CHAPTER 1
GENERAL

1. COMPOSITION.--

   1. General.--The rifle company is the basic infantry unit with administrative and supply functions. The company consists of a company headquarters, three rifle platoons, and one weapons platoon. (See fig. 1.)

Figure 1
Composition of rifle company.

2. Company headquarters.--Company headquarters includes the personnel necessary to assist the company commander in performing his tactical, administrative, and supply duties. It is divided into:

   1. Command group.--Company commander, second-in-command, first sergeant, communication sergeant, bugler, orderly, messengers.

   2. Administration group.--Supply sergeant and armorer-artificer; mess sergeant, cooks, and cooks' helpers; company clerk.

3. Rifle platoon.--The rifle platoon consists of a platoon headquarters (command group) and three rifle squads.

4. Weapons platoon.--The weapons platoon consists of a platoon headquarters (command group), one 60-mm mortar section, and one light machine-gun section.
2. WEAPONS.--

   1. General.--The weapons of the rifle company include individual and crew-served weapons.

      1. The individual weapons are the rifle, bayonet, carbine, pistol, hand grenade, and antitank rifle grenade.

      2. The crew-served weapons are the light machine gun, 60-mm mortar, and automatic rifle.

      3. For description and characteristics of weapons, see FM 23-5, 23-10, 23-15, 23-25, 23-30, 23-35, 23-45, and 23-85.

   2. Individual weapons.--

      1. Rifle and bayonet--

         1. Rifle M1.--The M1 rifle is the principal individual weapon assigned to rifle company personnel. On account of its long range, ease of operation, and light weight it is well adapted for use in all types of infantry combat. These characteristics enable a rifleman or group of riflemen to deliver promptly a large volume of accurate fire upon any designated ground and air targets within range.

         2. Rifle M1903.--One M1903 rifle is furnished to each rifle squad for use in firing the antitank rifle grenade. This rifle can also be used for firing at ground and air targets with caliber .30 ammunition.

         3. Bayonet.--The bayonet is a weapon of close combat. Thorough training in its use gives the infantryman confidence in his ability to close with the enemy.

      2. Carbine.--The carbine furnishes fires of greater volume and accuracy than the pistol. Its effective range is 300 yards.

It is used to protect the personnel of crew-served weapons, and as an individual weapon by personnel to whom it is issued.
3. Pistol.--The automatic pistol is an arm of emergency and individual defense at ranges up to 50 yards for personnel not armed with the rifle, automatic rifle, or carbine.

4. Hand grenades.--

   1. The fragmentation hand grenade is used primarily in defensive situations. The fragmentation of this grenade is effective through a radius of 30 yards.

   2. The offensive type of hand grenade is used against personnel in offensive situations. The concussion caused by the explosive charge has an effective radius of about 7 yards.

5. Antitank rifle grenade.--The antitank rifle grenade, HE, M9, is provided for the purpose of combating tanks and armored vehicles. The grenade is fired from a U.S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903, which is carried by the antitank rifle grenadier of each rifle squad. A practice grenade M11 is provided for instruction in mechanical training, marksmanship, and technique of fire. Each rifle from which the grenade is to be fired is provided with a soft rubber pad to be placed over the butt, and also with a launcher (muzzle extension) which fits over the muzzle and into the base of the fin-tail assembly. The launcher holds the grenade in place during the period of aiming. The grenade may be fired from the prone, standing, sitting, or kneeling positions, or from a foxhole or slit trench. Within its effective range, approximately 75 yards, the high explosive grenade M9 is effective against all known light and medium tanks.

6. Antitank Rockets.

   1. Rocket launchers and high explosive antitank rockets are provided for use against tanks and armored vehicles. Rockets are also effective against buildings and masonry. To provide necessary assistance in loading and reloading, antitank rocket launchers are normally operated by teams of two men each. A practice rocket is provided for instruction in mechanical use, marksmanship, estimation of leads, and technique of fire. The rocket may be fired from the prone, standing, sitting, or kneeling position; it may also be fired from a two-man fox hole, provided the hole is so constructed that the blast from the rear of the launcher will not be deflected against the loader or other nearby personnel.

   2. The performance of the high-explosive rocket is generally similar to that of the antitank rifle grenade, except that the effect is approximately 30 percent greater for the rocket than for the grenade. The rocket has a maximum range of 800 yards. It is reasonably accurate against moving targets at ranges up to 300 yards. In order to achieve greater accuracy and assist in effecting surprise, fire against moving targets should be withheld until the last practicable moment.

