TRAINING REGULATIONS, WAR DEPARTMENT, No. 50-70 WssmNonc, Pebnaanj 21, 1922 THE SOLDIER.

SABER EXERCISE.

Prepared under direction of the
Chief of Cavalry.

This pamphlet supersedes paragraphs 2 to 43 inclusive, "Saber Exercise, 1914.'
Paragraphs,
Section I. General provisions 1-6
II. The guards and lunges 6-13
III. Saber attacks, mounted (individual instruction) 14-18
IV. The qualification course 19-23
V. Classification 24-26
VI Insignia - 27-30
VII. Records and reports 31-33
VIII. Saber attacks, mounted (collective instruction) 34-85

Section I.

GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Paragraph.
Object 1
Characteristics of the saber as a weapon 2
Dismounted instruction 3
Mounted instruction.
Cautions to instructors

1. Object -- The object of instruction and practice in Saber Exercise is to teach troopers how to use the saber effectively in a mounted fight.
2. Characteristics of the saber as a weapon.--The saber is solely a weapon of offense to be used by the trooper mounted. Accordingly, in all attacks with the saber the trooper must be taught to charge with great spirit, to disregard an opposinig weapon, and to lunge at the right moment directly at his adversary's body. in the vigor and rapidity of his attack, in the strength of his arm, and in the correct position of his body lie both the trooper's best protection against an opposing weapon and his greatest chance of success in overcoming his adversary.
3. Dismounted instruction.--a. When a weapon is issued to a recruit he should at once receive careful instruction in its nomenclature and care.
b. in the beginning, instruction in Saber Exercise may be canted on more satisfactorily dismounted. Unhampered by his horse, the trooper quickly learns the correct positions arid movements of the saber, arm, and body, and soon acquires accuracy, speed, and form. From the first, however, every position the trooper is required to assume, dismounted, should simulate and illustrate the actual positions to be assumed by him later in the use of the saber, mounted.
c. All instruction in Saber Exercise must be confined strictly to that which is useful; collective or individual drill, designed to show uniformity or precise execution of saber movements, is prohibited.
4. As soon as the trooper's progress in the dismounted practice makes it possible, he should, in addition, be given the same practice mounted, the two phases of instruction alternating thereafter. in a short time the dismounted practice should gradually diminish in importance and in the time devoted to it, until eventually it ceases altogether.
4. Mounted instruction.--a. Mounted Instruction in Saber Exercise should be carried on, when practicable, in conjunction with "Instruction Mounted, Without Arms." One of the principal results sought in a course of instruction in riding Is to increase the effectiveness of the pistol and saber when employed by the trooper in mounted action. In civil life there are specialties in horsemanship as, for instance, to be a good breeder, a good judge of horses, a good driver, or a good rider in races, in polo, in horse-show exhibitions. But in the Army to be a good military horseman it is essential that an officer or soldier possess, over and above all these excellent qualities skill in the use of arms while mounted.
b. Progress in the more advanced phases of mounted instruction in Saber Exercise necessarily depends upon the trooper's proficiency in riding. But, by conducting the dismounted instruction patiently and thoroughly and by keeping it well in advance of the corresponding mounted instruction, many difficulties will be obviated and much time saved.
c. Success in the use of arms, mounted, is dependent upon that familiarity with the use of the pistol and saber which can be gained only by continuous practice extending over a considerable period of time. Accordingly, dismounted instruction should always be followed by much mounted practice, during which the trooper should be taught how to control his horse at all gaits with one hand while carrying and using his pistol or saber in the other and to handle his weapons with a minimum of danger to himself, his comrades, and his horse.
5. Cautions to instructors.--An instructor in Saber Exercise should be careful not to strain the attention of the troopers or tire unduly their muscles. The instructions should be characterized by sharp periods of work and frequent short rests. It is during periods of rest, or while the troopers stand at ease, that prolonged explanations should be given. During periods of work the instructor should strive by voice, manner, and example to develop to the utmost the trooper's quick bodily action and mental alertness.

