ATTACK AND DEFENSE
Preparing A Defensive Position
Now let us suppose ourselves as part of a battalion that is to occupy a
defensive position. What would probably be done? How and in what order
would it be done? What would the major do? He would decide upon the kind
of defense (acti...
The Theory Of Attack
Decisive results are obtained only by the offensive. Aggressiveness wins
battles. If you want to thrash a man go after him; don't wait for him to
come to you. When attacking use every available man. Have every man in
the proper plac...
Disadvantages Of The Defense
(1) The defender surrenders the advantage of the initiative as the
attacker can elect the point of attack and the defender must be prepared
at all points.
(2) The defender must fight amidst his dead and wounded which is
depressin...
The Theory Of The Defensive
The defensive is divided into the purely passive defense and the active
defense.
The passive defense seeks merely to delay the enemy. The results can
never be other than negative. It is usually for the purpose of gaining
time and...
The Actual Attack
Deployment. To deploy means to extend the front. When does a column
extend its front or prepare to fight? When open terrain, which will
probably expose the troops to hostile artillery fire, is reached. This
place may be two or more ...
Different Kinds Of Attack
The most usual kinds of attack are:
Frontal Attack. This attack is delivered directly against the front of
the enemy. It offers little opportunity to bring more rifles against the
enemy than he can bring against you. Decisive resu...
Requisites Of A Good Defensive Position
If you were looking for a good defensive position, what points would you
have in mind and of these points, which would be the most important? The
requisites to be sought in a good defensive position are:
(1) A clear field of ...
Advancing The Attack
It is now necessary to advance the attack to a point where the rifle is
effective, so the attacking line can gain fire superiority. The attack
which halts to open fire at extreme range (over 1200 yards) is not
likely to ever reach i...
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Defensive
The defense has the following advantages over the attack:
(1) Troops attacking afford a better target than the troops on the
defensive.
(2) A larger amount of ammunition is usually available.
(3) The men can shoot better beca...
Relieving The Outpost
Evening and shortly before dawn are hours of special danger. The enemy
may attack late in the day in order to establish himself on captured
ground by intrenching during the night; or he may send forward troops
under cover of darknes...