   3. Selected individuals will be specially trained to function as rocket teams and all members of the company will be given sufficient training to familiarize them with the use of rockets and with the care and cleaning of launchers.

   4. The launchers and rockets issued to the rifle company will normally be carried [on the transports assigned] to the weapons platoon. When required for use in combat, each launcher will he manned by a team of two men, designated by the company commander.

   5. The rockets will be employed for the close-in protection of the company from armored vehicles which have evaded other antitank means; and for offensive use against machine gun nests or such other targets as the situation may require. Upon entering combat, the company commander assigns the launchers in the manner which will most effectively further his mission. In the attack, where the terrain favors hostile tank attack, they should be near that part of the company most threatened by such an attack. During reorganization after an attack, and in the defense, they should be placed near the perimeter of the company to cover the most likely avenues of mechanized approach. The company commander will coordinate the use of the rocket launchers with any other antitank protection furnished his company. They may be assigned to tank hunting parties when constituted.

   6. In addition to its use as an antitank projectile when fired from the launcher, the rocket may be used as an antitank mine as follows:

      1. The rocket is placed horizontally, or at an angle, nose up, in a hole in the ground about 2 feet deep, properly sited to achieve the desired effect. It may be placed in a roadbed or set horizontally into the side of a cut or bank. It is fired electrically by attaching the ends of two wires to the rocket ignition wires, one to the brass contact ring on the ogive, the other to the fins. Ordinary twisted pair field telephone wire and the dry cell battery from the launcher suffice for this purpose.

      2. Figure 1½ (A) illustrates a rocket prepared for firing as an antitank mine. The container cap has been removed and the other end knocked out. The container is thus used as a guide for the rocket. A hole is punched in the container cap through which electric firing device wires (or trip wire) are run. When connections have been made, the container cap is slid in place over the fins to protect the contacts from fouling. Loose dirt and leaves are then placed over all of the rocket except the nose; the nose is concealed by covering with leaves or light bunches of grass.

      3. Figure 1½ (B) illustrates the rear of a rocket prepared for firing, using a trip wire actuated igniter (pull type engineer igniter with blank cartridge).

      4. One or more rockets may be buried, nose up, next to any standard antitank mine, so that when the mine is exploded by a tank in the usual manner, the rockets will detonate sympathetically, destroying the tank.

Figure 1½
Antitank rocket M6 employed as antitank mine.

3. Crew-served weapons.--

   1. Light machine gun.--The light machine gun is used--

      1. To supplement rifle fires by placing short, concentrated bursts of fire upon grouped hostile personnel at medium or short ranges.

      2. To protect flanks.

      3. In defense, to supplement the fires of heavy machine guns.

      4. To engage lightly armored vehicles such as armored personnel carriers, armored cars, and scout cars.

2. The 60-mm mortar.--

   1. The 60-mm mortar may be employed against targets up to its maximum range of 1,935 yards, but accuracy is materially reduced beyond 1,000 yards. The fire of the mortar should not be placed within 100 yards of friendly troops. Observation within voice or arm-and-hand signaling distance from the mortar position is necessary for proper fire control.

   2. The mortar is used--

      1. To engage known targets defiladed from flat-trajectory fire or small areas known or believed to contain suitable targets.

      2. To fire on observed targets of grouped personnel or crew-served weapons.

3. Automatic rifle.--

   1. The automatic rifle provides the rifle squad leader with an easily controlled and maneuvered weapon capable of a large volume of fire. It is used against ground targets in a manner similar to the light machine gun, and also engages air targets. Its light weight permits the automatic rifleman to maintain the rate of advance of riflemen and to fire from any position.

   2. Certain weapon carriers in the company are provided with a pedestal mount and equipped with an automatic rifle, for the protection of all company weapon carriers against hostile airplanes and ground forces.
4. Methods of movement.--

   1. When exposed to effective hostile small-arms fire, light machine guns, mortars, and ammunition are moved by hand. Whenever the terrain is suitable and hostile fires permit, these weapons and ammunition are moved on weapon carriers.

   2. Individual arms and automatic rifles (except those on weapon carriers) are always carried by the individuals to whom assigned.

5. Types of positions.--

   1. Firing positions.--

      1. Firing positions occupied by the light machine gun and the 60-mm mortar to cover assigned sectors of fire or target areas are classified as--

         1. Primary position.--The firing position offering the best conditions for the accomplishment of the mission of the weapon.

2. Alternate position.--A firing position from which the same fire missions can be executed as from the primary position. The route from the primary position to the alternate position should permit movement of the weapons by hand and afford concealment and cover from enemy observation and fire. The alternate position should be located at such distance from the primary position as to be outside the effective radius of fires specifically directed on the primary position.

