Scouting and patrolling to the front is of greatest importance. It is kept up both day and night. The units occupying the first line send out patrols whenever necessary. They are frequently able to obtain valuable information and at the same time serve to counteract the enemy’s efforts in this direction. The patrols generally consist of a junior officer or noncommissioned officer and from four to six selected men. Their operations are conducted in accordance with the situation and the mission they are sent on. Hand grenades are frequently carried for both offensive and defensive operations. Grenade patrols always carry them. The operations of patrols may include: 1. Reconnaissance of sectors of the enemy’s position with a view to determining his dispositions and arrangement of obstacles. 2. Making sketches of positions. 3. Capturing prisoners. 4. Opposing enemy patrols. 5. Harassing the enemy. When the patrol goes out every man in the sector of the firing line must be informed of such fact and the possibility of its returning through his post. It is not sufficient to simply notify the men on post at the time the patrol goes out, as a man cannot always be trusted to pass the information on to his relief. Word should be quietly taken along the line by the noncommissioned officer in charge of the relief in person. When the patrol is out, special instructions have to be given with respect to firing. To cease firing altogether is very undesirable. It arouses the enemy’s suspicions. A few trustworthy riflemen are directed to fire high at intervals. No lights are sent up while the patrol is out. If the patrol is to remain stationary, similar to the outguard of an outpost, communication may be maintained by means of a string, spelling out the messages by Morse code, two jerks meaning a dash and one jerk meaning a dot. Where night patrols have to remain out under trying conditions special dugouts should be reserved where they can rest upon their return. [Sidenote: Care of Arms] The infantryman’s rifle is his best friend. The personal care that he gives to it is indicative of his soldierness and discipline. Your rifle must be kept in prime condition, otherwise it may fail you at a critical moment. A canvas breech cover that will protect the bolt and magazine mechanism will be found a great advantage when the rifle is not in use. Care must be taken to exclude mud and dirt from the bolt mechanisms. Do not put mud-covered cartridges into the magazine. Wipe them off first. Arrange a proper receptacle near your post for the storage of your reserve ammunition. Be careful that you do not clog the muzzle of the rifle with mud and dirt. If fired in this condition it will ruin the rifle. Be careful not to clog up the sight cover with mud. Oil the rifle frequently with good sperm oil. Half of the oilers in the squad should be filled with oil and the other half with Hoppe’s No. 9 Powder Solvent.