- STAR 2 – OUTLINE

Map Reading
a. AIM: To train the Cadet to relate the map to the ground and vice
versa and to apply his knowledge practically.
b. CONTENTS
 Relief and Vertical Interval and Gradient
 Types of Bearings
 Measuring Back Bearing
 Measuring Magnetic Bearing with a Lightweight Compass
 Conversion of a Grid to a Magnetic Bearing
 Preparation of a Route Card
 Setting a Compass for Night Marching (including direction finding
exercises by day).
FIELD CRAFT -
AIM: To train the cadet to work as a member of a section in the field.
b. CONTENTS
 Section - Organization and Place in the Battalion
 Section Formations
 Field Signals
 Section Formation and Field Signals- Practice.
 Explain, Demonstrate and Practice Fire and Movement
 Safety Precautions when firing blank ammunition.
 Section Battle Drills
 Elementary Night Movements Practice
 Observation at Night Practice
 Identifying sounds at Night Practice
 Elementary Obstacle Crossing Practice
 Fire Control Orders

36 1
 DELAYED FIRE control orders ar e used when the section com-
Star 2- MAP READING mander knows what either our own attacking troops or the enemy are go-
ing to do; he gets his men ready to open fire, but waits till the right mo-
Vertical Interval (VI) ment to order “Fire” Examples:
This is the rise between successive contour lines.
No. 2 Section - 300 farm house - immediately below - enemy in hedge-
Horizontal Equivalent (HE) row.

This is the distance measured flat on the map, between adjacent No. 1 Section is moving through the copse on our right; we are going to
contour lines. The width of the (HE) depends on the ground represented. cover their advance when they get into the open - rapid - “await my
If a steep slope is shown, the contour lines will be drawn close together orders” - then when
(HE will be small), and if the slope is gradual the contour lines will be
wide apart (HE will be larger). No 1 Section is about is about to come into the open, “Fire”
No. 3 Section - 200 - quarter right - small wood - when the enemy comes
GRADIENT out this side - rapid - then, when the enemy are in a suitable position.

This is a slope expressed as a fraction. Gradient help to determine INDIVIDUAL FIRE control orders give you a chance to fir e quickly
how steep or gentle is a slope. If a slope is said to have a gradient 1 in 5 when a target appears. Example: “No 3 Section - 200 - slightly left - farm
(1/5), it means that for every 5 meters of horizontal distance traveled, the buildings - enemy is in that area - watch and shoot”
slope rises or falls 1 meter vertically. It also shows the smaller the hori-
zontal distance, the steeper the slope. Tracer - Explain:
Tracer may be used to indicate an extremely difficult target, or to indicate
1/5 is a very steep slope.
a target to a tank.
Gradient can be calculated on An example is “300 - watch this tracer - where it hits - enemy”.
the map, using a simple formula: -
VI – Vertical Interval
____________________________________________
HE – Horizontal Equivalent ____________________________________________
To Calculate:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Vertical Interval (VI): - is the dis- ____________________________________________
tance between two successive contour
(highest and lowest contour) lines. This VI=120M-20M ____________________________________________
= 100 M
answers the question- “How high?” ____________________________________________
HE = Assume that the distance
Horizontal Equivalent (HE): - is the between A & B is 1600m. The ____________________________________________
distance by range between the two points. gradient would be ____________________________________________
This answers the question- “How Long?” VI = 100 = 1/16
HE 1600
____________________________________________
The gradient of AB is 1 in 16
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
EXAMPLE
Calculate the gradient of this slope in this grid.
____________________________________________
If A to B is equal to 600m what is the gradient of the slope?
____________________________________________
2 35
APPROACH Gradient = VI (560 – 440) m= 120 = 1
HE 600m 600 5
Your section commander gives you a fire control order so that you may Therefore Gradient = 1 or 1:5
recognise the target and fire at it effectively. Your duty is to obey the 5
order. This means forever 1unit you travel up you travel 5
units acr oss land.
SEQUENCE
Explain that there is an unvarying sequence when giving out fire control
BACK BEARING
orders based on the mnemonic GRIT and that the method of giving them
out is based on the mnemonic CLAP as below: AIM: To teach cadets how to measure back
bearings with a compass.
Fire order should be given in the following manner.
A back bearing is the bearing taken from the observed point back
C CLEAR on the original position. If you are standing at a church, and you take the
L LOUD bearing of a school 240’ then the bearing of the church from the sight
A AS AN ORDER would be 60’. All we did was to calculate the back bearing.
P WITH PAUSES
:
G GROUP :- “No 1 Section” “Rifle Group” or “LMG Group so that
all concerned know to whom the order is being given. If a bearing is more than 180’ E.g. 240’ – 180’ = 60’
If a bearing is less than 180’ we add 180’ e.g. 60’ + 180’ = 240’
R RANGE :- The range is given to enable those concerned to know
how far away to start looking for the target. The rifle TYPES OF BEARINGS
sight should remain at the range ordered for all targets
indicated up to and including this range. A map bearing is either a true bearing or a grid bearing. A field
bearing is a magnetic bearing also called a compass bearing.
I INDICATION :- So that all concerned know what to look for and in  MAGNETIC BEARING:
what direction to look.
This bearing is taken with a compass (an accurate compass needle
T TYPE OF FIRE :- So that all concerned know whether to fire slow always points to magnetic north).
or rapid with the rifle and single rounds or bursts with  GRID BEARING:
the LMG (Bren).
This bearing is one measured on a map using a protractor.
TYPES OF FIRE CONTROL ORDERS
 TRUE BEARING:
Explain each type and give an example on the ground or on the landscape
target, rather than the one given here. Then practice the cadets at acting This cannot be measured direct, but must be calculated from one
on each type. of the other two.

