The field artillery employs machine guns and automatic rifles only defensively, either against hostile aircraft, or against enemy infantry in case of a break-through. For this reason the tactical use of these weapons by the artillery is considerably different from that by the infantry, and the dispositions that must be made are adapted to particular needs. * * * * * The field artillery must defend itself: (a) On the march. (b) In position. (c) At the echelon (horse-lines). Defense on the March. 1. Machine Gun. Machine guns may be used on the march in case of surprise attack or against low-flying aeroplanes. Fire on roads and convoys from low-flying aeroplanes has been developed to such an extent that it is imperative at all times for a column to be prepared to defend itself against such attacks. 1. When a battery is in the advanced zone, one machine gun is mounted on a special mount on the second caisson of the fifth section. This gun is kept ready for fire at all times, the loaded belt if it is a Browning, being kept in the loaded position. About 500 rounds Cal. 30 ammunition are carried on the caisson. The machine gunner in charge of the gun marches with the 5th section. A mechanic can very easily modify the special mount for the Browning, for use against aircraft, so that it also will be adaptable for use on the caisson. One gun is attached to the fifth section, so that on subdivision of the battery for action, the other gun will be with the Combat Train or echelon, being carried in the battery wagon or the park wagon. The second gun may be carried stored in the battery wagon or on escort wagon. In position warfare the firing battery goes into position usually at night. The escort wagon then goes up with tools, officers’ rolls, etc. and the machine gun with its special mount, the regular tripod, and about 2000 rounds of ammunition. If not carried as stated, provision must be made for carrying the gun with the firing battery. 2. Automatic Rifles. The automatic rifles are assigned one to each section. All eight automatic rifles should be in readiness for instant use when on the march. They should be evenly distributed throughout the battery, and handled by men who have had special training. At least two magazines per gun (40 rounds) should be instantly available. While it is difficult to bring down a plane with a machine gun or rifle, a well directed fire will limit the action of hostile planes. It should be borne in mind that often when in the advanced zone friendly aeroplanes are detailed to guard a battery on the march. Great care must be taken to make no mistakes in identifying aeroplanes. Never shoot at a ship unless the distinctive markings on the wings are clearly distinguished and identified. Upon subdivision for action, the automatic rifles go with the section to which assigned. This, of course, may be varied according to the situation. (B.) Defense of the Position.