43

CHAPTER- I : INTRODUCTION TO FIELD CRAFT AND BATTLE CRAFT

INTRODUCTION

1. Field Craft is an important aspect of military training as it is the art of using the ground and the weapon
to the best of one’s own advantage. A quick, accurate and standard procedure is necessary to enable a
commander to describe an area to his men and the men to understand it correctly. An individual should be
able to judge distance accurately with his eyes so that the individual can decide on the following:-
(a) Know when to open fire.
(b) Know which weapon to be used.
(c) Can indicate targets to other men in his section.
(d) Pass back accurate information when acting as an observer.

Field Craft and Battle Craft

2. Field Craft includes the following subjects: -

(a) Visual Training.
(b) Recognition and description of targets.
(c) Personal camouflage and concealment.
(d) Judging distance.
(e) Movement with and without arms.
(f) Fire discipline and control.

3. Battle craft is nothing but set of drills which are essential for conduct of successful operations in the
battle field. These battle drills are very useful in tackling minor tactical problems. They save time, ensure
rapid action and avoid confusion. Knowledge of field signals and section and platoon formations, however, is
essential in the execution of various battle drills. Battle Craft includes the following subjects:-
(a) Field Signals.
(b) Section Formations.
(c) Fire control orders.
(d) Fire and move.
(e) Section battle drills.

Judging Distance

4. An individual should be able to judge distance accurately with his

eyes so that the individual can decide on the following:-
(a) Know when to open fire.
(b) Know which weapon to be used.
(c) Can indicate targets to other men in his section.
(d) Pass back accurate information when acting.
as an observer.

5. Methods of Judging Distance. There are six methods of Judging

distance. These are as under:-
(a) Unit of measure.
(b) Appearance method.
(c) Section average.
(d) Key range.
(e) Halving.
(f) Bracketing.

6. Unit of Measure. This method is also termed as

the 100 yards method. The unit of measure chosen is
normally 100 yards and therefore one should form a good idea
of 100 yards distance on the ground. The length of a hockey
field is the best yard stick for this purpose. The distance of a
given object will be a multiple of the imaginary unit of 100 yards,
as placed between the observer and the object.
 44

7. Appearance Method. The distance can be

judged by noting the detailed appearance of man at various
ranges.

8. Section Average. Each man in the section is

asked to judge the distance of a given object. The
average of the answers given by the whole section is then
accepted as the distance.

9. Key Range. If the range of the certain object

is known, distance to other objects can be found in
relation to the known range. This method is called “Key
Range” method.

10. Halving. An object is selected half way

between the observer and the target, the distance to the
selected object is judged and doubled to get the distance to
the target.

11. Bracketing. The observer works out the

maximum and the minimum possible distances of the
object and then accepts the mean as the distance.
 45

Practical Hints

12. During Night. Judging distance at night will depend upon the visibility. The only suitable method is
the “Key Range”. Therefore mark prominent objects and work out their distances while there is still day light.

During Day. Conditions which mislead the observer when

judging distances are as follows:-
(a) Distances are overestimated when:-

(i) Light is bad.

(ii) The sun is in the observer’s eye.
(iii) The object is small in relation to its
surroundings.
(iv) Looking through a valley of narrow lane
e.g. street.
(v) Lying down.

(b) Distances are underestimated when:-

(i) The light is bright or the sun is shining

from behind the observer.
(ii) The object is large in relation to its
surrounding.
(iii) There is some dead ground between
observer and the object.
(iv) (iv)Looking uphill.

CONCLUSION

1. To achieve success in war it is very important that the target is correctly understood for mechanics of
field and battle crafts are understood clearly. Knowledge of ground along with basic skills would be beneficial
to cadets in all respect.
 46

CHAPTER II – INDICATION OF LANDMARKS AND TARGETS

Introduction

1. Landmarks and other objects on the ground or a battle field may be either unclear due to climatic
conditions or other reasons. Every effort should, therefore be made to indicate their location and size carefully
and accurately. To ensure quick and accurate indication by commanders and recognition by individual
soldiers a standard procedure has been laid down in the Army.