Section II

THE GUARDS AND LUNGES.
Paragraph.
Preliminary disposition of the squad
To simulate the position of the trooper, mounted
The guards
The lunges
To execute charge saber
Cautions as to the manner of using guards and lunges
Preliminary practice at the gallop.
Lunges of precision against dummies 

6. Preliminary disposition of the squad.--For practicing the guards and hinges, the squad, if dismounted, should be deployed at intervals or distances straight line pointing to the left end horizontal, the back of the hand up and each trooper in the simulated mounted position: if mounted at intervals or distances, at the halt, and each trooper with the feet home in the stirrups.
7. To simulate the position of the trooper, mounted.-- The troopers being dismounted, at intervals or distances, at Attention, the instructor commands: MOUNTED POSITION. Each trooper simulates the position of the trooper, mounted, by carrying the left foot about 24 inches to the left, bending the knee, pushing the buttocks underneath and forward, the waist flexible, the body erect without stiffness, the chest out, the shoulders square, the head carried naturally, the eyes glancing to the front at the height of an adversary's chest, the left hand lightly closed and without constraint, about 6 inches in front of the belt buckle. The hand and the pommel of the saber rest on the thigh.
8. The guards.-
a. Being at Carry sabers: GUARD. At the command Guard, carry the arm and saber to the front; the arm two-thirds extended, the saber and forearm in a straight line and nearly horizontal, the back of the hand up, the edge of the blade to the right, the point at the height of an adversary's breast, the blade and entire arm in the same vertical plane. (Figs. 1 and 2.)
The grip of the saber is grasped with all the fingers of the hand, the thumb extending along the back of the grip so as to occupy the thumb groove.
b. 1. Left front, 2. GUARD. At the command Guard, carry the arm and blade to the left front; turn the head and eyes in the same direction; in all other respects the position is the same as Guard (Figs. 3 and 4.)
c. 1. Left, 2. GUARD.
At the command Guard, carry the arm and saber to the left, the saber and forearm in a [??]

in withdrawing the saber after the right front lunge, rotate the arm and saber to the right until the finger nails are up. The edge of the blade to the front, the point at the height of an adversary's breast, the hand about 6 inches in front of the left breast. (Figs. 5 and 6.)
d. 1 Right, 2. GUARD. At the command Guard, carry the arm and saber to the right, the arm two-thirds extended, the saber and forearm in a straight line pointing to tho right and nearly horizontal, the back of the hand up, the edge at the blade to the rear, the point at the height of an adversary's breast, the blade and entire arm in the same vertical plane. (Fig.. 7 and 8.)
9. The lunges.-a. Being at the Guard: 1. Right front, 2. LUNGE.
(1) Dismounted At the command Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's breast, rotating the arm so that the edge of the blade is upward, the arm and blade extended in a straight line from the shoulder; then, without pause, bend the body vigorously forward and down until nearly horizontal, keeping the arm close to the head, the blade at the height of the eye and in the direction of the line of sight. (Fig. 9.) - in this and all subsequent lunges, as soon as the blade pierces the target the trooper quickly and without command resumed the guard from which the movement started.  The blade is up and at the same time turning the body to the left at the waist and bending the body vigorously as far as possible in the direction of the lunge. (2) Mounted. Same as dismounted except that the weight of the body is supported by resting the left forearm well forward on the horse's neck. (Figs.10 and 11.)

In practicing this and subsequent lunges, the reach demanded by the instructor should be graduated according to the agility and strength of the trooper; the bend of the body, at first light, should be more and more accentuated until the maximum reach is developed.
b. Being at Left front guard: 1. Left front, 2. LUNGE.
(1) Dismounted, At the command Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's breast, rotating the arm to the left so that the edge of the blade is up, and at the same time turning the body to the left at the waist so as to bring the shoulders, arm, and blade in line; then, without pause, bend the body vigorously to the left front and down until nearly horizontal, keeping the head close to the arm, the blade at the height of the eye and in the direction of the line of sight. (Fig. 12.)
In withdrawing the saber rotate the arm and saber to the right until the finger nails are down.
(2) Mounted. Same as dismounted, except that the weight of the body is supported by resting the left wrist on the horse's neck just
In front of the withers, the forearm against the horse's left shoulder. (Fig. 18.)
a. Being at the Left guard; 1. Loft, 2. LUNGE.
At the command Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's breast, rotating the arm to the left so that the edge of in withdrawing the saber, rotate the arm and saber to the right until the finger nails are down. (Figs. 14 and 15.)
d. Being at the Right guard 1. Right, 2. LUNGE.
At the commend Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's breast, then, without pause, bend the body vigorously at the waist as far as possible in the direction of the lunge.
(Figs. 10 and 11.)
e. Being at the Guard: 1. Right low, 2. LUNGE.
(1) Dismounted. At the command Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's body, rotating the arm so that the edge of the blade is upward, the arm and blade extended in a straight line from the shoulder and forming an angle of about 45 degrees with the ground; then, without pause, bend the body vigorously forward and down sufficiently to cause the saber to pierce the target. Withdraw the saber in the same manner as from right front lunge.

