2. Machine guns form an integral part of the battalion to which they belong, and will, as a rule, be employed under the orders of its commander. This should not, however, prevent general officers commanding brigades from detaching machine guns from their battalions, especially in the case of reserve battalions, and employing them either massed or in groups should the tactical situation so demand. It must be remembered, however, that when massed their position will be more easily discovered, and they will form a large and vulnerable target for the enemy’s fire. 3. Machine guns may be employed with advantage in the attack in the following conditions:-- (i) To cover the advance of the firing line by engaging the enemy from positions in close support of it. The gun should generally be regarded as a long range weapon and in ordinary open ground it would rarely be advisable to push it into the firing line, where it would offer a conspicuous target to the fire of the enemy, but in a broken or enclosed country, where the gun could be brought up under cover, occasions may arise where it could be usefully employed in a forward position. When the ground is favourable, the gun would with advantage accompany that portion of the reserves told off to cover the advance of the remainder by long-range fire. (ii) To bring a concentrated fire on any particular spot. (iii) To assist in repelling counter-attacks to which the firing line may suddenly become exposed, and in the protection of the flanks against cavalry or counter-attack. (iv) To bring fire to bear upon an enemy from a position on a flank of the battalion. The gun would, when so placed, be less liable to draw the fire of the enemy upon the infantry which it is supporting. (v) To give effect to holding attacks by sudden outbursts of fire. (vi) To establish possession of points gained. 4. The machine gun commander must be fully acquainted with the orders given to the infantry he is acting with and with all subsequent orders issued. It is his business to watch his infantry, and conform to their movements and keep touch generally. He should be allowed great liberty of action. 5. Especial care must be exercised to bring the gun into action without exposing it, and to screen it when in action. Machine guns should generally be used singly, though occasions may occur when it may be advisable to use them in pairs. THE COMPANY IN ATTACK. =150.= GENERAL RULES.