“8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be communicated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to report promptly all indication of the enemy’s approach. If he is satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given by firing. When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be avoided. “There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the outpost troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information to the enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he is able to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an invariable rule that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort. There is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal, if such action is absolutely necessary. Night firing is of little value in any event. It is only effective for very short distances, and should be discouraged by every possible means.” * * * * * =Outpost= =Card No. 5= =Director’s Key= 1. Location of Sentinel Posts. By day. At night. Obstacles. Field of view. 2. Conduct class to place where sentinel post is to be established. 3. Discuss location of post. 4. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss it. 5. Orders for sentinels: Information of enemy and own troops; number of post; identify support and outguard; countersigns; too many orders. 6. Proceed with verbal solution of problem. 7. Explain rules for guidance of sentinels: Watch and listen; smoke; matches; conversation; arms; vigilance; etiquette; report of observations; night firing. * * * * * Procedure The class is now conducted to the location of outguard No. 1. Explanation _The Director_: “After sufficient time has elapsed for the outguards to get into position and post their sentinels the support commander makes an inspection of the elements of his support. In this inspection any or all of the following questions may be presented for consideration. “1. Is the outguard located at the best place to cover the sector of the front allotted to it? Is there a good field of fire over the ground by which the enemy may approach? “2. Are the sentinels so located that they can observe all approaches? Are they well instructed in their duties? Do they know what to do if they should see the enemy? “3. Have provisions been made for rapid communication between sentinels and the outguard? Has communication been established with adjoining outguards and sentinels and with the support?