On the nights of June 22 and 23 the headquarters company of the First Battalion entered the front line of the Avocourt sub-sector, west of Hill 304, for its first experience in modern warfare. After July 14 the regiment moved into the Varrieres sub-sector in the same vicinity, and the Second and Third Battalions were in support. In this sector the regiment remained until September 14, most of the time with two battalions in the line and one in support, although for a short time the entire regiment was in the front line. During these days there was some nervousness on the part of the troops as they were constantly expecting an attack; but it did not take them long to become accustomed to the artillery fire, and their nonchalant attitude won for them the admiration and the confidence of the French officers. The supporting battalion did the night work on the defenses destroyed by the artillery fire, and its nearness to the front line prevented any training of the regiment in offensive action. Outpost duty was done, and at one time the 371st covered as much as five kilometers, which was its own front and half the front of the 333rd French Infantry at its left. There were occasional raiding parties and nightly patrols, and daily there was harassing fire in the sector. Some men were killed or wounded in these raids, but on the other hand some prisoners were taken, much to the satisfaction of the French command. The 371st, though inexperienced in war, occupied and defended its sectors, and provided for all means of liaison and supply just as a French infantry regiment was expected to do. More and more its discipline improved. On September 14 it was taken from the Verdun region by trucks to Helitz-l’Évêque, Champagne, for two weeks of training in offensive action, but on the first day of training new orders came and the regiment marched to Somme Bionne, Champagne, in the area of the great offensive which was to start on September 26. On the night of the 26th the regiment marched from the old French line at Boyan to Butte de Mesnil. At 12.30 on the 27th it was ordered to a position in readiness behind the crest line facing north between Butte de Mesnil and Maison Champagne Ferme. A position astride the Ripont-Gratevil road was reached before daylight. There was heavy gun fire and there were six casualties in the course of the march.