3. Supplementary position.--A firing position from which the weapon can accomplish secondary fire missions which cannot be accomplished from primary or alternate positions.
2. An enemy will search for locations of machine guns. Dust clouds caused by firing and muzzle blast disclose the gun location. Wet cloth, such as burlap, when available, or dampening the earth beneath the muzzle will aid in reducing dust clouds. Positions can often be found which afford complete protection from hostile observation except from the direction in which the gun is firing. Such positions are found on the sides of hills and behind mounds, in or behind buildings, brush, and similar obstructions.

3. The curved trajectory of the mortar enables it to be fired from defilade. Because of its low relief, minor terrain features (such as shell holes, ditches, or small hillocks) afford some cover. Advantage is taken of vegetation to conceal the mortar from observation.

4. Individual protection for weapons and personnel will be sought and improved, or prepared whenever troops are halted in a combat zone. This applies equally for all primary, alternate, or supplementary positions as well as temporary locations of men and weapons during the attack. (See appendix I.)
2. Cover positions.--

   1. Whenever practicable, leaders select cover positions affording defilade and concealment for men and weapons not actively engaged with the enemy.

   2. In attack, the cover position should be immediately in rear of the firing position of the rifle squad or the crew-served weapon. (See fig. 3.)

3. In defense, the cover position is located near, and is occupied after, firing positions are prepared. Lacking suitable natural cover, appropriate substitutes may be constructed. Sentinels are posted at the primary firing position to give warning of hostile approach.
3. Off-carrier position.--The off-carrier position is the point at which the weapons of the weapons platoon, an initial supply of their ammunition, and accessories are removed from the carrier and from which these are moved by hand to the firing or cover position. The off-carrier position should afford defilade and concealment for carriers and men. (See fig. 3.)
3. EQUIPMENT.--For equipment of the rifle company, see current Table of Basic Allowances and Tables of Organization.

4. TRANSPORTATION.--

   1. The organic transportation of the rifle company consists of weapon carriers, which transport the weapons and ammunition of the weapons platoon. For their employment in ammunition supply, see paragraph 201.

   2. The battalion trains (the battalion section of the transportation platoon of the service company--FM 7-30) transport the kitchen equipment, rations, water, clothing not required by individuals, extra ammunition for issue prior to combat, and certain operating personnel.

5. TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT.

   1. The rifle company is employed in accordance with the battalion commander's plan. The company commander bases his plan upon the mission assigned in the battalion order and coordinates the action of his platoons and the fires of all weapons at his disposal. The rifle company may be assigned to the forward echelon or to the battalion reserve. The company commander must keep the battalion commander fully informed of the situation on the front of the company. First contact with the enemy and new identifications are aways reported by the most rapid means available. During pauses in combat, the company commander makes a brief combat report to battalion headquarters concerning any important change in the situation. In addtion, a report is made upon reaching an objective, or upon committing the company support to action.

   2. When the company is acting alone, it is employed as directed by the commander who assigned the company its

mission. The company commander will, of necessity, have to make more decisions on his own initiative than he will when operating with his battalion. His major decisions, as well as frequent reports of location and progress, are submitted promptly to the higher commander.
3. The company commander is responsible for reconnaissance in the company area of operations and for the security of his company.
6. ESTIMATE OF SITUATION.--An estimate of the situation is the process of reasoning by which a commander arrives at a plan of action to carry out his mission. The company commander analyzes, with respect to his mission, the terrain, the dispositions of friendly and hostile troops, the relative strength of his own unit and the enemy, and the assistance he can reasonably expect from supporting or adjacent troops. From this analysis he determines what plans are open to him to accomplish his mission and what are the enemy capabilities of interfering. He then opposes each of his plans by each of the enemy capabilities, and thereby determines which of his plans is most likely to succeed no matter what action the enemy takes. For units as small as the rifle company, the estimate is comparatively brief and simple. It is based upon available intelligence, amplified by personal reconnaissance and the reconnaissance of subordinate leaders and patrols. The estimate of the situation culminates in a decision which expresses concisely what the commander intends to do with his company. (See FM 101-5.)

