12. Our appliances for protection from gas attacks are complete and ready for instant use. We have our helmets on our persons ready to put on. We are familiar with their use and have confidence in their effectiveness. We will wait for the signal to don our gas helmets (signal is usually made by beating a gong, and care must be taken to follow exactly the directions for putting on the gas helmets; carelessness may mean your disablement). 13. Our trenches are drained and every precaution is being taken to keep the drains and sump holes in condition to perform their functions. 14. We have rendered the parapets and shelters throughout our sector bullet-proof, and effective measures are being taken to prevent them from caving in. 15. We are keeping our trenches sanitary and clean; our reserve munitions are carefully stored in their proper places ready for instant use. Refuse is always placed in receptacles when it can be carried away. We do not under any circumstances litter up our trench floor. Our empty shells are collected and sent to the rear. 16. Our rifles are our best friends. We keep them clean, well oiled, and in readiness for instant use. Our bayonets we have with us at all times ready to be placed on the rifle. We protect our rifle ammunition from the mud, as we realize that muddy cartridges will clog the breech mechanism and cause mal-function. 17. We are taking every precaution to prevent “trench feet;” when practicable we take off our shoes and rub our feet for 15 minutes each day. We do not wear tight shoes and leggings that tend to interfere with blood circulation. We each have a pair of dry socks to put on. We do not wear rubber boots except when it is absolutely necessary. 18. We observe the orders regarding the wearing of equipment. 19. We do not drink any water except that from authorized sources. We replenish our canteens whenever practicable. In addition to the above the platoon commander must be able to adopt the following and· live up to them: 1. My sentries are posted in the proper places. They are posted by noncommissioned officers. They have the proper orders. No man is ever on duty more than one hour at a time. I visit them at frequent intervals. 2. I have a runner ready to carry a message to company headquarters. I realize that any information of the enemy that I may secure may be of great importance at regimental and other headquarters. I will therefore send it back with the utmost dispatch. 3. I am familiar with the methods of communicating with the artillery, of giving them information and of asking them for support. 4. My patrols operating to the front at night have been properly instructed and are doing their duty effectively. All sentries in the trench have been notified when they are out and cautioned to look out for their return.