FULL FIRE control orders ar e only given if ther e is time. Example - Measuring a Magnetic Bearing with the Light Weight Compass
“gun group - 300 - ruined house - left end - enemy machine gun - burst -
fire. Face the land mark (hill, building etc) on which you intend taking
a bearing, either to plot on your map, or go give you a course to
BRIEF FIRE control orders ar e given when ther e is little time and follow.
the target is obvious. Example - “Quarter left - rapid - fire”.

34 3
 Hold your compass with the direction of travel arrow pointing to ELEMENTARY OBSTACLES CROSSING - PRACTICE
the actual landmark and level enough to permit the needle to
swing freely. CROSSING OBSTACLES
Turn the dial of the housing, without changing the position of the AIM :To pr actice team wor k over obstacles.
whole compass, until the orienting arrow in the housing is parallel
with the magnetic needle and the red end is pointing to the letter STORES: Camouflage mater ials.
‘N’. NOTES
Now you can read on the dial at the index pointer the magnetic a. This practice is not the same as an assault course.
bearing to the actual landmark. b. Prepare a course with various types of obstacles on it.
c. Every cadet must practice as a member of every sort of weapon
Conversion of Bearings (not for testing) team in the platoon. Introduce this practice, therefore, at the
appropriate stage in the cadet’s training with each weapon issued.
Magnetic Bearing – True Bearings
PRELIMINARIES
1. Find the magnetic bearing between the two points ‘A’ & ‘B’. Safety precautions; order “Without drill rounds-load”, and make the
2. Draw a vertical line through ‘A’ to represent magnetic north. A next cadets camouflage themselves.
line is drawn from ‘A’ to ‘B’ to represent the angle.
MN APPROACH
You will not get over the obstacles unless you are determined to; you
know you can; constant practice gives you confidence.
A 160 0

B PRACTICE
A Practice the cadets in teams;
By groups.
3. Check the bottom of the map to find the magnetic variation, and then a. In sections, including fire and movement.
draw another line from ‘A’ to the right or left of magnetic north to b. In competitions, which should be non-tactical. Judge from the
form true north. (Left or right or the position of TN from MN enemy point of view, and give marks for speed and care of arms.
depends on the magnetic variation).
CONCLUSION
Magnetic Variation
Sum up what has been achieved.
0
10 W MN TN FIRE CONTROL ORDERS
MN TN 10 0

100 W AIM: To teach cadets what to do when they ar e given fir e contr ol
150 0 orders.
160 0
STORES: Rifles, landscape tar gets and a list of known r anges.
NOTES: This section may also be used to tr ain NCO’s in giving fire
control orders.
PRELIMINARIES
i) Safety precautions. Organise an arc of fire.
ii) Revise re-organisation of targets.
4 33
middle distance and distance, and search each of them, in that order, from Grid Bearing – Magnetic Bearing
right to left. In that way you are sure that you do not leave out any of the Measure with a protractor on the map the bearing of a point ‘A’. from a
ground; but there are other ways of dividing the ground up, which may point ‘X’.
sometimes be better, particularly if the ground is very broken.
Draw a vertical lien through ‘A’ to represent grid north, a next line is
PRACTICE drawn from ‘A’ to ‘X’ to represent the angle.
Get the cadets to divide the ground into foreground, middle distance and
distance. Discuss their answers with them. Check the bottom of the map to find the magnetic variation, and then
draw another line from ‘A’ to the right or left of grid north to form mag-
Tell the cadets to search the area, and write down the bits of military netic north.
equipment that they see.
Setting a Compass for Night March
Ask the cadets what they have seen, why some things were easier to see
than others, and how they identified things of which they could only see It may be necessary to march by night in the direction of a certain
part. If you are not sure that a cadet has seen the right thing, make him point, and as this point will not be visible in darkness, it is necessary to
aim at it with his rifle and look over his shoulder and get a rough align- march by night.
ment.
Method
CONCLUSION
Take a magnetic bearing in daylight or a grid bearing from the
IDENTIFYING SOUNDS AT NIGHT map and convert it to a magnetic bearing. *In Jamaica the variation is
so small it would not affect our bearing, so we need not convert.
AIM: To give cadets pr actice at identifying noises at night.
Set the dial to the appropriate bearing at the line of travel
STORES: Accor ding to the list of noises chosen. (Direction of travel arrow), and turn the whole compass until the north
end of the compass needle (red) coincides with the letter ‘N’.
NOTES:
 Use ground that the cadets do not know. Hold the compass in front of you and march in the direction of
 Rehearse the “enemy”, and arrange how you will control them. the travel arrow. As long as the needle and the north arrow coincide, the
 If necessary, use half the squad as enemy for half the time, then direction of travel arrow will remain on the required bearing.
the rest for the other half of the time.
THE PROTRACTOR
Explain the aim of the practice.
A protractor is an instrument used for plotting and measuring
PRACTICE bearings on the map. It is the essential link between the compass and the
map. For drawing or measuring bearings on the map, a protractor is now
Signal to the enemy to make each noise when you are ready for it; then described.
ask the observers what the noise was, how far away, and in what direc-
tion. To make noise, the enemy can do many things; for example, dig, The protractor is usually made of cardboard. On the front face,
revert, knock in pickets, change magazines, open and close a rifle breech, round three edges of the protractor, are graduated the 360 degrees of the
load and unload various weapons, post sentries, talk and whisper, blow circle. The degrees are marked clockwise, starting from the left-hand
their nose, cough, crack twigs, knock a rifle against a steel helmet, cut bottom corner, and there is an inner and an outer set of figures. The out-
wire, walk over all sorts of ground, fill sandbags, load a truck with er set shows graduations from 0-degrees to 180 degrees - 360 degrees,
jerricans, etc., and finally, after a period of silence creep up on the the inner set from 181 degrees. In the centre of the bottom edge, which
observer. is called the zero edge, is a small arrowhead.
CONCLUSION
32 5
 c. Explain and demonstrate the three ways of moving silently at night;
MEASURING A BEARING make the cadets practice each way in turn.
Suppose that it is required to measure the bearing of the windmill  The ghost walk. Lift your legs high to avoid long gr ass, and
at P from the church at A. The two points are joined with a pencil line, sweep them outwards. Feel gently with your toes for a safe place to
and the protractor lay on the map so that the zero edge lies along the put your feet. Make sure one foot is safe before moving the other.
north and south grid line on which the church is shown. To find the Keep your knees a bit bent. Carry your weapon in the alert position
bearing, a reading is taken where the pencil line cuts the graduated edge in open country. In close country carry it in one hand at the point of
of the protractor. In this example the bearing is 110 degrees. balance leaving the free hand to feel for obstacles in front above
The following figure shows a bearing, which is more than 180- waist height. (Fig. 1)
degrees. In the previous example, the protractor was laid on the map  The cat walk. Cr awl on hands and knees; sear ch the gr ounds
facing to the right, and the bearing was read off the outer set of figures. ahead for twigs with your right hand, hold your weapon in your left
In this example the protractor is laid facing to the left and the inner set of hand. Move your knees up to your right hand, then search again.
figures gives the bearing as 225-degrees. If the bearing is judged by eye (Fig. 2)
before measuring there is no danger of subsequently reading the wrong
set of figures.  The kitten crawl. Often the only way to get accur ate infor mation
If the point from which the bearing is to be measured should lie is to get close to the enemy, which means keeping low and quiet.
between two grid lines, one of two methods can be adopted. Either a The leopard crawl is too noisy, but the kitten crawl is very quiet,
pencil line can be drawn north and south through the point, parallel to the though it is slow and tiring and needs a lot of practice. Lie on your
grid line, and the protractor lay along this line, or if the point in question stomach, search the ground ahead for twigs with your right hand, lift
is fairly near a grid line, it can be judged by eye that the edge of the pro- your body on forearms and toes, press it forward, and lower it on to
tractor is lying parallel to the grid line. the ground; hold your weapon in your left hand. (Fig. 3)
It is not strictly necessary to lay the protractor on the actual point Practice all three movements.
from which the bearing is required. In practice the bearing can be meas-
ured at any one point where the pencil line joining the two objects cross- ELEMENTARY OBSERVATION
es a north and south grid line. In the fig. below, the bearing of Q from P
could be measured equally well at A1, A2 or A3. The angle is the same AIM: To teach elementar y obser vation.
in each case.
STORES: Militar y equipment-boots, weapons and Rifles

