Addestamento Translated by Craig Douglas

(P.85) Part Two

Employment and Training Of Small Units

Chapter I

The Infantryman

198. The infantryman must be; daring; a tireless marcher; a good shot.

199. His moral character must reflect: blind trust in his superiors and firm comradeship; a deep feeling of discipline; the certainty of winning, and in the most critical moments of the struggle, the instinct of self preservation.

200. Physical vigour must allow him to easily overcome the crises of the struggle and persist in the effort; and face, with full confidence, danger and hardship.

(P.86) 201. In combat, he is an integral part of the squad in whose sphere he carries out his action. No circumstance in combat can justify his separation from his squad.

He must: when proceeding in broken terrain, when proceeding in cover during lengthy and tiring street movements; when moving in landscape providing little or no cover, move with the maximum possible speed. For shorter streets (when running curved causes lose of speed); locate and determine before movement, the next position to reach where a brief standstill can be taken; When in close proximity to the enemy (especially if in open ground) or when the need arises to go beyond a line of the crest of a hill, advance on all fours; promptly concentrate the centre of fire; only open fire at the given order and after having completed loading weapons; avoid the tendency to cluster or to disperse into formations that are too linear; keep to the same direction, without becoming diverted by the lie of the land; don't let it dissuade or check you from carrying out your own tasks in the immediate vicinity; perform those tasks with orderliness and alacrity thereby enabling better weapons efficiency and protection;

(P.87) Realise, when surprised or attacked, calmness and decisiveness could save the situation, while uncertainty or panic would surely lose it;

Means of avoiding aerial observation: exploit shaded areas; try to avoid projecting own ground shadows; If it is not possible to hide in time, remain stationary whenever the aircraft is overhead, without looking aloft at it.

202. In combat training: observe the most scrupulous silence; give maximum attention to orders and to the signals given by your own commander; perform orders with promptness and decision.

203. The instructor must know that the infantryman performs better through; following your example and common sense; Much depends on instruction being simple, practical and realistic.

204. Training is always unproductive whenever irrelevant instruction is imposed that detracts from the focus of unit solidarity, soldiers will be animated by the tenacity of intention and by the spirit of emulation.

Chapter II

The Rifle Squad

[ p.88]

205. The rifle squad is the smallest infantry unit that functions through movement fire and contact.

206. And consists of

        a  machine-gun section/group

        a rifle section/group

207. The machine-gun group can be split off in exceptional circumstances when, because of the terrain or to allow for ample spacing to exist with the adjoining squads, it is convenient to place such groups on the flanks.

208. Formations (Table A):

                In line/In fila (fig.1);

                Open/Aperta (fig].2);

                Deploy/Spiegata (fig.3)

The first two formations are to be used only for movement; the last formation is to be used for the execution of fire.

209. Distances and intervals vary in relation to: the form of the terrain and ground cover; the distance to the enemy.

These formations must facilitate movement, make shooting possible, decrease the squad's vulnerability, without damaging the cohesion and command-control of the unit.

[ p.89]

210. The formations, the distances, the intervals of advance are altered according to commands and signals.

( With the following commands the formation and pace is changed  ( "in single file!/in fila,  run! - open order!/ di corsa - aperta,  Walking pace! - deploy!/Passo! Spiegata! Machine gun group to the right or left or 1st or 2nd rifle group to the left or right" etc.).

Through signals the formations are made to increase or tighten spaces and distances and it is indicated when and where to begin or continue the next bound - Every other movement is performed by imitation, and initiative.

The squad rejoins the platoon, in close order, by receiving the command <<adunata>> (parade/muster).

211. All movements are performed with the greatest speed and without worrying about alignment.

212. The squad commander regulates the movement of the squad; he directs the machine-gun group's fire; he acts in perfect cohesion with the other squads of the platoon insuring, if necessary, mutual fire support; for the assault or counter-attack.

213. The second in command of the squad is head of the rifle group, and he regulates their movement and fire; assists the squad commander in directing the action of one of the machine-guns if the machine-gun group is divided from the rest of the unit.

