This book is included in the Self Reliance Self Defense section.
Preface These Instructions are adapted from French, British and American Instructions and other sources. They are published for the information and guidance of the American Expeditionary Forces. By Order Of General Pershing: JAMES W, McANDREW, Chief of Staff. Introduction 1. These Instructions are adapted from French, British and American Instructions and other sources, and are based on experience in the most recent operations. 2. Chapters I and II, Part I, explain the general characteristics of offensive and defensive combat. A study of these characteristics is necessary for a clear understanding of the measures to be adopted by the defense and for the co-operation of the combined arms in defensive combat. The details of defensive combat are given in the chapters and parts which follow. 3. The employment of natural and artificial features of the ground and the improvement of same for increasing the power if the defense is an essential part of defensive combat. When troops understand how to properly employ these features they will be able to fight a defensive combat not only in an intrenched system but also along such natural and artificial features of the ground as may be found in open warfare. And furthermore they will know how to select a position and prepare it or defense. These Instructions have been written with that object in view. 4. An intrenched position furnishes a large number of natural and artificial features which may be employed for defensive combat. The plan of defense of a position assigns to a part of the elements of a unit a defensive mission (holding combat groups), and to the remainder an offensive mission (counter-attack). Holding an intrenched position furnishes an opportunity therefore for instructing officers, non-commissioned officers and men not only in defensive combat but also in offensive combat. Explain to the officers and men the plan of defense, the purpose of the various works, their relative location, how they are employed, and correct at once any part of the works which does not fulfill its mission. Rotate the units assigned to front line, supports and reserves. Explain to units assigned to supports and reserves how the counter-attack should be conducted to meet various situations. Require officers and non-commissioned officers to solve tactical problems for counterattack to meet other situations. Commanders of all units from the platoon to the highest must not fail to take advantage of the opportunities thus presented for instructing their officers and men. The proper defense of the position demands it. Contents
Introduction Part I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Chapter I. Characteristics of the Attack Chapter II. General Characteristics of the Defense. General Measures for the Defense General Features of Defensive Action Chapter III. A Defensive Position and Disposition of Troops Therein Chapter IV. Services and Information Part II. INFANTRY IN THE TRENCHES. Chapter I. Infantry During the Period of Stabilization Chapter II. Infantry Attacked in Its Trenches Part III. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GROUND. Chapter I. Fire Trenches and Communication Trenches Chapter II. Cave Shelters Chapter III. Wire Entanglements Chapter IV. Accessories of Fire Trenches and Communication Trenches End of Preview.
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