The main efforts are made along the lines between the supporting points, as to assault the latter would entail a casualty list not commensurate with the results. The effort against them is made with a view to neutralizing their effect. If the attack is successful in the intervals, the supporting points will fall as a result. The waves of the first line are directed against the first position, the second against the second position. The reserves held under the orders of the division commander are employed where the development of the situation dictates. Further to the rear, and under orders of the supreme commander, large bodies of reinforcements are held ready to be moved rapidly to points where progress has been made to such an extent that maneuver operations are practicable. PREPARATION FOR THE ASSAULT Preparatory to the assault, numerous saps (trenches) are run out to the front from the main firing trenches. The night before the attack, a parallel is broken out connecting the sap heads. This parallel is amply supplied with short ladders and is occupied by the companies composing the first wave of the attack. The saps and the main trenches are also filled with men assigned to the following waves, who will move into the parallel as soon as the first wave leaves it. As the artillery preparation ceases, the first waves rush up the ladders in succession and move out to the assault. THE FIRST WAVE As the artillery preparation against the first line is completed and the curtain of fire shifted far into the enemy's position, the infantry of the first wave emerges from the parallel and moves out. The formation and gait depend upon the distance to the hostile trench. If the artillery preparation has been effective and the distance is not more than 100 yards, it is expected that the wave will be able to reach the fire trench without firing, except possibly when the wire is reached. If the distance is much greater than 100 yards, it is necessary to cover the advance with rifle fire. This is accomplished by a line of skirmishers deployed at extended intervals, which precedes the wave at about 50 yards. The wave starts out at a walk, carefully aligned. It afterwards takes up the double time and advances by rushes until the wire entanglements are reached.