(2) Mounted: Same as dismounted, except that the weight of the body is supported by resting the left forearm well forward on the horse's neck. (Fig.18.)
f. Being at the Left front guard: 1. Left low, 2. LUNGE.
(1) Dismounted. At the command Lunge, thrust the saber in the direction of the adversary's body, rotating the arm to the left so that the edge of the blade is up and at the same time turning the body to the left at the waist so as to bring the shoulders, arm, and blade in line, the arm and saber extended in a straight line and forming an angle of about 45 with the ground; then, without pause, bend the body vigorously to the left front and down sufficiently to cause the saber to pierce the target. Withdraw the saber in the same manner as from left front lunge.
(2) Mounted. Same as dismounted, except that the left wrist rests on the horse's neck just in front of the withers, the forerm against the horse's left shoulder
10, To execute charge saber.-The position of Lunge to the right front is also the position of Charge saber. (Figs. 9, 10, and 11.) The command is:
1. Charge, 2. SABER. At the command Saber, the position of right front lunge is taken and held until changed by come appropriate command, such as: 1. GUARD, 2. SABER, etc. in returning from Charge saber to any guard or other position, the same rotation of the wrist is made as in returning from Right front lunge
11. Cautions as to the manner of using guards and. lunges.--a. in combat there is really only one guard the right front guard; the other four are used in instruction to indicate the lines through which the lunges are made, Therefore, the greater part of all practice in lunging should be from Guard. Moreover. the speed and force gained in the change of the direction of attack increases the strength of the lunge. Thus, for example, in passing from Guard to a Lunge to the left, the movement should be continuous and with accumulating force.
b. in all lunges, it is important that the trooper habitually make the movement as described and in the
order [?????] . it should be explained to him that in the Right front lunge, for example, thrusting the arm and saber in the direction of the adversary's breast has the effect of aiming at the target; that rotating the arm so that the edge of the blade is up and to the right, the arm and blade extended in a straight line from the shoulder, gives great strength to the lunge; that bending the body vigorously forward and down until nearly horizontal, develops the maximum reach; and that keeping the head close to the arm serves to protect the trooper from the adversary's weapon. Moreover, in resuming the guard, the rotation of the arm and saber gives the hand a better hold upon the grip and, at the same time, twists the saber out of the adversary's body.
c. It should also be explained and illustrated to the trooper that, in the Left front lunge, for example, turning the body to the left at the waist, increases the reach; and that bringing the left shoulder in line behind the right shoulder, arm, and saber, the bead close to the arm, renders his own body less liable to be pierced by the adversary's weapon.
12. Preliminary practice at the gallop.--As soon as the troopers are reasonably proficient in the execution of the guards and lunges dismounted from the simulated mounted position, and mounted at the belt, the instructor should cause them to execute the same exercises, mounted, with the horse in motion. For this purpose be forms the squad in column of troopers, on a circle or on the track of a rectangle, at 6 yards distance, at the walk. After some practice at the walk, and when the horses have become quiet, the guards and lunge should be practiced at the gallop. The trot is not used in the execution of lunges while the horse is in motion the trooper should be taught how to make full and accurate extensions toward an imaginary adversary, without, however, causing the horse to change gait or direction.
13. Lunge. of precision against dummies.--As soon as the trooper has acquired a fair knowledge of the various positions to be assumed in making lunges and has commenced to show strength and form in action, the practice
in making lunge, should be repeated against dummies.
a. For dismounted practice the dummies may be made of any suitable material available, such as bags of sand, grass, etc.; they may preferably be made of bundles of [???] , so as to provide a desirable resistance. Each dummy should be about the size of the trunk of a man.
(1) A convenient arrangement of the dummies would be to suspend eight or more in a line, about 10 feet apart, and so that the center of each dummy will be about the height of the pit of the stomach of a simulated adversary. A semipermanent framework may be constructed for this purpose or a temporary line may be provided similar to a raised picket line. Each dummy should be anchored below to a peg in the ground to prevent excessive oscillation and to increase resistance.
(2) The instructor should cause each trooper to take an appropriate position with reference to the dummy for making the attack required. Thus, for practicing the right front lunge the trooper should be 1 foot to the left of the front of the dummy and facing it; for the left front lunge, 1 foot to the right of the front of tbe dummy and facing it. For the right lunge the trooper should be directly in front of the dummy, but faced to the left; for the left lunge, directly in front of the dummy, but faced to the right. For the right rear lunge the trooper should be 1 foot to the left of the front of the dummy and facing away from it.