Definitions

2. Landmarks. An object, which is important on the ground and which is used in verbal orders to
explain the ground in front.

3. Target. It is an object having a technical significance which is indicated with a view to bring
down fire on it.

4. Reference Point. An important and unmistakable object, with the help of which you can indicate
other land marks or targets. A reference point should be specific.

Types of Ground

5. Broken Ground It is uneven and is generally scattered with nullahs, bump sand fields in the
ground. It is suitable for move of infantry.

6. Flat and Open Ground. It is even ground with little cover e.g. bushes, hedges and other
foliage. It is not suitable for move of Infantry by day.

7. High Ground. Ground far above the general level of the area e.g. hill. It facilitates control of
area around it by observation or fire.

8. Dead Ground. Ground that is hidden from an observer’s view. It cannot be covered by flat
path weapons.

9. Though an open ground is easy to travel, it is dangerous to do so in the locality of the enemy. Whether
moving or taking fire position in an open area one is exposed to enemy from view and fire. Broken ground
when correctly used affords protection from flat path weapons. It does not afford cover from air or protection
from high path weapons. Dead ground does not afford cover from high path weapons.

10. Procedure Of Description. The normal method of scanning and describing ground is by dividing
it as follows:-
(a) Fore Ground up to 300 yards.
(b) Middle Distance from 300 yards to 500 yards.
(c) Distance beyond 500 yards.

Indication Of Landmarks

11. General Line of Direction. Start by giving the

general line of direction by pointing out a centrally located,
if possible, prominent land mark, e.g. No 1 section 500,
RED HOUSE, class Red House and line beyond General
Line of Direction (GLD).

12. Boundaries. After giving general line of direction give LEFT and RIGHT boundaries of your area.
Divide the ground into foreground, middle and distance. Having done so start from LEFT to RIGHT
systematically in a clockwise direction and describe the ground.

13. Sequence of description. While describing the ground bounded by particular arc after giving
the boundaries start from LEFT to RIGHT. If the ground all around is to be described, start after general line
of direction to the right and finish at general line of direction by completing the indication all around.
 47

Methods of Indication Targets

14. Easy Targets. Can be indicated by the following methods:-

(a) Indication by Description. A noticeable target can often be described directly. For
example “No. 1 Section BRIDGE”. Here BRIDGE is so noticeable that nobody can make a mistake in
recognizing it.

(b) Indication by Direction or Range or Both. In slightly less obvious cases other aids
should be used e.g. direction or range or both. An example of each is given below:-

(i) Indication by Direction :No 1 Section BAEN BAGHICHA.

(ii) Indication by Range :No 1 Section 600 BAGHICHA.
(iii) Direction and Range :When indicating a landmark, indicate direction first and then
range e.g. BAEN-600, BAGHICHA.

15. Difficult Targets The targets which cannot be indicated by the methods given above are
termed difficult targets. The methods to indicate these are explained by Direction Method as given below:-

(a) The general line of direction.

(b) A known reference point.
(c) Another landmark.

16. Unless otherwise stated all directions are taken to be with reference to the general line of direction.
The following direction will be used:-

Direction Measuring

Slight Left/Right Approximately 10 degrees.

Quarter Left/Right Approximately 22 ½ degrees.

Half Left/Right Approximately 45 degrees.

Three Quarter Left/Right Approximately 67 ½degrees.

Full Left/Right Approximately 90 degrees.

CONCLUSION

17. To achieve success in war it is very important that the target is clearly understood and recognized by
the troops. By using the methods of indicating the target the cadets can easily indicate and identify the target.
 48

CHAPTER III: OBSERVATION, CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALMENT

Introduction

1. The term camouflage comes from French word “Camoufler” meaning “to blind or veil”. It means to
disguise an object in plain sight in order to conceal it from something or someone. The object loses its three
dimensional qualities and appears flat. Camouflage is defined as action of misleading enemy by concealing
or misrepresenting the identity of own troops, equipment, installations and activities.

