They must be confined to simple movements over easy ground. 197.--Orders to be given. They must be carefully prepared secretly beforehand in every detail. The orders must include detailed particulars on the role of each unit or fraction of units, precise data on the rallying points and on the signals to be used. 198.--Small units used. For many reasons, chief among which is the difficulty of handling large units at night and maintaining contact, small units should be used. 199.--A battalion the maximum. The fire of the adversary being negligible at night, there is seldom any advantage in putting more than a battalion in line against a given objective, the quality, discipline and cohesion of the troops making up for the number. 200.--Special precaution. Before beginning the approach, carefully secure all arms and utensils so as to prevent noise. Fix bayonets. 201.--Method of advance. Walk in double files on sides of roads, never in the center. Otherwise as long as practicable, in columns of squads. 202.--Liaison. Commands are to be transmitted in a low voice by connecting files. 203.--To secure surprise. Keep absolute silence. Forbid all lights. No smoking allowed. 204.--Reconnaissance. The itinerary should be reconnoitered beforehand, if possible, and index stakes planted; otherwise an officer should precede with a luminous compass and men to plant the stakes. 205.--No fire before charge. Do not answer the enemy's fire until the charge. 206.--Quickness essential. Success depends above all on the rapidity and continuity of the advance. Get there as quickly as possible. THE DEFENSE. DEFENSE OF POINTS d'APPUIS: WOODS, VILLAGES, DEFILES. DEFENSE OF WOODS. 207.--Distribution of Troops. The commander should distribute his command so as to provide a defense of the outskirts, an interior defense and reserves for a counter attack. 208.--The outskirt defense. The outskirts defense troops should organize their positions and remain hidden near the combat emplacements until the attack is announced as impending by their sentinels. 209.--The interior defense. The interior defense troops should organize their positions (abatis, barb-wire) on the edges of clearings and other open spaces so as to secure convergent fire. 210.--The Reserves. The counter-attack reserves should be placed in the rear and on the outside of the flank best suited for launching a counter attack. They should proceed to organize the ground so as to prevent the enemy from issuing from the wood, and should strive to keep on. DEFENSE OF A VILLAGE. 211.--Distribution of Troops. The same as for the defense of a wood. 212.--The exits. The outskirts defense organization should include trenches and accessory defences before all the exits. These should be strongly barricaded. 213.--Interior strong point.