The troopers are placed at a distance from the dummies convenient for developing the reach. At first this distance should be such as to require the fullest extension of the saber and arm and only a slight extension of the body.
Great attention should be paid by the instructor to the trooper's form, speed, and accuracy. As instruction progresses, the distance from the dummies should be gradually increased, so that each trooper is forced to gradually increase the reach in order to pierce the dummy.
(3) It is important that the trooper have much practice in lunging at the right moment at a moving target. This instruction may he carried out satisfactorily by unloosing the anchorage of the suspended dummy and causing the dummy to swing toward the trooper.
In attacking to the right front, the left front, the right rear right low, and left low, the attack should be so timed that when completed there will be a distance of 1 foot between the point of the saber and the target; an adversary thus impales himself upon the extended saber. The complete extension of the arm will cause the point to penetrate sufficiently it is not advisable, therefore, to stiffen the arm excessively.
In attacking to the right or left, the attack is against an enemy alongside of the trooper and going in the same or in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the attack should be delivered with great force and so timed that when the lunge is completed the point of the saber will have pierced the target.
The instant the point pierces the target the trooper should quickly withdraw the saber and promptly resume the guard. This is highly important in order (a) not to lose the saber in the body of an adversary and (b) to be ready for the next adversary.
Quick and vigorous action can not be too much stressed; the speed of the encounter and of successive encounters, mounted will be great - much greater than anything that can be simulated dismounted.
b. For mounted practice dummies are divided into high, low, and prone. In each case the resistance to the saber should approximate that offered by a human body.
Right and low dummies should be constructed so as to give way in about the same manner as a human body in combat, without injuring the trooper or frightening the horse. Dummies made on the following lines will satisfactorily answer the purpose.
The dummy itself is a cylinder of burlap or sacking 10 inches in diameter and 20 inches long. The upper end may be closed with a string or sewed. The lower end is tacked to the frustum of a right cone 10 inches in diameter at the upper base and 6 or 7 inches at the lower. The frustum is from 3 to 4 inches thick. The sack
or cylinder of burlap is stuffed as tightly as possible with straw. A strip of leather nailed around the bottom of the sack where it joins the wooden base keeps the burlap from tearing out.
The wooden support is made as shown in the diagram. (Fig. 19.) For high dummies the support is 60 inches in height; for low dummies 40 inches. The basin at the top in which the dummy moves is made by cutting holes of suitable diameter in two or three 1-inch boards and nailing them together. The diameter of the basin should be 3 inches greater than that of the base of the dummy.
A bag of sand, bundle of scrap iron, etc., should be suspended from the base of the dummy and hang low inside the support. Thus, when the dummy is toppled over, it will immediately resume an upright position.
When the dummy is set up for use, iron pins with L-shaped heads should be driven into the ground with the projection over the frogs at the base to prevent the wooden support from being toppled over.
Prone dummies may consist of ordinary gunny sacks tightly stuffed with straw. When practicable, they should be roughly daubed with paint so as to give them the appearance of men lying down.
Rings or other targets which offer no resistance to the saber should not be used. Suspended dummies are, likewise, unsatisfactory for mounted work, as, when struck, they swing upward instead of downward.
(1) A convenient arrangement of the dummies would be to place four high, low, or prone dummies in line across the length of the rectangle with about 10 yard intervals
(2) The instructor should cause four troopers to leave the track at a short end of the rectangle, pass down the length of the rectangle at the walk, and, from the position of Guard, practice the lunge at the right moment.
(3) In resuming the guard from the left front lunge there is a tendency, in withdrawing the saber, to let the hand come over the head. This should not be permitted; the saber may cut the face.
(4) When the trooper is fairly proficient in lunges of precision at the high, low, and prone dummies, at the walk, the same practice should be repeated at the gallop. The trot is not used.
(5) Great attention should be paid by the instructor to the correct position of the trooper's head, body, saber, saber hand, arm, legs, and bridle hand, and to the spirit and fighting manner with which the lunges are made.