2. Why Things are seen. Various factors responsible for things to be seen are as follows:-

(a) Shape.
(b) Shine.
(c) Shadow.
(d) Surface.
(e) Spacing.
(f) Smoke.
(g) Sound.
(h) Movement.

3. You have seen as to why things are visible during day or in clear moonlit night. Now let us see why
things are visible at night. There are two factors which are given below:-
(a) Sound.
(b) Light.

4. Personal Camouflage. Camouflage means to disguise an object in plain sight in order to conceal it
from something or someone. Personal camouflage can be done by following methods:-

(a) Use of Disruptive Pattern.

(b) Clothing and Local Vegetation.
(c) Camouflage of Face.
(d) Camouflage of Equipment.

5. Camouflaged of Equipments:-

(a) Helmet. Use of Hessian Cloth & Use of Camouflage Net.

(b) Camouflage of Back Packs. Packs have square outline

which is broken by tying thin ropes on the packs and branches of
local vegetation are stuck in the ropes.

(c) Camouflage of Rifle. Metal parts of rifles are phosphate

coated and hence shine is reduced. Garnish of suitable colour
should be wrapped over wooden parts / plastic parts to contrast with
surroundings.
 49

(d) Camouflage of LMG. Wooden/plastic parts of the LMG

should be covered by garnish. LMG trench is camouflaged by use
of a net.

(e) Camouflage of Equipment. Equipment like binocular,

map case, Radio Set should also be camouflaged by breaking its
outline and preventing shine.

Concealment

6. If the enemy can see you, he can hit you with his fire. So you must be concealed from enemy
observation and have cover from enemy fire. When the terrain does not provide natural cover and
concealment, you must prepare your cover and use natural and man-made materials to camouflage/ conceal
yourself, your equipment, and your position.

7. TYPES OF COVER AND CORRECT USE. There are of following types:-

(a) Cover from View. A person is concealed only from view and not from fire.

(b) Cover from Fire. This means that the concealed person is protected both from view and fire
of weapon.

(c) Look Through or Around Cover. Whenever possible look through or around the cover but
not over it.

(d) Avoid Breaking a Straight Line. Skyline/light coloured background is the worst background
as the object against it will be found out because of contrasting background and shape.

(e) Isolated Cover is Dangerous. Eye catches isolated cover easily especially if there is any
movement near it.

CONCLUSION

8. To conclude, the importance of camouflage and concealment can be realized from the following:-

(a) In earlier days it was said "If it can be seen, it can be hit, if it can be hit it can be killed”.
(b) But now in the modern warfare "If it can be seen it will be killed".

9. Therefore, camouflage needs greater emphasis and the art of camouflage and concealment reduces
the different varieties of soldiers into two main categories viz, "The good and the dead." Concealment is an
aid to tactical deception and misinforms the enemy about our intentions and strengths.
 50

CHAPTER IV : FIRE AND MOVE CAPSULE

1. The primary aim of infantry is to close in with the enemy & destroy him. The aim of getting close is
achieved by making skilful use of ground. A clever enemy will however, deny you the use of such ground
which you may need. When such a cover is denied by the enemy, we may have to movement in open. Once
we are forced to movement in open, a part of our force will have to fire on en position & force him to keep his
head down. This would render the en incapable of bringing down aimed fire at us while we are on the
movement. This process of keeping one element on the ground to give covering fire, while the other element
is on movement, is called fire & movement. This is the basic tactics of all infantry and mechanised ops. To
understand the fire and move as capsule cadets has to understand basics nuances.

Field Signals

2. Whenever someone wants to convey his message one has to raise his voice. In olden days smoke,
sound of drum was the mode to convey messages from one village to another. In Army, different methods
are used to convey messages. Today, you will learn one of these methods called Field Signals.

SIGNALS WITH HAND AND WEAPONS

3. Signals with Hands.

Ser Name Of Illustrations

Signals With Hand
No Signal

Right arm fully extended above head and waved

(a) Deploy from side to side, palm open.