[ p.90]

214. Fire discipline and effectiveness, the intelligent use of terrain, quick movement, the impetuousness of the assault or of the counter-attack, the tenacious will to attain the objective at any cost, constitute the squad's best guarantee of success.

Tactical Reconnaissance of the Terrain

215. The rifle squad could be called upon to perform the function of a scouting patrol. For such employment, refer to the following note for squad reconnaissance (n.330).

Safety/Security

216. The rifle squad could be normally called upon to constitute a surveillance and signaling post (n.55); exceptionally, the rifle squad could be called upon to furnish a security patrol (of normally 4-5 riflemen) to be precise. To assume these functions see notes (n.49 and n.347).

The Approach

217. The approach phrase begins when the platoon deploys into open formation and the squad, in order to advance, must choose the best cover and the least vulnerable formation.

[ p.91]

The movement and direction of the squad (determined from time to time by the commander of platoon), is not tied to alignment or rigidity of spacing and distances.

Short exposed stretches of ground, subject to artillery fire, are traversed in one bound, with all the squad in deployed formation (formazione spiegata).

On the extreme right and left flanks of the deployed squad, the men at the rear of the squad guard the rear and flanks of the unit and maintain visual contact with the adjoining squads.

218. The Squad Commander:

Assumes control of the squad and from time to time maintains and regulates the formation,  according to the platoon commander or use of his own initiative; he imposes on his own men order, cohesion, silence; if the terrain is particularly difficult, and forces the excessive closing or widening of spacing or distances, to make provision for these abnormalities, as soon as possible with simple signals or correcting in a low voice, use every device possible to maintain concealment of the march, If subject to aerial observation; if the squad is subject to artillery or machine-gun fire, without halting, adopt a less vulnerable formation (for example, open, or deployed, in the case of squad in line/file); during halts/breaks, continue to keep the squad in any cover you can find in the immediate [ p.92] vicinity with a favorable point for observation, remaining ready to join action in the direction of the assigned objective; in choosing positions for the machine-gun group, select positions that dominates the ground over which the rifle group must move (banks, embankments, etc.); Remain in constant visual contact with the platoon commander; if there is any danger of the use of chemical weapons, ensure that the men carry their own respirator in the "at the ready position" (posizione di allarme) suspended on the breast; in case of casualties (wounded or dead), arrange for the recovery of their equipment, particularly ammunition. With regard to the transport of the wounded use the appropriate personnel; no man of the squad should be employed to this end.

Attack

219. In the imminence of an attack the squad commander receives verbal orders from the platoon commander and instructions for the action of the unit.

In Particular: tasks/duties; clearly visible objective, ( normally of the platoon or a part of it); direction (if necessary).

220.The commander must resolve a problem that is fundamental to the success of the action: that is to arrive quickly in greater numbers on the enemy. [ p.93] For this reason: he must orientate himself (determining the centre of attack and the terrain to cross, determining what points of reference of the terrain should be chosen to maintain the direction of the first bound/leap of movement); he decides on the formation to be adopted (machine-gun group re-attached to unit or to operate separately; re-attached to the right or to the left); he moves when signaled by an agreed upon sign.

221. As long as possible the squad continues forward without firing, in long movement bounds, facilitated by artillery fire and accompanying support arms. As soon as the advancing squad must make use of arms, the machine-gun group joins the action.

222. In the employment of the machine-gun group, it is worthwhile to alternate the fire and movement of the two arms.

The rifle group regulates its movement to coincide with the machine-gun group's covering fire, with its main consideration to maintain direction towards the objective, and to carry out the movement bound into cover with the best possible speed.

223. In the face of little active enemy reaction, it could be worthwhile to coordinate the platoon's fire and movement. In this case, while a squad carries out covering fire with the respective machine-gun group, the other advances.

224. Little by little as the distance to the enemy is closed, the movement bounds are shorter and the squad advances in loose groups of men. [ p.94] To assure fire continuity, or to increase the volume of fire, when necessary add the fire of the rifle section to that of the machine-gun section.