7. DUTIES OF COMPANY COMMANDER.--

   1. General.--The commander is responsible for the discipline, administration, supply, training, tactical employment, and control of his company. He is responsible that his company is trained to accomplish its combat tasks decisively; to function as an effective unit in the military team. He must anticipate and plan in order to prepare his company for prospective missions; his supervision must be continuous to insure that all subordinates properly execute their part in the company task. Decision as to a specific course of action is his responsibility in conformity with orders from higher headquarters. While he may accept advice and suggestions from any of his subordinates,

he alone is responsible for what his unit does or fails to do.
2. Orders.--

   1. Having decided upon a detailed plan of action to carry out an assigned mission, the company commander must assign specific missions to his subordinate units. Company orders are usually issued orally to the leaders concerned or as oral or written messages. Sketches are furnished when practicable. Prior to combat, subordinates frequently can be assembled to receive the order. This facilitates orientation prior to issuance of orders and enables the company commander to insure that his orders are understood. (See FM 7-40.)

   2. Whenever practicable, the order is issued at a point from which terrain features of importance to subordinates can be pointed out. In attack, this often will be impracticable because of hostile observation and fires. If time is limited and leaders are separated, the company commander will issue his orders in fragmentary form. Leaders of units which are engaged with the enemy are not called away from their units for the purpose of receiving orders.

3. During combat.--During combat the primary duties of the company commander are--

   1. To know where the enemy is, and what he is capable of doing.

   2. To keep informed of the situation on his front and flanks.

   3. To anticipate the needs of his platoons for supporting fires, employ the supporting weapons under his control to provide such of these fires as is practicable, and call on the battalion commander for additional supporting fires whenever the situation demands it. In calling for such fires, he specifies the target, and also indicates when and for how long such fire is desired.

   4. To insure mutual support and cooperation by the subordinate elements of his company.

   5. To assist adjacent companies whenever this can be done without detriment to the accomplishment of his own mission.

   6. To insure continuous all-around protection of his company.

7. To control the company support prior to its commitment, and then employ it to accomplish the company mission, or to exploit a favorable situation developed by the success of his own or adjacent units.

8. To insure proper execution of his orders by supervision, and prompt intervention when required.

9. To control the employment of company transportation within the company area, and insure the timely replenishment of ammunition.

10. To keep the battalion commander informed, by frequent reports, of the situation of his company and of all information obtained of the enemy.
8. COMPANY HEADQUARTERS.--

   1. Groups.--The members of company headquarters are grouped, according to the nature of their duties, into the command group and the administration group.

   2. Duties of command group.--

      1. The company commander employs his command group primarily to assist him in making the necessary preparations for employing his company in combat and in controlling the company during combat. (See par. 7.)

      2. The second-in-command (first lieutenant) keeps abreast of the tactical situation as it affects the company, replaces the company commander should the latter become a casualty, and performs any other duty assigned him by the company commander. During combat, he is in charge of the command post until he assumes command of the company or of a platoon. He maintains communication with the company and battalion commanders. He notifies the battalion commander of changes in location of the command post, usually by sending a new messenger to relieve the messenger previously sent to the battalion command post. (See (6) below.) He is frequently made responsible for controlling the movement of weapon carriers within the company area, and for the resupply of ammunition to platoons in compliance with general instructions issued by the company commander. (See par. 201.)

      3. The first sergeant assists the company commander by the performance of any duties which the latter may assign him. During combat his duties may vary from handling administrative

and supply matters to commanding a platoon, if casualties make this necessary. Ordinarily, he assists the second-in-command as directed, is in charge of the command post when no officer is present, and takes over the communication and administrative duties of the second-in-command when he leaves the command post.
4. The communication sergeant is trained in the use of sound-powered telephones and visual signals (including pyrotechnics), in the preparation of sketches and overlays, and as an observer. He assists the company commander in observation and control. He supervises all visual signals, assists in organizing observation over the company front, and supervises the installation and operation of company sound-powered telephone equipment or other technical signaling equipment made available to the company. He receives and dispatches the messengers and agents who are with the company commander and performs such other duties as the company commander directs.

5. The bugler is trained as an observer and is employed to assist the company commander in observation and control.

6. All messengers are also trained as observers. One messenger accompanies the company commander, assists him in observation and control, and carries messages to the command post or other company elements. One messenger is sent to the battalion command post as soon as the battalion develops for combat. Other company messengers remain at the command post to carry messages as directed.

7. The orderly is trained as a messenger and as an observer. He accompanies the company commander wherever he goes, acts as his personal bodyguard, and assists him in observation and control.

8. Upon deployment of the company, one messenger from each platoon reports to the company command post; when the sections of the weapons platoon operate independently, this platoon sends two messengers. Frequently, an agent corporal from the battalion heavy weapons company reports to the rifle company commander. Battery forward observers from the supporting artillery, operating in a company zone of action or area, also report to the company commander and notify him as to their location.