Right arm swung from rear to front in “under arm

(b) Advance
blowing” fashion.

(c) Halt Right arm raised to full extent above head.

(d) Turn About Right arm raised and bent above head.
 51

Change Right arm raised to front in line with shoulder. Body

(e)
Direction then turned in required direction.

(f) Close Right hand place on top of head, elbow to the right.

Right arm swung from rear to front above the

(g) Follow me
shoulder in “over arm bowling” fashion.

Enemy Both hands open, palm inwards at waist level, with

(h)
Approaching inwards scooping motion.

Enemy LMG
(i) Right hand thumb down signal.
firing
 52

Punching motion with Right or Left hand according

(j) Attack
to direction of attack.

Closed to Close sign followed by both hands clasped in front

(k)
Rendezvous of body at waist level.

Infantry
Both hands crossed in front of body at the waist,
(l) obstacle
palm open downwards.
ahead

4. Signals with Weapons.

Name Of
Ser No Signals with Weapons Illustrations
Signal

Enemy in Rifle held above the head parallel to the small

(a)
Sight number muzzle in the direction of the enemy.

Enemy in
Sight in As per (a) above, but arm moved up and several
(b)
large times.
number
 53

(c) Advance Both arms raised to form the letter U

5. Signals with Whistle.

Ser
Name Of Signal Signals With Hand
No
(a) Cautionary Blast
A short blast to draw attention to a signal or order about to be given.

(b) The Alarm Blast

A succession of alternate long and short whistle blasts.

(c) Enemy Aircraft

A succession of short blasts.

(d) Enemy Aircraft

departed Two long blasts repeated at interval of five seconds.

Field Signals As Means Of Giving Orders

6. Field signals are alternate means of giving orders and to control troops when voice control is not
possible. Control over troops deployed can be done better by field signals than by voice control. There are
various occasions when voice control is not possible. They are:-

(a) Battle Noises. In war, due to firing and vehicle movement very high noise will be
produced, so it may not be possible for a Commander to give voice message.

(b) Need for Silence. There are certain operations which, by design are carried out in
utmost silence, eg:-

(i) Ambush.
(ii) Patrolling.
(iii) Raid.
(iv) Cordon.

(c) Intervening Distances are Too Large. When Infantry takes the battle field they
come across many obstacles in ground such as the ditch, rivers, and mountains. Under such
circumstances we will have the only choice left with us is field signals for communication.

7. Methods to Attract Attention Of Troops. Before any field signal is executed, the commander
has to attract the attention of troops. Methods to attract attention of troops are :-

(a) A Short Blast of Whistle.

(b) A Bird Call.
(c) Whistle by Mouth.
(d) Clicks(By using tongue).
(e) Clicks by Fingers.
 54

8. Other Methods of Communication. Besides field signals there are various other means of
communication in the Army which are as follows:-

(a) Dispatch Runners.

(b) Dispatch Rider.
(c) Radio Sets.

9. Field Signals By Day. Some of the visual signals used during the day are flags and mercury coated
mirrors. Flags are very effectively used by Navy on board a ship by following ways:-

(a) Flags: (Red, Green and White flags).

(b) Mercury coated mirrors.
(c) Smoke.
(d) Miscellaneous: Various signals can be improvised and pre-arranged as under:-

(i) Clothes superficially hung out to dry.

(ii) Hurricane lamp, kept in the window.
(iii) Flashing of torch is used as Morse Code.
(iv) Applying various colours / signs on forehead and arms.

10. Field Signals By Night. Some of the field signals that can be used at night are:-
(a) Pre decided signals on a walkie talkie.
(b) Click by fingers.
(c) Clicks by using tongue.
(d) Whistle by the mouth.
(e) Use of rope.
(f) Use of colour light.
(g) Use of blacked out torch.
(h) Firing of weapon.

