Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911

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Transcriber's note:

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also in bold typeface. For ease of reading, bold typeface
is not indicated in this e-book. Both bold and italics are
indicated by _underscores_.

Infantry Drill Regulations

UNITED STATES ARMY

1911

CORRECTED TO APRIL 15, 1917
(Changes Nos. 1 to 19)

MILITARY PUBLISHING CO.
42 BROADWAY
NEW YORK

WAR DEPARTMENT
Document No. 394
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF

WAR DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF,
_Washington, August 19, 1911._

The following System of Drill Regulations for Infantry, prepared by a
board of officers consisting of Lieut. Col. John F. Morrison,
Infantry; Capt. Merch B. Stewart, Eighth Infantry; and Capt. Alfred W.
Bjornstad, Twenty-eighth Infantry, is approved and is published for
the information and government of the Regular Army and the Organized
Militia of the United States. With a view to insure uniformity
throughout the Army, all infantry drill formations not embraced in
this system are prohibited, and those herein prescribed will be
strictly observed.

By order of the Secretary of War:

LEONARD WOOD,
_Major General, Chief of Staff._

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART I--_Drill._ Paragraph.

1. Introduction 1-30
2. Orders, commands and signals 31-47
3. School of the soldier 48-100
4. School of the squad 101-158
5. School of the company 159-257
(_a_) Close order 167-198
(_b_) Extended order 199-231
(_c_) Fire 232-257
6. The battalion 258-326
(_a_) Close order 263-289
(_b_) Combat principles 290-326
7. The regiment 327-346
(_a_) Close order 333-341
(_b_) Combat principles 342-346
8. The brigade 347-349

PART II--_Combat._

1. Introduction 350-357
2. Leadership 358-388
(_a_) General considerations 358-370
(_b_) Teamwork 371-377
(_c_) Orders 378-383
(_d_) Communication 384-388
3. Combat reconnaissance 389-399
4. Fire superiority 400-424
(_a_) Purpose and nature 400-401
(_b_) Fire direction and control 402-424
5. Deployment 425-441
6. Attack 442-488
(_a_) Deployment for attack 449-452
(_b_) Advancing the attack 453-457
(_c_) The fire attack 458-463
(_d_) The charge 464-475
(_e_) Pursuit 476-480
(_f_) Attack of fortifications 481-484
(_g_) Holding attack 485-488
7. Defense 489-519
(_a_) Positions and intrenchments 489-494
(_b_) Deployment for defense 495-510
(_c_) Counterattack 511-516
(_d_) Delaying action 517-519
8. Meeting engagements 520-530
9. Withdrawal from action 531-535
10. Miscellaneous 537-622
(_a_) Machine guns 537-546
(_b_) Ammunition supply 547-553
(_c_) Mounted scouts 554-557
(_d_) Night operations 558-568
(_e_) Infantry against Cavalry 569-574
(_f_) Infantry against Artillery 575-578
(_g_) Artillery supports 579-583
(_h_) Intrenchments 584-595
(_i_) Minor warfare 596-603
(_j_) Patrols 604-622

PART III--_Marches and camps._

1. Marches 623-660
(_a_) Training and discipline 623-635
(_b_) Protection of the march 636-660
2. Camps 661-707
(_a_) Sanitation 661-677
(_b_) Protection of camp or bivouac 678-707

PART IV--_Ceremonies and inspections._

1. Ceremonies 708-765
(_a_) Reviews 711-731
(_b_) Parades 732-735
(_c_) Escorts 736-744
2. Inspections 745-754
3. Muster 755-757
4. Honors and salutes 758-765

PART V.--_Manuals._

1. The color 766-778
2. The band 779-781
3. Manual of the saber 782-791
4. Manual of tent pitching 792-803
5. Manual of the bugle 804-807
(_a_) Bugle calls.
(_b_) Bugle signals.

INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS.

UNITED STATES ARMY, 1911.

DEFINITIONS.

_Alignment:_ A straight line upon which several elements are formed,
or are to be formed; or the dressing of several elements upon a
straight line.

_Base:_ The element on which a movement is regulated.

_Battle sight:_ The position of the rear sight when the leaf is laid
down.

_Center:_ The middle point or element of a command.

_Column:_ A formation in which the elements are placed one behind
another.

_Deploy:_ To extend the front. In general to change from column to
line, or from close order to extended order.

_Depth:_ The space from head to rear of any formation, including the
leading and rear elements. The depth of a man is assumed to be 12
inches.

_Distance:_ Space between elements in the direction of depth. Distance
is measured from the back of the man in front to the breast of the man
in rear. The distance between ranks is 40 inches in both line and
column.

_Element:_ A file, squad, platoon, company, or larger body, forming
part of a still larger body.

