In recounting the several commands to be given for firing, the regulations take into consideration the logical sequence of the tasks devolving upon the skirmisher. Thus the first command draws the skirmisher’s attention to the target; the second indicates the range; the third directs him to open fire. 11. THE OBSERVATION OF THE FIRE. The actions of the enemy are usually the only reliable indication of the location of the sheaf of fire directed against him; the observed strike of bullets is seldom so good an indication. It is especially difficult to judge of the distribution of projectiles from their strike in front and in rear of the target. Suggestions from the subordinate leaders, whose view of the target is generally restricted, are often more confusing than valuable. 12. THE EFFECT OF FIRE. COMPARISON BETWEEN LOSSES PRODUCED BY INFANTRY AND ARTILLERY FIRE. In 1866 the Austrian artillery inflicted 16% of our losses. In 1870-71 the French artillery inflicted 8% of our losses. Up to the battle of Liao Yang the 1st Japanese Army suffered the following losses: ===========+===========================+======================== | PERCENTAGES. | WOUNDS. +----------+-------+--------+--------+-------+------- | Small | Art’y |Cutting |Serious.|Slight.| Very |arms fire.| fire. |weapons.| | |slight. -----------+----------+-------+--------+--------+-------+------- Guard Div. | 88.42 | 11.50 | 0.08 | 32.17 | 62.49 | 5.34 2d Div. | 89.43 | 7.91 | 2.30 | 44.05 | 54.89 | 1.06 12th Div. | 80.52 | 14.48 | 2.09 | 39.12 | 46.36 | 14.52 -----------+----------+-------+--------+--------+-------+------- Average | 86.12 | 11.30 | 2.09 | 38.45 | 54.58 | 6.97 -----------+----------+-------+--------+--------+-------+------- The figures given above under the captions “serious” (including killed), “slight,” and “very slight” wounds have, of course, only a relative value. The following figures express the average losses of Russians and Japanese: Losses through rifle fire 85.9% Losses through artillery fire 11.4% Losses through cutting weapons 3.2% Modern fire tactics count upon a prolonged fire for the purpose of gradually exhausting the enemy, and upon rapid fire, suddenly delivered, for annihilating him. While a statement of the percentage of hits[162] throws some light upon the effect of the fire of an organization, under normal conditions, the number of figures placed out of action affords a standard of comparison by means of which tactical success may be measured, and aids in deciding how to distribute the fire. Differences in fire effect on like targets are best determined by comparing the number of figures hit per minute by 100 marksmen, as a great number of hits is presupposed, which is not the case when the percentage of hits is taken.