Requisites Of A Good Defensive Position
Categories:
ATTACK AND DEFENSE
Military Handbooks:
The Plattsburg Manual Advanced Training
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 fire up to the effective range of the
artillery.
(2) Flanks that are naturally secure or that can be made so by the
use of the reserves.
(3) Extent of ground suitable to the strength of the force to
occupy it.
(4) Effective cover and concealment for the troops, especially
reserves.
(5) Good communications throughout the position.
(6) Good lines of retreat.
--Field Service Regulations.
All of these advantages will seldom if ever be found in the position
selected. The one should be taken which conforms closest to the
description, but you should bear in mind that a good field of fire and
effective cover, in the order named, are the most important requisites.
In tracing the lines for the trenches, avoid salients (a hill, spur,
woods, etc., that juts out from the general line in the direction of the
enemy). Avoid placing the fire trench on the skyline. Locate it on or
below the military crest. [The crest from which you can see all the
ground to the front.]