austria-hun(;arv. 17 



grades, as well as the individual soldier. It takes place after 

 the range practice, and if possible after the long-range firing. 

 All classes of firers take part. 



The exercises are based on simple offensive tactical suppo- 

 sitions. The total front of the targets must not be greater 

 than the front of the firing detachment in extended, order, 

 and the figure targets used are of natural size. 



The leader determines what targets are to be used, in what 

 order, how long visible, and the signals on which they are to 

 appear or disappear. The exercise should be arranged to 

 permit of all kinds of fire. At distances less than 800 paces, 

 section targets 0.9 meter high must be used, and at less than 

 600 paces no section targets are shown. 



At the end of the exercise the men are marched to the tar- 

 gets and the leader gives a short dissertation on the firing. 



The field firing is divided into preparatory and regular 

 practice for individual soldiers, groups, and platoons. 



The individual preparatory practice may be held, if neces- 

 sary, on the ordinary ranges, the man at first using dummy 

 cartridges and afterwards ball cartridges. The course is 

 arranged by the instructor ; for example, the man is shown sud- 

 denly a target which remains visible during the time neces- 

 sary to march 15 paces in quick time (about eight seconds). 

 The target may, at 600 paces, be a section target of two whole 

 figures, at 300 paces a half figure, or at 400 paces a two- 

 third figure. Within the time during which the target is 

 visible the man must estimate the distance, adjust his sight, 

 aim, and fire. The shots are delivered from the prone position. 



The preparatory practice of groups and platoons is carried 

 on similarly. During the practice the leaders are not to be 

 interfered with, comment or criticism being reserved till the 

 end of the exercise. In the individual exercise, the result of 

 each shot is ascertained, and if there be time in the group and 

 platoon practice, the hits at each range, and for the different 

 kinds of fire, should be marked. 



REGULAR PRACTICE. 



This takes place, as a rule, in companies or battalions of 

 approximately war strength. The leader is the battalion or 

 regimental commander; higher commanders do not interfere 

 with the course of the exercise, unless gross faults are observed, 

 and comment is not made until the exercise is over. 



