,terrain ,exercises ,by ,lt4 ,col4 ,william ,h4 ,waldron ,infantry1 ,u4 ,s4 ,army ,illustration ,washington ,united ,states ,infantry ,association #aibc ,copyright1 #aibc ,by ,united ,states ,infantry ,association ,,hayworth ,,publishing ,,house1 ,,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,table of ,contents ,,page ,introduction #e ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #a ,attack of ,strong ,point--,rifle ,company #aa ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #b ,approach ,march and ,deployment #ea ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #c ,defensive ,position #ajg ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #d ,a ,machine ,gun ,company in ,attack #ada ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #e ,an ,advance ,guard #afi ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #f ,a ,flank ,guard #bba ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #g ,posting an ,outpost #bee ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #h ,a ,visiting ,patrol #bii ,,terrain ,,exercise ,,no4 #i ,a ,reconnoitering ,patrol #ccg ,introduction ,terrain ,exercises are those military exercises in which the students carry on the operations of imaginary bodies of troops over the actual terrain4 ,as these exercises involve the study of the utilization of the ground itself and the application of tactical formations and methods to it1 they are the best means1 aside from practical field work with troops1 of giving officers and non-commissioned officers practice in carrying out the duties that fall to them in war4 ,in the ,terrain ,exercise is found the logical step in tactical training1 between the theory and practice of the classroom and the practical training with troops4 ,this method of training is suited to all arms and services1 and in view of its practical value is constantly employed by unit commanders in the training of their officers and non-commissioned officers4 ,any class of military operations may be practiced1 such as the operations of covering troops--advance guards1 flank guards and outposts2 the operations of the various kinds of patrols2 combat--attack and defense2 approach march and deployment1 and the tactical cooperation of all special arms4 ,the ,director ,the smooth working and success of the ,terrain ,exercise depends almost entirely on the ability and tactical knowledge of the ,director1 the care he devotes to the selection of the ground1 the preparation of the problem1 and his own personal preparation for the conduct of the ,terrain ,exercise4 ,to this end a study should be made of the tactical training it is desired to impart4 ,a problem designed to bring out these points should be drawn up and fitted to the ground4 ,the successive special situations must follow in logical sequence4 ,the ,director must have in his mind a solution of the various situations of the problem and must familiarize himself with all of its phases to the extent that he will be able to make reasonable answer to any question that may be propounded4 ,he must receive all the ideas presented by the members of the class2 take out the good and tactfully discard the poor and indifferent4 ,he must take care that he does not unduly criticize the members of the class when they make mistakes and faulty dispositions4 ,above all1 he must never hold up a solution to ridicule4 ,preparation of the ,problem ,having determined upon the tactical subject to be studied1 the next essential is a problem1 clearly and tersely stated1 logically drawn and easily understood4 ,the several tactical situations should follow one another in their natural sequence4 ,each should bring out the tactical points that it is desired to impress upon the members of the class4 ,long and complex situations1 difficult for the average man to grasp1 should be avoided4 ,situations should be interesting and instructive1 natural and simple4 ,the next step is to fit the problem to a particular section of the terrain that may be available4 ,in this connection it is well to draw up a tentative problem with its several situations4 ,then go out on the ground and fit the problem to it4 ,the ,director should carefully work out on the ground beforehand the several situations that he desires to develop4 ,he should work out the details of all possible solutions and prepare himself to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of measures that may be proposed by members of the class and to state the solution that he1 himself1 prefers1 with the reasons therefor4 ,a sufficient number of copies of the initial problem1 together with the special situations1 should be prepared so that a copy may be available for each member of the class4 ,this is a more satisfactory method than the ,director explaining them verbally4 ,time is saved and misunderstandings avoided4 ,the special situations are numbered serially and issued at the proper time1 as the ,exercise progresses4 ,it is a good idea to have an envelope in which to carry the cards or slips of paper bearing each special situation4 ,general ,conduct of a ,terrain ,exercise ,the problem will ordinarily consist of a general situation and several situations4 ,take the class to the point where the ,exercise is to begin4 ,distribute copies of the problem and allow a few minutes for the members of the class to look over the problem and the terrain4 ,the ,director then reads the problem aloud and points out the topographical features and places that are referred to4 ,the members of the class follow from the copies in their possession4 ,questions are asked by the ,director4 ,one or more members of the class are required to make a brief statement of the problem1 the idea being to make certain that every man is entirely familiar with the tactical situation under consideration4 ,this insures a solid foundation on which the succeeding situations may be developed4 ,the first situation is then handed to members of the class4 ,the ,director cautions them that each man is to consider himself as being the commander of the unit whose operations are to be considered4 ,the solution of the situation is then proceeded with4 ,this solution may be required to be reduced to writing2 it may be given orally2 or a combination of the two systems may be employed4 ,for example3 ,the situation involves the preparation of a verbal field order4 ,the ,director proceeds step by step with the details of the matter to be included in each successive paragraph1 arriving at a decision as to just what the wording should be4 #a4 ,information of the enemy and our supporting troops4 #b4 ,plan of the commander4 #c4 ,distribution of troops and tactical order for each element4 #d4 ,administration arrangements1 where applicable4 #e4 ,place of commander or where messages are to be sent4 ,having determined upon the wording of each paragraph1 the members of the class are required to write out the body of the order4 ,where the members of the class have sufficiently progressed in their tactical training some of the preliminary discussion and solution may be omitted and the men be required to write out the body of the order based on the tactical situation4 ,the written solutions are collected by the ,director and redistributed to the class1 taking care that no man receives his own solution back again4 ,this is productive of good results1 for if a man knows that his work is to be seen by another he will put forth his best effort and be more careful with his work4 ,again1 the entire solution may be given orally and nothing reduced to writing4 ,in this case the ,director brings out the elements by questions and discussion1 and in the end one or more members of the class are called upon to state the contents of the body of the order4 ,this method is excellent for the training of officers in the giving of verbal tactical orders4 ,the solution having been completed1 the subject is opened up for discussion4 ,the members of the class are encouraged to ask questions and express their views on the various elements under consideration4 ,the class is then conducted to the place where the next special situation is to be taken up for solution1 and here the same procedure as outlined above is taken4 ,the ,terrain ,exercise concludes with a short conference1 in which the ,director makes a rsum of the problems1 discusses the several lessons of the day1 and shows the application of tactical principles to them4 ,general ,rules ,the following general rules should be observed as far as practicable3 a4 ,weather and climatic conditions should be accepted as they actually exist on the day of the ,exercise4 b4 ,interest is best maintained by bringing up a succession of instructive situations1 each designed to teach some tactical lesson1 dealing with each one concisely but thoroughly1 and promptly passing on to the next4 ,long discussion and personal arguments between members of the class are to be avoided4 ,unimportant phases are passed over quickly1 thus allowing the requisite amount of time to be devoted to those that are really worth while4 c4 ,ordinarily four or five situations are about all that may be profitably included in one ,terrain ,exercise4 d4 ,all members of the class should be equipped with blank paper of uniform size 7to facilitate the handling of written solutions71 message blanks1 pencils1 sketching equipment for making rough sketches on which tactical depositions may be shown4 e4 ,ordinarily large scale maps should not be used4 ,one of the valuable features of the ,terrain ,exercise is that all tactical decisions and dispositions are based on a study of the ground itself4 ,if the members of the class are allowed to have large scale maps1 the exercise may resolve itself into the solution of a map problem whereby the advantage of the study of the ground itself is detracted from4 ,however1 sheets of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey maps should1 if practicable1 be obtained and issued1 as it is desirable to accustom officers and non-commissioned officers to work with small scale maps and to familiarize them with this particular map4 f4 ,the number of men in a class should be limited to the number that one director is able to handle4 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #a4 ,attack of ,strong ,point--,rifle ,company ,general ,situation3 ,the 7a7 forms the boundary between hostile ,states4 ,an invading ,red force was counter attacked by ,blue troops and after severe fighting the ,reds have retired4 ,the ,blue advance has been stubbornly contested4 ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,the ,blue advance was resumed this morning4 ,the #ast ,infantry advancing on the extreme right of the ,blue line1 has been held up4 ,after a short delay1 the #bnd battalion resumed its forward movement1 but attempts of the assault waves of companies ,a and ,b 7on its right7 to advance beyond 7b7 were stopped by fire from the front and especially by enfilading machine gun fire from 7c74 ,heavy firing--artillery and small arms--can be heard along the line to the left4 ,shells fall occasionally within and in front of the area occupied by the #ast battalion4 ,lieutenant ,colonel ,x1 commanding the #ast battalion1 has arrived at this point 7d7 accompanied by a part of his staff2 ,captain ,c1 commanding the support company ,c2 ,captain ,d1 commanding the machine gun company2 and ,lieutenant ,z1 commanding a platoon of the ,howitzer company1 which organization has been attached to the battalion4 ,after studying the situation in his front ,lieutenant ,colonel ,x summoned ,captains ,a and ,b1 commanding the assault companies1 and issued verbal orders for continuing the attack4 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a7 ,in designating the boundary line some natural topographical feature should be selected1 such as a river1 creek1 canal1 crest of ridge1 etc4 ,in this problem it may be assumed that the ,red invading force has advanced several miles into ,blue territory before its advance was checked by the counter-attack4 7b7 ,the general front occupied by the #ast battalion where it is held up by the fire from the front and that from the enemy strong point to the right front4 ,in fitting this problem to the ground care will have to be taken to get all the features properly coordinated4 ,the line of departure for ,company ,c may be selected first and the general line of the #ast battalion prolonged to the left4 ,then select the location of the strong point with reference to the line of departure of ,company ,c4 ,cover for the deployment of the company should be available4 7c7 ,location of the enemy strong point4 ,this should be some topographical feature that might be logically occupied as a strong point by the enemy and from which the advance of the #ast battalion might be interfered with4 7d7 ,this point should be near the center of the front covered by the #ast battalion and should command a view of the front4 ,there should be reasonable cover for the battalion commander and his staff4 ,in other words1 it should not be so exposed to enemy fire that the battalion commander could not go there to make his personal reconnaissance4 ,procedure ,the class will be assembled at 7d7 where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing the problem 7,general ,situation and ,special ,situation--,blue74 ,a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to read over the problem after which the ,director will read it aloud and point out the places of importance4 ,one or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the tactical situation4 ,care will be taken to indicate the right of the line occupied by ,company ,a and the location of the enemy strong point will be accurately pointed out4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going further into the problem it is necessary for every member of the class to have an accurate understanding of the formation in which the first battalion is advancing4 ,it is necessary for you to visualize the situation just as it would appear if the operation were actually taking place40 ,the battalion is advancing in attack formation with two companies as assault companies 7,company ,a is on the right and ,company ,b on the left7 and one company 7,c7 as battalion reserve4 ,the front covered is about #gej yards4 ,the right of ,company ,a is at 7indicate74 ,company ,c is marching about the center of the battalion sector and about #ejj yards in rear of the front lines of the assault companies4 ,the #ast battalion1 being on the right of the ,blue line has a combat patrol of one squad from the battalion reserve covering the right flank4 ,this patrol is advancing about #aej yards to the right and rear of the assault echelon4 ,a connecting group of two or three men also from the reserve company1 maintains communication with the #bnd battalion on the left4 ,as the reserve company may be called into action at any moment1 these detachments are taken from the support platoon of the company1 the #crd4 ,the battalion commander and his staff march between the assault echelon and the reserve company4 ,when the battalion was held up by the enemy1 information of this fact was sent back to ,lieutenant ,colonel ,x by the commanders of the assault companies and it was also brought back by the battalion intelligence scouts who are with the assault companies4 ,on receipt of the information ,lieutenant ,colonel ,x came forward to this point to ascertain the situation and by a personal reconnaissance1 see it for himself4 ,accompanying him were his staff officers ,bn-#b2 ,bn-#c1 ,captains ,c and ,d2 and ,lieutenant ,z4 ,this is the situation in which we find the battalion commander at the beginning of this ,terrain ,exercise4 ,i hope every member of the class understands this formation and all the details of it4 ,if there are any doubts about it now is the time to clear them up4 ,if there are no questions we will proceed4 ,procedure ,the ,director will now distribute the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,captain ,c1 commanding ,company ,c1 the battalion reserve1 took down the following notes from the battalion commander's orders3 8,the #ast battalion will resume its advance1 attacking the enemy in front and enveloping his left1 including the strong point40 8,time of attack--signal from battalion commander40 8,line of departure--present front line40 8,companies ,a and ,b make frontal attack covering present front of #gej yards4 ,company ,a1 ,base ,company40 8,company ,c will attack the strong point1 enveloping its left40 8,one platoon company ,d and the #ast platoon ,howitzer ,company will support the attack of ,company ,c4 ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,z will confer with ,captain ,c regarding the assistance to be rendered40 8,captain ,c will notify the battalion commander when he is ready to attack40 8,the attack will be pushed hard40 ,you1 ,captain ,c1 have with you three platoon runners and two company runners4 ,required3 ,your action and orders during the next #bj minutes4 ,procedure ,a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to look over the situation4 ,it is then read aloud and the necessary explanations made4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what is the formation of ,company ,c1 at the time the battalion commander's order is received by ,captain ,c80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,the formation would depend upon the cover available1 the distance from the front line and the class of fire it is being subjected to4 ,in this case ,i should say that the company will be in dispersed formation either in squad columns or platoon columns4 ,i would prefer the platoon columns because they are more easily controlled4 ,i think ,i would have each platoon in a platoon column4 ,the first and second platoons would march abreast with an interval of at least #dj yards with the third platoon marching about #ej yards to the rear and opposite the interval between the first and second4 ,company headquarters would be in the lead40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a very good formation under the circumstances40 7,note4--,the ,director should prepare an answer to this question based on the lay of the ground47 8,how do you arrive at the interval of #dj yards between the two leading platoons80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,that is about the minimum distance to avoid casualties in more than one column from the burst of one shell and it is about the maximum distance for control and visibility in the woods40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 let us assume that you are ,captain ,c4 ,you have received the orders of the battalion commander4 ,what is your mission80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,to attack the enemy's strong point enveloping its left40 ,the ,director3 8,in sizing up the situation what points would you consider80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would consider the enemy's position1 and if possible1 go to a point where ,i can make a personal reconnaissance of it4 ,i would consider the route by which ,i can get my company up to the point where ,i can make the attack and select the line of departure for the company4 ,i will then decide upon my plan of maneuver and the formation of the company for attack40 ,the ,director3 8,in other words1 you will make an ,estimate of the ,situation and upon this you will base your decision and in turn your orders80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,yes1 sir4 ,that is the idea40 ,the ,director3 8,i want to emphasize the necessity for this process of sizing up the situation on the part of all officers charged with a tactical operation4 ,if you come to a decision without doing so you may be right and you may be wrong4 ,the chances are greatly in favor of the latter4 ,if you stop and consider the elements of the problem as outlined by ,captain ,hastings the chances are that you will be right4 ,in any event you have the odds on your side4 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what troops have been designated to support your company80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,a part of the machine gun company and a howitzer platoon40 ,the ,director3 8,you will note that these two units have been ordered to support your attack4 ,they are not attached to your company4 ,what do you understand to be the difference between a supporting unit and an attached unit80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,an attached unit becomes an integral part of the force and is subject to its commander's orders4 ,a supporting unit receives its orders1 not from the commander of the force being supported1 but from another source1 usually a common superior40 ,the ,director3 8,that is right4 ,i hope you all note the distinction4 ,it is the rule1 however1 that the supporting unit must work with the unit that it is supporting in every way possible so as to insure teamwork in the accomplishment of the common mission40 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 how would you get your instructions to your platoon leaders1 who are back with the company80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i have a runner with me from each of the three platoons4 ,i would send these runners back to their respective platoons to tell the platoon commanders to report to me at 0 7,lieutenant ,ralston would indicate where the platoon commanders are to report47 ,the ,director3 8,let us assume that you are ,captain ,c4 ,just what would you say to the runners80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would call the platoon runners to me and say3 8#8,do you see that 8' 7,designating a tree or other well defined object47 #8,each platoon runner will deliver this message to his platoon leader--,platoon leaders will join ,captain ,c at once at 7,place74 ,repeat the message4'0 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,now let us assume that the platoon runners have started back to their platoons1 what would you do now80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would go over to the right to make a personal reconnaissance of the enemy strong point1 select my line of departure for the attack and get the #8line-up' of the supporting weapons40 ,the ,director3 8,that would seem to be the reasonable thing to do40 ,the ,class is now conducted over to the right1 to a point about the center of the line of departure for the attack4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 let us assume that you have come to this point4 ,you have with you the commanders of the machine gun company1 ,captain ,d1 and the ,howitzer platoon1 ,lieutenant ,z4 ,you decide that the line of departure for your attack shall be along here 7indicating74 ,what instructions would you give to ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,z80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would indicate to them where ,i want the machine guns1 light mortars1 and one-pounders to be located to support the attack40 ,the ,director3 8,you would tell exactly where to place the weapons1 would you80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 do you agree with that solution to the problem80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,no1 sir1 ,i do not4 ,it seems to me that it would be better for ,captain ,c to indicate to ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,z the dispositions that he proposes to make--where the line of departure is to be and the direction of the attack4 ,then to leave it up to those officers to select the firing positions for the weapons4 ,i think ,captain ,c would verify the positions selected1 but he would at least give the men who are supposed to be the experts an opportunity to use their knowledge of the subject40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,i believe in requiring every man to do his job4 ,these officers have been ordered to support the attack4 ,it is up to them to select the position where they can get the best fire effect with their weapons and to get them into position ready to do business40 8,what precautions would you take to indicate the place where the platoon leaders are to assemble1 ,captain ,james80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would send one of my company runners to the assembly point and order him to tell the platoon leaders to wait there for me40 ,the ,director3 8,i think that is a wise precaution4 ,you do not want to take a chance on anything going wrong and failing to effect an assembly of the platoon leaders40 8,now1 let us consider how the attack is to be made4 ,what would be your tactical dispositions1 ,captain ,james80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would attack with one ,platoon 7the first71 advancing directly against the enemy strong point1 and another 7the second7 working around the enemy's left flank and enveloping it4 ,i would hold the remaining platoon 7the third7 as company support40 ,the ,director3 8,where is your line of departure80 ,captain ,james3 8,my line of departure would be along here4 ,the right of the first platoon would be 7indicate74 ,the left of the second platoon will be 7indicate74 ,each platoon will cover about #aej yards of front4 ,the third platoon will follow in rear of the second platoon as company support40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a logical disposition4 ,now having decided all of this you should give the information to ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,x so they can go about the task of selecting positions for their weapons4 ,how would you do this1 ,lieutenant ,baker80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,assuming that ,lieutenant ,z and ,captain ,d have been with me all the while1 ,i would say3 8#8,my first platoon will attack with its right about 7indicate74 ,the second platoon with its left about 7indicate74 ,each will cover a front of about #aej yards4 ,select your firing positions to cover the attack4' 8,that is all that should be required4 ,before issuing final orders for the attack ,i would verify the positions selected40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 ,i hope you have all followed the process that we have gone through during the #bj minutes1 in order to arrive at a decision and the point where ,captain ,c is ready to issue his orders for the attack4 ,let us review them briefly3 #a4 ,send for the platoon commanders to come to the front4 #b4 ,accompanied by ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,z1 and two runners1 make a personal reconnaissance of the enemy's position and the terrain and determine3 7a7 ,the line of departure4 7b7 ,the tactical formation4 7c7 ,direction of the attack4 7d7 ,the position of the supporting weapons4 #c4 ,arrange for a rendezvous where the attack order can be issued4 ,from all of this you will appreciate that there are many things that must be done before an attack of this kind can be launched4 ,battalion and other commanders should appreciate that it takes time to do all of these things and should have patience with the officers whom he has ordered to do it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,attack of ,strong ,point ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,assemble class at initial point where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 #b4 ,distribute sheets containing the general situation and special situation ,blue4 ,read and explain4 ,have members of class state understanding of situation4 #c4 ,formation of battalion for attack--,assault companies1 reserve company1 covering patrol on right1 connecting patrol on left4 #d4 ,information system4 #e4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,read and discuss4 #f4 ,formation of ,company ,c4 #g4 ,mission of ,company ,c4 ,personal ,reconnaissance4 ,estimate of the situation4 ,attached and supporting units4 #h4 ,message to platoon commanders4 #i4 ,proceed to right and make personal reconnaissance4 ,firing position for the auxiliary weapons4 #aj4 ,mark assembly point for platoon commanders4 #aa4 ,tactical dispositions4 ,line of departure4 ,instructions to ,captain ,d and ,lieutenant ,z4 #ab4 ,resum of what has taken place4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,the platoon commanders have assembled at the appointed rendezvous4 ,you1 ,captain ,c1 have come to a decision to attack the enemy strong point with two platoons and hold the third as company support4 ,required3 ,the orders that you would issue for the attack4 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #b1 reads it aloud and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going further with the problem ,i desire to again call your attention to the five paragraph field order that we use in our service4 ,this form of field order was evolved before the war and used in our service schools4 ,it is prescribed by our ,field ,service ,regulations4 ,when we entered the war and our troops went to ,france we found on both the ,british and ,french fronts a system of field orders that did not agree with our ,american ideas4 ,the orders were most voluminous4 ,they went into every detail of procedure and left little to the initiative of the commanders of tactical units4 ,the consequence was that many of these commanders lost their initiative4 ,when their orders ran out and nothing further had been prescribed for them to do1 they just naturally did not know what to do and stopped until more orders were sent up to them4 ,i am not so sure but what this system was responsible in the proposition of limited objectives that we found when we entered into the campaign4 ,many of our own officers fell for the voluminous order system but it did not last long after we got into action4 ,it was then abandoned and we reverted to our own five paragraph order which filled the bill and met all our requirements4 ,you remember that after an attack started and was seen to be under way1 how quickly orders came up to disregard all objectives and push on4 ,our own simple field order system stood the test of war and ,i do not think it will ever be abandoned again for any other system40 ,the paragraphs of the order include3 #ast paragraph3--,information of the enemy and our own troops4 #bnd paragraph3--,the plans of the commander4 #crd paragraph3--,disposition of troops4 ,orders for each element of the command and the tactical instructions that pertain to all elements4 #dth paragraph3--,administrative arrangements4 #eth paragraph3--,where messages are to be sent or location of the command post4 ,in preparing the order for the attack under the requirement to our ,situation ,no4 #b1 ,i wish you would use this form of order4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 just what would you include in the first paragraph of the order80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would include the information about the enemy holding up our attack and the part that his strong point has played with the affair4 ,i would include information of the fact that our second battalion is resuming the advance and how the rest of our battalion is to attack4 ,that is all that would be necessary40 ,the ,director3 8,what would you include in the second paragraph80 ,captain ,hall3 8,my plan--,to attack the enemy strong point enveloping its left40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 tell us what you would include in the third paragraph80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would include orders for the machine guns1 the light mortars and the #cg mm4 guns2 orders for the assault platoons1 indicating the troops1 line of departure1 frontage and the objective2 orders for the support platoon2 orders for covering and connecting patrols2 indicate the base platoon2 orders for the action to be taken when the enemy strong point is captured40 ,the ,director3 8,there will be very little to be provided for in an administrative way4 ,the location of the battalion aid station should be noted and if there are any instructions regarding extra ammunition1 it should be included here4 ,the ,c4 ,p4 of the company will be near the support platoon and this information should be placed in the last paragraph of the order40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write out the order of ,captain ,c for the attack40 ,the necessary time is allowed for this and after the orders are completed they are collected and again distributed to the members of the class1 making sure that no man gets his own order back again4 ,members of the class are called upon to read the order in his possession and it is discussed4 ,at the conclusion of this the ,director will submit the following order for discussion3 ,order 8,the enemy has held up the advance of our battalion by fire from that 7ridge1 edge of woods or other feature7 and especially by machine gun fire from that enemy strong point 7describe and indicate location of the enemy strong point74 ,the second battalion on our left has resumed its advance4 ,our battalion will attack4 ,companies ,a and ,b will advance from their present positions on our left and attack the enemy in their front 7indicate the present positions of ,companies ,a and ,b74 8,our ,company will attack and capture the enemy strong point1 enveloping its left4 8,the first platoon ,company ,d1 will support our advance by direct overhead machine gun fire from 7indicate firing position of the machine guns74 8,the #ast platoon howitzer company will support our advance with light mortar fire from 7indicate firing position of light mortars7 and #cg mm4 gun fire from 7indicate firing position of the #cg mm4 gun74 8,lieutenant ,m4 with the #ast platoon1 will attack the front of the enemy strong point4 ,line of departure 7indicate74 ,frontage about #aej yards from that 7designate7 to that 7designate74 ,objective enemy strong point4 ,direction degrees1 magnetic4 8,lieutenant ,o1 with the #bnd platoon1 will attack and envelop the left of the enemy strong point4 ,line of departure 7indicate74 ,frontage1 about #aej yards1 left of platoon at 7indicate74 ,route of advance 7designate74 ,objective enemy left4 8,lieutenant ,p1 with the #crd platoon 7less detachments71 will constitute the ,company support and await orders 7indicate where--should be in rear of the #bnd platoon74 ,a combat patrol will be sent out to cover the right flank4 ,a connecting group of two men will maintain connection with the right of ,company ,a on our left4 8,the #ast platoon1 base platoon4 8,after capture the enemy's strong point will be immediately organized for defense4 8,the battalion aid station is at a point #gjj yards in rear of ,company ,a4 8,messages to the support platoon4 8,after issuing the order ,captain ,c will say3 8,it is now o'clock1 set your watches to agree4 8,join your platoons4 ,get them up to the line of departure4 8,notify me at this point when you are ready to attack4 ,begin the attack at my signal40 ,procedure ,the ,director will distribute mimeograph copies of this order to the members of the class4 ,he will read the order4 ,the members of the class follow from the copy in their possession4 ,he will point out the features of the terrain referred to in the order as he reads it and make such comment and explanation as may be necessary4 ,the ,director3 8,you now see what the order for an attack of an infantry company must contain4 ,if you omit any of these things the order is not complete4 ,note how the order conforms to the requirements of our ,field ,service ,regulations4 ,are there any questions80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i note that the #ast and #bnd platoons are to attack on a front of about #aej yards4 ,how does a platoon cover such a front80 ,the ,director3 8,the normal interval between skirmishers is #e paces4 ,this should be adhered to rigidly in extended order drill4 ,men will1 under the stress of danger and excitement1 do as they have been trained4 ,in spite of the injunction of the ,infantry ,drill ,regulations1 ,i would not change this interval in drill for it may lead to bunching and the consequent loss of lives in action40 ,the platoon fights in two waves with a section in each wave4 ,this gives a wave and consequently a platoon a front of #abj yards in action4 ,where a larger front than #abj yards is assigned to a platoon to cover1 the platoon is placed at about the center of the front and held responsible for the interval on each flank to the boundary of the zone of action assigned4 ,the support section forming the second wave1 following at a convenient distance1 is used by the platoon leader in any required part of the platoon zone of action as the situation develops4 8,in rare instances a platoon may be deployed with both sections on one line1 covering a front of #bdj yards4 ,such a line is very difficult for the platoon leader to control and is to be avoided40 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i note the designation of a #8base platoon' in ,captain ,c4's orders4 ,what is the significance of that in a converging attack1 such as is contemplated80 ,the ,director3 8,a ,base ,platoon is designated only as an aid to the initial formation of the company4 ,during an approach march1 in deploying on the line of departure and in advancing to the first firing position1 the base platoon forms the guide for the company and helps ensure a coordinated attack4 ,but as soon as enemy opposition is met1 each platoon makes its own fight within its own zone of action and all consideration of the #8base platoon' is dropped4 ,in action1 each platoon must observe the action of adjacent units and be prepared to assist them4 ,but the best possible aid consists in the vast majority of cases1 in pushing ahead1 #8where the pushing is good' and then threatening in the flank or rear enemy resistances holding up adjacent units4 8,in this case1 the #8first firing position' may be very close to1 or even coincide with the ,line of ,departure1 so that the base platoon designation is of especial value in the initial deployment40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,will the ,director please discuss the personnel of the headquarters of ,company ,c in action--its positions and formations80 ,the ,director3 8,a rifle company headquarters in action consists of3 8#a4 ,the ,captain4 8#b4 ,first ,sergeant1 ,signal ,sergeant1 ,agents from the supporting ,machine ,gun unit 7platoon or company71 and two company runners all following in two short columns behind the captain4 ,when halted these men take cover within reach of the captain's voice4 8#c4 ,two buglers1 one well to the left flank observing the connecting group keeping connection with ,company ,a and the other observing combat patrol covering the right4 ,these buglers will report to the ,captain any item of information they note4 8#d4 ,three platoon runners1 arranged in a rough triangle each between his own platoon and the company headquarters4 ,these runners keep within call or signaling distance of the ,captain and each knows always the position of his own platoon4 ,by these runners the ,captain communicates with his three platoons4 8#e4 ,two ,company runners at the ,battalion ,command ,post4 ,these runners keep track of the position of their own company and are prepared to take messages to it from ,battalion headquarters4 8,the position of ,company ,headquarters is such that the ,captain can maintain connection with his assault platoons1 observe the progress of the fight personally and especially be ready to throw his support platoon into the action when and where most needed4 ,during the approach the ,captain precedes his assault echelon4 ,when the fire opens1 ,company ,headquarters drops back to a position between the assault echelon and the support platoon40 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,where is the second in command of the company8 ,there is no mention of him in the orders40 ,the ,director3 8,yes1 ,i am glad you noted the omission4 ,the senior ,lieutenant1 or #8second-in-command' remains back at the ,company rear echelon during a fight4 ,here he is responsible that ammunition is forwarded as necessary1 that meals are prepared and that all men drifting to the rear are held4 8,further1 as the casualties among rifle company officers are higher than in any other unit in the entire army1 keeping this officer out of the fight ensures a trained officer to replace the ,captain1 in case the latter becomes a casualty and to reorganize the company after each battle4 8,whenever the ,captain becomes incapacitated for any reason a runner is sent at once from ,company ,headquarters back to the rear echelon and the second in command hastens forward to take command of the company4 ,the first sergeant or others of the personnel at ,company ,headquarters acquaint him with the situation4 ,it is considered most important to have this trained officer in reserve ready to take command on short notice40 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,where will the combat patrol on the right flank march80 ,the ,director3 8,it will march well out on the right flank and rear of the #bnd platoon1 so that if an enemy machine gun or patrol fires on the platoon from that direction the patrol will be in position to attack it40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,the ,director mentioned something about extra ammunition4 ,i did not understand what was said80 ,the ,director3 8,all riflemen of the units of an assault battalion should carry an extra bandolier of ammunition when they go into action4 ,this applies to the battalion reserve company as well as the assault companies4 ,you can see in this case how delay would be occasioned by stopping to issue extra ammunition to the men40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,it is noted that you give orders for the consolidation and preparation of the enemy strong point for defense as soon as it is captured4 ,just what is the purpose of this80 ,the ,director3 8,at this time ,captain ,c cannot tell just what will happen when he gets into the enemy strong point4 ,that is the objective of the attack for the time being4 ,he would want the platoon commanders to have orders that will carry them until he can get up there and decide what to do4 ,the ,company may not stop at the strong point4 ,if the enemy is on the run they will follow him up probably4 ,this will depend upon the action of the rest of the battalion4 ,in any event we will want a position on which to reorganize the company and prepare for future eventualities and by preparing the position for defense we gain such a position and at the same time we are ready to meet a counter-attack if it comes40 99 99 99 99 99 ,attack of ,strong ,point ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,assemble class at point designated for the assembly of platoon commanders4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #b and explain4 #b4 ,explain five paragraph field order4 #c4 ,consider order for attack in detail1 paragraph by paragraph4 #d4 ,have class write out order4 ,collect1 read and comment on solutions4 #e4 ,comments of problem4 ,frontage of platoon4 ,explanation of base platoon4 ,company headquarters in action4 ,second in command4 ,covering patrol4 ,extra ammunition preparations for defense4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going further with the problem ,i want to explain to you what happens between the time the ,captain issues his orders for the attack and the time that it starts4 8,having received and understood their orders1 the platoon commanders go back and join their platoons4 ,in doing so they select the route over which they are going to conduct their commands up to the line of departure for the attack4 8,each platoon commander conducts his platoon over to the right and gets it into approach formation directly in rear of and with its front as nearly parallel to the line of departure as possible4 ,the proposition of bringing a platoon or any other unit up to a point immediately in rear of the line of departure in a column of files and making the deployment from that formation is fraught with great danger and is almost sure to result in confusion1 losses and great consumption of time4 ,the platoons must be gotten into an approach formation from which they can readily deploy on nearing the line of departure4 ,captain ,james1 suppose you were commanding the first platoon4 ,what formation would you take up in bringing your platoon up to the line of departure80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would form it in two lines or waves each consisting of one section4 ,each section would be in line of squad columns4 ,from this formation ,i can readily deploy the leading wave in to a line of skirmishes covering the front allotted to the platoon and hold the rear wave in a line of squad columns or deploy it as the circumstances may require4 ,in any event ,i have my platoon under complete control all the time40 ,the ,director3 8,i think we can all agree that your formation is correct40 8,now1 each platoon commander must get the orders to the men who are to make the attack4 ,when the platoon arrives at a point in rear of the line of departure the platoon commanders will assemble their non-commissioned officers and scouts at a covered location near the line of departure where they can command a view of the front4 ,here he will explain the situation and give his orders for the attack4 ,these orders will be issued in the regular five paragraph order form which ,i have already explained to you4 ,the non-commissioned officers join their units4 ,the leading wave is brought up and deployed on the line of departure4 ,the scouts move out to the front4 ,the second section is held in proper formation 7line of squad columns or line of skirmishers7 from #ej to #ajj yards in rear of the leading wave4 ,the platoon commanders signal ,captain ,c that they are ready to launch the attack4 8,the special weapons1 machine guns and light mortars and the #cg mm4 gun1 are gotten to their respective firing positions and the unit commanders signal ,captain ,c that they are ready to cover the attacking troops with their fire4 8,the company support platoon is conducted to its position in rear of the second platoon and the platoon commander signals that he is ready4 8,captain ,c then signals the battalion commander that he is all ready to launch the attack4 ,when he gets the signal from the battalion commander1 he signals the supporting weapon commanders and the platoon commanders to proceed4 8,now1 you may say that all of this sounds well in theory1 but1 you ask1 how is it done in actual practice8 ,what is the enemy doing all this time8 ,i ask you to visualize the situation from the enemy point of view4 ,what would you be doing if you were in his place8 ,you occupy a strong point on the left of your line4 ,you have been placed there to protect the flank and to bring machine gun fire to bear on our attacking troops to your right4 ,the attack is progressing off to your right4 ,the firing seems to be getting further and further to your rear4 ,you have fears that the line is not holding4 ,you have visions of being left to your fate4 ,you get no information of what is taking place over there4 ,in your own immediate front there is little doing4 ,you see nothing to indicate what we are doing over here4 ,you have no well defined target to fire on4 ,a few scouts are seen off to the right oblique 7scouts of ,companies ,a and ,b74 ,there is nothing in your front that would afford you a target4 ,the scouts that you send out from the strong point run into our covering patrol and either become casualties or are driven back4 ,your strength does not permit sending out a reconnoitering party of sufficient strength to break through and get any real information of what is taking place in your front4 ,you simply have to sit and wait for something to develop4 ,i am sure if you will place yourself in the enemy's position at this time1 you must realize his situation and the conflicting thoughts that come across his mind4 ,he is just a human as you are4 ,he is just as much afraid4 ,he has just the same feeling about the danger of the situation as you have1 only his situation is worse than yours4 ,he must sit and wait for something to happen while your activities and preparations occupy your thoughts and attention4 ,you have the initiative1 you lead and he must follow4 8,when you consider all of these things you will see how it is possible to go about the preparation process in a comparatively deliberate manner4 ,if you have fairly good cover from the fire and view of the enemy it is not at all difficult4 8,the greatest danger in all of this is from our own side4 ,from the impatience of our own higher commanders who think the preparations are taking too much time4 ,brigade and regimental commanders who are to the rear and cannot see what is going on get impatient with the apparent delays and demand that the attack be delivered at once4 ,even the battalion commander1 who is up at the front and ought to know better1 cannot see how you can possibly consume so much time getting ready4 8,that is one of the valuable features of these ,terrain ,exercises4 ,they illustrate and demonstrate to officers of all ranks that a certain amount of time must be allowed a combat unit to get ready to launch an attack and that they may as well sit down and take it easy until everything is ready4 ,the war is not to be fought in a day4 8,let us take our problem as an example4 ,our ,company 7,c7 could be brought up and rushed into action in its attack on the enemy strong point4 ,the rifleman would have fought it out with his bare hands1 so to speak4 ,there would be no supporting fire from machine guns1 light mortars and one-pounders4 ,it would have been a direct frontal attack1 with no enveloping movement4 ,the chances are that it would be a complete failure and the whole affair would have to be reorganized and done over again4 ,even if it were successful it would be accompanied by ruinous losses that would render the company totally ineffective for further combat service in the near future4 8,by going about the preparations systematically1 as we have done1 the chances for success are infinitely greater1 the losses will be very much smaller and in the long run1 a lot of time saved4 ,i hope you will all consider these things when you give orders to a unit under your command1 be it a battalion or a small patrol1 to embark upon a tactical undertaking4 ,give the commander time to perfect his preparations4 ,do not rush him into action until he is ready40 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted up to the line of departure of the platoon4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,the #ast platoon is deployed on the line of departure--one section in the leading wave in a line of skirmishers1 with intervals of #e yards4 ,the second section is about #ajj yards to the rear in line of squad columns4 ,the platoon scouts have worked their way forward to 7indicate74 ,the supporting troops are in position ready to open fire4 ,at this moment ,captain ,c signals 8,forward ,march04 ,the supporting weapons open fire on the enemy strong point and shots are heard off to the right indicating that the #bnd platoon has launched its attack4 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,m1 commanding the #ast platoon1 are at this point when the signal is received4 ,required3 ,describe how the attack is conducted4 ,procedure ,the ,director reads over the situation and indicates the position of the troops on the ground4 ,any points that may be in doubt are cleared up at this time4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 ,i wish you would explain to the class1 just what you think takes place40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,during the preparation process my platoon scouts would have worked their way forward to 7indicate on the ground74 ,i assume that they have kept under cover and have drawn little fire from the enemy4 ,the instant ,i give my signal to advance they will start forward to get to 7indicate7 where they can open an effective fire on the enemy and thus establish the first firing position4 8,when our supporting weapons open their first burst of fire on the enemy strong point it will come as a surprise and his men will naturally seek cover4 ,i will take advantage of this fact to advance my line as far as possible to the front4 ,if he opens effective fire ,i will have to take cover4 ,if not ,i will keep on my rush with the platoon until he does and thus take advantage of the few moments when the enemy is surprised from the sudden burst of fire from our supporting weapons4 ,when he recovers and opens fire ,i will take cover4 8,i will then advance my men by filtration up to the line established by the scouts1 each man opening fire as soon as he arrives on the line4 ,the scouts will indicate the target to the men by the use of tracer bullets4 ,by this process of fire and movement1 ,i will build up my firing line and keep up a well directed fire on the enemy position40 ,the ,director3 8,what kind of fire will your automatic riflemen employ80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,they will employ aimed fire1 semi-automatic40 ,the ,director3 8,about what is the rate of this fire with well trained automatic riflemen80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i should say that it would be about #cj to #dj shots per minute40 ,procedure ,the ,class is now conducted to the point where the first fire position is located4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 the first section is along this front firing on the enemy strong point4 ,they are returning the fire1 the volume of which is just about at a balance with your fire4 ,you hear the firing of the #bnd platoon off to the right4 ,you have had a few casualties4 ,what would you do now80 ,captain ,hall3 8,by a process of fire and movement ,i would work my section further to the front and build up a new firing line 7indicate the location of the new line740 ,the ,director3 8,what would your second section be doing80 ,captain ,hall3 8,it would be following the advance ready to join the firing line when ,i call upon it to do so40 ,the class is now conducted up to the new fire position4 ,the ,director3 8,the line has worked forward to this position with a few more casualties4 ,it is apparent that the enemy's fire is increasing in volume and you find that it will be impossible for you to continue the advance4 ,in other words you cannot attain fire superiority with your present force on the firing line4 ,what would you do about that1 ,lieutenant ,barry80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would signal the section 8,fire ,faster0 and under cover of this increased volume of fire ,i would bring my #bnd section up onto the line1 and have the men join in the firing40 7,note4--,the solution of all the above will depend upon the lay of the ground where the ,terrain ,exercise is staged4 ,the points to be brought out by the ,director are that the first wave will continue its advance by its own efforts as far to the front as possible4 ,when it cannot longer maintain the superiority of fire necessary to enable it to continue1 the #bnd section must be brought up and continue the forward movement4 ,when the #bnd section has joined the #ast on the line the subsequent progress of the action will depend upon how well the superiority of fire can be maintained4 ,if the volume is such that the enemy can be kept down and prevented from firing effectively the advance can be continued1 by the utilization of fire and movement4 ,ordinarily the enemy will realize the hopelessness of the situation and evacuate his position before it is necessary to carry it by assault47 99 99 99 99 99 ,attack of ,strong ,point ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,explain what happens between the time the attack order is issued and the time the attack is ready to start3 ,platoon commanders join platoons1 and conduct them to the front4 ,approach march formation4 ,column of files to be avoided4 ,orders of platoon commanders4 ,deployment for attack4 ,action of special weapons4 ,signals indicating readiness for attack4 #b4 ,discuss necessity for thorough preparation for the attack4 ,describe the situation from the enemy's point of view4 ,advantage of the initiative4 #c4 ,explain necessity for time being allowed subordinate commanders to prepare to launch attack4 #d4 ,conduct class to line of departure for #ast platoon4 #e4 ,distribute sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #c2 read and explain4 #f4 ,description of attack4 ,initial advance4 ,scouts4 ,advance of platoon4 ,building up first fire position4 ,superiority of fire4 ,continue advance by fire and movement4 ,employment of automatic rifles4 #g4 ,conduct class to next fire position4 ,failure to hold superiority of fire4 ,bring up second section4 ,subsequent progress4 ,assault4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,class is now conducted to a point where the operation of both the #ast and #bnd platoons may be observed by the company commander4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,captain ,c1 have come forward to this point4 ,you see your assault platoons covered by their own fire and that of the supporting weapons advancing rapidly on the enemy strong point4 ,they are now 7indicate the general line that each platoon occupies47 ,the volume of fire of the enemy has materially decreased4 ,you note that the supporting weapons have lifted their fire and are now firing well beyond the strong point4 ,a few moments later you note that both platoons rush towards the strong point with bayonets fixed4 ,the #crd platoon has now arrived at the line of departure of the #bnd platoon4 ,companies ,a and ,b seem to be carrying out their attack on your left2 there is no machine gun fire to interfere with them now4 ,required4 ,what do you1 ,captain ,c1 do8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #d to the class1 reads it aloud to them1 points out the location of the troops and makes any verbal explanations that may be necessary4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,i want each member of the class to visualize the situation as it now stands4 ,in the beginning ,captain ,c assigned definite missions to each of his platoons4 ,he left the essential details to the platoon commanders4 ,he is driving a team of two units with a third held in reserve4 ,his team has been driven into the enemy's position4 ,they have accomplished the main part of their mission and something more is necessary on the part of the ,captain4 ,lieutenant ,barry1 knowing the situation as it is1 what would you do80 ,solution ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would go forward and join my two platoons at the enemy strong point40 ,the ,director3 8,would you take any other action before doing that80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i think not1 sir4 ,i would want to know the situation up there as soon as possible40 ,the ,director3 8,what would you do1 ,lieutenant ,hunt80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would send a messenger back to the #crd platoon to get started on its way to the captured position40 ,the ,director3 8,just how would you do that80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would turn to the runner of the #crd platoon1 who is with me and tell him3 8#8,take this message to the leader of the #crd platoon3 #8,the #crd platoon will report to ,captain ,c at the enemy strong point at once1 moving by the shortest route4' 8,i would have the runner repeat the message and make sure that he1 himself1 understands what is wanted40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,there is no doubt but that the presence of the #crd platoon will be required at the enemy position just as soon as it can be gotten up there4 ,the assault platoons will be more or less disorganized by their attack4 ,they will be out of hand4 ,squads1 sections and platoons will be mixed up4 ,there will be some hand to hand fighting with some of the enemy who have failed to make their get-away or with some determined men who will hold on to their local position until they are driven out with cold steel4 8,it is to provide for just such a situation as this1 that we hold out a reserve--a formed body of troops that has not been in the assault4 ,a body that is absolutely in hand and under control4 ,it can be conducted up to the enemy position1 take it over and be ready for any eventuality that may occur4 8,as a matter of fact the assault troops should not be allowed to go into the captured position unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to drive out or capture those remaining4 ,the reasons for this are obvious4 ,when the enemy abandons the position1 he assumes that it is occupied by his opponent and will turn as great a volume of fire on it as possible with a view to inflicting losses on our disorganized troops4 ,with a formed body of troops1 under control1 we can make such tactical distribution of the units as may be required1 posting them where the greatest amount of shelter exists and thereby reduce casualties to a minimum40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 let us assume that you have sent back the message to the commander of the #crd platoon4 ,what would you do now80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would go forward and join my assault platoons40 ,the ,director3 8,would you do anything about getting some of the special weapons up to the captured position80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,no sir1 not yet4 ,it is my understanding that the machine gun and howitzer platoons were only detailed with ,company ,c to support the attack on the enemy strong point4 ,at the conclusion of the affair that they are to report back to the battalion commander40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,if1 however1 ,captain ,c decides that he needs them he can send a runner to the battalion commander and request that they be detailed for further duty with the company40 99 99 99 99 99 ,attack of ,strong ,point ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point where operations of both #ast and #bnd platoons can be observed4 #b4 ,distribute the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #d4 ,read and explain4 #c4 ,visualize situation4 ,teamwork4 ,action taken by ,captain ,c4 #d4 ,send for #crd platoon to come forward to enemy position4 ,message in detail4 #e4 ,explain necessity for ,reserve ,platoon4 ,assault platoons disorganized by attack and out hand4 ,value of formed body under control4 #f4 ,danger of entering captured positions4 #g4 ,action with respect to supporting troops4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,class is now conducted forward to the captured enemy strongpoint4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,on arriving at the captured strong point1 ,captain ,c finds the #ast and #bnd platoons somewhat mixed up and disorganized4 ,some of the men are on the far side firing on the retreating enemy4 ,some are seen to be hunting souvenirs4 ,there are a considerable number of enemy dead and wounded lying about4 ,about a dozen enemy prisoners are standing off to one side with their hands up4 ,the #crd platoon is seen advancing in the distance4 ,lieutenant ,p1 with the platoon headquarters is coming forward at a run4 ,companies ,a and ,b to the left are advancing and the whole enemy line is apparently retreating4 ,required4 ,what action do you1 ,captain ,c1 take8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing the situation to the class1 reads it over and makes the necessary explanations1 points out the places mentioned1 etc4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what would you do under the circumstances80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,in the first place ,i would want to see the platoon commanders and give them instructions as to the action to be taken4 ,i would call the