_File:_ Two men, the front-rank man and the corresponding man of the
rear rank. The front-rank man is the _file leader_. A file which has
no rear-rank man is a _blank file_. The term _file_ applies also to a
single man in a single-rank formation.

_File closers:_ Such officers and noncommissioned officers of a
company as are posted in rear of the line. For convenience, all men
posted in the line of file closers.

_Flank:_ The right or left of a command in line or in column; also the
element on the right or left of the line.

_Formation:_ Arrangement of the elements of a command. The placing of
all fractions in their order in line, in column, or for battle.

_Front:_ The space, in width, occupied by an element, either in line
or in column. The front of a man is assumed to be 22 inches. Front
also denotes the direction of the enemy.

_Guide:_ An officer, noncommissioned officer, or private upon whom the
command or elements thereof regulates its march.

_Head:_ The leading element of a column.

_Interval:_ Space between elements of the same line. The interval
between men in ranks is 4 inches and is measured from elbow to elbow.
Between companies, squads, etc., it is measured from the left elbow of
the left man or guide of the group on the right, to the right elbow of
the right man or guide of the group on the left.

_Left:_ The left extremity or element of a body of troops.

_Line:_ A formation in which the different elements are abreast of
each other.

_Order, close:_ The formation in which the units, in double rank, are
arranged in line or in column with normal intervals and distances.

_Order, extended:_ The formation in which the units are separated by
intervals greater than in close order.

_Pace:_ Thirty inches; the length of the full step in quick time.

_Point of rest:_ The point at which a formation begins. Specifically,
the point toward which units are aligned in successive movements.

_Rank:_ A line of men placed side by side.

_Right:_ The right extremity or element of a body of troops.

PART I.--DRILL.

INTRODUCTION.

1. Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military training;
success may be looked for only when the training is intelligent and
thorough.

2. Commanding officers are accountable for the proper training of
their respective organizations within the limits prescribed by
regulations and orders.

The excellence of an organization is judged by its field efficiency.
The field efficiency of an organization depends primarily upon its
effectiveness as a whole. Thoroughness and uniformity in the training
of the units of an organization are indispensable to the efficiency of
the whole; it is by such means alone that the requisite teamwork may
be developed.

3. Simple movements and elastic formations are essential to correct
training for battle.

4. The Drill Regulations are furnished as a guide. They provide the
principles for training and for increasing the probability of success
in battle.

In the interpretation of the regulations, the spirit must be sought.
Quibbling over the minutiae of form is indicative of failure to grasp
the spirit.

5. The principles of combat are considered in Part II of these
regulations. They are treated in the various schools included in Part
I only to the extent necessary to indicate the functions of the
various commanders and the division of responsibility between them.
The amplification necessary to a proper understanding of their
application is to be sought in Part II.

6. The following important distinctions must be observed:

(_a_) Drills executed at _attention_ and the ceremonies are
_disciplinary exercises_ designed to teach precise and soldierly
movement, and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious obedience
which is essential to proper military control. To this end, smartness
and precision should be exacted in the execution of every detail. Such
drills should be frequent, but short.

(_b_) The purpose of _extended order drill_ is to teach the
_mechanism_ of deployment, of the firings, and, in general, of the
employment of troops in combat. Such drills are in the nature of
disciplinary exercises and should be frequent, thorough, and exact in
order to habituate men to the firm control of their leaders. Extended
order drill is executed _at ease_. The company is the largest unit
which executes extended order drill.

(_c_) _Field exercises_ are for instruction in the duties incident to
campaign. Assumed situations are employed. Each exercise should
conclude with a discussion, on the ground, of the exercise and
principles involved.

(_d_) The _combat exercise, a form of field exercise_ of the company,
battalion, and larger units, consists of the _application of tactical
principles_ to assumed situations, employing in the execution the
appropriate formations and movements of close and extended order.

Combat exercises must simulate, as far as possible, the battle
conditions assumed. In order to familiarize both officers and men with
such conditions, companies and battalions will frequently be
consolidated to provide war-strength organizations. Officers and
noncommissioned officers not required to complete the full quota of
the units participating are assigned as observers or umpires.

The firing line can rarely be controlled by the voice alone; thorough
training to insure the proper use of prescribed signals is necessary.

The exercise should be followed by a brief drill at attention in order
to restore smartness and control.

7. In field exercises the enemy is said to be _imaginary_ when his
position and force are merely assumed; _outlined_ when his position
and force are indicated by a few men; _represented_ when a body of
troop acts as such.

_General Rules for Drills and Formations._

8. When the _preparatory_ command consists of more than one part, its
elements are arranged as follows:

(1) For movements to be executed successively by the subdivisions or
elements of an organization: (_a_) Description of the movement; (_b_)
how executed, or on what element executed.