NOTES: Choose a piece of gr ound with folds, bushes, tr ees, banks,

hedges etc. Make sure it can be divided into foreground, middle distance
and distance.
Put out the bits of equipment, so that some are fairly easy to see, traits of
colour, tone, surface, shape and shadow.

PRELIMINARIES
Question the cadets on why things are seen (Lesson 1).
HOW TO SEARCH
Example of measuring a bearing Explain the aim of the lesson. Show the film. If the film is not available,
explain. The normal way to search ground is to divide it into foreground,
6 31
REORGANISATION All bearings measured or plotted on the map must be grid bear-
25. When the objective has been cleared the Section Commander must ings, because the angle is measured from the north and south grid lines.
regain control and reorganize his section ready to beat off any The main use of the protractor is to measure angles and bearings,
counterattack. The drill for reorganization, which must be swift and but a protractor also shows on both its faces a number of the more com-
efficient, is as follows: mon map scales. The respective scale lines are drawn out and divided
into primary and secondary divisions in exactly the same way as they are
a. The LMG group will rejoin the rifle group at the double as soon as the shown at the bottom of the
rifle group takes cover after the assault. map. Six different scales are
b. The Section Commander will: 1 shown on the two faces, each
1. Allot fire tasks to each cadet within the section arc. P A
with a variety of subdivisions,
2. Post sentries so that there is unlikely to be a
3. Check casualties and ammunition A2
map on which distances cannot
4. Re-distribute ammunition 3 be measured with the service
5. Supervise digging of scrapes A protractor.
6. Despatch prisoners to the rear
7. Report to Platoon Commander for further orders.

The Army Service Protractor (diagram)

