7. _Battalion arrangements for issuing extra ammunition._--Each company commander will detail one non-commissioned officer and two privates to act as ammunition carriers (if the company is strong, three privates should be detailed). Only men of strength and activity should be selected for this duty, the importance of which cannot be overrated. Whenever a serious engagement is imminent, officer commanding battalions will issue to the men 50 rounds from the S.A.A. carts, so that, if possible, every man shall carry 150 rounds on his person. The extra ammunition should generally be issued before leaving the halting place of the previous night. During an action every opportunity will be taken for supplying ammunition to the firing line by sending some up by carriers or with reinforcements. The carriers bring the ammunition from the pack animals (or from the S.A.A. carts) in canvas ammunition bags, and distribute it to the men in the ranks. The bags, when not in use, are carried on the pack animals. The loads are not to exceed 600 rounds to each carrier. When more ammunition is required by the firing-line it will be taken forward by any men at hand, acting as carriers. The carriers will move direct to the companies for which they are destined. If there is a difficulty in their getting back they may be retained in their ranks till the action is over. It is the duty of section and squad commanders to make sure that all ammunition from the killed and wounded is collected and distributed. The system of carrying ammunition by hand, here provided for, is not to prevent every endeavour being made to push the S.A.A. carts as far forward as practicable. They ought, in ordinary circumstances, to get within 1,000 yards of the firing-line, and in broken and undulating ground considerably nearer. With pack animals, it should be practicable to get within 500 yards of the firing-line. The immense importance of having a supply of ammunition out of sight of the enemy, and yet within easy reach of the firing-line, will justify great risks being incurred in getting it to such a position. =176.= _Entrenching Tools._ 1. The entrenching tools of a battalion are carried on two tool carts and on eight pack animals (_i.e._, one per company). A brigade reserve of entrenching tools is carried on one G.S. wagon. 2. On the march, the pack animals carrying the tools will be with those carrying the ammunition, _i.e._, one in rear of each company. 3. In action, the pack animal carrying the tools will keep as close to its company as the enemy’s fire will admit, but the driver must use his discretion in doing so; for instance, on bare open country it will seldom be advisable to advance the animals close to the firing line, whereas when advanced positions have been secured, it will usually be necessary to take tools at once up to the firing line, in order that the position may be strengthened against counter-attacks.