s or men, selected from the most accurate
estimators in the company are designated "Range Finders." (240,
i.d.r.)

The term "Range Finder" is a misnomer as a range finder is an
instrument. The school uses the term "Range Estimator" when applied to
an individual. The attention of the War Department has been called to
this.

The range estimators are given special training in the estimation of
ranges.

When an action is pending, the Captain receives from the Major the
primary apportionment of the target or sector of fire. (303, i.d.r.)

The Captain returns to the company, and, avoiding dangerous grouping,
assembles the platoon leaders and range estimators, and points out to
both the target of the Battalion and Company.

The Range Estimators immediately begin their estimation of the range
to the company target; the Captain meanwhile continues with his
instructions to the Platoon Leaders.

The instructions to the Platoon Leaders completed, the Range
Estimators announce to the Captain either their individual estimates,
or the mean of their estimates as deduced by one of the estimators.
The Range Estimators then take their customary posts (240, i.d.r.),
and the Captain indicates to the Platoon Leaders the range to be used.

The Range Estimators act in an advisory capacity to the Captain. The
mean of their estimates will usually be the most accurate deduction
available in battle. The adoption by the Captain of the range thus
determined, however, is not obligatory.

Range Estimators should be ready to signal their estimates of the
range to the platoon leaders at any time during the action.

VII. THE PLATOON LEADER.

(The Fire Controller.)

POSITION: Where he can best:

1. Control the squads constituting his platoon. (252, i.d.r.)
2. Observe the target and fire effect. (252, 414, 415, i.d.r., and
216, s.a.f.m.)
3. Observe the captain for signals or commands. (234, 251, i.d.r.)

DUTIES:

(6, 42, 104, 229, 231-233, 244, 245-257, 319, 375, 550, i.d.r.)
Controls the fire of his platoon and in his fire orders.

1. Receives his orders from the company commander.
2. If necessary, may indicate the fire position that has been
ordered.
3. Announces sight setting.
4. Points out designated target to his platoon, if practicable,
otherwise to his corporals only, or
5. When the target cannot be seen, indicates an aiming target. (247
and 251, i.d.r., call this an aimi