1 picks up the ammunition boxes and filling cup (allowing 
 end of belt to remain in feed box), and stands ready to carry 
 them. 
 
 At the command MARCH No. 2 steps off in the indicated di- 
 rection, No. 3 follows in his trace, and the pointer and No. 1 
 maintain their relative positions. (See Plate No. IV.) 
 
PLATE II. 
 
 Gun 
 mule 
 
 GUN SQUAD WITH PIECE IN PACK. PAR. 23. 
 

PLATE IV. 
 
 MOVING PIECE BY HAND SHORT DISTANCES. PAR 26. 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 15 
 
 To Halt the Squad. 
 
 27. 1. Squad, 2. HALT. All halt, lower their loads to the 
 ground, and then move quickly to their posts. 
 
 To Change Direct ion when Moving by Hand. 
 
 28. 1. Column Right (Left, Half Right, Half Left), 2. MARCH. 
 
 No. 2 moves in the indicated direction on the arc of a circle 
 of about 2 yards radius, the other members of the squad main- 
 taining their relative positions. 
 
 To March to the Rear when Moving by Hand. 
 
 29. 1. To the Rear, 2. MARCH. No. 2 moves to the left about, 
 marching on the arc of a circle of about 2 yards radius, the 
 other members of the squad conform to his movements. 
 
 30. If these movements are often repeated during a drill 
 period No. 2 should be frequently relieved, as his duties are 
 much more fatiguing than those of the other members of the gun 
 squad. 
 
 Longer Distances. 
 
 31. The instructor commands 1. By parts, 2. Forward (to the 
 rear), or 2. Forward, Column Right (Left, Half Right, Half Left), 
 3. MARCH. 
 
 The gun is dismounted from the tripod as prescribed in para- 
 graph 37. At the preliminary command (if in pack, it is un- 
 packed at the preliminary command), and the equipment is 
 then carried by the squad in column, as follows: 
 
 (a) No. 2 at the head of the column carrying the tripod. 
 This is easiest carried by allowing the legs to remain 
 in place, with the wing nuts screwed fast, the trail 
 extending down the back, one leg supported on each 
 shoulder, the hands grasping the legs near their ends. 
 (&) No. 1 follows No. 2, carrying the gun on his shoulder. 
 
 (c) No. 3 follows No. 1, carrying two or more boxes of 
 ammunition. 
 
 (d) The pointer follows No. 3, carrying the tool box and 
 intrenching tools. 
 
16 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 In this formation the squad is marched as a squad of infantry 
 in column of files. At the command Halt all loads are lowered 
 to the ground. 
 
 The pointer and No. 1, and also Nos. 2 and 3, should frequently 
 exchange loads. 
 
 32. To bring the piece into action in any direction ACTION 
 FRONT (RIGHT; LEFT; REAR). The gun is mounted on the tripod 
 as prescribed in paragraph 34, and all move quickly to their 
 posts. 
 
 To Form for Action, the Piece being in Pack. 
 
 33. The instructor commands FORM FOR ACTION. 
 
 The pointer releases the lashings of the gun and then springs 
 opposite the breech, removes the elevating pin, grasps the handle 
 block with both hands, and stands ready to lift. 
 
 No. 1 puts the blind on the gun mule, secures it, drops the 
 leading rein to the ground, springs to the muzzle of the piece, 
 grasps it with both hands, and stands ready to lift. 
 
 No. 2 releases the lashings of the tripod, springs to the front, 
 grasps the top carriage with both hands, and stands ready to 
 lift. 
 
 No. 3 releases the lashings of the top load, springs to the rear, 
 grasps the trail and legs of the tripod with both hands, and 
 stands ready to lift. 
 
 To Unpack and Prepare for Action. 
 
 34. At the command ACTION FRONT, the piece being in pack, 
 the gunmen first perform the duties prescribed in paragraph 
 33. and the pointer and No. 1 then lift the gun from the hang- 
 ers; Nos. 2 and 3 carry the tripod to the right and front, and 
 when No. 3 arrives at his proper position he drops the trail to 
 the ground ; No. 2, supporting the tripod, raises his end until the 
 tripod stands on the end of the trail in a vertical position. No. 
 2 now releases his hold, grasps the legs near their lower ends, 
 one in each hand, raises them to the firing position, shoves the 
 studs well home and allows the tripod to fall to the front. As 
 the tripod falls, No. 2 springs to the left of the tripod, and 
 crouching opposite the carriage, withdraws the trunnion pin, 
 inserting it again and screwing it home when the pointer and 
 No. 1 have placed the gun in the carriage ; he then tightens the 
 wing nuts and takes his post. While Nos. 2 and 3 are setting 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 17 
 
 up the tripod, the Pointer and No. 1 carry the gun in rear of 
 the gun mule, and, when the tripod falls to the firing position, 
 they raise the gun over No. 2's head and place it in the car- 
 riage. When No. 2 has inserted the trunnion pin, No. 1 re- 
 leases his hold on the muzzle and hastens to his post. The 
 pointer straddles the trail, and, supporting the handle block in 
 the pit of his stomach, he has both hands free to guide the head 
 of the inner elevating screw to its place, and to insert the ele- 
 vating pin. Having done this, he takes his seat and raises his 
 sight. As soon as No. 3 has dropped the trail of the tripod to 
 the ground, he hastens to the gun mule and removes the top 
 load, first handing an open ammunition box to No. 1 (who in- 
 serts the belt in the feed box and draws it through until the 
 first cartridge engages the pawls as prescribed in paragraph 16 
 "To Load"). No. 3 then places the second ammunition box 
 by the side of and just in the rear of the first, places the tool 
 box within easy reach of the pointer's left hand, and then takes 
 his post. 
 
 35. The position of the piece when assembled for action is 
 established by No. 3, who, in setting up the tripod, places the 
 end of the trail on the ground at a point 2 yards to the right of 
 the gun mule's head, or at such point as may be directed. 
 
 To Fire to the Rear (Right or Left). 
 
 36. The command ACTION REAR (RIGHT OR LEFT) is given. 
 This is executed like Action Front, except that the tripod is 
 placed so that the gun will point in the proper direction. 
 
 To Resume the Order for Marching in Pack. 
 
 37. 1. Prepare to Pack, 2. PACK. 
 At the first command : 
 
 The Pointer lays down his sight, turns elevating clamp 
 down, rises, and, supporting the handle block against 
 the pit of his stomach, disconnects the elevating gear, 
 replaces the elevating pin, and then, grasping the 
 handle block with both hands, stands ready to lift. He 
 first throws the roller handle twice forward if the piece 
 is loaded. 
 
 No. 1 unloads the piece (see paragraph 18) if this has 
 not been done, then springs to the muzzle, and grasping 
 it with both hands, stands ready to lift. 
 723010 2 
 
18 DUTIES OP THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 No. 2 assists No. 1 to unload (see paragraph 10), un- 
 screws trunnion pin but does not withdraw it, un- 
 screws wing nuts, and then grasps trunnion pin with 
 right hand, crouching on the left of the carriage. 
 
 No. o gathers together the top load, places it about one 
 yard to the right of the trail seat, and then takes post 
 on the right of the carriage about one foot from it and 
 facing to the front. 
 
 The Packer brings the mules to the immediate vicinity 
 of the gun at a rapid gait, and holds or herds the 
 mules until the gun squad has finished the packing and 
 is ready to move off. 
 At the second command 
 
 The pointer as so;;n as tl ^ trnr.nion pin has been with- 
 drawn by No. 2, lifts the gun from the carriage and 
 places it on the hanger, in which he is assisted by No. 1. 
 He then lashes the gun to the hanger and takes his 
 post. 
 
 No. 1 assists the pointer to place the gun in the hanger, 
 removes the blind from the gun mule, grasps the lead- 
 ing rein, and takes his post. 
 
 No. 2 withdraws the trunnion pin, and, as soon as 
 the pointer and No. 1 have removed the gun, immedi- 
 ately replaces said pin and gives a turn or two to 
 secure it. He then springs in front of the tripod, and. 
 grasping the legs near their ends, one in each hand, 
 raises the tripod on its trail to a vertical position, and 
 allows the legs to fall ; grasps the top carriage with 
 both liiuuls, places the tripod in the hanger with the 
 assistance of No. 3, and then secures its lashings, tak- 
 ing his post as soon as this is completed. 
 . No. 3, when No. 2 grasps the carriage, grasps the tripod 
 near the ground, his right arm passing under 'and sup- 
 porting the legs, his left hand .holding the trail seat. 
 He now assists No. 2 to place the tripod in the hanger, 
 then puts the top load in place, lashes it, and fakes his 
 post. 
 
DUTIES OE THE GUN SQUAD. 19 
 
 III. THE SERVICE OF THE PIECE. 
 
 GENERAL PROVISIONS. 
 
 38. In firing instruction, a target is always designated, the 
 firing data announced, and the operation of setting sights, load- 
 ing, pointing, and firing the piece are habitually performed just 
 as in actual firing. 
 
 39. The instructor should use every means at his disposal, 
 such as dummy cartridges, miniature targets, stationary and 
 moving, etc., to simulate service conditions, and where ammu- 
 nition is available, the instruction should be held frequently on 
 the range with ball cartridges. 
 
 Laying the Piece. 
 
 40. The instructor may command, for example: 
 
 1. " Target, such an object at such o'clock." 
 
 2. " Range, so many yards." 
 
 3. ''Deflection right (left), so many points." 
 
 The piece will be unpacked at the first command, if not already 
 so, the pointer commanding ACTION FRONT (RIGHT; LEFT; 
 REAR), depending on the direction of the target (paragraphs 
 84 and 36). 
 
 The gunmen then proceed to the performance of their duties 
 as prescribed in paragraphs 13, 15, 19, 20. 
 
 To Fire the Piece. 
 
 41. The piece being loaded and laid, the instructor informs 
 the Pointer what kind of fire to use, adds such further instruc- 
 tions as he may deem necessary, as Fire about 20 or so many 
 rounds, and watch for dust, or Fire single shots for range, and adds 
 COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
 42. The Pointer fires the number of rounds directed, and if he 
 can see where his shot group was placed, corrects his sight and 
 aim as prescribed in paragraph 17, " Machine-Gun Firing Regu- 
 lations," and then continues the kind of fire directed by the 
 instructor. 
 
 43. When he is unable to locate the point of strike, the 
 pointer, after firing his first shot or string of shots, will call 
 
20 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 " no dust," and will suspend his fire until the instructor either 
 gives him corrected firing data or commands FIRE, when he 
 makes the necessary corrections and continues the fire. 
 
 Corrections of Firing Data. 
 
 44. After any string of shots the pointer verifies his aim and 
 calls Ready. 
 
 If the shot group was properly placed, the observer then 
 directs the pointer to FIRE. 
 
 If the shot group was off the target, the observer gives the 
 pointer corrected firing data : 
 
 (a) By announcing a new range and deflection as 
 
 1. Range, so many yards. 
 
 2. Deflection right (left) so many points. 
 
 (&) By directing the pointer to move his sight a certain 
 amount, as 
 
 1. Take 50 yards more elevation. 
 
 2. Take 4 more points right. 
 
 In either case the pointer corrects his sight as indicated, brings 
 his aim back onto the target, calls Ready, and fires the next string 
 of shots when directed to FIRE by the observer. 
 
 To Change Target. 
 
 45. The instructor commands, for example 
 
 1. Change target. 
 
 2. Door of that white house, at such o'clock. 
 
 3. Range, so many yards. 
 
 4. Deflection right (left) so many points. 
 
 At the second command the pointer shifts the trail to give 
 the piece the general direction, and then lays his piece on the 
 new target by the methods prescribed. 
 
 To Discontinue and to Resume the Fire. 
 
 46. To discontinue the fire at any time, CEASE FIRING. The 
 pointer releases the trigger and removes his hands from the 
 handle block. 
 
 To resume the fire, COMMENCE FIRING. Executed as pre- 
 scribed in paragraph 41. 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 21 
 
 Special Methods of Fire. 
 
 47. The methods employed in machine-gun fire may be 
 classified as follows : 
 
 (a) Ranging fire (slow or intermittent). 
 
 (&) Fire for effect (intermittent or rapid). 
 Fire for effect may be further subdivided into 
 
 (a) Fixed fire | 
 
 (&) Traversed fire 
 
 (c) Zone fire [-Intermittent. 
 
 (d) Tra versed-zone fire ^ 
 
 (e) Fire at moving targets J 
 
 (/) Sweeping fire Continuous or rapid. 
 
 48. Ranging fire. Even if telemeters enabled ranges to be 
 found with perfect accuracy, there would always be changes 
 each day, due to light, wind, and atmospheric conditions. These 
 would necessitate slight modifications in sight setting for any 
 given range. When these modifications are multiplied by the 
 inaccuracy of the telemeter, it is not surprising to find that to 
 place the shot group in the target at the first shot is the ex- 
 ception rather than the rule. It is to correct the sights quickly 
 for weather conditions and inaccuracy of estimates or telem- 
 eters that ranging fire is used. 
 
 49. The piece being loaded and laid the instructor commands 
 1. Single (or so many) shots for range, 2. COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
 The pointer fires the first shot or string of shots as directed, 
 attempts to locate the shot group, and, if able to do so, corrects 
 his sight as prescribed in the " Machine-Gun Firing Regu- 
 lations." 
 
 50. The Pointer calls Ready when the piece has been reluid 
 upon the target ; and, when the instructor directs him to FIRE, 
 fires a second shot or string of shots. 
 
 If further corrections are found to be necessary, similar 
 means are employed and the process repeated until the shot 
 group is properly placed. 
 
 5 1. Should the pointer be unable to locate the shot group on 
 the first or second shot or string, he will not change his sights, 
 but will aim either over or under the target, and, by means of 
 the elevating gear, gradually increase or decrease the elevation 
 for each shot or string until he can see the point of strike. He 
 then corrects his sight as before and lays his piece upon the 
 target. 
 
22 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 52. Should the pointer still bo unable to "find" his target, 
 he may fire at some other point in the vicinity where the condi- 
 tions are apparently more favorable for "getting dust," and 
 when the shot group is located, correct as before. 
 
 53. In action, the movements of the enemy will often be the 
 surest indication of the point of strike. When practicable, 
 ranging fire should be conducted with single shots, as the identity 
 of the machine gun is thus concealed until fire for effect can be 
 opened with accuracy. 
 
 54. Fire for effect. In all fire for effect, the correct sight 
 setting is presumed toHhave been previously determined by 
 ranging or otherwise, and the piece presumed to be loaded and 
 laid on the target. 
 
 55. Fixed fire (small target). The instructor informs the 
 pointer how many shots to (ire per string and commands 1. 
 Fixed fire, 2. COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
 The pointer fires as directed, keeping his aim on the target 
 or on the element of the target directed by the instructor. The 
 pointer verifies his aim after each string and calls Ready. The 
 instructor then gives such directions as may be necessary to 
 correct the sights or aim, and commands FIRE. The pointer 
 fires the next string and proceeds as before. 
 
 56. Traversed fire (wide, shallow target). The instructor in- 
 forms the pointer how many shots to fire per string, tells him 
 which ilank of the line to attack first, and commands 1. Traversed 
 fire, 2. COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
 The pointer executes this fire as prescribed for " Fixed Fire," 
 except that the strings are directed at each element of the line 
 successively from right to left or vice versa. 
 
 57. Zone fire (narrow, deep target). The instructor informs 
 the pointer how many shots to fire per string and commands 
 1. Zone fire, 2. Elevate (depress) fifty (or so many) yards, 3. COM- 
 MENCE FIRING. The pointer executes this fire as prescribed for 
 " Fixed Fire," except that he changes the elevation for each 
 string by the amount and in the direction indicated in the com- 
 mand, the aim being always kept on the same element of the 
 target. 
 