ELEMENTARY NIGHT MOVEMENT
AIM: To teach cadets in daylight how to move at night, and what to
do when caught in the open by flares or verey light or any white light.
STORES: Rifles and dar kened glasses or goggles, or something with
which to blindfold the cadets.
PRELIMINARIES: Safety Pr ecautions.
MOVING AT NIGHT
Approach
a. At night people hear more than they see, so silence is vital. To move
silently at night you have to go slowly. Rubber soled shoes are a help
on hard ground.
b. A night patrol must not only be silent, it must also stop often to look
and listen; halt in cover or shadow if there is any; if there is not , lie
down. Lying down you are not likely to be silhouetted against the
sky; on the other hand more things will be skylined to you, and you
hear better when your ears are near the ground or on it. If you hear a
suspicious noise when you are moving, it is usually best to freeze for
a moment to look and listen, and then slowly and silently take cover
or lie down.
30 7
 PREPARATION OF A ROUTE CARD on his Section Commander for signals in case of a change in plan.
b.All movement in the open by either group must be covered by the
AIM: To teach cadets how to pr epar e a r oute car d and use it. other group. The angle between the two should be as wide as pos-
sible. The rifle assault group can widen the angle by swinging out-
STORES: One Map and one compass between two cadets. wards as they assault.
c.When the rifle group gets into fire position after a bound, the LMG
NOTES: Ensur e that cadets have pencils and paper .
group must move forward to a new fire position automatically un-
PRELIMINARIES less it has already reached a position from which it can effectively
support the assault.
Draw a large-scale route card on the blackboard for demonstration
d.The Section 2IC, who is the gun controller, is responsible for
purposes.
watching the Section Commander and listening for his orders and
APPROACH also for watching the movement of the rifle group so that covering
fire can be given at critical moments and can be varied from slow
The construction of a route card is not only a necessity for patrol training to rapid as necessary. This helps to conserve ammunition and en-
and adventurous training but, at the same time, is a method of putting sure that covering fire is given when it is most needed. The gun
into practice the measurement of distances and bearings which have al- controller will fire his rifle when the LMG has a stoppage or maga-
ready been taught. zines are being changed as fire must be maintained while the rifle
group is moving in the open. These are the only occasions when
PREPARATION OF A ROUTE CARD the gun controller fires his rifle.
e.The cadets of the LMG group carry enough magazines to support a
The purpose of a Route Card is to assist in navigation when moving normal attack.
across country. A Route Card should be used for Map Reading exercis-
es, Patrol exercises and Adventurous Training expeditions, and a copy The Assault and Fighting through the Objective
should always be given to the adult in charge so that he knows the route
selected by cadets if he is not moving with them 19. The assault should go in as fast as possible, bearing in mind that
control is essential. During the assault the cadet will fire from the
Routes must be divided into “legs”; a “leg” is a route between two land- shoulder or the “On Guard” position at located or suspected enemy.
marks easily identifiable on the map and ground. For the final assault onto the enemy position the Section Com-
The example of a Route Card Proforma below shows all the information, mander will order “Charge”.
which must be included for a long expedition across difficult country. 20. As the assault goes in the LMG group will fire as long as possible
Headings marked with an asterisk may be omitted on short exercises and and then switch its fire across the objective just in front of the rifle
expeditions across easy country at the discretion of the adult responsible. group.
21. When the assaulting rifle group has arrived on the objective it has
to overcome all remaining enemy resistance. This phase of the
attack is known as fighting through the objective.
22. It is a difficult and crucial stage of the battle. Fire and movement
will be necessary to overcome individual enemy post. The Section
Commander again must display courage and initiative and inspire
cadets with aggressive determination.
23. The scope for movement will be limited and much of the fighting
will be at close quarters.
24. As each individual post is tackled, fire support from a flank must
cover each assault and any open flank likely to be exposed to
enemy fire.
8 29
WINNING THE FIRE FIGHT
ROUTE CARD
14. As soon as the Section Commander knows the enemy’s position he
must give a fire order to bring sufficient weight of fire on the enemy COMMANDER……….START POINT ORS………*ETD (Estimated
to neutralize them. If one or more men, who have spotted the enemy, time of departure)………
have begun firing, the Section Commander regains control by shout-
ing “Stop” before his fire order.
15. While winning the fire fight, the Section Commander must make his ROUTE……………………..FINISHING POINT GR………….ETA
battle appreciation. Having won the fire fight, the Section Com- (Estimated time of arrival)………………
mander must keep the initiative by continuing to bring fire down on
the enemy while his section closes for the assault.
THE ATTACK Remarks
Battle Orders From To Bearing Dis- Land-
Loca- Grid Loca- Grid Grid Mag tance marks
16. Battle orders will always be one of the following, depending on the tion Ref tion Ref Hazards
number of stages in the attack. They will be as brief as possible and
it will usually not be necessary to mention either the mission, which
will be known already, or the enemy position which will be obvious.
a. For a one stage attack, that is when the rifle group goes straight
into the assault: “Left (or right) flanking” “Rifle group prepare to
assault” “LMG group - Fire” “Rifle group - Move”
b. For a two stage attack, that is when the LMG group must move
before the rifle group assaults: “Left (or right) flanking” “LMG
group move first to “Prepare to move” “Rifle group - Fire”
“LMG group - Move”
c. For a three stage attack in which the rifle group moves, followed
by the LMG group and finally the rifle group assaults: “Left (or
right) flanking” “Rifle group moves first to….” “LMG group
move to…” Rifle group prepare to move” “LMG group - Fire”
“Rifle group - Move”.
17. When a section is really well trained the orders for a two and three
stage attack can be reduced because the LMG group will fire or
move automatically on the previous order to the rifle group. Left or
right flanking merely indicates which side of the LMG group the rifle
group is to work.
THE ADVANCE
18a. The Section Commander will lead the rifle group in the assault. At
the same time he will keep the LMG group under control throughout
this phase of the attack. The gun controller must be given clear ini-
tial orders and he must then act on his own initiative keeping his eye

28 9
 e. Any cadet who actually spots the enemy will return the fire with-
out waiting for an order from the Section Commander.
f. In principle, when contact has been made, no cadet in the sec-
tion should be idle. Everyone should be doing one or more of the
following:
i. observing
ii. Firing if the enemy is seen
iii. Moving to a new position of observation
iv. Moving to a new fire position
g. When moving, bunching must be avoided. Apart from the LMG
team when necessary, no cadet in the open by day should ever be
less than five yards from his nearest neighbours.
10. The drill may be summarised as follows:
“Take Cover” order by the Section Commander
DASH - DOWN - CRAWL -
OBSERVE - SIGHTS - FIRE
LOCATION OF ENEMY
11. Location of enemy fire is usually difficult. Failure to locate the
enemy means that the section will be unable to move without
suffering heavy casualties. It may lead to loss of initiative by the
section and the halting of the platoon advance.
12. There are three stages in this drill:
a. Observation. Look in the area from which the thump came. The
time between the crack and the thump gives a clue to the range.
Look for movement, smoke or anything unusual. If nothing is
seen after about thirty seconds or so, it is unlikely that the enemy
will be located by looking.
b. Fire. The Section Commander will give a fire order to a couple
of riflemen to fire two shots into likely cover. The rest of the sec-
tion will keep a careful watch on their arcs of observation. If there
is no answering fire the Section Commander should try some oth-
er likely target.
c. Movement: If these two methods fail to disclose the enemy
position, the Section Commander will order a rifleman to move
whilst the remainder of the section observe. If there is still no
enemy position disclosure the advance will continue.
TARGET INDICATION
13. If a cadet should locate the enemy before his Section Commander,
he will indicate the enemy position to the Section Commander by
using one of the methods for target indication.
10 27
Reference Points and Anticipatory Orders Star 2 - FIELDCRAFT
6. In the advance to contact, the Section Commander will be on the look- SECTION - ORGANISATION AND PLACE IN THE BATTALION
out, as he moves for:
a. New reference points for fire orders. He will usually pick two or AIM : To explain the composition of a section and to show how it fits
three within about 400 yards range in a wide arc on his front. He will into Platoon, Company and Battalion.
describe these to the section as they advance; each cadet will STORES: Diagr am of the outline or ganisation of the Infantr y Battal-
acknowledge by raising his hand. ion.
b. Positions where the section can take cover if it comes under ef-
fective enemy fire. Whenever possible, the Section Commander will NOTES: This is the only occasion on which r efer ence is made to
point out such positions by anticipatory orders such as “If we come sub-units and units larger than the section. It is important, therefore, that
under effective fire, LMG group take cover in scrub, fire group line cadets clearly understand how the section fits into the whole -- Platoon,
that bank”. Some such indication will certainly be necessary in Company and Battalion.
country where there is little cover or on a steep forward slope.
The organisation of a section is best taught by means of a demonstration,
7. Shouting should be avoided at this stage; it gives the position of the but if a demonstration section and equipment are not available it may be
section away to the enemy. taught with the aid of a blackboard or with models.

