2. The first stage, especially of a long advance, is slow and steady--not faster than the pace of the slowest man.
Such an advance has a decided moral effect on the enemy. It will produce the maximum shock at the moment of impact. It allows the attacking force to reach its objective without undue exhaustion. On the other hand, if the assault is allowed to develop without control and in a haphazard fashion, the moral effect of the steady advance of a resistless wall of men is lost and the defenders will be given time to dispose of their opponents in detail.
The actual charge will not be delivered over a greater distance than 20 paces. Within the last ten paces the piece will be brought to the position of guard. The alignment will be maintained as far as possible until actual contact is gained.
As soon as a position is carried and prior to any further advance or any other operation whatsoever, the line must be reformed and every precaution taken against a counter attack. In Trench Warfare, the indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet must never be permitted unless orders to that effect have been given by the leaders of the assaulting party. The attacking troops are not so fresh as the enemy and experience has shown that unorganized pursuit is exposed to ambuscades and machine gun fire. In most cases the work of immediate pursuit is better accomplished by the supporting artillery assisted by the rapid fire of the infantry on the retreating enemy.
Throughout the period of training the men, the men should be constantly practiced in:
1. The recognized method of carrying the rifle with the bayonet fixed.
2. The rapid advance out of deep trenches.
3. Teamwork and control of advancing line. Fire discipline, direction and control.
4. The art of using the bayonet with effect in the cramped space of communication and fire trenches.
5. Reforming and opening fire after an assault.
6. Acting as leaders of an attacking party.
One of the best methods of training a command in the final assault is to construct a section of trench, forming a course, over which the training may be conducted. The edges of the trenches should be protected by logs anchored back in the parapets or solid ground. Constant use will soon wear them down if this precaution is not taken. Cinders placed on the course are a great advantage, for they prevent the men from slipping.