 58. Traversed-zone fire (wide, deep target). The instructor 
 informs the pointer how many shots to fire per string and com- 
 mands 1. Traversed-zone fire, 2. Elevate (depress) fifty (or so 
 many) yards, 3. COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 23 
 
 Executed like " Traversed fire," except that each time the 
 pointer traverses across the target he increases or decreases 
 nis elevation by the amount indicated in the command. 
 
 59. Sweeping fire. The instructor commands 1. Sweeping Fire, 
 2. COMMENCE FIRING. 
 
 Ill this fire the pointer fires continuously, pausing only to 
 correct sights or aim. 
 
 The traversing gear is undamped and the piece swung slowly 
 from side to side, thus covering a given area with a continuous 
 stream of bullets. 
 
 GO. Fire at moving targets. In this class of fire the best re- 
 sults will usually be obtained by aiming a few yards in front of 
 the target and commencing to fire just before the leading ele- 
 ment of the target crosses the line of sight, continuing the fire 
 until the rear element has also crossed said line of sight. The 
 pointer then suspends the fire, again aims in front of the target 
 and fires as before, repeating the operation as long as the target 
 remains in sight. 
 
 Should the target travel beyond the arc of traverse, the 
 pointer traverses the gun to its limit in the opposite direction, 
 commands TRAIL RIGHT (LEFT), brings the line of sight again 
 ahead of the target, and proceeds as before. 
 
 61. Night firing. Fixed fire, traversed fire, zone fire, tra versed- 
 zone fire, and sweeping-fire may be used at night, omitting the 
 readjustment of the sights after each string. When practicable 
 the piece should be laid in daylight on some known element of 
 the target or the ground to be covered, and the pointer will 
 endeavor to keep in mind the amount of change made in azimuth 
 and elevation, so that the piece can be returned to approxi- 
 mately the original aiming point as a point of departure. 
 
 The sights may be illuminated by small electric-light bulbs, 
 if practicable. Night firing is used principally to cover a par- 
 ticular point, as a path, road, defile, or battery, or to cover the 
 ground in front of the gun within point-blank range by sweeping 
 fire. In this case the piece should be laid nearly parallel to 
 the surface of the ground, the elevation clamped, and the 
 traverse cast loose. This method of fire is of particular value 
 oti outposts liable to attack or surprise. 
 
 Supernumeraries. 
 
 62. Supernumeraries will not be used with the gun squad 
 while the gun is in action, as they only increase the size of the 
 
24 
 
 DUTIES OF THE GUN SQUAD. 
 
 target which the gun squad presents to the enemy, and their 
 presence gives no beneficial results to offset this objection. If 
 available, however, a member of the ammunition squad may be 
 detailed to lead the gun mule. 
 
 63. 
 
 Service of the Piece with Reduced Numbers. 
 
 Gunmen retained. 
 
 Duties of 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Pointer. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 
 Pointer, Nos. 1 and 2 
 
 Pointer and No. 1... 
 Pointer 
 
 Pointer . 
 ...do 
 
 1 
 
 2 and 3 
 
 Pointer packs and unpacks gun 
 without assistance, and No. 1 
 performs the duties of No. 2 in 
 packing and unpacking tripod 
 only. 
 Pointer packs and unpacks gun 
 without assistance. 
 Pointer performs the duties of 
 the whole squad. Applicable 
 to defensive use in gun pit. 
 
 1,2, and 3 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 THE AMMUNITION SQUAD. 
 
 64. The ammunition squad is composed of three privates. 
 They are designated as ammunition men. 
 
 65. The object of the training of the ammunition squad is to 
 so familiarize the men with their specific duties that they will 
 perform them quickly, accurately, and without confusion. 
 
 66. To this end they will be carefully instructed in all that 
 pertains to the supply of ammunition for the gun, in the nomen- 
 clature, care, and operation of the belt-filling machine, and in 
 the distribution of loads. 
 
 67. All members of the platoon will receive instruction in the 
 duties of the ammunition squad, but the men who are perma- 
 nently assigned to this duty will receive the benefit of careful 
 and painstaking individual instruction, and will be impressed 
 with the idea that the gun becomes useless unless their duties 
 are carefully and faithfully performed. 
 
 FORMATION OF THE AMMUNITION SQUAD, WITHOUT PACK. 
 
 68. The Ammunition Squad is posted on the left of the gun 
 squad, without interval, as follows: 
 
 No. 4 in the front rank on the left of No. 2. 
 
 No. 5 in the rear rank covering No. 4. 
 
 No. 6 in the front rank on the left of No. 4. 
 
 DUTIES IN GENERAL. 
 
 69. No. 4: 
 
 O) Supplies No. 3 with ammunition and water. 
 
 (6) Carries empty ammunition and water boxes and 
 
 hangers back to the ammunition station, 
 (c) Assists in loading and unloading ammunition mules. 
 No. 5: 
 
 (a) Leads fourth mule. 
 (~b) Assists in supplying ammunition and water to the 
 
 gun. 
 
 25 
 
26 DUTIES OF THE AMMUNITION SQUAD. 
 
 (c) Prepares ammunition and keeps hopper supplied 
 
 during the operation of the belt-filling machine. 
 
 (d) Fills ammunition boxes with loaded belts. 
 
 (e) Equalizes loads in hangers. 
 
 (/) Assists iii loading and unloading mules. 
 No. 
 
 (w) Leads fifth mule. 
 
 (&) - ' > supplying ammunition and water to the 
 
 gun. 
 
 (c) Sets up belt-filling machine and operates crank 
 
 handle. 
 
 (d) Packs belt-filling machine. 
 
 (e) Loads and unloads belt-tilling machine. 
 (/) Assists in loading and unloading mules. 
 
 Posts of the Ammunition Squad, Section with Packs. 
 
 70. Xo. 4: Off side of third mule, within arms reach of and 
 
 opposite its pack. 
 Xo. 5: Xenr side of fourth mule, opposite its head. 
 
 Xo. (I: Xear side of lii'ih i:ii!, opposite its head. 
 
 To Set Up the Beit Filler. 
 
 71. Xo. G removes the belt filler from the fifth mule and 
 then, with the assistance of Xo. 5, sets it up, as follows : 
 
 Xo. G opens the box and removes the hopper, file and spanner; 
 then the bracket, attaching it to one end of an empty (original) 
 ammunition box. He now removes the body and adjusts it to 
 the bracket so that the spring catch in the former enters its 
 notch in the latter ; slips the handle on the crank and inserts the 
 split pin; turns the handle until it is horizontal, pointing to 
 the left; and, holding it in that position, inserts the lug of the 
 hopper in its seat, the grooves facing the machine, and presses 
 it down until entirely seated. He now brings the handle to a 
 vertical position and swings the belt cover to the left, uncovering 
 thr belt passage. Xo. 5 procures and prepares an empty belt; 
 -<-s the brass end through the passage, brass strips pointing to 
 the left. Xo. G, facing the hopper, grasps the belt near the end, 
 pulls it through with his left hand until the first cartridge loop 
 <:>posite the plunger; closes belt cover; grasps the crank 
 handle with the right hand, holding the belt with the left ; turns 
 
DUTIES OF THE AMMUNITION SQUAD. 27 
 
 the crank to the right, clockwise, watching to see that the 
 plunger enters the first belt loop. No. 5, sitting astride the am- 
 munition box and facing the machine, supplies the hopper with 
 cartridges by stripping from the clips directly into the hopper, 
 and sees that they feed properly. 
 
 72. A belt having been filled, No. 5 will load it carefully into 
 an empty box, bullets pointing in the direction indicated by the 
 painted 'figure in the bottom of the box. No. 6 now prepares 
 and inserts a new belt while No. 5 is packing the loaded one. 
 As soon as No. 5 has finished packing the loaded belt, he returns 
 to his position at the hopper. 
 
 73. To assure accurate and proper filling of the bejt, No. (> 
 may insert about 1 inch of the end of the screw-driver between 
 the head of the cartridge and the supporting shoulder, where the 
 belt leaves the body. 
 
 To Form for fiction. 
 
 74. The section being in pack FORM FOR ACTION. 
 
 At this command 
 
 No. 4 springs to the third mule and releases the lashings 
 which bind the ammunition hangers to the saddle, and 
 then stands ready to remove the off. hanger. 
 
 No. 5 links his mule to the third mule, and then stands 
 ready to remove the third mule's near hanger. 
 
 No. 6 links his mule to the fourth mule. 
 
 To Unpack and Prepare for Action. 
 
 75. Being formed for action, the command is given ACTION 
 FRONT (RIGHT, LEFT, REAR). At this command Nos. 4 and 5 
 remove the ammunition hangers of the third mule, and place 
 them on the ground, hangers to the front. As soon as the third 
 mule's load of ammunition is removed, the on? packer leads his 
 mules to the rear at a trot to the point selected by the platoon 
 sergeant for the ammunition station. The ammunition squad 
 also hastens to the ammunition station, removes the loads of 
 ammunition, sets up the belt tiller, and prepares such shelter as 
 may be necessary. 
 
 No. 4 keeps up a continuous supply of ammunition and water 
 to the gun. In this duty he is assisted by No. 3 and also by 
 Nos. 5 and G when they are not engaged in filling belts. 
 
28 DUTIES OF THE AMMUNITION SQUAD. 
 
 Nos. 5 and 6 operate the belt-filling machine. While the 
 section is in action they continue to fill belts as long as there 
 is ammunition available and there are empty belts to be filled 
 unless otherwise directed by the platoon commander or the 
 platoon sergeant. 
 
 76. When the position of the firing point is changed, No. 4 
 goes to and remains with the gun, ready to assist in carrying its 
 emergency supply of ammunition and water still farther for- 
 ward. He returns to the ammunition station for a new supply 
 only when so directed by his Chief of Section. Nos. 5 and 6 
 move the ammunition station under the direction of the platoon 
 sergeant. 
 
 To Pack. 
 
 77. The section being in action 1. Prepare to Pack, 2. PACK. 
 At the first command : 
 
 The off packer brings up the ammunition mules and 
 prepares to assist in equalizing and slinging loads. 
 
 No. 4 replaces the third mule's load in the hangers and 
 places them so that the mule may be conveniently led 
 between them for loading. 
 
 No. 5 places belts in their proper boxes, and, assisted by 
 the off packer, prepares and equalizes the loads for the 
 mules at the ammunition station. Then, together with 
 the off packer and No. 6, he slings the ammunition 
 loads on the fourth and fifth mules and proceeds at 
 once to the point where No. 4 has prepared the load of 
 the third mule. 
 
 No. 6 packs the belt-filling machine and secures it on 
 the fifth mule, and, after slinging the ammunition loads, 
 assists the off packer to secure them. He then gives 
 the packer any further assistance that may be neces- 
 sary in securing the loads or animals and proceeds 
 with him to the point where the third mule is to be 
 loaded. 
 At the second command: 
 
 The off packer gives such assistance as may be necessary 
 in slinging and securing the load on the third mule, 
 and then takes his post. 
 
 No. 4 slings the off load on the third mule and secures 
 it. He then takes his post. 
 
DUTIES OF THE AMMUNITION SQUAD. 29 
 
 No. 6 gives such assistance as may be necessary in sling- 
 ing and securing the load on the third mule. He then 
 unlinks the fifth mule from the fourth and takes his 
 post. 
 
 To Pack the Belt-Filling Machine. 
 
 78. No. 6 brings the crank handle to a horizontal position 
 toward him ; removes split pin and crank, placing it in its 
 proper place in the box, and removes the hopper, laying it on 
 the cover of the box. He then removes the body with the right 
 hand, places it in the box; then the bracket, unscrewing the 
 clamp screw to its full extent. After this he places the file 
 and spanner in their proper places, and lastly the hopper. 
 
 NOTE. For detailed description of the belt-filling machine and 
 its nomenclature see Ordnance Manual No. 1770. 
 
-' -. - . / 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 THE PACK SQUAD. 
 
 79. The pack squad is composed of two privates, designated 
 us the Off and Near Packer. The near packer is the senior. 
 SO. Formation of the squad, without packs: 
 
 -quad is formed in double rank, the near packer in the 
 nt rank. Win i to do so, they call off Near Packer 
 
 Off Packer, res 
 
 ' ihe Packers: 
 The Gun in Pack : 
 
 Near Packer on the near side oj: and leading the second mule. 
 Off Packer on the i).-;ir side of and leading the third mule. 
 
 82. The Piece prepared for Action : 
 
 Near Packer, herding or holding the mules of the combat 
 division under the nearest available cover. 
 
 Off Packer, herding ( r holding the mules of the supply division 
 under the direction of the platoon sergeant. 
 
 GENERAL DUTIES. 
 
 83. To keep the personal equipment in order. 
 
 To feed, water, groom, and care for the animals assigned to 
 him. 
 
 To clean out their stalls and space on picket line. 
 
 To keep the packs assigned to him in good repair, and to 
 bring to the attention of the platoon sergeant any deficiencies 
 he can not himself supply. 
 
 To saddle up at the signal for drill, exercise, march, o- 
 combat. 
 
 To assist at herd guard and exercise. 
 
 To perform his share as \vatchrnan. 
 
 To perform his share of stable police. 
 
 To Put On the Blind. 
 
 84. Grasp one of the sides of the blind near the end; hold 
 the mule by the halter or halter shank with the other hand; 
 
 30 
 
DUTIES OF THE PACK SQUAD. 31 
 
 carry the blind fully over the mule's neck to the off side, al- 
 lowing half the blind and tail to hang down; bring the crown 
 of the blind well to the front and pass it over the mule's ears ; 
 do not raise it too high in passing it over, or the mule may 
 duck from under. A restive rnule should always be blinded 
 when saddling or packing. 
 
 To Put On the Bridle. 
 
 83. Take the reins in the right hand, bit in the left; approach 
 the mule on the near side; slip the reins over his head and let 
 them rest on his neck; reach under and engage the snap in the 
 right halter ring, insert the thumb of the right hand in the 
 mule's mouth above the tush and press open the lower jaw; 
 insert the bit and engage the snap in the left halter ring. The 
 bit should hang so as to touch but not draw up the corners of 
 the mouth. 
 
 To Fold the Pack Blanket. 
 
 86. The blanket, after being well shaken, will be folded into 
 six thicknesses, as follows : Hold it well up by the two corners, 
 the short way up and down; double it lengthwise so the fold 
 will come across the L T . and S., the folded corner (middle of 
 blanket) in the left hand; take the folded corner between tlic 
 thumb and forefinger of the right hand, thumb pointing to the 
 left; slip the left hand down the folded edge two-thirds of its 
 length and seize it with the thumb and second finger; raise 
 the hands to the height of the shoulders, blanket between them 
 extended; bring the hands together, the double fold falling out- 
 ward ; pass the folded corner from the right hand into the left 
 hand, between the thumb and forefinger; slip the second finger 
 of the right hand between the folds and seize the double-folded 
 corner; turn the left (disengaged) corner in, and seize it with 
 the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, the second finger of 
 the right hand stretching and evening the folds; after evening 
 the folds, grasp the corners and shake the blanket well in order 
 to smooth the folds ; raise the blanket and place between tho 
 chin and breast; slip the hands down half way, the first two- 
 fingers inside ; seize the blanket with the thumbs and first two 
 fingers, let the part under the chin fall forward; hold the 
 blanket up, arms extended, even the lower edges, seize the 
 middle points between the thumbs and forefingers, and flirt the 
 
32 DUTIES OF THE PACK SQUAD. 
 
 outside part over the right arm ; the blanket is thus held before 
 placing it on the animal. 
 