runners of the #ast and #bnd platoons and order them3 8#8,find your platoon commanders4 ,tell them to report to me here1 at once4' 8,while waiting for the platoon commanders to come ,i would size up the situation and be prepared to issue my orders soon after their arrival40 ,the ,director3 8,i think we can all agree that that is the logical procedure4 ,in sizing up the situation1 what points would you consider1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would consider what my mission is now4 ,the company is the battalion reserve4 ,it was thrown into the attack for the definite purpose of capturing the enemy strong point that was holding up the advance of the battalion4 ,we have completed that mission1 the battalion is continuing the advance4 ,up to the moment no other mission has been assigned4 ,i would not know whether it is the desire of the battalion commander that we continue the advance as an assault unit of the battalion or revert to the former status of battalion reserve4 ,until ,i receive definite orders on the subject ,i would stay right here and cover the right flank of the battalion4 ,i estimate that ,i will get such orders in a very short time4 8,the enemy has several courses of action open to him4 ,he may continue to fall back and not molest us4 ,he may make a counter-attack1 though this is not probable4 ,he may concentrate a large volume of fire on this particular point with a view to causing serious casualties in our disorganized ranks4 8,our own battalion is continuing its advance and does not seem to need our support for the time being4 ,the #ast and #bnd platoons must be withdrawn and reorganized4 ,the #crd platoon can take over the duty of security4 ,the enemy prisoners must be taken care of and others that may be in the position must be rounded up4 ,souvenir hunters and stragglers must be rounded up and sent to their proper units4 8,the sanitary troops are now taking care of our wounded4 8,the battalion commander will want to know what has happened on our front and ,i would send him a message telling him about it4 8,my decision would be to withdraw and reorganize the #ast and #bnd platoons4 ,have the #crd platoon take over the duty of security1 mop up the position and take charge of the prisoners4 ,send a message to the battalion commander4 8,all of this would constitute my hurried estimate of the situation4 ,when the platoon commanders assemble ,i will give the necessary orders to put my decision into effect40 ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,ralston1 let us assume that the platoon commanders are assembled and you are ready to give them their orders4 ,what is the first thing you would do80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would want to get my report off to the battalion commander as soon as possible40 ,the ,director3 8,just how would you do this80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would write it out and send it by a runner40 ,the ,director3 8,do you think you would take the time to do that8 ,you have your first sergeant with you4 ,he should be able to write out the message and ,i think you would have him do it4 ,that leaves you free to go ahead with your orders to the platoon commanders4 ,you would indicate roughly what you want to go into the message to the battalion commander and leave the rest to the first sergeant4 ,now1 tell us what you would include in the orders to the platoon commanders1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would give the orders about as follows3 8,the other companies of our battalion are advancing on our left4 8,this company will reorganize and prepare for further service4 8,the #crd platoon will relieve the firing line with one section and take over the security of the position4 ,have the men of the #ast and #bnd platoons fall back and assemble by squads on this side 7indicate7 of the position4 ,the remaining section will take charge of the prisoners1 mop up the position1 collect other prisoners and stragglers4 ,the covering patrol of one squad will remain out on the right4 8,the #ast platoon will assemble at 7indicate place74 8,the #bnd platoon will assemble at 7indicate place74 8,the #ast and #bnd platoons will reorganize1 check casualties and report results4 ,secure ammunition from dead and wounded4 8,messages to me here40 ,the ,director3 8,i think that order will meet the immediate requirements of the situation4 ,now1 ,captain ,hodges1 what would you include in the message to the battalion commander80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would make it very brief4 ,something to this effect3 8#8,enemy strong point captured at 7,time74 ,my casualties about 1 killed2 wounded4 ,prisoners 7number74 ,am reorganizing4 7,such additional information about enemy that would be of value to the ,battalion commander74 ,await your further instructions4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that message will give the battalion commander all the information that he requires immediately4 ,it informs him of the fact that you have accomplished your mission4 ,it tells him how many casualties you have had which will enable him to determine the further effective strength of the company and what it is capable of doing in the future4 ,it tells him what you are now doing and indicates that further instructions are desired4 ,his reaction should be to send you instructions what to do1 either to continue to the front as an assault unit of the battalion or to revert to the role of battalion reserve4 ,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out the orders of ,captain ,c and the message that he would send to the battalion commander4 ,follow out the five paragraph order system40 ,procedure ,when the orders and the message are complete they will be collected and redistributed4 ,one or more members of the class will be called upon to read the order and message in his possession and to criticize it4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,this situation concludes the ,terrain ,exercise4 ,i hope that it has been valuable to all of you and has brought out some points that will stand you well in hand if you ever be called upon to undertake an operation of this kind in actual service4 8,i hope you all now appreciate what training is necessary on the part of officers and non-commissioned officers to carry on such an operation4 8,i thank you for your attention40 99 99 99 99 99 ,attack of ,strong ,point ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to captured enemy strong point4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #e4 ,read and discuss4 ,point out places mentioned4 #c4 ,order platoon commanders to report to ,captain ,c4 #d4 ,estimate of the ,situation4 ,mission1 action of enemy1 action of own troops1 withdrawal of the #ast and #bnd platoons to reorganize4 ,relief by #crd platoon4 ,decision4 #e4 ,report to battalion commander4 ,first sergeant to prepare message4 #f4 ,orders3 ,information of enemy and own troops4 ,plan of commander4 #crd platoon take over duty of security4 ,relieve #ast and #bnd platoons4 ,prisoners and stragglers4 ,mop up position4 #ast and #bnd platoons assemble and reorganize1 check casualties1 replenish ammunition4 #g4 ,message to battalion commander3 ,accomplished mission4 ,casualties4 ,prisoners4 ,reorganization4 ,await further instructions4 ,reaction of battalion commander to message4 99 99 99 99 99 ,note4--,acknowledgment is made to ,major ,reginald ,h4 ,kelly1 ,infantry1 for the background on which this ,terrain ,exercise is based4--,,the ,,author4 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #b4 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,the ,problem ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,the ,red forces have been retreating 7a7 before the attack of the ,blues for the past two days1 contesting every yard of the advance4 ,the #ajth ,blue division is operating in the ,sector3 ,right boundary3 7b7 ,left boundary3 7c7 ,the ,division is disposed3 #aith ,brigade as attacking brigade4 #bjth ,brigade as division reserve4 ,the attacking brigade is disposed regiments side by side1 the ---- ,infantry in the right half of the sector3 the ---- ,infantry in the left half of the sector4 ,regiments are echeloned by battalion2 one as assault2 one as support and one as reserve4 ,the ---- ,infantry has the #bnd battalion as assault2 the #ast battalion as support and the #crd battalion as reserve4 ,after an all day fight the assault battalion 7#bnd7 has halted along 7d7 where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for the continuation of the attack tomorrow morning4 ,the support battalion 7#ast7 has reached 7e7 where it is halted4 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a7 ,the compass direction of the retreat of the ,red forces3 ,north1 south1 east1 west4 7b7 ,state the right boundary of the sector over which the division is operating4 7c7 ,state the left boundary of the sector over which the division is operating4 ,if practicable the problem should be staged so that there may be a well defined topographical feature that will mark one of these boundaries of the ,division sector4 7d7 ,the general location of the front lines of the assault battalion4 ,this line should in general1 be perpendicular to the lines of advance of the division and if practicable should lay along some well defined topographical feature of the terrain so that it may be readily indicated to the class4 7e7 ,the location of the halting place of the #ast ,battalion4 ,this should be at least #aejj to #ahjj yards in rear of the line 7d7 above4 ,procedure ,the class is conducted to 7e7 where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,special ,situation ,blue and a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to read it over4 ,the ,director will then read the ,situation aloud1 point out the places mentioned where practicable and make such explanations as may be necessary4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 the situation states that the #ajth division is operating on a certain sector4 ,what do you understand by that80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,it is the area lying between the two designated boundaries which has been allotted to the division and to which1 in general1 the division confines its operations4 ,as ,i understand it there is a division on our right and another on our left4 ,if each were not given a definite area to operate over ,i can readily see how there might be great confusion over the question as to just who is responsible for a certain area4 ,by assigning definite boundaries this question is eliminated4 ,the division assigned to the particular sector is responsible for everything in the sector40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what do you understand by the term attacking brigade80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,it is the term used to designate the ,brigade that is leading--the brigade that is making the attack against the enemy--as distinguished from the brigade that is held in reserve40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,there are several ways of disposing the infantry of a division for combat4 ,i will outline them briefly in order that you may see what the formations are and the relation that our battalion has to them4 8,the division may be deployed with the two brigades side by side1 each brigade being echeloned in a column of regiments4 ,the leading regiment of each brigade is in turn echeloned in a column of battalions1 one as assault1 one as support and one as local reserve4 ,the second regiment 7less #a battalion7 of each brigade forms the brigade reserve4 ,the remaining battalion from each of these regiments is held out by the division commander as a division reserve4 ,in this case the division commander is driving a two unit team with the units abreast4 ,under exceptional circumstances the division may be deployed with the brigades side by side with all four regiments in line each echeloned in a column of battalions4 ,this formation uses up a division very rapidly and is only employed where an exceptionally wide front has been assigned4 8,the third method of deployment is that indicated in the problem we have under consideration4 ,there is an attacking brigade with the regiments side by side1 each regiment echeloned in a column of battalions1 one as attacking1 one as support and one as reserve4 ,this is a very good formation and has many advantages4 ,it is one that was employed by many of the successful divisions in ,france4 ,the ,reserve brigade is held far back in order to reduce fatigue and casualties to a minimum1 so that when it is called upon to relieve the attacking brigade it is in the best of condition and comparatively fresh and rested4 ,in this formation the division commander drives his team of units in tandem4 ,now1 ,i want every member of the class to visualize this formation and get it firmly fixed in your minds4 ,let us review it again3 8,our brigade1 the #aith is the attacking ,brigade4 ,we have our two regiments abreast4 ,our regiment occupies the ---- half of the sector which extends right up through here 7indicates72 the other regiment occupies the ---- half of the sector which extends right along parallel to us along there 7indicating74 ,our #bnd battalion has been the assault battalion and has carried the advance forward today4 ,we have been following as support battalion1 and at the end of the day's work have arrived here4 ,our #crd battalion has been following us at a distance of about #a1jjj yards as the reserve4 8,the #ast battalion has gotten as far forward as it possibly can today and has halted along the 7indicate the general line of the battalion7 where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for continuing the advance tomorrow morning4 ,the problem of this ,terrain ,exercise has to do with those arrangements1 in so far as the ,infantry is concerned4 ,we are the support battalion1 it is up to us to relieve the assault battalion tonight and carry on the fight tomorrow4 ,how are we going to do it80 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,it is now 7f7 p4 m4 ,you1 ,major ,a1 commanding the #ast battalion1 which is now support battalion of the regiment1 receive an order from the regimental commander1 the body of which reads as follows3 #a4 ,the enemy has continued to retreat during the day4 ,our ,army is pushing him to the limit4 ,our #bnd battalion has reached the 7state general line that has been reached7 where it is in close contact with the enemy4 ,the general attack will be continued all along the line tomorrow morning4 #b4 ,a redistribution of troops in the regimental sector will be effected tonight4 #c4 7a7 ,the #ast battalion will relieve the #bnd battalion on the front line and be prepared to continue the attack tomorrow morning4 ,details of ,artillery preparation1 tank assistance and zero hour will be communicated later4 7b7 ,the #crd battalion will relieve the #ast battalion as support and take position at 7location of the #ast battalion74 ,this relief will be completed by 7g7 o'clock p4 m4 7c7 ,when relieved the #bnd battalion will fall back to 7h71 reorganize and replenish ammunition1 equipment and supplies4 ,it will be the reserve battalion4 7d7 ,detachments of the ,howitzer ,company now with the #bnd battalion will remain in position and be reported to the commanding officer #bnd battalion1 when the relief is effected4 7e7 ,details of reliefs will be arranged by battalion commanders concerned4 #d4 ,completion of reliefs and moves will be reported to ,regimental ,c4 ,p4 by telephone and runner4 #e4 ,messages to ,regimental ,c4 ,p4 at 7i74 ,required3 ,your order for the approach march and arrangements for carrying out the orders of the regimental commander4 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7f7 ,the time at which the order of the regimental commander is received by the battalion commander4 ,this should be before dark4 7g7 ,the time by which the #crd battalion should relieve the #ast battalion4 ,this should be an hour or more after the time indicated by 7f74 7h7 ,the location to which the #bnd battalion is to march and assemble when it is relieved by the #ast battalion4 7i7 ,the location of the regimental ,c4 ,p4 ,it should be some where in the regimental sector between the support and reserve battalions4 ,procedure ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #a to the members of the class4 ,he will read the situation aloud1 point out the places and locations referred to and make such explanations as may be necessary4 ,one or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the situation and this will be continued until it is apparent that all members of the class understand it and are ready to proceed with a solution on the same basis of understanding4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going ahead with the problem ,i want to say a few words about the importance of this subject of approach march and deployment4 8,prior to the war we did not appreciate the necessity for extensive drill and instruction in the subject of approach march1 deployment and the relief of units on the firing line4 ,there was little literature on the subjects and what there was dealt only in glittering generalities4 ,once in a while a training program included the subject #8,deployment1' but no one took it seriously and such as we carried out1 were executed in a purely perfunctory manner4 8,in the training of troops for modern warfare the subject must be given the place and attention that it deserves4 ,troops must be trained to take up the approach march formation1 and make a deployment therefrom1 both day and night1 over all kinds of ground4 ,they must be trained in the methods and technique of making a relief of a force on the firing line at night and overcome the obstacles that are habitually encountered4 ,the great danger at night is in losing direction4 ,this results in a command getting lost and failure to get to the line of departure ready to #8,jump off' at ,h ,hour4 8,the failure of a single battalion in this respect may imperil a whole military operation and cost the lives of thousands of men4 ,unless the troops told off to make the attack are in place ready to #8jump off' and follow the barrage at ,h ,hour there is not the slightest chance for success4 ,the barrage goes on4 ,the enemy is given time to man his positions and machine guns and the attack on that particular front is held up1 usually with enormous losses4 ,the whole attack has to be reorganized and started anew4 ,those of you who have had experience with an attack which was a failure know how much time is lost and how many casualties may result from such affairs40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 let us take up the problem as it concerns our battalion4 ,the battalion command post we will say is right here where we are standing4 ,just how do you visualize the distribution of the battalion1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,the battalion headquarters company would be in this vicinity4 ,company ,a would be the leading company on the right2 ,company ,b would be the leading company on the left2 ,company ,c would be following ,company ,a at a distance of say #ajj yards and ,company ,d would be following ,company ,b at about the same distance4 ,each company would be in two echelons1 an assault echelon of two platoons and a support echelon of one platoon1 the latter following at about #ej yards4 ,the men have taken advantage of such natural cover that exists and where there is none they have dug individual fox holes to get into4 ,these afford a lot of cover from shrapnel fire40 ,the ,director3 8,you have given a very good picture of the formation4 ,are there any questions8 ,if you do not understand all that is being said1 now is the time to speak out4 ,we must all approach the solution of the problem on the same basis to get the greatest benefit from it40 ,the ,director will point out to the members of the class the location of the various elements of the battalion on the ground and go into the details of the formation if it is deemed necessary4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,the requirement of the problem involves ,major ,a's order for the approach march4 ,lieutenant ,ralston1 what must the ,major do before he is ready to issue his orders80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,he must size up the situation1 arrive at a decision as to what he is going to do and then put this decision in the form of an order40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the first part of his ,estimate of this ,situation80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,he will determine upon his mission4 ,i would say that the immediate mission is to relieve the #bnd battalion and that the next phase of it is to prepare to continue the attack tomorrow morning40 ,the ,director3 8,very good4 ,what is the next point he will consider1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,he must consider the enemy4 ,the enemy has been retreating before our attack for the past two days4 ,this shows that he is inferior in strength and morale4 ,his defense arrangements must be very much impaired and the confusion that exists behind his lines may readily be imagined4 ,the fact that he is doggedly contesting our advance and that his retreat has nowhere broken down to the extent that we have been able to break through his lines with a deep penetration shows that he still has a lot of fight in him4 ,as soon as it is sufficiently dark to preclude the possibility of aerial observation the enemy will begin shifting his defense elements with a view to preparations to resist our advance again tomorrow4 ,he will be effecting a relief of his worn-out troops1 shifting his machine guns to more advantageous positions1 changing his artillery so as to more effectively cover the ground which we will have to pass over tomorrow if our attack is a success4 ,all of this will consume several hours4 ,during the period of readjustment and redistribution of troops the hostile activity and fire will naturally be very much diminished4 ,during this same period from dusk until several hours later these same things will be happening in our lines1 as you can see4 ,our artillery will have to be brought up to new positions for the destructive bombardment and the barrage4 ,our machine guns have to be placed in position to better support the riflemen4 ,our tanks have to be gotten up ready for the #8jump off' tomorrow morning and our worn-out troops on the front lines have to be relieved4 ,it will be a period of lessened activity on both sides4 ,during this period we will take advantage of the opportunity to effect the relief of the #bnd battalion on the line40 7,note4--,the terrain over which the approach march and the relief should now be discussed47 ,the ,director3 8,that is a very good discussion of the consideration of the enemy and our troops4 ,captain ,hodges1 what other factors enter into the estimate of the situation80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,our plans1 ,i should say1 the ,major would want to determine on the formation that he will adopt for the approach march4 ,he wants to arrive on the front line with his assault elements in the best possible formation to go into action4 ,it will be more and more difficult to make changes in the formation as he approaches the location of the front lines4 ,he will therefore start his approach march in as nearly the formation that he wants to be in when he arrives on the line40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,in making a relief of this kind you cannot march a battalion up within the zone of rifle and machine gun fire in a column of files and then expect to get into combat formation and effect a relief properly4 ,it simply cannot be done4 ,you must get into your formation sufficiently far back to make sure of it and then take advantage of the various invulnerable formations to cross dangerous ground to the best advantage and with a minimum of losses4 ,now1 ,captain ,james1 what would be your decision80 ,captain ,james3 8,to march to the front and effect the relief of the #bnd battalion as soon as possible after dusk40 ,the ,director3 8,very good4 ,now all of what we have said is termed the #8,estimate of the ,situation4' ,i hope you all appreciate the necessity for the battalion commander going through this process of thought before arriving at his decision and framing up his order based on it4 8,we are now ready to proceed with a discussion of the ,major's order4 ,lieutenant ,baker1 what would you include in the first paragraph80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,the information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,this would include information about the enemy's retreat all along the line during the day2 of the point reached by the front lines of our #bnd battalion2 of the proposed attack tomorrow morning2 of the fact that the #crd battalion will relieve our battalion tonight2 of the action to be taken by the #bnd battalion after we relieve it4 ,this is all that it would be necessary for the troops to know at this time40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you have covered the essential points4 ,captain ,hall1 what would you include in the second paragraph of the order80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would state my plan1 to the effect that we are to relieve the #bnd battalion tonight40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the next part of the order1 ,lieutenant ,barry80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,the disposition of the troops and the orders for each element of the battalion3 ,i would want the intelligence section of my headquarters' company to get to the front at the earliest possible moment1 secure the intelligence #8dope' and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions as soon as the relief is effected4 ,i would order the section to proceed up to the ,c4 ,p4 of the #bnd battalion right away and instruct them to get on the job4 ,i would also want my communications platoon to get up to the front and make arrangements to take over the communication net and the message center of the #bnd battalion4 ,if these outfits get an early start they will be able to accomplish much before it gets dark4 ,they should lose no time in getting to the front40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 what would you include in the orders for the companies of the ,battalion80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,the ,major has decided upon the formation already4 ,there only remains the task of putting the decision into an order4 ,i would preserve the present dispositions of the units and direct3 ,company ,a to march at ---- 7time71 in approach march formation2 designate the sector of the company2 announce the guide 7right or left7 towards the base company2 give the compass bearing of the direction of the march and to make sure that contact will not be lost with the base company will caution to that effect4 ,i would also include in this part of the order the fact that ,company ,a is to relieve the ,assault ,company of the #bnd battalion which is immediately in its front4 ,the orders for ,company ,b1 which is to be the other ,assault ,company1 would contain the same instructions as ,company ,a with the addition of a sentence giving the ,company a directing line in addition to the compass bearing of the line of march4 8,i would include in the orders for ,company ,c the same line of instructions as for ,company ,a except that ,i would tell them the distance they are to follow ,company ,a and the fact that they are to relieve the local support company of the #bnd battalion4 8,company ,d's orders will include the same instructions contained in these for ,company ,c except directions for them to relieve the machine gun elements of the #bnd ,battalion4 8,i think these instructions would be all that are necessary for the four companies of the battalion to get them started on the march40 ,the ,director3 8,you have covered the points very well4 ,but1 there are some instructions that pertain to all of the units of the battalion4 ,these would be included in the final sub-paragraph of paragraph #c of the order4 ,this paragraph is denominated 7x7 in the order4 ,what are they1 ,lieutenant ,hunt80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i should think they would include3 ,the designation of the base ,company2 instructions for sending a reconnaissance officer and party of guides forward at once2 designating the place where the leading elements of the battalion are to halt for the purpose of receiving final orders for the relief of the units of the #bnd battalion2 designation of the place where unit commanders are to assemble to receive orders for the relief40 ,the ,director3 8,paragraph #d of a field order includes administrative arrangements4 ,can you think of anything that would be necessary to be included in that paragraph of ,major ,a's orders80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i can think of nothing4 ,that would depend upon circumstances4 ,these administrative arrangements include3 instructions for the trains--which have already been attended to2 collecting station for wounded--which will be announced in a later order4 ,it may be assumed that as soon as the advance halted that the rolling kitchen was brought up and the men given a hot meal before relieving the #bnd battalion4 ,if such is the case the kitchen will have to be disposed of in paragraph #d40 ,the ,director3 8,what will paragraph #e contain80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,it will contain information of the time when the present command post of the battalion will close and when and where it will next be opened40 ,the ,director3 8,we have now covered the elements of the ,major's order4 ,let us review them briefly3 8,paragraph #a3 ,information of the enemy and our own troops4 8,paragraph #b3 ,the ,major's plan of action in general terms4 8,paragraph #c3 ,distribution of troops--orders for the various elements of the battalion4 8,paragraph #d3 ,administrative arrangements4 8,paragraph #e3 ,time of closing the present ,c4 ,p4 and when and where it will next open4 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out the battalion commander's order on his pad4 ,base your order on the dispositions that we have discussed in the solution of the problem2 use the #e paragraph order system2 endeavor to include all the instructions that we have included in our solution40 ,procedure ,the necessary time is allowed for the preparation of the order by the members of the class4 ,as soon as the orders are completed the ,director will distribute to the class the mimeograph sheets containing the order that he has prepared as a solution to the situation4 ,he will read it aloud to the class and have each man compare it with the order that he1 himself1 has prepared4 ,this solution order will be as follows3 #a4 ,the enemy continued his retreat during the day4 ,our #bnd battalion has halted along 7d7#a where it is in close contact with the enemy4 ,details of location of units will be given later4 ,the attack will be continued tomorrow morning4 ,the #crd battalion relieves our battalion before 7g7#a tonight4 ,when relieved the #bnd battalion goes to the regimental reserve4 #b4 ,this battalion will relieve the #bnd battalion tonight4 #c4 7a7 ,the ,intelligence ,section1 ,headquarters' ,company will proceed at once to the ,c4 ,p4 #bnd battalion and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions4 7b7 ,the ,communications platoon1 ,headquarters' ,company will proceed at once to the ,c4 ,p4 #bnd battalion and be prepared to take over the communications net and message center4 7c7 ,captain ,a1 with ,company ,a1 will march at 7hour7 p4 m41 in approach march formation in the #b half of the regimental sector1 preparatory to relieving the #b ,assault ,company of the #bnd battalion4 ,the guide will be #c ,compass bearing degrees1 magnetic4 ,contact with the #c of ,company ,b will be maintained4 7d7 ,captain ,b1 with ,company ,b1 will march at 7hour7 p4 m41 in approach march formation in the #c half of the regimental sector1 preparatory to relieving the #c assault company of the #bnd battalion4 ,directing line 7state directing line74 ,compass bearing degrees1 magnetic4 7e7 ,captain ,c1 with ,company ,c1 will follow ,company ,a in approach march formation at a distance of #cjj yards1 preparatory to relieving local support company of the #bnd ,battalion4 ,compass bearing degrees1 magnetic4 7f7 ,captain ,d1 with ,company ,d1 will follow ,company ,b1 in approach march formation at a distance of #cjj yards1 preparatory to relieving the ,machine ,gun elements of the #bnd battalion4 ,directing line 7state74 ,compass bearing degrees1 magnetic4 7x7 ,company ,b1 base company4 ,a reconnaissance officer from each company1 accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once4 ,when the leading elements of the battalion have arrived at 7state place71 the entire battalion will halt1 take cover and await orders4 ,company ,commanders will assemble at 7state point7 to receive orders covering the details of the relief4 #d4 ,rolling ,kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion4 #e4 ,the battalion ,c4 ,p4 will close here at 7time7 and open at the ,c4 ,p4 #bnd battalion at the same hour4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,after issuing this order and making sure that it is understood the battalion commander accompanied by his battalion staff1 runners1 etc41 and the remainder of the battalion ,headquarters' ,company will proceed to the front4 ,one officer will be left at the old ,c4 ,p4 until the troops have moved out4 ,he will then go to the front4 ,the ,major will get in personal communication with the ,commanding ,officer of the #bnd ,battalion1 secure all the information he has of the situation and the location of the troops to be relieved4 ,he will make such reconnaissance as is practicable and necessary to a complete understanding of the situation and then prepare his orders for the relief of the #bnd battalion40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,are there any questions80 ,the ,director endeavors to answer any questions that may be asked4 99 99 99 99 99 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct the class to 7e7 where the ,terrain exercise is to begin4 #b4 ,distribute the sheets containing ,special ,situation1 ,blue1 read and explain4 #c4 ,meaning of ,sector2 attacking brigade2 attack formations--brigades side by side2 regiments side by side2 attacking brigade and reserve brigade--tandem2 formation of #aith brigade4 #d4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #a1 read and explain4 #e4 ,approach march and deployment2 importance of2 necessity for training2 training programs2 failure of battalion to jump off4 #f4 ,visualize formation of #ast ,battalion4 ,point out relative location of units4 #g4 ,estimate of situation2 mission2 enemy2 own troops2 terrain plans of operation2 decision4 #h4 ,order3 ,information of ,enemy and own troops 7,refer to copy of order to be submitted as solution in bringing out points of order4 ,make discussion along lines of solution74 ,plan of commander4 ,orders for each unit4 ,put in paragraph 7x74 ,administrative arrangements4 ,location of ,c4 ,p4 ,review the paragraphs of the order4 #i4 ,have class write out order on pads4 #aj4 ,distribute sheets containing the solution 7copy of ,order74 ,read and explain4 ,have members of class compare their order with the solution4 #aa4 ,explain subsequent actions of ,major ,a4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the area supposed to be occupied by ,company ,b4 ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #b to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,captain ,b1 are commanding ,company ,b4 ,you have the order of the battalion commander relating to your company as follows3 7d7 ,captain ,b1 with ,company ,b1 will march at ---- 7hour7 p4 m41 in approach march formation in the right 7left7 half of the regimental sector1 preparatory to relieving the right 7left7 assault company of the #bnd battalion4 ,directing line ---- 7state directing line74 ,compass bearing ---- degrees1 magnetic4 7x7 ,company ,b1 base company4 ,a reconnaissance officer from each company1 accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once4 #d4 ,rolling kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion4 ,you have returned to your ,company4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director will read the situation aloud1 make such explanations as may be necessary and point out the area occupied by ,company ,b4 ,one or more members of the class may be called upon to state his understanding of the situation4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what do you understand to be the formation of ,company ,b at this moment80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would say that the company would be in approach march formation4 ,there would be two platoons1 let us say the #ast and #bnd1 in the assault echelon and one1 the #crd1 in the support echelon4 ,all three of the platoons would at this time be deployed in two waves1 a section of three squads in each wave4 ,i think each section would be deployed in a line of skirmishers while at a halt4 ,the company headquarters would be here1 about midway between the assault echelon and the support echelon40 7,note4--,lieutenant ,williams will point out the location of the various elements of the ,company on the ground47 ,the ,director3 8,why do you think the ,company would be deployed in a line of skirmishers at this time80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,when the company halts the men will want to take advantage of existing cover4 ,if there is little cover available1 as in this case1 each man will dig himself in--he will dig a #8fox hole' big enough to give him some cover4 ,shell holes will be improved along their forward lips to give cover and if large ones are available as much as a half squad may occupy one of them4 ,another reason for the support battalion deploying into a line of skirmishers when it halts for any length is this3 ,if the enemy should make a counter-attack and break through our assault battalion1 and the companies of our support battalion are #8dug in' in a line of skirmishers they are in position to meet him without any change in the formation4 ,everything is all set and ready to receive the counter-attack40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you have sized up the formation pretty well4 ,i think if any member of this class is ever in command of an assault company of a support battalion in action he will remember this phase of this ,terrain ,exercise and when he halts for any length of time he will get the company into a line of skirmishers and have them dig in4 ,you may say #8why dig in for such a short halt4' ,i answer that you will have no trouble getting the men to dig fox holes after they have been in action a few times4 ,they soon learn the value of them and automatically do it40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 let us assume that you are ,captain ,b4 ,how do you size up the situation80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,my immediate mission is to get my company ready to march at the appointed hour4 8,i have little information of the detailed dispositions of the enemy that is opposing our #ast battalion but my reconnaissance officer whom ,i will send forward right away will secure it and have it available for me before the orders for the actual relief are to be issued4 8,we are to relieve the right 7left7 assault company of the #ast battalion which is now in close contact with the enemy along the front lines4 ,due to casualties and the progress of the day's action it is probable that each of his assault platoons have both waves in the firing line and it is highly probable that some or all of the support platoon has also been absorbed in the firing line4 ,it is necessary for ,company ,b in making the relief to get the assault troops in the proper formation to make the attack tomorrow morning4 8,the present formation of the company is suitable for the purpose and will need no change4 ,we can march straight to the front in our present general formation4 ,we will change from a line of skirmishers into a line of squad columns for each of the waves of the #ast and #bnd platoons and the #crd platoon will march in a column of section columns with the second section staggered to the right of the first40 7,note4--,discuss features of the terrain as they actually exist47 ,the ,director3 8,your decision will be to march to the front in the general formation you are now in40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,now let us go into details a little4 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what do you understand to be the purpose of the #8,directing line' assigned to the company by the ,major80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,the directing line was assigned in addition to the compass bearing to make doubly sure that the company would keep the right direction and that there would be little chance for getting lost4 ,it is a well defined topographical feature and will serve the purpose very well40 ,the ,director3 8,you note that the company has been designated as #8base company4' ,what do you understand by that80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,it is the company on which all the units of the battalion will guide during the approach march40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,this places an additional responsibility on the company4 ,if ,company ,b loses its direction the whole battalion will do the same and it is probable that the troops will not be in position ready to #8jump off' tomorrow morning4 ,you have no idea of the confusion that can take place in an outfit that loses its direction and gets lost in an operation of this kind4 ,every possible precaution must be taken to prevent it4 ,in this case the ,captain must charge the platoon that is to march nearest to the directing line to guide on that line throughout the march and for the other platoons to guide on it4 ,in this case the right 7left7 assault platoon will be designated #8base platoon' and will take every precaution to keep the right 7left7 element of the platoon absolutely on the directing line4 ,you can see that this places the responsibility for the march direction of the whole battalion on the squad that is nearest the directing line4 ,i want you to keep this in mind throughout the problem40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 what preliminary arrangements would ,captain ,b make for issuing his orders to the company80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,the company command post is supposed to be located here4 7,note4--,in framing up the problem the ,director should locate the ,company ,c4 ,p4 where there is cover4 ,if it is impracticable to do so1 it may be assumed that there is a shell hole available47 8,the ,captain will assemble the platoon commanders and platoon sergeants and issue the orders for the initial operation of the ,company40 ,the ,director3 8,what will be included in the first paragraph of the order80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,the information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,this will be a repetition of paragraph #a of the ,major's order with the addition of information as to what the other companies of the battalion are going to do4 ,captain ,b will go into details1 for it must be remembered1 that none of the platoon commanders were present when ,major ,a issued his orders and they know nothing of the situation except what they have been able to observe for themselves40 ,the ,director3 8,i am glad to hear you bring out that point4 ,it takes only a few minutes to explain the situation in detail and is most valuable to subordinate officers who are charged with the task of actually carrying out the operations4 ,they must know the details of the situation4 ,now1 ,captain ,harvey1 what would you include in the second paragraph of the order80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,my plans4 ,to march at the designated hour1 preparatory to relieving the right 7left7 assault company of the #ast battalion4 ,in order to save questions regarding the relief ,i would state to the effect that detailed instructions would be issued later40 ,the ,director3 8,very good4 ,now comes the distribution of troops4 ,that is paragraph #c of the field order4 ,what points would you include in it80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would give the orders for each platoon separately4 ,those for the right assault platoon would come first4 ,i would designate the platoon by number and the name of the platoon commander2 state the formation2 the sector that the platoon is to march in2 announce the guide2 and the compass bearing of the march4 ,in the case of the base platoon ,i would indicate the directing line of the march in addition4 8,i will then follow with instructions for the reconnaissance party and guides to go to the front right away4 8,then will come that part of the order that is of interest to all the elements of the ,company4 ,the announcement of the base platoon2 where the halt is to be made to receive detailed orders for the relief4 ,then will follow the final paragraph of the order designating the place where the ,company ,headquarters is to march40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you have covered the elements of the company order very well4 ,i hope all of you see the necessity for such an order4 ,you may say3 why all of this long-winded order for the operation of a single rifle company8 ,why not have ,captain ,b simply give the signal for the advance when the time comes and have the company go ahead8 ,suppose you were one of the platoon commanders in the company1 would you rather have the detailed order for your operation or would you be more satisfied with a mere extended order drill formation8 ,i am sure you will all favor the order procedure and that is the answer to the question4 ,if every man has information of what is going on and he knows the part that his unit is to take in the operation he can go about his work in a much more intelligent manner4 ,i am pleased to note that many of you are taking notes on the technique of the ,captain's order4 ,they will now stand you in good stead4 ,are there any questions80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i note that ,captain ,harvey made a statement about sending forward the reconnaissance party4 ,who would head that party and just what would it be composed of80 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what are your ideas about this80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would have the second in command lead the party4 ,it would be composed of two runners from each of the platoons and two from company headquarters40 ,the ,director3 8,you cannot have the second in command lead the party4 ,he is not up with the company at this time4 ,he is back with the rear echelon of the company4 ,the idea is that he will remain there so as to be available to take charge in case the company commander becomes a casualty40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,that is right4 ,i had overlooked that fact4 ,i would have the commander of the #crd platoon conduct the reconnaissance party4 ,his platoon is to be in support and is the most available officer4 ,the platoon sergeant can conduct the platoon on the approach march40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,does that answer your question1 ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,yes1 sir40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out ,captain ,b's order on his pad4 ,place yourself in the ,captain's shoes2 visualize the situation just as it is before you2 refer to the notes you have made during the solution and explanations2 and write out the order4 ,this is the very best training you can possibly get4 ,it puts the proposition right up to you for solution4 ,in writing the order leave a margin of #a inches on the left40 ,when the class has finished with the order the ,director will direct each member to pass his order to the member at his left4 ,each officer will then correct the order in his possession and make comments on the margin4 ,when this has been completed the ,director will distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the order of ,captain ,b and the members of the class will be allowed a few minutes to compare the order he has written with the one distributed by the ,director4 ,the ,director3 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write his name at the top of the order he has prepared and to place the name of the officer who commented on it at the top of the left-hand margin40 ,when this is done the orders will be collected4 ,the ,director will examine them at his leisure for the purpose of determining the quality of the work that the class is doing4 ,captain ,b's order distributed by the ,director will be as follows3 #a4 ,the enemy continued his retreat during the day4 ,our #bnd battalion has halted along 7d7#d where it is in close contact with the enemy4 ,details of location of units will be given later4 ,the attack will be continued tomorrow morning4 ,the #crd battalion relieves our battalion before ----#d tonight4 ,when relieved the #bnd battalion goes to the regimental reserve4 ,our battalion relieves the #bnd battalion tonight4 ,company ,a marches on our left 7right72 ,company ,c follows ,company ,a at a distance of #cjj yards2 ,company ,d follows us at a distance of #cjj yards4 #b4 ,this company1 as base company of the battalion1 will march at 7hour71 preparatory to relieving the right 7left7 assault company of the #bnd battalion4 ,detailed instructions for the relief later4 #c4 7a7 ,lieutenant ,x1 with the #ast platoon1 will march the right 7left7 half of our company sector4 ,guide will be left 7right74 ,contact with the #bnd platoon will be maintained4 ,compass bearing of march ---- degrees1 magnetic4 7b7 ,lieutenant ,y1 with the #bnd platoon1 will march in the left 7right7 half of our company sector4 ,guiding line 7indicate in detail7 compass bearing of march ---- degrees1 magnetic4 7c7 ,sergeant ,m with the #crd platoon will march in the center of our company sector following the #ast and #bnd platoons at a distance of #bjj yards4 7d7 ,lieutenant ,z with #h runners 7#b from ,company ,headquarters and #b from each platoon7 will proceed at once to the front1 reconnoiter the sector occupied by the left 7right7 assault company1 #bnd battalion1 and instruct the runners in order that they may act as guides for the elements of the company in effecting the relief4 7x7 ,the #bnd platoon ,base platoon4 ,when the leading elements of the #ast and #bnd platoons reach the ---- 7state line7 a halt will be made until further orders4 #d4 ,the rolling kitchen will join the combat train of the reserve battalion at ----4 #e4 ,i will march ahead of the #crd platoon4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the platoon commanders will return to their platoons1 assemble their non-commissioned officers and issue their instructions4 ,through this chain of command the instructions for the operation will be gotten right down to the last member of the battalion40 99 99 99 99 99 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct the class to the area supposed to be occupied by ,company ,b4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #b2 read and explain4 ,call upon one or more members of class to state understanding of the situation4 #c4 ,formation of ,company ,b2 cover2 formation for advance4 #d4 ,make estimate of situation2 mission2 enemy2 own troops2 plan2 decision4 #e4 ,purpose of directing line2 meaning of base company4 ,loss of direction4 #f4 ,preliminary arrangements for issuing order4 #g4 ,contents of order3 information of enemy and own troops2 plan of commander2 dispositions--detailed instructions for elements of company4 #h4 ,necessity for issuing orders4 #i4 ,reconnaissance party4 ,second in command4 #aj4 ,write out ,captain ,b's order4 ,pass to officer at left4 ,criticise4 ,distribute solution4 ,compare4 ,collect for future examination4 #aa4 ,procedure for platoon commanders4 ,get order down to last man of battalion4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the area over which the #bnd platoon is to advance4 ,on arriving at a selected point the class will be halted4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,james1 we are now in the area over which the #bnd platoon is advancing to the front4 ,lieutenant ,y1 the platoon commander1 is at this point4 ,what do you estimate to be the approach march formation of the platoon80 ,captain ,james3 8,i will first locate the platoon commander and then designate the location of the elements of the platoon with reference to him4 ,i think that the platoon commander would be marching at this time about midway between the assault and the support waves4 ,the #ast ,section would be marching in a line of squad columns with the right 7left7 squad near the directing line which is right there 7indicating74 ,it is the base section and the squad nearest the directing line is the base squad4 ,the head of the squad columns is about #be yards in advance of the platoon commander4 8,the #bnd platoon is following the platoon commander at a distance of about #be yards in a line of squad columns40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,it seems to me that the platoon commander would be out in front of his platoon at this time40 ,the ,director3 8,the platoon commander is free to go wherever he pleases4 ,but you must remember he has two section leaders--one for each section of the platoon4 ,these men are supposed to be competent to do their job4 ,the platoon commander should march where he can best direct the operations of his platoon through his section leaders4 ,in this case ,i think ,captain ,james has located the platoon leader in the proper place4 8,now having definitely fixed in our minds the location of the elements of the platoon let us proceed with the next situation40 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,you41 ,lieutenant ,y41 commanding the #bnd platoon have arrived at this point 7indicate74 ,the #ast section is in a line of squad columns #be yards to the front2 the #bnd section is in a line of squad columns #be yards in rear of you4 ,for some minutes enemy shells have been falling in the area which is occupied by one of our batteries at the rate of about #d per minute4 ,at this moment the fire increased materially4 ,the men have left the guns temporarily4 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #c and points out to the class the extent of the shelled area4 ,it should be in the direct line of march of the #bnd platoon4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 how do you size up the immediate situation80 ,captain ,hall3 8,our original mission has not changed4 ,we must continue the march to the front regardless of what the enemy does4 ,the #bnd battalion must be relieved tonight and our battalion must make the relief4 ,we cannot stand here and wait for the enemy's fire to let up4 ,it is obvious that we cannot go through the shelled area without ruinous losses4 ,the only thing left for us to do is to go around it40 ,the ,director3 8,those are the points ,i wanted to bring out4 ,the question before us is3 ,how are we going to get around the shelled area8 ,what have you to suggest1 ,lieutenant ,barry80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,in the first place ,i will have to decide the question as to which side of the shelled area we are to use in getting around it4 ,if the whole platoon goes around one side and the enemy fire shifts in that direction we may get caught in it and lose a lot of men4 ,i think we would reduce our chances of loss by using both sides and having one platoon go around to the right and one to the left40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 what do you think of that proposition80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i think it is all right4 ,the question that arises in my mind is that of loss of control by the platoon commander and the difficulties of getting into the proper formation on the other side of the shelled area again40 ,the ,director3 8,when you consider that the platoon commander has a team of two sections each under the charge of a competent leader the difficulties are really not so great as they would at first appear4 ,let us decide that we are to go around the shelled area on both sides of it1 a section on each side4 ,on which side will you have the leading section go1 ,lieutenant ,williams80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,the #ast ,section is the base section of the platoon--as such it is the base element of the company and the whole battalion4 ,it is the unit on which the whole battalion is guiding its march4 ,it should therefore go around on the ---- side so that the #ast platoon can keep in touch with it and guide on it4 ,when it gets to the other side of the shelled area it can deploy and get its ---- element on the directing line again4 ,by employing this method there will be no chance for the #ast platoon losing connection with it4 ,the #bnd section will go around to the ----40 ,the ,director3 8,i think your reasoning is logical and if there are no objections we will accept that method4 ,now the battery commander of the battery being shelled will want to know what is going on4 ,captain ,hastings1 how will you provide for this80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i will send a runner to him with a message giving him the necessary information40 ,the ,director3 8,let us assume that we have arrived at the decision indicated in our discussion4 ,how would you get the orders to the troops80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,when we get up as far as it is safe to go ,i will signal the platoon to halt4 ,and then call for the section leaders to report to me4 ,when they get here ,i will give them the orders necessary for the execution of the maneuver40 ,procedure ,the ,class is now conducted forward to the point where it is as far as it is safe to go and still avoid casualties from the enemy shell fire4 ,the ,director3 8,it is considered that this is as far forward as it is reasonably safe to go4 ,lieutenant ,y has halted the platoon and the section leaders have reported to him for orders4 ,now ,i want each member of the class to consider himself being ,lieutenant ,y and to write out on your pads the exact words that ,lieutenant ,y will say to the section leaders4 ,then follow this with the contents of the verbal message that you will send by runner to the battery commander40 ,the necessary time is allowed for this4 ,when the solutions are completed the ,director will have one or more members of the class read aloud what they have written4 ,the solutions are discussed and commented upon4 ,the ,director will then distribute to the class the mimeograph slips containing the orders of ,lieutenant ,y and a few minutes are allowed for the members of the class to compare them with their work4 ,the order of ,lieutenant ,y will be as follows3 8,the enemy is shelling the battery in our immediate front4 ,there is no further information of our own troops4 8,this platoon will go around the shelled area4 8,the #ast section will go around to the ---- 7right7 7left7 side towards the rest of the battalion4 8,the #bnd section will go around to the ---- 7left7 7right7 side towards the directing line4 8,on arriving at the other side of the shelled area the platoon will again take up the same formation that it is in now4 8,i will go in rear of the #ast platoon40 ,the following message will be sent to the battery commander3 8,second ,platoon ,company ,b ---- ,infantry is going around your battery position to the right and left4 ,will deploy again on the other side of the shelled area40 99 99 99 99 99 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to area over which the #bnd platoon is marching4 #b4 ,formation of #bnd platoon4 ,column of sections in line of squad columns4 ,locate each element on the ground4 ,location of platoon commander4 #c4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,read and explain4 #d4 ,estimate of ,situation2 mission2 action of enemy2 decision to go around shelled area1 on both sides4 ,base section to keep in contact with rest of battalion4 ,message to the battery commander4 #e4 ,conduct class to safe edge of shelled area4 ,write out orders and message of platoon commander4 #f4 ,distribute solution4 ,discuss same4 ,allow time to compare with work of class4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,class will now be conducted up to the place where the company commanders have been ordered to meet the battalion commander to receive orders for the relief of the #bnd battalion4 ,the ,director3 8,this is the place where ,major ,a directed the ,company ,commanders to rendezvous to receive the final orders for the relief of the #ast battalion4 ,we assume that the troops have been halted along the line ---- 7indicate7 where they have taken advantage of such cover as is available and are preparing individual cover where none is available40 ,the ,director will now distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #d4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,major ,a1 have arrived at this point4 ,you have had a conference with the commander of the #bnd battalion1 made a reconnaissance of the position and determined the location of the units to be relieved4 ,the latter are as follows3 ,company ,e occupies the right half of the sector with all three platoons on the firing line4 ,company ,f occupies the left half of the sector with two platoons and a part of the third in the firing line and the remainder of the third as local support4 ,company ,c is located in fox holes at ---- 7indicate the location7 as battalion reserve4 ,a part of the company has participated in the day's action but the men are all now at the location indicated4 ,company ,d has one platoon divided among the assault companies1 and the company 7less this platoon7 is with the battalion reserve with guns located to cover approaches and to execute overhead harassing fire on enemy back areas4 ,detachments of the ,howitzer ,company are in position in the platoon sectors and are to remain with the #ast battalion for tomorrow's attack4 ,the battalion headquarters company has taken over the intelligence duties1 the communications net and the message center4 ,it is now ---- o'clock p4 m4 ,the enemy occupies the ---- 7give general location of front lines74 ,there is considerable shelling throughout the area and occasional bursts of machine gun and rifle fire along the entire battle front4 ,your company commanders are assembled here in accordance with the instructions contained in your last order4 ,required3 ,your orders and instructions4 ,procedure ,the ,director will read the situation aloud1 make such explanations as may be necessary and point out the places mentioned4 ,one or more members of the class will be called upon to state their understanding of the tactical situation at this time4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 we have now to consider the orders and instructions that ,major ,a would issue to his assembled ,company commanders4 ,what is the first thing you would put into the ,major's order80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,the ,major has been out to the front and made a personal reconnaissance as far as practicable4 ,he has interviewed the ,commander of the #bnd battalion and the officers of his staff who have detailed information as to the situation4 ,he ought to have pretty definite information of just how the different elements of the #bnd battalion are disposed4 ,he should give his ,company ,commanders all of this information in the first paragraph of the order4 ,we note that this information is all contained in ,situation ,no4 #c40 ,the ,director3 8,what would you include in the next paragraph of the order1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,my plan1 to the effect that our battalion is to relieve the #bnd battalion40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,but we are going to do more than that4 ,we are going to make the attack tomorrow morning4 ,it seems to me that the ,major would include in the order all the instructions he wants to give the ,company ,commanders not only for the relief1 but for the attack also4 ,what do you think about that1 sir80 ,the ,director3 8,the ,major would certainly not let his ,company ,commanders get away without giving them all the instructions possible regarding the part they are to play in the attack tomorrow morning4 ,but there are several things that he must get from higher up before he can complete his plans for the attack and give them to his ,company ,commanders4 ,he must know the time the attack is to begin4 ,he must know about the artillery preparation and the rate of advance of the rolling barrage4 ,he must have information regarding the cooperation of the tanks4 ,while he is waiting for this information1 which he momentarily expects1 he will go ahead and issue his orders for the relief4 ,then if the other essential information is not at hand by the time the ,company ,commanders must join their companies1 he will issue as much of the attack order as possible and leave the rest to go out later4 ,he certainly will not let his ,captains get away until they have all the instructions it is possible to give them up to the time it is necessary for them to leave--the arrangements to continue the attack tomorrow morning40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,those are the points ,i wanted to know about40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,captain ,hodges1 what is the next part of the order80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,the tactical dispositions4 ,orders for each element of the battalion4 ,designate the relieving unit and the unit to be relieved4 ,for example3 #8,company ,a will relieve ,company ,e4' ,this same form will pertain with all the elements of the battalion40 ,the ,director3 8,just how much detail would you include8 ,to what extent would you go in prescribing the formation of the company when the relief is completed8 ,for instance3 ,company ,e has all three platoons in the assault echelon at this time4 ,would you want ,company ,a to do the same and hold out no company supports80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,now1 that is quite a point4 ,i had not thought of it4 ,i might assume that ,captain ,a would take up the proper formation without my specifying it1 but to make sure ,i believe ,i would add another sentence or two and specify the formation4 ,i should say he ought to have two platoons in the assault echelon and one held out as local support4 ,i think it would be better to specify that4 ,there would be less chance for a misunderstanding4 ,i would also give these same instructions to the ,captain of ,company ,b40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,it will certainly do no harm4 ,in any event you have no doubt as to what you want done4 ,now1 what about the machine gun company1 ,captain ,james8 ,you will note that there is only one platoon up on the lines now4 ,the rest of the company is back with the reserve with their guns covering the approaches and set up for overhead fire on back areas4 ,do you want to leave them that way80 ,captain ,james3 8,no1 sir4 ,i think ,i would need the supporting fire of all the machine guns in the #8jump off' tomorrow morning4 ,i would assign one platoon to support ,company ,a and the company 7less #a platoon7 to support ,company ,b4 ,i think that would be better4 ,if the attack goes over with a good gain in ground tomorrow morning the machine guns will not be able to keep up with it1 and the ,major will have an opportunity to make an adjustment of their position in the battalion4 ,i certainly would want the advantage of their fire in the #8jump off4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,let us decide on that disposition40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,now1 there is another point ,i want to bring out at this time4 ,you have pictured in your own mind this formation and advance of one battalion of ,infantry and the relief and retirement of another4 ,along side of you to the right are two other battalions going through the same process4 ,the same is happening to your left and all along the line4 ,behind you there are other battalions effecting reliefs4 ,there are batteries of artillery and transport vehicles1 innumerable4 ,in other words the back area of a force in action is crowded with troops4 ,there is much activity effecting reliefs1 getting up supplies and ammunition and evacuating the wounded4 8,the enemy is doing these same things4 ,his back areas are just as crowded as our own4 ,he is no better off than we are in this respect4 8,it is our job to interfere with him as much as possible--to prevent or curtail movement1 and inflict losses on him4 ,the wounding or killing of one man by harassing fire will have no effect on the outcome of the war1 but if we can kill and wound a thousand every night it will in time have its effect4 8,the enemy can get away from artillery fire by avoiding shelled areas but he cannot get away from rifle and machine gun harassing fire for he never knows when and where it is going to come4 8,if there is sufficient small arms ammunition available and it can be gotten up to the riflemen and machine gunners on the front lines the back areas of the enemy can be made a perfect #8hell-hole' by means of systematic harassing fire4 8,many of the men whom our men will relieve tonight will have ammunition in bandoliers with them4 ,by having our men take over this ammunition and expending it tonight we can get a big increase in fire over the enemy back areas4 ,our ammunition supply for tomorrow will not be impaired4 ,the men being relieved will be re-supplied when they get back to the regimental reserve4 ,i think arrangements should be made for this procedure by the ,major40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,the ,major has made arrangements with the ,commanding ,officer #bnd battalion as to when the command of the sector is to pass to the #ast battalion4 ,he will now have to tell his company commanders when their full responsibility is to devolve upon them for their respective sectors within the battalion4 ,what would you do about that1 ,lieutenant ,baker80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,when a relief is made in larger commands the orders state the hour when the command is to pass to the relieving troops4 ,but in a case like this ,i judge that it passes when the relief is completed4 ,in order to make sure that the point is understood ,i would specify3 8#8,command of company sectors will pass when reliefs have been completed4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that would be a good idea40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,there is another point that should be included in the order4 ,let us say ,i am ,captain ,b4 ,my company is relieving ,company ,f on the lines4 ,the ,captain of ,company ,f either has not received definite orders as to what he is to do on being relieved or has overlooked the instructions in the confusion4 ,it seems to me that it might be well for the ,major to tell us just what ,major ,b's instructions are as to that point4 ,it might save a lot of confusion in getting the #bnd battalion troops disengaged and out of the battalion sector4 ,it might save a lot of casualties from men wandering around in the darkness for my section and squad leaders to be able to tell the men they are relieving just where to go40 ,the ,director3 8,i do not know that such instructions have a place in the regular order form4 ,but ,i see no objection to putting it in4 ,it can do no harm ,i am sure4 8,now1 the ,major will want to know when the reliefs have been completed and he will give instructions to that effect4 ,he will then announce the location of the battalion command post and this will complete the details of the order4 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out ,major ,a's orders for the relief of the #bnd battalion40 ,the necessary time is allowed for this4 ,when completed the ,director will call upon one or more of the members of the class to read his orders aloud and comments are invited from other members of the class4 ,the ,director will then distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the ,major's order and an opportunity will be given the members of the class to compare the work with the solution presented4 ,the ,major's order will be as follows3 ,solution 8,the enemy occupies 7describe the enemy's front line in the necessary detail in the light of information gained by the ,major's reconnaissance74 8,our #bnd battalion is in close contact all along the line4 ,troops are disposed as follows in the battalion sector3 8,company ,e1 right half of sector1 with all three platoons on the line4 ,right of company at ---- 7describe location74 8,company ,f1 left half of sector1 with two platoons and part of the third on the line and the remainder as local support4 ,left of company at ---- 7describe location74 8,company ,g is located at ---- 7indicate location of company74 8,company ,h has one platoon divided among the assault companies and the company 7less #a platoon7 is in the battalion reserve with guns now located to cover approaches and execute overhead harassing fire in the enemy back areas4 8,this battalion will relieve the #bnd battalion4 8,the ,headquarters' ,company will relieve the ,headquarters' ,company1 #bnd battalion1 and take over the duties pertaining thereto4 8,company ,a will relieve ,company ,e in the right sector with two platoons in the assault echelon and one as local support4 8,company ,b will relieve ,company ,f in the left sector with two platoons in the assault echelon and one as local support4 8,company ,c will relieve ,company ,g as battalion reserve4 8,company ,d will relieve ,company ,h1 one platoon will support ,company ,a and the company 7less #a platoon7 will support ,company ,b4 8,detachments of the ,howitzer ,company are to remain with the battalion4 ,company commanders will confer with the commanders of detachments in their respective sectors and arrange for the support of their special weapons4 ,men of ,companies ,a and ,b will take over from the men of ,companies ,e and ,f whom they relieve1 all ammunition in bandoliers1 which will be expended to keep up harassing fire during the remainder of the night1 with a view to curtailing movement within the enemy lines4 ,company ,d will take over surplus ammunition from ,company ,h and expend it for the same purpose4 ,the regular ammunition supply will be reserved for the action tomorrow4 8,command of company sectors will pass when reliefs have been completed4 8,when relieved1 troops of the #bnd ,battalion are to fall back to the line ---- 7describe74 8,report when reliefs are effected4 8,battalion ,c4 ,p4 at ----40 99 99 99 99 99 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to the point where the company commanders have been ordered to assemble to meet the ,major4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #d1 read aloud1 and make necessary explanations4 #c4 ,contents of ,order3 ,information of enemy obtained by reconnaissance and reports2 plan of commander2 question of including orders for attack also2 zero hour2 artillery preparation2 progress of barrage2 tactical dispositions2 orders for each element of command2 orders for machine gun units2 when command passes2 action to be taken by troops when relieved4 #d4 ,have members of class write out the ,major's order4 ,when completed distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the solution4 ,read orders and compare4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,just as the order for the relief is completed1 you1 ,major ,a1 receive the following message from the regimental commander3 8,no further information of the enemy4 8,the general attack will be resumed tomorrow morning at #e4jj o'clock4 ,your battalion will attack in regimental sector4 8,mission3 ,to pierce enemy position and assist division in penetrating the position4 8,zone of action3 ,no change4 8,line of departure3 7,describe in detail74 8,the attack will be preceded by #cj minutes' artillery preparation4 ,the advance of the infantry will be preceded by a rolling barrage4 ,rate of advance of barrage #ajj yards in #d minutes4 8,station for slightly wounded at ----4 8,regimental ,c4 ,p4 no change40 ,required3 ,what orders do you give8 ,procedure ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #e1 read the situation aloud and explain the message from the regimental commander4 ,one or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the situation4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,let us visualize the situation4 ,the ,major has been expecting to receive just such a message from the regimental commander4 ,as a matter of fact he anticipated it when he made the estimate of the situation before issuing his first order for the approach march before dark4 ,he ordered his formation for the approach march so that when the order for the attack came there would be few changes necessary4 ,by his foresight and knowledge of infantry tactics he now has his battalion in the proper formation to make the relief of the #bnd battalion and when this is accomplished he will have his units properly disposed to make the attack tomorrow morning4 ,in other words1 the ,major started his attack when he made his initial dispositions4 ,and this must be so in every case4 ,when you get into the infantry area of a battle you must get your troops into a formation from which they can make an attack or repel an enemy counter-attack and you must keep them in that formation4 ,that is why the subject of approach march and deployment is so important and that is why troops must be so thoroughly trained in it4 ,during the war the subject was given little attention in our divisions4 ,the ,british and ,french instructors brought nothing of it over from the other side4 ,they had communication trenches as lanes of approach and gave little heed to the open warfare end of the game4 ,the ,american divisions soon realized the necessity for thorough training and the most successful ones were those that spent many of their nights with units from battalions to brigades chasing through the woods1 up hill and down dale1 practicing the approach march formation4 ,i am sure that when you consider the proposition seriously and visualize what can happen in a situation such as we have had to do with today you will realize the necessity for thorough training in the subject40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,now let us consider what must be included in the ,major's order for the attack4 ,captain ,hall1 what have you to suggest for the first paragraph80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the ,major has already given the company commanders everything he knows about the enemy4 ,he has a little additional information to the effect that the general attack all along the line will be resumed tomorrow4 ,this will be included in the first paragraph of the order40 ,the ,director3 8,that is all that is necessary4 ,our second paragraph is a much more complicated affair4 ,what have you to suggest to go into it80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the first thing would be the time of the attack4 ,the orders from regimental headquarters say #e4jj o'clock4 ,that will be included in the order4 ,we have a definite mission for the battalion4 ,to pierce the enemy position and assist our division to penetrate the position--that is1 to make a break through1 if possible4 ,in order to do this we have got to drive hard4 ,there is no change in the zone of action of the battalion2 it remains the same as it was for today4 ,the line of departure should be given4 ,the information about the artillery preparation and the rolling barrage should be included4 ,i think that is about all that must go into paragraph two of the order40 ,the ,director3 8,yes4 ,but you have skimped over two very important points without the explanation they deserve4 ,these are the line of departure and the information about the artillery preparation and the rolling barrage4 ,let us go into these things a little more in detail4 8,the division staff has made arrangements for the artillery preparation to come down along a certain line1 and stand there for a period of thirty minutes4 ,then the barrage will begin to advance at exactly #e4jj o'clock4 ,unless we have a definite line of departure some parts of our front line may work their way to the front and be caught under our own barrage and you can see what would happen4 ,in case any men do work forward during the night on reconnaissance they must get back a little before #d4cj so as not to get caught under the barrage40 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i appreciate all the ,director has said4 ,but we have to keep up a reconnaissance during the night to keep in contact with the enemy4 ,he might pull his lines back during the night and if he had decided to make a general retreat we would lose touch and with it a lot of time in conducting the pursuit4 ,i think some of our patrols would have to take a chance on getting back so as not to lose contact4 ,then1 too1 if the enemy had pretty definite information that our artillery preparation is coming down on a certain line and we have no men out in front he may move his machine gun squads a little to the front and avoid the barrage altogether and be ready to receive our attack when our first wave goes over the top4 ,if ,i were commanding one of those assault companies ,i would keep my front thoroughly patrolled during the night and keep my scouts right up in the enemy's lines until a minute or two before the barrage comes down4 ,i would have them beat it back a hundred yards and take a chance on escaping from the barrage4 ,as soon as they are out of the way ,i would then have my special weapons and riflemen keep up a fire on any enemy troops that showed themselves trying to get to a position in front of where the barrage is coming down40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,that is all very interesting4 ,those are important points that we must not lose sight of in our operations against an active and crafty enemy4 ,he will pull all kinds of stunts on you and you have to be just a lap ahead of him to best him4 ,all of this shows the great necessity for combat training4 ,we must have patrol leaders and scouts that know the importance of all these things and know how to go about them4 ,we hear so much about the technical branches and the high order of training that is required4 ,if there is any training more difficult than that of the #8doughboy' ,i have yet to see it4 ,take the training of patrol leaders and scouts for the single phase of infantry combat that we have just been discussing4 ,i leave it to you if there is anything more technical and difficult in the training of soldiers4 ,if these men fail the whole military operation falls down and may be an utter failure4 ,a half dozen machine guns on a battalion front that have moved forward a few yards and escaped the barrage will be able to hold up a whole battalion4 ,so let us not neglect the training of our scouts4 8,if the enemy should fall back during the night our scouts will follow him up and keep in touch with him1 word will go back to the battalion and on back to the division so that arrangements can be made to alter the plans4 ,in that case the battalion commander will order a general advance to keep in contact40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 what would you include in paragraph #c of the ,major's order80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,the detail orders for each element of the battalion1 giving the designation of the organization and the particular part that it is to play in the operation4 ,there will be orders for ,company ,a1 the right assault company2 ,company ,b1 the left assault company2 ,company ,c1 the battalion reserve1 and ,company ,d1 the machine gun company4 ,then the orders for the elements of the ,howitzer ,company hold off to support the attack4 ,i believe that would complete paragraph #c of the order40 ,the ,director3 8,what would you include in paragraph #d1 ,lieutenant ,williams80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would include the location of the station for slightly wounded4 ,i do not know of anything else40 ,the ,director3 8,and paragraph #e would contain what80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,the location of the regimental and battalion command posts40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,i think we have discussed everything that must be included in the battalion order4 ,if you will compare all of this with some of the battalion orders you1 as ,company ,commanders1 received in ,france1 you will see how sadly lacking some of them were4 ,what we want to do is to prevent a repetition of those conditions and that is why we are devoting our time and attention to these things now4 ,we want to be prepared to solve these problems if the time ever comes when we have to do so again40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out the ,major's order on his pad4 ,see how much of the details that we have discussed you can get into the order40 ,sufficient time is allowed for the purpose4 ,after the orders have been completed the ,director will distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the order and one or more of the members of the class will be called upon to read his order and follow with the corresponding paragraph of the solution4 ,the order will be as follows3 8,there is no further information of the enemy4 ,the general attack all along the line will be resumed tomorrow4 8,our battalion will attack at #e4jj o'clock a4 m4 8,mission3 ,to drive hard1 pierce the enemy position and assist our division in making a penetration of the position4 8,zone of action3 ,no change4 8,line of departure3 7,describe line in detail47 8,the attack will be preceded by #cj minutes artillery preparation4 ,the advance of the infantry will be preceded by a rolling barrage4 ,rate of advance of barrage #ajj yards in #d minutes4 8,company ,a will attack in the right 7left7 half of the battalion sector4 8,company ,b will attack in the left 7right7 half of the battalion sector4 8,company ,c will be battalion reserve and follow at a distance of about #cjj yards4 ,one squad will be sent to the 7east7 and one to the 7west7 boundary of the battalion sector to maintain connection with adjoining units4 8,company ,d will support the attack of ,companies ,a and ,b in accordance with previous instructions4 8,elements of the howitzer company in each company sector will support the attack4 8,station for slightly wounded at 7indicate74 8,plan of signal communication3 ,no change4 8,command posts3 8,regiment3 ,at 7indicate74 8,regiment3 ,at 7indicate470 99 99 99 99 99 ,approach ,march and ,deployment ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #e4 ,read and explain4 ,have one or more members of class state his understanding of the situation4 #b4 ,explain situation4 ,prepared to receive order for attack4 ,formation from the time of taking up the approach march4 ,training of troops in approach march formation4 #c4 ,discuss ,major's order4 ,information of enemy2 information of our own troops2 time of attack2 mission of battalion2 line of departure2 artillery preparation4 #d4 ,details of solution4 ,necessity for designating line of departure4 ,artillery barrage4 ,scouting and patrolling4 ,keeping contact with the enemy4 #e4 ,necessity for infantry combat training4 #f4 ,paragraph #c of the order3 ,orders for each element4 ,assault companies2 battalion reserve2 machine gun company2 howitzer elements4 #g4 ,paragraph #d station for slightly wounded4 #h4 ,paragraph #e of order4 ,signal communications and location of ,c4 ,p4's4 #i4 ,have class write out order4 ,distribute solution4 ,have one or more members of class read their order and compare it with the solution4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,when the battalion commander has finished giving his orders the ,company ,commanders will go back to their respective companies and the ,major will go to his command post4 ,by this time the company reconnaissance parties should be back at their companies and ready to guide the various elements up to the lines where they are to make the reliefs4 8,the ,company ,commander will assemble his officers and non-commissioned officers and go over the whole situation with them and issue the orders for the company4 ,this order will conform to the five paragraph system2 will contain the essential elements of the ,major's order and detailed instructions for each element of the company4 8,the ,company ,commander will then conduct his company to the front in such formation as to take advantage of the natural cover afforded and so as to be as invulnerable as possible to the enemy's fire4 8,the details of the actual relief will depend upon the cover available and what the enemy is doing to interfere with it40 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #c4 ,defensive ,position ,the ,problem ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,the ,blue forces1 after severe fighting1 have reached the line 7a74 ,the reds have vigorously defended every foot of the ground1 and it is apparent that the resistance is growing stronger4 ,on account of the exhausted condition of the troops and the lack of fresh reserves1 the ,blues are unable to continue the advance and it has been decided to assume the defensive1 temporarily4 ,the #bnd battalion1 which has been the assault battalion1 has been stopped and is now holding the line 7b-c74 ,it has suffered heavy casualties4 ,the #ast battalion1 which has been in regimental support1 has had comparatively few casualties4 ,the #crd battalion is the regimental reserve4 ,it is now #d4cj p4 m4 ,it has been decided to have the #ast battalion1 with one platoon of the howitzer company attached1 organize and hold a defensive position covering the front of the regimental sector just in rear of the line now occupied by the #bnd battalion4 ,major ,a1 the battalion commander1 accompanied by his company commanders and ,lieutenant ,z1 commanding the howitzer platoon1 has made a personal reconnaissance of the position and issued the following verbal orders to the assembled officers3 8,the enemy has stopped our advance temporarily4 ,it is necessary for us to assume the defensive until our troops can be reorganized and arrangements made to resume the advance4 8,our #bnd battalion is now holding the line 7b-c74 ,it will withdraw after dark4 ,our #crd battalion relieves us as support battalion4 8,the ---- infantry on our right will hold the front from 7d to e72 the ---- infantry on our left will hold the front from 7f to g74 8,this battalion1 with one howitzer platoon attached1 will organize and hold the line from 7h to i74 8,company ,h will be disposed as follows3 8,one section at 7j71 covering 7k74 8,one section at 7l71 covering 7m74 8,one section at 7n71 covering 7o74 8,one section at 7p71 covering 7q74 8,the platoon from the howitzer company will be disposed as follows3 8,the #cg mm4 gun at 7r7 and the light mortar at 7s71 covering the front of the battalion4 8,the firing line and support line are 7t7 and 7t7 respectively4 ,they will be organized into two strong points4 8,company ,a will occupy the area 7u74 8,company ,b will occupy the area 7v74 8,company ,c will occupy the battalion reserve line along 7w74 8,companies will proceed with their tasks with the least practicable delay4 8,administrative arrangements1 later4 8,battalion ,c4 ,p4 at 7x740 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a74 ,a brief description of the location of the general line reached by the ,blue forces4 ,this should be identified by some easily recognized topographical feature of the terrain4 7b-c74 ,the specific location of the line occupied by the troops of the #bnd battalion4 7d to e71 7f to g74 ,the boundaries of the front that are to be organized and held by the troops on the right and left4 7h to i74 ,the front to be organized and held by the #ast battalion4 ,this will be the boundary lines of the sector not occupied by the #bnd battalion4 7j71 7l71 7n71 7p74 ,the location of the several sections of the machine gun company4 7k71 7m71 7o71 7q74 ,the front covered by the several sections of the machine gun company4 ,go into detail regarding the bands of fire they are to put down4 7r71 7s74 ,the location of the #cg mm4 gun and light mortar of the howitzer platoon4 7t71 7t74 ,the location of the firing line and support1 respectively4 7u74 ,the area to be occupied by ,company ,a4 7v74 ,the area to be occupied by ,company ,b4 7w74 ,the location of the battalion reserve line4 7x74 ,the location of the battalion ,c4 ,p4 7,note4--,the preparation of this problem will require considerable work on the part of the ,director in order to get all of the features of the position worked out in detail so as to be able to include them in the order to the company commanders4 ,if it is practicable to do so the boundaries of the battalion sector1 together with the location of the machine guns and howitzer units and the battalion ,c4 ,p41 should be marked with flags4 ,this will save many questions during the ,terrain ,exercise and save a lot of time4 ,it will give the members of the class a much better idea of the set-up and they will be able to proceed with the solution of their part of the problem more readily47 ,procedure ,the members of the class are assembled in the vicinity of 7x74 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing the special situation ,blue and reads it aloud4 ,the members of the class follow from the copy in their possession4 ,the places1 localities and areas referred to are pointed out in detail4 ,the ,director will call upon one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the tactical situation and this process is continued until he is satisfied that all members know the details and are ready to proceed with the solution4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going further with the problem ,i want to make some remarks on the general subject of the defensive and some with reference to the part that the battalion and its component parts plays in it4 ,the problem under consideration is that of a passive defense4 ,our troops have made such rapid progress that the rear echelons have not been able to keep up4 ,the enemy has been falling back on his reserves and naturally his defense is stiffening all along the line4 ,the time has arrived when it is necessary for us to stop for a period2 reorganize our forces1 which have been more or less disorganized by our successes2 bring up our rear echelons2 and prepare to continue the advance4 ,during this period we must so organize our position that the enemy will have little chance for success should he decide to attack with a view to interfering with our arrangements4 8,our attacking troops have now arrived on a general line where a defensive position may be taken up and the high command has ordered such action4 ,we do not want to give up any ground that has been gained that is suitable for our purpose4 ,having this principle in mind ,major ,a has decided to organize and hold the ground that is now occupied by the support echelon of the #bnd ,battalion40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what factors exercise the greatest influence in the selection of a defensive position80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i should say the facilities for communication and those for observation4 ,the greater ease with which we can move troops within the position the better we can defend it1 and unless we have facilities for observation we had better move to another place for the enemy will be able to surprise us on any and all occasions40 ,the ,director3 8,in a defensive position we deploy in great depth4 ,what is the object of this1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,where a great mass of enemy artillery is to be encountered we must disperse our troops over a large area to force him to scatter his fire1 and waste a lot of it4 ,in addition to this we must have room to maneuver our counter-attack units and get them into action with as little flank marching as possible4 ,in a case like we are considering here ,i do not believe such great depth is necessary4 ,this is open warfare and it will take the enemy quite a while to get his artillery in shape to employ it effectively on our position4 ,we will therefore be able to concentrate our troops in a more shallow zone than is usual in regular position warfare40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 what are the defensive areas called in a defensive position80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,they are combat groups2 strong points2 centers of resistance2 subsectors and sectors40 ,the ,director3 8,what do you understand a combat group to be80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,it is an area prepared for defense and held by a small unit such as a platoon or section40 ,the ,director3 8,what is a strong point1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,a strong point is an aggregate of combat groups distributed in width and depth under the command of one officer4 ,it is usually defended by a rifle company and usually has machine guns attached4 ,where practicable1 it is arranged for all 'round defense40 ,the ,director3 8,what is a center of resistance80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,an aggregate of strong points distributed in width and depth and commanded by one officer4 ,it is usually occupied by a battalion40 ,the ,director3 8,i hope you all see how this proposition works out4 ,a combat group is the smallest element4 ,two or more of these groups form a strong point4 ,two or more strong points linked up together form a center of resistance4 ,you will note the ,major's disposition for our battalion here4 ,it forms a center of resistance consisting of the two strong points held by ,companies ,a and ,b respectively with ,company ,c as a reserve with ,company ,d distributed at key points within the area40 ,the class is now conducted to area 7u71 which has been assigned to ,company ,a4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,captain ,a1 are commanding ,company ,a1 the unit assigned to occupy the area 7u7 in the right 7left7 of the battalion sector4 ,you have ,major ,a's order to proceed with your task with the least practicable delay4 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,procedure ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,he will read it to the class and make such explanation as may be necessary4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what steps do you take to get your company up to the front80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i have with me one runner from each of my platoons and two runners from ,company ,headquarters4 ,i will send the platoon runners back with a verbal message to their respective platoon commanders to bring the platoons up4 ,i will have one of my company runners to go to the 7indicate place7 with a message to platoon commanders to halt their platoons there and report to me here4 ,i think that is all that would be necessary to get the platoons up and assemble the platoon commanders here to receive orders40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,we will assume that you have sent the platoon runners back for the platoons and that one of your company runners has gone back to the rendezvous point4 ,what are you going to do between now and the time the platoon commanders report to you for orders80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i am going to make a personal reconnaissance of the area assigned to my company1 size up the situation1 arrive at a decision as to how ,i am going to occupy the area and dope out my orders for the platoon commanders40 ,the ,director3 8,that is the proper procedure4 ,captain ,hodges1 in what ways may the company be distributed in an area of this kind80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,in the first place there are three lines included in the area4 ,the first is the local security or line of observation--the outpost line2 next is the firing line which is the line of defense of the area--where the fight will take place if the enemy attacks2 next is the support line4 ,the company must cover all three of these lines4 ,there are several methods of deployment available4 ,the company may be deployed with two platoons each covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line4 ,in this case each platoon furnishes the outguards covering its own front4 ,the company may be deployed with two platoons on the firing line only and one platoon on the support line2 in this case the outguards would be furnished by the support platoon4 ,the company may be deployed with one platoon on the outpost line2 one on the firing line and one on the support line4 ,again it may be deployed with the platoons side by side each platoon covering all three of the lines4 ,in this case each platoon furnished the outguards covering its own front40 7,note4--,the ,director will draw these four formations out on the ground and explain them to the class47 ,the ,director3 8,considering the four methods of deployment which one would you employ in the organization of this area1 ,captain ,james80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would favor the first method where we have two platoons covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line4 ,each platoon to furnish the outguards covering its own front40 ,the ,director3 8,what factors lead you to favor this deployment80 ,captain ,james3 8,by deploying in this manner we have two complete combat groups each responsible for its own outguards and its firing line4 ,we have a third combat group on the support line located in the interval between the two forward groups so that it is readily available for counter-attack in case the enemy should penetrate the line on our front4 ,unity of command is preserved and there will be little intermingling of men of different units4 ,each platoon commander has a definite problem to solve4 ,i think it is by far the best method40 ,the ,director3 8,do you see any objections to the second method of deployment1 ,lieutenant ,baker80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i should say that it is about the same as the first method4 ,the thing that ,i do not like about it is the proposition of taking the outguards from the support platoon4 ,i like the idea of having each combat group being responsible for its whole front4 ,in addition to dividing responsibility for the defense of the area occupied it weakens the support platoon and makes it just that much less effective for counter-attack work40 ,the ,director3 8,what objections have you to the third method--the platoons in echelon one behind the other80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,when the outguards fall back on the firing line you have the proposition of an intermingling of men of the two platoons4 ,that will cause endless confusion and destroy the unity of command40 ,the ,director3 8,any objections to the fourth method80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i can conceive of circumstances where this method might be employed to advantage4 ,for example3 ,in woods or in rough1 difficult terrain4 ,i do not think it would be employed in an area such as we now have under consideration40 ,the ,director3 8,we seem to be pretty well agreed that the first method should be employed4 ,now what considerations will affect your decision as to the area to be included in each of the two combat groups1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the battalion commander has assigned the elements of the machine gun company to certain positions to cover the front4 ,i would build my combat groups around this distribution and take advantage of the fire that they are able to produce40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 where would you locate the ,company ,c4 ,p480 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,the ,c4 ,p4 should be in such a position that it can be easily reached and found by the runners4 ,it should be so arranged that the enemy will not be able to observe the runners entering and leaving4 ,i would say that it should be located in the area lying between the combat groups and the support platoon40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the ,major indicated the firing line and support line of the battalion center of resistance and designated the area for ,company ,a to organize and hold4 ,we have decided to organize it with two platoons on the firing line1 each furnishing its own outguards and each forming a combat group2 and one platoon on the support line4 ,the #ast battalion advanced posts are holding the enemy back and there is every reason to expect that they will be able to continue to do so for sometime yet4 8,the location of the machine guns1 the #cg mm4 guns and the light mortars in the area are known4 8,it will be necessary for ,captain ,e to assign the platoons1 two to the firing line and one to the support line1 and give necessary instructions regarding the work to be undertaken4 ,these instructions will not go into any more detail than is absolutely necessary4 ,in any event they must not be such as will take the initiative away from the platoon commanders4 ,the platoons are given their missions4 ,it is then up to the platoon commander to execute them4 ,this initial order is intended merely to get the work started4 ,it must give the platoon commanders sufficient detail for them to go about their reconnaissance and plan for the organization of their combat groups and the defensive preparation of the ground they are to occupy4 ,the defensive position as it appears finally is not the result of any one order4 ,it is a gradual growth planned and executed from day to day4 ,the first elements may be only a line of individual #8fox holes' dug by the men4 ,these are connected up and finally form a short section of trench here and there4 ,as the position is studied more in detail it will become apparent where other defensive utilities should be constructed in order to add to the strength of the position4 ,all that ,captain ,a should include in his order at this time is sufficient detail to get the work started40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,we have sized up the situation and arrived at a decision4 ,it is now necessary to put that decision into an order4 ,we assume that the platoons have arrived at the rendezvous and the platoon commanders have reported to you here for orders4 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write out the order that he would give at this time4 ,you may omit the first paragraph2--information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,it would be much the same as that contained in the ,major's order4 ,we will assume that you have already given that to the platoon commanders4 ,start your order with paragraph #b40 ,when all the members of the class have completed their work the sheets will be collected and again distributed1 making sure that no officer gets his own paper back again4 ,the ,director will call upon one or more members of the class to read the order he has in his possession and it will then be discussed4 ,when all of this discussion is finished the ,director will distribute the mimeographed sheets containing a copy of the ,captain's order4 ,each member of the class will receive his solution back again and compare it with the solution submitted by the ,director4 ,the ,order #b4 ,this company will organize and hold the front from ---- to ----4 #c4 7a7 ,lieutenant ,m1 with the #ast platoon1 will organize and hold the right half of the company area from ---- to ----4 7b7 ,lieutenant ,o1 with the #bnd platoon1 will organize and hold the left half of the company area from ---- to ----4 7c7 ,lieutenant ,p1 with the #crd platoon will constitute the local support and will be posted on the support line in the vicinity of ----4 7x7 ,combat groups will furnish the out guards for their respective fronts4 #d4 ,battalion ,aid station at ----4 ,other administrative arrangements later4 #e4 ,company ,c4 ,p4 at ----4 99 99 99 99 99 ,defensive ,position ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,assemble class at 7x74 ,distribute sheets containing problem1 read and explain4 ,call on one or more members of class to state their understanding of tactical situation4 #b4 ,passive defense4 ,explain progress of action and necessity for a halt4 ,prepare to ward off enemy attacks4 #c4 ,factors in selection of position1 communication and observation4 ,reasons for distribution in depth4 ,defensive areas3 combat groups2 strong points2 centers of resistance2 subsectors and sectors4 ,definition of each4 #d4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,read and explain4 ,get company up4 ,message to platoon commanders4 ,rendezvous for company4 #e4 ,reconnaissance4 ,size up situation4 ,methods of distribution of company4 ,first1 second1 third1 fourth1 advantages and disadvantages of each4 #f4 ,decision to use first method4 ,explain what must be included in order4 ,avoid details4 ,give platoon commanders their job and let them go to it4 #g4 ,each member of class write out order4 ,collect and distribute4 ,hand out mimeograph sheets containing order4 ,compare work with solution4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the area to be occupied by the #ast platoon and which is to be organized into a combat group4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,m1 are commanding the #ast platoon which has been designated to form the combat group in the right half of the company area4 ,the area assigned to your platoon is bounded by ---- 7describe area boundaries74 ,your front extends from ---- to ---- 7indicate front74 ,the firing line extends along 7indicate74 ,you have arrived at this point4 ,you have with you two of your platoon runners4 ,the platoon is back at the company rendezvous4 ,required3 ,how do you carry out your mission8 ,procedure ,the ,director will distribute the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,he will read it aloud and make such explanations as may be necessary4 ,he will point out to the members of the class the boundaries of the area assigned to the platoon2 the front which the platoon is ordered to cover2 and the location of the firing line4 ,he will also indicate the position of each element of ,company ,d in the platoon area and the location of the #cg mm4 gun and light mortar4 7,note4--,if practicable1 the location of machine guns1 the #cg mm4 gun and light mortar should be indicated by flags of a distinctive color47 ,by questioning members of the class the ,director will make sure that every member understands the situation4 ,they will then be able to proceed with the solution of the problem on a uniform basis4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would send one of my runners back with a message to the platoon sergeant to bring the platoon up40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 do you agree with what ,lieutenant ,hunt has just said80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,no1 sir4 ,i would not want the platoon to come up here until ,i have sized up the situation2 decided upon my dispositions2 and made arrangements for them to get to work on the position we are to occupy4 ,that will take me some little #8time4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,there is no need of exposing any more men to the enemy's fire than is absolutely necessary4 ,as soon as the enemy realizes that our attack has stopped and we are taking up a defensive position he will do everything in his power to interfere with our plans4 ,if he observes a lot of men all along the line digging in he will open up with everything he has available40 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,that is the point ,i had in mind4 ,it seems to me that1 as a matter of fact1 we will not be able to accomplish very much on the preparation of the position until it begins to get dusk40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,if we can get the layout of the position completed during the remaining full daylight hours2 decide how we are to organize the combat group and get the trenches and other utilities staked out ,i think we will have accomplished all that could be reasonably expected4 ,do you see the point1 ,lieutenant ,hunt80 7,note4--,it is assumed that it will be dusk at #f o'clock47 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 taking into consideration what we have said1 what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would send a runner back to the platoon sergeant to have the men take cover and make themselves comfortable4 ,i would want them to have as much rest as possible for they are going to have a night of hard work4 ,i would have the runner tell the platoon sergeant to turn the platoon over to ,sergeant ,r 7platoon guide7 and for himself1 the two section leaders and the other platoon guides to report to me here40 ,the ,director3 8,i think that is all right4 ,what are you going to do while you are waiting for the men to report to you80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i will make a personal reconnaissance of the area1 size up the situation and decide upon how ,i am going to dispose my troops40 7,note4--,the disposition of troops will1 of course1 depend upon the lay of the ground and the location of the machine guns in the sector4 ,the following procedure is based upon certain dispositions and is designed to bring out the points that come up for consideration in the organization of a combat group of this kind4 ,the ,director will have previously worked out his solution to the problem and during the course of the discussion will bring out the tactical points that are necessary for the training and instruction of the members of the class47 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what are the component parts of a combat group80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,first there is the local security line--the outpost4 ,behind this is the firing line--the fighting line of the group4 ,outguards are thrown out to back up their sentinels40 ,the ,director3 8,how may the deployment of the platoon be made80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,it may be made with the sections abreast1 each section furnishing the outpost covering its own front4 ,it may be made with one section behind the other1 the leading section occupying the firing line40 ,the ,director3 8,which form of deployment do you favor80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i favor the first4 ,the sections deployed abreast and each section providing for its own local security4 ,the advantages of this is that the section leader is responsible for the whole front assigned to him and there is unity of command4 ,if the outpost line falls back to the firing line it falls back on the men of its own section4 ,in the second method1 if the outpost section falls back it does so on the men of the other section of the platoon and there is bound to be more or less intermingling of units40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,let us decide that we are to make the deployment with the sections side by side1 each section to furnish its own local security--that is1 its own outguards4 ,this means that the front assigned to the platoon may now be divided into two parts and a section assigned to each4 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what is the governing factor in the ground assigned to each of the sections80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,each section must be able to cover the ground to its front and must be so arranged as to mutually support each other4 ,that is1 its fire must be able to sweep the front of the adjoining groups40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 how much front can a platoon cover in this formation80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,in country such as this the platoon can cover about #djj to #ejj yards of front with its fire4 ,this does not mean that the platoon occupies such a continuous line4 ,it will actually occupy only a small portion of it4 ,the intervening portion will be covered by its fire4 ,by deploying with the sections abreast of each other we can occupy the sector allotted to the platoon without any difficulty40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the extent of the area that a section may organize for close defense1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,ordinarily it should not be more than #ge yards by #ge yards4 ,this #ge-yard front actually occupied by the section makes #aej yards for the platoon4 ,the intervening ground of say #aej to #bjj yards will be covered by fire40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i do not see how you arrive at the short distance of #aej to #bjj yards interval between sections40 ,captain ,harvey3 87,indicating by a diagram on the ground47 ,say the right section is #ge yards from the right boundary of the area2 then the section covers #ge yards of trenches2 the interval to the section on the left is say #aej yards2 the left section occupies #ge yards of front and is #ge yards from the left boundary4 ,all of this1 as you will see makes a front of about #dej yards covered by the platoon4 ,the interval between sections might well be expanded to #bjj yards which would make the platoon cover a front of #ejj yards without serious difficulty4 ,this would make #a1jjj yards for the company and #b1jjj yards for the battalion with two companies on the firing line4 ,i would say this is the maximum front4 ,it would be better to reduce the interval a little and bring the total down to about #hjj yards40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i see the proposition now4 ,i do not think we would have any trouble covering the front allotted to our platoon40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,the next question is the allotment of sections in the platoon area4 ,in this connection you will have to consider the lay of the ground1 and select the location for the section groups1 so that the ground to the front may best be defended and so that the groups are able to mutually support each other4 8,i want the members of the class to go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each of you select the location of each section group4 ,keep in mind the factors ,i have just spoken of--defense of the foreground1 field of fire1 and mutual support of adjacent groups2 also consider the location of the machine guns that have already been made by the battalion commander4 ,we will all assemble here in #bj minutes40 ,the members of the class will now go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each man will work out his disposition independently4 ,at the end of the time the class will assemble at the designated point and the discussion resumed4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,you have now been over the area allotted to the platoon4 ,captain ,james1 how would you dispose of the two sections of the platoon80 ,captain ,james3 8,i find that the front naturally divides itself into two parts4 ,a section in the right portion of the area will be able to cover the foreground with its fire4 ,the right element will be able to cover the front of the combat group to the right and the left element will be able to sweep the front of the section on the left4 ,the same applies to the left section4 ,we can locate our trenches in each area so that we not only do not interfere with the fire of the machine guns but will be able to cover areas that form dead space for them4 ,i do not think there will be any difficulty in preparing the position for defense40 ,the ,director3 8,has any member of the class any other plan to offer80 7,note4--,the members of the class should be urged to present their views on the subject4 ,the more discussion that can be created the better it is for all concerned47 ,the ,director3 8,i agree with ,captain ,james4 ,we can organize the area allotted to the platoon in fine shape4 ,and this is ordinarily the case with all these tactical problems4 ,if we go about their solution in a systematic manner we can usually arrive at a reasonable and suitable solution to them4 8,there is another point that must be decided at this time4 ,that is the location of the platoon command post4 ,where would you locate it1 ,lieutenant ,baker80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i would locate it at ---- 7indicate place740 ,the ,director3 8,what factors did you take into consideration in selecting that location80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,the facilities for observation and communication with all parts of the combat group40 ,the ,director3 8,has any member of the class selected another location for the command post80 7,note4--,if a member suggests another location it should be discussed and put to the test of facility for observation and communication4 ,the place that provides these two elements the best should be selected47 ,the ,director3 8,now1 there are some other arrangements that will have to be made before the men can actually go to work on the position4 ,in the first place1 they must have the proper tools to work with4 ,of course1 some work may be accomplished with the individual intrenching tools that the squads carry1 but they will need a number of regular digging tools in this case4 ,wire will have to be supplied for the construction of the obstacles in front of the position4 ,it is presumed that the battalion staff will attend to all of these things1 but what the platoon commander is interested in is when and where will they be supplied4 ,i think ,i would send my platoon sergeant to the company commander to let him know just what is required and to secure definite information as to when and where tools and wire will be available4 ,it is of little use to get a lot of men up to the platoon area unless they have something to work with4 ,besides the area is more or less crowded at this time with men of the support elements of the #bnd battalion4 ,these are some of the things that the platoon commander must think about at this time4 8,let us now assume that the platoon sergeant and the other men that you sent for have joined you here4 ,let us see what orders and instructions you would give them4 ,captain ,hall1 what would you include in the first paragraph of the order80 ,captain ,hall3 8,all the information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,i would explain why it is necessary for our troops to go on the defensive for a time2 the situation with respect to the #bnd battalion1 which is holding on a short distance to the front2 the location of the troops on our right and left and the role of the #crd platoon of our company as support2 the location of the elements of ,company ,d in our area1 and the location of the machine guns in the adjoining area2 the location of the elements of our company4 ,i would indicate the location of the firing line where it crosses our area4 ,i think that is all that is necessary to be included under information of the enemy and our supporting troops40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 what would you include in the second paragraph of your order80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,my plan4 ,this platoon will organize and hold the front from ---- to ----40 ,the ,director3 8,and what would you include in paragraph #c of the order80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,the disposition of my troops3 8,the #ast section will organize and hold the front from ---- 7indicate7 to ---- 7indicate71 connect up and cooperate with the ---- ,infantry on the right4 8,the #bnd section will organize and hold the front from ---- 7indicate7 to ---- 7indicate71 connect up and cooperate with the #bnd platoon on the left4 8,each section will furnish its own outguards along the general line ---- 7indicate74 8,i think that is all that is necessary at this time4 ,i have not gone into details as to just how each section leader is to solve his problem4 ,i will be along the line while they are working it out4 ,if they start anything that ,i do not approve of1 ,i will have an opportunity to tell them so at the time4 ,the company commander has not hampered me with orders and ,i will not do so with respect to my section leaders40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right about that4 ,give every man a chance to work out his own salvation4 ,do not destroy his initiative4 ,is there anything to be included in paragraph #d1 ,lieutenant ,hunt80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i would give the information about the intrenching tools and wire being supplied later4 ,this is done to show my non-commissioned officers that we have not overlooked the subject4 8,information concerning issue of intrenching tools and wire will be given later4 8,the battalion aid station is at ----40 ,the ,director3 8,and what would be included in the last paragraph1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,the location of the company and platoon command posts4 8,company ,c4 ,p4 at ----4 8,platoon ,c4 ,p4 at ----40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,i think that would cover all that is necessary at this time4 ,let us visualize what is now going to happen4 ,the section leaders with their section guides would go out to the area that has been assigned to them4 ,they would locate the machine gun positions that were designated by the battalion commander and then dope out the disposition that they are to make of the three squads of their respective sections4 8,the platoon commander is first concerned with the procurement of the intrenching tools for digging in his groups and the wire for constructing an obstacle along the front4 ,as soon as he gets the platoon sergeant off with a message to the company commander about these things he will go to the front and join the section leaders4 ,he will find out from them what dispositions they are planning on and give them such detailed instructions as may be necessary to carry out his own ideas of how the position should be organized4 ,he will have everything in readiness to bring the men forward as soon as it is advisable to do so40 99 99 99 99 99 ,defense ,position ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing situation ,no4 #b4 ,read and explain4 ,point out boundaries of area assigned to the platoon and indicate positions assigned to machine gun and special weapons4 ,mark with flags if practicable4 #b4 ,question as to whether platoon should be brought up now2 nothing for men to do yet2 no necessity for exposing them4 ,have platoon sergeant1 section leaders1 and platoon and section guides report at once4 ,leave platoon in charge of one section guide4 #c4 ,size up situation4 ,determine upon dispositions1 component parts of combat group1 methods of deploying a platoon4 ,decide to deploy sections side by side4 ,outguards4 #d4 ,factors that govern selection of position2 field of fire to