MANUAL FOB NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 193 



on the part of leaders aid fire discipline. Self possession and 

 a confident tone in giving commands and instructions are in- 

 dispensable. 



In combat, shots which graze the enemy's trench or position, 

 and thus reduce the effectiveness of his fire, have the approxi- 

 mate value of hits ; such shots only, or actual hits, contribute 

 toward fire superiority. 



Fire discipline implies that, in a firing line without leaders, 

 each man retains his presence of mind and directs efCective 

 fire upon the proper target. 



685. I'o create a correct appreciation of the requirements of 

 fire discipline, men are taught that the rate of fire, having 

 constantly in view the available ammunition supply, should 

 be as rapid as is consistent with accurate aiming; that the 

 rate will depend upon the visibility, proximity, and size of 

 the target; and that the proper rate will ordinarily suggest 

 itself to each trained man usually rendering cautions or com- 

 mands unnecessary. 



666. In attack, ammunition must be used wdth extreme cau- 

 tion in order that the highest rate of fire man be employed at 

 the halt preceding the assault and in pursuing fire. 



667. In defense, when the target disappears behind cover, 

 platoon leaders suspend fire, prepare their platoons to fire 

 upon the point where it" is expected to reappear, and greet 

 its reappearance instantly Vv'ith a vigorous burst of fire. In 

 defense, the available ammunition supply is not ordinarily so 

 limited as in the attack. 



668. For communication between the firing line and the re- 

 serve or commander in rear certain signals are prescribed 



(par. 997). In transmission their concealment from the 

 enemy's view should be insured. In the absence of signal 

 flags the headdress or other substitute may be used. 



RANGES. 



669. For convenience of reference, ranges are classified as 

 follows : 



to GOO yards, close range. 

 600 to 1.200 yards, effective range. 

 1,200 to 2,000 yards, long range. 

 Over 2,000 yards, distant range. 

 SC6'— 17 7 