 For the English pack, the blanket is folded as described, ex- 
 cept that it is first held up by the two corners the long way up 
 and down, so that the first fold will come between the U. and S. 
 
 To Put On the Blanket. 
 
 87. Grasp the folded blanket with the thumb and forefinger 
 of each hand at the middle of an end ; hold it well up in front 
 of the face and even the lower edges; flirt the outer half of 
 the blanket back over the right arm ; approach the animal on 
 the near side ; place it well forward on him by tossing the outer 
 part over the arm to the off side of the animal ; still keeping 
 hold of the middle points, slide the blanket once or twice from 
 front to rear to smooth the hair, taking care to raise the blanket 
 in bringing it forward; place the blanket with the forefinger of 
 the left hand on the withers and the forefinger of the right 
 hand on the backbone; blanket smooth. 
 
 To Put On the Corona. 
 
 88. Grasp the corona with the thumb and forefinger of each 
 hand at the ends of the center seam, thumbs on the blanket 
 side, forefingers underneath, left thumb inside the circular 
 stitch ; without changing the grip, toss the outside of the corona 
 over the right arm, approach the animal on the near side, and 
 put on the corona as described for the blanket. 
 
 To Turn the Crupper. 
 
 89. The near packer places his left hand on the near side of 
 the crupper about 15 inches from the dock, and grasps the 
 lower edge of the crupper at the dock with the right hand. 
 The off packer takes hold similarly on the off side, but with the 
 position of his hands reversed; both push in with the hands 
 nearer the saddle, at the same time raising the dock and carry- 
 ing it forward. The quicker the action, the easier the crupper 
 is turned. 
 
 The crupper is turned down in the same manner, the packers 
 pulling down on the dock instead of raising it, and pushing 
 with the hands nearer the saddle. 
 
DUTIES OF THE PACK SQUAD. 33 
 
 To Put On the Saddle. 
 
 90. (a) A pare jo. Put on by two packers (off and near) work- 
 ing on the off and near sides, respectively. 
 
 The near packer puts on the bridle and blind, and the off 
 packer puts on the corona. Each packer, then working on his 
 own side, grasps the aparejo by the lower corners, raises it 
 high enough to clear the mule's rump, and sets it on the mule's 
 back a little in rear of the proper place. The crupper is then 
 turned down (par. 89), and the packers place the dock of the 
 crupper under the mule's tail ; without allowing the crupper to 
 slip down, both the packers set the aparejo forward in its 
 proper place, taking care to keep it straight. The off packer 
 pulls the gas-pipe end of the cinch toward him, and, guiding it 
 down the middle, passes it under the belly to the near packer, 
 who seizes it with the right hand, at the same time passing 
 the end of the latigo through the eyelets from inside to out, 
 thence through the rendering ring from outside to in, and back 
 around the gas pipe again, the same as before. Meanwhile the 
 off packer seizes the rear corner of the boot on his side with 
 the left hand, pulls the saddle forward, at the same time in- 
 serting his right hand between the corona and the withers, 
 raises the end of the corona, and calls " Settle." The near 
 packer then places his left hand against the aparejo and pulls 
 the cinch taut with the right. When it is pulled as tight as 
 possible, he calls " Cinch." The off packer then withdraws his 
 hand and, if the corona is clear of the withers, he passes in 
 rear of the mule, sees that the saddle sets squarely, and seizes 
 the latigo with the near packer ; each puts one foot on the boot 
 and, pulling together, cinch the aparejo tight. When cinched, 
 the gas-pipe end of the cinch should be at the lower edge of 
 the boot. The near packer holds the slack with the left hand 
 and passes the end of the latigo through the frame and the 
 finger loop and pulls it taut. He then removes the blind. 
 
 (b) English saddle. The saddle and equipment, being arranged 
 as prescribed for garrison or field, is put on by the two packers 
 as follows : 
 
 The near packer puts on the breast strap, bridle, and blind. 
 The off packer, working on the near side, puts on the blanket 
 and saddle, placing the latter on the mule's back over the loins. 
 Both packers, now working on their respective sides, turn down 
 the breeching and crupper. Near packer grasps lower part of 
 723010 3 
 
34 DUTIES OF THE PACK SQUAD. 
 
 breeching with the right hand ; left hand at middle of breechin 
 palm up. Off packer grasps lower edge of breeching wit: 
 the left hand; right hand grasps crupper. Off packer cal 
 ''Break," and the crupper and breeching are broken out. OJ 
 packer twists mule's tail and adjusts crupper, holds it we] 
 up under the dock with the left hand and slips right hand unde 
 center of off saddle pad, supporting it. Near packer faces th 
 mule's head, slips left arm under near saddle pad, supporting it 
 right hand grasping rear end of top frame. When crupper 
 adjusted, off packer calls " Set forward." Both packers li 
 and set the saddle evenly upon the mule's back. 
 
 Near packer throws cincha over to off packer and passes fror 
 cincha under to near side. Near packer adjusts latigo strar 
 and tightens to a half cinch. In the meantime, off packer place 
 right hand over the mule's withers, under the blanket, an 
 clinches his fist so as to raise the blanket well up off the mule 
 withers. When near packer has tightened it to a half cincl 
 he calls " Cinch." The off packer fastens breast strap to sa( 
 die and passes in rear of the mule, glances at the saddle to se 
 that it sets evenly, grasps the free latigo strap and cinches tt 
 rear cinch to half a cinch. Both tighten cinches and tie tl 
 latigo straps. Near packer now fastens the near breast stra 
 to saddle. 
 
 To Put On the Loads. 
 
 91. The loads are placed on the hangers by four men, an o 
 and near pair. The mule being saddled and placed in front 
 his load as in saddling, the instructor commands PACK. At th 
 command one of the near pair puts on the blind. Each pa 
 then procures a hanger containing the load and hangs it c 
 their side of the saddle, the weight of both loads coming on tl 
 saddle at the same time. If there is a top load, it is plact 
 on the top frame. The cargo cinch, if used, is then passe 
 under the belly and lashed to the hanger and cargo cinch, tl 
 cinches being so adjusted that the lower edge of the hang< 
 will not cut the latigo. The lashing is secured by a " Calif orn: 
 hitch." One of the near pair then removes the blind. 
 
 To Remove the Load, Saddle, Blanket, Bridle, and Blind. 
 
 92. At the commands UNPACK, UNSADDLE, the loads ai 
 saddle equipments are removed, the loads by four men, tl 
 saddle equipment by two packers, and the whole arrange 
 as prescribed in paragraphs 150 and 158. 
 

36 DRILL OF THE SECTION. 
 
 98. The section without packs is maneuvered by the same 
 commands and means as a squad of infantry, substituting the 
 word " Section " for the word " Squad " in the Infantry Drill 
 Regulations. The post of the Chief of Section is 2 paces in front 
 of the center, facing to the front, and he maintains this relative 
 position when marching to the flank or to the rear. As in- 
 structor he goes wherever his presence may be necessary. 
 
 INSTRUCTION WITHOUT PACKS. 
 
 99. The section is formed for machine-gun instruction, as re- 
 quired for maneuvers for the section without packs, and marched 
 to the place where the equipment is secured. The section may 
 then be divided into its component squads and each assigned to 
 such duty as may be directed for that hour of instruction. At 
 the close of the period of instruction, the section is assembled 
 at the command Fall In, after the equipments have been secured, 
 and marched back to quarters by the Chief of Section, where it 
 is dismissed as prescribed for a squad in Infantry Drill 
 Regulations. 
 
 INSTRUCTION WITH PACKS. 
 
 100. The section with pack may be formed in any special 
 manner desired by giving the particular instructions necessary. 
 There are three habitual prescribed formations : 
 
 (a) For Maneuver. 
 
 (6) For Route Marches. 
 
 (c) For Action or Inspection. 
 
 101. For maneuver the section is habitually formed in 
 column, the gun mule in the lead, the other mules in regular 
 order behind the gun mule. In this formation the mules are 
 referred to as first, second, etc., according to the position in 
 column. The gun mule may be referred to as such, or as 
 " first mule." The distance from nose to croup is 1 yard. 
 
 The members of the section are posted as prescribed for 
 " The Gun Squad," paragraph 23 ; " The Ammunition Squad," 
 paragraph 70; and "The Packer," paragraph 81, respectively. 
 (Plate VI.) 
 
 The post of the Chief of Section is 2 yards in front of the 
 gun mule, and as instructor he goes wherever necessary. He 
 frequently inspects all the loads in his section to see that they 
 are properly adjusted. 
 
PLATE VI. 
 
 ABBREVIATIONS: 
 
 C. S. = Chief of Section. 
 
 PTR. = Pointer. 
 
 N. P. = Near Packer. 
 
 O. P. - Off Packer. 
 
 m/\ 
 
 co/\ 
 
 THE SECTION WITH PACKS. PAR. 101. 
 
Mules 
 
 PLATE VII. 
 
 x\ 
 
 O QAparejos Q j~ ] 
 
 00 DO Loads QQ QQ 
 
 A no 
 
 Ammunition 
 squad 
 
 THE LINE UP. PAR. 102. 
 
DRILL OF THE SECTION. 37 
 
 102. The section being formed without packs, to form with 
 packs : 
 
 The section having been marched to a point conveniently near 
 its equipment, the Chief of Section commands : LINE UP. 
 
 The gun squad and ammunition squad place the aparejos 
 and loads in numerical order in line at 4-yard intervals, each 
 load strapped in its hanger and placed 1 yard in rear of the 
 aparejo on which it is to be packed. 
 
 The packers place the pack mules each in front of and facing 
 away from its load, and tie or blind them. In tying and blind- 
 ing the mules they are assisted by such members of the gun 
 and ammunition squads as may be available. 
 
 The gun squad now takes post in rear of the load of the gun 
 mule, the ammunition squad in rear of the load of the second 
 mule, the packers on their respective sides of the gun mule's 
 aparejo, and the Chief of Section on a line with the front of the 
 aparejo, 2 yards from the gun mule's aparejo. This formation 
 is designated as the LINE UP. (Plate VII.) 
 
 103. When the equipment can be secured for storage in 
 places from which it can be conveniently taken direct from 
 position and placed on the mules, the preparation for Line Up 
 consists in securing the mules, placing them in suitable positions 
 ready to receive their loads, preparing the loads by removing 
 their covers and placing the loads in the hangers if not there, 
 and posting the three squads conveniently near the loads above 
 designated. In this case the Chief of Section takes such posi- 
 tion as will best enable him to observe the loading. It has been 
 found convenient in some cases to secure the equipments so that 
 a rigging cover may be used instead of separate paulins, and in 
 other cases it has been found convenient to secure the equip- 
 ments on suitable racks from which they can be loaded directly. 
 In such cases the posts of the squads are assigned according to 
 the most convenient disposition, and when the foregoing prepara- 
 tions have been made and these posts taken, the Line Up will be 
 established in these cases. 
 
 BEING IN LINE UP, TO SADDLE. 
 
 104. The Chief of Section commands: SADDLE. 
 
 The packers saddle each mule in turn, beginning with the gun 
 mule. 
 
 On the completion of saddling, the packers resume their posts. 
 
38 DRILL OF THE SECTION. 
 
 BEING SADDLED, TO LOAD OUT. 
 
 105. The Chief of Section commands: LOAD OUT. 
 
 The gun and ammunition squads place the loads on each mule 
 in turn, beginning with the combat division, and secure them. 
 
 When the ammunition squad consists of less than four men 
 the gun squad places and secures the side loads only, and are 
 followed by the ammunition squad, which places and secures 
 the top loads. 
 
 106. The Chief of Section inspects each pack after it is 
 loaded, causes any necessary adjustments to be made, assigns 
 leaders to fourth and fifth mules if necessary, directs the men 
 to procure their necessary equipment, and commands : POSTS. 
 
 At the command Posts, the mules are formed in the normal 
 maneuver column, gun mule in front, and each man takes his 
 post as therein prescribed. 
 
 107. After the men are well instructed in their duties and 
 the animals well trained, the loading in detail as above de- 
 scribed may be shortened by giving the command: SADDLE AND 
 PACK. 
 
 This command may be given at the approach of the section 
 without packs to its equipment, or after the Line Up has been 
 established. All the operations above prescribed are performed, 
 all the men working at once at their respective duties. This is 
 the normal method of loading out for a well-instructed sec- 
 tion. The whole operation of loading out is completed without 
 further command, each man taking post in the normal maneuver 
 column as soon as his work is completed. 
 
 TO DISMISS THE SECTION. 
 
 108. The section is marched in maneuver column to the 
 place selected for the Line Up, formed in line to the flank and 
 halted. The Chief of Section commands: LINE UP. 
 
 The mules are secured (blinded or tied), and the loads re- 
 moved by the gun and ammunition squads, working in the in- 
 verse order of the loading, the equipment being placed as pre- 
 scribed for the Line Up as fast as it is unloaded. The mules are 
 unsaddled by the packers as fast as the loads are removed. The 
 line up being formed, the Chief of Section inspects each mule 
 for saddle or cinch galls, sore backs, etc., gives the necessary 
 instructions to the packers and commands : SECURE EQUIPMENT. 
 
I 
 
 DRILL OF THE SECTION. 39 
 
 The packers remove the mules and dispose of them according 
 to their instructions. The gun squad and the ammunition squad 
 secure the aparejos and loads as prescribed. The Chief of Sec- 
 tion inspects the mules and equipment, gives such instructions as 
 may be necessary to insure that they are properly secured, and 
 commands : FALL IN. 
 
 The section falls in without packs, and is marched to its 
 quarters by the Chief of Section, where it is dismissed. 
 
 109. The equipment is habitually secured as prescribed 
 under "Arrangement of equipment." 
 
 When practicable, racks may be constructed for storage of 
 equipment in positions convenient for loading, on which racks 
 the equipment will be covered either with separate paulins or 
 with rigging covers. 
 
 In camp, arrangements will always be made, when prac- 
 ticable, to keep the aparejos and loads off the ground. 
 
 When no sentinel is posted over the equipment, one of the 
 packers must always be on duty as watchmen in charge of the 
 equipment and picket line. 
 
 Ml 1 
 
 MANEUVERS OF THE SECTION, ACTING ALONE. 
 
 110. Unless otherwise ordered all movements, distances, and 
 intervals will be regulated on the gun mule. 
 
 The interval between pack mules when the column is marched 
 by the flank is 4 yards from head to head. 
 
 The section advances, halts, changes direction, obliques, and 
 resumes the direct march by the commands prescribed in the 
 Infantry Drill Regulations for a squad in column of files, sub- 
 stituting the word " section " for the word " squad." 
 
 Mules are turned on the arc of a circle whose radius is 2 
 yards. 
 
 The men retain their original positions relative to the packs 
 with which they are posted. 
 
 TO MARCH THE SECTION TO THE REAR. 
 
 111. 1. To the rear, 2. MARCH. 
 
 Each mule is led to the left about, individually, the men re- 
 taining their respective positions relative to the packs with 
 which they are stationed. This movement is used for short 
 distances only, and if the section has not been faced to the 
 front on the march, it will be faced to the front upon halting. 
 To face the section to the front, the same command is used. 
 
40 DRILL OF THE SECTION. 
 
 TO COUNTERMARCH. 
 
 112. 1. Countermarch, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The gun mule is led to the left about. The other mules of 
 the section are turned to the left about successively, each in 
 time to follow in the trace of the preceding inule. The men 
 retain their positions relative to the packs with which they are 
 stationed. This movement is used when it is intended to con- 
 tinue the march to the rear. 
 
