Page:Tactics (Balck 1915).djvu/283

 *try permits distances to be reduced. The commander should take particular care not to let this advantage escape him, since it is often necessary in this case to reinforce the first line promptly. Close order formations may be retained longest on covered terrain." (Par. 307 German I. D. R.).

An attack over a plain devoid of cover "should be avoided as far as possible, or weak, widely extended detachments only should be ordered to advance over it, while the bulk of the force is launched at a point where an approach under cover is practicable. If suitable terrain is lacking to permit this, then the decisive attack must be led over the open plain." (Par. 325 German I. D. R.). In contrast with the continuous skirmish lines of the past, which are still favored by the Austrians, the German regulations permit a gap to be left in the line where an open plain devoid of cover exists, without thereby implying that it cannot be crossed. The French regulations (par. 257), contrary to the German, contemplate that "only weak detachments be left in the open, fire swept spaces," and that the troops intended for the fire fight be pushed forward under available cover, separate groups being thus formed.

"This mode of fighting in groups does away with the continuous firing lines of the past which no longer fulfill the requirements of modern battle.

"The rearmost fractions of the force endeavor to avoid open spaces, or such as are swept by hostile fire, by moving, sometimes in a close order formation and again widely extended, toward the lines of cover, without regard to the direction in which the enemy may happen to be. The unit that finds the advance easiest takes the lead, and all the others, supported by the fire of their immediate neighbors, endeavor to follow it.

"Depending upon the character of the terrain and available cover, the forces deployed for the fire fight will, there-*