front2 mutual support with adjoining units4 ,front that platoon may cover4 ,depth of section area4 #e4 ,have class go over ground and decide on dispositions4 ,allotment of sections to platoon area4 ,location of ,c4 ,p4 observation and communication4 #f4 ,question of intrenching tools and wire for obstacles4 ,platoon sergeant to company commander about tools and wire4 #g4 ,the order4 ,information of enemy and own troops4 ,plan3 ,platoon to organize and hold front from ---- to ----4 ,orders for each section4 ,supply outguards4 ,make orders short4 ,little detail4 ,let every man work out his own salvation4 #h4 ,explanation3 ,visualize what is happening4 ,section leaders and guides go to section area2 dope out situation and decide on disposition4 ,platoon commander sends platoon sergeant to see about tools and wire1 then joins section leaders on the line4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class will be conducted to the area assigned to the #bnd section of the platoon4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,k1 commanding the #bnd section1 have been ordered to organize and hold the front from ---- 7indicate7 to ---- 7indicate74 ,the section is to connect up and cooperate with the #bnd platoon on the left4 ,your section is to furnish its own outguards along the general line ---- 7indicate74 ,you have arrived at this point4 ,you have with you your section guides4 ,required3 ,how do you carry out your mission8 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,while it is not expected that any member of the class will ever be called upon to command a section of ,infantry1 it is nevertheless important for you to know what happens when you issue an order which requires the action of a section leader4 8,let us visualize this situation4 ,let us consider ourselves as being ,sergeant ,k4 ,he is the fellow that all the orders finally get down to and the one that has to do the real job out here on the line4 ,you hear the claims of certain staff corps1 from time to time1 about the necessity for having high-class men for the key positions in their enlisted personnel4 ,can you show me in any branch of the ,army where a high-class man is required any more than he is right here8 ,here is a doughboy sergeant face to face with a problem1 the proper solution of which means more to the success of the operations than any so-called 8highly technical0 position in the back areas4 ,upon what he does and how he does it may depend the success or failure of this whole military operation4 ,the lives of the men under him are absolutely in his hands4 ,if he blunders he may lose all of them4 8,with these few remarks let us proceed with the problem40 ,procedure ,the ,director will read the situation aloud1 and make such explanations as may be necessary4 ,he will call on one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the situation4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 how would you go about your task80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,in the first place1 ,i would look over the front and see what it affords in the way of a field of fire4 ,i would next locate the section groups on the right and left and see where their fire could help to protect my front and how fire from my position could help to protect their fronts4 ,i would see how the bands of fire from the machine guns in the area lay with relation to my front40 7,note4--,the ,director will point out the location of the adjacent section groups on the right and left and the position of the machine guns4 ,he will also indicate the direction of the bands of fire of the machine guns4 ,all of this should be indicated by flags of distinctive color if it is possible to do so47 ,the ,director3 8,you have done all of the things you mention and the whole layout is clear to you4 ,what is your next step80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would search out the vacant spaces--the uncovered ground of the machine guns and so arrange my dispositions to cover them4 ,i would first determine where my automatic rifles may be employed to the best advantage4 ,i will want them for flanking fire to cover the adjacent combat groups and will expect the support of their automatic rifles to help cover my own front4 ,i will want them to cover exposed places to the front that the enemy will have to pass over in making his attack4 ,i will want them to cover certain lines along my wire entanglements4 ,all of these things will have to be taken into consideration in locating them4 ,i will next consider my other special weapons1 the rifle grenade and the hand grenade4 ,they are both valuable adjuncts to the defense1 especially the rifle grenade4 ,they will both serve well to cover dead spaces that are difficult to reach with machine gun and rifle fire4 ,such features as ravines1 sunken roads and places where enemy troops may seek cover can be made untenable by the rifle grenade up to about #bjj yards40 ,the ,director3 8,all right1 let us assume that all of these things have been taken into consideration4 ,how may the troops be disposed to best meet them1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,we have three squads in the section4 ,we are required to furnish our own outguards in addition to furnishing the garrison for the firing line4 ,i should say that one squad employed on the outpost line would be sufficient4 ,that would leave two squads for the firing line40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 there are two plans by which the outguards may be furnished4 ,one is to have each squad cover its own front with an outguard and the other is to have a complete squad detailed as outguard for the section4 ,which of these plans do you prefer to use in this instance1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i think it would be better to employ one squad as the outguards for the section rather than have each squad do it40 ,the ,director3 8,what factors lead you to such a decision80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,if we have each squad furnish an outguard for its own front it would take half of the squad for that purpose4 ,the least that could be sent out would be a cossack post of four men--a leader and three reliefs for a single sentinel post4 ,i would not want to send our automatic riflemen on that duty and interfere with our arrangements for flanking fire4 ,we would not desire to send our rifle grenadier under ordinary circumstances4 ,this would leave only two rifles in the squad and one of these is the squad leader4 ,if we send one squad out to furnish the outguards it can furnish two cossack posts1 which are sufficient to cover our front1 and it will leave the other two squads intact to occupy the firing line with all their weapons4 ,if the enemy attacks and the outguards are driven in they will fall back on the flanks so as not to mask the fire of the squads on the firing line4 ,this will enable them to drift toward an assembly point or trench in rear of the firing line proper where they will be available to the section commander as a small local support to be thrown in any of the squad firing positions where casualties have been relatively heavy or to put them in where they are most needed to repel the attack40 ,the ,director3 8,of course it is always problematical as to how many men of the outguards will be able to get back2 your points are well taken and convincing4 ,i agree with you that the outguards may best be furnished by a complete squad1 and this leaves the other units intact for the firing line proper4 ,this now brings us down to the location of two small groups of a squad each4 ,captain ,hodges1 what factors will you consider in locating these two groups80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would want one near each flank of the area where they can help cover the front of the adjacent groups1 and ,i would want also to cover the front of the position4 ,in order to do this ,i would break each squad into two groups of four men each4 ,in the right group ,i would have the automatic rifleman and three riflemen of the #ast squad4 ,the automatic rifleman would have a fire position from which he can cover the front of the adjacent section on the right1 and if the one position does not serve the purpose ,i will have another fire position for him from which he can fire to the front4 ,in the next group of four men ,i would have the rifle grenadier and three riflemen4 ,they will be charged with covering the front4 ,the group that the squad leader will remain with will depend upon circumstances4 ,he would not be definitely assigned1 but would go where his presence is most required4 ,i would have a group of four men of the #bnd squad next to the left with the rifle grenade in it1 and near the left of my line ,i would have another group similar to the one on the right with the automatic rifleman in it4 ,the #crd squad will furnish the outpost--two cossack posts40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you have made a very good distribution of troops4 ,i do not think you can say off hand that you would have the rifle grenadier always in the interior groups4 ,his position must depend upon the prospective targets that he may have4 ,now1 the distribution brings us down to the proposition of the preparation of four short sections of trench sufficient to shelter four men each4 ,this makes it a comparatively simple proposition4 ,you see1 when you divide all of this work up in the way we have how it gradually clears up and becomes perfectly simple4 8,let us now locate on the ground the four short sections of trench that will have to be prepared40 ,procedure ,the class will now be conducted to the right of the section area and then along the front1 and the exact location of the four short trenches will be determined upon4 ,each will then be traced on the ground so that the members of the class may see just the sector front that it may cover4 ,if additional pits are required for the automatic riflemen they will also be indicated on the ground4 ,one or more members of the class may be required to lie down on the ground and verify the field of fire from each trench4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,james1 we have made a mark on the ground for each of these short trench lengths2 we call that a trace2 what do you mean by that80 ,captain ,james3 8,that the line we have made is the upper edge of the interior slope of the parapet of the trench4 ,it is the firing line of the trench40 ,the ,director3 8,now we have located these trenches2 you have noted the distance apart they are4 ,would we try to connect them up with a continuous trench under the circumstances1 ,lieutenant ,baker80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,no1 sir4 ,i think not4 ,if any continuous trench is to be constructed it seems to me that it should be dug a few feet to the rear and parallel to our line of short trenches4 ,our short trenches can then be connected up with it by communication trenches running obliquely1 to give cover from fire4 ,i think this parallel trench should be traced now so that work can be commenced on it tonight after the fire trenches are completed4 ,it should be a zigzag trench4 ,the #crd squad can get some work done on it before they have to go on outpost40 ,the ,director3 8,i think we have covered everything that is necessary preliminary to issuing the order of the section commander except the location of the command post4 ,where would you locate it1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would locate it here 7indicates74 ,the questions of observation and communication are the determining factors in its selection40 ,the ,director3 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write out this order that ,sergeant ,k would issue to his section guides4 ,make it simple and to the point40 ,the members of class will write out the order on their pads and when all have completed it the sheets are passed to the officer on the left for criticism4 ,the ,director will read aloud the order he has prepared and the members of the class compare their work with it4 ,the ,order 8,there is no further information of the enemy4 ,you know the location of the machine guns in this area2 the location of the #cg mm4 gun and light mortar of the ,howitzer company and the location of adjoining groups4 8,our section will organize and hold this area4 8,the #ast squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in the right of the area4 ,sergeant ,f1 you will superintend the task4 8,the #bnd squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in the left of the area4 ,sergeant ,g1 you will superintend the task4 8,the #crd squad will furnish the outguards along the line ----4 ,i will give ,corporal ,b detailed instructions later4 8,when the fire trenches have been completed work will be started on the parallel that we have traced4 8,work will begin as soon as we get the section up and pushed to completion as rapidly as possible tonight4 8,section ,c4 ,p4 at ----40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the section leader will return to the company and get the section ready to come to the front4 ,he will go himself rather than send one of the guides4 ,there may be some new orders or instructions from the company or platoon commander1 and he will want to get them first hand4 ,he will want to be sure that the section is supplied with the intrenching tools that are necessary for the rapid prosecution of the mark4 8,the section guides will each mark the cutting lines for the section of trench that he is responsible for and those of the communication parallel4 ,they will have everything in readiness to start work as soon as the men get up to the position4 8,we have gone into considerable detail in the solution of the problem1 but ,i am sure every member of the class now realizes the necessity for it and how simple the final solution is4 ,when we started out with the problem ,i am sure you all felt like we were entering upon a hopeless task but when you finally get down to the last analysis of it and find that the pressing problem is the digging of four short sections of trench capable of sheltering four men each and getting started on the communication parallel you realize that it is not such a big proposition after all4 8,all of this shows the necessity for the systematic training of officers and men in these things4 ,i am sure you can see what would happen to an untrained outfit blundering into a proposition of this kind4 ,you can readily imagine a company rushing madly to the front with no one to tell the men where to go or what to do4 ,these tactical situations that confront troops in time of war require time and forethought for their solution4 ,unless the proposition is gone about in a systematic and orderly manner the task is hopeless4 ,i feel sure that if any of you were confronted with the task of organizing a defensive position in the face of the enemy you are better equipped for the solution of the task for having had this ,terrain ,exercise40 99 99 99 99 99 ,defensive ,position ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to area assigned to the #bnd ,section4 #b4 ,explain purpose of giving this small problem to class4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #c1 read and explain4 #c4 ,point out location of all defensive elements that have a bearing on the area allotted to the #bnd ,section4 ,disposition of troops--factors affecting outpost line1 firing line4 #d4 ,location of groups1 automatic rifle1 rifle grenadier4 #e4 ,locate trenches on the ground and trace them4 ,locate parallel communication trench4 #f4 ,issue order4 ,collect and redistribute4 ,present order for discussion4 #g4 ,explain necessity for training in tactics4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #d4 ,a ,machine ,gun ,company in ,attack#e ,the ,problem ,general ,situation3 ,the 7a7 forms the boundary between hostile states4 ,the ,blue ,corps has crossed the boundary4 ,its advance has been stopped by a ,red force of two divisions at 7b74 ,special ,situation1 ,blue3 ,in a general attack by the ,blue ,corps1 the ---- ,division is attacking with 7c7 regiments abreast in the sector bounded on the right 7d7 by 7e7 and on the left 7d7 by 7e74 ,the order of the regiments from right to left is 7f74 ,each regiment has one battalion in the assault1 one in regimental reserve1 and one in brigade or division reserve 7g74 ,the ---- ,battalion ---- ,infantry1 is the assaulting battalion of the ---- ,infantry 7h74 ,the right 7d7 boundary of the battalion is 7e74 ,its left 7d7 boundary is 7e74 ,the battalion is deployed with ,company 7i7 on the right and ,company 7k7 on the left1 as assault companies1 and ,company 7l7 as the reserve company4 ,the machine gun company 7m7 and one platoon of the howitzer company are operating with the battalion4 ,special ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,the division began a general advance at 7n7 today4 ,at 7o71 when the scouts reached 7p7 they were stopped by fire from the vicinity of 7q74 ,at 7r71 ,major ,x at 7s71 received a message from the right 7left7 assault company that it was held up by fire from 7t74 ,the message stated that the company would assault at 7u7 by building up a firing line at 7v7 and having a platoon attack in the direction of 7w71 and requested the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons4 ,at the same time ,major ,x received a message from the left 7right7 assault company that it had encountered slight resistance from 7x71 but was continuing to advance4 ,at the time ,major ,x received the messages the machine gun company was located as follows3 ,the #ast and #bnd ,platoons were in rear of the right and left assault companies1 respectively1 at 7y71 with guns mounted on carts4 ,the captain with his headquarters' detail was with ,major ,x4 ,explanation of ,symbols 7a7 ,in designating the boundary line1 some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected1 such as a river1 creek1 road1 state boundary1 etc4 ,in this problem the boundary may be some miles from the point where the problem starts and in the opposite direction from the direction of attack4 7b7 ,a general defensive position in rear of the ground selected for the problem4 7c7 ,two1 three or four regiments would be placed in the first line depending on the frontage assigned to the division and other conditions4 7d7 ,compass direction--north1 south1 east1 or west4 7e7 ,describe boundaries by roads1 creeks1 towns1 points1 etc4 ,distance between boundaries should be such as to give appropriate frontage to the division--about #ejj yards for each battalion employed as an assaulting battalion4 7f7 ,give order by enumerating regiments as--#ast1 #bnd1 #crd1 #dth ,infantry4 7g7 ,the number of battalions in assault and in reserve may vary in different regiments1 depending upon the frontage assigned to the regiment and the nature of its task4 7h7 ,if the regiment has more than one battalion in the first line1 the text should read3 8,is the right 7left7 assault battalion of ---- ,infantry40 7i71 7k71 7l71 7m7 ,use letters appropriate to the companies of the designated battalion4 7n71 7o7 ,indicate the hour4 7p7 ,select position suitable for firing line with position in rear suitable for direct overhead fire of machine guns4 7q7 ,select suitable position for small force on the defensive4 7r7 ,indicate the hour a few minutes later than 7o74 7s7 ,select a position between the assault and reserve companies with good visibility4 7t7 ,defensive position for small force of ,reds4 7u7 ,indicate an hour that will give the rifle and machine gun companies time to get into position for the attack4 7v7 ,usually on or in advance of the line of scouts4 7w7 ,a direction that will flank or envelop the local resistance4 7x7 ,one of the positions from which scouts originally received fire4 7y7 ,platoons should be in rear of positions you plan to have them occupy and on natural lines of advance4 ,required3 ,the action taken by ,major ,x and the orders actually issued by him4 7,note4--,the ,machine ,gun ,company is organized and equipped in accordance with ,table of ,organization #bi-,w4 ,see ,appendix ,i47 ,procedure ,the members of the class are assembled at s1 the point where ,major ,x receives the messages from his assault companies4 ,the ,director3 8,before taking up the problem for solution1 ,i wish to make a few remarks upon the employment of a machine gun company with an assault battalion40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the following1 in general terms1 are the principal tasks of the machine guns on the offensive3 87#a7 ,to cover the deployment of the infantry and its advance to the first firing position4 87#b7 ,to support the attack of the infantry4 87#c7 ,to support the infantry in continuing the attack or taking up the pursuit after the enemy's main position has been captured4 87#d7 ,to assist in the consolidation of the position whenever the limit of the advance is reached or the infantry is brought to a standstill4 8,during the combat the function of the machine guns is to assist constantly the advance of the infantry by fire power4 ,the use of machine guns only at decisive points in the fight is not sufficient4 ,they must be so used as to exert a continuous influence from the beginning to the end of the fight4 ,they can act by fire alone and cannot be used as assault troops4 8,every assaulting infantry battalion habitually retains and employs its machine gun company4 ,the machine gun company almost invariably acts under the direct orders of the battalion commander4 ,only in very exceptional cases will the company act under the orders of the regimental machine gun officer after ,h hour1 although he frequently will prescribe tasks for it during the barrage prior to ,h hour4 8,the following are suitable tasks for a machine gun company of an assault battalion3 87#a7 ,to support the assault companies4 87#b7 ,to protect the flank of the attack4 87#c7 ,to occupy an interval in the line4 87#d7 ,to assist in consolidating the captured ground4 87#e7 ,to assist in resuming the attack4 8,orders4--,the orders of ,major ,x for the use of the machine guns should be clear and concise and should assign definite tasks to them4 ,the orders1 prior to attack1 should assign the machine guns a definite place in the formation and should give them the mission of supporting the infantry by fire4 ,the control of the machine guns should be exercised1 as far as possible1 through the commanding officer of the machine gun company4 ,platoons should be assigned to support rifle companies1 but should not be placed under the command of rifle company commanders without there are exceptional reasons for so ordering4 8,formation4--,generally the formation of a machine gun company supporting an infantry battalion will be with one platoon on either flank supporting the two assaulting companies4 ,as to whether or not the platoons should be placed in rear of the assault companies or in rear of the reserve company depends upon conditions4 ,if the conditions indicate the probable early use of machine guns and the ground is favorable for their use1 they should be placed in rear of the assault companies4 ,on the other hand1 if their use appears improbable1 or the ground is unfavorable for overhead fire1 they should be placed in rear of the reserve company1 where they can use their carts as long as possible4 ,the formation within the platoon conforms to the infantry with which it is advancing4 ,the usual formations will be3 when dismounted1 line of squad columns or line of skirmishers2 when mounted1 column of squads4 ,the purpose of the formation taken should be to make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish the machine guns from the infantry4 8,communication4--,where conditions permit1 the commanding officer of the machine gun company will be with the battalion commander4 ,however1 the captain must not let this consideration interfere with the efficient command of his company4 ,where the captain does not remain with the major he will maintain contact with him by means of two runners from the machine gun company4 8,are there any questions80 ,procedure ,the ,director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class4 ,after all questions have been cleared up the ,director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class4 ,a few minutes will be allowed to read over the problem4 ,the ,director3 8,please give me your attention while we go over the problem40 ,the ,director reads the problem aloud1 pointing out the features of the landscape that are referred to in the problem4 ,the ,director then calls upon one or more members of the class to explain the problem4 ,he clears up any point that does not appear plain to all and satisfies himself that all members of the class understand the situation and what is required of them4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,smith1 we shall assume that you are commanding the battalion and that ,captain ,m1 the commanding officer of the machine gun company1 is with you4 ,what would you do when you received the messages from your assault companies80 ,captain ,smith3 8,i would send for all of the captains to report to me at once1 so that ,i could issue my orders40 ,the ,director3 8,the captains of the two assault companies are engaged with the enemy1 and it is most essential that they remain in immediate command of their companies4 ,the captain of the reserve company is at some distance from ,major ,x4 ,while it is extremely desirable to issue one complete verbal order to the battalion so that any misunderstanding can be cleared up1 it is not practicable to issue such an order in this case4 ,captain ,scott1 what would you do80 ,captain ,scott3 8,i would take a look at the positions of the right assault company1 the machine gun company1 and the terrain1 to determine whether it would be possible to support the assaulting company by overhead machine gun fire4 ,i see that there is an excellent position for the machine guns and howitzer platoon4 ,the commanding officers of these organizations are with me1 so ,i at once give them the following verbal orders3 8,company ---- has encountered heavy fire from 7t74 ,it will attack at 7u7 by building up a firing line at 7v71 and having a platoon attack in the direction of 7w74 ,a red rocket from this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack4 8,the ,stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon1 advancing in the direction of 7w74 ,the one-pounder will be in readiness to engage any hostile machine guns that open fire4 8,the machine guns will open fire from this hill at 7u71 covering the enemy's position at 7t74 8,battalion ammunition point #ejj yards east of this point in edge of woods4 8,i shall remain here40 ,the ,director3 8,that is an excellent order4 ,it shows that you understand that ,major ,x should first attempt to give assistance by the use of his machine guns and auxiliary weapons and not by the use of his reserve4 ,the reserve company should not be employed as long as the assaulting companies can overcome the resistance with the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons4 ,fire power should be made to take the place of man-power to the greatest extent that is practicable4 ,you have also given an excellent example of the proper coordination of the machine guns and ,stokes mortar4 ,the ground in the direction of 7w7 is such that the machine guns could not effectively support the platoon advancing in that direction4 ,the ,stokes mortar1 however1 can search this ground and provide covering fire for the platoon4 ,your ordering a red rocket to be fired by the platoon advancing in the direction of 7w7 shows that you understand the necessity for synchronizing the launching of the attack and the opening of fire by the machine guns and auxiliary weapons4 ,however1 the steps that you have taken are not adequate to secure this4 ,you have failed to notify the commanding officer of the right assault company of the time that the machine guns will open fire and have not directed him to have his platoon fire a red rocket at the beginning of its attack4 8,captain ,howe1 tell us how you would notify the commanding officer of the assault companies of your plans40 ,captain ,howe3 8,i would send a written message by a runner as follows3 8,begin your attack at 7u74 ,the machine guns will open fire from 7s7 at 7u74 ,the ,stokes mortar will open fire in the direction of 7w7 at 7u7 and will lift their fire #ajj yards in two minutes for six minutes4 ,the one-pounders will fire on hostile machine guns4 8,your platoon1 advancing in the direction of 7w71 will fire a red rocket as a signal that it is leaving its cover and beginning the attack4 8,battalion ammunition point in edge of woods #ejj yards east of 7s74 8,i shall remain here40 99 99 99 99 99 ,machine ,gun ,co4 ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,make copies of the problems and the situation1 one for each member of the class4 #b4 ,conduct the class to the point where the battalion commander receives the messages from his assault companies4 #c4 ,make a short talk on the employment of machine guns on the offensive3 7a7 tasks of machine guns in general on the offensive4 7b7 ,tasks of a machine gun company of an assault battalion4 7c7 ,orders of the battalion commander to the machine gun company4 7d7 ,formation of the machine gun company4 7e7 ,communications4 #d4 ,distribute the sheets bearing problem and situation ,no4 #a4 #e4 ,read problem and question members of the class on the tactical situation4 #f4 ,take up the solution of the problem3 ,action of ,major ,x2 ,orders actually issued by ,major ,x4 #g4 ,explanation by the director of the importance of using fire power1 and of the necessity for coordination between the rifle companies and the machine guns4 #h4 ,may have members of the class write out orders of the battalion commander4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,in the situation just completed we have considered the employment of machine guns from the point of view of the commander who has the responsibility for the coordination of the rifle companies and the machine gun company and for the application of fire power to save man-power wherever it is practicable4 ,in the next situation we shall take up the methods of applying this fire power to support the rifle companies4 ,these are technical questions entirely within the province of the machine gun officer4 ,in the formation the battalion commander designates the position of the machine gun company with reference to the rifle companies2 the machine gun company commander determines the formation within his company4 ,ordinarily the company commander will determine whether the guns will go forward on carts and when it will be necessary to abandon the carts4 ,the firing position may be designated by the battalion commander1 or it may be left to the selection of the machine gun company commander4 ,the manner of occupation of the position is decided upon by the machine gun officer4 ,the class of fire to be delivered is a question for the decision of machine gun officers or non-commissioned officers4 ,the situation may be such as to require the sections or platoons to employ different classes of fire4 ,the concentration of the fire of his platoons is a function of the machine gun company commander4 ,in the absence of orders from the battalion commander1 the company commander will determine whether the fire of the company will be distributed over the front of the whole battalion or whether it will be concentrated upon a portion of the front4 ,the method of advance from one firing position to another will be determined by the company or platoon commander4 ,where the company is employed as a whole the advance may be by platoon4 ,as a rule1 however1 the platoons will advance by alternate sections so that a rifle company will never be without support4 ,the duty of maintaining the ammunition supply from the battalion ammunition point forward to the guns devolves upon the machine gun captain4 ,the machine gun company is responsible for communication forward to the assault companies and to the battalion commander40 ,illustration3 ,,machine ,,gun ,,company ,,in ,,attack--,,one ,,formation--,,others ,,may ,,be ,,used ,procedure ,the ,director passes out the papers containing ,special ,situation ,no4 #b1 reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain it4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,this consists of copies of the orders of ,major ,x to the commanding officers of the machine gun company and howitzer platoon as given by ,captain ,scott1 and of the message to the commanding officer of the right assault company as given by ,captain ,howe4 ,required3 ,the orders actually issued by the commanding officer of the machine gun company4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,jones1 what is the first decision that ,captain ,m must make when he receives the order of ,major ,x80 ,captain ,jones3 8,he must decide whether he will employ the whole company to support the right assault company or only the platoon which had been directed to support this company at the beginning of the fight4 ,major ,x has not indicated whether the whole company will be employed1 so ,captain ,m must make this decision4 ,the left assault company may encounter more stubborn resistance1 so ,i should employ only the right platoon40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,brown1 what do you think about that80 ,captain ,brown3 8,i think he should employ the whole company4 ,concentration of the fire of the platoons on points that are holding up the battalion is one of the duties of the captain4 ,the left assault company is continuing to move forward and does not need the support of the left platoon so it should be used to help advance the right assault company4 ,there is an excellent firing position directly in its line of advance and it can be switched to the support of the left assault company at any time that it becomes necessary4 ,if the only firing position available were such that the platoon could not support the advance of the left assault company1 if support were needed1 and the position were so situated as to cause the left platoon to deviate greatly from its line of advance1 the case would be different4 ,in that situation ,i think the left platoon should continue its advance in rear of the left assault company with the purpose of bringing flanking fire on the enemy a little later40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,burt1 we shall assume that ,captain ,m decides to employ both platoons to support the right assault company4 ,what does he do next80 ,captain ,burt3 8,he would send the buglers to have the platoon leaders report to him in advance of their platoons and would direct the reconnaissance officer to select the firing positions for the two platoons and obtain the ranges40 ,the ,director3 8,the captain has a company headquarters to assist him in commanding the company and the use that the captain makes of this headquarters is a sure indication of the efficiency of the company4 ,it is impossible for the captain to command the company by himself and attend to all details4 ,part of this headquarters detail is mounted4 ,the buglers and reconnaissance officer have horses4 ,by having the platoon leaders precede their platoons they can receive their orders before the platoons arrive and be ready to move into position without delay4 ,when the buglers reach the platoons they would turn over their horses to the platoon leaders and would remain with the platoons to guide them to their firing positions4 ,the reconnaissance sergeant would assist the reconnaissance officer by taking the ranges as soon as the positions had been selected4 8,captain ,smith1 where would you select the positions and what frontage would you assign to a platoon80 ,captain ,smith3 8,i would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire4 ,the position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest4 ,in that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire4 ,the distance between guns should be not less than #bj yards1 and preferably more4 ,i would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon4 ,this will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target40 ,the ,director3 8,i wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ direct fire4 ,indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours4 ,often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed4 ,however1 considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire1 and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire4 ,direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible4 ,it seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire4 ,there is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target4 8,captain ,jones1 what assignment of targets would you make80 ,captain ,jones3 8,i would assign a portion of the target to each platoon4 ,the whole target could be assigned to each platoon which would permit an entire platoon to advance to a new firing position1 while the other covered the entire target4 ,however1 any advance before the resistance is overcome would probably be by section and not by platoon2 so there is no advantage in giving each platoon the whole target4 ,a gunner can fire more effectively on a narrow target where it is not necessary to traverse so much40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,howe1 would you make any provision for lifting your fire as the infantry approaches the target80 ,captain ,howe3 8,i would leave that to the platoon commanders4 ,the rate of advance may be different at different parts of the line so that some guns may continue firing safely after others are forced to stop4 ,i would want every gun to fire as long as the safety of the infantry would permit40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,burt1 what provision would you make for opening fire80 ,captain ,burt3 8,i would have the platoon leaders signal me when they were ready and open fire on my signal4 ,the positions of the platoons are plainly visible from my position4 ,since it has been ordered that fire will open at a definite time ,i think it better to depend on one watch than to take a chance of the platoons opening a few seconds apart40 ,the ,director3 8,all of the doubtful points have been cleared up4 ,assuming that you would do what it has been decided that ,captain ,m should do1 ,i want each of you to write out the complete fire order of ,captain ,m4 ,it is understood1 of course1 that ,captain ,m would give his order verbally1 but it is desired to have you write out this order1 so that the form of the order can be examined more carefully40 ,procedure ,after the solutions have been written1 the ,director has one or more members of the class comment on the solution of other members4 ,the ,director then distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #c1 which is the fire order of ,captain ,m4 99 99 99 99 99 ,machine ,gun ,co4 ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,explain the duties of the commanding officer of a machine gun company of an assault battalion4 #b4 ,pass out ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,have members of the class explain their understanding of it4 #c4 ,have members of class discuss3 ,number of platoons to be employed4 ,use of headquarters detail4 ,selection of firing position4 ,use of direct fire4 ,assignment of targets4 ,opening fire4 #d4 ,have members of class write out fire order of ,captain ,m4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,captain ,m gave the following verbal orders to the platoon leaders at 7s73 8,company ---- has encountered heavy fire from 7t74 ,it will attack at 7u7 by building up a firing line at 7v71 and having a platoon attack in the direction of 7w74 ,a red rocket fired by this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack4 8,the ,stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of 7w74 ,the one-pounder will engage any hostile machine guns4 8,this company supports the attack4 8,firing positions3 8,first platoon1 the crest of this hill from #ej yards to the right of this point to #aej yards to the right of this point4 8,second platoon1 the crest of this hill from #ej yards to the left of this point to #aej yards to the left of this point4 8,targets3 8,first platoon1 right half of enemy's position at 7t74 8,second platoon1 left half of enemy's position at 7t74 8,platoon commanders will be responsible for lifting the fire so as not to endanger the infantry4 8,signal me when ready to open fire and open fire on my signal4 8,battalion ammunition point #ejj yards east of here in edge of woods4 ,carts at disposal of platoon leaders4 8,i shall be on the left of the #ast platoon40 ,required3 ,actions of and orders actually issued by ,lieutenant ,y1 commanding the #ast platoon4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,smith1 in general what assistants has the platoon leader and what are their duties80 ,captain ,smith3 8,the platoon sergeant takes command of the platoon when the lieutenant goes forward1 and obtains ranges after the selection of the firing position4 8,the communication corporal1 with the agents 7normally two71 maintains communication between the platoon and the rifle company which it is supporting1 and sends or signals to the platoon the information necessary to it4 8,the transport corporal moves guns and ammunition carts forward in accordance with the movements of the platoon4 ,improvises packs when necessary4 ,provides for replenishment of ammunition and replacements for killed or disabled mules4 8,there are seven privates in the headquarters detail4 ,one of these is a bicyclist1 two are agents to the rifle company1 four runners maintain communication with machine gun company headquarters1 with the sections and the platoon ammunition point40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,burt1 what would ,lieutenant ,y do after receiving the order from ,captain ,m80 ,captain ,burt3 8,he would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon4 ,he would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections1 and observe the enemy's position to determine upon an allotment of targets4 ,as the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward4 ,when they arrived he would issue his fire order40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,jones1 give the fire order issued by ,lieutenant ,y40 ,captain ,jones3 8,lieutenant ,y gives the following verbal order3 8,company ---- has encountered heavy fire from 7t74 ,it will attack at 7u7 by building up a firing line at 7v71 and having a platoon attack in the direction of 7w74 ,a red rocket fired by that platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack4 8,the ,stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of 7w74 ,the one-pounder will engage hostile machine guns4 8,this platoon and the remainder of our company supports the attack4 8,firing positions3 8,first section to the right of this rock2 #bnd section to the left4 ,mount your guns below the crest and drag them into position without disclosing your presence4 8,targets3 8,first section1 the woods on the right of the enemy's position at 7t74 ,range #a1cjj to #a1djj4 ,combined sights4 8,second section1 the ridge for #ajj yards to the left of the woods4 ,range #a1cjj4 8,section leaders will be responsible for lifting their fire on the approach of the infantry4 8,rate of fire #bjj for first minute1 #aej thereafter4 8,signal me when ready4 ,open fire on my signal4 8,platoon ammunition point #ajj yards down the hill4 8,i shall remain here40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,howe1 what do you think of telling the #ast section to use combined sights8 ,explain the use of combined sights40 ,captain ,howe3 8,the target undoubtedly calls for the use of combined sights4 ,whether it would be necessary for ,lieutenant ,y to direct the use of combined sights would depend on how well trained the section leader was4 ,if ,i were at all doubtful ,i would order combined sights4 8,combined sights is the method of engaging any required depth of ground by applying simultaneously overlapping zones of fire from two or more guns4 ,the depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations to be used by each gun4 ,this type of fire is not necessary under #hjj meters4 ,when it is used1 as many guns as possible should be employed with #ajj meters difference if the error in range finding is probably great1 and with #ej meters difference if the error is probably small4 ,this kind of fire is used either to engage a target which is deeper than the effective beaten zone or against a small target when the range is not exactly known40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,burt1 explain to the class how the section leader determines when the fire should be lifted40 ,captain ,burt3 8,the section leader is equipped with a type ,,ee field glass which has an inverted sight leaf in the field of view4 ,the glass is used as follows3 8,align the inverted sight scale so that the announced range to the target will coincide with the target4 8,if the range to the target is #hej meters or less1 note where the line in the graticule representing #a1cej meters cuts the landscape4 8,if the range to the target is #hej meters or over1 add #ejj meters to the range to the target1 and locate the point on the landscape that is cut by this line4 8,if the point located on the landscape is at or above the feet of our own troops1 it will be safe to fire4 8,the gunner in a similar manner determines when it is safe to fire by means of his rear sight so there is always a double check40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,smith1 do you see any purpose in ordering a rate of fire of #bjj for the first minute80 ,captain ,smith3 8,yes1 sir1 it is important to place as great a volume of fire as possible on the enemy at the beginning of the attack4 ,however1 the guns cannot maintain such a rate for but a few minutes1 so it is necessary to lower it4 ,a rate of #abe to #aej could be maintained for #bj or #cj minutes1 so it is safe to order that40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,jones1 what do you mean by the ammunition point80 ,captain ,jones3 8,the machine gun platoon ammunition point consists of the transport corporal1 one runner1 and the four ammunition carts and four machine gun carts with their drivers4 ,this ammunition point is responsible for maintaining the ammunition supply from the carts forward to the guns40 ,the ,director3 8,you are correct about the composition of the ammunition point1 but not about its duties4 ,its function is to maintain a supply of ammunition in the carts sufficiently close to the guns that it can be gotten forward by the ammunition carriers1 but it is not responsible for getting the ammunition forward4 ,numbers #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 and #h of each squad are responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the carts to the guns4 ,the transport corporal moves the carts forward from one covered position to another by bounds and keeps the platoon leader informed of the location of the carts4 ,that is the reason a runner is assigned to the point4 ,the corporal is responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the combat wagons4 ,normally this will be done by sending the ammunition carts to the battalion ammunition point4 ,the machine gun carts should be kept filled at all times1 if possible1 and at the platoon ammunition point ready to move forward to the guns4 8,captain ,brown1 what do you think about ,lieutenant ,y not ordering emplacements and cover trenches to be constructed80 ,captain ,brown3 8,if there is time before opening fire the section leader should construct them without any orders4 ,however1 ,i believe it is always safer to order the construction4 ,in this case the time is limited1 so it would be best to get the guns into position and ready to open fire and then begin construction4 ,great caution would have to be used1 however1 in the construction as emplacements not properly constructed would show up very distinctly on the crest and would be a source of danger4 ,cover trenches behind the trench would not be visible and would be a great protection for ammunition carriers40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,howe1 no mention was made in the order of communications1 what do you think of that80 ,captain ,howe3 8,it is unnecessary if the platoon is trained properly4 ,it becomes a matter of routine1 and instructions are given only if something out of the ordinary is required40 99 99 99 99 99 ,machine ,gun ,co4 ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,pass out ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,have members of the class explain their understanding of it4 #b4 ,have members of the class discuss3 ,duties of the members of the platoon headquarters detail4 ,action of ,lieutenant ,y prior to the issue of the fire order4 #c4 ,have a member of the class give the fire order issued by ,lieutenant ,y4 #d4 ,have members of the class discuss3 ,combined sights4 ,safety angles for direct overhead fire4 ,rates of fire4 ,the platoon ammunition point4 ,construction of emplacements and cover trenches4 ,communications4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,director passes out the papers containing ,special ,situation ,no4 #d1 reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to give their understanding of it4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,a few minutes after fire was opened by the machine guns1 the enemy gave way1 and ,company ---- advanced and disappeared over the ridge at 7t7 formerly held by the enemy4 ,the left assault company 7,company ----7 has continued to make progress and is slightly in advance of the right assault company4 ,required3 ,orders as actually issued by ,captain ,m1 commanding the machine gun company4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the situation is one in which it would be possible for the battalion commander to give orders to the machine gun company1 but would be necessary only in case that the company commander was incompetent4 ,the captain of a company must not expect to receive orders from the major at every new phase of the situation4 ,the major is probably eager to get forward to 7t7 to see for himself what the situation is and has no time to tell ,captain ,m just what he shall do with his company4 8,captain ,smith1 assuming you are ,captain ,m1 what orders would you give to the company80 ,captain ,smith3 8,i would send the following verbal message to the platoon commanders3 8#8,advance your platoon by section to the position at 7t74'0 ,the ,director3 8,if the enemy were still resisting1 advancing the platoons by alternate sections would be the normal procedure4 ,however1 since the resistance of the enemy has temporarily ceased and he has passed over the ridge where he cannot at present fire on the machine gun company1 ,captain ,m has a little more choice in the formation that he will employ in advancing the company4 ,it is perfectly practicable to advance by platoon1 and there is some advantage in so doing as it will leave the platoon commanders in direct touch with their whole platoons4 ,the left assault company is slightly in advance of the right1 so it would be better to send the left platoon forward to the position at 7t7 and have the right platoon go forward just as soon as the left platoon has reached 7t74 8,captain ,jones1 what do you think of immediately sending the whole company forward80 ,captain ,jones3 8,it would not be safe4 ,it is too early to know whether the enemy will counter-attack4 ,if he should counter-attack and drive the infantry out of the position at 7t71 part of the machine guns should be in position to support the infantry4 ,as soon as it appears that the attack of the infantry has succeeded1 part of the guns must be sent forward to give the infantry closer support1 but some guns must be retained in position until danger of a counter-attack has passed40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,burt1 would you give the platoon leaders any additional instructions80 ,captain ,burt3 8,yes1 sir2 ,i would instruct them to replenish their ammunition before sending their ammunition carts forward4 ,they probably would do this any way1 but ,i would play safe and order it4 ,there has not been a long period of firing so that one cart from each section probably would be all that it would be necessary to send to the rear4 ,this would leave plenty of ammunition with the guns and get additional ammunition forward much sooner than if the ammunition carts were permitted to advance without refilling40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,howe1 would you give any further instructions to the platoon leaders80 ,captain ,howe3 8,yes1 sir2 ,i would direct them to move forward with the guns on carts4 ,the carts have been placed at the disposal of the platoon leaders so they should employ them without instructions1 as there is no danger in so doing4 ,however1 the captain usually determines when the guns shall be moved forward by hand1 so ,i think it is safer to caution them to use their carts4 ,there is a great tendency to continue advancing the guns by hand for the rest of the fight when it has once become necessary to dismount them from the carts40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,smith1 give the complete messages that should be sent to the platoon leaders to carry out the decisions we have made40 ,captain ,smith3 8,captain ,m would send the following verbal messages3 8,to the commander of the #bnd platoon3 8#8,move forward at once with guns on carts to the position from which the enemy has just been driven4 ,replenish ammunition4' 8,to commander of #ast platoon3 8#8,replenish your ammunition4 ,remain in position until #bnd platoon reaches position from which enemy has just been driven and then move forward with guns on carts4'0 ,the ,director3 8,we have covered the different situations that are likely to occur in an attack with the exception of the opening phases of a prepared attack and the consolidation4 ,the former is most frequently an indirect fire problem and should be treated as a separate exercise4 ,the latter can be handled best as the first phase of a battalion on the defensive40 99 99 99 99 99 ,machine ,gun ,co4 ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,pass out ,situation ,no4 #d4 ,have members of the class explain their understanding of it4 #b4 ,explain the responsibility of the captain for acting on his own initiative in the absence of orders from the major4 #c4 ,have a member of the class give the orders issued by ,captain ,m4 #d4 ,have members of the class discuss3 ,different methods of advancing the company4 ,necessity for retaining some guns in position to meet counter-attack4 ,replenishment of ammunition4 ,use of carts4 #e4 ,concluding statement by the ,director4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #e4 ,an ,advance ,guard ,the ,problem ,general ,situation3 ,the 7a7 forms the boundary between hostile states4 ,a ,blue brigade is marching towards 7b74 ,small ,red forces are reported in the direction of 7c74 ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,a 7d7 flank guard1 consisting of the 7e7 battalion 7f7 infantry1 halts for the night at 7g74 ,at 7h7 7date7 ,company ,a1 which has been designated to form the advance guard1 is assembled at 7i74 ,based on the orders of the battalion commander1 ,captain ,a1 commanding1 issues the following verbal orders to his assembled officers and non-commissioned officers3 8,small ,red forces are reported in the direction of 7c74 ,our brigade marches towards 7b7 today by the 7j7--7k7--7l7 road4 ,our battalion continues its mission as a 7d7 flank guard4 ,our main body follows the advance guard at a distance of about #ejj yards4 8,this company forms the advance guard4 8,lieutenant ,w1 with the first platoon1 will form the advance party4 ,march at 7m7 o'clock by the 7n7--7o7 road4 8,the rest of the company will form the support and follow the advance party at a distance of about #djj yards4 8,corporal ,white 7signalman7 watch for signals from the main body4 8,the rolling kitchen will join the battalion train4 8,i will march with the support40 7,note4--,company ,a is organized in accordance with ,table of ,organization #bh-,w4 ,see ,appendix #a47 ,explanation of ,symbols 7a7 ,in designating the boundary line1 some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected1 such as a river1 creek1 canal1 crest of ridges1 etc4 ,in this problem the boundary may be a number of miles from the point where the problem starts and in the direction in which the march is to be made4 7b7 ,a point a march away in the direction of the enemy4 7c7 ,the locality where the enemy is reported to be4 ,this should be beyond the border in enemy territory4 7d7 ,indicate whether the battalion is a right or left flank guard4 ,for example3 ,the ,blue brigade is marching north on a certain road4 ,the battalion is marching north on a road to the west of that on which the brigade is marching--the battalion would be a left flank guard4 7e7 ,designate as one of the battalions of the regiment to which the officers participating belong or are attached4 7f7 ,see next above4 ,example 8,a left flank guard1 consisting of the #ast ,battalion1 #cjeth ,infantry40 7g7 ,a point in the vicinity of where the terrain exercise is to start4 7h7 ,indicate the hour4 ,make it about #bj minutes before the time designated for the advance guard to start the march4 7j7 ,the point where the terrain exercise is to begin4 7j7--7k7--7l7 ,a road is designated in field orders by naming two or more places located on it4 ,example3 8,the ,,four ,,point--,,emmitsburg--,,fairplay road40 ,in this case indicate in definite terms the road that the main body of the brigade is to march on4 7m7 ,designate the hour of marching of the advance guard4 7n7--7o7 ,see remarks pertaining to the symbol 7j7--7k7--7l74 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,w1 commanding the first platoon1 have been detailed to form the advance party4 ,it is now 7h74 ,your platoon is formed here4 ,required3 ,the action that you1 ,lieutenant ,w1 take1 and the orders you issue to your platoon4 ,procedure ,the members of the class are assembled at 7g7 on the 7n--o7 road 7see explanation of symbols71 where it is intended that the advance guard formation is to be taken up4 ,the ,director3 8,before taking up the problem for solution1 ,i want to make a few remarks on the formation of a column of troops on the march and to review briefly the formation and duties of an advance guard40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,a column of troops on the march consists of a main body and such covering detachments as may be necessary4 ,these covering detachments are denominated advance guards1 rear guards and flank guards4 ,they are thrown out for the purpose of gaining information of the enemy1 to protect the main body from surprise1 and to hold off the enemy a sufficient length of time for the main body to prepare for action4 8,the covering detachment that goes ahead of and protects the march of a marching column is called an #8advance guard4' ,it consists of a series of detachments or groups increasing progressively in strength from head to rear1 each being charged with the protection of the group immediately following it from surprise and thus gaining time for the latter to get ready to fight4 8,formation4--,the advance guard is normally divided into a support and a reserve4 ,from the support1 an advance party is sent to the front a few hundred yards1 and from this advance party a small patrol1 technically called a #8point1' is sent out4 ,from time to time as the occasion demands1 patrols are sent out to the right and left4 ,these are called #8flankers4' 8,when the advance guard consists of a small force the reserve is omitted and we have only a support1 from which an advance party is sent out4 8,in the problem we have an advance guard composed of one rifle company of infantry4 ,what is the proper formation8 8,the advance party will consist of one platoon1 from which a #8point' of one squad will be sent out to the front1 a distance of about #bjj yards4 ,the remainder of the company will constitute the support and follow the advance party at a distance of about #djj yards4 8,we do away with a reserve4 ,it would divide the company into too many component parts and make control just that much more difficult4 8,that is what may be termed the usual formation4 ,conditions may be such that it would be desirable to make the advance party stronger2 as where the enemy habitually opposes us with relatively small detachments and we want to run over them and drive them off without bringing the support into action4 8,in any case you must have a knowledge of the functions of an advance guard4 ,you must know the mission and be able to size up the situation of the particular case4 ,you must then use your plain commonsense in meeting the situations as they develop4 8,duties4--,now let us see what the duties of the advance guard are3 8#a4 ,to prevent the main body of our troops from being fired into while they are in a formation that prevents them from defending themselves4 ,you can imagine what would happen if an effective fire were suddenly poured into the company while it is marching in column of squads on the road4 8#b4 ,to gain information of the enemy by sending out detachments to the front and flanks at such points as may be necessary4 ,here is an important thing to remember4 ,under the conditions of modern warfare1 the haphazard method of sending out flanking patrols has every chance of resulting in disaster4 ,these men never get back in time to be of use to you when you need them4 ,much of this patrolling and marching of flanking detachments across country is exhausting and wears out your troops4 ,it should be reduced to the minimum4 8#c4 ,to push back small parties of the enemy4 ,the progress of the main body must not be arrested by small1 comparatively insignificant detachments of the enemy4 ,it is the duty of the advance guard to brush them aside4 ,how many times at maneuvers have you seen a skillfully handled patrol make a whole advance guard deploy8 ,it should have been swept away by the advance party4 ,the idea is1 that you simply have to keep pushing to the front until you really encounter something that will stop you4 8#d4 ,to check the advance of the enemy in force long enough for the main body to prepare for action4 ,when the enemy is met in sufficient force to warrant the employment of troops of the main body there is a certain process that the commander has to go through before he can get his troops in action4 ,a reconnaissance must be made to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy1 for it would be folly to commit a force to action without knowing something of these elements4 ,then1 too1 the orders for the deployment have to be issued and the deployment has to be effected4 ,all of this takes a certain amount of time during which period the advance guard holds off the enemy4 8#e4 ,to remove obstacles1 repair the roads1 and favor in every way the uninterrupted progress of the main body4 8,these are the duties of the advance guard4 ,these are the things that platoon1 section and squad leaders must ever keep in mind when they are on advance guard duty4 ,these are the things that we officers must learn about in time of peace in order that we may do them as a matter of habit in time of actual service4 8,distances4--,the distances between the several elements of the advance guard are fixed by the general rule that #8the element in front must be at such a distance that the next succeeding element will not be involved in a disaster to the former4' ,illustration3 ,formation of ,advance ,guard of ,one ,company for a ,battalion 8,the point will be from #aej to #bjj yards in advance of the advance party4 ,the latter will be from #cjj to #djj yards in front of the support and the main body will follow at a distance of from #djj to #ejj yards4 ,it will thus be seen that the head of a battalion with one company as advance guard will be about #a1djj yards away from the enemy4 ,this allows a minimum distance of #djj yards from the leading man of the point to the enemy4 ,if a deployment becomes necessary1 it can be made in comparative security4 ,these distances are not fixed4 ,they are flexible4 ,they may be increased or diminished to meet the situation4 ,when the advance guard commander prescribes distances between the several elements it is not to be taken that the exact distance will be maintained at all times4 ,it is merely an indication of the approximate distances desired4 8,communication4--,communication between the several elements of the advance guard and with the main body is kept up by means of connecting files which march between them4 ,they employ signals and act as runners when necessary4 8,are there any questions80 ,procedure ,the ,director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class4 ,after all questions have been cleared up the ,director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class4 ,a few minutes are allowed for the class to read over the problem4 ,the ,director3 8,please give me your attention while we go over the problem40 ,the ,director reads the problem aloud1 each member of the class following from the copy in his possession4 ,the direction of places mentioned are pointed out4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 give a brief statement of the tactical situation1 as you understand it40 ,lieutenant ,williams states his understanding of the tactical situation4 ,as he proceeds the ,director makes such explanations as may be desirable4 ,one or more additional members of the class may be called upon to state their version of the tactical situation4 ,all of this is for the purpose of fixing the elements of the problem firmly in the minds of the members of the class and prevent any subsequent misunderstanding of them4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 you note that the problem states that our battalion is a right 7left7 flank guard4 ,just what do you understand by that80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by small patrols sent out from the advance guard4 ,there are1 however1 occasions when patrols will not suffice and it is necessary to send out a stronger detachment1 to march along a route essentially parallel to and abreast of the force4 ,a detachment so sent out is called a flank guard4 ,in this case our whole battalion is a flank guard sent out to protect the right 7left7 flank of our brigade in its march towards 7b740 ,the ,director3 8,what do you understand to be the duties of a flank guard80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,they are much the same as those of an advance guard1 that is1 to do everything possible to facilitate the uninterrupted progress of the main body4 ,all other duties are incidental to this and all have this prime object in view40 ,the ,director3 8,very good4 ,are there any questions at this time8 ,now ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,lieutenant ,w1 commanding the first platoon of ,company ,a4 ,your platoon is right over there 7pointing71 formed up in line1 at the right of the company4 ,you1 together with the other officers and non-commissioned officers of the company1 have assembled here and have received the verbal orders of the captain for the formation of the company as the advance guard of the battalion4 ,you are now ready to return to your platoon4 ,just how are you going to do the job that has been assigned to you80 ,the ,director will now conduct the class to the point where the first platoon is supposed to be4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 we will assume that you are commanding the platoon4 ,just how do you go about the task of getting started on the day's work80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i should first see if all the men are present1 and then ,i would inspect the platoon to make sure that everything is all right40 ,the ,director3 8,the first part of your problem is simple4 ,all you have to do is to glance down the ranks to determine whether every man is in his proper place4 ,let us assume that all are present4 ,now1 with regard to the proposition of the inspection4 ,in campaign the platoon commander should inspect his platoon at reveille--check up the appearance of the men and note the condition of the arms and equipment4 ,at this time he should take the steps necessary to remedy deficiencies and make provision for the evacuation of any man that is physically unfit4 ,this should be a matter of routine4 ,then1 when the day's work is to be started1 there is no delay40 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i see the point and realize the necessity for the procedure you have outlined4 ,there is one other point4 ,when should the rifles be loaded80 ,the ,director3 8,some advocate that the rifles should be loaded and the safety locks turned to #8,safe' just after the inspection in the morning4 ,i do not believe that to be the best procedure4 ,it increases the chances for an accident4 ,i would have the men load their rifles1 in this case1 just before starting to form the advance party4 ,let us assume that the platoon has been inspected at reveille and that all the men are in fit physical condition and ready for the work in hand4 ,what is the first move you would make1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,well1 sir1 ,i would want to get the platoon a short distance away from the rest of the company4 ,so the first thing ,i do is to march the platoon about #ge to #ajj yards up the road40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the idea80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,there is always more or less confusion around the company on an occasion of this kind1 and ,i want to get my platoon off by themselves so they can give me their undivided attention while ,i am issuing my orders and getting them all set for the work in hand40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a very good reason4 ,let us assume that you have moved the platoon #ajj yards away from the rest of the company4 ,you are formed up in line4 ,what are you going to do now80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would have the men load their rifles40 ,the ,director3 8,all right2 you have done that4 ,captain ,harvey1 what is the next step80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would take a few minutes to dope out the situation and determine what ,i am going to do40 ,the ,director3 8,that is time well spent4 ,now let us go through the process you have just mentioned4 ,what is the first thing you are to determine80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,what is the mission of the platoon8 ,it is to form the advance party40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the next step1 ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,to consider the enemy--where he is1 what he is doing1 and what he is likely to do4 ,in this case the only information we have is that small forces of the enemy are reported in the direction of 7c74 ,we have no information of his strength or composition or what he is doing4 ,we must be prepared to meet him at any time and govern our action accordingly40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the next step1 ,captain ,mason80 ,captain ,mason3 8,to consider our own supporting forces4 ,we know that our brigade is to march towards 7b7 by the 7j7--7k7--7l7 road4 ,that our battalion continues its mission as a right 7left7 flank guard4 ,that our company1 less this platoon1 is the support1 which follows us at a distance of about #djj yards40 ,the ,director3 8,what is the next step1 ,captain ,jones80 ,captain ,jones3 8,we then consider our plans of action--what we are going to do4 ,there is no information on which to base our plans very far ahead4 ,we can only get the advance party into the most favorable formation and be prepared for eventualities4 ,we will have a point1 consisting of one squad1 precede the advance party at about #bjj yards4 ,the rest of the platoon will march in column of twos1 a file on each side of the road4 ,from this formation a rapid deployment can be made1 and we are always ready to meet the enemy4 ,measures for local protection will be taken as the march progresses40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 what is the next step in this process80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,based upon what has been said before we arrive at a decision as to what we are going to do4 ,in this case it would be--,to march at 7m7 o'clock by the 7n7--7o7 road as advance party of the advance guard4 ,we then embody this decision in a field order and issue it verbally to the platoon40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,all of that which we have just discussed is what we call the #8,estimate of the ,situation4' ,it is simply a sizing up of the tactical situation in a logical and systematic manner4 ,the commander of troops who fails to do this fails to do everything possible to promote the success of the military operation he is about to undertake--he does not take advantage of all the aids at his disposal4 ,the commander who blunders into action without sizing up the situation as we have outlined here is doomed to failure and disaster4 ,it may be an operation in which there is little to consider--where there is little choice of methods--but you should religiously go through the process1 even if only a few minutes of time are available4 8,at this point ,i want to invite your attention to the merits of the simple five paragraph field order provided for in our ,field ,service ,regulations4 ,the elements of it are3 8,paragraph #a4 ,information of the enemy and our own troops4 8,paragraph #b4 ,the plan of the commander1 stated in general terms4 8,paragraph #c4 ,orders for the several elements of the command4 8,paragraph #d4 ,administrative and communication arrangements4 8,paragraph #e4 ,the place where messages are to be sent1 or where the commander will march4 8,this form of field order has stood the test of time and1 what is more to the point1 it has proved to be a suitable and effective method of issuing orders in time of war4 ,when we went to ,france we found the long-winded1 highly detailed orders that were the development of years of trench warfare4 ,no one read them and1 if they did1 they did not understand them4 ,we used them in order to conform with requirements from higher headquarters4 ,when we really got down to the business of fighting and had to produce results we fell back on our own simple five paragraph order1 and it met all the requirements4 ,get the elements of this order firmly fixed in your minds and follow them4 ,they are applicable to any body of troops1 large or small4 8,the next point ,i want to bring out is the necessity for letting every man in the platoon know what the work for the day is to be4 ,this information is imparted to them in the form of a verbal order by the platoon commander1 which embraces the points brought out in the #8,estimate of the ,situation1' which we have just discussed40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 based upon the decision reached in our #8,estimate of the ,situation' and the discussion prior thereto1 state your solution of the problem in detail40 ,captain ,hall3 8,i give the command3 #a4 ,platoon1 #b4 ,,attention2 then follow with3 #a4 ,with ball cartridges1 #b4 ,,load4 ,after all pieces are loaded and locked1 ,i give the command3 #a4 ,order1 #b4 ,,arms4 ,i then give the command3 ,,at ,,ease1 and direct3 #8,give me your attention4' ,i then issue my order as follows3 8,small ,red forces are reported in the direction of 7c7 7indicating the direction74 ,our brigade marches towards 7b71 by the 7j7--7k7--7l7 road1 which is ---- miles to the ---- of here4 ,our battalion continues its mission as a right 7left7 flank guard4 ,our company forms the advance guard4 ,the company1 less this platoon1 is the support and follows us at a distance of about #djj yards4 8#8,this platoon forms the advance party4 8#8,sergeant ,roberts 7section leader1 first section7 with the first squad will form the point4 ,march by that road 7indicating the road74 ,i will signal the direction as we go along4 ,precede the advance party by about #bjj yards4 8#8,private ,allen 7rifleman from front rank1 second squad71 act as connecting file between the point and advance party4 8#8,the remainder of the platoon will march in column of twos1 one file on each side of the road1 at easy marching distances4 8#8,corporal ,howard 7section guide1 second section71 watch for signals from the rear4 8#8,i will march at the head of the advance party4 8#8,you have about five minutes before the advance begins4 ,move out with the point1 ,sergeant ,roberts1 get your distance and formation and await my signal to start4 8#8,remainder of the platoon ,,rest4' 8,when the time for starting arrives ,i will give the command3 #a4 ,platoon1 #b4 ,,attention2 and then follow with3 #a4 ,right1 #b4 ,,face2 then3 #a4 ,forward1 #b4 ,,march1 and direct3 #8,a file on each side of the road4' ,i will then signal the point3 ,,forward ,,march40 ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,now ,i want each member of the class to write out the order of the platoon commander on his pad40 ,procedure ,each member of the class writes out the order of the advance party commander4 ,when all have completed this the ,director collects the work and distributes it1 making sure that no member of the class receives his own solution back again4 ,one or more of the solutions are read aloud1 and a discussion of any errors or points of importance is conducted4 ,at the conclusion of this the ,director inquires if there are any questions4 ,he endeavors to answer any questions that may be asked1 after which the class is ready to go ahead with the next situation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,prepare copies of the problem and the situations1 one for each member of the class4 #b4 ,conduct the class to the point on the road where it is intended that the advance guard formation is to be taken up4 #c4 ,make a short talk on the subject of advance guard duty3 7a7 ,formation of a column of troops on the march4 7b7 ,description of an advance guard4 7c7 ,duties of advance guard3 ,security of main body2 gain information2 push back small parties of the enemy2 check advance of enemy in force1 clear road1 etc4 7d7 ,distances4 7e7 ,communication4 #d4 ,distribute sheets bearing problem and ,situation ,no4 #a4 #e4 ,read problem and question members of class on tactical situation4 #f4 ,discuss flank guard4 #g4 ,take up solution of problem3 ,inspection of platoon2 when to load pieces2 get platoon away from company4 #h4 ,estimate of the ,situation3 ,mission2 enemy2 own troops2 plans of action2 decision4 #i4 ,discussion of ,field ,orders4 ,information of enemy and own troops2 plan of commander2 tactical dispositions2 administrative arrangements2 place of commander4 #aj4 ,final solution of problem3 ,commands of platoon commander2 orders of platoon commander2 getting the platoon in march4 #aa4 ,have members of class write out orders of the platoon commander4 ,collect solutions and redistribute them4 ,have several solutions read and discussed4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,in our solution to ,situation ,no4 #a1 ,captain ,hall1 in giving the order of the platoon commander said3 #8,sergeant ,roberts1 with the first squad1 will form the point1 etc4' ,that was an eminently proper order4 ,it did not go into details4 ,he assumes that ,sergeant ,roberts is familiar with the methods of forming the point of an advance guard and conducting its operations4 8,it is a very simple matter for the platoon commander to pass the order along to the sergeant in this manner4 ,but unless the platoon commander knows how the work should be done he has no means of checking up and seeing to it that it is done properly4 8,while it is not contemplated that any member of this class will ever be called upon to conduct the operations of the point of an advance guard1 all should be familiar with what happens when he gives someone else an order to do so40 ,procedure ,the ,director passes out the papers containing ,situation ,no4 #b1 reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to give their understanding of it4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,roberts1 have been designated to command the point1 consisting of the first squad4 ,your men have been turned over to you by the platoon commander4 ,you have been ordered to move out and get your distance and formation4 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,captain ,sands1 what is a point80 ,captain ,sands3 8,a point is an element of an advance guard that precedes the advance party40 ,the ,director3 8,that is right1 and it is no more or less than a fighting patrol that is assigned a definite line of march4 ,its operations are conducted on that basis4 ,it can afford to be bold and aggressive because the advance party is close at hand to back it up4 ,what factors govern the formation of the point1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,the point must have a formation that renders it the least vulnerable to hostile fire4 ,this means dispersion4 ,on the other hand1 the dispersion should not be so great that the commander is not able to control its operations4 ,i should say that a patrol formation1 where the men march in pairs on opposite sides of the road1 would be suitable40 ,the ,director3 8,what should be the distances between the men80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,twenty to #be yards4 ,that distance would provide the necessary dispersion1 and at the same time there would be sufficient compactness to insure control40 ,the ,director3 8,where will the point commander march1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,he should march at the head of the point40 ,the ,director3 8,do you agree with that statement1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,no1 sir2 ,i do not4 ,it seems to me that the commander should be free to go wherever he is needed4 ,he should not be tied down to any one place40 ,the ,director3 8,i agree with you4 ,there are other reasons why he should not habitually march at the head of the point4 ,in the first place1 the man at the head of the point must always be on the lookout for the enemy1 and if the point commander is the man his whole attention will be devoted to that task and there will be very little leadership exercised in the point4 ,again1 we do not want to take a chance on our point commander becoming a casualty unnecessarily4 ,he has been placed in command1 presumably because he is the best man fitted for the job4 ,he knows the plans for the day's work better than any of the other men4 ,if he becomes a casualty on the first few shots1 there may be no one to take his place without some confusion and delay4 ,if the point commander marches a little distance back1 say in the second or even third pair1 he will be sufficiently close to the front to perform his duty4 ,i prefer to have him in the second pair4 ,before leaving this subject of the formation of the point ,i would like your opinion1 ,captain ,hughes1 on the question of deploying the men in a line of skirmishers at extended intervals40 ,captain ,hughes3 8,that might be all right after the enemy is encountered1 but ,i would not do it on an ordinary march4 ,in the first place1 it would be rough going for the men off on the flanks of the road1 and they could not keep up4 ,if the rate of march is held down to keep abreast of them1 the progress of the main body will be delayed4 ,in the next place1 if the intervals are too much extended1 the point commander will not be able to control the operations and will not have his men where he wants them at the critical moment40 ,the ,director3 8,your reasons seem to be logical and possess merit4 ,before going further ,i want to say a few words about the operations of a point40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the main idea to be instilled into the minds of the members of a point is that it must keep moving4 ,it positively must not stop until absolutely compelled to do so by the fire of the enemy4 8,when the enemy is encountered the point commander will have to size up the situation quickly and take the necessary action which invariably includes getting information back to the advance party commander4 8,the men must look to the leader for instructions and guidance and await his orders40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hastings1 what elements are included in the orders of a point commander to the members of his point80 ,lieutenant ,hastings3 8,they are the elements included in every field order4 ,the point commander must be sure that every man has all the available information of the enemy and our own supporting troops4 ,in this case they were given all of this by the platoon commander1 and it is not necessary for ,sergeant ,roberts to repeat it4 ,that is paragraph #a of the order4 ,the point commander must then announce his plans1 in general terms1 and that constitutes paragraph #b4 ,then comes the formation of the point and giving each man his instructions as to where he is to march in the formation--paragraph #c4 ,he must now arrange for communication and follow with the place where he1 himself1 is to march4 ,that completes the order40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,captain ,harvey1 let us assume that you are ,sergeant ,roberts4 ,your squad is standing here on the road ready to move out4 ,let us hear the exact orders that you would give them40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i will take post in front of the squad and command3 #a4 ,squad1 #b4 ,,attention4 8,i will then address the men as follows3 8#8,you heard what the lieutenant said about the enemy and our supporting troops4 8#8,we are going out as the point4 8#8,crane and ,hanson 7both riflemen71 march on the right and left of the road1 respectively4 ,keep about abreast of each other4 8#8,pendleton 7rifle grenadier71 follow ,crane and ,hanson at a distance of about #be yards4 ,march on the right side of the road4 8#8,alley 7rifleman7 and ,stone 7carrier for the automatic rifleman71 follow ,pendleton at #be yards distance--,stone on left1 ,alley on right of road4 ,stone1 watch the country to the east and ,alley1 watch the country to the west4 8#8,patrick 7automatic rifleman7 and ,corporal ,smith follow ,alley and ,stone at a distance of about #be yards--,patrick on the right1 ,corporal ,smith on the left of road4 8#8,bailey 7rifleman71 follow ,patrick and ,corporal ,smith at a distance of about #be yards and watch for signals from the advance party4 8#8,i will march with ,pendleton on the left side of the road4 8#8,move out4'0 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,are there any questions80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i would like to ask why ,captain ,harvey places the automatic rifleman so far back in the formation80 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 will you please explain your reasons80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,if the point encounters the enemy1 we would want to conduct a little reconnaissance before committing the automatic rifleman to action4 ,if he is any farther to the front1 he is most likely to get involved early in the encounter and perhaps in a position hastily chosen1 where his weapon could not produce his maximum effect4 ,the automatic rifle has the fire power of several rifles1 and we want to take advantage of this fact4 ,we must therefore get the weapon into the position where it can be done1 and this cannot usually be determined with the first few shots of an advance guard meeting engagement40 ,the ,director3 8,those are very good reasons--ones which ,i believe all the members of this class will remember when it comes to training their own non-commissioned officers4 ,are there any other questions80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,why did ,captain ,harvey omit to designate a second in command80 ,the ,director3 8,the succession in military command is determined by seniority4 ,corporal ,smith is the next senior and will automatically assume command4 ,if there were no non-commissioned officer with the squad1 ,sergeant ,roberts would have designated one of the privates as second in command4 ,any other questions8 7,pause47 ,there appear to be none4 ,i wish you would ask questions to bring out points that are not fully understood4 ,it is by a discussion of these points that we arrive at a reasonable solution of these problems4 ,now1 a few remarks before we pass on to the next situation40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,when you come to the training of your own men you cannot be too particular about insisting upon their learning the form of tactical orders and the language to be used in expressing their contents4 ,it takes long practice to be able to do this without getting confused and omitting essentials4 8,when a non-commissioned officer takes charge of a detachment for any tactical duty and gives his instructions in a clear and concise manner1 leaving nothing to be guessed at1 he inspires the confidence of his men4 ,they realize immediately that there is someone at the helm who knows his business and they cheerfully respond4 ,noncommissioned officers should be practiced in stating the instructions that they would have to give under the various tactical situations that they may be called upon to handle4 ,there is no surer way to gain that confidence so necessary to military efficiency4#f 8,if there are no further questions we will proceed with the problem40 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,explain necessity for learning the details of tactics4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,have members of class explain their understanding of it4 #c4 ,the ,point4 ,what it is4 ,formation4 ,distances4 ,dispersion4 #d4 ,where commander marches4 #e4 ,deployment of point as skirmishers4 #f4 ,operations of point4 #g4 ,elements of the order for the point4 #h4 ,solution4 ,issue of orders4 #i4 ,position of automatic rifleman in formation4 #aj4 ,second in command4 #aa4 ,training of men4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted forward along the route of march of the advance guard for a distance of several hundred yards4 ,the distance should be such that the class will at least be beyond the sight of the starting point in the ,terrain ,exercise1 so that entirely new terrain will be available4 ,there should be a considerable stretch of road ahead in sight so that the various elements of the advance guard could be seen if they were actually on the road4 ,the class is halted and the ,director passes out the slips containing ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,it is assumed that the advance guard has been marching for a period of two hours4 ,you1 ,captain ,a1 marching at the head of the support of the advance guard1 have reached this point4 ,nothing has occurred to change the initial formation of the advance guard4 ,required3 ,point out the formation and location of the various elements of the advance guard at this moment4 ,procedure ,a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to look over the situation and get their new bearings4 ,the ,director reads the situation aloud and inquires whether there are any questions1 which he endeavors to answer4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,you will note that the situation indicates that the advance guard is assumed to have been marching for two hours4 ,this would make the distance we have marched a little more than #e miles4 ,as a matter of fact1 we have only come a few hundred yards from our starting point4 ,you will have to draw on your imagination in this matter1 disregard all things behind you1 and consider only those to the front4 ,it would consume too much time to actually go the distance assumed and it is not necessary to do so1 for we are now on new terrain1 which serves our purpose equally as well as if we were the full distance of #e miles farther to the front40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,what are the several elements of the advance guard1 ,lieutenant ,williams80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,first1 we have the point1 which is the small body of men farthest to the front2 next1 we have a connecting file between the point and the advance party2 next comes the advance party1 then the connecting files between the advance party and the support1 and finally the support1 which is right here on the road40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what is the strength and disposition of these several elements of the advance guard80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,the point is composed of one complete squad commanded by a sergeant4 ,it is in patrol formation1 marching on the road with a distance of about #bj to #be yards between each pair of men4 ,the point precedes the advance party by a distance of about #aej to #bjj yards4 ,the connecting file between that point and advance party marches so that he can keep both of these bodies in sight4 ,he has no fixed place where he is to march--0 ,lieutenant ,wallace 7interrupting73 8,right there is a point that ,i want to bring up4 ,i can conceive of a situation where the connecting file could not keep both bodies in sight all the time--for example1 on a winding road or in hilly country4 ,what does he do in that case80 ,the ,director3 8,under those circumstances the commander of the advance party would have to send out a sufficient number of men for this duty1 so as to insure communication being kept up at all times4 ,it is simply a problem to be solved by the advance party commander4 ,captain ,hastings1 proceed with your discussion40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,next comes the advance party composed of the first platoon1 less one squad and connecting file1 commanded by ,lieutenant ,w4 ,it is marching with a column of files on each side of the road at easy marching distances4 ,the connecting files between the advance party and support march so that they can keep both bodies in communication with each other all the time4 ,the distance between the advance party and support is about #djj yards4 ,now comes the support1 composed of the company1 less the first platoon and connecting files with the advance party1 which marches in a column of squads on the road4 ,following is the main body of the battalion1 at a distance of about #ejj yards40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 what provisions are made for flank protection80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i do not think that any flank protection is necessary at this time4 ,no considerable body of the enemy will get between our column and the main body of our brigade4 ,if they did they would be doomed to destruction4 ,on the other flank the country is open1 so that no patrols are needed in that direction4 ,i do not believe in wearing men out on flank patrol duty when there is no necessity for it40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,that is exactly the point that ,i wanted to bring out4 ,there is no necessity for wearing men out on flank patrol duty beating their way over rough country and climbing fences1 when they accomplish no useful purpose4 ,never send out a flank patrol unless there is some sound tactical reason for it4 ,then when the time comes and there is necessity for patrols1 your men will be found ready to put forth superhuman efforts1 if need be1 to help you accomplish your mission4 ,if you are in contact with the enemy1 or there is immediate danger of such contact1 flank patrols may be necessary and a commander should not hesitate to send them out4 ,on the solution of these small tactical problems1 that confront a commander in actual service1 will determine your success or failure as a leader4 ,you must ever keep in mind that it is a combination of these small tactical situations that go to make up the big military operations on which the fate of a nation may depend40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to make a rough sketch of the road occupied by the advance guard and show on it the dispositions of the advance guard40 ,some #aj or #ae minutes should be allowed for this4 ,after the sketches are completed they should be collected and passed back to the members of the class--taking care to see that no man gets his own solution back again4 ,the members of the class should be invited to make any criticism of the sketch he has in his possession and following this the next situation should be proceeded with4 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct the class to the place where the situation is to be taken up for solution4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,read ,situation aloud4 #c4 ,explain why ,situation is taken up at this point instead of five miles farther on4 #d4 ,proceed with problem3 ,elements of the advance guard2 strength and disposition of the elements of the advance guard2 connecting files2 flank protection4 #e4 ,explain flank patrols4 #f4 ,make sketch of road showing the formation of the advance guard4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the point selected for the next tactical situation4 ,this should be several hundred yards in advance of the point where ,situation ,no4 #c was staged4 ,the slips bearing ,situation ,no4 #d are passed out to members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,roberts1 have arrived at this point4 ,the two leading men of the point 7,crane and ,hanson7 are about #be yards ahead of you4 ,the remaining members of the point are on the road behind you4 ,at this moment both ,crane and ,hanson take cover and point in the direction of ----4 ,you join them and observe about a squad of the enemy on foot 7moving around in the woods--describe just what the enemy is doing74 ,they apparently have just arrived and have not seen you4 ,several horses are being led to the rear4 ,required3 ,what do you1 ,sergeant ,roberts1 do8 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the situation aloud and points out the location of the enemy4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,sergeant ,roberts4 ,the incidents contained in the situation have transpired just as indicated4 ,you were marching along the road2 you saw ,crane and ,hanson take cover and point in the direction of the enemy2 you joined them here2 you see the enemy 7explain what the enemy is doing74 ,it is now up to you to make a decision as to what you are going to do and proceed to do it4 ,before going into the solution of the problem ,i want to make a few remarks on the conduct of the operations of a point4 8,the real work of the advance guard begins when it gets in contact with the enemy4 ,all formation and all operations are designed to insure success when this event happens4 ,the point is the first element that meets the enemy and success or failure may depend upon what is done by this small body4 ,the big idea is that we must get the jump on the enemy4 ,we must lead and make him follow4 ,in other words1 we must take the offensive for it is only by offensive action that military success is gained4 8,the commander of the point of an advance guard must be on the lookout for the enemy all the time4 ,he must continually look ahead and dope out what he is going to do if the enemy should suddenly appear in this or that place4 8,sergeant ,roberts has been doing this very thing and the proper action is plain to him4 ,let us see if it is plain to you40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 when you saw ,crane and ,hanson take cover1 what is the first thing you would have done80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would join ,crane and ,hanson immediately just as the situation indicates40 ,the ,director3 8,would you have done anything before going forward80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,well1 sir1 ,i would want to see for myself just what is going on before ,i took any definite action40 ,the ,director3 8,would you have done anything else1 ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i would have signaled the rest of the point #8,,down' so as to give them warning that the enemy is in sight4 ,i will tell ,pendleton #8,signal back4 ,enemy in sight1' because ,lieutenant ,w will want to know immediately why the point has halted1 and this will give him the information4 ,then ,i would go to the front and join ,crane and ,hanson40 ,the ,director3 8,those are the points ,i wanted to bring out4 ,you see them1 ,captain ,harvey1 do you not80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,captain ,harvey1 let us take up your solution again4 ,let us say that you have joined ,crane and ,hanson4 ,just what are you going to do80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would open fire on the enemy immediately4 ,then get the rest of the point up and have them join in the firing40 ,the ,director3 8,do you agree with that procedure1 ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,not entirely1 sir4 ,i appreciate the necessity for opening fire right away so as to get the jump on the enemy1 but ,i think we should get as many rifles up as possible before opening fire and disclosing our position to the enemy4 ,i would try to get the whole point in position to fire before opening up1 if ,i could4 ,i would first make provision for ,crane and ,hanson to open fire by giving them firing data3 #8,range3 ---- yards4 ,target3 enemy at 7describe location of target briefly74 ,hold your fire4' ,i would then signal the other members of the point to come up and1 as they arrive1 indicate the location of the target and announce the range to them40 ,captain ,jones3 8,that solution seems to me to be all right if the enemy will remain inactive until all of this is done1 but suppose he does not do so4 ,suppose he discovers us4 ,suppose he opens fire himself4 ,suppose he starts to retreat4 ,suppose he keeps coming along towards us40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i am coming to all of that4 ,i would keep the enemy under observation4 ,if he does anything that should cause us to open fire before all of the squad is up1 ,i would open up with every rifle that is in position to fire4 ,i would take no chances on the enemy getting the jump on me4 ,it will only take a minute or two to get the men into position1 and ,i think ,i am justified in delaying that long40 ,captain ,jones3 8,i would make mighty certain that ,i did not wait too long before opening fire40 ,the ,director3 8,i think ,captain ,jones is right in his contentions1 but ,i agree with ,captain ,hodges' solution to get as many men as possible up on the line before opening fire4 ,of course1 if the enemy does anything that would warrant opening fire before all the men are up1 it should be done40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the advantage of waiting until all the rifles are on the line is that1 as soon as these men are fired on1 they will probably try to make their get-away4 ,they will furnish a target for only a few seconds4 ,if our point can inflict sufficient casualties1 they may fall back and abandon the attempt at further reconnaissance1 especially if they can down the patrol leader4 ,if the leading men of the point open fire1 by the time the last man gets up1 the enemy will be well under way and there will be no target to fire at4 ,if the enemy returns the fire1 they at once reveal themselves1 and ,sergeant ,roberts will do well to be seeking out other detachments in the vicinity4 ,a reconnoitering patrol does not fire on an occasion of this kind unless it is surprised and forced to do so in self-defense4 ,it has a much better chance of accomplishing its mission of securing information by avoiding combat4 ,if this small body of the enemy open fire1 it may be reasonably assumed that they are being backed up by other troops or have accomplished their mission of finding out the strength and composition of our forces and have turned themselves into a fighting patrol and open fire to delay us and thus give information to their own troops that we are advancing in force4 ,if they immediately try to make a get-away1 it will indicate that they are a reconnoitering patrol and will probably try to work around to the flanks of the column to get information of our main body4 ,on the other hand1 they will know that we are not a reconnoitering patrol as soon as we open fire4 ,they know that we are backed up by other troops4 8,you now see the elements involved in this simple situation4 ,you see the responsibility that devolves upon non-commissioned officers when they are placed in the position of ,sergeant ,roberts4 ,to know what to do and how to do it requires training and close attention to detail4 ,probably any of us could blunder through a situation of this kind1 but it takes a man trained in military tactics to make his decisions quickly1 to act upon them promptly and take advantage of the fleeting moments to inflict damage on the enemy4 ,these are the things that we study to become proficient in4 ,these are the things that we must teach our non-commissioned officers if we are to have confidence in their ability to meet tactical situations that confront them1 with judgment and decision4 ,and there is no royal road to success along this line4 ,the knowledge required can be attained only by thorough study and practice40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 suppose the enemy does something which1 in your judgment1 requires fire to be opened before the whole point is up and in position1 would you join in the firing yourself80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,no1 sir4 ,i would not4 ,i estimate that ,i would have plenty to do to direct the fire of the other men2 to search the country to see if any other parties of the enemy were in our front1 and to keep the advance party commander advised of what is going on at the front40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barney1 let us assume that you were able to get all of the men on the line before opening fire and were able to open as a surprise to the enemy4 ,he takes cover and returns the fire4 ,what further action would you take80 ,lieutenant ,barney3 8,i would keep on firing4 ,i would signal the advance party commander to send up some reinforcements40 ,the ,director3 8,do you agree with that solution1 ,lieutenant ,hunt80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,no1 sir4 ,i would go after him4 ,i cannot run him out of his position by fire action alone4 ,i would immediately start filtering my men forward while keeping up a heavy fire with the other man40#g ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 give us ,sergeant ,roberts' solution to the situation40 ,captain ,hall3 8,i will signal the members of the point #8,down1' and tell ,pendleton to signal the advance party commander #8,enemy in sight4' ,i will then join ,crane and ,hanson4 ,i will locate the enemy1 give ,crane and ,hanson firing data and order them to hold their fire4 ,i will signal the other members of the point to come up1 and as they arrive on the line ,i will give them the range and indicate the target4 ,when all are ready ,i will open fire on the enemy4 ,should the enemy do anything to warrant it ,i will open fire immediately1 with all the rifles on the line4 ,i will search the landscape for other parties of the enemy4 ,as soon as ,i open fire ,i will take steps to advance and close with the enemy and drive him off40#h ,the members of the class should not be required to make a written solution to this situation4 ,after all questions have been answered the class is ready to proceed to the solution of the next situation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct the class to the point where the situation is to be taken up for solution4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #d4 ,read situation aloud and explain it4 ,explain action of point1 when enemy encountered4 #c4 ,solution3 ,signal ,down4 ,information to advance party commander4 ,join leading men4 ,when open fire4 ,firing data4 #d4 ,explain action of reconnoitering and fighting patrols4 ,necessity for the training of ,n4 ,c4 ,o4's4 #e4 ,solution of problem4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,director now passes out slips1 bearing ,situation ,no4 #e1 to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,when the point opened fire the enemy retreated under cover of the woods 7or such cover as is actually available74 ,they did not return the fire4 ,you1 ,sergeant ,roberts1 observe two riderless horses galloping through the woods4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,when the members of the class have had a chance to get their bearings the ,director reads the situation aloud and points out the direction in which the enemy retreated and where the riderless horses are at this time4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what is your estimate of the enemy80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i should say he forms a reconnoitering patrol sent out to secure information about our movements4 ,he has not yet gained the information he desires or he would have given us a fight4 ,again1 had he been the advance element of a larger body he would have engaged our point and by now we would begin to see evidences of the troops following him40 ,the ,director3 8,is there any member of the class who does not agree with the views just expressed80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i agree with them in the main1 but it seems to me that the enemy would have opened fire if for no other purpose than to make trouble for us and cause delay to our troops40 ,the ,director3 8,we must always give the enemy credit for being up to his job4 ,the moment we opened fire the leader of that patrol knew that he had encountered a fighting element of our forces4 ,if he stops to engage in a fight1 he knows that every minute that passes makes it just that much more difficult for him to make his get-away4 ,he knows that we are going to close on him right away and he will not get the information he has been sent out to secure4 ,you must always remember that a reconnoitering patrol does not fight except when it is forced to do so in self-defense1 or when it has secured all the information it wants1 has sent it back1 and then turns itself into a fighting patrol to delay the advance of the enemy4 ,are there any other points to bring up about the mission of the enemy8 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 you are assumed to be ,sergeant ,roberts4 ,what do you do now80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would form up my point in the original order of march and move out along the road4 ,we would take up the double-time until we get our proper distance40 ,the ,director3 8,would you do anything else80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would send two members of the point out to the place where the enemy was to see if we could get an identification40 ,the ,director3 8,do you agree with that procedure1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,our battalion commander would want an identification if it is possible to get one1 and it seems to me that something should be done at once to secure it40 ,the ,director3 8,i agree with you entirely that an identification is desirable1 but it is not the job of the point to get it4 ,members of the point do not go off on excursions to the flank4 ,they keep plugging along on the line of march4 ,if flank patrols are to be sent out1 they must come from the advance party or the support4 ,i cannot conceive of any circumstances that would warrant sending two members of the point off on patrol duty4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,ralston1 assuming that it is desirable to get an identification1 what would you1 as point commander1 do80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would send a message back to ,lieutenant ,wallace1 who is with the advance party40 ,the ,director3 8,by whom would you send this message80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,by ,private ,bailey1 the rear man of the point40 ,the ,director3 8,now state the exact message that you would send back40 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would fall back to where ,bailey is marching4 ,i would say to him3 8#8,bailey1 you go back to ,lieutenant ,wallace4 ,tell him that we fired on an enemy reconnoitering patrol of about one squad4 ,show him where they were4 ,tell him that they did not return the fire4 ,that when we opened fire they withdrew4 ,that there are probably two dead or wounded men in the woods4 ,rejoin the point when you can4' 8,i would then double-time up to the point4 ,as ,i pass ,corporal ,smith ,i would say3 #8,watch for signals from the advance party4'0 ,captain ,harvey3 8,that solution seems to be all right1 but don't you think ,lieutenant ,wallace would come forward to the point when it halted8 ,in that case he would know all about the situation1 and it would not be necessary to send the message back to him40 ,the ,director3 8,i am very glad you brought up that point1 ,captain ,harvey4 ,no2 ,i do not think ,lieutenant ,wallace would leave his advance party at such a critical moment4 ,in my opinion it would be absolutely wrong if he did4 ,in the first place1 he has no business up with the point4 ,sergeant ,roberts is either capable of handling it or he is not so4 ,if he is1 he should be let alone to solve his own problem2 if he is not capable1 he should be relieved4 ,on advance guard duty the commander of each element will have plenty to do if he sticks to his own job and does not go molesting that of someone else40 ,procedure ,the class should now be conducted #bjj or #cjj yards farther along the road4 ,it is here halted and the ,director states3 ,the point has now gotten into formation and is continuing the advance4 ,a message has been sent back to the advance party commander as indicated in our solution a few minutes ago4 ,at this moment you see about six mounted men of the enemy off in that direction 7points out the location toward the flank74 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 how do you size up the situation now80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i estimate that the mounted men are the survivors of the patrol that we fired on4 ,they are working around to the flank of the column to secure information of the strength and composition of our main body4 ,having this information1 it is my job to get it back to the advance party commander as soon as possible in order that proper measures may be taken to beat off the enemy patrol and keep him from getting the information he wants4 ,i would send a verbal message back by ,alley1 who is marching just behind me in the point40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 let us assume that ,i am ,private ,alley4 ,give me the message that you would send back40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would fall back to where ,alley is marching1 and as we walk along say to him3 8#8,you see those mounted men over there8 ,they are the patrol we fired on4 ,go back to ,lieutenant ,w and show him where you saw them4 ,tell him they are working around our flank to get in touch with the main body4 ,come back to the point when you can4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that will cover the situation4 ,are there any questions80 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,hand out slips bearing situation ,no4 #e4 ,read situation and point out places mentioned4 #b4 ,estimate of situation4 ,reconnoitering patrol4 ,action of enemy4 #c4 ,action taken by point commander4 ,get point in formation and on road4 #d4 ,sending out patrol from point4 #e4 ,message to advance party commander4 ,state message4 #f4 ,state verbally problem re enemy on the flank4 ,make solution4 ,send message back to ,lieutenant ,w4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the slips bearing ,special ,situation ,no4 #f are passed out to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #f3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,w1 with the advance party1 have arrived at this point4 ,private ,alley comes to you with a message from ,sergeant ,roberts and points out the place where the enemy was a few minutes ago4 ,you already have the message from ,sergeant ,roberts delivered by ,private ,bailey4 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,lieutenant ,w1 take8 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the situation and explains that each member of the class is to now consider himself as being ,lieutenant ,w4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,jones1 what would you do under the circumstances80 ,captain ,jones3 8,in the first place1 the enemy's patrol is trying to work around our flank to get in touch with our main body4 ,the question to my mind is3 ,is it the job of the advance party to try and prevent this8 ,we can hardly be expected to send patrols from the advance party so far afield4 ,it will require a patrol of at least a squad1 and probably two of them1 to accomplish such a mission4 ,it would seem to me that the task should be left to the support4 ,i would1 therefore1 get word back to the advance guard commander of what is going on and he would send out the necessary patrols4 ,in the next place1 it will be necessary to investigate the place where the enemy was when our point fired on him and secure an identification if possible4 ,this is close-in reconnaissance and may be undertaken by the advance party4 ,i would send a patrol of three men under a corporal for the purpose40 ,the ,director3 8,how would you get the message back to ,captain ,a80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,private ,alley has been with the point4 ,he has seen all that has taken place up there4 ,i would send him back with the message to ,captain ,a4 ,in order that ,sergeant ,roberts may know what action is being taken ,i would send ,bailey to him with a message40 ,captain ,jones3 8,would you make these written or verbal messages80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,they would be verbal messages40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,this is a point ,i want to bring out4 ,the platoon commander will seldom have time to write messages4 ,he must depend upon his men1 and especially his runners1 to see for themselves what is going on so that when it is desired to send information back all the platoon commander has to do is to turn to one of his runners1 give him a few words of a message1 and the runner is off to make his report4 ,he will not only carry the message1 but he will give accurate information of what is going on4 ,the careful training of runners will repay the trouble in large dividends when the time comes4 8,in the present situation ,i think it would be well for ,lieutenant ,f to send one of his trained runners back to the captain with ,private ,bailey so that he can hear the captain's orders and see just what he does to meet the situation4 ,the runners will then return to ,lieutenant ,w and tell him about it40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,captain ,hodges1 let us assume that you are going to send ,private ,alley back with the message2 just what instructions would you give him80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would say to ,private ,alley3 8#8,you go back to the captain4 ,repeat your message to him4 ,tell him about what happened at the point during the halt4 ,tell him ,i am sending a patrol to investigate the place where the enemy was fired on4' 8,i would adopt the ,director's suggestion and send one of my runners with ,private ,alley4 ,i would say to him3 8#8,you go with ,private ,alley to the captain4 ,see what he does to meet the situation1 hear his orders1 and bring back information of all this to me4'0 ,the ,director3 8,that appears to cover the situation very well4 ,lieutenant ,baker1 what message would you send to ,sergeant ,roberts80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i would say to ,private ,bailey1 who was present when ,i gave ,private ,alley his instructions3 8#8,go to ,sergeant ,roberts and tell him what ,i have done to meet the situation4'0 ,the ,director3 8,let us assume that you have selected ,corporal ,jansen as the patrol commander to investigate the place where the enemy was fired on4 ,corporal ,jansen has reported to you4 ,what orders do you give him1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,as we march along ,i would say to ,corporal ,jansen3 8#8,you have heard the message just brought back by ,private ,bailey4 ,take the front rank of your squad and reconnoiter the edge of that wood 7pointing74 ,an enemy identification is especially desired4 ,report the facts to the battalion commander when he comes up4 ,rejoin the advance party when you can4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think these orders cover the situation admirably4 ,i hope you all now appreciate the multitude of little problems that come up for solution in the course of a tour of advance guard duty40 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #f ,director's ,key #a4 ,hand out slips bearing ,situation ,no4 #f4 ,explain that each man is now to consider himself as being ,lieutenant ,w4 #b4 ,discussion of enemy patrol4 ,reconnaissance from advance party--from support4 #c4 ,messages sent back by ,sergeant ,roberts4 #d4 ,relay messages to ,captain ,a4 #e4 ,training of runners and messengers4 #f4 ,messages of ,lieutenant ,w to ,captain ,a and ,sergeant ,roberts4 #g4 ,orders for patrol to investigate place where enemy was fired on4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted along the route of march1 for a distance of several hundred yards1 to a place where entirely new terrain is available and where the lay of the land is such that a march outpost may be established4 ,the class is halted and the ,director passes out the slips bearing ,situation ,no4 #g4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #g3 ,it is assumed that the advance guard has been marching for two hours since the march was resumed after the enemy patrol was encountered4 ,during this time enemy scouts have been observed from time to time1 but they have not attempted to interfere with the march of the column4 ,you1 ,captain ,a1 are marching at the head of the support4 ,when you arrive at this point the signal 8,,halt0 is received from the rear4 ,you halt and relay the signal forward4 ,a moment later the battalion adjutant joins you and states3 8,the column will halt for one hour4 ,the major directs that the advance guard provide for the security of the command for that time40 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,captain ,a1 take8 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the situation aloud and makes any explanation that may appear to him to be necessary4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,when a column on the march halts for any considerable length of time the advance guard continues its covering duty by forming march outposts4 ,these are simply patrols sent out to the front and flanks1 a certain distance1 where they halt and remain there until ordered to continue the march or until they are recalled4 8,the advance party usually furnishes these patrols which are sent out on the routes by which the enemy may approach4 ,the support is posted at some central point from which it may readily reinforce any group that may be threatened by the enemy4 8,in a situation like this the question always comes up as to how the advance guard commander will issue his orders for the establishment of the march outposts--that is1 whether he will do it by a message to the several elements or whether he will issue an order and have copies made and sent out4 8,if the message system is employed1 the advance guard commander will have to include the new information of the enemy and our own troops and give the order to the element4 ,all of this is accomplished by issuing a simple five paragraph order and sending it out4 ,this is more expeditious than message writing4 ,the commander has all the information he requires1 and he is given definite instructions as to what he1 himself1 is to do4 ,the order method is favored40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 how do you size up the situation80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the mission of the advance guard now is to continue to provide protection to the main body by establishing a march outpost4 ,enemy scouts have been observed from time to time1 but they have not interfered with the march4 ,we have no information regarding any considerable force of the enemy4 8,our main body is halted and will remain so for at least an hour4 ,our advance guard is so disposed that it will be able to take up its new formation without confusion4 ,the advance party can cover the main road and1 in general1 the head of the column4 ,our patrols1 of which ,i assume there are two on the exposed flank1 will form march outguards and protect that flank4 ,i would send out another patrol of one squad to cover the other flank and prevent enemy scouts from working around there and observing the main body4 8,my decision is to form a march outpost40 ,the ,director3 8,what ,captain ,hall has said constitutes ,captain ,a's #8,estimate of the ,situation4' ,these are the points that would flash through his mind as soon as he gets the information that the halt is to be made4 ,lieutenant ,barry1 what is now necessary to put the decision into effect80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,it is necessary to issue an order40 ,the ,director3 8,how would you go about this80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would assemble the two platoon commanders1 the platoon sergeants and the first sergeant1 and have them write down my order in their message books4 ,this would give me a sufficient number of copies for all purposes40 ,the ,director3 8,this shows the necessity for a company commander having some means whereby several copies of an order may be made by a duplicating process--carbon paper4 ,i believe the plan of having the first sergeant or a clerk carry a duplicating book would solve the problem4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,hunt1 you may dictate ,captain ,a's order40 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,in order to save a repetition and at the same time let all of the company with the support know what is going on ,i would have the men give me their attention4 ,my order would be3 8#8,there is no further information of the enemy4 ,our battalion halts for one hour4 8#8,the advance guard will establish march outposts4 8#8,the advance party will be posted on the main road and cover the head of the column4 8#8,the two flank patrols on the ---- flank will be posted as march outguards and cover that flank4 8#8,sergeant ,hamilton with the ,fourth ,squad1 #bnd ,platoon1 will establish a march outguard on the ---- flank in the vicinity 7point out location7 and cover the ---- flank of the column4 ,the support will be posted here4 8#8,messages to ,support4'0 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to cover the situation4 ,now1 how would you get this order out to all the people to whom it should go80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would send it to ,lieutenant ,w by a runner4 ,i would send it out to the flank patrols by