1. _In attack_: a. May select formation in which companies advance. (212, i.d.r.) b. Designates-- 1. The direction of the objective. (303, i.d.r.) 2. The companies for the firing line. 3. The companies for the support. 4. The order and front of the companies in the firing line. 5. The right or left company of the firing line as the base company. 6. May indicate when the advance by rushes is to start. (311, i.d.r.) 2. _In defense_: a. Describes front of each company. (292, i.d.r.) b. Assigns sector of fire. (244, 302, i.d.r.) c. Locates fire, communicating and cover trenches. d. Directs preparation of obstacles. e. Assigns companies to construct trenches and obstacles. f. Details troops to occupy trenches. (321, i.d.r.) g. Causes firing line and supports to fix bayonets when a charge by the enemy is imminent. (324, i.d.r.) h. Seeks opportunities for counter attacks. (326, i.d.r.) III. BATTALION STAFF. POSITIONS: Battalion Adjutant } Battalion Sergeant Major } with Major. Mounted orderlies--both with Major (one with major and one with Adjutant) until horses are sent to rear when both may be with the horses or one take the horses and the other remain with the major, as he may direct. DUTIES: All assist the major in any way directed, by a. Reconnaissance. (565, i.d.r., 25, f.s.r.) b. Observation of the firing line. c. Maintaining contact with regimental headquarters. d. Maintaining contact with the support. e. Receiving, communicating, and sending visual signals from and to front and rear. f. Observing fire effect and progress of events. g. Keeping copies of all orders, messages, and other data necessary, for his war diary. (35, f.s.r.) When there is only one range finder to the battalion, the Battalion Sergeant Major is the Battalion Range Taker. When not actually engaged in taking ranges, he assists the Major as above or, preferably, he may be charged with the duty of maintaining communication with the companies of the firing line.