KANTIAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 181 

 Section 2. Combat. 



The field of battle is the final test of the instruction, disci- 

 pline, and efficiency of the fighting force* of any army. 



The squadron is the attack unit or the defense unit, whether 

 operating alone or as part of a regiment. Tlie troops consti- 

 tute the firing line and the support. 



An individual soldier is concerned only with the enemy in his 

 immediate front, in obeying orders, and instinctively doing 

 wliat he has been trained to do. 



The one requisite necessary to win the battle is intelligent 

 teamwork. The army is handled just like a football team. A 

 part is on the first line facing the enemy. Another part, like 

 the half backs, is held back as supports. Another part, like 

 the full backs, is held as a reserve. Each unit, like each 

 player, has a certain duty to perform. When, the signal is 

 given, all work together — all play the game — team work. The 

 players consist of all branches of the service. 



The same rule holds true down to the smallest unit and even 

 to the individual enlisted man. Each regiment is a team com- 

 posed of three players — each a squadron. Each squadron is a 

 team of four players — each a troop. In the same manner 

 each troop is a team of two or more platoons ; each platoon 

 a team of two sections; and last, but not least, each section is 

 a team of from 6 to 14 players. 



The one question that always presents itself on the battle 

 field every minute of the time to every person, whether he be 

 a general or a private, is, " What play has my team captain or- 

 dered, and how best may I act so as to work in conjunction 

 With the other players to bring about the desired result? " — 

 team play. 



To the trooper this means — 



First. Prompt and loyal obedience to the section leader. 

 Every section always has a team captain. If the section leader 

 and corporal are killed or disabled, other players previously 

 designated take their places. If no one was designated, then 

 the private with the longest service takes command. When 

 the section leader gives the command for a certain play, don't 

 stop to think if the play is a good one, but do your very best 

 to carry out the play as ordered. A poor play in which every 