Section III

SABER ATTACKS, MOUNTED. (INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION.)
Paragraph
Attacking, from a distance, a simulated adversary
Simulating incidents that might occur in combat
Movements that might become useful in a melee
All practice to be strictly applicatory to combat.
Preliminary tests on the qualification course.

14. Attacking, from a distance, a simulated adversary.--When at the walk and the gallop, the trooper has acquired confidence and handiness in using the saber and is able so show form and accuracy in executing the lunges, the speed of the gallop should be gradually increased. Eventually, from a distance of about 100 yards, the trooper, at full speed, should bear down upon a simulated adversary with great spirit and dash and should lunge at the right moment from the position of guard. At first, the trooper attacks one dummy only: next, two in succession; next, three in succession; and so on. If, however, a trooper is inaccurate, shown poor form, or if his horse becomes excited and difficult to manage, he should be returned to quiet and careful practice of lunges of precision at the walk and the gallop. (Fig. 20.)
15. Simulating incidents that might occur in combat.--As the trooper progresses in proficiency the dummies should be arranged so that the distances between them will be varied and so that to attack them will require quick, sharp changes of direction: the object being to develop bold and skillful riding, handiness and confidence in using the saber, and to simulate so far as possible incidents that might occur in combat. There should be much practice of this sort, always, however, with a fair proportion of time devoted to form and accuracy at the slower gaits.
92. Manner of taking the course.-a. The trooper must pass all obstacles en route. Nothing is deducted for a refusal, provided the obstacle is eventually jumped; the delay only affects success in arriving at the end of the course within the time limit.
b. The first dummy (No. 1) is taken at Charge saber; all the others are attacked by lunging at the right moment, the trooper exercising care to choose that lunge which will be at the moment the most effective.
a' The trooper may make a score of 5 points at each dummy; that is, 3 points for piercing the dummy with the point of the saber and 2 points for form in doing so. The trooper always gets 8 points or zero for piercing or missing the target, as the case may to; but for form he may get 2, 1 1/2 1, 1/2 or zero. The trooper gets nothing for form if he misses the target.
4. As there are 20 dummies, the total possible score is 100.
23. Requirements of qualification.--All officers and enlisted men who are required or authorized to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the saber will be graded, according to proficiency, as expert swordsmen, excellent swordsmen, swordsmen, or unqualified. The requirements for qualification are given in the following table:
Grade. Percentage
Expert swordsman - At least 90 per cent.
Excellent swordsman , At least 75 per cent.
Swordsman At least 60 per cent
Unqualified Less than 60 per cent.

SECTION V.

CLASSIFICATION.
Paragraph.
Who are required, or authorized, to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the saber
Retention of qualification by officers
Retention of qualification by soldiers

24. Who are required, or authorized, to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the saber- all record practice in the use of the saber, those who are armed with the saber, who are required or authorized to fire the mounted pistol course, and who are carried on the rolls of the organization during any part of the practice season, or who are attached for practice by proper authority, will be required or authorized to demonstrate the degree of their proficiency in the use of the saber, mounted. They will be classified according as they have met or failed to meet the requirements of qualification mounted course.
25. Retention of qualification by officers.-An officer who attains the grade of swordsman or better will retain that classification from the date of qualification until the next opportunity to requalify, or for one year if no opportunity for requalification is presented within that year. Officers who are exempted from requalification on the saber course may wear the insignia of last qualification.
26. Retention of, qualification by soldiers- A soldier who has completed the mounted saber course and is transferred thereafter, or who is discharged and reenlists, will not be given a second opportunity to qualify in the same year. In case the soldier at the time of transfer has not completed his record saber practice for that year, his company commander will complete his individual record sheet to date and attach it to the service record which accompanies him, and the soldier will complete the course with the organization to which transferred.

SECTION VI

INSIGNIA
Paragraph.
Badges and pins
How obtained
Period of time during which insignia may be worn
Duplicates

