The regulations assume, however, that the superiority of fire, gained by the mutual coöperation of infantry and artillery and by the participation of the reserves, will induce the opponent to retreat. When engaged with an obstinate opponent, who remains in his position, only a part of the leading line is to be launched against certain sections (tratti) of the defensive position, while other parts, by means of rapid fire, prevent the enemy from supporting the threatened sections. In conjunction with this frequently emphasized scheme of penetrating several specially important sections of the hostile position, the regulations express the view—by no means generally considered sound-that the capture of several judiciously chosen points will force the enemy to retreat.
The assault is, as a rule, to be made by order of the commander of the whole force. The short burst of rapid fire preceding the assault is suddenly terminated by the command "attention" (attenti), and at the command "to the assault" (per l'assalto), the men throw themselves with loud cheers, accompanied by the sounding of trumpets and the beating of drums, upon the enemy. When a unit has already gotten so close to the enemy that further waiting would be useless, it advances to the assault, after getting permission therefor, or, otherwise, on its own responsibility. All the rest of the troops are to join in this movement.
DEFENSE.
So long as it is not definitely known in which direction the enemy
will approach, the position is to be occupied with as weak a force as
possible. The decision is to be brought about by a counter-attack. Long
range fire is only considered proper on broad stretches of open terrain
devoid of cover; and, in general, fire is not to be opened until the enemy
arrives at short ranges. As soon as fire is opened, all the supports are
to be in the firing line. A counter-attack is undertaken by the first line
only in exceptional cases.
THE FRENCH DRILL REGULATIONS OF 1904.
ATTACK.
Both the French and the German regulations show a decided preference
for the offensive, and both have eliminated all rules which might
produce normal formations. There is an unmistakable inclination towards
shock tactics in the French regulations, although the term "shock troops"
has been replaced by "maneuvering troops". "The forward movement
alone is decisive and irresistible. . . . The fire is the element that
executes". The habit of looking upon the German army as a probable
opponent leads the French to provide for reconnaissance with mixed detachments.
The regulations do not touch upon the tactics of the rencontre,
and prescribe a more cautious conduct for the advance guard than the