11. The fighting efficiency of a unit/sub unit depends on sound communication system which helps
commanders at all levels to exercise command and control effectively. Every commander must influence the
battle by his personal touch which is achieved by good signal communications. Field signals become a part
of movement of a good section/platoon commander. At section/platoon level, the commander directly
influences the battle by the use of field signals. Victory in battle will come to that section/platoon whose men
are familiar in the use of field signals.

SECTION FORMATION

12. Introduction. Various formations are used when troops come in contact with the enemy and the
type of formation adopted is entirely dependent on the following four basic factors:-

(a) Degree of control required to be exercised by the Section Commander.

(b) Type of ground.
(c) Necessity of bringing down maximum fire with minimum delay.
(d) Task.

13. A Section is the smallest sub unit of an Infantry Battalion and is capable of undertaking independent
task. It consists of ten persons who are organized in Rifle group and Support Group. Different types of
formations adopted by a section are as under:
 55

Single File Formation

File Formation

Arrow Head Formation

 56

Spear Head Formation

Diamond Formation

Extended Line Formation

Scout

14. Now you have seen section formation, a word about the scouts. Scouts are the eyes and ears of the
section. Scouts always work in pairs. They work ahead of the leading section and advance from bound to
bound. As scouts, one must always be alert.

15. You have so far learnt the organisation of a section and the various formations adopted by a section
in battle. Remember, a section is organised into the Rifle Group and Fire Support Group to facilitate fire and
move, the basic of all tactics. As for the section formations, each formation has its peculiar advantages and
disadvantages. Remember, need for command and control and the necessity of developing the maximum
fire quickly, will determine the formation you as a section commander must adopt.
 57

FIRE CONTROL ORDERS

16. By opening of fire indiscriminately, too early or at too great a range, the defender’s position will be
disclosed prematurely which will mean wasting of ammunition without advantage. This means Section
Commander should be able to control the fire of his section by exercising good fire discipline.

17. It is the duty of the commander to ensure that the enemy is engaged effectively by bringing down the
correct volume of fire at the most effective range by using the most appropriate weapon(s). Also in the battle,
all personnel of a section / platoon may not be able to observe the enemy and even if they can, they may either
not open fire thinking that others would do so or all of them may open fire resulting in wastage of ammunition.

18. It is also the duty of a commander to assess the effect of fire on the en and then either stop the fire,
or re-adjust it or add the fire of additional weapons to make it effective. Therefore, the commander ensures
effective fire and judicious expenditure of ammunition.

Importance Of Fire Discipline And Fire Control Orders

19. Fire discipline is a battle winning factor which will stand you in good stead, especially in situations
where surprise is of paramount importance. Indisciplined firing starts with an individual and spreads like wild
fire. Should the troops have confidence of correct, accurate and effective fire orders, they may not indulge in
opening of premature/indiscriminate firing, thereby giving away position or wasting ammunition. Fire discipline
and fire control orders are very important in all operations of war.

20. Defence. In defence, if fire is opened up prematurely, it will give away the defender's location
allowing the enemy to change his plan and surprise the defender subsequently. Moreover, fire opened up at
long ranges, is rarely effective and results in leaving the defender with less ammunition for the eventual attack
by the enemy. Therefore good fire discipline and correct fire orders, assumes added significance in the
following cases:-

(a) During hours of poor visibility/darkness when men are jittery and tend to fire at imaginary
targets.

(b) When enemy patrols try to draw fire from the defender in order to find his disposition.

21. Important Terms. Certain terms connected with fire control orders are:-

(a) Fire Unit. Any number of men firing under a commander, usually a section. The personal
responsibility for giving them the executive order to fire is the fire unit commander.

(b) Fire Direction Orders. These are the orders which the fire unit commander receives from
his superior, telling him when, at what target, and with what intensity to open fire. A section
commander will receive fire direction orders from his Platoon commander. They may include key
ranges and any specific direction about withholding of fire.

(c) Fire Control Orders. These are the orders given by the fire unit commander to direct and
cont the fire of his fire unit.Emphasis should be on control and surprise. These orders are the final
and complete instructions after all factors have beenconsidered and before fire is actually opened.

