190 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



also, and the leader gives the necessary orders for resuming the 

 fire. The latter will include giving the range again, the length 

 of the rush being subtracted from the sight setting ordered at 

 the last position. 



The original platoon and section divisions of the troop in 

 the firing line should be maintained, if possible, and should 

 only be broken up if the mingling of reinforcements renders 

 It unavoidable. 



Upon joining the firing line, officers and noncommissioned 

 officers accompanying a reinforcement take over the duties of 

 others of like grade who have been disabled, or they distribute 

 themselves so as best to exercise their normal functions. Con- 

 ditions vary and no exact rules can be prescribed. It is 

 essential that all assist in mastering the increased difhculties 

 of control. 



riKE. 



657. Ordinarily rifles are loaded and extra ammunition in 

 bandoliers is distributed before the troop deploys for combat. 

 In close order the troop executes the firings at the command 

 of the captain, who posts himself in rear of the center. 



Firings in close order are exceptional. 



658. Signals during fire action: The voice is generally in- 

 adequate for giving commands during firing, and must be re- 

 placed by signals of such character that proper fire direction 

 and control are assured (par. 9S9). To attract attention sig- 

 nals must usually bo preceded by the whistle signal (short 

 blast). A fraction of the firing line about to rush should avoid 

 using the long blast signal as an indication to suspend firing. 

 Officers and men behind the firing line can not ordinarily move 

 freely along the line, but each must depend on the other's 

 M'atchfulness, in addition to his own, and make use of pre- 

 scribed signals (par. 997, Cav. Drill Reg., 1916). All should 

 place themselves so as to see their immediate superiors and 

 subordinates. 



The bugler with the captain assists by observing the enemy, 

 the target, and the fire effect, and by Avatching for and trans- 

 mitting commands. 