the section guide of the #crd ,platoon and direct him to make an inspection of the dispositions out there so as to make sure they are in position to carry out their mission4 ,i would send it to the battalion commander by a runner40 ,the ,director3 8,so much for the distribution of the order4 ,what would you do now1 ,lieutenant ,barry80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would now see that ,sergeant ,hamilton gets started on his mission1 and then ,i would post sentinels at the support to watch out for signals from the various detachments that are out40 ,the ,director3 8,i believe that would meet the situation very well40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before terminating this ,terrain ,exercise ,i want to invite the attention of the members of the class to the multitude of small details that infantry commanders have to attend to in a problem so simple as the one we have had under consideration today4 ,let us suppose we have an active and aggressive enemy opposing our advance1 and you can see how these details would multiply4 ,the point ,i want to bring up is that1 unless officers and non-commissioned officers prepare themselves for this duty by study and practice1 they have not a chance of being able to meet these problems intelligently in active service4 ,you must know what to do under any given situation1 and you must know how to go about doing it4 ,the commander who hesitates1 gives his orders and then changes them several times1 soon loses the confidence of his men and will eventually find himself replaced by another man who has taken advantage of his opportunities to learn the game and has the ability to carry it out4 ,the best way ,i know of to acquire this knowledge is by actual practice along the lines that we have gone today40 99 99 99 99 99 ,advance ,guard ,card ,no4 #g ,director's ,key #a4 ,hand out slips bearing ,situation ,no4 #g4 ,read situation and make any necessary explanations4 #b4 ,explain what advance guard does when the column halts4 ,state relative advantages and disadvantages of message and order systems4 #c4 ,estimate of the situation1 mission1 enemy1 own troops1 plans of action1 decision4 #d4 ,captain ,a's orders4 ,five-paragraph order4 ,distribution of order4 #e4 ,remarks on necessity for study and practice4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #f4 ,a ,flank ,guard ,the ,problem ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,a regiment of ,blue infantry1 operating in hostile country1 is marching on the 7a7-7b7 road1 towards 7c74 ,the support of the advance guard1 composed of ,companies ,a and ,b 7less #a platoon1 ,company ,b71 is this time at 7d74 ,the reserve1 consisting of the remainder of the battalion1 is following at a distance of about #djj yards and the main body follows the reserve at a distance of #ejj yards4 ,a 7e7 flank guard1 consisting of the #crd platoon1 ,company ,b1 has arrived at this point 7f7 marching on the 7g7-7h7 road4 ,a force of the enemy is reported in the vicinity of 7i7 and detachments of mounted men have been operating in the direction of 7j74 ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,a1 commanding the 7e7 flank guard1 and marching at the head of the main body of your command1 have arrived at this point 7f74 ,required3 ,what is the formation of your 7e7 flank guard at this moment8 7,note4--,the platoon is organized in accordance with column #h ,t4 ,o4 #bh-,w4 ,see ,appendix ,i47 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a7-7b7 ,the road on which the ,blue regiment is marching4 ,in military orders and problems roads are designated by naming places located on them4 ,for example1 the ,longs-,emmitsburg-,fairplay road would mean the main road passing through these places4 ,when military maps are made all cross-roads and road-forks should be numbered and all hills and other prominent topographical features either designated by their local names or given letter designations4 ,this will greatly facilitate their designation in orders and messages4 ,when maps have grid lines on them the location of points may be designated by the use of coordinates4 7c7 ,some point1 a number of miles distant1 in the direction in which the troops are marching4 7d7 ,the point on the main road where the support of the advance guard of the column has arrived4 ,it should be about abreast of 7f71 7see below74 7e7 ,the designation of the flank guard1 right or left4 7f7 ,the point at which the flank guard is supposed to have arrived4 ,the point where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 7g7-7h7 ,the road on which it is intended that the flank guard is to march and along which the ,terrain ,exercise is to be conducted4 ,this road should lie approximately parallel to and not more than a mile distant from the road on which the main body is marching4 ,if no such network of roads exist1 the ,director may explain to the class the conditions and assume that the nearest road is about a mile distant and work out the problem on that assumption4 ,this procedure strains the situation a little and robs it of some of its reality4 ,the members of the class will have to make the best of it and will have to draw upon their imagination to picture it4 7i7 ,a locality some miles distant in the direction of which the ,blue force is marching4 7j7 ,localities or places some distance to the flank of the ,blue force and in the direction of the road on which the flank guard is marching4 ,procedure ,the members of the class are conducted to 7f7 where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing the ,special ,situation ,blue and the ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to look them over4 ,the ,director then reads the problem aloud1 the members of the class following from the copy in their possession1 and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 ,one or more members of the class are called upon to state their understanding of the tactical situation4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going ahead with this exercise ,i want to make a few remarks about a flank guard4 8,ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by small patrols sent out from time to time from the advance guard4 ,there are occasions1 however1 when patrols will not suffice1 as in the present situation1 where it is known that hostile troops are operating on the flank of our line of march4 ,in this case it is necessary to send out a stronger detachment to march parallel to the route of the main body4 ,this detachment is denominated a ,flank ,guard and is an element in the system of covering troops provided for the protection of a marching column4 8,the flank guard marches abreast of the column and assumes the general formation of an advance guard1 having a point thrown out to the front1 followed by the remainder of the detachment1 much as an advance party and support4 ,patrols are sent out to the exposed flank whenever necessary1 and communication is maintained with the main body by means of small patrols or connecting files4 ,in some cases it may be necessary to detach a small rear guard1 as in the case where a flank guard has been attacked by a comparatively large force of the enemy and has taken up a position to hold them off until the main body can pass the danger point and the flank guard resume its march4 8,the general duties of the flank guard are much the same as those of an advance guard2 that is1 to do everything possible to provide for the uninterrupted progress of the main body4 ,all other duties are incidental to this and all have this prime object in view40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 into what parts is your flank guard divided at this time80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would have an advance party and a support4 ,each element would consist of one section of three squads each4 ,from the advance party a point consisting of one squad would be sent to the front40 ,the ,director3 8,had you thought of a formation in which the whole platoon is kept intact as one body with only a point of one squad out in front80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i had considered that possible formation and abandoned the idea because we can cover more road space with the formation that ,i have adopted and the more road space the flank guard can cover without undue dispersion the more of the column of the main body it covers and protects40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,now let us assume that we adopt your formation of an advance party with a squad as point and the second section as a support4 ,what is the formation of your point1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,it would be in the #8,boni ,point' formation1 the men marching on alternate sides of the road with a distance of about #bj yards between them40 ,the ,director3 8,i think that formation would be just right for this occasion4 ,what is the next element of the flank guard80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,the connecting files1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,how many of them80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would have two at least40 ,the ,director3 8,wouldn't one man be sufficient as a connecting file80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,at this particular point one man would1 but there are places on this road where one man would not be able to keep up the communication1 and to make sure of that being done all the time ,i would detail two men4 ,the duty is no more arduous than marching with the point or the advance party1 and ,i do not consider that it is any hardship40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 what would be the distance from the rear man of the point to the head of the advance party80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,about two hundred yards40 ,the ,director3 8,what would be the distance from the advance party to the head of the support80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would have that about #cej yards40 ,the ,director3 8,you will want to keep in communication with the main body on the 7a7-7b7 road4 ,how would you accomplish that80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would send out two men to march so that they can see the main body and the flank guard4 ,i realize that they cannot do this all the time but they will be able to do it at sufficiently frequent intervals to keep both bodies informed if anything unusual happens40 ,the ,director3 8,would you have a patrol out on the exposed flank at this time80 7,note4--,the answer to this question will depend upon the lay of the country on the exposed flank4 ,if it is close1 a patrol will be necessary4 ,if it is open to the limit of effective rifle fire a patrol would not be necessary4 ,in any event1 the ,director should bring out the principles stated below1 at some point in the ,terrain ,exercise47 8,no1 sir2 ,i do not see the necessity for a patrol on the exposed flank at the present4 ,we can see all the country to the limit of effective rifle range from the road1 and ,i think a patrol there would be a waste of men4 ,if1 later on1 the topography should demand it1 ,i would send out such patrols as may be necessary4 ,at what distance they would march from the column cannot be stated4 ,it would depend entirely upon the country4 ,they would have to go out far enough to see something more than can be seen from the road1 if they are to be of any use40 ,the ,director3 8,you are exactly right4 ,i think all the members of the class will agree with you4 ,there is no necessity for wearing men out on flank patrol duty1 beating their way over rough country and climbing fences1 when they accomplish no useful purpose4 ,never order a disposition unless there is a sound tactical reason for it4 ,then when the time comes your men are ready to put forth superhuman efforts1 if need be1 to help you accomplish your mission4 ,on the solution of these small problems in actual service rests your success or failure as a tactical leader of men4 ,you must remember that it is the combination of these small tactical situations that go to make up the big maneuvers40 ,the ,director3 8,what would be the march formation of the support1 ,lieutenant ,ralston40 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would have three squads in the support4 ,i would have them march with a column of files on each side of the road4 ,i would have two squads on this side of the road towards the enemy and one squad on the other side40 ,the ,director3 8,what are the advantages of this formation80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,it makes easier marching than in a column of squads2 the column is not so vulnerable to enemy fire2 if a deployment to the front is necessary it may readily be effected by deploying the leading squad of each column to the right and left respectively and deploying the rear squad of the column towards the enemy in rear of them4 ,if a deployment to the flank towards the enemy is necessary it is practically already made for we have two squads on that flank now1 and all the men will have to do is get a little more interval1 the squad on the side of the road away from the enemy will get their proper interval and are in the right position for a small reserve2 and deployments can be made without any confusion in case of sudden attack40 ,the ,director3 8,i think we can all agree that you have the proper formation4 ,now1 ,i want each member of the class to draw a rough sketch of the road at this point and show on it the detailed formation of the flank guard4 ,make the scale large so you can show the details40 ,procedure ,when the sketches are completed the ,director distributes a mimeographed sketch showing the disposition of the flank guard in order that the members of the class may compare their sketches with it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to place where the ,terrain ,exercise is to begin4 ,distribute the problem4 ,read and explain4 ,have members of class explain their understanding of the problem4 #b4 ,explain necessity for employment of a flank guard3--protection of exposed flank2 where march2 formation2 patrols2 rear guard2 duties4 #c4 ,solution3--formation2 advance party and support2 covers more road space2 dispersion2 formation of point2 connecting files2 distances between elements2 communication with main body4 #d4 ,flank patrols3--necessity for2 do not use except when necessary4 #e4 ,marching formation of support4 ,advantages of column of files on each side of the road3--easy marching2 invulnerability to enemy fire2 deployments facilitated4 #f4 ,have class make sketch2 distribute sheets showing solution and compare with sketches made4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is conducted along the road on which the flank guard is supposed to be marching to the point where a road leading from the flank where the enemy is reported1 enters it4 ,it may be assumed that the flank guard has marched a mile or more to reach this point4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #b1 to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,a1 commanding the flank guard1 and marching at the head of the support1 are approaching this road fork4 ,the flank guard is now marching abreast of the interval between the reserve of the advance guard and the head of the main body of the column on the 7a7-7b7 road4 ,there has been no contact with the enemy4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director reads over the problem and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 how do you size up the situation at this time80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,the mission of the flank guard is the protection of this flank of the column marching on the 7a7-7b7 road1 and provide for its uninterrupted progress4 ,the enemy has been reported out on this flank 7pointing74 ,he will naturally take advantage of roads leading towards the ,blue column to facilitate his operations4 ,the road we are approaching leads from the direction of the enemy and must be watched until our main column has passed the danger point4 ,we are marching abreast of the interval between the advance guard and the main body of our main column4 ,this road will have to be watched until the main body passes beyond it4 ,the road space occupied by the main body of the column would be about #b1ijj yards1 including field train of the regiment and excluding the combat train of the #ast brigade4 ,the column will pass a given point at the rate of about #hh yards per minute4 ,it will therefore take about #cb minutes for the main body to pass4 8,my decision would be to send a patrol out on the road to the ---- 7direction740 ,the ,director3 8,your estimate seems to cover the necessary points and ,i think we can agree that you have arrived at the proper decision4 ,just a mention of this #8,estimate of the ,situation4' ,it is a logical process of thought involving the elements just mentioned by ,captain ,harvey1 terminating in a tactical decision4 ,this is what you have to do in the solution of all tactical problems4 ,the patrol leader does it in every move of his patrol4 ,the platoon as a flank guard requires the same process on the part of the platoon leader4 ,the company commander1 as commander of the advance party of an advance guard1 must consider these same elements in the conduct of his covering detachment4 ,it is the same with the battalion commander1 the regimental commander1 and on up to the commander of a division4 ,when you are presented with a tactical situation for solution1 figure out all the elements of it2 your mission1 your situation with respect to the enemy1 the influence of the terrain1 and then arrive at a clean-cut decision as to what you are going to do4 ,captain ,hodges1 what would be the strength of the patrol80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would make it one squad4 ,i think that would be about right40 ,the ,director3 8,whom would you detail in charge of the patrol80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,sergeant ,wilkins1 the left guide of the platoon40 ,the ,director3 8,when would you issue your orders for the patrol80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,as we march along ,i will call ,sergeant ,wilkins to the head of the support and give him his orders as we march along4 ,that would do away with the necessity for halting the column while ,i am giving the orders40 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,captain ,james1 tell us just how you would give the orders to the patrol and just what you would say40 ,captain ,james3 8,as we approach the cross-road ,i will call ,sergeant ,wilkins to join me4 ,as we march along ,i will give him the orders for the patrol3 8#8,we have not heard or seen anything of the enemy4 ,our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column on the 7a7-7b7 road4 8#8,you will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the 7direction7 to cover the passage of the main body4 ,remain out about #ce minutes and then return4 ,catch up with the flank guard when you can4 8#8,messages to head of support4'0 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to cover the situation very well40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,it seems to me that if ,i were ,sergeant ,wilkins ,i would want you to indicate how far ,i am to go with the patrol4 ,can the ,director enlighten us on that point80 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 what do you think about the point that ,lieutenant ,baker brings up80 ,captain ,hall3 8,captain ,james told the ,sergeant to stay out about #ce minutes4 ,it seems to me that is sufficient4 ,the ,sergeant can keep tab on his time and judge his distance by that40 ,the ,director3 8,yes1 ,i think the time element is one thing1 but there is another point that has not been mentioned4 ,you do not want to hamper your subordinate with detailed instructions4 ,it may be that there is a point on this road only a short distance out where ,sergeant ,wilkins has a good view over the country and a good position in case the enemy does come upon him4 ,there would be no necessity for going on beyond such a point4 ,if he had specific orders to go a certain distance he would feel that he had to do it4 ,you give the ,sergeant his mission1 make him understand what he is out there for4 ,tell him about how long he is to remain out and then let him work out his own problem4 ,you must not go into details4 ,the moment you do so you get beyond your depth4 ,you cannot foresee all contingencies4 ,there has been only one military commander that was able to do this4 ,he was the great ,napoleon40 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class along road to point where there is a cross-road4 #b4 ,distribute sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #b4 #c4 ,estimates of ,situation3--,mission2 enemy2 own troops2 plans of action2 decision2 discuss necessity for4 #d4 ,selection of commander of patrol4 ,how give orders to him4 #e4 ,orders3--,enemy and own troops2 detail troops for patrol2 mission2 how long stay out2 messages4 #f4 ,questions of distance to go out4 #g4 ,discuss going into detail in order to subordinates4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,as the column approached this cross-road the platoon commander calls you1 ,sergeant ,wilkins1 to him4 ,as you march along he gives you the following verbal orders3 8,we have not heard or seen anything of the enemy4 ,our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column marching on the 7a7-7b7 road4 8,you will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the 7direction7 to cover the passage of the main body4 ,remain out about #ce minutes4 ,catch up with the flank guard when you can4 8,messages to head of support40 ,the sixth squad1 marching in column of files has arrived at this point with ,corporal ,jenkins at the head4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing the problem to the members of the class1 and makes such explanations as may be necessary4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,it is realized that it is probable that no member of this class will ever be called upon to actually conduct the operation of a small patrol such as we have here4 ,it is1 however1 necessary for you to have a knowledge of just what is likely to happen to any patrol that you may have occasion to send out from a covering detachment of which you may be in command4 ,it shows you the problem that may be put up to non-commissioned officers for solution and indicates in a most practical manner the necessity for their training and instruction40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 let us assume that you are ,sergeant ,wilkins4 ,just what would you do on receipt of the platoon commander's order80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would step aside and as the sixth squad comes up ,i join it1 marching abreast of the squad leader4 ,as we get to the cross road ,i look at my watch to get the time4 ,when the head of the squad reaches the cross-road ,i command3 8#8,sixth squad1 ,,follow ,,me4' 8,i conduct the squad down the cross-road for a few yards and then command3 8#8#a4 ,squad4 #b4 ,halt4'0 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 we have the squad halted near the cross-road here where ,lieutenant ,barry has conducted it4 ,let us assume you have sized up the situation and are ready to issue your verbal orders to the squad4 ,just what would you say8 ,i want you to give the exact words40 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would say3 8#8,we have seen or heard nothing of the enemy4 ,our main column continues the march on the 7a7-7b7 road4 8#8,our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and the main body4 8#8,this squad will cover this road until the main body has passed the cross-road to the ---- 7direction74 8#8,renolds will march on the right-hand side of the road4 ,shane will follow at a distance of #bj yards and march on the left-hand side of the road4 8#8,the rest of the squad except ,halley1 follow me4 8#8,halley will follow at a distance of #ej yards as get-away man4 8#8,signals to me4 8#8,,move ,,out4'0 ,the ,director3 8,are there any comments on the order as given by ,lieutenant ,hunt80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,it seems to me that it would be well to follow the ,lieutenant's order and tell the men how long we are going to stay out40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt will you please answer that comment80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i do not calculate that it makes any difference to the men of the squad4 ,they should be told what they are going out for so that they may know the purpose of the patrol4 ,but as for their having any information as to how long they are to stay out1 ,i do not think it has a place in the order4 ,that part of the order was only for ,sergeant ,wilkins40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,the ,lieutenant made a mental calculation of the time that it would take the main body to pass the danger point and specified that #ce minutes as the time the patrol should stay out4 ,i do not think that is any concern of the men4 ,sergeant ,wilkins might well tell it to ,corporal ,jenkins so if anything should happen to him he would know the orders4 ,any further comment80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,does the ,director think that it would be proper to halt the squad to give them the orders80 ,the ,director3 8,yes1 ,i think that was the proper procedure4 ,it is highly important that every man of the squad know what they are going out for4 ,time is not a specially important factor just now4 ,then1 too1 the squad must be gotten into patrol formation4 ,i think time is saved by taking a minute or two to issue the orders and make sure that every man understands the mission4 ,the men can then go about the work so much more intelligently40 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,read and explain4 #b4 ,explain that no member of class will be called upon to lead a patrol of this kind1 but they must know what happens when they send one out4 ,necessity for training of non-commissioned officers4 #c4 ,action of ,sergeant ,wilkins4 ,get squad out of column and halt it4 #d4 ,orders to patrol3 ,information of enemy and own supporting troops2 plan of commander2 tactical dispositions2 signals4 #e4 ,comment3 ,how long to stay out2 halting patrol for orders4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted along the road on which the patrol is operating to the point selected for the next situation1 where it is halted4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #d and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 7,note4--,the terrain selected for this and the following situations should be carefully selected for the purpose of bringing out the tactical features included in the solutions4 ,in framing up the problem and fitting it to the ground the ,director will do well to first select the terrain on which ,situation ,no4 #d is to be carried out and then construct the problem back from this point47 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,wilkins1 have arrived at this point4 ,your patrol is in the formation originally adopted4 ,nothing has yet been seen or heard of the enemy4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 you have arrived at a point which is sufficiently far out on the road to prevent the enemy from firing into the main body4 ,you have here very good observation over the country to your front and flanks4 ,you have a fairly good field of fire4 ,as you know1 only cavalry has been reported operating on this flank and on account of obstacles1 wire fences1 etc41 their operations will be confined more or less to the roads4 ,after considering all of these facts what is your reaction80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i can see no necessity for going further4 ,i do not think anything more could be accomplished by doing so4 ,from a position here we could certainly stop any small body and we could administer considerable punishment to a body as large as a troop if we caught them mounted on the road4 ,i would take up a position here and make my disposition so as to cover the road40 ,the ,director3 8,having decided to take up a position in this vicinity1 just how would you do it1 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 where would you place your men80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,there is sufficient space on the road and at the sides of the road to accommodate the squad4 ,i think ,i would place them so they can fire straight down the road40 ,the ,director3 8,what do you think of that solution1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would not do it that way40 ,the ,director3 8,why80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,well1 sir1 the men would be too much exposed4 ,suppose the enemy appeared on the road with as much as a troop4 ,we fire into him4 ,perhaps the hostile captain's orders are to check the advance of our main body4 ,he decides to take his losses and charges down the road4 ,our small detachment would be in a precarious situation1 only eight men against an entire troop4 ,the men know they have no means of getting out of the way4 ,they would be thinking more of their own safety than of hitting the enemy4 ,they would shoot wild1 and the chances are that the squad would be ridden down and destroyed4 ,on the other hand1 if we put the men on the other side of the wire fences1 they will know that a mounted charge cannot hurt them4 ,they will have more confidence in their ability to stop it and the firing will be much more effective40 ,the ,director3 8,then you would place your men on the other side of the fence1 would you80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,on which side of the road would you place them80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,on both sides1 sir4 ,half a squad on each side4 ,this disposition would give me a good cross-fire on the road40 ,the ,director3 8,have you any objections to that disposition1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,yes1 sir4 ,it divides the force and makes it very difficult for ,sergeant ,wilkins to control and direct the fire40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 do you see any other objections80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i would not only want all the men on the same side of the road but ,i would want them on this side 7indicating the side in the direction of which the flank guard is marching74 ,if it comes to the point where we are compelled to fall back we can do so directly on our own troops and not have to expose ourselves while climbing the fences and crossing the road4 ,and the field of fire is about as good on this favorable side1 too40 ,the ,director3 8,i think your points are well taken4 ,let us decide that we are to place the patrol in position on this side 7indicate7 of the road4 ,captain ,james just how would you go about it80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would get the men through the fence1 and to the vicinity of the position that we are to take up40 ,procedure ,the ,director now conducts the class to the place where the position is to be taken up4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,james1 let us assume that you have gotten your squad here4 ,tell us just what orders you would give80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would say3 8#8,there is no further information of the enemy4 ,our troops continue the march4 8#8,we will take up a position here4 8#8,each man get into a good position along this line 7indicating7 where he has a good field of fire1 especially on the road4 8#8,hasker1 you keep a lookout towards the right flank4 8#8,elliott1 you keep a lookout down the road4 8#8,johnson you keep a lookout towards the left flank4 8#8,i will be here 7indicate74'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that would cover the situation for the time being4 ,would you make any personal reconnaissance to the flanks80 ,captain ,james3 8,no1 sir1 ,i would stay right here4 ,if anything happens ,i want to be here to direct my men4 ,if ,i considered a flank reconnaissance necessary ,i would send ,corporal ,jenkins to make it40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,your place is right here with the squad at this time40 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class down the road on which patrol is operating4 #b4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #d and explain4 #c4 ,location3 ,fire on main body2 observation2 field of fire2 cavalry confined to roads2 reaction4 #d4 ,position3 ,in road2 both sides of road2 one side of road4 #e4 ,conduct class to side of road when position is to be taken up4 #f4 ,orders3 ,information of enemy and own troops2 plan2 disposition2 place of commander4 #g4 ,flank reconnaissance4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,it is assumed that the patrol has taken up a position on the side of the road towards which the flank guard is marching4 ,the ,director will indicate the exact position of each man so that all members of the class will enter upon the solution of the next situation on the same basis4 ,the ,director will now distribute the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #e to the class and make such explanations as may be necessary4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,the patrol has occupied a position at this point4 ,at this moment you1 ,sergeant ,wilkins1 observe a party of enemy cavalry approaching along the road at a trot4 ,two troopers are in the lead2 at a distance of about #ge yards two more follow2 about #aej yards in rear there are four more troopers with short distances between them4 ,apparently they have not observed your patrol4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director will point out to the members of the class the position of each of the troopers at the moment4 ,they should be far enough away to allow the orders of ,sergeant ,wilkins to be given4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 what class of cavalry detachment do you estimate this to be80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i should say it is a contact patrol sent out from a larger body to reconnoiter4 ,if it were the point of an advance guard we would now be seeing other troops farther to the rear of them40 ,the ,director3 8,what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i would open fire on the cavalrymen40 ,the ,director3 8,when would you open fire80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,there are only eight of them4 ,we have an ambuscade and ought to be able to bring down practically all of them4 ,there would be no danger in letting them come close up40 ,the ,director3 8,how close would you let them come80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,well1 sir1 ,i would let the leading men come within #ej yards1 if they would do so1 before opening fire4 ,the man farthest away would then be about #dej yards distant4 ,i would assign a target to each man beginning at the right man taking the rear trooper and so on through the squad to the left4 ,i would make it my particular business to see that no man passed this point40 ,the ,director3 8,just what orders would you give8 ,i want you to state the exact words that you would employ in meeting the situation40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,as soon as ,i determine how close ,i am going to let the enemy come before opening fire ,i will order3 8#8,four men on right4 ,range3 #dej yards4 ,target3 ,enemy cavalry on road1 four men at rear of patrol4 ,renolds and ,shane4 ,range3 #cjj yards4 ,target3 ,enemy cavalry on road1 two men in center of patrol4 ,healy fire on second man4 ,corporal ,jenkins take the leading man4 ,when you get your man fire on the man next farthest away4 ,wait for my command to open fire4 8#8,when the enemy patrol has advanced to the point where ,i have indicated the ranges ,i will command3 8#8,fire at will4'0 ,the ,director3 8,let us assume that the patrol came up the road and that you opened fire in accordance with your orders4 ,the two leading men and one of the next group of two were brought down and one of the latter made his get-away4 ,at least two of the last group were brought down4 ,you have then inflicted five casualties on the patrol and the three remaining men got away4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,a will hear the firing and will want to know what it is all about4 ,how would you meet this requirement1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the action will be over in a minute4 ,i would want to get an identification as soon as possible4 ,i would say to ,corporal ,jenkins3 8#8,go out to the leading trooper we brought down and see if you can get an identification4' ,while ,corporal ,jenkins is doing this ,i will call ,halley1 who is the expert semaphore man to me and say to him3 8#8,go back to the cross-roads and signal ,lieutenant ,a3 8#88,eight men1 ,sixth ,cavalry fired on1 disabled five of them1 three got away40 ,bring me any message that ,lieutenant ,a may send4' 8,i would assume that ,corporal ,jenkins secured an identification on the leading cavalryman4 ,if he did not the message would be modified accordingly40 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i do not understand why we go to so much trouble at this particular time to get an identification40 ,the ,director3 8,suppose you were commanding the ,blue force and you ran into the enemy in this locality4 ,cavalry troops are operating on your front and flanks4 ,if the advance guard picks up an identification of the #fth ,cavalry in its front1 the flank guard does the same and we get our identification here4 ,this information put together indicates to the ,blue command that he is being opposed by a single regiment of cavalry and considering the front he is covering he cannot be very strong at any point4 ,but suppose the identification of three different regiments are picked up4 ,this puts a different aspect on the situation4 ,our commander would estimate that he is probably confronted by a cavalry division and his plans would have to be made accordingly4 ,make it a general rule that you secure an enemy identification when it is possible to do so4 ,it may have little value at the time and again it may be most valuable4 ,you play safe by getting it and sending it in40 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i see the point40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 there are five dead or wounded men of the enemy lying out there in the road4 ,would you do anything about them80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,except to secure the identification1 ,i would not4 ,the men of the enemy who made their escape probably did not have a very clear idea of where the fire came from and ,i would not want to surrender any of the advantages ,i now possess with respect to position and concealment4 ,when the enemy learns of the disaster to his patrol he may send out a strong detachment to secure their dead and wounded and punish us4 ,our own main body is marching away from us and our position is becoming momentarily more dangerous4 ,i could do nothing for the enemy wounded4 ,they would have to stay where they are for the time being40 ,the ,director3 8,when do you estimate that you should leave here80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,in the absence of orders or other circumstances which ,i do not now see1 ,i will leave here when the time designated by the flank guard commander is up40 ,the ,problem ,the ,director states the following situation orally3 8,at this moment you hear quite heavy firing which you estimate comes from the direction of the main body4 ,there are a few shots from the direction of the flank guard4 ,the time you were ordered to remain out here is about up40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 how do you size up the situation now80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,our original mission was to cover this road for a certain number of minutes4 ,that time is about up now when we will have completed the mission4 ,new conditions have arisen which could not have been provided for when ,lieutenant ,a gave us our original orders and a new situation confronts us4 ,it would seem to me that our mission would now be to #8continue to cover the road4' 8,from the firing we have heard1 it is possible that our main body has run into a considerable force of the enemy on the main road4 ,if this is a ,cavalry force covering one of ,infantry it will soon transfer its activities to the flanks and try and cut in on the flanks of our main body4 ,under those circumstances our flank guard will have a very important role to play4 ,the road that we are on leads directly to the flank and rear of our main body and must be guarded for the time being4 ,the fact that we have already encountered the enemy indicates that he intends to make use of it if practicable and the presence of even our small force here will make him more cautious and delay and hamper his operations4 ,if our main body has run into only a small ,cavalry force of the enemy it will be quickly brushed aside and the situation will be cleared up in a few minutes4 8,after considering all of these circumstances1 ,i think ,sergeant ,wilkins' decision would be to remain here and continue covering this road40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,now1 having arrived at that decision1 what are you going to do next1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,the men would be looking to me for instructions4 ,i would say3 8#8,it is apparent that our main body has encountered a force of the enemy4 ,it is possible that our flank guard has halted4 8#8,we will remain here for the present4 8#8,shane1 you will keep on the look out for the enemy4 8#8,take off your packs and put them on the ground behind you4 8#8,secure your intrenching tools and each man improve his firing position4 8#8,i will remain here4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that order would meet the immediate requirements40 ,procedure ,the ,director will bring out the points involved in the preparation of the position for defense4 ,this will depend entirely upon the terrain4 ,by questioning members of the class and a discussion the method of preparing certain of the individual fire positions will be arrived at4 ,the question of obstacles in the road to interfere with the enemy's advance should also be considered and discussed4 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #e4 ,read and explain4 #b4 ,estimate of enemy4 ,contact patrol4 ,action--open fire on enemy4 ,how close to let them come4 ,fire orders4 #c4 ,assumption regarding action of patrol and enemy4 ,identification4 #d4 ,message to flank guard commander4 ,importance of identification4 #e4 ,action with respect to enemy dead and wounded4 #f4 ,state new situation verbally4 ,main body encounters enemy4 ,size up new situation4 #g4 ,new mission of patrol4 ,decision to remain where it is4 #h4 ,orders for patrol3 ,information of enemy and own troops2 remain here2 look out for enemy2 take off pack2 prepare for defense4 #i4 ,bring out points involved in preparation for defense4 ,improvement of firing position4 ,obstacles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #f3 ,halley returns to the patrol4 ,he reports that he sent the message to ,lieutenant ,a1 and that it was acknowledged4 ,he received the following message from ,lieutenant ,a for ,sergeant ,wilkins3 8,advance guard meets strong opposition on main road--,cavalry4 ,main body halted4 ,flank guard halts abreast of head of main body4 ,your patrol will cover cross-road4 ,corporal ,vincent being sent to you with his squad40 ,required3 ,what do you1 ,sergeant ,wilkins1 do8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #f to the class and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,what action would you now take1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,in the first place1 ,i would not want ,corporal ,vincent's squad to come out here on this road4 ,i have been thinking for some little time about the fact that there are no troops back at the cross-roads where we turned off from the flank guard4 ,the enemy finding his efforts blocked on the roads leading toward our main body will find that opening sooner or later4 ,i would want ,corporal ,vincent to take up a position near the cross-road and cover the approaches from the ---- 7direction74 ,i would send ,halley back to the cross-roads with a message to ,corporal ,vincent to that effect40 ,the ,director3 8,i think that is a proper move on your part4 ,the cross-road certainly needs to be covered4 ,we will assume that ,halley has left with your message to ,corporal ,vincent4 ,would you take any other action at the time80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,yes1 sir4 ,the men would know that ,halley has come back with some information4 ,i would give the information to the men in order that they may know4 ,i would tell them of ,corporal ,vincent's squad coming back to reinforce us and inform them of what ,i intend to do with it40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right in giving this information to your men4 ,they can go about their task more intelligently4 ,would you go back to the cross-road to inspect ,corporal ,vincent's position after he had made his disposition1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,the flank guard commander has charged me with the defense of the cross-road4 ,he has given me ,corporal ,jenkins' and ,corporal ,vincent's squads for the purpose4 ,it is just as important that ,i know from personal observation what arrangements are made for the defense of the main road as it is on this flank4 ,i would turn over the defense of this position to ,corporal ,jenkins and then go back and inspect ,corporal ,vincent's dispositions40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right4 ,are there any questions by any member of the class80 7,the ,director will answer any questions that may be brought up47 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #f ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #f4 ,read and explain4 #b4 ,decision with respect to ,corporal ,vincent's squad4 ,cover the cross-road4 #c4 ,message to ,corporal ,vincent4 #d4 ,new information received from flank guard commander given to men4 #e4 ,inspection of ,corporal ,vincent's position4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted back to the cross-road where ,situation ,no4 #g is distributed by the ,director4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #g3 ,you1 ,corporal ,vincent1 commanding the #eth squad1 have arrived at this point4 ,here you meet ,halley1 who delivers the following message to you from ,sergeant ,wilkins3 8,no further information of the enemy4 ,corporal ,jenkins' squad has taken up a position on the road leading to the flank about ---- yards from the cross-road4 8,you will take up a position on the road on which the flank guard is marching covering the cross-road4 8,messages to cross-road40 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,corporal ,vincent1 take8 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,corporal ,vincent4 ,you have just arrived here with your squad and received the order of ,sergeant ,wilkins4 ,it is up to you to select the point where you are going to place your squad to cover the road4 ,i want each of you to solve this phase of the problem independently4 ,make a rough sketch showing the position1 and write out the orders that you will issue as squad commander4 ,twenty minutes will be allowed for the purpose4 ,it is now ---- 7state time740 ,at the end of twenty minutes the class is assembled4 ,the solutions are collected and redistributed4 ,one or more members are called upon to read the solution he has in his possession4 ,the position will then be selected and the ,director will give a statement of the orders that would be issued4 ,this may have been previously prepared for distribution to the class as 8a solution40 ,the solution of each member of the class is returned to him in order that he may compare it with the solution submitted by the ,director4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,this is the termination of this ,terrain ,exercise4 ,let us see what we have gotten out of it--of what tactical benefit it has been to us4 8,the first situation was devised to show you the tactical necessity for a flank guard1 the duties that devolve upon it1 and the formation that is best calculated to enable it to carry out its functions4 8,the second situation was devised for the purpose of illustrating the necessity for covering approaches by which an enemy may cut in on the main body of a column and delay or annoy it4 ,further1 the method employed in giving orders and instructions while continuing to march4 8,the third situation was devised to give you experience in giving orders to and conducting a combat patrol along the road4 8,the fourth situation brings out the elements contained in a tactical #8estimate of the situation' and the selection and occupation of a small position4 8,the fifth situation was devised to give you practical instruction in the methods of troop leading2 rendering a quick decision on the appearance of the enemy and handling a squad in action4 ,also in making an estimate of the situation and rendering a decision when your mission has been carried out and circumstances which could not have been foreseen have arisen and it is necessary to embark on a new mission on your own initiative and without orders--in other words1 when a man is thrown upon his own resources and has to decide for himself what he is going to do4 8,the sixth situation was devised for the purpose of placing the members of the class on their own responsibility in the selection of a position for the defense of a particular point and make practical use of the knowledge they had gained in the solution of ,situations ,nos4 #d and #e4 8,it is by the constant practice in solving these situations on the ground that we gain that confidence in our ability to handle them when we have troops actually present4 ,the idea of these ,terrain ,exercises is that you come out here and work out the solution without troops4 ,then after you have learned how1 you bring your troops out and take them through the problem according to the solution that you have worked out in the ,terrain ,exercise4 8,i am sure that any of you are now more competent to handle the operations of a flank guard and a force sent out to cover a particular point4 ,i am sure that you would have a very good idea of what to do if in actual service you were confronted with situations similar to those we have considered in our exercise today40 99 99 99 99 99 ,flank ,guard ,card ,no4 #g ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class back to cross-road4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #g4 ,read and explain4 #c4 ,solution of situation4 ,each member of class consider himself as being ,corporal ,vincent4 ,select position1 make sketch1 write out orders4 #d4 ,at end of twenty minutes collect solutions4 ,read one or more of them4 ,arrive at solution4 ,distribute solution to the class4 #e4 ,explain purpose of each situation4 ,necessity for flank guard2 covering approaches2 giving orders on march2 conduct of small patrol2 estimate of situation2 selection of position2 troop leading and rendering quick decisions2 changing to new mission2 solution of problem on own responsibility4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #g4 ,posting an ,outpost ,the ,problem ,general ,situation3 ,the 7a7 forms the boundary between hostile states4 ,a ,blue force is concentrating at 7b74 ,red troops have been reported in the direction of 7c74 ,special ,situation--,blue3 ,a ,blue detachment consisting of one regiment of ,infantry has been sent out toward the border as a covering force4 ,it is disposed as follows3 ,the regiment 7less #bnd and #crd ,battalions7 on the 7d7 road2 #bnd ,battalion on the 7e7 road2 #crd ,battalion on the 7f7 road4 ,the #bnd ,battalion marching on the 7e7 road1 with ,company ,e as advance guard1 has reached 7g71 where the battalion commander decides to halt for the night4 ,it is now #c o'clock p4 m4 ,the column has halted1 and the company commanders have assembled at this point4 ,the battalion commander issues verbal orders as follows3 8,small detachments of the enemy have been reported at 7h7 and 7i74 ,our #crd ,battalion is halted for the night at 7k72 our regiment 7less #bnd and #crd ,battalions7 is halted for the night at 7l74 8,this battalion halts for the night at 7m74 ,march conditions cease4 8,the advance guard will furnish the outpost along the line 7n74 8,the remainder of the battalion will bivouac1 ,company ,f at 7o72 ,company ,g at 7o72 ,company ,h at 7o72 ,headquarters ,company at 7o74 ,in case of attack the outpost will be supported4 8,the field trains will join the troops4 8,messages to 7p740 7,note4--,company ,e is organized in accordance with ,t4 ,o4 #bh-,w4 ,see ,appendix #a47 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a7 ,in designating the boundary line1 some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected1 such as a river1 creek1 canal1 crest of a ridge1 etc4 ,in this problem it may be assumed that the halt of the battalion for the night is made just within the boundary or across the boundary in enemy territory4 ,the choice will depend upon the location of suitable ground for the outpost with a view to bringing out the elements involved in the posting of the outpost4 7b7 ,a point within friendly territory4 ,should be a march or two from the boundary4 7c7 ,a point within enemy territory4 ,should be a march or two from the boundary4 7d71 7e71 7f7 ,detachments are sent out to cover the concentration of troops when the concentration is made at a point where there is danger that the enemy may attempt to interfere with it4 ,such detachments proceed toward the border on the main routes by which the enemy must advance4 7d7 ,would be the next main road to the left of the road 7e7 on which the #bnd ,battalion is advancing2 7f7 would be the next main road to the right of the road on which the #bnd ,battalion is advancing4 ,this places the #bnd ,battalion in the center of the formation4 7g7 ,a point in the vicinity of the place where the ,terrain ,exercise is to be conducted4 7h7 and 7i7 ,the places where the enemy troops are reported to be4 ,they should be several miles away from 7g71 where the battalion is to halt for the night4 7k7 ,the place where the #crd ,battalion halts for the night4 7l7 ,the place where the regiment 7less #bnd and #crd ,battalions7 halts for the night4 ,the three places where the battalions halt should form a general line covering the place where the ,blue forces are concentrating4 7m7 ,the place where our battalion bivouacs for the night4 7n7 ,indicate the general line that the outpost is to occupy4 ,if it is impossible to do this it may be stated as follows3 8,covering the approaches from the 7south1 north1 etc4740 7o7 ,designates the locality where each of the companies of the battalion is to bivouac for the night4 ,the companies should be separated1 and there should be cover from aerial observation if practicable4 7p7 ,the headquarters of the battalion4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,captain ,e1 are in command of ,company ,e1 which is now the advance guard1 and has been designated to form the outpost for the night4 ,your company is in advance guard formation on the road4 ,required3 ,the action you1 ,captain ,e1 take and the orders you issue4 ,procedure ,the members of the class are assembled at 7m7 7see explanation of symbols71 where the battalion is to halt for the night4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before taking up the problem for solution ,i want to make a few remarks on the subject of the protection of a body of troops while in bivouac1 and to review briefly the duties and formation of an outpost4 8,as a command on the march protects itself from surprise by covering detachments called advance guards1 flank guards and rear guards1 so also does a command at a halt protect itself by a system of covering detachments denominated outposts4 8,duties4--,like advance guards on the march1 the outpost is charged with the duties of observation and resistance4 8,specifically these duties are3 8#a4 ,to protect the main body so that the troops may rest undisturbed4 8#b4 ,in case of attack1 to check the advance of the enemy long enough to enable the main body to make dispositions to meet him4 8#c4 ,to reconnoiter the enemy1 prevent his reconnaissance and give timely warning of the approach of hostile bodies4 8,subdivisions4--,the outpost is divided into two general lines4 ,the first1 which is called the #8line of observation1' does the watching for the enemy and prevents his small bodies from getting any information about our troops or annoying them4 ,the second is a #8fighting line1' which holds off larger bodies4 8,these lines must cover the front and flanks of the troops at rest4 ,the #8watching line' must be so located that the watchers out in front will be able to see the enemy before he gets close enough to do damage4 ,the #8fighting line' must be so located that it will have what we call a #8good field of fire2' that is1 the ground in front must not be such that it will hide the movements of the enemy and allow him to get within effective rifle range without coming under our fire4 8,formation4--,the formation of an outpost may best be described by referring to an outstretched hand4 8,hold your left hand in front of you with the thumb and fingers extended and pointing to the front1 palm of hand down4 8,the wrist will be the location of the troops in camp or in bivouac4 8,the knuckle joint of the second finger will be the location of the reserve of the outpost4 ,this is the body of troops that is held out of the fight until the direction of the enemy's main attack is developed1 when it is thrown in to meet it1 or to make what we call a #8counter-attack4' ,in very small outposts this reserve is usually omitted4 8,the second joints of the fingers and thumb will mark the positions occupied by the #8supports4' ,these are the fighting troops and they occupy the fighting line of the outpost4 ,from these supports1 small detachments1 which we call #8outguards1' are sent to the front4 8,the first joints of the fingers and thumb will mark the positions of the outguards4 ,these are classified as pickets1 sentry squads and cossack posts4 ,a picket consists of two or more squads and is posted so as to cover the most important route by which the enemy may come4 ,the sentry squad consists of one rifle squad4 ,the cossack post is composed of a non-commissioned officer and three men4 8,the tips of the fingers and thumb will mark the line of the sentinels4 ,these are the ears and eyes of the outpost system4 8,the sentinels are sent out to the front from the outguards4 ,a picket posts one double sentinel post for each of its squads4 ,each sentry squad is charged with maintaining one double sentinel post4 ,the cossack post maintains a single sentinel who is posted nearby4 8,are there any questions80 ,procedure ,the ,director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by the members of the class4 ,after all questions have been cleared up1 the ,director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class4 ,a few minutes are allowed for them to read it and get oriented4 ,the ,director3 8,please give me your attention while we go over the problem40 ,the ,director reads the problem aloud1 each member of the class following from the copy in his possession4 ,the direction of places mentioned are pointed out4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 give a brief statement of the tactical situation as you understand it40 ,lieutenant ,hunt states his understanding of the tactical situation4 ,as he proceeds1 the ,director makes such explanations as may be desirable4 ,one or more additional members of the class may be called upon to state their version of the situation4 ,all of this is for the purpose of fixing the elements of the problem in the minds of the members of the class and prevent any subsequent misunderstanding of them4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 what do you estimate the mission of our battalion to be80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,we are an element of the force sent out to cover the concentration of the ,blue forces and prevent the enemy from interfering with it40 ,the ,director3 8,we have not yet gained contact with the enemy4 ,why do we halt at this time80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,there may be one or more reasons for it4 ,in the first place1 we are a detachment of a larger force 7our regiment71 and it is probable that before we started out1 instructions were given our battalion commander to halt in this locality1 so as to be on the general line of all the covering troops40 ,the ,director3 8,that is correct4 ,our battalion must conform to the general plan of the operation4 8,before going further let us consider the process by which our battalion commander arrived at his decision to halt and make the disposition indicated in his order4 ,he has sized up the situation with respect to his mission1 the enemy1 our own troops2 considered the plans of action open to him and the enemy2 and the terrain4 ,based on all of this he decides to halt for the night with the advance guard as the outpost and the other companies bivouacking as indicated in the order4 ,now1 let us see how well this order conforms to the form laid down in ,field ,service ,regulations4 ,captain ,hall1 what are the elements of an order as applied to the halt of a command on the march80 ,captain ,hall3 8,the first part contains information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,the next is the plan of the commander in general terms4 ,in this case it is merely to halt for the night1 with the added sentence to the effect that march conditions cease4 ,next comes the tactical dispositions in which each element of the command is given orders as to just what it is to do4 ,the last section of this paragraph tells what action is to be taken in case the enemy should make an attack4 ,then comes the disposition of the trains or administrative arrangements1 and finally the location of the battalion ,c4 ,p4 is indicated by telling where messages are to be sent4 ,all of this is included in the order1 and ,i should say that every essential point has been covered satisfactorily40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 why is ,company ,e detailed to furnish the outpost80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,it is the general rule that troops are detailed on covering duty for a period of twenty-four hours4 ,company ,e has been our advance guard for today's march4 ,if the battalion continues the march again tomorrow morning1 another rifle company will be detailed to form the advance guard4 ,it will get into advance guard formation before it reaches ,company ,e's outpost line1 and when the advance guard support crosses the line of outpost supports it assumes responsibility for the protection of the column1 the outpost troops are withdrawn and take their proper place in the column4 ,then1 too1 the advance guard is in the best position to continue the protection of the battalion4 ,it has merely to change its formation from an advance guard to that of an outpost1 which involves the least marching on the part of the troops40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,we will now go forward to the point where the support of the advance guard is halted on the road4 ,how far would