 TO TURN TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WITHOUT GAINING GROUND 
 TO THE FRONT. 
 
 113. 1. Section right (left), 2. MARCH. 
 
 The gun mule is turned to the right (left) and halted. The 
 other mules are turned out of the column to the left (right), 
 each one is led to a point slightly in rear of its place in the 
 new column, then turned to the right (left) and halted in its 
 proper position in rear of the preceding mule. The men retain 
 their positions relative to the packs with which they are 
 stationed. 
 
 This movement is made use of in the proper handling of 
 machine gun sections and platoons at combined drill with 
 infantry. The object is to change direction without gaining 
 ground to the front. (Plate VIII.) 
 
 TO. FACE THE SECTION TO THE REAR WITHOUT GAINING GROUND 
 TO THE FRONT OR REAR. 
 
 114. 1. Section left (right) about, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The gun mule is led to the left (right) about and halted. 
 The other mules are led straight to the front, turned to the 
 left (right) about and halted successively, each in its proper 
 place in rear of the preceding mule. 
 
 The men retain their positions relative to the packs with 
 which they are stationed. 
 
 This movement is made use of in the proper handling of 
 machine gun sections and platoons at combined drill with in- 
 fantry. The object is to face the section to the rear without 
 gaining ground to the rear (or front). (Plate IX.) 
 
PLATE VIII. 
 
 ^- 
 
 
 3 >-r 2 
 
 
 
 SECTION RIGHT. PAR. 113. 
 

PLATE IX. 
 
 SECTION LEFT ABOUT. PAR. 114. 
 

PLATE X. 
 
 r 'l 
 ai 
 
 COMBAT DIVISION REAR. PAR. 115. 
 
 r 
 
DRILL OF THE SECTION. 41 
 
 TO PLACE THE COMBAT DIVISION IN REAR OF THE SUPPLY 
 DIVISION. 
 
 115. 1. Combat division, rear, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The supply division continues the march led by the off packer 
 with the third mule. The combat division executes To the 
 rear, March, and then executes Countermarch, March, in time to 
 follow in the trace of the supply division at normal distance. 
 By this means the gun mule is placed last in column with the 
 original second mule immediately in front of the gun mule. The 
 post of the chief of section is 2 yards in rear of the gun 
 mule. The men retain their positions relative to the packs 
 with which they are stationed. (Plate X.) 
 
 TO MOVE THE COMBAT DIVISION FROM IN REAR OF, TO IN 
 FRONT OF THE SUPPLY DIVISION. 
 
 1 16. 1. Combat division, Forward, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The supply division continues the march. The combat di- 
 vision moving at an increased gait, obliques to the left until 
 it has uncovered the supply division, then moves to the front, 
 and the mules are led to their proper place in the normal 
 column, successively reducing the gait when their proper po- 
 sitions are reached. The men resume their original posts. 
 
 TO UNPACK AND PREPARE FOR ACTION. 
 
 117. 1. ACTION FRONT (RIGHT, LEFT, REAR). 
 
 At this command the fourth mule is linked to the third, the 
 fifth mule is linked to the fourth, the gun squad and ammuni- 
 tion squad perform the duties prescribed for them in para- 
 graphs 33, 34, 74, 75, and 82. 
 
 In preliminary instruction, to avoid undue fatigue, the 
 positions of the different elements of the section may be indi- 
 cated at convenient intervals. 
 
 TO RESUME THE ORDER FOR MARCHING IN PACK. 
 
 118. 1. Prepare to Pack, 2. PACK. 
 
 At the first command the gun squad executes Prepare to Pack. 
 At the command PACK the gun squad packs the gun mule, the 
 
42 DRILL OF THE SECTION. 
 
 ammunition squad packs the third, fourth, and fifth mules, and 
 all take posts in the normal column without command. 
 
 When necessary, the piece is moved to the rear by hand 
 before giving the commands for packing. This will usually be 
 done when cover can be secured near the firing line under 
 which to pack ; and in going into action, the piece will usually 
 be unpacked under cover and moved forward by hand to the 
 firing position. 
 
 BEING IN NORMAL COLUMN, TO TAKE THE ROUTE ORDER. 
 
 119. 1. Route Order, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The mules are linked. The near packer proceeds to the head 
 of the column and leads the gun mule. The off packer goes to 
 the rear of the column and takes post there to observe the loads 
 and see that they ride properly. The gun and ammunition 
 squads march at route step at the head, rear, or flank of the 
 column, as directed. 
 
 TO RESUME THE NORMAL ORDER FROM ROUTE ORDER. 
 
 120. 1. POSTS. 
 
 The Chief of Section commands posts, moves a little to one 
 side, halts to allow the column to pass by, observes carefully 
 whether posts have been properly resumed and loads are riding 
 properly, causes any necessary adjustments to be made, and 
 resumes his post at the head of the column. 
 
 He may precede the command posts by giving the command 
 attention, if necessary. 
 
 121. The gun squad is responsible for the care of the load 
 carried by the gun mule, including the hangers, and also for 
 the heavy intrenching tools. 
 
 The ammunition squad is responsible for: 
 Ammunition boxes. 
 Ammunition belts. 
 Belt-loading machine* 
 Ammunition. 
 Water boxes, 
 .toi/* Ammunition hangers. 
 
 *3K^ I 
 
DRILL OF THE SECTION. 43 
 
 The packers are responsible for the care of : 
 The mules. 
 The aparejos. 
 Saddles. 
 Bridles. 
 Halters. 
 Coronas. 
 Blankets. 
 Miscellaneous mule and horse equipments. 
 
 
 
 

 CHAPTER VI. 
 THE PLATOON. 
 
 122. The platoon commander is responsible for the instruc- 
 tion, drill, discipline, equipment, and condition of the platoon 
 at all times. He causes the noncommissioned officers to be 
 properly instructed in their duties and to properly instruct the 
 other members of the platoon. In giving this instruction ordi- 
 narily the chiefs of section instruct the combat divisions; the 
 platoon sergeant, the supply divisions of the platoon. The 
 platoon commander acts as instructor in person to such extent 
 as may be necessary. He causes the members of his platoon to 
 study and recite such portions of the machine-gun drill regula- 
 tions as pertain to their duties, conducts the drills of the 
 platoon, and supervises the care of its animals and equipment. 
 
 123. The platoon is formed without packs in line, with an 
 interval of 2 yards between sections. 
 
 124. To form the platoon without packs, the platoon ser- 
 geant takes post 4 yards in front of and facing the point to 
 be covered by the center of the platoon and commands : FALL IN. 
 
 The sections are formed in numerical order from right to left, 
 as prescribed under " The Section." 
 
 AVhen the chiefs of section have verified the formation of their 
 sections, they face to the front and the platoon sergeant com- 
 mands: REPORT. 
 
 The chiefs of sections salute and report in order from right 
 to left: FIRST (OR SUCH) SECTION, PRESENT, or SO-AND-SO 
 ABSENT. 
 
 The platoon sergeant faces about, salutes the platoon com- 
 mander, and reports: SIR, THE PLATOON IS FORMED, or SO- 
 AND-SO ABSENT. 
 
 He then takes his post without command in the line of file 
 closers in rear of the center of the line. 
 
 The platoon commander takes position 8 paces in front of the 
 center and, facing the line in time to receive the report, makes 
 such inspection as he sees fit and takes post 4 paces in front of 
 the center of the platoon facing to the front. 
 44 
 
CD 
 
 CD 
 
 CD 
 
PLATE XII. 
 
 1=3 en a 
 
 2nd section Platoon commander 1st. section 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 Q 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 n 
 
 Platoon sergeant 
 
 
 THE PLATOON IN LINE. PAR. 126. 
 
DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 45 
 
 This is the normal formation of a machine-gun platoon in line 
 without pack, and will be referred to as " The Platoon in Line 
 Without Pack." ( Plate XI. ) 
 
 125. A platoon without packs is maneuvered by the same 
 commands and means as a detachment of infantry, substituting 
 the word " Platoon " for the word " Detachment," and the word 
 " Section " for the word " Squad " in the Infantry Drill Regula- 
 tions. 
 
 THE PLATOON IN LINE, WITH PACKS. 
 
 126. The sections are formed abreast of each other, the sec- 
 tion with the smaller numerical number on the right, each sec- 
 tion in the normal maneuver column. The interval between 
 sections is the depth of a section plus 4 yards. 
 
 The post of the platoon commander is midway between the 
 sections and on line with the leading mules, facing the front. 
 
 The post of the platoon sergeant is midway between the sec- 
 tions and on line with the rear mules, facing the front. 
 
 The transportation, under charge of the packers of the supply 
 train, takes such position as may be assigned to it, but does not 
 fall in with the platoon. 
 
 This formation of the platoon with pack will be referred to as 
 " The Platoon in Line." (Plate XII.) 
 
 127. For action the platoon is formed in line of sections at 
 such interval as may be necessary, each section in the forma- 
 tion prescribed for the section in action. 
 
 The platoon sergeant supervises the operations of the supply 
 divisions, and for that purpose usually consolidates the supply 
 divisions of the two sections, under the two off packers, for the 
 necessary trips to and from the supply depots. 
 
 THE PLATOON, BEING IN LINE, WITHOUT PACKS, TO 
 FORM WITH PACKS. 
 
 128. The platoon commander marches the platoon to a point 
 conveniently near where its equipments are secured and com- 
 mands : 1. Sections opposite your equipments, 2. MARCH. 
 
 t the command MARCH, each chief of section marches his 
 section to a point adjacent to its equipments and forms it in line 
 facing toward the equipments. 
 
 The platoon commander may now cause the platoon to saddle 
 and pack in detail by giving the same commands prescribed for 
 
46 DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 
 
 the section, successively; or he may cause the whole operation 
 of loading out to be completed by the single command: SADDLE 
 AND PACK. 
 The latter method is customary in a well-instructed platoon. 
 
 129. When the sections have been formed with packs as pre- 
 scribed under " The Section," the platoon sergeant takes position 
 near the place to be occupied by the gun mule of the right 
 section and supervises the formation of the platoon in line. 
 When it is completed he takes his post. 
 
 The platoon commander takes his post. If he desires a report 
 he commands: REPORT. 
 
 The chiefs of section in turn salute and report as prescribed 
 for the formation of the platoon in line without packs. 
 
 If the formation occur without preliminary report, as pre- 
 scribed for the formation of the platoon without packs, the 
 platoon sergeant will receive the reports of the chiefs of section 
 and report to the platoon commander before taking his post. 
 
 130. When so directed the platoon may be formed in column, 
 in such order as may be designated by the platoon commander. 
 In this case the post of the platoon commander is opposite the 
 middle of the column on the near side at an interval of 4 yards. 
 
 The post of the platoon sergeant is in rear of the column. 
 The supply train or wagon takes such position as may be 
 designated by proper authority. (Plate XIII.) 
 
 131. On route inarches, when the roads are favorable, the 
 platoon may be marched in column of sections, each section in 
 route order, by the command : 1. Route order, 2. MARCH. 
 
 Each section marches as prescribed in formation for route 
 marches under " The Section," or as otherwise directed by the 
 platoon commander. 
 
 The platoon commander takes station at the head of the 
 column. 
 
 132. Marching at route order, posts are resumed by the 
 command : 1. Platoon attention, 2. POST or POSTS. 
 
 TO DISMISS THE PLATOON. 
 
 133. The platoon is inarched to the place where its equip- 
 ments are to be secured and dismissed by the same commands 
 and means as prescribed for "Dismissal of the Section." (Tar. 
 108.) 
 
PLATE XIII. 
 
 1st, section 
 
 2nd section 
 
 Q 
 Q 
 
 
 Q 
 
 Platoon commander a 
 
 a 
 
 THE PLATOON IN COLUMN. 
 PAR. 130. 
 
 Platoon sergeant 
 
 
 D 
 Q 
 Q 
 Q 
 
DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 47 
 
 134. These commands will be given habitually in the pre- 
 scribed order, and inspection will be made habitually by the 
 platoon commander before the platoon falls in to be marched to 
 quarters without packs. The dismissal of the platoon will 
 not be shortened by giving the command as one order, turning 
 the platoon over to the platoon sergeant, and leaving the in- 
 spection to be made by him. On the contrary, the line up will 
 be formed, the equipments secured, mules and equipment duly 
 inspected in every case by the platoon commander in person. 
 The importance of this duty is so great that it must always be 
 performed with great care, not merely to prevent the loss of 
 equipment or fix the responsibility for its loss, but also that 
 due care shall be given to the animals and all cases of injury 
 properly treated at once. 
 
 After the equipments are secured the platoon falls in without 
 packs and may be marched to its quarters and dismissed by the 
 platoon sergeant. 
 
 TO MANEUVER THE PLATOON WITH PACKS. 
 
 135. The platoon, in any formation, advances, marches to 
 the rear, marches by the flank, or obliques and resumes the direct 
 march, and halts by the same commands and means as pre- 
 scribed for the section, substituting the word " Platoon " for 
 the word " Section " in the commands prescribed under " The 
 Section." 
 
 When marching in line the guide will always be announced by 
 the platoon commander. 
 
 The principles governing rests, halts in place to correct mis- 
 takes, execution of movements from a halt or at an increased 
 gait, and announcement of the guide, are the same as those pre- 
 scribed in the Infantry Drill Regulations. 
 
 During any change of direction, or successive formation, the 
 base element is the guide until the completion of the movement, 
 when the guide will ^ be announced. 
 
 BEING IN LINE, TO MARCH TO THE FRONT. ^ 
 
 136. 1. Forward, 2. MARCH, 3. Guide (Right or Left). 
 
 The movement is executed by each section as prescribed for 
 "The Section." 
 
48 DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 
 
 BEING IN LINE, AT A HALT, TO FORM COLUMN TO THE FRONT. 
 
 137. 1. Right (left), by section, 2. MARCH. 
 
 The chief of the right section commands: Forward. 
 
 The chief of the other section commands: 1. Forward, 2. 
 COLUMN RIGHT (LEFT). 
 
 All chiefs of section repeat the command : MARCH. 
 
 The right section moves forward. The left section changes 
 direction first to the right and then to the left at the command 
 of its chief, in time to follow in the trace of the first section. 
 (Plate XIV.) 
 
 BEING IN LINE, AT A HALT, TO FORM COLUMN TO THE FLANK. 
 
 138. 1. Sections, 2. Forward column right (left), 3. MARCH. 
 Each chief of section repeats the commands, which are 
 
 executed as prescribed for " The Section." 
 
 BEING IN COLUMN, TO FORM LINE TO THE FRONT. 
 
 139. 1. Left (or right) front into line, 2. MARCH. 
 
 If at a halt, the chief of the leading section commands : STAND 
 FAST. 
 
 If on the march the chief of the first section commands: 
 Section, in time to add the command HALT, when the platoon 
 commander commands MARCH. 
 
 The chief of the rear section moves his section forward, 
 changing direction sufficiently to the left to enable him, by 
 another change of direction to the right, to reach his proper 
 position on the line, and halts his section upon reaching its 
 proper position. (Plate XV.) 
 
 BEING IN COLUMN, AT A HALT, TO FORM LINE TO THE FLANK 
 AND CONTINUE THE MARCH. 
 
 140. 1. Sections, 2. Forward column right (left), 3. MARCH, 
 4. GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT). 
 
 The movement is executed by each section as prescribed 
 under " The Section." 
 
 141. If it be desired to form line to the flank from column 
 and halt on the same ground, the platoon commander com- 
 mands: 1. Sections right (left), 2. MARCH. 
 
