188 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



The movement is conducted in quick time unless conditions 

 malie double time necessary. 



After the entire troop has reached the line a further ad- 

 vance in the same manner may be found advisable. 



The movement in a succession of thin lines is used to cross 

 a wide stretch swept or likely to be swept by artillery fire or 

 heavy long-range rifle fire which can not profitably be re- 

 turned. Its purpose is the building up of a strong skirmish 

 line preparatory to engaging in a fire fight. This method of 

 advancing by thin lines results in serious, though temporary, 

 loss of control over the successive platoons of the troop. Its 

 advantages lie in the fact that it offers a less definite target, 

 hence is less likely to draw fire. 



653. These are merely suggested methods of advancing pre- 

 liminary to opening the fire attack ; other formations better 

 adapted to particular occasions or terrain may be devised. 

 The best formation is that which advances the line the far- 

 thest without drawling the enemy's fire, or, if he does open fire, 

 then with the least loss of men, time, and control. 



THE FIEE ATTACK. 



654. The principles involved in the fire attack are discussed 

 under Dismounted Fire Action, the Squadron (par. 716), and 

 necessary modifications as to details made under Dismounted 

 Action, the Regiment (par. 760). 



When the enemy's fire makes it impracticable for the troop 

 to move forward in one of the above-mentioned formations. 

 It may advance by rushes. 



Being in skirmish line: 1. By platoon (section) from the 

 right (left), 2. RUSH. 



The platoon leader on the indicated flank arranges the de- 

 tails for a prompt and vigorous execution of the rush and 

 puts it into effect as soon as practicable. If necessary he 

 designates the leader for the indicated unit. When about 

 to rush he causes the men of the indicated unit to suspend 

 firing and to hold themselves fiat on the ground but in readi- 

 ness to spring forward instantly. The leader of the rush (at 

 the signal of the platoon leader if the latter is not the leader 