that be1 ,captain ,james80 ,captain ,james3 8,i should say that the support should be about #ejj yards in advance of the main body of the battalion40 ,the class is now conducted about #ejj yards down the road to the place where the support of the advance guard is supposed to be halted4 ,the ,director3 8,before proceeding further with the problem it is necessary for us to decide upon the formation of the advance guard at this time4 ,just what do you think the formation would be1 ,captain ,james80 ,captain ,james3 8,the support would be right here in column of squads on the road4 ,it would consist of the company 7less one platoon and two connecting files74 ,about #djj yards farther down the road would be the advance party1 consisting of one platoon1 from which there would be a point of one squad1 about #aej yards farther to the front40#i ,the ,director3 8,i think we can all agree on those dispositions and proceed to the solution of our problem based on them4 ,now1 let each member of the class consider himself to be ,captain ,e1 commanding the advance guard4 ,you have attended the assembly of officers at the head of the main body and received the major's orders4 ,you have now returned to the company and are ready to go ahead with your part of the operation1 that of posting the outpost4 ,just how are you going about the task that has been allotted to you8 ,captain ,hodges1 tell us what you would do40 ,solution ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would first send a runner to ,lieutenant ,m1 commanding the advance party1 telling him to report to me here4 ,while waiting for ,lieutenant ,m to come back ,i would size up the situation and decide upon my tactical dispositions40 ,the ,director3 8,what would be your primary dispositions80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would have a line of supports on which ,i would employ one platoon and one section and a reserve consisting of the rest of the company40 ,the ,director3 8,that would be a reasonable disposition4 ,how many supports would you have ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would have three supports--one on the main road and one at a suitable interval on each side of the road4 ,there would be a section in each support40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 do you agree with that disposition80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,no1 sir4 ,it seems to me that two supports would meet the situation better4 ,in the first place1 this main road is the route on which any considerable force of the enemy must advance after dark1 and ,i would want to cover it with a relatively strong force4 ,i would put one support on the road and have it extend over to the right for a sufficient distance to cover the front and the immediate right flank4 ,it would extend its front to the left of the main road4 ,i would have support ,no4 #b off to the left to cover that flank4#aj 8,support ,no4 #a would consist of one platoon and ,no4 #b of one section40 ,the ,director3 8,explain why you extend the front of your support ,no4 #a to the left of the road80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,so that the boundary line between supports will not fall on the road4 ,one man must be made responsible for the covering of this main road1 and if ,i make it the boundary line between supports1 even if ,i include it in the front of one of them1 it will be more or less neglected4 ,but if ,i extend the front of support ,no4 #a beyond the road to the left1 ,i am reasonably sure that it will be taken care of properly40 ,the ,director3 8,that is the point ,i wanted to bring out4 ,i hope that all the members of the class see it4 ,we have now to decide upon the troops to be designated for each of the supports4 ,what would be your decision as to that1 ,lieutenant ,wallace80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would have the first platoon1 which now forms the advance party1 form support ,no4 #a which will be posted on this main and cover the front from that ---- 7indicating right boundary of front7 to that ---- 7indicating left boundary of front74 ,the first section of the second platoon would form support ,no4 #b4 ,it would be posted at ---- and cover the front from ---- to ----40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a reasonable disposition4 ,where would you have your reserve80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would have it posted at ----40 ,the ,director3 8,there is one point on which we have not yet touched4 ,that is the matter of the covering of the posting of the outguards4 ,what would you do about that1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would let each support cover the posting of its own outguards4 ,i believe they can do it better and more efficiently than any detachment that may be made from the rest of the company for the purpose40 ,the ,director3 8,let us now assume that ,lieutenant ,m has arrived and you are all ready to issue your orders4 ,just how would you go about it1 ,lieutenant ,williams80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would assemble the officers1 platoon sergeants and section leaders in front of the company4 ,i would give the command3 #a4 ,company1 #b4 ,,attention1 and follow with ,,at ,,ease4 ,i would then say3 #8,let me have your attention4' ,i would issue my orders as follows3 8#8,small detachments of the enemy have been reported at 7h7 and 7i7 7indicating where the places are74 ,our #crd ,battalion is halted for the night at 7k74 ,our regiment 7less #bnd and #crd ,battalions7 is halted for the night at 7l74 ,our battalion halts for the night at 7m7 7point out location74 ,march conditions have ceased4#aa 8#8,this company furnishes the outpost along the 7n7 7point out general line74 8#8,lieutenant ,m1 with the first platoon1 will form support ,no4 #a1 which1 posted on the road at ----1 will cover the front from ---- 7inclusive7 to ---- 7inclusive74 8#8,lieutenant ,n1 with the second platoon 7less one section71 will form support ,no4 #b1 which1 posted at ----1 will cover the front from ---- 7exclusive7 to ---- 7inclusive74 8#8,the remainder of the company will be posted at ---- as reserve4 8#8,the rolling kitchen will be with the reserve4 ,meals will be cooked and distributed to the supports4 8#8,messages to the reserve4'0 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,you will note that the order given by ,lieutenant ,williams follows the form of the five paragraph order and covers all essentials4 ,are there any questions80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,it seems to me that we are imposing on the first platoon4 ,they have been on advance party duty all day1 and now we propose to keep them on front-line observation duty all night40 ,the ,director3 8,if the platoon had had any serious contact with the enemy during the day1 it would have been proper to bring it back to the reserve1 but they have just been marching along on the road4 ,they have had practically no flank patroling to do and are in just as good shape as the rest of the company4 ,i can see no reason for not detailing them for support duty tonight4 ,the platoon is out in front1 near the place where it is to be posted4 8,any other questions8 ,there appear to be none4 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write out1 on his pad1 the order of ,captain ,e4 ,try to get the proper form and wording for each sentence in it and cover the points brought out by ,lieutenant ,williams in his solution40 ,the necessary time is allowed for this4 ,the solutions are collected and redistributed4 ,one or more members of the class may be called upon to read the solution in his possession and comment upon the wording and form of the order4 ,the ,director will then distribute slips of paper containing the order of ,captain ,e as given4 ,this is done in order that each member of the class may compare his work with it and that the situations following and their solution may be based on it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,prepare copies of the problem and ,situation ,no4 #a1 also the solution to ,situation ,no4 #a1 a copy for each member of the class4 #b4 ,conduct the class to the point on the road where the battalion is halted and where it will bivouac for the night4 #c4 ,make short talk on the protection of troops in bivouac and the formation and duties of outposts3 7a7 ,how a command protects itself at a halt2 7b7 ,duties of outposts2 7c7 ,subdivision of outposts2 7d7 ,formation of outposts 7illustrate by reference to outstretched hand71 main body1 reserve1 supports1 outguards1 sentinels4 #d4 ,distribute sheets bearing problem and ,situation ,no4 #a4 #e4 ,read problem aloud and question members of the class on the tactical situation3 mission of battalion2 why halt2 estimation of the situation2 elements of field order2 compare with battalion commander's order2 why ,company ,e for outpost4 #f4 ,conduct class to point where support of advance guard is supposed to be4 #g4 ,discuss formation of advance guard4 ,each man now consider himself as being ,captain ,e4 #h4 ,discuss formation of outpost3 ,primary dispositions2 number of supports2 why support on main road2 boundaries of support front2 location of supports2 location of reserve2 covering posting of outguards4 #i4 ,final solution of problem3 ,preliminaries2 order of ,captain ,e2 five paragraph order2 why first platoon forms one support4 #aj4 ,have members of class write out order4 ,collect solutions and redistribute them4 ,distribute copies of ,captain ,e's order4 ,read and discuss solutions4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the point on the road where the advance party is supposed to be halted4 ,the ,director3 8,we are now at the point where the first platoon1 which is the advance party of the advance guard1 is halted4 ,lieutenant ,m has joined his platoon and is ready to proceed with the execution of the task allotted to him40 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,m1 have joined your platoon here4 ,the platoon has been designated to form support ,no4 #a4 ,the ,captain's order was as follows3 8,lieutenant ,m1 with the first platoon will form support ,no4 #a1 which1 posted on the road at ----1 will cover the front from ---- 7inclusive7 to ---- 7inclusive740 ,required3 ,carry out your mission4 ,procedure ,the ,director reads ,situation ,no4 #b aloud and explains that each member of the class should now consider himself to be ,lieutenant ,m1 commanding the first platoon1 designated to form support ,no4 #a4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 how would you go about carrying out your mission80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would first size up the situation and arrive at a decision as to what ,i am going to do and how ,i am going to do it40 ,the ,director3 8,how is security provided for during the time that the outpost is being posted80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,by sending out some troops to cover the posting of the outguards4 ,this is sometimes provided for by the outpost commander detailing a unit for the purpose of covering all the outguards and then withdrawing to the reserve4 ,the alternative is to have each support cover the posting of its own outguards4 ,the latter system has been adopted in this problem1 and we will have to provide our own covering troops40 ,the ,director3 8,what troops would you detail for this duty80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would send out the first section 7less the squad on duty as point7 under the section commander4 ,i would have the point withdraw to the support as soon as the covering troops have taken over the duty of security40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a reasonable solution4 ,into what parts is an outpost support divided1 ,lieutenant ,barry80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,into the support proper and the outguards4 ,from the outguards sentinels are posted40 ,the ,director3 8,what are the duties assigned to each of the component parts of the support80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,the support proper is the fighting element of the outpost4 ,it is posted on the line where the outpost will make its stand4 ,the outguards with their sentinels from the observation element4 ,they are posted on the line of observation40 ,captain ,hall3 8,that may be the usual line up for the support4 ,but is it not a fact that sometimes the outguards are posted on the fighting line80 ,the ,director3 8,yes4 ,it may be that the line of observation is also the best fighting line for the supports4 ,in that case we say #8the line of observation and the line of resistance coincide'--that is1 they are the same4 ,when we issue the order for the support we make provision for that by stating3 #8,in case of attack the outguards will be supported4' ,this means that the outguards will hold their positions and the supports will come up to them in case the enemy attacks40 ,captain ,hall3 8,in that case1 why not place the support right up on the line of resistance in the first place80 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 can you answer ,captain ,hall's question80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i believe ,i can give a reason for it4 ,if we should place the support right up on the line of outguards we would commit it to one position1 and in case of attack it would be difficult to move it to meet the enemy's main effort4 ,if we keep it at a central point to the rear of the line1 we can readily move it to any point where it may be most needed40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,we do not want to commit our support to action until we find out the direction of the enemy's attack4 ,the shifting of troops along a front line is a most difficult and hazardous operation4 ,i hope you see the point1 ,captain ,hall40 ,captain ,hall3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i do40#ab ,the ,director3 8,how many outguards do you think are required on the front assigned to the support1 ,captain ,jones80 ,captain ,jones3 8,i should have one on the main road leading toward the enemy2 another on the right of the road in the vicinity of ---- 7indicating72 and another to the left of the road in the vicinity of ---- 7indicating74 ,i think this would be sufficient for observation purposes40 ,the ,director3 8,upon what main elements do you base the strength of these outguards80 ,captain ,jones3 8,on the number of sentinel posts they must maintain4 ,if a double sentinel post is required1 a sentry squad should be allotted to the outguard4 ,if only a single sentinel is required1 the outguard should be a cossack post40 ,the ,director3 8,that is exactly the point ,i wanted to bring out4 ,we will take it up in detail later on in the problem4 ,let us assume that three outguards will be required to cover the front4 ,no4 #a1 on the right of the road1 is to be a sentry squad2 ,no4 #b1 posted on the road1 is also to be a sentry squad2 and ,no4 #c1 posted on the left of the road1 is to be a cossack post4 ,how many men in a cossack post1 ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,a non-commissioned officer and three men4 ,this number furnishes a commander for the post and three reliefs for a single sentinel post40 ,the ,director3 8,that is correct4 ,are there any questions on the points that we have been discussing80#ac ,solution ,the ,director3 8,we are now ready to issue ,lieutenant ,m's order for the establishment of support ,no4 #a4 ,captain ,hodges1 please tell us the first and second paragraphs of the order40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would tell the men about where the enemy is and all ,i know about our own troops and then tell them what we are going to do40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,now1 assume that you are ,lieutenant ,m1 and the rest of us here are the members of your platoon4 ,put all you have said in the form of an order to us40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,you want me to do everything ,i would do if ,i were ,lieutenant ,m80 ,the ,director3 8,exactly40 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would give the command3 #a4 ,platoon1 #b4 ,,attention1 and order ,,close ,,up4 ,i assume that the men are in columns of files1 one on each side of the road4 ,i then give the command ,,at ,,ease1 and caution the men1 #8,let me have your attention4' ,i direct1 #8,noncommissioned officers assemble here4' ,i then give the order for the establishment of the support as follows3 8#8,small detachments of the enemy have been reported at 7h7 and 7i74 ,our #crd ,battalion is halted for the night at 7k74 ,our regiment 7less the #bnd and #crd ,battalions7 is halted for the night at 7l74 ,our ,battalion halts for the night at 7m74 ,our company furnishes the outpost with the second platoon 7less one section7 as support ,no4 #b at ---- and the remainder of the company as reserve at ---- ,march conditions have ceased4 8#8,this platoon forms support ,no4 #a4'0 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what does the third paragraph of the order deal with80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,with the disposition of troops40 ,the ,director3 8,will you state what you think should go into it80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i think it should be as follows3 8#8,sergeant ,x1 with the first section 7less one squad71 will cover the posting of the outguards1 and on completion of that duty withdraw to the support4 8#8,corporal ,w1 with the fourth squad1 will form outguard ,no4 #a1 which1 posted in the vicinity of ----1 will cover the front from ---- 7inclusive7 to ---- 7inclusive74 8#8,corporal ,v1 with the fifth squad1 will form outguard ,no4 #b1 which1 posted on the main road at ---- will cover the front from ---- 7exclusive7 to ---- 7exclusive74 8#8,corporal ,t1 with the front rank of the sixth squad1 will form outguard ,no4 #c1 which1 posted at ----1 will cover the front from ---- 7inclusive7 to ---- 7inclusive74 ,communication with outguard ,no4 #a of support ,no4 #b will be maintained4 8#8,the remainder of the platoon will be posted at ---- as support4 8#8,in case of attack the outguards will be supported4'0 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 what elements does the rest of the order contain80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,the next paragraph contains the administrative arrangements4 ,in the platoon the main thing is the messing of the men4 ,they will all want to know about the arrangements for meals4 ,i would say3 8#8,meals will be distributed to the outguards by details from the support4' 8,the next item is the designation of the place where to send messages4 8,message to the support40 8,i would then direct3 ,,move ,,out40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,i believe we have gone over and discussed the salient features of the problem4 ,now1 ,i desire each member of the class to write out ,lieutenant ,m's order on his pad4 ,try to get it in the proper form and use as far as possible the wording as stated by ,captain ,hodges1 ,captain ,harvey and ,lieutenant ,ralston40 ,when the written orders have been completed they are disposed of in the same manner as indicated under ,situation ,no4 #a4 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point on road where advance party is halted4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,read and explain that each member of the class is now supposed to be ,lieutenant ,m4 #c4 ,security while outpost troops are getting into position4 #d4 ,main elements of support line--observation1 resistance4 ,when they coincide4 ,location of support4 #e4 ,number of outguards required4 ,basis of strength of outguards2 sentinel posts2 sentry squads2 cossack posts4 #f4 ,details of ,lieutenant ,m's order4 ,information of enemy and own troops4 ,plan of commander4 ,disposition of troops3 ,three outguards1 location1 strength1 front each is to cover1 location of support1 action in case of attack4 ,meals4 ,messages4 #g4 ,have class write order4 ,collect solutions and redistribute them4 ,read and discuss solutions4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the next phase of our problem deals with the matter of covering the posting of the outguards4 ,in the posting of the outguards there will unavoidably be more or less moving around and exposure to view of the enemy's patrols1 should any be lurking in the vicinity4 ,the non-commissioned officers will be seeking out the best positions for their outguards1 selecting observation posts for their sentinels and making arrangements for defense4 ,the officers will be moving from point to point along the line making inspections1 pointing out errors1 rectifying the position of the various elements and making a sketch of the sector covered4 8,in order that all of this may be accomplished in security1 it is necessary to have covering detachments well out to the front to prevent small parties of the enemy interfering with the work in hand or making observations that would enable them to form an estimate of the position occupied by the outposts4 8,there are two methods by which the covering force may accomplish its mission3 8#a4 ,it may deploy as a line of skirmishers at greatly extended intervals4 8#b4 ,it may cover the front with a number of small patrols4 8,no hard and fast rule can be laid down that will provide for all contingencies4 ,the first method has the disadvantage of being most difficult for the non-commissioned officers to control the action of the men4 ,the second method possesses the great advantage of having each group directly under the control of a leader1 so that in case the enemy's patrols are encountered and it is necessary to drive them back1 there can be concert of action instead of dependence on the decisions of individual men as to what is to be done in the emergency4 ,the method to be employed will depend upon circumstances1 the nature of the country1 the number of men available for the duty and the proximity of the enemy4 ,it may be advisable to use a combination of the two systems40 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,x1 have been detailed to cover the posting of the outguards4 ,lieutenant ,m's order to you is as follows3 8,sergeant ,x1 with the first section 7less one squad71 will cover the posting of the outguards and on completion of that duty withdraw to the support40 ,the troops have been turned over to you and you have been directed to move out4 ,required3 ,carry out your mission4 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to state his understanding of it4 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,sergeant ,x4 ,you have your troops right here on the road and everything is ready to proceed with the work in hand4 ,just how do you go about carrying out your mission8 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what is the first move you would make80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would want to get my men away from the rest of the platoon so ,i can give them their instructions without having their attention diverted by other things40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,let us assume that you have done so and you have them right here4 ,we are now ready to proceed4 ,go ahead with your solution40 ,solution ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,in the first place1 ,i would not want the men to be burdened with their packs1 so ,i would have them taken off and piled here40 ,the ,director3 8,would you have them take off the entire pack8 ,tell us just what equipment they would carry40 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,only the rifle and belt40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 do you agree with that80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,no1 sir4 ,i would have the men take off only the rolls4 ,i would have them carry the haversack with them4 ,the ,infantry pack is designed for this very purpose4 ,we can relieve the men of the burdensome part of the pack and still retain the essentials4 ,i do not believe a man should ever be without his haversack in the field40 ,the ,director3 8,you are correct4 ,let us assume that we have taken the rolls off and piled them here4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what are you going to do80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i am going to give my orders4 ,all the men of the section have heard the platoon commander's orders about the enemy and our own troops1 so there is no necessity for repeating them4 ,the next thing is to tell the men what our mission is to be4 ,i would cover this by the simple statement3 8#8,this section 7less the first squad7 will cover the posting of the outguards4' 8,i will now have to decide upon the formation that ,i am going to take up4 ,the front to be covered is too extensive to be covered by a line of skirmishers1 and besides ,i do not approve of such a formation4 ,it is too difficult to control the operations4 ,i would use the patrol method4 ,divide the section up into small patrols and keep a small support40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 do you agree with such dispositions80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,yes1 sir4 ,i think the patrol formation is best4 ,it has many advantages over the line of skirmishers40 ,the ,director3 8,how many patrols would you have80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i should have three patrols of a leader and three men each4 ,this would account for the second squad and the front rank of the third squad4 ,i would keep the rear rank of the third squad under my own control as a support40 ,the ,director3 8,based on that disposition1 what orders would you give80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would say3 8#8,corporal ,d1 take the front rank of your squad and move out to the right oblique in the direction of that ----4 8#8,private ,e1 you are detailed as acting corporal4 ,take the rear rank of the second squad and move to the front along this road4 8#8,corporal ,f1 take the front rank of your squad and move out to the left oblique in the direction of that ----4 8#8,the rear rank of the third squad will accompany me4 ,i will march #bjj yards in rear of ,private ,e's patrol4 8#8,patrols will advance about #a1bjj yards to the front4 ,keep in communication with me4 ,remain out until you receive orders to withdraw4 8#8,messages to me4 8#8,take charge of your patrols and move out4' 8,i believe these orders would set the covering troops in motion40 ,the ,director3 8,i agree with you4 ,are there any questions8 ,i assume that when no questions are asked every member of the class not only understands what is being done1 but also the reasons for doing it that particular way4 ,if there is ever any doubt in your mind about any part of the problem or the solution1 you should ask questions and demand explanations until the matter is entirely cleared up40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to write out ,sergeant ,x's orders on his pad4 ,the information about the enemy and our own troops that has already been given to the men by the platoon commander need not be repeated4 ,the first paragraph might be4 8#8,you have heard what the platoon commander said about the enemy and our own troops4 ,there is no further information4'0 ,when all the members of the class have completed writing the order the papers are collected and redistributed4 ,one or more members may be called upon to read the order in their possession and comment upon it4 ,the whole idea is to impress the solution of each phase of the problem so firmly in the minds of the members of the class that1 in case they should ever be called upon in active service to meet a similar situation1 they would know exactly how to go about it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,explain necessity for covering the posting of the outguards4 ,formations that may be used3 ,skirmishers2 patrols2 advantages of patrol system4 #b4 ,pass out problem and read it4 ,have members of class explain their version4 #c4 ,disposition of packs4 ,keep haversacks4 ,remove rolls4 #d4 ,orders3 ,information of enemy and own troops known4 ,second paragraph4 ,dispositions4 ,orders for patrols4 ,three patrols and support4 ,how far to go out4 ,when to return4 #e4 ,asking questions4 #f4 ,have class write out solution4 ,collect and redistribute solutions4 ,read and comment on solutions4 #g4 ,explain object of problem4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted down the road to the point where outguard ,no4 #b is to be posted4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the order of the platoon commander requires ,corporal ,v1 with the fifth squad1 to post outguard ,no4 #b on the main road in this vicinity and covering the front from ---- 7exclusive7 to ---- 7exclusive74 7,note4--,the ,director points out the limits of the front to be covered by the outguards47 8,there are some definite rules that may be laid down governing the location of an outguard4 ,in the first place1 the location within reasonable limits has been designated by the support commander in his order4 ,we are to cover the main road leading from the direction in which the enemy is reported to be4 ,the outguard should occupy a good defensive position--that is1 it should have a good field of fire to the front and in oblique directions toward both flanks4 ,it should be so far concealed that the enemy could not discover it without attacking40 ,procedure ,situation ,no4 #d is now handed out to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,corporal ,v1 have been given the fifth squad1 and ordered to establish outguard ,no4 #b in this vicinity4 ,you have arrived at this point with your squad4 ,required3 ,how will you carry out your mission8 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the problem aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain their understanding of it4 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to visualize this situation--to consider himself as being ,corporal ,v4 ,you have arrived here with your squad to establish outguard ,no4 #b4 ,just how do you propose to go about it8 ,captain ,hastings1 what would you do80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,well1 sir1 ,i would first decide where ,i am going to post the outguard and then decide upon the number of sentinels ,i am to post and where ,i am to post them4 ,i have the limits of the front assigned to me definitely pointed out4 ,i must first find a location for the outguard that will cover this front40 ,the ,director3 8,have you decided upon such a location80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,yes1 sir4 ,my outguard posted at ---- would accomplish the desired results4 ,in the first place1 any considerable body of the enemy must travel at night on a well defined road or trail4 ,he cannot strike off across country unless elaborate preparations are made for guiding his columns4 ,we would know about any such preparations and could counter them4 ,if ,i cover this main road and the country adjacent to it1 ,i will be able to accomplish my mission40 7,note4--,the ,director should bring out all the elements connected with the selection of the position of the ground in question4 ,there will be many small points that may be brought up for consideration such as3 ,is the position selected a good one for defense8 ,is there a good field of fire8 ,is there cover for the enemy to conceal a formation for attack8 ,is the position naturally strong2 if not1 can it be made so8 ,can obstacles be so placed as to hold the enemy under effective fire of the outguard8 ,is there ground to the front or flanks within rifle or machine gun range that commands the position8 ,are there good approaches to the sentinel posts from the outguard8 ,is it possible to provide for mutual supporting fire with the other outguards8 ,are there good communications with the adjoining outguards and with the support8 ,while it is not contemplated that an outguard position will fulfill all of these conditions1 it should be selected so as to fulfill as many of them as possible47 ,the ,director3 8,in your discussion a minute ago you stated that you would determine the number of sentinels to be posted4 ,just what do you mean by that80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i will want to post a sufficient number of sentinels to keep the sector of the front allotted to me under observation at all times4 ,i have not yet decided how many will be required40 ,the ,director3 8,that is just the point ,i wanted to bring out4 ,the number of sentinels that you can post is determined by the strength of your outguard4 ,you can post only one double sentinel post from a squad4 ,if more than one is required your outguard must be allotted additional men for the purpose4 ,now1 let us see how this proposition works out in practice4 ,you have seven men besides yourself4 ,this will provide three reliefs for one double sentinel post and give you one spare man4 ,the outguard is to be on duty until the march is resumed tomorrow morning4 ,you cannot expect to keep all the men on post all the time4 ,they must have their rest if they are expected to march tomorrow4 ,sentinels are ordinarily on post for two hours1 after which they are given a four-hour period of rest before going on post again4 ,to do otherwise is to wear your men out and render them unfit for further service4 ,let us all get this system firmly fixed in our minds4 ,a squad furnishes three reliefs for a double sentinel post4 ,if only a single sentinel is required1 a cossack post will furnish three reliefs for it4 ,i hope you will all see the point40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i understand the system now4 ,but1 suppose ,i should determine that at least two double sentinel posts are necessary1 what should ,i do80 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 can you answer the captain's question80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would send a report to the platoon commander setting forth my views of the situation and request that another squad be sent to the outguard40 ,the ,director3 8,that would be a proper procedure4 ,the initial disposition of the outguard is only tentative4 ,soon after the outguards are posted the support commander will be out to make his inspection of them4 ,at that time the situation may be represented to him1 and he can make his decision as to whether or not he deems it necessary to supply the additional men40 7,note4--,the exact location of the outguard should be decided upon at this time1 and the tentative position of the sentinels should be determined47 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,we have decided upon the location of the outguard1 and the dispositions to be made4 ,it is now necessary to embody these in the form of orders to the members of the squad4 ,lieutenant ,hunt1 what should this order contain80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,do you want me to give the entire order for the posting of the outguard80 ,the ,director3 8,yes4 ,if any point comes up that is not fully understood by a member of the class1 he should feel free to interrupt with a question40 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,the men have all the information about the enemy and our own troops4 ,it is not necessary to repeat that4 ,i would cover this by saying3 8#8,you have heard the information about the enemy and our own troops4 ,the first section is out in front covering the posting of the outguards4' 8,i would then state the mission of the squad4 8#8,this squad forms outguard ,no4 #b of support ,no4 #a4' 8,the tactical dispositions are next in order4 ,the reliefs have to be told off and other arrangements made40 8#8,hanna and ,crow 7riflemen71 first relief2 ,smith and ,carney 7riflemen71 second relief2 ,harris and ,welch 7riflemen71 third relief2 ,rainer 7automatic rifleman71 spare man4 8#8,rainer1 you select the tentative positions for your automatic rifle and get ready to prepare them for occupation4 8#8,the members of the second and third reliefs will prepare the bivouac for the outguard and the firing positions which ,i will designate later4 8#8,in case of attack we will be supported4' 8,the administrative arrangements are simple4 ,they will relate to the messing of the men4 8#8,meals will be sent up from the support4' 8,then the location of the outguard commander will be stated3 8#8,messages to me1 here4' 8,i will then direct the men to remove their packs and order3 8#8,first relief1 ,,follow ,,me4'0 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,you seem to have covered the essential points of the order of an outguard commander4 ,now1 in order to impress it on your minds1 ,i want each member of the class to write out the order on his pad4 ,follow the form of the five paragraph order and try to get the wording just as was given by ,lieutenant ,hunt40 ,when all have finished writing the order the papers are collected and distributed again4 ,members of the class are called upon to read and comment on the order they have in their possession4 7,note4--,the ,director should insist that members of the class prepare these orders with great care and attention to detail4 ,it will be found that there is a tendency to slight them and take a lot for granted47 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class down the road to location of outguard ,no4 #b4 ,indicate limits of front of outguard4 #b4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #d4 ,read and explain it to class4 #c4 ,location of outguard4 ,defense4 ,field of fire4 ,cover4 ,strength of position4 ,obstacles commanding ground4 ,approaches and communications4 #d4 ,number of sentinels supplied by outguard4 ,explanation of4 #e4 ,tentative dispositions4 #f4 ,orders for posting of outguards3 ,information of enemy and own troops2 mission2 disposition--division into reliefs2 action in case of attack2 messing2 messages4 #g4 ,write out orders4 ,collect4 ,distribute4 ,read4 99 99 99 99 99 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,we are now ready to proceed with the next step of the problem1 the posting of the first relief4 ,before we go into that ,i want to make a few remarks about the location of sentinel posts4 8,by day the sentinel must be able to see the whole of the ground allotted to him for observation4 ,he should be provided with sufficient cover so that the enemy's patrols will not be able to locate him4 ,he should have good communication with the outguard and the adjoining sentinels4 ,excellent observation posts may sometimes be found in large trees1 one of the sentinels of the double post being located in a tree and the other on the ground near the foot of the tree4 ,it may be that the best location for observation is also the best for resistance1 in which case the sentinels may be posted on or very near the actual locality to be defended by the outguard4 ,there is no objection to this1 provided the members of the outguard1 as well as the sentinel1 are well concealed from the view of the enemy4 8,the location of the sentinel post at night requires the most careful consideration4 ,it depends considerably upon the degree of darkness1 and consequently the value of eyesight as compared with hearing4 ,on a very dark night1 when the sentinel can see only a few yards in front of him1 it is evident that his ears will be more useful than his eyes4 ,furthermore1 the difficulties of the enemy will be increased by the darkness1 and he is likely to make more noise by stumbling over unseen obstructions4 ,on a still night a sentinel posted on high ground can hear better than when on low ground1 because there is likely to be less obstruction in the way of trees and other objects to interfere with the sound waves passing through the atmosphere4 ,it therefore appears that on a very dark night1 when the ears are more efficient than the eyes1 the sentinel should be posted on high ground1 with low ground to his front4 8,when the darkness is not so great and the powers of sight more nearly approach in value the powers of hearing1 it is better to place the sentinel on low ground1 with the sky line to his front4 ,this is because approaching persons will be silhouetted on the sky line and that it is difficult to see when looking down from a height into a dark valley4 8,the night post should always be provided with an obstacle placed from #aj to #cj yards to the front of the sentinel4 ,it must be low1 so that it will not be seen by an approaching enemy4 ,its value is increased if a wire or rope is attached to some object that will fall down with a loud noise when anyone trips over the obstacle40 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the place where the sentinel post is to be established4 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,barry1 where would you locate your sentinel post80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would locate it at ----0 7,note4--,the location of the sentinel post should be determined upon after careful consideration of all the factors that enter into the problem47 ,the ,director now distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #e4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,it has been decided to locate double sentinel post ,no4 #a of outguard ,no4 #b at this point4 ,you1 ,corporal ,v1 have arrived here with the members of the first relief4 ,required3 ,the orders and instructions you give your sentinels4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the sentinels must have imparted to them all information of the enemy and our own troops4 ,with respect to the latter1 they must be fully informed of the covering patrols that have been sent out and the location of the adjoining sentinel posts4 ,the location of the main body of the outguard should be pointed out1 and1 if practicable1 the position of adjoining outguards4 8,they will be given the number of their own post and the number of the outguard from which they are posted4 8,they will be informed as to the points to which the roads and trails lead1 and1 if practicable1 the names of important topographical points in sight4 8,they will be given the countersign1 if one is used4 ,the method of challenge and identification of persons approaching the outpost sentinels at night should be changed from time to time so that there will be less chance for the enemy to know just what system is being used on a particular night4 ,on one occasion a countersign using the name of a battle or general may be used2 on another night the system of tapping the knuckles on the rifle stock may be employed4 8,the mistake of giving sentinels too many orders and instructions should be carefully avoided4 ,if their minds are burdened with too many details1 they are likely to become hesitating1 timid and confused4 ,the controlling idea is that they should know where to look for the enemy and what to do if they see him40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 having in mind what ,i have just said1 what orders would you give your sentinels80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would give them the following orders3 8#8,you have all the information of the enemy and our own troops4 8#8,you are double sentinel post ,no4 #a of outguard ,no4 #b of support ,no4 #a4 ,outguard ,no4 #a is ---- 7point out location74 ,outguard ,no4 #c is ---- 7point out location74 ,information of the exact location of the sentinel posts will be given to you later4 8#8,this road leads to ----4 ,that trail leads in the direction of ----4 ,that ---- is known as the ----4 7,note--,locate and name other important topographical features in view47 8#8,if you see the enemy1 signal to me at the outguard4 8#8,the countersign will be given to you later4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think that covers the orders for your sentinel very well4 ,the big idea is that we should not burden them with too many things to think about4 ,we will omit the written solution of this part of the problem40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,there are certain rules for the guidance of a sentinel on post with which all officers and soldiers should be familiar4 ,they must be scrupulously observed under all circumstances4 ,they are3 8#a4 ,he must watch and listen without betraying his presence4 ,observation is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance4 8#b4 ,he must not smoke1 and matches must not be lighted at night4 8#c4 ,such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in subdued tones4 8#d4 ,he must not have any arms or accoutrements that will glitter in the sunlight4 8#e4 ,except at night and in foggy weather1 the bayonet must be kept in the scabbard4 8#f4 ,persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol comes out to take charge of them4 8#g4 ,he will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements of military etiquette4 ,he pays no compliments and does not salute officers unless addressed by them4 8#h4 ,everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be communicated to the outguard commander1 especial care being taken to report promptly all indication of the enemy's approach4 ,if he is satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack1 the alarm may be given by firing4 ,when immediate alarm is not necessary1 firing should be avoided4 8,there is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at night1 when they need rest4 ,needless firing1 besides alarming the outpost troops1 and possibly those of the main body1 gives information to the enemy of the location of the line of observation1 from which he is able to deduce the position of the outguards4 ,it should be an invariable rule that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort4 ,there is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and are being hard pressed1 in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal1 if such action is absolutely necessary4 ,night firing is of little value in any event4 ,it is only effective for very short distances1 and should be discouraged by every possible means40 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,location of ,sentinel ,posts4 ,by day4 ,at night4 ,obstacles4 ,field of view4 #b4 ,conduct class to place where sentinel post is to be established4 #c4 ,discuss location of post4 #d4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #e4 ,read and discuss it4 #e4 ,orders for sentinels3 ,information of enemy and own troops2 number of post2 identify support and outguard2 countersigns2 too many orders4 #f4 ,proceed with verbal solution of problem4 #g4 ,explain rules for guidance of sentinels3 ,watch and listen2 smoke2 matches2 conversation2 arms2 vigilance2 etiquette2 report of observations2 night firing4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the location of outguard ,no4 #a4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,after sufficient time has elapsed for the outguards to get into position and post their sentinels the support commander makes an inspection of the elements of his support4 ,in this inspection any or all of the following questions may be presented for consideration4 8#a4 ,is the outguard located at the best place to cover the sector of the front allotted to it8 ,is there a good field of fire over the ground by which the enemy may approach8 8#b4 ,are the sentinels so located that they can observe all approaches8 ,are they well instructed in their duties8 ,do they know what to do if they should see the enemy8 8#c4 ,have provisions been made for rapid communication between sentinels and the outguard8 ,has communication been established with adjoining outguards and sentinels and with the support8 8#d4 ,have fire positions been prepared for all riflemen1 the automatic rifleman and the rifle grenadier8 ,are the men well supplied with ammunition8 8#e4 ,are all the men familiar with the plans for defense8 ,do they know what to do in case the enemy attacks8 8#f4 ,have necessary arrangements been made for patrolling8 8#g4 ,have necessary arrangements been made for messing8 8,in the course of the inspection the support commander will make such changes in the dispositions as may be necessary and will give such instructions as he may deem desirable for the proper conduct of the duty with which the support is charged4 8,having completed this inspection he will return to the support and make his report to the outpost commander4 ,this report may be made in the form of a message and must contain information as to the location of the main body of the support1 the location of each of the outguards1 their strength and disposition1 the extent of patrolling contemplated1 and finally the place where messages are to be sent is indicated4 ,a report such as this received from each support and detached post commander gives the outpost commander detailed information regarding the disposition of the entire outpost upon which he may base his report to the commander of the main body4 8,when practicable the report is accompanied by a rough sketch showing the dispositions of the support40 ,procedure ,while at the location of outguard ,no4 #a1 the ,director will point out the location of the outguard and the sentinels and question various members of the class regarding these locations and the instructions under which the outguard is operating4 ,the class is then conducted to the location of outguard ,no4 #c1 and the same procedure is gone through with4#ad ,the class is then conducted to the position of the support1 and ,situation ,no4 #f is distributed4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #f3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,m1 have completed the inspection of your outguards and returned to your support4 ,required3 ,write out the body of the report that you would send back to the outpost commander4 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,we have been over the entire front covered by our support and made a detailed inspection of the dispositions1 rearranged them where it was necessary and given instructions that will insure efficient outpost service4 ,we have now returned to the position of the support4 ,word has been sent out to withdraw the covering troops4 ,it is now up to ,lieutenant ,m to make his report to the outpost commander4 ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,lieutenant ,m and to write out on his pad the body of the report that he would send in40 ,the members of the class write out the report4 ,when this is done they are collected and redistributed as indicated heretofore4 ,members of the class are required to read the solutions and comment on them4 99 99 99 99 99 ,outpost ,card ,no4 #f ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to location of outguard ,no4 #a4 #b4 ,explain method of inspection of line of outguards by support commander4 ,considerations that will come up3 ,location of outguard2 location of sentinel posts2 arrangements for communication2 fire positions2 men familiar with plans for defense2 patroling2 messing2 changes in dispositions4 #c4 ,report and sketch4 #d4 ,conduct class to outguard ,no4 #c4 ,discuss dispositions4 #e4 ,conduct class to support4 ,pass out ,situation ,no4 #f4 ,write out report of support commander4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #h4 ,a ,visiting ,patrol ,the ,problem ,special ,situation3 ,a blue force operating in hostile country halts at 7a7 and establishes an outpost along the line 7b74 ,support ,no4 #b is located at 7c7 with outguard ,no4 #a at 7d72 outguard ,no4 #b at 7e7 and outguard ,no4 #c at 7f74 ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,you1 ,lieutenant ,a are in command of ,support ,no4 #b1 consisting of your platoon and located at this point4 ,the first section furnishes the outguards and the platoon 7less #ast ,section7 the main body of the support4 ,you have made the inspection of your line of observation and sent your report to the company commander4 ,required3 ,what arrangements do you make for visiting patrols8 ,explanation of ,letter ,symbols 7a7 ,the location of the bivouac of the main body of the ,blue force4 ,this should be located at a central point with reference to the outpost line4 7b7 ,designate the general line of the ,blue outpost4 7c7 ,the location of ,support ,no4 #b4 ,it should be located at a central point with reference to the line of outguards4 7d7-7e7-7f7 ,the location of the three outguards posted from ,support ,no4 #b4 ,in fitting this exercise to the ground the location of the outguards should be selected first4 ,care should be taken to so locate them that the ground is suitable for illustrating the tactical features that are to be brought out and discussed in the ,terrain ,exercise4 ,the location of ,support ,no4 #b should then be selected and finally that of the ,blue main body4 ,if you have had a previous ,terrain ,exercise covering the subject of outposts it may be convenient and advantageous to base this ,terrain ,exercise on the same situation and covering the same ground4 ,procedure ,the class is conducted to 7c71 the location of ,support ,no4 #b4 ,the ,director distributes the sheets containing the ,special ,situation and ,situation ,no4 #a1 reads them aloud to the class and makes such explanation as may be necessary4 ,one or more members of the class may be called upon to state his understanding of the situation4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,it is fully realized that no member of this class will ever be called upon to conduct the operations of a visiting patrol4 ,you will1 however1 have to order your non-commissioned officers to do so and you must have a knowledge of how it should be gone about and whether the duty is being properly performed4 8,the military text-books usually tell you that a visiting patrol consists of a non-commissioned officer and two or three men that make the rounds along the outpost line of observation at night4 ,that is about all4 ,it is assumed that the subject is so simple that you just naturally know it and there is nothing further to be explained4 ,such is not the case and before we have completed this exercise we will demonstrate it to you4 ,another good test of the proposition is this3 ,take your non-commissioned officers out on a ,terrain ,exercise and give them the situations that we will have today4 ,see how many of them get away with it4 ,i am sure you will be surprised at the results1 especially with the men who have had no previous preparation for the exercise40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what is a visiting patrol80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,it is a patrol consisting of a non-commissioned officer and two or three men4 ,it is sent out from the support at intervals during the night to keep up communication between the elements of the outpost40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 tell us just how the visiting patrol makes its rounds40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,let us say that the patrol is to start out from our support ,no4 #b1 which is located at this point4 ,the patrol will go out to the right and touch upon the left outguard of ,support ,no4 #a2 then pass along our own line of observation to the right outguard of ,support ,no4 #c and then come back here40 ,the ,director3 8,yes1 that is the general procedure4 ,the details of how the patrol is to do all of this is what we are interested in and that is what will be brought out in this ,terrain ,exercise4 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what do you understand to be the specific duties of a visiting patrol80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,included in the duties of visiting patrols may be enumerated3 8#a4 ,they bring back information of incidents that may occur along the line of observation and form a medium of exchange of information between the various elements of the outpost4 8#b4 ,in a measure1 they prevent the unobserved approach of the enemy between sentinel posts4 ,when the enemy is very active there is constant patrolling between the observation posts4 8#c4 ,they drive off small patrols4 8#d4 ,they take charge of detained persons and conduct them back to the support40 ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,ralston1 suppose you were ,lieutenant ,a1 commanding ,support ,no4 #b4 ,what instructions would you give regarding your visiting patrols80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,the visiting patrol is a night institution4 ,there is little necessity for its employment in the day time1 but ,i would not wait until dark to give my instructions regarding it4 ,i would give orders3 8#8,there is no further information of the enemy and our own troops4 8#8,the second section will furnish the visiting patrols for tonight4 8#8,corporal ,black1 with the #dth ,squad1 will conduct the visiting patrols at #h and #aj o'clock p4 m4 8#8,corporal ,canes1 with the #eth ,squad1 will conduct the visiting patrols at #ab midnight and #b o'clock a4 m4 8#8,corporal ,dorr with the #fth ,squad1 will conduct the visiting patrols at #d and #f o'clock a4 m4 8#8,patrol leaders will go over the route of their patrols before dark4 8#8,messages to support1 here4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think you have covered the necessary points4 8,are there any questions by any member of the class8 ,if so1 now is the time to clear them up40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,assemble the class at 7c7 the location of ,support ,no4 #b4 #b4 ,distribute sheets bearing the ,special ,situation and ,situation ,no4 #a4 ,read and explain4 ,have members of the class state their understanding of the problem4 #c4 ,explain that no member of class will ever be required to conduct a visiting patrol1 but it is necessary for them to know how it should be done4 ,definition of visiting patrol4 ,test by taking ,n4 ,c4 ,o4's on ,terrain ,exercise4 #d4 ,solution3 ,what is visiting patrol4 ,how it makes rounds4 ,duties4 ,orders given for visiting patrols4 ,any questions4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,corporal ,canes1 have been designated to conduct the visiting patrol that is to go out at #ab o'clock midnight and at #b o'clock a4 m4 ,you have been given your squad to form the reliefs4 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes the sheets bearing ,situation ,no4 #b to the members of the class1 reads it aloud and makes such explanations as may be necessary4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,now ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,corporal ,canes4 ,put yourself in his place and consider what you would do under the orders you have received from the support commander4 ,we are going to work these situations out in detail to show you how it ought to be done4 ,then when you are a support commander and give an order for your visiting patrols1 you will know just how each ,corporal should go about his job40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what would you do80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would get the men of my squad together and while they are assembling ,i would size up the situation and determine just what orders ,i am going to give4 ,when the men are together ,i would give them their orders3 8#8,manley1 ,harrison and ,kline will be the first visiting patrol4 8#8,oliver1 ,hasker and ,payne will be the second visiting patrol4 8#8,we go out at #ab and #b o'clock tonight4 ,be ready at those hours4 8#8,i am going over the route of the patrol before dark4 8#8,dismissed4' 8,i do not think of anything else to say at this time40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 have you any criticism to make of ,captain ,harvey's order80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,yes1 sir4 ,in the first place1 he has left out several things that ought to be told to the men4 ,he has not provided any instructions for one man of the squad4 ,he has not made it clear just which patrol each man belongs to4 ,he has not told the men what equipment they are to carry with them40 ,the ,director3 8,to what do you attribute these omissions80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,well1 sir1 ,i could not say4 ,the thing that appeals to me is that if ,i were one of the men ,i would want to know about them40 ,the ,director3 8,i think1 if you will all reflect1 that the underlying trouble with ,captain ,harvey's order is that he has not followed our five paragraph order4 ,had he done so1 ,i am sure he would not have omitted these essentials4 ,now ,i am going to have ,captain ,harvey give the order again and follow the five paragraph order system and see how he comes out4 ,your first paragraph would be #8,information of the enemy and our supporting troops4' ,all right1 ,captain ,harvey1 what would your first paragraph contain80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,well1 sir1 the men know everything that ,i do regarding the enemy and our own troops4 ,they all heard the ,lieutenants order when he established the support4 ,so ,i would say3 8#8,there is no further information of the enemy or our supporting troops4'0 ,the ,director3 8,you have stated it exactly in your last sentence4 ,now for your plan40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,my plan would be to have the squad furnish two of the visiting patrols--,i see what you mean4 8#8,our squad will furnish two visiting patrols tonight4'0 ,the ,director3 8,now comes the disposition of troops and orders for each element40 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would divide up the squad as ,i did in my previous order and provide for that extra man that ,captain ,hodges spoke of4 ,he is my ,automatic ,rifleman4 ,i would say3 8#8,manley1 ,harrison and ,kline will be visiting patrol ,no4 #a4 ,it will go out at #ab o'clock midnight4 8#8,oliver1 ,hasker and ,payne will be visiting patrol ,no4 #b4 ,it will go out at #b o'clock a4 m4 8#8,bailey 7automatic rifleman7 will be supernumerary4'0 ,the ,director3 8,the next is your administrative arrangements1 paragraph #d of an order4 ,what would you include in that80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,the equipment to be carried4 ,i would say3 8#8,rifle and belts of ammunition only will be carried4 ,the bayonet will be fixed4 ,the scabbard and canteen will be left here4' ,i would not want the men to carry anything that is not absolutely essential40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,the members of the visiting patrol travel light4 ,they do not want to be hampered with equipment that is not necessary4 ,above all1 they do not want anything with them that will rattle and make a noise4 ,they leave the bayonet scabbard at the post of the support because if they wear it on the belt it will be dangling between the men's legs and interfere with their freedom of movement4 ,they will probably not need any water on this short march so ,i see no objection to leaving the canteen behind1 although1 on the other hand1 ,i can see no objection to carrying it4 ,that is a mere matter of opinion4 ,the bayonets are fixed so as to have them ready for hand to hand night fighting in case it is required4 ,a great deal of the night work will be done with the bayonet4 ,rifle fire is effective only for short distances due to inability to see the target for any distance4 ,now1 ,captain ,harvey1 how do you conclude your order80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,in the usual manner by telling the men where messages are to be brought1 ,i would say3 8#8,messages will be brought back to the support1 here4'0 ,that concludes the order4 ,i see my error and will profit by it in the future40 ,captain ,james3 8,there is one point in the order that ,i did not understand4 ,captain ,harvey detailed his automatic rifleman as #8supernumerary4' ,just what does he mean by that40 ,the ,director3 8,he means that he is an extra man not specifically