a.  After having received his orders, the regimental commander
leads his regiment forward in a column, or in line of columns,
until the time arrives for issuing the regimental order, he
then:  (426, i.d.r.)
b.  Assigns targets and sectors or tasks to battalions and special
units. (312, 381 and 426, i.d.r.)
c.  Provides for necessary reconnaissance to front and flank. (428,
i.d.r.)
d.  Announces his position and also that of the next higher
commander.
e.  Controls the reserve as the tactical situation demands. (441,
i.d.r.)
f.  Regulates ammunition supply. (316, f.s.r. and 552, i.d.r.) See
also full discussion of the ammunition supply in Subject VIII.

Note—­The colonel is assisted in the performance of his duties by the regimental staff.

II.  THE MAJOR.

The battalion is the attack unit whether acting alone or as part of a larger force. (305, i.d.r.)

POSITION: 

(The general rules for a colonel apply)

1.  Where he can best: 
a.  Direct the reinforcing of the firing line from the
support. (315, i.d.r.)
b.  Observe the progress of events, (369, i.d.r.)
c.  Maintain contact with regimental headquarters. (369,
i.d.r.)

2.  On the firing line when all the supports have joined. (315,
i.d.r.) (See Subject V.)

GENERAL.

DUTIES: 

1.  Conducts his battalion according to sector and mission assigned
him.
2.  Directs first disposition of battalion by tactical orders,
giving subordinates—­
a.  Information of the enemy.
b.  Position of supporting and neighboring troops.
c.  The general object to be attained.
d.  The special problem for each company (291, i.d.r.)
(This includes making the primary apportionment of the
target.) (303, i.d.r.)
e.  If practicable, the point or time at which the fire fight
is to open. (304, i.d.r.)
f.  Orders for flank protection and reconnaissance, unless
specifically provided for by higher authority. (293, 397
and 398, i.d.r.)
g.  His position and that of the next higher commander.
3.  Controls supports, dispatches reinforcements from support to
firing line. (226 and 297, i.d.r.)
4.  Controls subsequent movements by suitable orders or commands.
(291, i.d.r.)
5.  Regulates ammunition supply—­(See Subject VIII, also Pars.
316-317, f.s.r.) (The combat train is the immediate reserve
supply of the battalion.)
a.  Is responsible for the proper use of the combat train.
b.  Insures maintenance of the prescribed allowance at all
times.
c.  Causes combat trains to march immediately in rear of the
battalion unless directed otherwise. (548, i.d.r.)
d.  When battalion deployed on his own initiative, indicates
whether extra ammunition shall be issued. (294, i.d.r.)
e.  When battalion deployed pursuant to