REACTION TO EFFECTIVE ENEMY FIRE PRELIMINARIES: Ar r ange a demonstr ation section as in par a 8
below, or draw a representation on a blackboard.
8. Section must be trained to continue the advance in spite of the noise of
fire directed at someone else and regardless of stray rounds amongst APPROACH: The section is the smallest infantr y sub-unit organised
them. and equipped to fight on its own. A diagrammatic layout follows to
9. Effective enemy fire in this situation is enemy small arms fire which show how the section forms part of a Platoon which in turn forms part of
would cause heavy casualties if the section continued on its course. a Company. A number of Companies form a Battalion. A Battalion is a
Most cadet instinctively drop to the ground when under effective fire. unit whilst Companies and Platoons are sub-units.
This action is generally wrong because the enemy usually opens fire SECTION ORGANISATION
when his target is in a place offering little or no cover. This action would
lead to loss of control by the Section Commander. The best course is to a) The normal fighting strength of a section in the Regular Army is two
increase speed, thereby making a difficult target. NCOs and six men but it can operate as low as one NCO and five men.
The rifle and GMPG are the main weapons of the section; either can give
The following drill is to be followed: effective fire support, but rifle is the main assault weapon so the GMPG
usually provides covering fire support for the movement of the section,
a. The executive order to take cover will be given by the Section
especially in the assault.
Commander as “Take Cover”.
b. On the command “Take Cover”, every cadet will run to the near- However, the rifle group itself can be divided into two or three smaller
est cover or that pointed out by the Section Commander in his an- groups in order to provide the fire and movements ability for their own
ticipatory order. No cadet will run more than 20 yards unless run- benefit, when the GMPG group cannot do so for the Section as a whole
ning to cover pointed out by the Section Commander. for reasons of ground or distance or both. These smaller groups are
c. Every cadet will dive or drop into his cover and at once crawl some formed from friends as far as possible, one of whom is the leader in the
way so that the enemy cannot have his sights on him when he absence of an NCO. He is chosen for his natural gifts of leadership and
re-appears. because the rest of the group look to him as a leader.
d. Every cadet will move up to a position of observation; any man out A rifle section is organised as below:
of earshot of the Section Commander must crawl close enough to
be able to hear his voice.
26 11
 THE OUTLINE ORGANISATION OF A BATTALION General
1. The Section attack has been broken down into six Basic Drills.
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS Each can be taught as a separate lesson and the Drills together
to form the logical sequence of action to enable a Section to
overcome minor opposition using fire and movement. As soon
RIFLE COY RIFLE COY RIFLE COY HEADQUARTERS COY as they all understand, they should be applied to properly con-
nect tactical exercise.
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS
2. The exercise Drills are:
i. Battle Preparation.
HQ PLATOON RIFLE PLATOON RIFLE PLATOON ANTI-TANK PL ii. Reaction to effective Enemy Fire.
iii. Location of Enemy.
PLATOON HEADQUARTERS iv. Winning the Fire Fight
v. The Assault
vi. Reorganization
SECTION SECTION SECTION
 Gun Controller (Sec 2IC) BATTLE PREPARATIONS
SECTION COMMANDER  GPMG Gunner Preparations for battle
* 4 Riflemen  PMG No. 2
3a. Personal Camouflage; break up the outline of the haversack and
RIFLE GROUP GUN GROUP shoulders using local foliage typical of the country over which the sec-
The weap- ons and ammunition
which a rifle section carries is as follows: tion is to operate.
b. Check that weapons are clean and serviceable. Set sights at 200me-
AMMUNITION tres.
Duties in Weapon Ball Rds Belted Gre- Other c. Check that ammunition is clean and that the magazines are properly
Section nades Equipment distributed.
Section Rifle 80 50(1) 2 Wire Cutters, 4. The Section Commander will number off his cadets before giving
Commander Whistle, Matchet
& Sheath them his orders under the following headings:
a. Ground: to include reference points if possible.
Nos. 1 & 2 Rifle 80 (1) 2 One rifleman/
Riflemen driver is equipped b. Situation:
with 9mm Pistol I. Enemy forces
Nos 3 & 4 Rifle 80 (1) 1 Anti-Tank Weap- II. Friendly forces; details of platoon formation and task.
Riflemen on c. Mission: the section mission
Section 2IC Rifle 80 200 1 d. Execution:
Gunner GMPG 200(7) 1 Includes one I. Route, if applicable
magazine on the II. Section formations
gun III. Flank for the LMG
No. 2 Rifle 80 200(6) 2 e. Service Support: any necessary information from the platoon com-
TOTALS 6 Rifle 480 650(1) 12 manders.
1 GMPG f. Command and Signal: any necessary information from the platoon
1 9mm
commander’s orders.
12 25
At the end of the exercise: It is emphasized that the section organisation weapons and ammunition
a) The Officer or Adult Instructor in charge, standing to a flank described here are those used by the Regular Army Battalion. In the
will order: JCCF the LMG (Bren) is the weapon used and the members of the team
1) “In single rank, fall in.” are referred to as the No. 1 and No. 2 on the LMG. The number of mag-
2) “Check if your safety catch is applied.” azines carried for this weapon are shown in brackets in the “belted”
3) “Adopt the lying position.” column above. The Anti-tank weapon is not used in the JCCF.
4) “Unload” DUTIES WITHIN THE SECTION
5) “Stand up”
SECTION COMMANDER:- The Section Commander ensures that:
b) The Officer or Adult Instructor in charge will:
 All tasks allotted to his section are carried out efficiently.
1) Carry out normal safety precaution.  He has a thorough knowledge of section battle drills.
2) Collect any unfired blank ammunition and empty cases.  The highest standard of discipline is maintained within his section.
3) Take an individual declaration from everyone who has been on  He knows the strengths and weaknesses of each individual in his
the exercise to the effect: “I have no live blank rounds or emp- section.
ty cases in my possession.”  All health orders are observed.
4) Correctly dispose of the remaining unfired blank ammunition  His section maintains arms, ammunition, clothing and equipment
and empty cases. in good order.
5) Sign the Declaration Certificate AF B 159  The section duty roster is properly kept and carried out.

