Let us now recapitulate the most important points which have a bearing on combat frontage:
1. The frontage of individual units cannot be definitely fixed, as it depends upon the situation and the purpose of an action.
2. Favorable terrain, cover, and intrenchments permit an extended front to be obstinately defended with a weak force.
3. The frontage does not increase in proportion to the size of the force.
4. An organization (company, battalion, or regiment) fighting as part of a larger force is justified in deploying on a wider front than when acting alone.
The necessity for distribution in depth increases with the size of the force and with the number of units composing it Only the result can decide whether a narrow or a wide frontage was justified in a given case. A commander will endeavor to hold certain parts of the line with a weak force, posted in groups, while, at the decisive point, he will throw in every available man in order to gain the victory.
Provisions of Various Regulations.
Austria-Hungary. Frontage depends upon the tactical situation and
the terrain. The frontage of a company acting as part of a larger force
in attack is fixed at about 130-150 paces (97-112 m.). "In other situations,
a greater frontage is, as a rule, permissible." The battalion acting
as part of a larger force in attack, "is, as a rule, not to cover a frontage
exceeding its own front when in line"—in peace exercises, 300-400 paces
(225-300 m.). With companies of 200 men, 2 rifles, and in the battalion
2.6 rifles are reckoned per meter of front. "The increased fighting power
of infantry, due to better fire effect, in general permits a greater frontage
to be covered. This will often be taken advantage of, in order to make
as many troops as possible available for the decisive stage of the combat.
But this frontage should not be so great, that the requisite power of
resistance is weakened, or that tactical coöperation or the attainment of
the object of the combat are impaired." Further than this nothing is
prescribed.
France. Nothing definite is prescribed. The combat is carried on by groups separated by intervals.