(2) For movements to be executed simultaneously by the subdivisions of
an organization: (_a_) The designation of the subdivisions; (_b_) the
movement to be executed.

9. Movements that may be executed toward either flank are explained as
toward but one flank, it being necessary to substitute the word "left"
for "right," and the reverse, to have the explanation of the
corresponding movement toward the other flank. The commands are given
for the execution of the movements toward either flank. The substitute
word of the command is placed within parentheses.

10. Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when
marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If at a halt, the command for
movements involving marching need not be prefaced by _forward_, as 1.
_Column right (left)_, 2. _MARCH_.

11. Any movement not specially excepted may be executed in double
time.

If at a halt, or if marching in quick time, the command _double time_
precedes the command of execution.

12. In successive movements executed in double time the leading or
base unit marches in _quick time_ when not otherwise prescribed; the
other units march in _double time_ to their places in the formation
ordered and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit. If
marching in double time, the command _double time_ is omitted. The
leading or base unit marches in _quick time_; the other units continue
at double time to their places in the formation ordered and then
conform to the gait of the leading or base unit.

13. To hasten the execution of a movement begun in quick time, the
command: 1. _Double time_, 2. _MARCH_, is given. The leading or base
unit continues to march in quick time, or remains at halt if already
halted; the other units complete the execution of the movement in
double time and then conform to the gait of the leading or base unit.

14. To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for the
correction of errors, the command: 1. _In place_, 2. _HALT_, is given.
All halt and stand fast, without changing the position of the pieces.
To resume the movement the command: 1. _Resume_, 2. _MARCH_, is given.

15. To revoke a preparatory command, or, being at a halt, to begin
anew a movement improperly begun, the command, _AS YOU WERE_, is
given, at which the movement ceases and the former position is
resumed.

16. Unless otherwise announced, the guide of a company or subdivision
of a company in line is _right_; of a battalion in line or line of
subdivisions or of a deployed line, _center_; of a rank in column of
squads, toward the side of the guide of the company.

To march with guide other than as prescribed above, or to change the
guide: _Guide (right, left_, or _center)_.

In successive formations into line, the guide is toward the point of
rest; in platoons or larger subdivisions it is so announced.

The announcement of the guide, when given in connection with a
movement, follows the command of execution for that movement.
Exception: 1. _As skirmishers, guide right (left_ or _center)_, 2.
_MARCH_. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._)

17. _The turn on the fixed pivot_ by subdivisions is used in all
formations from line into column and the reverse.

_The turn on the moving pivot_ is used by subdivisions of a column in
executing changes of direction.

18. Partial changes of direction may be executed:

By interpolating in the preparatory command the word _half_, as
_Column half right (left)_, or _Right (left) half turn_. A change of
direction of 45 deg. is executed.

By the command: _INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT)_. The guide, or guiding
element, moves in the indicated direction and the remainder of the
command conforms. This movement effects slight changes of direction.

19. The designations _line of platoons_, _line of companies_, _line of
battalions_, etc., refer to the formations in which the platoons,
companies, battalions, etc., each in column of squads, are in line.

20. Full distance in column of subdivisions is such that in forming
line to the right or left the subdivisions will have their proper
intervals.

In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading subdivision is
charged with the step and direction; the guides in rear preserve the
trace, step, and distance.

21. In close order, all details, detachments, and other bodies of
troops are habitually formed in double rank.

To insure uniformity of interval between files when falling in and in
alignments, each man places the palm of the left hand upon the hip,
fingers pointing downward. In the first case the hand is dropped by
the side when the next man on the left has his interval; in the second
case, at the command _front_.

22. The posts of officers, noncommissioned officers, special units
(such as band or machine-gun company), etc., in the various formations
of the company, battalion, or regiment, are shown in plates.

In all changes from one formation to another involving a change of
post on the part of any of these, posts are promptly taken by the most
convenient route as soon as practicable after the command of execution
for the movement; officers and noncommissioned officers who have
prescribed duties in connection with the movement ordered, take their
new posts when such duties are completed.

As instructors, officers and noncommissioned officers go wherever
their presence is necessary. As file closers it is their duty to
rectify mistakes and insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.

23. Except at ceremonies, the special units have no fixed places. They
take places as directed; in the absence of directions, they conform as
nearly as practicable to the plates, and in subsequent movements
maintain their relative positions with respect to the flank or end of
the command on which they were originally posted.

24. General, field, and staff officers are habitually mounted. The
staff of an officer forms in single rank 3 paces in rear of him, the
right of the rank extending 1 pace to the right of a point directly in
rear of him. Members of the staff are arranged in order from right to
left as follows: General staff officers, adjutant, aids, other staff
officers, arranged in each classification in order of rank, the senior
on the right. The flag of the general officer and the orderlies are 3
paces in rear of the staff, the flag on the right. When necessary to
reduce the front of the staff and orderlies, each line executes _twos
right_ or _fours right_, as explained in the Cavalry Drill
Regulations, and follows the commander.