(d) Arc of Fire. This denotes the area of ground for which the fire unit is responsible and within
which it will engage targets. An arc of fire must not be confused with a field of fire, which is the
area over which it can fire effectively.

22. Points for Section Commander. There are certain factors which must be remembered before
giving fire control orders.

(a) Indication. No fire order can be effective unless the target is clearly indicated and can be
easily recognised by the men of the fire unit.

(b) Range. Do the range, visibility and vulnerability of the target justify fire at all? Would it be
better to wait and get a more vulnerable target or achieve more/complete surprise?
 58

(c) Best Weapons to Use. What is the best weapon or weapons to use? Although the LMG is
the main weapon of the section, the target may be more suitable for rifle fire only or possibly for a
combination of weapons, eg a LMG and rifle grenade.

(d) Rate of Fire. Should the fire be in single round or in bursts? Should it be rapid or at the normal
rate? Rapid rate is justified only on a few occasions, when it allows the max effect to be gained from
surprise and volume of fire or when an especially vulnerable target presents itself or to cover move of
troops in the final stages of an assault.

23. Method of Giving the Orders. Having decided to open fire, there is then the need to give
orders. The four main rules which must be adhered to are: -
(a) The orders should be given clearly, calmly and concisely.
(b) It should be given loudly so as to be heard above the noises of the battle.
(c) It must be given as an order, to be obeyed as such.
(d) It should be given with adequate pauses, so that those being addressed may have the time
to take the correct action. For example there must be time for sight adjustment after the range is given.

Sequence of Fire Control Orders

24. Fire control orders must be given in the laid down sequence so as to avoid confusion and
misunderstanding. For ease of remembering the sequence for giving fire control orders, remember the catch
word `GRIT'.
(a) G The Group of the section which is addressed, i.e the LMG group, the rifle group or the
whole section. An order starting 'No 1 Section indicates that the whole section will fire, `LMG Group'
or 'Rifle Group' means that group only is to fire.

(b) R The range to the target should be given next. It is to ensure accuracy of fire and to
draw attention on a limited area of ground (Instructor to explain why range has to be given before
indicating the target).

(c) I The indication of the target by the simplest form of indication.

(d) T The type of fire to be emp. i.e open fire at once, or on further orders, or when the
opportunity arises.

Types of Fire Control Orders

25. There are four types of fire control orders as under :-

(a) Delayed Fire Control Orders. These orders are given as an early warning when enemy is
seen approaching at a longer range so that necessary preparations are made by the troops to open
fire, as soon as the enemy appears within the effective range of weapons. Delayed fire control orders
are executed in two manners:-
(i) When the initiative to open fire is left to the man eg:-

"No 1 Sec - 800 - JUNGLE se dushman ka ek sec adv kar raha hai. Jab mar ke ilake men aye
to FIRE".
(ii) When initiative to open fire is with fire unit commander. Eg

“No 1 Sec - 800 - JUNGLE se dushman ka ek sec adv kar raha hai– mere agale hukam ka
intizar karo".

(b) Full Fire Control Orders. As the name suggests these are orders complete in all respects.
These fire control orders are given when fire is to be brought down immediately on a target within the
effective range of weapons. There are two types of full fire control orders.

(i) Distributed Area Target. This is when the enemy presents itself over an area. e.g.

“No 1 Sec - 200 - JHARI - DAINE tin baje DARKHT –tak dushman ki position. LMG Group
char burst, rifle group tin tin round FIRE”.
(ii) Pin Point Target. This is when enemy presents itself atone.
place only. e.g.
 59

“Rif Gp 300 AkelaDarkhat, Darkhat ke niche dushman ka sniper, Rfn No 1 - tin round „FIRE”.

(c) Opportunity Fire Control Orders. These orders are given when the target is not
continuously seen by everyone in the section or when the enemy has taken cover, eg:-

“No 1 Sec 400 tuti futi zamin me dusman chhupa hua hai, nazar ane per FIRE”.