PLATE XIV. 
 
 r 
 
 RIGHT BY SECTION. PAR. 137. 
 
 If ' 
 
 A 
 
 
 
 ON 
 
 Q 
 
 Q X 
 
 hj 
 
 D 
 
 D N 
 
 D 
 
 Q 
 
 Q 
 
PLATE XV. 
 
 
 Q 
 Q 
 
 \ 
 
 \ 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 ., Q 
 \Q 
 
 LEFT FRONT INTO LINE. PAR. 139, 
 

 
 Q 
 Q 
 
 
PLATE XVI -_ ~ ----- -> r -> r > r \ r > 
 
 X u ~/ h.../ u..~.y i.....y i ^ 
 
 /D 
 /D 
 
 D 
 D 
 Q 
 D 
 
 ON RIGHT INTO LINE. 
 PAR. 142. 
 
DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 49 
 
 The movement is performed in each section as prescribed 
 under " The Section." 
 
 BEING IN COLUMN, TO FORM ON RIGHT OR LEFT INTO LINE. 
 
 142. 1. On right (left) into line, 2. MARCH, 3. PLATOON HALT. 
 
 At the command MARCH, the leading section executes column 
 right as prescribed for " The Section " and halts at the com- 
 mand of the platoon commander. 
 
 The rear section moves forward at the command MARCH, 
 passes beyond the ground on which the leading section changed 
 direction, and, when opposite its place in the new line, executes 
 column right by direction of its chief. 
 
 The rear section is halted by the Chief of Section when it 
 reaches its proper position. (Plate XVI.) 
 
 BEING IN COLUMN, TO CHANGE DIRECTION. 
 
 143. 1. Column Right (Left, Half Right, Half Left), 2. MARCH. 
 
 Executed by the first section as prescribed for " The Section." 
 The rear section follows in the trace of the first section. 
 
 If at a halt the necessary commands for putting the column 
 in march form part of the preliminary command. 
 
 BEING IN LINE, TO CHANGE DIRECTION AND CONTINUE THE 
 
 MARCH. 
 
 144. 1. Platoon Right Turn, 2. MARCH, 3. GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT). 
 
 The chief of the pivot section commands: Column Right, and 
 repeats the command MARCH. 
 
 The chief of the section on the marching flank gives the neces- 
 sary command for conducting his section at an increased gait 
 to its proper place on the line and reducing its gait to conform 
 to the base section after reaching his position. 
 
 145. If it be desired to change front to the right without 
 gaining ground the chief of platoon commands : 1. Platoon Right, 
 2. MARCH. 
 
 The base section executes Sect/on Right as prescribed for the 
 section. The section on the marching flank is conducted by the 
 chief of section to its proper position and halted. 
 7230 in 4 
 
50 DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 
 
 BEING IN LINE OR COLUMN, TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THE 
 MARCH TO THE REAR. 
 
 146. The Chief of Platoon commands: 1. Countermarch, 2. 
 MARCH. 
 
 If in line he adds the command : Guide Right for Left). 
 The movement is executed by each section as prescribed for 
 "The Section." 
 
 BEING IN LINE OR COLUMN, TO FACE TO THE REAR WITHOUT 
 GAINING GROUND. 
 
 147. The Chief of Platoon commands: 1. Sections, 2. Right 
 (Left) About, 3. MARCH. 
 
 The movement is executed as prescribed for " The Section." 
 
 BEING IN LINE, TO CLOSE OR EXTEND INTERVALS. 
 
 148. 1. On (Such) Section, 2. To (So Many) Yards, Close (Ex- 
 tend), 3. MARCH. 
 
 If at a halt, the base section stands fast. The other section 
 is marched by the flank, obliqued to the rear, marched to the 
 front when at the proper interval, and halted abreast of the 
 base section. 
 
 If on the march, the base section continues the march at the 
 same gait ; the other section changes the direction of the march 
 toward or from the base section until the head of the column 
 gains the proper interval and then marches to the front. The 
 base section is halted by the platoon commander at the desired 
 position by the command : Platoon Halt. The other section halts 
 on reaching its place on the line. 
 
 If the movement is to be executed without a halt, the platoon 
 commander puts the platoon in march and indicates increased 
 gait in his preparatory command. The base section continues 
 the march. The other section takes up the increased gait and 
 conforms to the gait of the base section on reaching its place 
 in line. 
 
 FORMATION FOR ACTION. 
 
 149. The platoon commander indicates to each chief of sec- 
 tion the position to be occupied by his section, and commands: 
 ACTION FRONT (REAR, RIGHT OR LEFT). 
 
DRILL OF THE PLATOON. 51 
 
 The movement is executed as prescribed for the section. 
 
 150. In all movements where elements of the platoon reach a 
 position successively the platoon commander may cause the rear 
 element to move at an increased gait by giving proper command 
 for that purpose. The base element stands fast, or continues 
 the march. The rear elements conform to the gait of the base 
 element by command of the chief of section, on reaching their 
 proper position. 
 
 151. All the movements prescribed for the section may be 
 executed simultaneously by command of the platoon commander, 
 prefixing the command Sections to the preparatory command, 
 and announcing the guide when necessary. 
 
 MOVEMENTS OF THE PLATOON COMBINED WITH INFANTRY. 
 
 152. When the infantry is in line: 
 
 The post of the platoon is in line 24 yards to the left of the 
 left element of infantry. 
 
 When the infantry is in column : 
 
 The pest of the platoon is in column with the head of the 
 column 24 yards in rear of the last element of the column of 
 infantry. 
 
 When the infantry is closed in mass : 
 
 The post of the platoon is in line 24 yards in rear of the rear 
 element of infantry. 
 
 When the battalion is in line of columns at close interval : 
 
 The post of the platoon is in column on the flank, at an 
 interval of 24 yards. 
 
 MOVEMENTS OF THE PLATOON AT DRILL WITH AN INFANTRY 
 COMMAND. 
 
 153. The movements of the platoon, when maneuvered with 
 infantry, conform to the movements of the infantry, and are 
 executed at the command of the platoon commander. 
 
CHAPTEK VII. 
 ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT. 
 
 154. In Garrison. Each mule's equipment should be kept to- 
 gether and the whole equipment placed in numerical order by 
 section. Each article of the equipment should be plainly marked 
 with the number of the pack to which it belongs. The saddles 
 and loads should be off the ground for obvious reasons. If 
 placed on a bench about 30 inches from the ground it will 
 facilitate handling in packing and unpacking. 
 
 155. Sufficient interval between packs must be provided to 
 allow convenient handling. The loads should be placed in the 
 rear or at the side of the aparejos so as not to be in the way 
 when saddling and unsaddling. If practicable, the place of 
 storage for saddles and loads should be the same, and so ar- 
 ranged that the mules may be led directly to and from the 
 storeroom. 
 
 THE APAREJO. 
 
 156. The arrangement of the saddle equipment should be as 
 follows : 
 
 The aparejo with Rice frame, cover and crupper attached, 
 resting on its boots, crupper to the rear ; the gas-pipe end of the 
 cinch passed through the frame from the near to the off side 
 (seam up) and folded back smoothly from each side on top of 
 the frame ; the corona, folded, rounded edges to the front, num- 
 ber up, placed on top of the frame, and on it placed the bridle, 
 blind, and lariat. 
 
 To protect these articles from dust, etc., the paulin may be 
 thrown over each pack and secured by passing the thongs under- 
 neath the aparejo and tying the ends of each together. 
 
 The hangers, with their loads lashed in place, are not neces- 
 sarily covered. 
 
 Tools and other boxes are placed with the loads to which they 
 belong. 
 
 The guns and tripods are kept in their respective hangers, 
 and, except for some good reason, are kept with the gun packs. 
 Conditions might exist which would make it advisable to store 
 the guns, tools, and small articles separate from the packs. 
 52 
 
ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT. 53 
 
 The cargo and belly cinches should be placed with the load to 
 which each belongs. 
 
 The number of each pack should be placed above the space 
 allotted to it, and the number of each section placed above the 
 center of the space allotted to it. 
 
 The horse equipment of the mounted men should be hung on 
 suitable pegs, each in the immediate vicinity of the packs of the 
 section or platoon to which the men belong. 
 
 157. In Camp. The aparejos of each section should be ar- 
 ranged in numerical order, fronting the picket line, about 10 
 yards from and parallel to it; the center aparejo being in rear 
 of the center of the space allotted to that section; each load 
 directly in rear of its corresponding aparejo; the bridle, etc., 
 belonging to each aparejo placed on top, as in garrison. If prac- 
 ticable, the loads and aparejos should be raised slightly from 
 the ground. 
 
 Each gun should be mounted and placed on the flank of the 
 section to which it belongs, adjacent to the gun pack and point- 
 ing toward the the picket line, except during inclement weather 
 or at night, when they should be under cover if practicable. 
 
 The horse equipment of the mounted men should be on a line 
 with and close to the. aparejos of the section to which they 
 belong. 
 
 THE ENGLISH PACK OUTFIT. 
 
 158. The entire outfit may be stored in the place provided 
 for that purpose, laid out and carefully arranged in the follow- 
 ing order, viz : 
 
 From entrance to rear of stall or store room 
 
 First peg. Blind; hung from top loop, stencil mark to the 
 front. 
 
 Second peg. Halter bridle ; reins, lead strap, and crown piece 
 on the peg, with brow band to the front ; rings hanging 
 evenly. 
 
 Third peg. Picket line hung by the ring; picket pin without 
 the coil. 
 
 Fourth peg. Load cincha in rear of pack saddle when not 
 being used. 
 
 Fifth peg. Breast band and pack saddles. 
 
 Ammunition boxes and hangers. On waist-high shelves be- 
 tween third peg and pack saddle sawhorse, off-side load 
 nearest front of stall, hanger loops to the rear. 
 
54 ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT. 
 
 Pack saddle. On pack-saddle sawhorse with cinchas resting 
 on top of the top frame, latigo straps folded 2 feet from 
 the ends and caught in near-side front hanger hook; breech- 
 ing and crupper folded over on top frame and showing to 
 the front. 
 
 Blanket. Folded on top of all, folded edge on near side; top 
 fold near corner folded over to center of near-side folded 
 edge. 
 Belly cincha. Attached by latigo strap to the D ring of the 
 
 off-side hanger (when used without top-load cincha). 
 Paulin. Attached to rear legs of the pack-saddle sawhorse, 
 
 covering the whole and tied with a slipknot in front. 
 In camp the arrangement of the pack outfit may be as fol- 
 lows: Ammunition boxes on the ground or raised on two cross 
 sticks, hanger loops together, the near-side load being slightly 
 in advance of the other in order to get closer; pack saddles 
 and blanket arranged as prescribed in garrison and placed 
 astride the load. Load cincha, if carried, on top of the ammu- 
 nition boxes; blind, bridle, and breast strap on top of blanket. 
 Pa ul in over all and tied down with slipknots. 
 
 GUN AND TRIPOD. 
 
 159. The gun (covered) and tripod may be kept in the 
 hangers and hung in the storeroom when not in use. This is 
 to keep the gun free from dust and to prevent rusting. 
 
 In camp it will be kept mounted and covered or in the hang- 
 ers, and in such places as the commander shall designate. 
 
 SUPPLY CHEST AND OTHER STORES. 
 
 160. The supply chest and other stores will be kept in the 
 storeroom and arranged in a convenient and orderly manner. 
 
 Supplies and necessary material will be obtained from the 
 sergeant. 
 
 The filling cups will be attached in rear of the top frame of 
 the first pack in each section, where they will be kept at all 
 times except when in use in the service of the piece. 
 
 Gun covers will be kept on the guns, except when the guns 
 are in use. 
 

 CHAPTER VIII. 
 THE MACHINE-GUN PLATOON IN THE FIELD. 
 
 161. The precepts found in the Drill Regulations of the three 
 arms and in the Field Service Regulations in regard to marches, 
 camps, and combat may be accepted as applying with equal 
 force to machine-gun organizations. 
 
 MARCHES. 
 
 162. On the march the machine-gun commander is confronted 
 with an additional problem which is not met with in other 
 arms. Part of his command is composed of men on foot, whose 
 rate of march, if they carry the infantryman's load, can not 
 greatly exceed that of infantry, and who should be allowed the 
 usual ten minutes' rest per hour. 
 
 On the other hand, he has in his column 10 pack mules. The 
 gait of the well-trained, well-seasoned pack mule is the run- 
 ning walk and will average over 4 miles per hour. 
 
 To lessen the probability of sore backs, the pack mules should 
 be marched at a steady gait and with as few halts as possible. 
 
 To reconcile these two conflicting requirements is the ma- 
 chine-gun commander's problem on the march. 
 
 163. When the machine-gun unit is marching with an in- 
 fantry command and is assigned a position in the column, it 
 must of course conform to the gait of the infantry. Such a 
 gait is very trying to pack animals, as the loads do not ride so 
 easily as when the mule can travel at the running walk. 
 
 In view of this fact, machine-gun units should never form an 
 integral part of an infantry column on "ordinary marches." 
 (F. S. R.) 
 
 164. In marches in campaign, and marches into action, tac- 
 tical considerations are of paramount importance, and machine 
 guns are assigned their place in column solely with a view to 
 their most effective use in action. 
 
 165. The route march will habitually be in column of sec- 
 tions in route order. 
 
 55 
 
56 MARCHES. 
 
 When broad highways will permit, the column may be 
 shortened by marching in line at close interval. 
 
 When contact with the enemy is not imminent, the fatigue 
 and discomfort of the dismounted men may be greatly lessened 
 by causing them all to march together in column (fours or 
 twos), followed by the packers and the pack mules in column 
 of sections. 
 
 When road space permits, the comfort of the men may be 
 further materially increased by causing them to march at 
 single rank distance, the distance to the pack train and be- 
 tween sections of the pack train also being increased. 
 
 When contact with the enemy is expected, the men will 
 habitually be required to march at their posts. 
 
 166. The average march of a dismounted machine gun pla- 
 toon is from 18 to 25 miles a day. 
 
 With seasoned mules the length of forced marches depends 
 solely upon the endurance of the dismounted men. 
 
 Forced marches by machine-gun platoons will more often be 
 marches of under 10 miles in length and will usually arise 
 from the necessity of occupying a certain position within a 
 given time. 
 
 To enable the dismounted men to cover short distances at 
 relatively high rates of speed, they are not required to carry a 
 rifle, and their blanket rolls are carried by the pack mules of 
 the supply division of their section. ^ 
 
 To' further increase their marching ability, the men should 
 be carefully taught and constantly practiced in the flexion 
 walk, but their gait should never be so fast as to require a 
 run of any kind. 
 
 W T hen the men become proficient in this method of locomotion 
 they will be able to keep up with the pack mule's running 
 walk without distress of wind or limb. 
 
 167. One of the most important duties of the platoon com- 
 mander on the march is the strict supervision of the distribu- 
 tion of the pack animals' loads. 
 
 168. The following is the usual distribution of loads, which 
 will be modified by order of the platoon commander as cir- 
 cumstances require: 
 
MARCHES. 
 
 Combat Division 
 
 Gun. 
 Tripod. 
 
 First mule Tool box. 
 
 2 ammunition boxes. 
 Spare barrels and cases. 
 Filling cup. 
 7 ammunition boxes. 
 2 water boxes. 
 
 1 hatchet. 
 Second mule 1 wire cutter. 
 
 2 shovels. 
 
 1 pick mattock. 
 
 1 signal flag, 2-foot kit. 
 
 6 ammunition boxes. 
 