CONCLUSION GUN CONTROLLER (Section 2IC) will:-

 Act as Gun Controller and ensure that the section LMG is deployed
SECTION BATTLE DRILLS and fired as ordered.
 Command the section in the absence of the Section Commander.
AIM: To teach cadets the six Battle Dr ills.
GMPG GUNNER will:-
STORES: Rifles and LMG  Ensure that the GMPG is properly maintained.
 Carry the gun and ammunition as ordered.
PRELIMINARIES:
 Fire the gun as ordered.
a. Choose a piece of ground suitable for teaching and practicing the
drills. It should be applied to ground with features such as hills and NO. 2 ON THE GMPG will:-
woods or undergrowth providing cover from view or fire. Assist his No. 1 by reporting strike and assisting on target location.
b. Safety precautions. Carry additional ammunition for the LMG.
APPROACH RIFLEMAN will:-
Experience has shown that it is an advantage to have a recognised and
 Carry out all task allotted to him.
well understood method of tackling minor tactical problems when rap-
 Be proficient at:
id action is essential for success. The section attack has therefore been
broken down into six basic drills; each can be taught as a separate i. Weapon handling
lesson and the drills together form the logical sequence of action to ii. Field Craft
enable a section to overcome minor opposition using fire and iii. Navigation
 Keep his arms and ammunition clean and in good working order.
movement. As soon as they are understood they should be applied to
 See that his clothing and equipment are clean and in good repair.
properly conduct tactical exercises.
 Be alert at all times and keep an eye on his Section Commander for
further orders.
24 13
SCOUTS:- who are riflemen specially nominated for a particular
operation, are normally used in pairs to move ahead of a section moving LETHALITY OF BLANK
in close proximity to the enemy, to give warning of enemy positions to 1) Explain and demonstrate:
the Section Commander so that he can deploy his section whilst under a) Look at Fig. 11 target in the open at 50 metres. Emphasize that
cover. They move in bounds from feature to feature keeping an interval human targets below this distance will not be engaged with
between them sufficiently, avoid both being fired on at once, and they blank ammunition.
move sufficiently far ahead of the section to prevent it from being fired b) Point out the Fig. 11 target partially concealed in a bus, group of
on at the same time as themselves. bushes or hedgerow. Imagine you are moving through close
country when you hear blank rounds. Aim into the moving
The distance will depend on the type of country being crossed, but bushes or undergrowth and fire.(The container with the red fluid
they should not move so far ahead of the section that the Section Com- should show direct hits).
mander cannot control them. c) The result, if this were a live enemy target, could well be fatal.
d) Even if the muzzle of the weapon had been a little further from
SECTION FORMATION the target at the moment of firing, there is always the danger of
small particles of brass from the cartridge case penetrating
AIM:- To explain the basic for mations in which the section can unprotected skin, i.e. the face or the eyes.
move.
Questions from the squad.
STORE:- Blackboard, easel and chalk, or model soldiers.
NOTES:- Cadet must be pr acticed in these for mations after they DRILL FOR THE USE OF BLANK AMMUNITION
have been explained. At the start of the exercise:
PRELIMINARIES:- Ar r ange seating so that each cadet can see the
aids. The officer or Adult Instructor will:
1) Carry out normal safety precautions with the section in single
APPROACH:- A section must be able to function at maximum effi- rank.
ciency in accordance with the Section Commander’s orders at all times. 2) Order the section to adopt the lying position.
This is more difficult when on the move, particularly when in contact 3) Issue five rounds of blank ammunition per cadet
with the enemy. Order, “with 5 rounds of blank, make safe”.
MOVEMENT I. The Officer or Adult Instructor will safety himself that all
actions of making safe have been correctly carried out and
A section must always move so that the Section Commander can control that safety catches are applied.
it instantly by “word of mouth” or signal, and the members of the section II. He will order “Stand up”
must be able to react to his orders instantly. This will not be possible if
the members move as individuals having no regard for the other During the exercise:
members of the section. There are, therefore, six basic formation in a) Rifles will NOT be fired unless correctly aimed and NOT at
which a section can move which must be known to all concerned. Which a live target if closer than 50 metres.
formation is to be used in any particular circumstances will depend on: b) Safety catches will be kept applying when not actually
a. Ground firing.
b. Visibility c) Should a cadet fall down and dig his rifle into the ground,
c. Direction from which enemy fire is expected. under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will his rifle be fired until
d. The need for control by the Section Commander. it has been unloaded, cleaned and reloaded. This must be
e. The need for producing the maximum fire with the minimum done under supervision.
delay.