When not otherwise prescribed, staff officers draw and return saber
with their chief.

25. In making the about, an officer, mounted, habitually turns to the
left.

When the commander faces to give commands, the staff, flag, and
orderlies do not change position.

26. When making or receiving official reports, or on meeting out of
doors, all officers will salute.

Military courtesy requires the junior to salute first, but when the
salute is introductory to a report made at a military ceremony or
formation, to the representative of a common superior (as, for
example, to the adjutant, officer of the day, etc.), the officer
making the report, whatever his rank, will salute first; the officer
to whom the report is made will acknowledge by saluting that he has
received and understood the report.

(_C.I.D.R., Nos. 6 and 17._)

27. For ceremonies, all mounted enlisted men of a regiment or smaller
unit, except those belonging to the machine-gun organizations, are
consolidated into a detachment; the senior present commands if no
officer is in charge. The detachment is formed as a platoon or squad
of cavalry in line or column of fours; noncommissioned staff officers
are on the right or in the leading ranks.

28. For ceremonies, such of the noncommissioned staff officers as are
dismounted are formed 5 paces in rear of the color, in order of rank
from right to left. In column of squads they march as file closers.

29. Other than for ceremonies, noncommissioned staff officers and
orderlies accompany their immediate chiefs unless otherwise directed.
If mounted, the noncommissioned staff officers are ordinarily posted
on the right or at the head of the orderlies.

30. In all formations and movements a noncommissioned officer
commanding a platoon or company carries his piece as the men do, if he
is so armed, and takes the same post as an officer in like situation.
When the command is formed in line for ceremonies, a noncommissioned
officer commanding a company takes post on the right of the right
guide after the company has been aligned.

ORDERS, COMMANDS, AND SIGNALS.

31. _Commands_ only are employed in drill at attention. Otherwise
either a _command_, _signal_, or _order_ is employed, as best suits
the occasion, or one may be used in conjunction with another.

32. Signals should be freely used in instruction, in order that
officers and men may readily know them. In making arm signals the
saber, rifle, or headdress may be held in the hand.

33. Officers and men fix their attention at the first word of command,
the first note of the bugle or whistle, or the first motion of the
signal. A signal includes both the preparatory command and the command
of execution; the movement commences as soon as the signal is
understood, unless otherwise prescribed.

34. Except in movements executed at _attention_, commanders or leaders
of subdivisions repeat orders, commands, or signals whenever such
repetition is deemed necessary to insure prompt and correct execution.

Officers, battalion noncommissioned staff officers, platoon leaders,
guides, and musicians are equipped with whistles.

The major and his staff will use a whistle of distinctive tone; the
captain and company musicians a second and distinctive whistle; the
platoon leaders and guides a third distinctive whistle.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 15._)

35. Prescribed signals are limited to such as are essential as a
substitute for the voice under conditions which render the voice
inadequate.

Before or during an engagement special signals may be agreed upon to
facilitate the solution of such special difficulties as the particular
situation is likely to develop, but it must be remembered that
simplicity and certainty are indispensable qualities of a signal.

_Orders._

36. In these regulations an _order_ embraces instructions or
directions given orally or in writing in terms suited to the
particular occasion and not prescribed herein.

_Orders_ are employed only when the _commands_ prescribed herein do
not sufficiently indicate the will of the commander.

Orders are more fully described in paragraphs 378 to 383, inclusive.

_Commands._

37. In these regulations a _command_ is the will of the commander
expressed in the phraseology prescribed herein.

38. There are two kinds of commands:

The _preparatory_ command, such as _forward_, indicates the movement
that is to be executed.

The command of _execution_, such as _MARCH_, _HALT_, or _ARMS_, causes
the execution.

_Preparatory_ commands are distinguished by _italics_, those of
_execution_ by _CAPITALS_.

Where it is not mentioned in the text who gives the commands
prescribed, they are to be given by the commander of the unit
concerned.

The _preparatory_ command should be given at such an interval of time
before the command of _execution_ as to admit of being properly
understood: the command of _execution_ should be given at the instant
the movement is to commence.

The tone of command is animated, distinct, and of a loudness
proportioned to the number of men for whom it is intended.

Each _preparatory_ command is enunciated distinctly, with a rising
inflection at the end, and in such manner that the command of
_execution_ may be more energetic.

The command of _execution_ is firm in tone and brief.

39. Majors and commanders of units larger than a battalion repeat such
commands of their superiors as are to be executed by their units,
facing their units for that purpose. The battalion is the largest unit
that executes a movement at the command of execution of its commander.

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