 Third mule 2 water boxes. 
 
 4 blanket rolls. 
 
 1 sledge hammer. 
 
 6 ammunition boxes. 
 
 2 water boxes. 
 Supply Division \ Fourth mule 3 blanket rolls. 
 
 Platoon sergeant's roll by one section, the 
 picket pins by the other. 
 
 7 ammunition boxes. 
 1 belt filler. 
 
 Fifth mule 3 blanket rolls. 
 
 Rigging covers by one section, picket line 
 by the other. 
 
 169. On ordinary marches, i. e., when the machine guns are 
 marching alone, the conduct of the march should be governed 
 by the following: 
 
 1. The start should not be made earlier than an hour after 
 sunrise. This is especially applicable when grazing is depended 
 upon. 
 
 As animals will rarely drink freely at an earlier hour, the 
 necessity of watering before taking the road will prohibit an 
 earlier start. 
 
 In extreme southern or tropical latitudes this will of necessity 
 have to be modified and an earlier start made in order to 
 avoid marching in the heat of the day. In this case advantage 
 must be taken of every opportunity to water the animals during 
 the march. 
 
 2. As soon as the column reaches the road the route order is 
 taken. 
 
 If the gun and ammunition squads of the two sections are con- 
 solidated and march together, they are under the immediate 
 supervision of the senior chief of section. 
 
 The pack train is under the immediate supervision of the 
 platoon sergeant. 
 
58 MARCHES. 
 
 The platoon commander takes post where he can best super- 
 vise the march of the whole. 
 
 3. At the oiid of the first half or three-quarters of an hour on 
 the road, a halt of about ten minutes is made to allow the men to 
 relieve themselves, to permit tightening of cinchas, and to adjust 
 the loads if necessary. 
 
 The march is then resumed, and in each succeeding hour the 
 platoon marches fifty-live minutes and halts for five minutes. 
 Advantage is taken of the halts to tighten cinchas and lashings 
 and to readjust saddles and loads. 
 
 170. In marches over a rugged country the animals must 
 be unlinked and, if there is no bell horse provided, a man de- 
 tailed to lead each animal. The gun mule is always led. 
 Animals must not be hurried in making steep ascents or de- 
 scents, and, especially in long uphill work, frequent halts must 
 be made to enable both man and beast to regain their wind. 
 These halts are never made at the will of individuals, however, 
 but are made by order of the platoon commander, who regulates 
 them according to his judgment and discretion. 
 
 In marches over rough country, and also in marches on narrow 
 trails or through defiles, the platoon commander, with two or 
 more men detailed to accompany him, usually precedes the col- 
 umn in order to take timely note of any bad places in the trail, 
 causes obstructions to be removed, and makes such provisions as 
 may be necessary to guard against accident and also against 
 any interruption of the march. 
 
 171. In fording streams men should be stationed on the 
 downstream side to keep the animals well up and clear of ob- 
 stacles or poor footing. 
 
 If the crossing is too deep for fording, the material is taken 
 across on rafts and the animals required to swim. 
 
 Men in boats or on rafts should be posted on the downstream 
 Fide to keep the animals clear of obstacles and to aid the weak 
 swimmers if necessary. 
 
 172. When streams are crossed on pontoon or flying bridges, 
 the animals are unlinked and a leader assigned to each. They 
 are led on the bridge one at a time, the most docile ones taking 
 the lead in order to encourage the more timid. 
 
 The adjustment of saddles and loads is done by the two 
 1 lackers who march in rear of their sections, the packers in 
 cadi section alternating in this duty from day to day. 
 
MARCHES. 59 
 
 173. When a pack requires adjustment, the packer in whose 
 section the animal belongs calls to the other packer, unlinks the 
 mule, if other than the leading mule, and then continues the 
 march, keeping the mule in his place in column. 
 
 The second packer leaves his section, and, if the mule be other 
 than the first or last, unlinks the mule in rear and calls Clear. 
 
 When the second packer calls Clear, the first packer leads the 
 mule, whose pack is to be adjusted, quickly out of the column, 
 on the near side if practicable, and, if possible, continues the 
 march abreast of the section until the second packer joins him. 
 
 The second packer, as soon as the mule has been cut out of 
 the column, leads forward the mule that he has unlinked, at 
 an increased gait, and links him to the rear mule of those in 
 front. He then joins the first packer. The two packers now 
 lead the mule clear of the column so that the march of any 
 troops in rear may not be delayed, and then adjust the load as 
 required. 
 
 As soon as the load is adjusted they return the mule to his 
 place in column as quickly as possible and resume their posts. 
 
 If it is the first mule that needs attention, the first packer, 
 after calling to the packer in the other section, takes the leading 
 rein from the other packer in his own section, who now falls 
 back, unlinks the second mule, and calls Clear. The first packer 
 now cuts the mule out of the column and continues the march 
 as before. 
 
 Should the last mule be the one that needs attention, the first 
 packer calls to the second, unlinks the mule, cuts him out of 
 column, and continues the march until the second packer joins 
 him, when they proceed as before. 
 
 The following extract from " Pack Transportation," by Mr. 
 H. W. Daly, Chief Packer, U. S. Army, is worthy of special 
 note: 
 
 " Blind the animal, loosen the lash rope, and straighten the 
 load as quickly as possible. Do not detain him a moment 
 longer than is necessary. The animal knows how far he has 
 to travel to catch up and work back to place in the train. 
 Packers should bear this in mind. 
 
 " Eager to get back to place in the train, the animal will become 
 unmanageable and be apt to throw his load. Should the animal 
 break away before his load is straightened, he is certain to 
 throw it, and then, running through the train, dragging the lash 
 
60 MARCHES. 
 
 rope after him, he will scare others in the train and perhaps 
 cause other packs to fall off. 
 
 " The animal will stand a reasonable time, but no longer. 
 The animal, having once broken away, the 'bell' animal has 
 to be stopped, the animal caught, led back, and its load put 
 on; three packers are needed, one to hold him while the others 
 put on the load. 
 
 " Certainly no good packer will cause such trouble and delay. 
 Packers can not be termed first class if loads fall off while 
 traveling; attention must constantly be given to animals and 
 their packs." 
 
 174. On strategical marches, i. e., "marches in campaign" 
 and " inarches into action," the post of the platoon commander 
 is usually with the commander of the force with which his 
 platoon is acting. He remains with said commander during 
 his preliminary reconnaissance of the enemy's position unless 
 otherwise directed, and rejoins his platoon upon receipt of 
 orders to conduct it into action. 
 
 Before reporting to and accompanying the commanding offi- 
 cer he conducts the platoon to its proper position in column 
 at the designated place and hour, transmits to the platoon ser- 
 geant all orders he may have received relative to the conduct 
 of the march and the probable role to be played by the platoon 
 during the impending action, and adds such cautions or in- 
 structions as he may deem expedient. 
 
 175. The following additional precautions must be observed 
 when marching with an infantry column : 
 
 1. As the infantry usually makes an earlier start than is best 
 for the pack mules, the questions of forage and water become 
 of great concern. The animals should be kept on herd during 
 every available moment, and not be brought in to be saddled and 
 loaded a minute earlier than will insure the platoon being in 
 its proper place in column at the hour appointed for the start. 
 
 The platoon commander should ascertain in advance, if prac- 
 ticable, the best watering places en route, and, with the con- 
 sent of the commanding officer, should direct the platoon sergeant 
 when, where, and how to water the train. 
 
 2. The slow rate of march will probably cause the animals 
 to crowd upon each other and, if not constantly held back, to 
 crowd on the heels of the infantry column. 
 
MARCHES. 61 
 
 This will usually necessitate unlinking the mules and as- 
 signing men from the gun and ammunition squads as leaders 
 for each. 
 
 The constant holding back on the mules is very fatiguing 
 to the men leading them, and they should be relieved at least 
 every hour, if practicable, as soon as the " Halt " is sounded, 
 in order that they may obtain the benefit of the ten minutes 
 rest 
 
 3. During the hourly halts special care must be taken to 
 prevent the mules from rubbing their packs against each other 
 and dislodging them, and also to prevent their lying down. 
 
 During long marches, or marches in the Tropics in the heat 
 of the day, it will often be found necessary to remove the side 
 loads at every halt after the third hour on the road, the loads 
 being replaced and secured in time to move out promptly when 
 the " Forward " is sounded. 
 
 4. If the infantry halts during the noon hour the train must 
 be parked and the mules allowed to roll and, if practicable, to 
 graze also. 
 
 5. Should any unusual delay occur in the progress of the 
 march the platoon commander will ascertain its probable du- 
 ration, and, if the time and circumstances appear to warrant 
 it. will cause his train to be parked, as prescribed for the noon 
 halt. 
 
 176. As soon as the day's march is completed, the animals 
 are unloaded and unsaddled as expeditiously as possible. 
 
 The platoon commander makes a minute inspection of all 
 animals as soon as their backs are bare and directs the platoon 
 sergeant to detail certain packers to care for any " bunches " 
 or abrasions that may be found. 
 
 The other packers immediately clean the coronas and place 
 them to dry. 
 
 The platoon commander, having completed his inspection for 
 " bunches," now inspects the mules' feet, and gives the neces- 
 sary instructions in regard to shoeing or treatment, according 
 to the requirements of each case. 
 
 Having seen the mules properly cared for, the platoon com- 
 mander proceeds to a thorough inspection of saddles and equip- 
 ments ; causes aparejos to be replaced, if necessary ; and causes 
 lost or broken parts to be replaced or repaired without delay. 
 
62 CAMPS. 
 
 The platoon commander shall, before starting on any march, 
 provide as far as possible adequate facilities for veterinary 
 treatment, horseshoeing, and saddle repairing. 
 
 177. No attempt has been made to treat of the subjects 
 of " Packing " or " Care of Animals," in regard to which the 
 platoon commander is enjoined to study carefully "Pack Trans- 
 portation," by Mr. H. W. Daly, chief packer, U. S. Army, edi- 
 tion 1908; "Diseases of the Horse," Agricultural Department, 
 1903; and "The Army Horse in Accident and Disease,'' Wai- 
 Department, Document No. 274, edition 1'JOG. 
 
 CAMPS. 
 
 VARIOUS FORMS OF CAMPS. 
 
 178. The camp of a machine-gun platoon, not in the presence 
 of the enemy, may be made in three lines if deemed advisable : 
 
 (a) The line of tents. 
 
 (&) The line of rigging and cargo. 
 
 (c) The picket line. 
 
 179. There are also three general forms of camp: 
 (a) Permanent or standing camp. 
 
 (&) The camp on route marches where space is not 
 
 limited. 
 
 (c) The camp on route marches where space is re- 
 stricted. 
 
 The two latter camps are made either with conical-wall or 
 shelter tents, and differ only in the arrangement of the line of 
 rigging and cargo. 
 
 180. In permanent camps conical-wall tents are used by the 
 men, and all tents are floored if practicable. 
 
 Store tents are provided as shelter for the men at meals and 
 for the rigging and cargo. 
 
 The picket line is sheltered with paulins, and a store tent or 
 paulins provided for the shelter of forage. 
 
 The location of the tents, rigging, and picket line, the arrange- 
 ment of the camp, and the intervals and distances must be pre- 
 scribed by the platoon commander after duly considering the 
 amount of space available, the accidents of the ground, and the 
 instructions received from the commanding officer. The line of 
 tents always faces the picket line when the platoon is encamped 
 in three lines. 
 
CAMPS. 63 
 
 181. When camped with an infantry command the platoon 
 will usually be assigned to camp ground at the head or rear 
 of the column. In either case the camp of the platoon is so 
 arranged that its line of tents is next the infantry camp, at 
 such distance therefrom as the commanding officer may designate. 
 The platoon commander's tent is on line with those of the 
 company officers. 
 
 The platoon kitchen is on line with the company kitchens, and 
 the platoon sergeant's tent on line with the tents of the first 
 sergeants. 
 
 182. Where space permits, the camp on route marches will 
 usually have a form suitable to that for permanent camps. 
 
 The mess tent, gun and rigging-store tent, forage tent, shelter 
 for picket line, and lavatory are not used. 
 
 When the platoon is encamped in three lines, the rigging and 
 cargo are placed between the tents and the picket line and 
 arranged by section at the " line up " with an interval of 20 
 yards between sections, the lines of rigging being perpendicular 
 to the platoon street. 
 
 The space between aparejos, and the position of loads, will be 
 regulated by the platoon commander according to the space 
 available and the style of rigging and cargo covers used. 
 
 183. When space is restricted the route camp for the platoon 
 may be arranged with the rigging in a single line, parallel to 
 the line of tents, and the distances and intervals between the 
 different parts of the camp reduced as required. 
 
 184. When the platoon bivouacs in the line of battle, the 
 platoon commander, the chiefs of section, and the gun squads 
 are in the immediate vicinity of the guns ; the platoon sergeant 
 and the ammunition squads at the ammunition station : the 
 near packers with the pack animals of the combat division 
 under the nearest available cover ; the kitchen, the platoon 
 wagon, and the off packers with the pack animals of the supply 
 divisions under such suitable cover in rear of the line, as cir- 
 cumstances may dictate or proper authority direct. 
 
 185. In permanent or route camps when it is impracticable 
 or inadvisable to place the picket line near the camp the 
 packers are quartered together in the immediate vicinity of the 
 animals. 
 
 TO MAKE CAMP. 
 
 186. Shortly before -arriving at the site selected for the 
 camp, the platoon commander causes the men to resume their 
 
64 CAMPS. 
 
 posts, and leaders, other tliaii the packers, to be assigned to 
 each pack mule. 
 
 The platoon is maneuvered so as to place it in line and then 
 halted at such point as will insure the " line up " being in the 
 proper place. 
 
 The platoon commander directs the packers to unload the 
 picket line, picket pins, and sledges, and they then put down 
 the picket line at the place designated by the platoon com- 
 mander. 
 
 The platoon commander now commands : LINE UP. 
 
 The " line up " is established by each section as prescribed 
 in paragraph 102, the packers leading the mules to the picket 
 line and securing them there as soon as they are unsaddled. 
 
 Each Chief of Section supervises the Line Up of his section, 
 and upon its completion directs the men, with the exception of 
 the packers, to procure their blanket rolls and assemble. 
 
 While the " line up " is being formed the platoon commander 
 indicates to the platoon sergeant where the men's tents are to 
 be pitched, the location of the kitchen tent, sinks, and his own 
 tent, and then proceeds to make the inspection prescribed in 
 paragraph 176. 
 
 If shelter tents are to be used the platoon sergeant assem- 
 bles the platoon and causes the tents to be pitched on the line 
 indicated by the platoon commander. 
 
 Tents are pitched by the commands and in the manner pre- 
 scribed in Infantry Drill Regulations. Details are then made 
 to complete the camp. 
 
 If conical wall tents are used, the wagon is first unloaded, the 
 kitchen established, and then each section pitches its own tent 
 or tents under direction of its chief, the platoon sergeant super- 
 vising the whole and verifying the alignment. 
 
 Camp is then completed as before. 
 
 Upon his completion of his inspection of animals, etc., the 
 platoon commander inspects the camp to see that his instruc- 
 tions regarding it have been carried out. 
 
 TO BREAK CAMP. 
 
 187. The packers rise at such a time as will enable them 
 to feed, water, groom, and saddle their animals ; make up their 
 blanket rolls and deposit them at the place designated for 
 loading; if quartered separately at the picket line, strike their 
 
THE PLATOON IN ACTION. 65 
 
 tent and bring it to the point where the wagon is to be loaded ; 
 and have their animals at their loads ready to pack and start at 
 the appointed hour. 
 