14 23
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN FIRING .303 BLANK AMMU- BASIC FORMATION
NITION The six basic formation in which a section can move are shown below in
diagrammatic form.
AIM: To teach the cadet the r ules and dr ills when using .303 -in
blank ammunition. SINGLE FILE (See Fig 2)

STORES: Rifles with slings, blank ammunition, 2x Fig 11’s, tape to Single file is useful for following linear features, such as hedges, ditches,
located spectators’ enclosure, container of red fluid, approx. 6 x 10-in. wall and narrow tracks. Each man must follow in the path of the leading
PRELIMINARIES man. The advantages and disadvantages of single file are.
Advantages
a. Reconnoiter a demonstration area outdoors.
a. Least vulnerable to fire from a flank.
b. Prepare a Fig. 11 target for demonstration with a container full of
b. Useful for moving along linear features such as hedges or
red fluid behind a hole cut out of the face of the target and covered
ditches which give cover.
by paper.
c. Good for control on very dark nights.
c. Set out spectators’ enclosure. Place a Fig. 11 target at 50 metres
from it. Disadvantages
d. Have a unload rifle and blank round available for the a. Bad for fire production to the front.
demonstration. b. Vulnerable to frontal fire
e. Before the demonstration begins: c. Bad for observation to the flanks as men tend to allow their
eyes to rest on the person in front of them.
1) Normal safety precautions. d. Passage of command and information is slow.
2) Revise the rules for safe handling of weapons
FILE (See Fig. 3)
APPROACH
File may be used when a path or track is wide enough to permit alternate
a. Blank ammunition, if mishandled, can be dangerous and if fired at men to move on opposite sides of the track, or either side of a small bank
very close range can result in serious or even fatal injuries to any or hedgerow.
individual in the line of fire. The most common avoidable
accidents are due to carelessness in handling. Advantages
b. In addition to the normal rules for the safe handling of weapons the a. Easy to control
following rules will apply to blank ammunition. b. Useful formation at night
1) .303-in bank ammunition must never be fired in the general Disadvantages
direction of an individual at a range less than 50 metres. a. Presents a concentrated target.
2) Care must be taken to ensure that the muzzle of the weapon is free
from obstruction, e.g. earth etc. as this would considerably increase ARROWHEAD (See Fig. 4)
the lethal effect.
3) Great care must be taken at night. Indiscriminate firing is Arrowhead is probably the best for moving on a broad front in open
forbidden and firing will only take place on direct orders and under country. The gun is positioned on the flank most likely to be attacked.
the personal supervision of an officer or Adult Instructor. Aim Advantages
must never be taken directly at an individual. a. East to control
4) On marches or journeys, in transport, rifles will be NEITHER b. Very good all round
LOADED NOR IN THE “MADE SAFE” state.
Disadvantages
a. If too concentrated, presents a vulnerable target.

22 15
EXTENDED LINE (See Fig. 5) Question the cadets with the aid of the diagram, blackboard or model to
An extended line is used on occasions as an assault formation. illustrate the answer:
Advantage “If the Section Commander at anytime wanted to move his gun
a. Maximum firepower available group, who would provide covering fire?” This time the answer should
Disadvantage be the rifle group.
a. Difficult to control
Explain that when the gun group provides covering fire the rifle group
SPEARHEAD (See Fig. 6) moves and when the rifle group fires the gun group moves, and this will
continue until the Section Commander is in a position to attack the ene-
In this formation, the rifle group is in arrowhead, led by the Section my. This is known as FIRE and MOVEMENT and is the basic of all tac-
Commander, and the LMG group is behind the base of the arrowhead. tics. But remember that when necessary, the rifle group itself can be
The formation is easy to control, presents shorter flanks than arrowhead split into smaller groups to produce its own covering fire.
and is useful when there is no obvious flank for the LMG. It is a slightly If a demonstration section is used cadets can now be given a demonstra-
more vulnerable target than arrowhead and not quiet so good for produc- tion of FIRE and MOVEMENT, or they can be split up into “rifle group”
ing immediate fire. Opportunities for using this formation are limited. and “gun group” and practiced in FIRE and MOVEMENT.
Advantage CONCLUSION
a. Easy to control
Remember the main principle:
b. Shorter flanks than arrowhead
c. Useful when there is no obvious flank for LMG Before one group moves the other is in a firing position ready to open
fire at once or is actually firing.
Disadvantage
Both groups must make the best use of ground and cover.
a. More vulnerable than arrowhead
b. Maximum firepower not available FIRE AND MOVEMENT PRACTICE

