106 TARGET PRACTICE IX FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



COLLECTIVE FIRE. 



In the preparatory exercises, dummy and. blank cartridges 

 are used. Targets may be represented by detachments, which 

 appear or disappear according to the signals or instructions 

 agreed on, and in pursuance of a prearranged scheme of the 

 instructor. Artillery and cavalry may be shown by men 

 carrying Hags of certain colors, or by targets. To develop 

 promptness and decision in leaders and quickness in the men, 

 different targets are presented at unknown distances, and 

 these may appear, or be supposed to be visible for varying 

 periods, and a certain time be allowed to deploy the men to 

 deliver the appropriate fire. 



The first exercises are by a file of men, then by a group.. 

 The men are instructed how to act in attack or defense, in 

 the use of sights, in rising quickly for a rush, and getting 

 into position for firing, catching the aim promptly, etc. This 

 is succeeded by progressive exercises for platoons and larger 

 detachments. Conditions requiring independent action on 

 the part of the men are also to be represented. 



FIRING WITH BALL CARTRIDGES. 



The exercises are on similar lines to the preparatory ones, 

 using appropriate targets, among which should be, if possible, 

 disappearing and moving targets. The exercises should be 

 based on simple tactical suppositions, represent some phase 

 of an action, rather than a continuous conflict, and in general 

 the detachment is assumed to be acting in concert with or 

 as a part of a larger body. The training is to be addressed 

 more particularly to infantry opposed to infantry, by fre- 

 quent fire at short and medium ranges at low targets repre- 

 senting skirmish lines, but firing at longer ranges is not to be 

 neglected. 



During pauses, or at the end of the exercise, results of fire 

 are ascertained and compared with the expenditure of ammu- 

 nition, on the available supply of which the extent of the 

 exercises will, to a great extent, depend. 



The results of the fire are not recorded, but the days on 

 which collective fire has been held are noted, and if a supe- 

 rior desires information regarding exercises at which he was 

 not present, it is furnished in a simple, brief report. 



The development of the exercises depends on the allotment 

 of ammunition by the higher authorities, in addition to the 