 They are not required to attend reveille roll call. 
 
 When tents have been struck, the wagon loaded, and the police 
 of camp ground completed, each chief of section assembles his 
 section at its rigging line, where the packers, by this time, will 
 have brought the mules. 
 
 The platoon is now formed with packs as prescribed in para- 
 graph 126, the Chief of Section assigning leaders to each mule, 
 so that the packers may take up the picket line and load it. 
 This being done, all take their posts. 
 
 THE PLATOON IN ACTION. 
 
 188. Machine guns have no independent role in action. 
 Machine-gun fire supplements and augments infantry fire, 
 
 and hence the positions and movements of the machine gun 
 platoon will be governed largely by the positions and move- 
 ments of the command with which it is serving. 
 
 The greater vulnerability of machine guns compared to in- 
 fantry and the difficulties of ammunition supply within the zone 
 of effective rifle fire, operate to restrict to some extent the for- 
 ward movements of machine guns in offensive actions. 
 
 189. The duty of locating the enemy and of obtaining informa- 
 tion concerning him usually devolves upon other troops. 
 
 When a position has been assigned for occupation by machine 
 guns, the platoon commander will make a personal reconnais- 
 sance of the ground before advancing his guns, satisfying him- 
 self of the practicability of the advance so far as the trails are 
 concerned. 
 
 This duty is so important that it should always be performed 
 by a commissioned ofiicer, who should then act as guide in the 
 movement to be executed. 
 
 When the enemy is near, such reconnaissance should be made 
 on foot with due regard to concealment from view. 
 
 190. The choice of a position is subject to the limitations im- 
 posed by the front assigned to the command. 
 
 In the selection of a position, the following considerations 
 should govern : 
 
 1. The field of fire should be as extensive as possible and 
 without dead space. 
 
 723010 5 
 
66 THE PLATOON IN ACTION. 
 
 2. The guns must bo so placed as not to interfere with the 
 operations of other troops of the command. 
 
 3. Concealment from view and cover from fire should be 
 sought ; but these considerations should not be permitted to 
 limit effectiveness of fire. 
 
 4. Facility of supply, including ammunition, water, and food. 
 
 5. Facility of movement in case change of position becomes 
 necessary. 
 
 191. Firing over the heads of friendly troops is an admissible 
 procedure, and it should be resorted to when the terrain is 
 favorable and the conditions and circumstances of the action 
 demand it. 
 
 In the choice of apposition, with this end in view, advantage 
 should be taken of elevations and such defilade as the ground 
 may admit of to lessen the danger to one's own troops in all the 
 stages of the action. 
 
 As a rule, when the command of the position occupied is not 
 great, such firing should not be undertaken at a range less than 
 1,000 yards from the objective. 
 
 
 
88 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 CEREMONIES. 
 
 192. At ceremonies with infantry, the post of the platoon is 
 the same as at drill. 
 
 At the command Prepare for Inspection, or Prepare for Review, 
 by the commander of infantry, the chief of platoon repeats the 
 commands and adds ACTION FRONT at the command of execu- 
 tion. 
 
 In this case, the gun mule only is unpacked. Animals are 
 not linked unless the platoon is working with reduced numbers. 
 
 The gun mule is repacked at the command of the platoon 
 commander when the commander of infantry gives the com- 
 mand for closing ranks, or when the inspection is completed. 
 
 The platoon follows the command to which it is attached 
 when passing in review. It passes the reviewing officer in line 
 when practicable. Only the chief of platoon salutes. Enlisted 
 men will conform to the requirements of the Infantry Drill 
 Regulations. 
 
 193. At inspections, when the inspecting officer approaches, 
 the section on the right is prepared for inspection as follows : 
 
 The pointer raises the cover, withdraws the handle block, 
 split pin, and the handle-block body, which he retains in his 
 hands in such a way that they may be seen by the inspecting 
 officer. 
 
 Number 1 throws the roller handle forward, turns the lock out 
 of the casing, and leaves it lying on top of the side plates. 
 
 Number 2 removes the nozzle, which he holds in his hand, 
 turning it so that the inspecting officer may see the inner and 
 outer surfaces. 
 
 Number 3 removes the top tray of the tool box, which he places 
 on the lid of the tool box in such a way as to expose the interior 
 of the box to view. 
 
 The member of the ammunition squad nearest the pack on 
 which the belt-filling machine is carried removes the box, which 
 he opens and places on the ground at his feet. 
 
 The inspecting officer inspects the gun, the tool box, animals, 
 and equipment of the right section, and then those of the left 
 section. 
 
 67 
 
68 CEREMONIES. 
 
 The inspection of the animals and equipment of a section hav- 
 ing been completed 
 
 The pointer replaces the handle block and split pin. 
 
 No. 1 replaces the lock and closes the cover. 
 
 No. 2 replaces the nozzle. 
 
 No. 3 replaces the top tray of the tool box and closes it. 
 
 The ammunition man replaces the belt-filling machine on 
 
 its pack. 
 
 All resume their posts. 
 
 The inspection of both sections having been completed, the 
 inspecting officer returns to the right section and inspects the 
 side arms, equipment, and clothing of the men from right to left. 
 In case the field equipment of the platoon is carried on the 
 packs, the inspecting officer may direct that the blanket rolls be 
 prepared for inspection. Each chief of section then directs the 
 members of his section to procure their rolls, forms his section 
 as in paragraph 97 in front of his gun, and prepares for inspec- 
 tion as prescribed in the Infantry Drill Regulations. 
 
 When the inspection is completed each section is again re- 
 formed on the same ground in front of the gun, and the rolls are 
 then replaced in the packs. 
 
 The gun and ammunition squads then resume their posts. 
 The rolls of the packers who hold the animals are prepared 
 for inspection as directed by the platoon commander. 
 
 The inspection completed, the platoon commander causes the 
 gun mules to be repacked and inarches off the platoon. 
 
 

 CHAPTER X. 
 
 JAMS. 
 INSTRUCTION OF GUN SQUADS. 
 
 194. To insure promptness and accuracy on the part of the 
 gun squads in the reduction of jams, their causes and reduc- 
 tion must be thoroughly gone over, both practically and theo- 
 retically, the instructor requiring each man to state aloud each 
 step, and the reason therefor, and the method of reducing the 
 jam. It is good instruction to derange the adjustment of the 
 gun and require the readjustment to be made by separate mem- 
 bers of the gun squad. 
 
 195. The determination of the causes of jams and their re- 
 duction are simple matters when intelligently and systematic- 
 ally attempted. Tinkering ignorantly with the parts of the 
 mechanism is criminal carelessness ; but maladjustment through 
 ignorance or neglect is inexcusable and liable to cause the 
 gravest consequences in action. The use of much force, violent 
 efforts to force the parts to work properly by blows of a ham- 
 mer, and the like, are sure evidence of ignorance or loss of 
 temper. 
 
 196. A machine gun is a delicate piece of machinery. It is 
 a gas engine, the moving parts of which vibrate at the rate of 
 about 600 times per minute under a pressure of some 30,000 
 pounds to the square inch. If these parts are accurately ad- 
 justed, lubricated, and kept in proper condition they will func- 
 tion properly. // not, the cause must be found and removed, not by 
 brute force, but by careful, intelligent examination and adjustment. 
 
 197. It has been found by, experience that certain jams are 
 liable to occur while firing the Vickers Maxim Machine Gun. 
 
 The amount of interruption of fire that results from these 
 jams will depend upon the instruction of the gun squad. With 
 badly instructed or careless men, the results may be so serious 
 as to put the piece out of action and jeopardize the accomplish- 
 ment of its mission in an engagement. With well-instructed 
 
 69 
 
70 JAMS. 
 
 men, strictly alert and attentive to their duties, but little in- 
 convenience will be caused by jams, for they will seldom 
 occur, and will be quickly reduced. 
 
 198. A jam in a machine gun is the failure of the mechanism 
 to function so that the automatic fire is uninterrupted as long 
 as there are cartridges in the belt and the trigger is pressed. 
 
 199. Jams are classified according to their causes as follows: 
 (A) Those whose number may be lessened by reasonable 
 
 care in : 
 
 (ft) Adjustment of the mechanism and the care of the 
 
 gun. 
 (&) Loading of belts and the manner in which they 
 
 are fed. 
 
 (c) Cleaning and oiling of the working parts of the 
 
 gun before and during firing. 
 
 (d) Examination of all ammunition before and after 
 
 it is loaded into belts, and the rejection of all 
 cartridges that are foul or defective. 
 (c) Smoothing (with a fine file or emery) of such rough 
 or projecting surfaces in the mechanism of the 
 gun as causes undue friction of its working parts. 
 (B.) Those caused by the wear or breakage of parts because 
 of defective material, long usage, accident, or the enemy's fire. 
 The reduction of jams comprises three steps: 
 
 (a) Determination of the charcter of the jam by exami- 
 nation. 
 
 (&) Removal of the immediate obstruction. 
 (c) Correction or removal of the cause which produced 
 the jam. 
 
 200. The men must be taught that the gun is a delicate 
 mechanism which will function properly only when correctly 
 adjusted and served. The parts are made to fit accurately, and 
 the application of much force is always unnecessary. If the 
 parts can not be made to function properly by use of reasonable 
 force, look for the obstruction and remove it. 
 
 201. The use of the file, emery dust, or emery paper should 
 be prohibited except under the direction of a commissioned 
 officer or an expert machine-gun man. 
 
JAMS. 
 
 71 
 
 202. Enumeration of jams of the first c/ass: 
 
 (A.) Faulty adjustments.. 
 
 ( a) Faulty packing of barrel ..... {2! Tw loosed 
 (&) Incorrect tension of recoil spring. |J- ^ weakf ' 
 (c) Incorrect head space. . . .......... {; "* 
 
 (B.) Faulty loading.. ..... {$ 
 
 (d) Incorrect gas space 
 ft l*fti 
 
 (C.) Fouling or lack of oil. 
 
 (D.) 
 
 Defective animuni 
 tion./. 
 
 (a) Lock. 
 (b) i Chamber. 
 
 (c) Ejector tube. 
 
 (d) Guide ribs. 
 
 (e) Any other movable part. 
 
 L- /(a) Loose bullets. 
 ..{(b - ' 
 
 (E.) Faulty construction.. 
 
 Deformed or corroded shells. 
 
 (a) Projection of feed-box cartridge spring. 
 
 (b) Gib-spring plate too thick. 
 
 (c) Carrier grooves too small. 
 
 (d) Insufficient leverage of fusee. 
 
 (e) Mouth of ejector tube improperly beveled. 
 (/) Binding of trigger bar under handle block. 
 (ff) Gib spring too weak. 
 
 (h) Gib-spring plate worn thin on edges. 
 (i) Trigger bar sprung or ribs on short (stud) slot 
 too thick. 
 
 203. James of the second class, especially in action, can riot 
 be foreseen or classified. The only rule that can be laid down 
 regarding them is to repair the damaged part, if possible, or 
 replace it from such spare parts as are available. 
 
 The most usual of these jams are caused by the breaking of: 
 (a) Mainsprings; (&) firing pins. The former can be quickly 
 recognized by the ease with which the roller handle can be 
 thrown forward and lack of response to the action of the 
 trigger. The latter, by repeated snapping of the lock without 
 resulting explosion of cartridges. 
 
 REDUCTION OF JAMS OF THE FIRST CLASS. 
 Barrel packed too tight. 
 
 204. The barrel can be packed so tightly that the roller 
 handle is prevented, by pressure against the roller, from com- 
 pleting its cycle, and a portion of the forward end of the slot 
 is visible just in front of the crank shaft. Further examina- 
 
72 JAMS. 
 
 tion shows that the carrier has dropped and holds a cartridge 
 and an empty shell, and that the belt has not fed forward. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Repack the barrel so that it can be moved (with- 
 out the recoil spring attached) by a pressure of less than about 
 6 pounds. 
 
 NOTE. Use the spring balance for this purpose. 
 
 BARREL PACKED TOO LOOSE. 
 
 205. This will not ordinarily be the immediate cause of a 
 jam ; but, if great care is not exercised in cleaning and oiling 
 the lock and recoil mechanism, the leakage of the water jacket 
 will so rust the parts that they will fail to function properly. 
 
 This trouble will be removed by packing the barrel so as to 
 prevent leakage. 
 
 TENSION OF RECOIL SPRING OR GAS SPACE TOO GREAT. 
 
 206. This can usually be recognized by the inequality of 
 intervals between shots just before the jam occurs. 
 
 An examination of the mechanism will show the carrier 
 either (a) supported on the upper beveled surfaces of the side 
 cams, and the roller handle near its forward position, in 
 which case the cartridge in the carrier will be found pressed 
 against a properly presented cartridge in the feed box, and no 
 portion of the slot will show as the barrel has been returned 
 to its firing position; or (&) thrown forward above the side 
 cams, with the roller handle nearly vertical, in which case the 
 cartridge in the carrier will be found forced along the left side 
 of the cartridge in the feed box, and a portion of the forward 
 end of the slot will show. 
 
 The reason for this is that the tension of the recoil spring is 
 so great that it induces a forward movement of the lock before 
 it has completed its backward movement, the carrier thus riding 
 back over the side cams instead of dropping and passing under 
 them. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Lessen the tension of the recoil spring or reduce 
 the gas space, or both, until the lock can complete a rearward 
 movement before being returned to the firing position. This 
 coadjustnient of the forces of recoil and counter recoil is best 
 accomplished by experimental firing with each gun. 
 
JAMS. 73 
 
 NOTE. With the spring balance attached to the knob of the 
 roller handle, the proper tension of the recoil spring will usually 
 necessitate a pull of from 4 to 6 pounds for the initial movement 
 of the roller handle. 
 
 RECOIL SPRING TOO WEAK OR TENSION TOO LITTLE. 
 
 207. Ordinarily this jam will only be found with recoil 
 springs that have lost much of their elasticity through long 
 usage or abuse. 
 
 This jam is caused by the fact that the recoil spring does not 
 return the barrel and lock, or the lock, to the firing position. 
 
 This jam, in so far as the lock is concerned, will occur most 
 frequently as the fouling of the working parts increases through 
 firing. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Use the spring balance as prescribed in the pre- 
 ceding paragraph. Should the maximum tension fail to produce 
 the desired result, the recoil spring should be set aside for con- 
 demnation and be replaced by a new spring. 
 
 208. In this connection it is thought advisable to emphasize 
 the necessity of a proper coadjustment of the recoil spring and 
 the recoil of the barrel. The recoil of the barrel is regulated by 
 the barrel disk. By gas space is meant the space between the 
 barrel disk and the nozzle ; the greater the gas space the lesser 
 the force of the recoil, and conversely. As the gas space is re- 
 duced the tension of the recoil spring should be increased, until 
 a proper balance of the recoil and counter recoil is obtained to 
 produce the greatest rapidity of fire. 
 
 HEAD SPACE TOO GREAT. 
 
 209. This jam is recognized by the fact that the base of the 
 shell is blown off about one-half an inch from the cannelure. 
 The base of the ruptured shell is carried back with the lock 
 while the other part remains in the chamber. The new car- 
 tridge will be found partially telescoped into this part, the roller 
 handle in a vertical position. 
 
 The cause is that the carrier does not close tightly against 
 the face of the chamber, and the cartridge, being unsupported 
 except at the base, is ruptured by the pressure of the powder 
 gases. 
 
74 JAMS. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Throw the roller handle forward, when the new 
 cartridge will be extracted from the chamber, ordinarily with 
 the ruptured shell. These should be removed from the carrier. 
 The base of the ruptured shell will be automatically ejected. 
 
