b. Range.-A 1,000-inch range can easily be constructed in any locality where there is a level, open space, and where a bank or other obstruction forms an efficient bullet stop. It will usually be found most convenient to place this range on the flank of the "A" range, to be used when the latter is not in use. The "A" range can also be used by placing a line of targets 1,000 inches in front of any firing point. It is only necessary to have a row of firing points, the number depending upon the number of men to fire; a sandbag at each firing point; and a line of targets 1,000 inches from the line established by the muzzles of the rifles while firing. The targets can be supported on beams, frames, or in any manner securely upright and facing the firing line. c. Preparation of "immediate action" magazines.-(1) The loading of the magazines to be used in the immediate action table (par. 69) should be supervised by the instructor or one of his assistants. The order in which the stoppages are set up should be varied, in order that the knowledge of the soldier may be utilized and that he be given as much instruction as possible in reducing the stoppages which usually occur. In loading the magazines, three cartridges should follow each separated case and filed rim stoppage; two good cartridges should follow each range dummy; and one good cartridge should follow all other stoppages. (2) The following is a suggested method of loading an "immediate action" magazine (from top to bottom): 1 good cartridge. 1 cartridge bulged near base. 1 good cartridge. 1 cartridge, for separated case. 3 good cartridges. 1 range dummy. 2 good cartridges. 1 cartridge with filed rim. 3 good cartridges. 1 cartrige, bulged near shoulder. 1 good cartridge. 1 cartridge, for separated case. 3 good cartridges. (3) Preparing cartridges to cause stoppages. (a) Separated cases.—With a file, cut a ring around the cartridge case about inch from the base, filing about halfway through the case. When the cartridge is fired, this will cause the case to separate, the lower portion being withdrawn by the extractor and the upper portion remaining in the chamber. (b) Bulged cartridge.—With a pair of pliers, deform the cartridge case near the base or shoulder. This will bulge the cartridge to simulate those deformed by loading machines. (c) Filed rim.-File the rim of a cartridge until half of it has been removed. This will cause failure to extract. It is important that no more than half of the rim be removed, otherwise, the feed rib on the bolt will not engage sufficiently to feed the cartridge into the chamber. 100. Known distance practice.—It is essential that no soldier commence known distance practice until he has completed the course of 1,000-inch firing. 1. Concealment.-a. General.-In order to see and not be seen the scout must become expert in the use of cover. When halted he must remain motionless and expose his body as little as possible. In general he should observe from the prone position, keep off the sky line, look around the right side of a tree or rock, and only when its outline is broken look over the top of concealment. He should fire around the right side of his concealment. When lowflying airplanes are near he should seek cover from overhead observation. Such cover will be afforded by bushes, trees with low branches, woods, deep ditches, or overhanging banks of earth. b. Demonstrations.-(1) The instructor illustrates concealment during observation by showing the contrast between men observing properly and improperly from behind a tree, ditch, fence, rock, and bush, and in the open. (2) The instructor next takes his unit to a field where men have been properly and improperly concealed in observing and firing positions behind OBSERVE OUER·A·CREST ATA POINT WHERE IT IS BROKEN-OR-GRASSY. Plate 1.-Illustrations showing the correct and incorrect use of cover. trees, rocks, bushes, and fences, in ditches, and in the open, from 50 to 150 yards away. He has the individuals of his unit search the ground for 2 minutes and make notes, stating when and where they see any of the partially concealed men. At the end of this time he blows his whistle as a signal for the concealed men to withdraw their heads and then to expose them only enough for observation. This exercise is repeated every 30 seconds for 2 minutes. At the end of this period the instructor again blows his whistle to have the men behind the fence, in the ditch, and in the open raise their heads slowly until their shoulders are exposed. The men behind the rocks and trees take positions to fire around the left, or wrong side, of their cover. The man behind the bush kneels. Then the instructor carefully explains the reason for the discovery of these men. He should emphasize the danger of quick movements and exposure while in observation. c. Exercises.-(1) After dividing his unit into groups the instructor has the men of one group take concealed positions. The other group then tries to locate them. (2) The unit is divided into four groups. While three of the groups turn their backs, the fourth scatters and runs to a distance of about 150 yards. At a whistle signal the men of the moving group stop and take cover. The other groups face about and attempt to discover all within 2 minutes. This exercise is repeated, each group taking cover in turn. Results are compared. 2. Movement.—a. Principles.-The trained scout operates confidently and effectively in exposed areas by moving rapidly from cover to cover and remaining motionless when not changing position. The scout acts always as though he were being observed. b. Instruction.-When the scout stops in the open or under cover, he should lie motionless with his body stretched out and all parts as close to the ground as possible. To observe he lifts his head slowly and steadily, avoiding all abrupt movements. When the scout decides to change his position, he should avoid exposure which would betray his intentions to the enemy. If he has to cross an open space, he should spring up, run at top speed with his body bent almost double, drop and remain motionless. If a wall or shallow ditch is available, he should creep behind it so as to keep his head and buttocks as low as possible. If he is behind a slight rise or very close to the enemy, he should crawl, keeping his head, heels, and elbows touching the ground. Instruction in this work proceeds as follows: (1) Demonstration.-The instructor trains several scouts in the movements given below. These trained scouts then demonstrate while the instructor is explaining. (a) The prone position.-The body is flat. The left cheek is on the ground. The legs are extended and spread. The heels, turned in, touch the ground. The arms are to the front, flat on the ground. If the rifle is carried, it is grasped in the right hand at the balance. (b) Preparing to change position.-The arms are drawn in slowly until the hands are opposite the head, elbows away from the body and down. (c) Jumping up.-Quickly raise the body by straightening the arms. Shift the weight of the body to the left arm and leg. Throw the right leg forward and jump off to the right front. FROM THE DRONE-POSITION •DRAW THE HANDS-DACK -EXTEND-THE ARMS AND JUMP-OFF TO THE RIGHT. •FRONT THEN DUN·BENT. •OVER・WITH LEFT SHOULDER •FORWARD... -THROW THE RIGHT• LEG-FORWARD Plate 2.-Being prone, to change position at a run. (d) Running. The body is bent forward as low as possible. The left shoulder is held forward. The rifle is held with both hands. (e) Dropping down. First, the left foot is advanced and turned in across the front of the body. Second, the scout drops forward on the left side of the left knee and at the same time holds the rifle forward vertically in both hands, so that the butt strikes the ground a full arm's length directly in front of the left knee. Finally, pivoting on the left knee and the butt of the rifle, the scout falls into the firing position with the rifle at the shoulder or into the prone position with the rifle on the ground to the front. A scout without a rifle drops in the same manner, except that he throws his left arm over his head and rolls forward on his left knee, left hip, and left shoulder, taking care that his hands do not get under his body. (f) Creeping.-The body rests on the knees, the elbows, and the forearms. The head and buttocks are kept down. The knees are always behind the buttocks and never under them. (g) Crawling.-The scout in the prone position (see subpar a) slowly draws his hands back beside his head, keeping his elbows down. |