225. Closing to 30 or 40 paces from the objective, the riflemen, together with those of the other platoon squads, proceed to throw hand grenades and, to the cry of << Savoia>>, they launch themselves into the assault.

226. The squad commander leads his mens' assault; inspiring the infantrymen to bravery to assure the squad's success, leading his comrades by example.

227. The machine-guns advance to the immediate support of the rifle section/riflemen, as soon as they have ceased fire for safety reasons.

228. When they are unable to reach the objective, the squad must commence supporting fire to assist the advance of adjoining units, and be ready to exploit every favorable circumstance to resume their own advance.

229. In an armour supported attack, the squad follows the armour in deployed formation (formazione spiegata), following the tank that operates to their front. The decisive effect of the armoured assault must be followed through without pause, taking full advantage of the morale and material effect produced by the tanks.

The squad commander must know how to exploit in depth the action of the armour without [ p.95]  eliminating all resistance that appears and above all his main task, at the cost of any sacrifice, is to converge on any tank immobilised by damage and to defend it.

Resistance

230. The fundamental principle: to resist with a few against many.

231. The squad could be deployed: in security zone; in a defensive position.

232. In the zone of security and deployment, initially, in the forward area (L. S.).

The commander, according to received orders, will take steps to: choose the positions for the machine-gun section with the criterion to take action at the greatest possible distance and  to concentrate the fire-power of the two arms in order to provide the best conditions for attack; to position the rifle section to cover the gaps.

233. To an enemy initiated attack, the squad carries out the scheduled action of fire, from time to time shifting their fire upon more numerous or threatening groups of the enemy. This action must be conducted with the maximum violence, yet avoiding becoming engaged [ p.96] in a close quarter struggle. Having completed the task of a delaying action, the squad falls back.

234. The withdrawal takes place: by order of the platoon commander; if possible for the squad, on the lines of previously prepared ground and on a fixed direction with the criterion to not hamper the fire of other positions and of the artillery.

235. With successive bounds of movement, continuing their own delaying action, the squad falls back around the defensive position, to their designated place.

236. In the defensive position the squad could constitute: a unit of forward or rear fire.

237. To maximise this fire, in formation: the machine-gun group remains together; the rifle sections are divided into groups, on the flanks, with their particular assignment to cover the gaps between adjacent units of defensive fire.

238. The task of such a fire support unit result from orders that in particular concern, the sectors of action (normally possible) for each machine-gun.; [for example] the methods of joining with other advanced units or flanking units or those opposite; [ p.97] [for example] the direction for instant cessation of fire (shooting at night or with natural or artificial fog); the security measures (picquets or patrols) and the methods of sounding the alarm (conventional signals with artifices etc.).

239. The squad commander: forms the appropriate formation; he carries out with maximum speed the tasks of camouflage, concealment and strengthening of the position which he has been ordered to hold by the platoon commander; he prepares, if necessary, to clear a field of fire; he sets in minute detail on the ground [the means for]the instant cease-fire of each machine gun.; During the enemy attack; he ensures timely intervention, fire discipline, continual observation.

240. The squad second in command:

Assists the squad commander in the positioning of the unit and watching over security [of the position]; he supervises ammunition replenishment.

241.As the enemy attack takes shape:

the units of advanced fire, on the edges of the sector and within the radius of effective fire, take action to their front, hammering the enemy units [which appear] more dangerous or numerous from time to time; the rear fire units add their own fire to that of surrounding units [ p.98] through the means of fixed levels of fire, covering the gaps between the units about to rapidly intervene against enemy elements that have successfully infiltrated.

242. The squad reacts to the enemy assault with hand grenades and the bayonet; if surrounded, the squad holds the position TO THE LAST MAN AND TO THE LAST CARTRIDGE.