(d) Brief Fire Control Orders. These are given when time is not available to give out a full fire
order. In this only essential details are given. This type of order is normally given when enemy appears
at close range and surprises us. eg
"LMG group sights down enemy running left to right - FIRE (Instructor to explain significance of the
phrase sights down”.

26. Fire Control Orders are necessary to achieve the following:-

(a) Maintain fire discipline.

(b) Conserve and expend ammunition and use it judiciously and effectively.
(c) Not to disclose own position prematurely at long ranges, as chances of enemy escaping are
more and they would have taken away information of your dispositions, which is not desirable.
(d) Engage targets with speed.
(e) Maintain surprise.

FIRE AND MOVEMENT

27. When to use Fire and Movement Tactics. Fire & movement tactics may be used in following
circumstances: -

(a) The enemy has opened SA fire which is effective.

(b) When own troops have seen the en first - within 400 to 700 meters.

(c) When the en is known or suspected to be in a certain area, then fire & movement tactics may
be adopted when the troops reach within the effective range of en weapons/observation. (Instructor to
explain as to what could be the effective range of enemy’s personal weapon)

(d) To cross obstacles by day or by night, e.g. nullahs /rivers.

28. Basic Considerations. There are five basic considerations for fire & movement. These are
as under:-

(a) No movement on exposed ground without covering fire. The Advantages of

covering fire are obvious, but this does not mean that fire will be brought down continuously when
you are moving. Whenever you have ground providing you cover, you must use it. Whenever you
have to move in open, fire must be brought down on the en in small bursts to keep his head down.

(b) Control by the Commander. The sec can remain a viable force only when it is under the
control of its commander. Otherwise, it is likely that the required fire support will not be brought down
at the required place & time. In a section, control is ex by voice command & hand signals. As a rule,
sec commander must keep his section within range of voice or visible control.

(c) The angle of covering fire from direct firing weapons should be as wide as possible w/o loss
of control or time. It is to ensure that own troops are not coming under effective fire of own fire sp. It
also ensures that the fire support is provided till as late as possible so that assault troops are able to
close in with the en.

(d) Full use of Available Cover. Full use should be made of cover provided by the ground. Various
types of cover have already been taught to the cadets.

(e) Optimum use of all Available Weapons. All available weapons should be used for
producing covering fire.

29. Appreciation of Ground and Cover. In battle, fire & movement is applied according to the type of
ground over which we are operating. In open country, the problem is to find cover; in close country, there is
 60

difficulty in finding positions with good observation & field of fire. Skillful use of ground can help achieve
surprise & save lives. It is therefore required to develop an eye for ground. Ground should be considered from
the enemies’ point of view & it should be appreciated for the following:-

(a) Fire positions.

(b) Observation positions.
(c) Cover from fire.
(d) Cover from view.
(e) Obstacles.

(Instructor to explain that while movement, sec commander & every member of the sec is responsible to
continuously look for nearest cover which he may have to take once en opens effective fire. He is also
responsible to appreciate various fire positions & types of cover being provided by that particular cover).

30. Types of Cover. Cover from view is often not cover from fire, especially if the movement has
been seen by the enemy. Concealment from enemy air and ground observation is the chief means of gaining
surprise. Some of the main types of cover are:-

(a) Undulating ground which is the least obvious form of cover; when skillfully used, it protects
from direct fire and gives no ranging marks to the enemy.

(b) Sunken roads, beds of streams and ditches which give good cover from view and often
from fire as well. However, the reis always a danger that the enemy may pay special attention to them;
they may be mined or booby-trapped and precautions must be taken. If the roads or ditches are
straight, the enemy will be able to fire down the min enfilade.

(c) Hedges and bushes give cover from view but not from fire. In open country they may make
Standing crops give cover from view but movement through them can generally be detected.

(d) Woods which give cover to men and vehicles from enemy air and ground observation.
They give some protection from small arm fire but HE bombs and shells will explode in the branches
of trees and will cause heavy casualties unless troops are dug in and have overhead protection.