 In case the ruptured shell is not withdrawn with the new 
 cartridge, the clearing plug should be used. Add washers to 
 the crosshead until the carrier fits snugly against the face of 
 the chamber. 
 
 HEAD SPACE TOO SMALL 
 
 210. On account of undue friction between the face of the 
 chamber and the carrier, the latter will not rise to the firing 
 position. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Remove washers from the crosshead until the 
 carrier works snugly against the face of the chamber, but 
 without undue friction. 
 
 CARTRIDGES IMPROPERLY LOADED IN BELT. 
 
 211. Properly filled belts are those into which cartridges 
 have been inserted a uniform distance. 
 
 When the feed box presents cartridges that are not thus 
 loaded the following conditions ensue: 
 
 (a) If the cartridge has been inserted too far, but has 
 entered the feed box, it may not be engaged by 
 the carrier, or it may be engaged only on one 
 side, thus preventing the carrier from rising. 
 (&) If the cartridge has been inserted so far that it can 
 not enter the feed box, a jam will result owing 
 to the interruption of the feed mechanism; in 
 some cases the cartridge may enter the feed box 
 but cause the next cartridge to bind on the rear 
 of the feed box. 
 
 (o) If the cartridge has not been inserted far enough, 
 it may strike against the rear of the feed box, 
 causing interruption of the feed mechanism. 
 TO REDUCE: Straighten cartridge in feed box if possible; if 
 not, remove cartridge to rear from feed box and reload piece. 
 NOTE. Much handling of loaded belts soon causes the car- 
 tridges to become misplaced, as also does carrying them by 
 pack for any considerable distance with the present equipment ; 
 
JAMS. 75 
 
 hence no more belts should be kept loaded than required by the 
 necessities of immediate supply. 
 
 FOULING AND LACK OF ML. 
 
 212. Fouling or lack of oil may manifest itself by: 
 (a) The carrier failing to drop. 
 
 (6) The carrier failing to rise to the firing position. 
 
 The former is due to gumming or friction between the carrier 
 and the lock frame, and the latter to gumming or friction be- 
 tween the side or lifting levers and the lock frame. 
 
 TO REDUCE: In either case remove the lock and clean thor- 
 oughly without taking apart. A frequent change of locks during 
 firing is advised, not only to remove fouling, but to insure both 
 locks being kept in good working order. 
 
 213. The Chamber. Fouling of the chamber will manifest 
 itself by the cartridge being partly inserted therein. Examina- 
 tion will show scratches on the surface of the shell. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Clean the chamber thoroughly, but do not oil 
 except when firing is completed. It is then oiled to prevent 
 rust. 
 
 214. The Ejector Tube. Fouling of the ejector tube manifests 
 itself by the shell being but partly inserted therein. Exami- 
 nation shows scratches on the surface of the shell. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Clean the tube thoroughly and cover the sur- 
 face with a thin coating of sperm oil. 
 
 215. The Guide Ribs. This jam is recognized by the fact that 
 the lock travels only a short distance forward and then binds. 
 Examination will show worn places on the guide ribs and in 
 the grooves of the recoil plates, caused by undue friction on 
 these parts. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Clean the parts thoroughly and oil with thin 
 lubricating oil. Smooth the surfaces with crocus cloth if nec- 
 essary. 
 
 LOOSE BULLETS. 
 
 216. The indications of this jam are the same as those of 
 the foul chamber, and further examination will disclose the 
 bullet and loose powder grains on the floor of the casing. The 
 empty shell will show no discoloration from the explosion of 
 powder, and loose powder will be found in the chamber. 
 
76 JAMS. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Remove the bullet and proceed as for foul 
 chamber. 
 
 NOTE. Loose bullets are usually caused by the hammering 
 they receive when carried any distance by pack with the pres- 
 ent ammunition box. 
 
 For this reason, it is best not to load the belts until a short 
 time before they are to be fired ; but if transportation of loaded 
 belts by pack is imperative, then the belts should be made to fit 
 snugly in the ammunition boxes by the insertion of sheets of 
 cardboard, felt, or other suitable material between the cartridges 
 and the side of the box. 
 
 DEFORMED OR CORRODED SHELLS. 
 
 217. Such shells will not usually enter the chamber and will 
 give the same initial manifestations as a foul chamber. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Remove the defective shell from the carrier and 
 reload. 
 
 PROJECTION OF THE FEED-BOX CARTRIDGE SPRING. 
 
 218. This is recognized by the position of the roller handle, 
 it failing to complete its rearward movement and remaining a 
 short distance above the roller. Also if the lock be carried 
 slowly forward, glancing vertically downward between the 
 front surfaces of the carrier and the exposed edge of the feed- 
 box cartridge spring, it will be noticed that the gib presses 
 unduly against the surface of this, thus preventing the carrier 
 from rising to the firing position. This may cause the breakage 
 of the spring near its base. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Carefully smooth away the projecting edge of 
 the cartridge spring so that the gib may ride smoothly over it. 
 
 GIB-SPRING PLATE TOO THICK. 
 
 219. This jam manifests itself by the carrier, when cleaned 
 and properly oiled, failing to drop. Examination of parts of 
 the lock will show bright worn places on the front face of the 
 lock frame and on the gib-spring plate. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Dress down the outer surface of the gib-spring 
 plate with a fine file, hone, or emery until it rides freely over 
 the lock frame. 
 
JAMS. 77 
 
 GIB-SPRING PLATE WORN ON EDGES. 
 
 220. In this jam the roller handle will be found almost 
 vertical. The fired cartridge will be found above its position 
 in the carrier partly over the gib. The upper edge of the case 
 will be found upset by having been forced against the upper 
 side of the ejector tube. 
 
 The gib-spring plate will be found out of position. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Replace gib-spring plate. 
 
 .i^vmft v\ 
 
 GIB SPRING TOO WEAK. 
 
 221. The symptoms of this jam are similar to those of the 
 worn gib-spring plate. The plate will not always be out of 
 place in the latter jam. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Replace gib spring. 
 
 lovjviatt 
 
 CARRIER GROOVES TOO SMALL 
 
 222. This jam manifests itself by the carrier, properly 
 cleaned and oiled, failing to drop. Examination of the parts 
 of the lock discloses bright worn places on the flanges of the 
 lock frame, and in the grooves of the carrier. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Enlarge the grooves of the carrier and dress 
 down the flanges of the lock frame with fine emery; then 
 carefully smooth all surfaces with crocus cloth. 
 
 INSUFFICIENT LEVERAGE OF FUSEE. 
 
 223. When the slotted portion of the fusee is cut too deep, 
 the tension of the recoil spring is insufficient to revolve the 
 fusee beyond a point which seems to be a dead center. It is 
 recognized both with and without the lock in place. The roller 
 handle remains about 1 inch above its extreme forward position. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Fill up the slot of the fusee with a small hard- 
 wood wedge, so as to give the necessary leverage. 
 
 The imperfect fusee should be replaced by a new one as soon 
 as possible, and then be set aside for condemnation. 
 
 This jam is of rare occurrence. 
 
78 JAMS. 
 
 MOUTH OF THE EJECTOR TUBE IMPROPERLY BEVELED. 
 
 224. This jam is recognized by the new cartridge failing to 
 enter the chamber; the shell remaining entirely exposed and 
 about one-sixteenth of an inch of the bullet visible. The for- 
 ward movement of the lock is interrupted by the shell last 
 fired striking against the lower lip of the ejector tube, which 
 upon examination is found to have been left with a sharp edge, 
 thus obstructing the free entry of the shell. The end of the 
 shell will usually be found more or less upset. 
 
 TO REDUCE: File a suitable ramp at the mouth of the ejector 
 tube. 
 
 BINDING OF TRIGGER BAR UNDER HANDLE LOCK. 
 
 225. This jam is recognized by the trigger failing to return 
 to its rear position. 
 
 TO REDUCE: File away the groove on the under side of the 
 handle block sufficiently to allow free movement of the trigger 
 bar. 
 
 BENDING OF THE TRIGGER BAR. 
 
 226. This jam is recognized by the fact that the piece has 
 failed to fire, although all parts seemed to have functioned 
 properly. The bar will show a worn mark. The bending of 
 the bar has prevented the front end of the slot engaging the 
 hand sear, which rides over the top. 
 
 TO REDUCE: Straighten the bar. This same jam may be 
 caused by too great thickness of the ribs on small slot, which 
 is reduced by dressing down the ribs. 
 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Action, lo form for "2,33,36,75 
 
 Ammunition Squad: 
 
 Composition of 
 
 Duties of, in general 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 Establishment of ammunition station 
 
 Formation of, with pack 70 
 
 Formation of, without pack 68 
 
 Instruction of__ 66,67 
 
 Object of training 65 
 
 Organization of _ _ 64 
 
 To pack - 77,78 
 
 To unpack and form action- 75, 76 
 
 Aparejo, arrangement of n 156 
 
 Belt filler, how to operate ._-_ 71,72,73 
 
 Camps : 
 
 Bivouacs 184 
 
 Establishment of ._ 186 
 
 Restricted space 183 
 
 Tentage 180 
 
 To break , : _ 187 
 
 Various forms of . 178, 179, 182 
 
 With infantry __ 181 
 
 Ceremonies 24, 192, 193 
 
 Combat division, constitution of . , 6 
 
 English pack outfit, arrangement of 158 
 
 Equipment: 
 
 Arrangement of, in camp__ _ 157 
 
 Arrangement of, in garrison 154, 155 
 
 Fire: 
 
 At moving targets 60 
 
 Classification of 49 
 
 Fixed ; ______._^__ 55 
 
 For effect . __,., 54 
 
 79 
 

 80 . IttDEX. 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Method of 47 
 
 Night 61 
 
 Ranging 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 
 
 Sweeping 59 
 
 Traversed 56 
 
 Traversed zone 58 
 
 Zone 57 
 
 Firing, commands for 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 
 
 Firing data, corrections of 44 
 
 Gun, arrangement of, when not in use 159 
 
 Gun Squad: 
 
 Care of its equipment 05, 121 
 
 Composition of 9 
 
 Duties of, in general 11 
 
 How formed 21 
 
 Organization of 3 
 
 Posts of 22, 23, 24, 25 
 
 To change direction when moving by hand 28 
 
 To halt 27 
 
 To march to the rear when moving by hand 29, 30 
 
 Training of 10 
 
 Jams: 
 
 Classification of 199 
 
 Enumeration of 202, 203 
 
 Instruction of gun squads 194, 195, 196, 197, 200, 201 
 
 Barrel packed too tight 
 
 Barrel packed too loose 
 
 Bending of trigger bar 
 
 Binding of trigger bar 
 
 Carrier grooves too small 
 
 Cartridges improperly loaded in belt-- 
 Caused by failure of mechanism 
 
 Deformed or corroded shells 
 
 Fouling and lack of oil 212, 213, 214, 215 
 
 Gib-spring plate too thick 
 
 Gib-spring plate worn on edges- _. 
 
 Gib spring too weak 
 
 Head space too great 
 
 Head space too small 
 
 Insufficient leverage of fusee. _. 
 
 Loose bullets - 
 
INDEX. 81 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Mouth of ejector tube improperly beveled 
 
 Projection of cartridge spring 
 
 Tension of recoil spring too great 206 
 
 Tension of recoil spring too little 207, 208 
 
 Marches: 
 
 Adjustment of loads - 173 
 
 Crossing streams 171,172 
 
 Distribution of loads 167, 168 
 
 Gaits and distances 166 
 
 In campaign - 164, 174 
 
 Inspection after 176 
 
 Ordinary 169 
 
 Over rugged country III 170 
 
 Problems confronting platoon commander . 162 
 
 Route . 165 
 
 With infantry - 163-175 
 
 lumber one, duties of, in detail ,1- 15, 16, 17, 18 
 
 Number two, duties of, in detail 19 
 
 Number three, duties of, in detail 20, 35 
 
 Number four, duties of, in general , 69 
 
 Number five, duties of, in general 69 
 
 Number six, duties of, in general 69 
 
 Organization, unit of 1 
 
 Packers: 
 
 Designation of 79 
 
 Posts of, with gun in pack I 81 
 
 Posts of, with the piece prepared for action 82 
 
 Pack Squad: 
 
 Care of equipment 121 
 
 Constitution of 5 
 
 Formation of, without packs 80 
 
 General duties 83 
 
 To fold the pack blanket 86 
 
 To put on the blanket 87 
 
 To put on the blind 84 
 
 To put on the bridle 85 
 
 To put on the corona 88 
 
 To put on the loads 91 
 
 To put on the saddle 90 
 
 To turn the crupper 89 
 
 To unpack, to unsaddle 92 
 
 723010 6 
 
82 
 
 Piece, The: Paragraph. 
 
 Movement of, by hand, short distances 26 
 
 Movement of, by hand, longer distances 31 
 
 Service of, general provisions 38,39 
 
 Service of, with reduced numbers 63 
 
 Position of, established by No. 3 35 
 
 To fire 41 
 
 To lay 40 
 
 To pack 37 
 
 To unpack and prepare for action : 34 
 
 Platoon: 
 
 Commands and means for maneuvering 125 
 
 Constitution of 7 
 
 Formation of, for action 149 
 
 Formation of, with packs 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132 
 
 Formation of, without packs 123, 124 
 
 In action; role 188,189 
 
 Selection of position 190 
 
 Use of canopy fire 191 
 
 In the field 161 
 
 Inspection of, before dismissal 134 
 
 Maneuver of, with packs, general principles 135 
 
 Movements of, at drill with infantry 153 
 
 Movements of, combined with infantry 152 
 
 Organization 8 
 
 Simultaneous movements of 151 
 
 Successive movements of 150 
 
 To change direction 143, 144, 145 
 
 To change direction of the march to the rear 146 
 
 To close or extend intervals 148 
 
 To dismiss 133 
 
 To face to the rear without gaining ground 147 
 
 To form column to the flank 138 
 
 To form column to the front 137 
 
 To form line to the flank 140, 141 
 
 To form line to the front 139 
 
 To form on right or left into line 142 
 
 To march to the front 130 
 
 Platoon commander, responsibility of 12H 
 
 Pointer: 
 
 Duties in detail 12,13,14 
 
 Duties in general 11 
 

 INDEX. 83 
 
 Section: Paragraph. 
 
 Chief of supervision 94 
 
 Commands and means for maneuvering without packs 98 
 
 Composition of 93 
 
 Division of 2,6 
 
 Formation of, for instruction 99 
 
 Formation of, with packs 100, 101 
 
 Formation of, without packs 97 
 
 Maneuvers of, acting alone ! 110 
 
 Organization of 1,3,4,5 
 
 To countermarch 112 
 
 To dismiss 108 
 
 To face to the rear without gaining ground to the front 
 
 or rear 114 
 
 To form for action 74 
 
 To "line up" 102,103 
 
 To "load out" 105 
 
 To march in route order 119 
 
 To march to the rear 111 
 
 To move combat division to front of supply division 116 
 
 To place combat division in rear of supply division 115 
 
 To resume normal order from route order 120 
 
 To resume order for marching in pack 118 
 
 To saddle 104 
 
 To saddle and pack 107 
 
 To secure equipment 108, 109 
 
 To take posts 106 
 
 To turn to right or left without gaining ground to the 
 
 front 113 
 
 To unpack and prepare for action 117 
 
 Stores, arrangement of 160 
 
 Supernumeraries not to be used with gun in action 62 
 
 Supply chest, arrangement of 160 
 
 Supply division, constitution of 6 
 
 Tripod, arrangement of, when not in use 159 
 
 o 
 

 
 
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