DIAMOND (See Fig. 7) AIM : To pr actice cadets in fir e and movement as a section.
a.This formation is only used when crossing open country at night. It is
an easy formation to control and gives good all round observation and STORES: Rifles and LMG
protection. Each man in the diamond must be able to see the next man.
The commander may be either at the front or in the middle. NOTES: This pr actice should be car r ied out in the open on a piece
of ground which has been previously checked for suitability. A Section
Advantage Commander must be nominated who may be the instructor himself.
a. All round defense PRELIMINARIES: Safety Pr ecautions
b. Good control
Disadvantage FIRE AND MOVEMENT
Point out a clearly marked enemy position and then practice the section
a. It is a vulnerable target after dark when illuminated.
moving on it in two groups - the rifle and LMG groups.
Intervals
Once the principles are fully understood the rifle group should be prac-
The LMG group should usually be on the open flank or the flank which ticed in Fire and Movement within the group, i.e. 1 and 2 riflemen cover-
has the best intermediate fire positions such as undulating or higher ing 3 and 4.
ground. It is not possible to lay down the interval between soldiers since Sum up
16 21
PRELIMINARIES this will depend on interval between soldiers should not be less than
five yards by day. under fire, troops tend to bunch together instinc-
Safety Precautions: Practice cadets in forming up and moving in the six tively and this must not be all Distances between groups cannot be laid
basic formations. Then practice changing from one formation to an- down but except in the actual assault both groups must be within voice
other whilst on the move, using the appropriate Field Signal. Changing control of the section commander.
from one formation to the next should be done at the double.
Minor tactics
FIRE AND MOVEMENT
During the advance, the section commander should handle his section
AIM: To explain Fir e and Maneuver make the best use of cover. Changing formations will be done at the
double all movement on the battlefield will be carried out at the best
STORES: Diagr am to show or ganisation of a r ifle section. possible speed.
Blackboard
Models When the platoon is deployed, the section commander is still responsi-
NOTES: If ther e is a demonstr ation section, see that it is well r e- ble for the protection of his section and may detail scouts for this pur-
hearsed. Section handling is the link between individual weapon train- pose.
ing and tactics, in which the cadet learns to work in a section team.
Each cadet must be practiced in the duties of the other within the sec- FIELD SIGNALS
tion.
AIM: 1. To teach the cadet the mor e impor tant Field Signals
PRELIMINARIES : Safety Pr ecautions (if weapons used) STORE: Rifles
APPROACH : Now that the capabilities of the section ar e known NOTES: Cadets will not be able to r emember this lar ge number of
in terms of fire power and movement, it is time to learn how to com- signals all at once. They might start by learning those for the various
bine them to support one another in order to overcome enemy opposi- formations which they have just learnt in the previous section.
tion.
Explain that Infantry can seldom get wit hin assaulting distance of the PRELIMINARIES : Safety Pr ecautions
position to shoot at them. In order to reduce the effect of this, fire must
be returned as quickly as possible. This return fire can take the form APPROACH: A section Commander can always save time and
of an artillery bombardment, mortars, tanks or machine guns. Howev- effort by using field signals to control his section. When in close prox-
er, the most quickly produced accurate fire support is provided from imity to the enemy he must use them in order to avoid any unnecessary
the section itself. movement and also to avoid raising his voice, both of which could give
away his position to the enemy.
Question the cadets with the aid of the diagram, blackboard or models
to illustrate the answer: The members of the section must always be alert and ready to receive
his signals and act upon them at once.
“If you were Section Commander when your section was fired
on what weapon in your section would effectively deal with the ene- The standard Field Signals are as follows:
my?” the answer should be light machine gun or gun group, which
is capable of producing a very high rate of fire. DEPLOY - Arm extended below shoulder level and waved slowly
Explain: Whilst the light machine gun is firing at the enemy (known as from side to side, hand open. If deployment to either flank is wanted,
covering fire) the other part of the section, the rifle group, can move the commander points to the flank concerned, after completing the
into a better position closer to the enemy or even into a position to at- signal (See Fig. 1)
tack.

20 17
DOUBLE OR INCREASED SPEED. SINGLE FILE
Hand moved up and down from the elbow (See Fig. 2) One arm fully extended above the head (See Fig. 17)
GO BACK OR TURN ROUND FILE
Hand circled by hip height (See Fig. 3) Both arms fully extended above the head (See Fig. 18)
CLOSE OR JOIN ME EXTENDED LINE
Hand placed on top of head, elbow square to the right or left, according Arm raised to the side level with the ground. Indicate which side gun
to which hand is used. (See Fig. 4) is to go (See Fig. 19)
ENEMY SEEN OR SUSPECTED DIAMOND
Thumb pointed towards the ground from a clenched fist. (See Fig. 5) Arms raised above the head with arms slightly bent so that hands touch
to form a diamond shape. (See Fig. 20)
NO ENEMY IN SIGHT OR ALL CLEAR
Thumb pointed upwards from a clenched fist (See Fig. 6) MOVE UP
Fingers spread, arms swung slowly in direction movements is required.
ADVANCE OR FOLLOW ME (See Fig. 21)
Arm swung from rear to front below the shoulder (See Fig. 7)
HALT ARROWHEAD
Arm raised until the hand is level with the shoulder (See Fig. 8) Both arms forced backwards at an angle of 45*. If the Section Com-
mander turns to face his section when making this signal he will extend
AS YOU WERE his arms forward at the same angle. (See Fig. 22)
Forearm extended downwards and open hand waved across the body par-
allel to the ground (See Fig. 9) SPEARHEAD
LIE DOWN As for arrowhead plus indicating gun group to move in at rear. If the
Two or three slight movements with the open hand towards the ground Section Commander turns to face his section when making this signal
(palm downwards) (See fig. 10) he will extend his arms forward at the same angle. (See Fig. 23)
SECTION COMMANDER RECONNAISSANCE
Two open fingers held against arm to indicate stripes (See Fig. 11) Hand held to eye, as though using eye glass (See Fig. 24)
GUN GROUP
Clenched fist raised to shoulder height (See Fig. 12) ATTACK
A chopping movement with edge of hand in the direction attack is re-
SCOUT GROUP quired (See Fig. 25)
Clenched fist with forefinger raised (See Fig. 13)
SECTION FORMATION AND FIELD SIGNALS - PRACTICE
RIFLE GROUP
“Victory” Sign-first and second finger extended and open in V; remain- AIM: To pr actice cadets moving as a section in the six basic for -
der of fist clenched (See Fig. 14) mations, using field signals.
FREEZE AND LISTEN STORES: Rifles and LMG
Hand cupped to ear (See Fig. 15)
RIGHT HAND FLANKING NOTES: This pr actice should be car r ied out in the open wher e
A curved sweeping movement of the arm in the direction concerned (See there is sufficient space. A section Commander must be nominated
Fig. 16) who may be the instructor himself.
18 19