(e) Buildings and walls afford concealment and protection from small arms. Fire and shell splinters.
When isolated they make good ranging marks for the enemy.

31. Dead Ground. Ground which a soldier cannot see from his position is called dead ground.
Platoon and section commanders should be able to recognize ground which is likely to be dead to the enemy.
Ground can only be described as dead in relation to the position of an observer. Troops under cover or in dead
ground are safe from enemy observed fire but not from indirect fire. These areas are always likely to be selected
by the enemy as defensive fire tasks for his artillery and mortars. Dead ground is also safe from detection by
battle field surveillance radars, by battle field surveillance radars, as these have line of sight limitations.

32. Common Mistakes. The wrong use of ground may lead to casualties and loss of surprise; some
common mistakes are:-

(a) Carelessness by troops while making a reconnaissance, such as unfolding a map in the
open or not using a covered approach to an Observation Post.

(b) Unnecessary movement in a position overlooked by the enemy.

(c) Using conspicuous landmarks such as isolated trees, bushes or cottages.

(d) Halting troops near road or track junctions or other mapped features which are always
registered as targets by the enemy.
(e) Bad track discipline.
(f) Failure to guard against enemy air observation.

33. Maps and Air Photographs. Maps and air photographs should be used together to obtain the best
picture of the ground. The two aids are complementary as is shown by listing the advantages and limitation
of air photographs :-
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(a) Advantage.
(i) Are more up-to-date.
(ii) Gives more detail.
(iii) Show the size and shape of features accurately.
(iv) Allow gradient to be seen in relief with a stereoscope.

(b) Limitations.

(i) Complete geographical cover almost impossible.

(ii) Expensive to produce.
(iii) Scales vary.
(iv) Details of heights not given.

34. Selection of Fire Positions and Fire Control. The ideal fire position should:-

(a) Provide cover from fire.

(b) Provide cover from view.
(c) Afford a good view of the ground to be watched or target to be engaged.
(d) Provide room in which to use the weapon freely.
(e) Have a covered approach.
(f) Be easy to advance from.

Fire Control

35. There is a big distinction between fire control in attack and in defence. In attack men should be allowed
a great deal of latitude in opening fire. Speed and immediate fire effect is what is required. With a well
concealed enemy it will often be necessary to “neutralise” an area by fire since few definite targets will be
visible. In defence, the vital factor in fire control is that early opening of fire may give away positions to the
enemy and jeopardize concealment. Normally, a section commander will lay down a line in front of his section
post beyond which fire will not be opened without his orders. This is particularly important where a long field
of fire is available. In any case fire will normally be opened on the orders of the section commander.

Movement

36. Movement in the face of the enemy should be covered by fire. This does not mean that it is impossible
to move unless a heavy weight of fire is brought down on the enemy. An important part of an attack is the
movement towards the objective, supporting fire is one of the aids to that movement. A knowledge of how to
move and how to use ground for movement is essential to enable troops to close with the enemy with minimum
casualties, undetected in the zone of arc of battle field surveillance radars.

37. Usually, troops advancing by day in action will move at a brisk walking pace until they make contact;
in the final stages of the assault, they will double. They may have to double or crawl at other times; for example
if attacking troops move into enemy defensive fire, it is usually best to double forward and through it; to lie
down is often dangerous as well as useless. Doubling and crawling are both tiring however, and should only
be used in short spells in critical situations particularly for crossing open ground in full view of the enemy. The
commander must himself decide on his pace from his personal knowledge of the state of fitness of his men.
In general the aim must always be to keep movement determinedly towards the enemy at the best possible
speed.

CONCLUSION

38. Fire & Move is the basic skill of tactics. Its training provided to all the officers and jawans. The basic
aim is to enable one detachment of soldiers to move while the enemy is pinned down by the effective fire of
the other temporarily static body of soldiers. It is the most effective and safest method to move during
operations or when in contact with the enemy.