3. Duties of the administration group.--For duties of the administration group, see chapter 8.
9. ROUTE MARCH.--

   1. General.--The rifle company normally moves as an element of the battalion in route column until the battalion is developed. The command group is usually formed as a squad and marches at the head of the company. The weapons platoon, less weapon carriers and accompanying personnel, normally marches in rear of the last rifle platoon. The weapon carriers usually move with other motor transportation in rear of the battalion or regimental foot column.

   2. Daylight march.--During a daylight march, unless otherwise directed, the company marches in column of twos, one file on each side of the road. The company commander continuously studies the terrain so that he can deploy his company in suitable formation quickly. He requires his officers and noncommissioned officers to enforce march discipline and to prevent straggling. The leading company commander maintains the rate of march prescribed by the battalion commander; other company commanders regulate the rate of march so as to retain their proper position in the column. Ordinarily, the company commander is at the head of his company; however, he goes wherever his duties require.

   3. Antimechanized defense and antiaircraft security--

      1. Warning system.--Timely warning is a vital factor in reducing losses from air or mechanized attack. As required by the situation, air-antitank guards are detailed for the protection of the company, or to protect separate platoons. These guards are assigned sectors of observation.

      2. Standard warning signal.--

         1. In transmitting warning of the approach or presence of hostile aircraft or mechanized vehicles, air-antitank guards, or other personnel engaged on security missions, use the following signals:

            Three long blasts of a whistle, vehicular horn, siren, or klaxon repeated several times;

            Three equally spaced shots with a rifle, automatic rifle, carbine, or pistol; or

            Three short bursts from a machine gun or submachine gun.

2. In daylight, the individual giving the signal points in the direction of impending danger. At night, the warning signal is supplemented by voice warning to indicate the direction of danger.

3. All organic means of communication are immediately employed to transmit the warning signal throughout the company or separate platoon.
3. Action in case of attack.--

   1. General.--Upon receipt of warning of hostile air or mechanized attack, foot troops disperse and take cover. If marching, they first clear the road. Troops utilize nearby holes or ditches for individual protection; they take advantage of any nearby obstacles to tank movement. Weapon carriers, if with the company, clear the probable impact area of air attack and move into suitable nearby locations which provide obstacles to tank movement.

   2. Antiaircraft fire.--In the absence of orders, the company commander decides whether or not fire will be opened on hostile airplanes. When concealment is essential and is believed to have been achieved, no weapons fire at hostile airplanes. When concealment is not essential, or obviously does not exist, all men armed with rifles, automatic rifles, and carbines open fire as soon as the attacking airplanes are within effective range of their respective weapons.

   3. Antimechanized fire.--In case of attack by tanks, or more lightly armored vehicles, antitank rifle grenades are employed within effective ranges (75 yards). (See par. 2b (5).) Primary targets for M1 rifles, carbines, and light machine guns are hostile foot troops. These weapons do not ordinarily fire on approaching tanks, but do fire on lightly armored vehicles, such as personnel carriers or scout cars, which come within effective range of their respective weapons. Having taken cover against tanks, personnel and weapons return to firing positions as soon as the tanks have passed, so as to fire on approaching foot troops.

4. Night march.--At night, the company commander takes special measures to insure march discipline, maintenance of contact, and provision for security. Special attention is given to the avoidance of lights and noise. Units are kept well closed up and distances are greatly reduced. If illuminated by flares from hostile aircraft, the company halts and all indlviduals

keep their heads down and remain motionless until the light dies out. Hostile aircraft are not fired at unless the column is actually attacked.
10. BIVOUAC.--

    1. Normally, the rifle company bivouacs as part of the battalion or larger unit and is assigned a location within the battalion bivouac area. The company commander, or his representative, divides the area among the platoons and company headquarters, reserving locations for the company command post, company transport (unless other arrangements have been directed for it), kitchens, and latrines. He selects an emergency assembly point to facilitate prompt, orderly movement from the area if that becomes necessary.

    2. The bivouac outpost, air-antitank warning system, and interior guard are provided by the battalion or regimental commander. One officer and one noncommissioned officer are constantly on duty in each platoon. They are especially alert for any indications of attack by gas, mechanized vehicles, and aircraft. Protective trenches will be dug for all personnel. (See fig. 30.) These trenches (and shelter tents if erected) are concealed from aerial observation. Antitank rifle grenadiers are located so as best to protect the entire company in case of mechanized attack.

    3. For action to be taken against hostile planes or tanks, see paragraph 9c.