Striving to maintain the highest standard of efficiency in the columns, and taking account of successes and failures, Liam Lynch issued a number of memoranda. The following are samples taken from Operations Orders:
Operation Order 2 – 22/7/1922.
When resting, scouts or sentries should be posted on vantage points commanding a view of the whole country about. At night they should be posted on all roads, and should be provided with horns (or sounders) to signal the approach of the enemy.
When moving, Columns should have advanced and rear guards connected with the main body.
Columns should never move into country until it is first scouted and the O/C has satisfied himself that it is either free of the enemy, or is aware of the exact position he occupies.
Operation Order 9 – 19/8/1922.
They should keep close touch with one another. This is most necessary both from the point of view of co-operation in operations and of protecting one another from surprise or attack by the enemy ... Each unit while at rest should however provide independently for its own protection.
Each operation, no matter how simple it may appear, should be carefully planned, every detail attended to and all contingencies as far as possible provided against ...
Before going into action men should have clearly explained to them: (a) the objective to be achieved; (b) the line of retreat; (c) position of HQ and of different sections or units operating.
The strictest discipline on the part of the troops on active service must be insisted on, and any breaches of same should be promptly and sternly dealt with ... Officers should set a good example in the matter of discipline.