4. The duties of the local reserves are to deliver local counter-attacks, to reinforce the firing line at critical moments, and to protect the flanks; they will also furnish the outposts and supply detachments to occupy temporary positions, either in front or beyond the flanks of the entrenchments. S. =161= (7), also “Combined Training,” =125= (4). Local reserves should be well covered, especially from artillery fire; but there should be no obstacle to their being brought rapidly to the front. =161.= _Occupation of the position._ 1. It is far more important that every man should see well to the front, and be well covered, than that the front should be regular and continuous. Each section, or even each squad, may have its own entrenchment. These entrenchments will not necessarily be in one general line. The main consideration is a good field of fire and provision of oblique or enfilade fire to support other parts of the line. 2. Weak points should be strongly held. Between the points held spaces may be left unoccupied, provided they can be swept by an effective cross-fire. 3. When there is no time to entrench every man must improvise cover for himself, and this should be constantly practised in peace. When the troops occupy entrenchments every man should see that he can use his rifle effectively, and if necessary make the improvements necessary to enable him to do so. 4. The distance of all prominent objects and exposed points on the probable lines of attack should be carefully ascertained, noted and communicated to the men. If time permit, these distances should be defined by marks. 5. If possible, objects which might assist the enemy in finding the range should be removed, and all works and entrenchments should be hidden with bushes, grass, &c. 6. Arrangements should be made to ensure that men, if suddenly called on at night to man the entrenchments, fire in the required direction. This can best be done by so designing parapets, loopholes, &c., that the line of fire of a rifle resting on them grazes the ground in advance for some distance. 7. In addition to the outposts, which will protect the front and flanks of the position, troops may be specially detailed to take up temporary positions to mislead the enemy, embarrass his reconnoitring patrols and delay his advance, S. =160= (4); such troops should be withdrawn before they become seriously engaged, care being taken not to mask the fire of the main position during the retirement. =162.= _Entrenching a Position._ 1. Trenches on the sky-line afford so excellent a target, that such a position, especially if the enemy has good artillery, should always be avoided. They may, however, be constructed on the sky-line and left unoccupied for the purpose of deceiving the enemy.