104 TAKGET PRACTICE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



FIELD FIRING, GENERAL RULES. 



The course for infantry comprises individual and collective 

 firing, and each is preceded by preparatory exercises with 

 dummy and blank cartridges. 



The lieutenants, noncommissioned officers, and men of each 

 company take part in the individual fire ; noncommissioned 

 officers and men in the collective firing — the former may 

 compose a special detachment for collective fire. 



Individual fire with ball cartridges may be conducted by a 

 sword-knot noncommissioned officer; collective fire must be 

 directed by an officer. Individual fire and collective fire of 

 groups, sections, and platoons is managed by company com- 

 manders. Collective fire of larger units is directed by bat' 

 talion or regimental commanders. The company officers are 

 present at collective firing conducted therein ; all the battalion 

 officers are present at that of larger units. The dress is tht 

 same as for regular practice at known distances, with the 

 addition of the canteen, haversack, and intrenching tools. 



For siege firing the dress is forage cap, cartridge-boxes, 

 overcoat carried like a blanket roll, canteen, haversack, cook- 

 ing utensils, and intrenching tools. Bayonets are not fixed. 



Field firing is conducted in the field or on such suitable 

 ranges as may be available, special regard being paid in 

 every case to safety from accidents, which must be insured 

 by every possible precautionary measure, in accordance with 

 general rules prescribed 'on this subject. 



INDIVIDUAL FIELD FIRING. 



Instruction in this is based on the consideration that the 

 accuracy of the rifle is such that a good shot may expect to 

 hit a man lying down at 250 meters, one kneeling at 350 

 meters, a file (two men side by side) kneeling at 500, and a 

 file standing or a single horseman, at 600 meters. Firing at 

 the various targets must, therefore, be within the limits of 

 probable hits, with which the instructor must be well 

 acquainted. 



PREPARATORY EXERCISES. 



The preparatory exercises are arranged by the instructor 

 so that the man sees various targets at difi:erent distances, 

 and is instructed how to take cover, to estimate the dis- 

 tances and decide upon the elevation required, point of aim, 



