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6 (4) It may be assumed then that in the general case a total of 9 groups of four machine guns each should be available for use with the divisions in combat. (5) The protection of even a detached division in combat is of sufficient importance to make advisable, in many cases, the presence of antiaircraft artillery or 37-mm machine guns in addition to .50 caliber machine guns. At any rate, when the force involved becomes much greater than a single division, the presence of antiaircraft artillery is essential. The guns, like the machine guns, should be disposed in accordance with the principles mentioned above (1), thus extending the upper limit of the protected zone above both the front line and the area occupied by the unit protected, to an altitude which should interfere materially with hostile aerial activity in that vicinity. (6) In the case of a corps in combat, considering the assumption made above (5 b) as to the area that can be covered effectively by a group of four antiaircraft guns, in connection with the size of the division area and of the portion of the corps area in rear of the division areas, it appears that, in general, a minimum of three groups of four guns each is required to protect the corps from the activities of hostile aircraft operating at altitudes above the effective range of the machine guns. (7) Many elements of corps troops especially corps artillery will be established within the division areas. This may necessitate reinforcing the .50 caliber antiaircraft machine guns with the division. The front line antiaircraft defense will in all cases require the intermediate 37-mm guns to supplement the defense afforded by the other weapons. These machine guns will be needed also to assist in covering other portions of, if not the entire division areas. Antiaircraft machine guns are also required to protect corps establishments in rear of the division areas. (8) It is evident, therefore, that the corps troops must include antiaircraft machine guns of some type, possibly of both types, for the purpose of reinforcing the antiaircraft weapons normally with the division and of protecting corps establishments. c. While troops in bivouac or rest areas in localities where air attacks are possible, must be protected by antiaircraft weapons, no particular consideration need be given here, to the number of weapons needed for this purpose, as it may be assumed that the numbers required for the protection of troops on the march and in combat will undoubtedly be sufficient for their protection in bivouac. 8. SUPPLY ESTABLISHMENT OF COMBAT ELEMENTS. -- a. The supply or other establishments of combat elements located particularly in the theater of operations in rear of the areas assigned to front line corps, require protection, from air attacks. The area involved in this case is much too great to consider covering it completely with the fire of antiaircraft weapons, and, consequently, the protection furnished must be localized to the vicinity of the establishments to be protected. b. The special means employed in the protection of such points are the same as for the protection of combat troops, the .50 caliber machine guns being emplaced to fire on low flying aircraft; the 37-mm machine guns