243. To face an armour supported attack the squad should: at the moment of the [enemy] break-through, take prompt individual action to evade and to maintain concealment; if that is not possible, [the squad should] take action against [the armour's]tracks, observation slits etc.; as soon as the wave of armour has passed through [the position], resume with maximum force, continuous fire against the attacking enemy infantry.

244. REPLENISHING AMMUNITION.

During combat ammunition replenishment provided to: those men posted to fight and with insufficient ammunition; with direct re-supply (by means of company re-supply), prepared by the commander [responsible for supply], according to the demands of the platoon commanders; in exceptional circumstances, from half of the portable munitions, or with direct withdrawal from the battalion's ammunition stocks[ p.99] or by means of exchange with company supply. In defensive situations, the individual ammunition allocation of each weapon is usually increased.

GENERAL TRAINING

245. The training of the squad to the fight: is fundamental for the operational output of the larger unit [as a whole]; it should not be considered as a part of the program of education, on the contrary as a substantial activity of the whole course, it should also be progressively inserted into platoon, company and battalion [level] training; and personally overseen by the company commander, in conjunction with subordinate officers and non-commissioned officers; This [aspect of] training must be initiated even before the riflemen have reached a sufficient degree of technical acquaintance with their weaponry and before they have performed any shooting practice.

246.Wide open spaces of terrain aren't essential to squad training; instead they require, the best possible variety of places, environments, and procedures.

[ p.100]

247. In every instruction:

a) the enemy (supposed or represented) must be present

through their observation, fire and movement.

b) the action of the squad is always directed toward a reachable objective.

248. Particular care must be taken in the task to make [the men] understand the decisive importance of the continuity of fire in the attack and in making directing instructions to them as simple as possible.

The instructor must insist on the fact that continuity of fire, in the squad, doesn't always mean in any case continuous weapons fire.

249. For the squad, continuity of fire will tell: a weapon in action, able to perform firing [in the most optimum conditions possible], will neutralise a center of enemy fire and help to facilitate the movement of the other units and the rifle group.

250. The instructor must again stress that the shooting of the machine-gun should always be conducted with small bursts of fire, that this fire should immediately cease when the supposed enemy desists from firing or movement.

At the conclusion of training a true automatism in such suspension and resumption of firing must be reached.

[ p.101]

251. During instruction, the aircraft alarm must be given frequently and also occasionally, the gas alarm.

APPLICATIVE EXERCISES

252. Reconnaissance and security:

appreciation of  terrain, movement and observation (choice of streets offering more cover and, selecting a route which offers] consistent cover) in relation to reaching the objective; survey of various distances to objectives, in varied situations and conditions; estimation of march and halt distances for detachments; reconnoitre isolated and inhabited structures, patches of woodland etc.; behaviour of reconnaissance patrols towards enemy elements of inferior, equal or superior strength; establish a position for the operation of surveillance and signaling in the event of attack on the part of fast mobile elements (cavalry, cyclists, armour etc.); transmission of orders (always in writing).

253. The Approach: choice of formations and alteration of distances and spacing [to be determined]by the varied types of terrain; maintenance of direction [of movement toward the objective]  (in the daytime, at night, in fog, in woods); concealment from aerial and land-based observation; training to complete long movement bounds rapidly; immediacy of reaction against surprises on the flanks or rear.

[ p.102]

254. Attack: occupation of departure point; movement to begin under enemy fire (use of shelter); choice of positions for the machine-guns; fire discipline and intervention of initiative; continuity and co-ordination of fire and movement; preparation and execution of the assault; organisation of defense of the captured objective; co-operation with armour (exploitation of the action of the armour; defence of the armour); replenishment of ammunition.

255. Resistance:

Carry out observation and delaying actions in security zone.; maintenance of direction of withdrawal from the security zone. (movement bounds of varied size, some determined by initiative, others scheduled); execution of the task of strengthening counter-fire (deliberately placed individual machine-guns, entrenched, with barbed-wire); disguise and concealment of defenses; rapid change of objective and of machine-gun positions.; Clear orders to ensure a good execution of fire and cease-fire; counter-attack; replenishment of ammunition.