27. Badges and pins.--To each officer or enlisted man qualifying for the first time as expert swordsman, excellent swordsman, or swordsman, certain insignia, indicating his skill in swordsmanship, will be issued.
a. Expert swordsman's badge.-To the expert swordsman a silver badge will be issued. To those who have qualified as expert swordsman for three years not necessarily consecutive years, nor in the case of enlisted men, in the same enlistment, a silver bar will be issued on which the three years of their qualification will be indicated; the bar will be attached to the badge below the pin. For each additional three years of qualification an additional bar will be issued, each in succession to be attached below the one previously supplied.
b. Excellent swordsman's badge.--To the excellent swordsman a silver badge will be issued. To those who have qualified as excellent swordsmen for three years, not necessarily consecutive years, nor in the case of enlisted men, in the same enlistment, a silver bar will be issued on which the three years of their qualification will be indicated, and this bar will be attached to the badge below the pin. For each additional three years of qualification an additional bar will be issued, each in succession to be attached below the one previously supplied.
c. Swordsmen's pin.--To the swordsman when first qualifying as such, a silver pin will be issued.
28. How obtained.--Immdediately after the close of the practice season the troop commander will report by letter to the commanding officer the names of men in his organization who have made a new or renewed qualification. With this letter the troop commander will submit a requisition for the required number of badges and bars. This requisition will be disposed of as is any other special quartermaster requisition.
29. Period of time during which insignia may be worn.--insignia may be worn from date of qualification until the next opportunity to requalify or for one year if no opportunity for requalification is presented within that year, except that the qualification as expert swordsman, once attained, the badge may be worn thereafter.
80. Duplicates.--insignia become the property of the persons to whom they are regularly issued. If lost by the owner, or lost in transmission to him, or if unsightly from long wear, insignia may be replaced without cost. But in all cases the official certification of the company commander to the effect that be has investigated the circumstances of the loss or damage and finds that no negligence can be imputed to the soldier will be required as evidence upon which to make the new issues. In case of loss, claim must be made within 60 days from date of loss. Duplicates, if desired for use on separate coat, will be sold to those entitled to wear the insignia.

SECTION VII

RECORDS AND REPORTS
Paragraph.
Individual record of qualification
Reports to be rendered
How transmitted

81. Individual record of qualification.--There will be kept in each troop an individual record of qualification in the use of the saber.
During the regular practice season records will be kept in the possession of the troop commander.
The records of an officer attached to a troop for practice will be duly attested and transmitted to the officer.
The records of an enlisted man attached to a troop for practice will be similarly attested and transmitted to the officer charged with the custody of the soldier's service record.
32. Reports to be rendered - All reports of saber practice will be submitted to the proper headquarters after completion of tests. The reports to be rendered are as follows:
a. Reports of individual classification in saber practice (annual).
b. Consolidated regimental report of classification, saber practice.
33. How transmitted.--a After the close of the practice season each troop commander will forward to his squadron commander the report of individual classification in saber practice. This report will be in letter form. The troop reports will be forwarded by the squadron commander to the regimental commander.
b. The regimental commander will forward with the regimental consolidated reports of classification, saber practice, a brief narrative report of the practice of his regiment. This report should contain any additional information bearing on hwtruction in the use of the saber necessary or desirable to the commander of the corps area.
The regimental commander's report of classification will be rendered on prescribed forms furnished by The Adjutant General of the Army.
c. in addition to the reports required by paragraph 82, commanders of departments or corps areas will include in their annual reports a statement of the progress made in saber practice within their respective commands. This will include a tabulated statement of the number of men in each regiment qualifying in the various grades in saber practice.

SECTION VIII

SABER ATTACKS, MOUNTED. (COLLECTIVE INSTRUCTION.)
Paragraph
Preparatory exercises
Manner of executing a collective attach with the saber

34. Preparatory exercises.-Toward the close of individual instruction in the use of the saber the instructor should conduct a few preparatory exercises in executing a collective attack by troopers in line. These exercises should have for their purpose merely to give the individual trooper instruction and practice in acting in concert with others, thus preparing him to charge in line with his squad, platoon, or troop. With this in view the troopers are practiced in charging by twos, fours, and eights, in line.
85. Manner of executing a collective attack with the saber.--In an individual attack with the saber it is essential that the trooper retain the fullest control of his horse. It is also essential that he should not divulge the manner in which he intends to raise his saber until he is very close upon his adversary. His adversary will not have time then to avoid the attack or adopt a counter measure. It has been prescribed, therefore, that in approaching to the attack the trooper bear down upon his adversary at full speed, the saber at the guard, and that the actual attack should be delivered in the form of a lunge at the right moment directly at his adversary's body.
b. In a collective attack, however, as when a squad, platoon, or troop charges in line, it is not so essential that the trooper actually guide his horse; moreover, the more threatening the aspect of the approaching attack, the greater will be the adverse effect upon the morale of the enemy. Therefore, in the charge in line, the position of Charge saber is assumed at the command: CHARGE, which is usually given at a distance of about 60 yards from the enemy. The position of charge saber is then held until collision with the enemy, the effectiveness of the attack being dependent upon the determination with which the charge is made. Upon collision with the enemy, the attack in line may be followed by a melee; the action of each trooper thereafter is that of an individual, and his saber should be held and used accordingly.
(062.12, A. 0. 0.]
By ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR
JOHN J. PERSHING,
General of the Armies,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL;
P. C. HARRIS,
The Adjutant General.