detailed with either patrol4 ,but1 if for any reason1 one of the other men is unable to go on the patrol when the time comes the supernumerary will take his place4 ,do you see the point now80 ,captain ,james3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,i hope you all now realize how far astray you can go in issuing tactical orders if you fail to follow the five paragraph system4 ,on the other hand1 ,i hope you have observed how simple it is to include all of the essential elements in an order if you do follow the system4 ,you here see the system applied to the most insignificant element in the domain of tactics1 the visiting patrol4 ,you see how nicely it fits4 ,if you were issuing an order for a division of #bj1jjj men you would see how well it works there4 ,i hope you will all stick to this plan of issuing orders4 ,you positively cannot go far wrong if you will4 ,if there are no further questions we will proceed40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,corporal ,canes will now dismiss the squad and the men will go about getting ready for their night work4 ,corporal ,canes will go over the route that he is to conduct the patrol tonight4 ,he will proceed to the right parallel to and in rear of the line of outguards to the left outguard of ,support ,no4 #a2 thence along our own line of observation to ,outguard ,no4 #a of ,support ,no4 #c2 and then back to the support4 ,he will note the route carefully and mark it if necessary4 ,he will especially note the approaches to the outguard posts and arrange for recognition signals with the outguard commanders40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,let us assume that it is now #aa4ej p4 m4 ,the obscurity is such that a man may see another at a distance of about #ab yards4 ,corporal ,canes has been awakened by the support sentinel4 ,he is up and getting ready to start with his patrol4 ,captain ,james1 you are now ,corporal ,canes4 ,what would you do80 ,captain ,james3 8,i would wake ,manley1 ,harrison and ,kline and say to them3 8#8,it is time to make our #ab o'clock patrol4 ,get up4 ,you have about #e minutes to get ready4' 8,at #aa3ee ,i would have the patrol fall in for inspection4 ,i would inspect the men to see if they had the proper equipment and make sure that each man is fully awake4 ,i would then give the command3 8#8,with ball cartridges4 #b4 ,,load4' 8,i am now ready to start40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,it is now #ab o'clock4 ,give the orders for the start40 ,captain ,james3 8,i would say3 8#8,manley1 you will lead2 ,i will follow at a distance of #h yards2 ,harrison1 you follow me at #aj yards2 ,kline you follow ,harrison at #ab yards4 ,move out4' 8,i think that order would get the patrol under way40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 have you any criticism of the formation proposed by ,captain ,james80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,yes1 sir4 ,it seems to me that here is one instance where the patrol commander should actually lead the patrol himself4 ,he knows the route that is to be taken and no other member of the patrol knows it4 ,he is the man that knows the recognition signals with the outguard commanders4 ,i think there is every reason why he should physically lead the patrol40 ,the ,director3 8,i think so1 too1 and feel that ,captain ,james will when he considers the situation4 ,now then1 this new disposition will change the orders somewhat4 ,lieutenant ,baker how would you state the orders now80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i would say3 8#8,i will lead4 ,manley1 you follow me at a distance of about #h yards4 ,harrison1 follow ,manley at a distance of about #aj yards2 ,kline will follow ,harrison at a distance of about #aj yards4 8#8,keep the man ahead of you in sight at all times4 8#8,manley1 you will be second in command4 8#8,follow me4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i think this order will get our patrol under way in the proper formation4 ,i hope you see and understand the necessity for going into the minute details of these situations4 ,herein lies one of the greatest values of the ,terrain ,exercise4 ,it not only teaches the student of ,minor ,tactics the principles1 but affords practice in giving the orders to meet the various situations and fixes all indelibly on the mind4 ,when you conduct a ,terrain ,exercise yourself you cannot be too particular about going into the details of every situation40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,each member of class is now ,corporal ,canes4 ,explain why this ,terrain ,exercise is given to officers4 #b4 ,orders for squad4 ,failure to use five paragraph order4 ,information of enemy and own troops4 ,plan of commander4 ,tactical dispositions and order for each element2 detail each patrol1 time of going out1 supernumerary1 equipment--only rifle and belt of ammunition1 no bayonets1 canteen1 messages4 #c4 ,meaning of supernumerary4 #d4 ,necessity for following five paragraph order system4 #e4 ,men get ready for patrol duty before dark4 ,corporal ,canes goes over route of the patrol4 #f4 ,state special situation4 ,now #aa3ej p4 m4 ,ready to start4 ,formation of patrol4 ,corporal leads4 ,load rifles4 #g4 ,orders for patrol3--,formation1 communication1 second in command4 #h4 ,explain necessity for going into details4 ,great value of ,terrain ,exercise4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,you1 ,corporal ,canes1 the leading man of your visiting patrol1 have arrived at this point4 ,outguard ,no4 #a is right there 7indicate72 the double sentinel post is there 7indicate74 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,procedure ,the class is conducted to the point selected for ,situation ,no4 #c1 which should be located between the outguard and the sentinel post if practicable4 ,the ,director reads the situation aloud and points out the position of the outguard and that of the sentinels posted from the outguard4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 let us assume you are ,corporal ,canes4 ,you have arrived right here1 the other members of your patrol are in the original formation behind you4 ,now just what would you do under the circumstances80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would go to the sentinel post and ask the men40 ,the ,director3 8,wait a minute4 ,let us not go too fast on this proposition4 ,you have the other men of your patrol with you4 ,what are you going to do with them80 ,captain ,hall3 8,that's right4 ,i would have to tell them what to do4 ,i would say to ,manley in a low tone2 8#8,have the patrol halt and remain in place4' ,which means the men would halt where they are and stay there until ,i return40 ,the ,director3 8,we will assume that you have halted the patrol4 ,would you go to the sentinel post without first notifying the outguard that you are going to do so80 ,captain ,hall3 8,no1 sir4 ,i had forgotten about that4 ,i would go to the outguard and tell the outguard commander that ,i am going out to see his sentinels and would get him to come along with me40 ,the ,director3 8,reflect a moment4 ,remember1 yours is not the only visiting patrol that comes along the route tonight4 ,there is one every two hours4 ,the outguard commander has to be up every two hours to post his reliefs4 ,the support commander has arranged his visiting patrols so that they will come along the line of observation when the sentinels on post are about in the middle of their tour4 ,if you get the outguard commander out at this time1 he will be up practically all night and will not be fit for much service tomorrow4 ,i do not think you would insist on seeing the outguard commander unless he happened to be awake at this particular time4 ,it would be sufficient to tell the outguard sentinel what you are going to do40 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would go to the outguard and notify the man on duty there that ,i am going out to the sentinel40 ,the ,director3 8,don't go too fast4 ,what ,i want to bring out at this time is just how you are going to approach the post of the outguard4 ,tell us in detail how you would do it40 ,captain ,hall3 8,i will go up to this point4 7,captain ,hall advances to the point indicated74 ,i will call in a low tone of voice #8,visiting patrol4' ,if ,i get no response ,i will advance a little closer and repeat my recognition signal and would continue until ,i am recognized4 ,when the man on duty hears my call he will probably say to me #8,give the countersign4' ,i will give the countersign in a low tone of voice4 ,he will tell me to advance and ,i will then go to the post of the outguard40 ,the ,director3 8,those are the details ,i wanted to bring out4 ,and that is the value of the ,terrain ,exercise4 ,we come out here and learn to do the things that we must do in actual campaign when we do not have to pay for the mistakes with our own lives or the lives of our men4 ,you have to draw upon your imagination to picture the situation that confronts you4 ,you have to use your gray matter to figure out and decide just what you are going to do4 ,finally1 you have to draw upon your power of speech to put your decision into words and express it in a clear and intelligent manner4 8,when you get up to the outguard you find that the outguard commander is asleep4 ,you decide not to awaken him4 ,you tell the man on duty that you are going to the sentinel post4 ,now ,lieutenant ,barry ,i want you to tell us and show us just how you do it40 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would proceed cautiously in the direction of the sentinel post4 ,when ,i figure ,i am within hearing distance ,i will give the recognition signal4 ,the sentinel will give me the return signal and ,i will know everything is all right and be free to go up to him40 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i do not understand this recognition signal proposition4 ,can the director enlighten us on that80 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,yes1 we will go into that in a few minutes4 ,before doing so ,i wish to review and consider in detail this comparatively simple proposition of approaching a sentinel post at night4 ,you must remember that the line of observation of an outpost is a #8spooky' place at night and that outpost sentinels are as easily flushed as a pheasant4 ,their nerves are strung to the breaking point4 ,in every shadow an enemy lurks4 ,they soon learn to take no chances4 ,it becomes the rule to shoot first and challenge afterwards4 ,if one makes a practice of running headlong into sentinel posts on dark nights he may get away with it a few times1 but you are taking serious chances and the game will finally get you4 ,having these things in mind1 let us review the process of approaching the sentinel post4 8#a4 ,the patrol leader halts his patrol some little distance from the post4 ,he gives the orders for the other members to stand fast until he returns4 ,he then goes to the outguard and notifies them that he is going out to the sentinel4 ,there is no necessity for any other person than the patrol commander going up to the post4 ,if others go it makes just that much more confusion and adds that much more chance for lurking scouts to locate the post and get information4 8#b4 ,the patrol leader advances towards the post and when he is near enough he calls in a low tone1 #8,visiting patrol1' and continues to call until he is recognized4 ,we never approach a sentinel post from the front at night and1 if it can be avoided1 never from a flank1 always from the rear4 8#c4 ,when the sentinel discovers the presence of the patrol leader he will verify his identity by calling upon him for the countersign4 ,corporal ,canes gives the countersign1 and the sentinel directs him to advance4 8,this countersign is the recognition signal that ,lieutenant ,hunt asked about4 ,it may be given by word of mouth4 ,it may consist of whistling a few bars of some familiar service call4 ,it may be made by tapping with the knuckles on the stock of the rifle4 ,the number of taps to represent a number1 for example3 ,the countersign or recognition signal is #bb-cc4 ,corporal ,canes would approach the sentinel post and strike his rifle1 tap1 tap 7pause7 tap1 tap4 ,the sentinel will answer in the same manner tap1 tap1 tap 7pause71 tap1 tap1 tap4 ,he would then know that he had been recognized as a friend and proceed to the post4 ,if the sentinel discovered ,corporal ,canes first he would keep him under observation and when he is close enough to hear would challenge him1 tap1 tap 7pause71 tap1 tap4 ,corporal ,cane's answer would be tap1 tap1 tap 7pause71 tap1 tap1 tap4 ,the system is interchangeable4 ,the first number may be said to be the challenge or inquiry signal and the second number the recognition4 8,it is not well1 however1 to confine ourselves to any one set of signals or method of identification4 ,they should be changed frequently1 so that the enemy will never know what system is being used on any particular night4 8,when the countersign is a word it should be spoken in a very low tone of voice for fear of betraying it to the enemy's scouts who may be near by4 ,history is replete with incidents of disaster to covering detachments arising from the enemy's knowledge of the countersign40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,lieutenant ,hunt1 let us assume that you are at the sentinel post and ready to make your inspection4 ,just what would you say to him80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,well1 sir1 ,i am free to confess that ,i do not know just what ,i would say1 but ,i would make a stab at something40 ,the ,director3 8,that is just the point4 ,our text-books are here deficient again4 ,they assume that this is so simple that we just naturally know what to do and what to say4 ,have you ever seen in any text book1 any where1 detailed instructions as to just how to inspect a sentinel on post4 ,they say3 #8,the officer of the day will inspect4' ,i should like for you to be in a concealed position and hear some #8,officer of the day' make his inspection of a sentinel4 ,try it sometime and see the results4 8,during the time that ,corporal ,canes is with him the sentinel will not cease his vigilance4 ,the inspection will be conducted in a low conversational tone4 #8,i am ,corporal ,canes of visiting patrol ,no4 #c from ,support ,no4 #b4' #8,what is the number of your post8' #8,what is the number of your outguard8' #8,where is it located8' #8,do you know the location of the sentinel posts to your right and left8' #8,in what direction is the enemy8' #8,where does that road 7trail7 lead to8' #8,do you know what that light is 7pointing78' #8,have you observed any signs of the enemy since you have been on post8' #8,what is the countersign 7recognition signal7 tonight8' #8,what would you do if you saw any signs of the enemy out in front8' #8,how would you alarm the outguard8' #8,i have no information of the enemy on this immediate front4' #8,when ,i was at outguard ,no4 #c of ,support ,no4 #a the outguard commander told me that an enemy scout had been picked up near the ,outguard ,no4 #a of their support about an hour ago8' #8,notify your outguard commander when you are relieved that ,i was here at ---- o'clock4' 8,these are some of the things that would be included in the inspection by the patrol commander4 8,corporal ,canes would now go back to the outguard and tell the man on duty that he is going on with the patrol4 ,if1 in his inspection of the sentinel on post1 anything happened that the outguard commander should know about ,corporal ,canes would wake him and tell him about it4 ,he will then join the other members of the patrol and proceed along the route selected before dark40 7,note4--,to give the ,terrain ,exercise added interest it may be well to send two of the members of the class ahead to represent sentinel post ,no4 #b and one to represent the outguard4 ,they will take post in the normal location of those elements of the line of observation4 ,then have four members of the class represent the visiting patrol4 ,have the leader conduct them just as he would under actual service conditions4 ,make the approach to outguard ,no4 #b in the same manner as indicated herein and carry out all the details of the situation47 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point near location of ,outguard ,no4 #a4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #c4 ,point out location of the outguard and ,sentinel ,post4 #c4 ,details of approach to outguard4 ,halt patrol4 ,recognition signal4 ,do not disturb outguard commander4 ,explain necessity for details4 #d4 ,approach sentinel post4 ,necessity for caution4 #e4 ,review problem up to this point4 ,explain recognition signals4 #f4 ,corporal ,canes inspection of the sentinel4 ,identify himself to sentinel4 ,number of post1 outguard1 location4 ,posts on right and left4 ,road lead to4 ,light4 ,any signs of enemy4 ,what he would do if he saw enemy4 ,how alarm outguard4 ,give sentinel any news4 ,notify outguard commander of time of inspection4 #g4 ,corporal ,canes goes back to outguard and then joins patrol4 #h4 ,send members of class out to represent ,outguard ,no4 #b and sentinels posted from it4 ,detail a patrol from among class and conduct it to ,outguard ,no4 #b4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,on completion of the problem at ,outguard ,no4 #b the class is conducted to a point somewhere between ,outguard ,no4 #b and ,outguard ,no4 #c where the following situation is distributed3 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,the ,visiting ,patrol has arrived at this point4 ,you1 ,corporal ,canes1 are right here 7indicate74 ,you hear a slight noise in that direction 7indicate74 ,in a moment you see the dim outline of a man4 ,he is armed with a rifle which he seems to be carrying at the position of 8,high ,port40 ,he is stooping forward and moving very cautiously towards you4 ,apparently he has not seen you4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director will read the situation aloud and indicate where ,corporal ,canes is and where the man is4 7,note4--,the place selected for this situation should be chosen with great care4 ,it should preferably be in a woods with some underbrush and some cleared places4 ,the place where the patrol is located when the situation is given out should preferably be at the near edge of one of these clearings47 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,now ,i want each member of the class to visualize the situation as it exists4 ,you are reminded that it is supposed to be night and you should base your decisions and actions on that assumption40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what would you do80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,am ,i to understand that the man approaching is one of our own force or one of the enemy80 ,the ,director3 8,that is one of the points of the problem4 ,you do not know yet whether he is a friend or enemy4 ,it is dark and impossible to tell4 ,you merely see the outlines of a man4 ,he is crouching4 ,has his rifle at a #8,high ,port' which places it in readiness for instant action40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would not want to shoot one of our own men4 ,i guess ,i would halt and wait and see what he is going to do40 ,the ,director3 8,the moment you let the man take the lead you are just one lap behind him in decision and action4 ,if you do something and take the lead yourself he will have to make his decisions rapidly and base his action on what you do4 ,never lose the opportunity to put your opponent in that hole4 ,as far as can be seen1 you now have the drop on the man4 ,don't make a blunder and lose the advantage4 ,of all tactical offenses1 indecision and inaction are the most to be condemned4 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 how do you size up the situation80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,well1 sir1 ,i would hate to make the mistake of killing one of our own men4 ,but ,i consider that no man of this outpost has any business running around between the lines at this time of the night unless he is a member of a patrol4 ,if such is the case the sentinel at ,no4 #b ,outguard would have known about that and told me4 ,so1 ,i suppose if it came to the point of killing him1 he would be paid for4 ,next1 ,i do not know whether the man is alone or whether there are others with him4 ,up to this time ,i have only seen one man1 and it is not likely that one man of the enemy would be wandering around in our lines alone4 ,considering the possibility of his being one of our men1 ,i would give him just one chance40 ,the ,director3 8,that is a very good estimate of the situation4 ,now arrive at a decision as to what you are going to do and tell us about it40 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would halt and crouch down4 ,the other members of the patrol seeing me do this would follow my action without any orders4 ,without making any noise ,i would unlock my piece and aim it at the approaching man4 ,as soon as he arrived at a point where ,i could see him sufficiently in the dark to make sure of hitting him if it were necessary to fire ,i would call out in a tone loud enough for him to hear and understand that ,i meant business3 #8,halt6 ,drop that ,rifle6 ,throw up your hands6' ,if there was the least hesitation on his part or any move to use his rifle ,i would fire4 ,in other words1 if he did not drop his rifle instantly and throw up his hands1 ,i would shoot him4 ,if he obeyed my orders1 ,i would call to him in a low tone1 #8,i have the drop on you4 ,do as ,i say1 or ,i will fire4 ,walk five steps towards me and halt4' ,i would wait a few seconds to see if there were any more men behind him and then call to ,manley and ,harrison to join me at the edge of the clearing4 ,while ,i still covered him and with my rifle1 ,i would say3 8#8,manley1 you go out and search the man4 ,take any arms that he may have4 ,keep out of my way1 so ,i can fire if necessary4 ,now get his rifle4' ,i now have the man a prisoner1 and44440 ,the ,director3 8,wait a moment4 ,that is as far as ,i want you to go at this time4 ,i think you have covered the situation very well4 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 it develops that the man is one of the enemy4 ,you have him a prisoner4 ,what are you going to do now80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would post ,manley and ,harrison to guard against surprise4 ,i would have ,kline join me4 ,before the prisoner had a chance to get over his confusion and collect his thoughts ,i would try to get some information from him40 ,the ,director3 8,what questions would you ask him80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would ask him3 8#8,what outfit do you belong to8 8#8,what are you doing in our lines8 8#8,are there any other men of your outfit around here8 8#8,what is your name and rank8'0 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,i hope you have all noted the dispositions that ,lieutenant ,ralston made4 ,he posted two men to guard against surprise1 for there may be more of the enemy in the vicinity4 ,it is fair to assume that this man is not out alone at this time of the night4 ,the remaining man of the patrol is right here with ,corporal ,canes while he is questioning the prisoner4 ,he has him here for a purpose4 ,kline will take the prisoner back to the support and having been present at the examination1 if he does give any information ,kline will know all about it and can tell the support commander in case the man changes his statements after recovering his composure4 8,it is one of the duties of a visiting patrol to pick up persons found in the lines4 ,it is of importance that they be captured and every precaution towards that end should be taken4 ,make it a rule that persons wandering about in the outpost line have no business to be there and take no chances on them getting away40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to a point between outguard ,no4 #b and ,no4 #c4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #d1 read and explain4 #c4 ,remind class that it is supposed to be night4 #d4 ,enemy or friend4 ,size up the situation4 #e4 ,action4 ,halt4 ,cover man with rifle4 ,call on him to ,halt4 ,drop rifle4 ,hold up hands4 ,effect capture4 #f4 ,disposition of ,patrol of guard against surprise4 #g4 ,question prisoner4 #h4 ,explain dispositions4 ,kline to take prisoner back4 ,duty of visiting patrol to pick up strangers on outpost line4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,you question the prisoner4 ,he refuses to give any information4 ,stands mute4 ,to your question 8,what are you doing in our lines80 he answers 8,lost40 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,corporal ,canes1 take8 ,procedure ,the ,director distributes ,situation ,no4 #e and makes such explanation so as may be necessary4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what would you do80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i am going back to the support in a few minutes now1 so ,i think ,i would take the prisoner along with me40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 what do you think about that80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would not want to be bothered with him4 ,besides we may run into some more enemy scouts any time and this man would be in the way and might make his escape4 ,i would take no chances4 ,i would send him back to the support commander at once40 ,captain ,james3 8,why not send him over to outguard ,no4 #b for the time being80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,that might be all right4 ,but if ,i were a support commander and one of my visiting patrols picked up a prisoner1 like we have1 ,i should want to see him as soon as practicable4 ,i think it would be much better to send him directly back to the support4 ,the support commander can question him and make his plans for finding out where the other scouts of the patrol to which he probably belongs1 are40 ,the ,director3 8,that is the point that ,i wish to bring out4 ,in the first place1 the ,outguard ,commander will have no time to question the man4 ,he will have to busy himself immediately making arrangements to send out patrols in his immediate vicinity to see if he can find any other members of the enemy's forces4 ,it is not likely that the man is running around in our lines alone4 ,there are others with him4 ,corporal ,canes would send the prisoner back to the support commander immediately in order that the ,lieutenant may question him before he gets over the confusion of being captured1 and in order that patrols may be sent out to find any of his comrades that may also be within the lines4 8,now1 having decided to send the prisoner back1 ,lieutenant ,baker1 how would you go about it80 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,there are several things to be considered in this procedure4 ,the commander of outguard ,no4 #b must be informed of what has happened so that he may take the necessary action4 ,the support commander must be informed by a verbal message of the circumstances attending the capture of the prisoner4 ,he must also be informed of the immediate future action of the visiting patrol4 ,i would cover all of this in orders and a verbal message4 ,private ,kline has been with me when ,i was questioning the prisoner4 ,he knows the circumstances attending the capture4 ,i would send him back with the prisoner and a verbal message to the support commander4 ,i would say to the prisoner3 8#8,step over here and face in that direction4 ,i am going to send you back to our support commander by this soldier 7indicating ,kline74 ,i want to warn you that any attempt to escape will be disastrous for you4' 8,i will say to ,private ,kline3 8#8,you conduct this prisoner back to the support commander as quickly as possible4 ,have him march in front of you4 ,place the point of your bayonet close to his back4 ,do not let him escape4 ,as you pass outguard ,no4 #b notify ,corporal ,w of the circumstances and tell him that we have gone on over to outguard ,no4 #c4 ,tell the support commander where we captured the prisoner2 that ,i could get nothing out of him except that he is lost2 that you have notified ,corporal ,w at outguard ,no4 #b4 ,that ,i am going to outguard ,no4 #c and will reconnoiter in that vicinity and over as far as outguard ,no4 #a of ,support ,no4 #c4 ,you will remain at the support to be available as a guide in case the ,lieutenant needs you4 ,do you understand all that you are to do8' 8,on receiving an affirmative reply ,i would direct ,kline and the prisoner #8,move out4'0 ,the ,director3 8,i should say that you have covered the situation most completely4 ,it is most gratifying to see you officers go about the solution to these problems in this manner4 ,it shows that you appreciate the necessity for going into the details of them40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,having disposed of the prisoner1 ,corporal ,canes with the remaining men of the visiting patrol will go to outguard ,no4 #c and make the approach to it in the same manner as heretofore indicated4 ,the prisoner's rifle will be hidden in the brush4 ,it can be secured in the morning4 ,corporal ,canes would not want to be bothered with it at this time40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #e and explain4 #b4 ,disposition of prisoners--send back to support commander4 #c4 ,explain why send prisoner to support commander4 #d4 ,instructions to prisoner4 #e4 ,orders to ,kline and message to support commander4 ,conduct prisoner back4 ,notify commander of ,outguard ,no4 #b4 ,contents of message to support commander4 #f4 ,move on to ,outguard ,no4 #c4 ,identification4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the sentinel post of outguard ,no4 #c where the following situation is distributed3 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #f3 ,you have arrived at outguard ,no4 #c4 ,the outguard has just been alarmed by the sentinel4 ,the outguard commander suggests that you1 ,corporal ,canes1 accompany him to the sentinel post4 ,you agree4 ,the ,corporal and yourself and the two members of your visiting patrol proceed towards the sentinel4 ,as you approach the sentinel identifies you and calls 8,silence40 ,he tells you that he has heard a suspicious noise in front of his post and points in the direction from whence it came4 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 what would you do under the circumstances80 ,captain ,hall3 8,it is the business of the visiting patrol to investigate suspicious incidents that may be reported by the sentinels4 ,so ,i would go out and investigate this one4 ,i would take the two men of my patrol with me40 ,the ,director3 8,we will assume that you are senior to the outguard commander4 ,would you give him any instructions80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i think ,i would have him send out a small patrol to the interval between outguard ,no4 #c and ,no4 #b40 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,that is a point ,i had been thinking about and ,i had just decided that ,i would not do that40 ,the ,director3 8,on what line of reasoning did you base the decision80 ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,well1 sir1 if ,i were ,corporal ,canes and going out with my visiting patrol ,i would not want any other patrol out working around in my immediate vicinity4 ,there would be too much danger of an accident4 ,i would have to put in about half of my time watching out for the other patrol to keep from shooting them or to keep them from shooting me4 ,i am sure if ,i knew another patrol from the outguard were out here ,i could not devote my undivided attention to my reconnaissance of the enemy4 ,i would have ,corporal ,r bring two of his men up to the sentinel post and remain there until ,i get back or if anything happens to me to come to my assistance4 ,i would have the remaining men of the outguard remain on the alert at their post40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right in all you have said and ,i feel sure that ,captain ,hall will agree with you on reconsideration4 ,is that not so1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,yes1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,we then decide that ,corporal ,canes is to make the reconnaissance with the two remaining men of his visiting patrol2 that he is going to have ,corporal ,r bring up two men of the outguard to the vicinity of the sentinel post and that the remainder of the outguard is to remain at the alert at its post4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,hunt1 just how will you put this decision into the form of orders80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would issue my orders as follows3 8#8,you have all the information of the enemy and our own troops4 8#8,the visiting patrol will conduct a reconnaissance in that direction 7indicating74 8#8,manley and ,harrison will follow me at the usual distance4 8#8,corporal ,r1 have two men of your outguard come up here4 ,if anything happens to my patrol come to our assistance4 ,have the remainder of your men remain at the outguard on the alert4' 8,when all is ready ,i will say3 8#8,manley and ,harrison1 follow me4' 8,we will proceed in ,indian file towards the suspicious noise reported by the sentinel40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #f ,director's ,key #a4 ,on arrival at ,outguard ,no4 #c distribute ,situation ,no4 #f and explain4 #b4 ,duty of visiting patrol to investigate suspicious occurrences on outpost line4 #c4 ,question of ,patrol from outguard4 #d4 ,visiting patrol makes reconnaissance4 ,two men brought up to sentinel post as a reserve4 ,outguard to remain in place at the alert4 #e4 ,orders4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to a point about #ajj yards to the front of the sentinel post of ,outguard ,no4 #c1 where ,situation ,no4 #g is distributed and such explanation as may be necessary is made4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #g3 ,you have arrived at this point4 ,you discover a cavalryman's horse1 fully equipped1 tied to that tree4 ,you reconnoiter the vicinity but can find no other signs of the enemy4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 how do you size up the situation80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i have come to the conclusion that the enemy prisoner told the truth when he said he was lost4 ,i do not believe there are any other men of the enemy in this immediate vicinity4 ,had there been other men with the prisoner he surely would not have dismounted and tied his horse to a tree4 ,if there were more in the party one man would have been left out here to hold the horse while the prisoner went forward to reconnoiter on foot4 ,i arrive at the conclusion that this is his horse and that he is a member of the enemy patrol that was operating over on the right of our line4 ,he got lost and was trying to find some of the men of his own patrol when he ran into us4 ,i do not think he realized that he was inside of our lines at the time he was captured40 ,the ,director3 8,has any member of the class a different version of the affair than what ,lieutenant ,williams has just explained80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i do not think we would be justified in assuming that there are no more of the enemy in this vicinity4 ,two enemy scouts have been captured that we know of4 ,these two men were not scouting around here alone4 ,there must be more of them somewhere4 ,it may be that others have come in contact with our outguards that we have not heard about40 ,the ,director3 8,have you heard any firing tonight along our lines80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,no1 sir40 ,the ,director3 8,don't you think that if there had been very much enemy activity along our lines that there would have been firing somewhere8 ,i think it is fair to assume that4 ,i believe we would be pretty well justified in assuming that the enemy activity is limited to perhaps a patrol from which our prisoner became lost4 8,the question now before us is what are we going to do8 ,lieutenant ,wallace1 what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would get this horse back as quickly as possible and then ,i would extend my reconnaissance farther to the front40 ,the ,director3 8,where would you send the horse80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would send him back to the support commander40 ,the ,director3 8,where would you send him1 ,lieutenant ,ralston80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i am not so sure ,i would send him anywhere for the present4 ,if we are to continue our reconnaissance to the front ,i do not figure that ,i would spare a man to send the horse back4 ,in any event ,i would send him no farther than outguard ,no4 #c4 ,and ,i am not so sure that ,i would go any farther on the reconnaissance4 ,i do not think a visiting patrol--so few men--should go very far in front of the line of observation at night40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 what do you think about all of this80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i agree with ,lieutenant ,ralston4 ,another point that presents itself to me is this3 ,when the support commander gets the prisoner we sent back he will probably send our section leader out with a patrol to reconnoiter the front and the sergeant will want to see me and get what information ,i have4 ,the natural place for him to come first to find me will be outguard ,no4 #c4 ,i think ,i should get back there at least by the time the patrol from the support reaches there4 ,i estimate that ,i could stay around here for a few minutes yet1 but ,i would have to be getting back pretty soon40 ,the ,director3 8,what would be your decision based on your sizing up of the situation80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,to send the horse back to outguard ,no4 #c right away4 8,manley and myself would stay out here in concealment for1 say five minutes longer1 and then go back to the outguard by way of the sentinel post40 ,the ,director3 8,any member of the class that does not agree with that decision8 7,after waiting a moment47 ,there seems to be none1 so we will agree to that solution of the problem40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #g ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to a point #ajj yards in front of sentinel post of ,outguard ,no4 #c4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #g4 #b4 ,size up situation4 ,estimate of connection of enemy prisoner with the cavalry horse4 #c4 ,disposition of horse4 #d4 ,future action of patrol commander4 #e4 ,decision2 send horse to ,outguard ,no4 #c2 ,go to ,outguard ,no4 #c to meet commander of patrol sent out from support4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to outguard ,no4 #c1 at which place ,situation ,no4 #h is distributed and explained4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #h3 ,you have arrived at outguard ,no4 #c4 ,on your way back the outguard commander who was at the sentinel post joined you4 ,he left the two additional men at the sentinel post4 ,you explained to him what happened on your reconnaissance to the front4 ,at this moment ,sergeant ,hamilton1 the section leader in command of a patrol of one squad from the support1 arrives1 and states that he has been ordered to make a reconnaissance to the front of our line of observation4 ,patrols are going out from the other supports to reconnoiter their fronts4 ,sergeant ,hamilton says3 8,corporal ,canes1 give me all the information you have40 ,required3 ,state the information you1 ,corporal ,canes1 would give to ,sergeant ,hamilton4 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i assume that each of you have followed the details of the problem4 ,you know just what has taken place4 ,now1 ,i want each of you to write out on your pads just what you would say to ,sergeant ,hamilton in reply to his instructions1 8,give me all the information you have40 8,i want you to write down the exact words that you would use if you were ,corporal ,canes40 ,when all the members of the class have completed their solutions they will be collected and again distributed1 making sure that no man receives his own solution back again4 ,the ,director calls upon one or more members of the class to read the solution in his possession and it is discussed4 ,at the conclusion of this the ,director will submit the following solution for discussion 7copies of this will be distributed to the class73 ,solution 8,when my patrol arrived about midway between outguard ,no4 #b and outguard ,no4 #c we captured a soldier of the enemy4 ,i asked several questions4 ,he refused to answer1 except that he said he was lost4 ,i sent him back to the support and came on over to outguard ,no4 #c4 ,on arriving there the sentinel told me that he had heard a suspicious noise out in front of his post4 ,i took two men and went out about #ajj yards where ,i found a cavalry horse1 fully equipped4 ,sent him back to the outguard here4 ,made examination to see if ,i could find any evidence of other horses or men4 ,found none4 ,stayed a few minutes out there4 ,heard nothing40 ,procedure ,the ,director reads the solution aloud4 ,the members of the class follow from the copy in their possession4 ,the ,director3 8,this is merely one solution of the problem4 ,there may be others equally good4 ,this situation was devised to give you practice in imparting information that you may have4 ,on occasions like this time may be limited and the information will have to be given hurriedly and without waste of words4 ,the idea is that you should state the circumstances of the incidents in the fewest words possible and at the same time make clear just what has happened4 ,you will find practice of this kind very valuable and will pay you large dividends on actual service40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,this is the conclusion of our ,terrain ,exercise on the subject of the visiting patrol4 ,i feel sure that if any one of you ever have occasion to order out visiting patrols that you will have a better idea of how they go about their tasks than you previously had4 ,i am sure that you know what a visiting patrol is and what it is supposed to do4 8,i am sure you will appreciate how necessary it is for your non-commissioned officers to be trained in this work so they may know how to meet the situations and solve the problems that may confront them4 8,in outlining the future action of ,corporal ,canes' patrol ,i may say that ,sergeant ,hamilton now assumes responsibility for the further reconnaissance to the front of the line of observation4 ,corporal ,canes will send ,harrison back to the support commander with the horse with a verbal message4 ,cline has again joined him at outguard ,no4 #c4 ,the three men1 ,corporal ,canes1 ,manley and ,cline continue the operations of the visiting patrol1 going on over to outguard ,no4 #a of support ,no4 #c and then back to their own support4 ,on arrival there ,corporal ,canes finds that it is about time for him to start out on the rounds with his #b o'clock patrol4 ,this has been his busy night40 99 99 99 99 99 ,visiting ,patrol ,card ,no4 #h ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to position of outguard ,no4 #c4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #h and explain4 #b4 ,have members of class write out solutions on pad4 ,collect and distribute4 ,read and comment4 #c4 ,distribute solution for discussion4 ,read it aloud4 #d4 ,explain that this is merely a solution4 #e4 ,situation designed to give practice in stating information4 #f4 ,conclusion of ,terrain ,exercise4 ,knowledge of work of visiting patrol4 ,necessity for training of non-commissioned officers4 #g4 ,future action of visiting patrol4 ,send back horse4 ,continue patrol to outguard ,no4 #a of support ,no4 #c2 thence to support4 ,time to go out with #b o'clock patrol4 99 99 99 99 99 ,terrain ,exercise ,no4 #i4 ,a ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,the ,problem ,general ,situation3 ,a ,blue battalion has bivouacked at 7a74 ,an outpost with support along 7b7 has been established4 ,support number 7c7 under the command of ,lieutenant ,a is at 7d74 ,it is now #b o'clock p4 m4 ,the posting of the outguards has been completed4 ,the support commander has made his inspection and sent in his report to the outpost commander4 ,the covering troops have been withdrawn to the support4 ,there has been no contact with the enemy4 ,situation ,no4 #a3 ,at #b3je o'clock p4 m41 a ,mr4 ----1 who lives at 7e7 comes to you1 ,lieutenant ,a1 and gives you the following information3 ,i have just had a telephone conversation with a friend of mine1 who lives about 7f7 miles 7g7 of here4 ,he states that there is a ,red force in the vicinity of 7h74 ,the telephone went out before ,i could get any further information4 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,lieutenant ,a1 take8 ,explanation of ,symbols 7a7 ,state the location of the bivouac of the main body of the battalion4 ,this should be at a logical point with reference to the location of the outpost line4 7b7 ,state the location of the general line of outpost supports4 7c7 ,the number of the support commanded by ,lieutenant ,a4 ,this should be given a logical number with reference to the whole line of supports4 7d7 ,the location of support 7c74 ,the point where the ,terrain ,exercise is to start4 7e7 ,state where ,mr4 ---- lives4 7f7 ,the number of miles from the support to where ,mr4 ----'s friend lives4 ,this should be several miles away4 7g7 ,the direction stated by points of compass 7,north1 ,south1 ,east1 ,west74 7h7 ,the general location of the enemy4 ,this should be in the direction which it is intended to send the reconnoitering patrol4 ,procedure ,the members of the class are assembled at 7d71 where the outpost support is located4 ,the ,director will distribute copies of the problem to members of the class4 ,a few minutes are allowed them to read it4 ,the ,director then reads the problem aloud and points out the places mentioned4 ,one or more of the members of the class are called upon to state their understanding of the situation4 ,the ,director3 8,now1 ,i want each member of the class to consider himself as being ,lieutenant ,a1 commanding the outguard located at this point4 ,mr4 ---- has just given you the information as stated in the situation4 ,what are you going to do about it8 ,lieutenant ,williams1 just what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would send out a patrol40 ,the ,director3 8,how do you arrive at this decision so quickly80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,well1 sir1 ,i think that would be the thing to do4 ,i have gotten some important information about the enemy4 ,details are lacking4 ,i would want to know more about how many troops he has1 what kind of troops they are and what he is doing4 ,i can see no better way to get this information than by sending out a patrol to secure it for me40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hastings1 what do you think about that80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,there is always a question in a case like this as to whether a pair of scouts should be employed or whether a patrol is to be sent out4 ,i should size up the situation a few minutes4 ,examine my map1 if ,i had one1 and then decide what measures ,i would take4 ,another point that presents itself to me is the question as to whether ,i should send out the men from this support or whether it would be better to send the information back to the outpost commander and let him decide what is to be done40 ,the ,director3 8,patrolling is usually conducted from the supports4 ,i think you would be justified in taking the initiative in this case4 ,at all events1 let us assume that you would40 ,captain ,hastings3 8,can the ,director give us some information on the question of the employment of scouts or patrols40 ,the ,director3 8,there are no hard and fast rules that may be invoked in arriving at such a decision1 but there are certain principles that may be applied1 and when reconnaissance enterprises are to be undertaken the condition should be examined closely4 ,the scout or pair of scouts would1 as a rule1 be preferred when concealment is highly essential1 and usually when concealment1 though not essential1 is possible throughout the reconnaissance1 or when the enemy habitually conducts his reconnaissance with strong patrols and scouts have a better chance of eluding him4 8,in the following cases a patrol should be employed3 ,when information has to be sent in at intervals2 when it is desired to capture prisoners2 when concealment is deemed impossible2 when the reconnaissance is to be extended over such a period of time that relief of scouts will be necessary2 when an urgent mission has been assigned and it is necessary to push through the enemy's covering troops4 8,in some cases it may be advisable to employ a patrol for the first part of the reconnaissance and at a certain point break up into scouting parties of a single scout or pair of scouts4 8,if possible1 the individual preferences of the most efficient scouts should be considered4 ,some men lose self-confidence if attached to a patrol and are limited in their actions by the direction of the patrol leader2 others dislike the responsibility of uncontrolled action4 8,these are only general rules and cannot be followed blindly4 ,the circumstances of each occasion must be taken into consideration in arriving at a decision4 8,now1 considering the points ,i have stated1 would you employ scouts or a patrol in the case under consideration1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i think a small patrol would be more suitable4 ,there will probably be messages to send back and the patrol may have to remain out for a considerable length of time4 ,i believe a patrol would be more suitable than individual scouts40 ,the ,director3 8,let us then decide that we are to send out a reconnoitering patrol to secure the information we desire4 8,before going further with the problem1 ,i want to say a few words about the patrol40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the first duty of a patrol is to get information1 and information is greatly increased in value if the enemy does not know that it has been obtained4 ,the patrol is required1 primarily1 to discover whether or not the enemy is in a certain locality4 ,this information is only useful to the officer who sent the patrol out4 ,it is1 therefore1 the next duty of the patrol to get the information back as soon as possible1 especially when the enemy is met4 8,next of importance in the duties of the patrol is to continue to observe the enemy when once discovered1 to follow him up and ascertain the direction taken if he retires1 or to fall back if he advances in strength1 endeavoring to keep even with him on a flank4 ,the enemy is certain to send out scouts to his front1 but may neglect his flanks4 8,boldness must be tempered with caution4 ,it is useless to obtain information if you cannot get it back where it will do some good4 ,a little information sent in in time to be of use is clear gain to your side4 ,a patrol that finds out all about the enemy and ends up by falling into the hands of the enemy is a dead loss not only in men but in time as other patrols will have to be sent out to get the same information on which important decisions may depend40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 one of the first questions that will present itself to the support commander is the selection of a patrol leader4 ,what factors would you consider in this matter80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,in the first place ,i would want a non-commissioned officer for patrol leader2 further1 ,i would want to send out the best qualified one in the platoon4 ,to meet this requirement ,i would select the platoon sergeant to lead this patrol4 ,the importance of the mission is such as to warrant sending him40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 do you agree with this solution80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,no1 sir4 ,i realize the importance of the mission of the patrol4 ,i know we should have a qualified man to lead it1 but ,i should hesitate to send my platoon sergeant out40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are right and when ,lieutenant ,wallace reflects on the matter ,i think he will agree with you4 ,the platoon sergeant has a multitude of duties to perform in connection with the interior administration of the platoon4 ,in his administrative capacity he is to the platoon what the first sergeant is to the company4 ,in addition1 he has his tactical duties to perform4 ,he is the second in command1 and should anything happen to the platoon leader he automatically assumes charge4 ,there is no other man in the platoon who is so familiar with all the details of the dispositions of the support and the orders under which it is operating4 ,i do not believe it would be good policy to send the platoon sergeant out on a reconnoitering mission which may well extend into the night4 8,now1 having rejected the idea of sending the platoon sergeant1 what man would you send in charge of the patrol1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i would send a section leader4 ,the one whose section is on the line of outguards4 ,he seems to me to be the most available man for the duty40 ,the ,director3 8,i agree with you4 ,ordinarily in an outpost support of this kind we take the outguards from one of the sections of the platoon and hold the other section to form the main body of the support4 ,this leaves the commander of the outguard section surplus in a way1 and makes him available for important patrol duty1 such as that we have under consideration4 8,the next question that comes up is the strength of the patrol4 ,this is a reconnoitering patrol4 ,its mission is to gain information of the enemy4 ,it need not be made strong to give it fighting power1 for it will not engage the enemy in combat except as the last resort4 ,it must not have any more men than are absolutely necessary to carry out its mission1 for every additional man is a drag on the patrol leader and subject the patrol to just that much more danger of detection by the enemy4 ,there will be messages to be sent back1 at least one and possibly two or three4 ,the patrol must be sufficiently strong to provide these messengers without reducing it below two men4 8,having all of these points in mind1 what would be the strength of the patrol1 ,captain ,harvey80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,i should say there would be at least two messages to be sent back1 and it may be necessary to send one of them by two messengers4 ,i would not want the patrol leader to be left out alone4 ,these factors would indicate a strength of #e men4 ,the patrol leader and #d men40 ,the ,director3 8,has any member of the class a different idea than this80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,in my own mind ,i had tentatively decided to send a complete squad4 ,it seems to me that we should send enough men so that if they have to fight their way through to get the information desired they could do it4 ,four men would not be sufficient for the purpose4 ,i should like some enlightenment on this phase of the subject40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,james1 can you answer ,captain ,hodges80 ,captain ,james3 8,in the first place1 a reconnoitering patrol does not fight except as a last resort to escape capture or to give warning of the approach of the enemy and to delay him by firing on him4 ,in the next place1 ,i do not see how this patrol will ever get close enough to the enemy to get any really important information if it starts to fight its way through the ,red covering troops4 ,once a shot is fired the ,red commander will send out sufficient patrols to keep your patrol at a distance1 and it will get no information whatever4 ,my idea is that any information this patrol gets will be by avoiding the ,red covering troops and not by fighting40 ,the ,director3 8,i think you are correct4 ,the smaller the patrol1 within limitations1 the better4 ,i think a leader and four men is about right4 ,lieutenant ,baker1 tell us what you would include in your order to the patrol leader40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i would first tell the patrol leader all the information ,i have about the enemy and our troops4 ,i would give him general direction as to where ,i want the patrol to go4 ,i would tell him what information ,i want regarding the enemy4 ,tell him in general terms where to return and where to send messages40 ,the ,director3 8,the final question that comes up is that of the equipment of the men4 ,how would you have them equipped1 ,captain ,hall80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would want them to go lightly equipped4 ,they should have a ration in their haversack2 not over #dj rounds of ammunition and their rifle4 ,i would have them leave the bayonets with their packs4 ,they will not need them40 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,you see the process we have gone through to determine that we are going to send out a patrol of five men from the support4 ,you see how many things you have to consider in arriving at a decision as to what you are going to do4 ,this is what we call making an #8,estimate of the ,situation4' ,it is merely a process of sizing up the situation and deciding on what you are going to do to meet it4 ,an officer who fails to do this will in the end make a failure of the soldier game4 ,the one who does it habitually has far greater chances for the operations he is conducting to turn out a success4 ,just a few minutes' systematic thought will save you a lot of military blunders4 8,based on this estimate of the situation we arrive at a decision to send out a patrol of five men to secure information of the enemy4 ,lieutenant ,barry1 assume that you are ,lieutenant ,a1 commanding the support4 ,can you give us the orders necessary to put the decision into operation80 ,solution ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i will try1 sir4 ,i will order3 8#8,sergeant ,c 7platoon ,sergeant7 turn out a reconnoitering patrol of four privates1 with ,sergeant ,b 7section leader7 as patrol leader4 ,have the men carry a ration and #dj rounds of ammunition4 ,leave bayonets here4 ,have ,sergeant ,b report to me as soon as he is ready to go out4' 8,i will frame up my orders to the patrol leader1 and as soon as he reports to me ,i will give them to him3 8#8,i have just received information that there is a ,red force in the vicinity of 7h74 ,here is the point4 ,here is the road leading in that direction4 7,indicating on the map47#ae 8#8,there are no other patrols out from this support4 ,i will notify the other supports that you are going out4 8#8,you will take this reconnoitering patrol of four men and proceed toward 7h7 and find out what you can about the enemy4 ,information as to his strength and composition and what he is doing is particularly desired4 8#8,return when you have accomplished your mission4 8#8,carlin will be second in command4 8#8,here is a map4 8#8,send messages here4' 8,i will send a runner to the other support commanders to inform them of the fact that ,i am sending out a reconnoitering patrol and give them the information we have about the enemy4 8,i will send the citizen who gave me the information to the outpost commander accompanied by a runner and a message3 8#8,i am sending you a ,mr4 ----1 who lives at ----4 ,he informs me that he just had a telephone conversation with a friend of his who lives ---- miles ---- of here and who states that a ,red force is in the vicinity of 7h74 ,the telephone went out before he could get any further information4 ,i am sending out a reconnoitering patrol of four men under ,sergeant ,b to find out what they can4 ,i will notify other supports of the action ,i have taken4' 8,i will explain to ,mr4 ---- that the information he has given me is very important and tell him that it will be necessary for him to go back to the outpost commander with the runner40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,are there any questions8 ,please do not hesitate to ask questions4 ,they are the very life of the ,terrain ,exercise40 ,the ,director endeavors to answer any question that may be asked4 ,each member of the class is now required to write out the orders of the support commander to ,sergeant ,b1 the patrol leader1 and the message that he would send back to the outpost commander by the runner who conducts ,mr4 ---- to him4 ,the orders and messages are collected and distributed again4 ,one or more members of the class are required to read those in his possession4 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #a ,director's ,key #a4 ,prepare copies of the problem and situation1 one for each member of the class4 #b4 ,conduct the class to the point where the problem is to be started4 #c4 ,distribute copies of problem4 ,read problem and have members of class explain tactical situation4 #d4 ,work out solution in detail4 ,scouts or a patrol4 ,patrol1 messages1 capture prisoners1 concealment1 combat4 #e4 ,duties of patrol4 ,combat with enemy4 ,continue observation4 ,get information back4 #f4 ,selection of patrol leader4 ,platoon sergeant4 ,section leader4 ,explain duties of platoon sergeant4 ,availability of section leader4 #g4 ,strength of patrol4 #h4 ,order for patrol3 ,information of enemy and our own troops4 ,where to go4 ,when to return4 ,where messages are to be sent4 #i4 ,explain necessity for estimate of situation4 #aj4 ,solution4 ,orders to platoon sergeant4 ,order for patrol leader4 ,runner to adjoining supports4 ,send citizen to outpost commander4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,each member of the class will now consider himself to be ,sergeant ,b4 who has been designated as the patrol leader4 ,lieutenant ,hunt1 what equipment would you carry80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i would not want to be encumbered with a rifle1 so ,i would not carry one4 ,i would want a pair of field glasses1 a compass1 a watch1 a wire cutter1 pencils and a book of field message blanks4 ,if one were available ,i would want a map of the country over which the patrol is to operate4 ,each member of the patrol should be provided with a compass and a wire cutter4 ,at least one man should carry a combination flag kit for wigwag and semaphore signaling----0 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i have understood that visual signaling is about to be discarded in the service4 ,can the ,director give us some information on that point80 ,the ,director3 8,there is a tendency to throw it into the discard1 but ,i am not so sure that it is right4 ,there are times when visual signaling has its place and will save a lot of time and trouble4 ,the codes are easily learned and any intelligent man can master the process within a comparatively short time4 ,i think there should be a few men in every rifle platoon who are good signalers4 ,going back to the equipment of the patrol1 ,i think ,lieutenant ,hunt has enumerated the essential items of equipment4 8,lieutenant ,williams1 suppose you were out on patrol duty and captured one of the enemy scouts1 what is the first thing you would look for on him80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i would look for some marking that would give me an identification--that would give me information as to the outfit to which he belongs40 ,the ,director3 8,that is right4 ,during the war both sides took exceptional measures to secure identification of units that were opposed to them4 ,of course1 much of this work was done during the period of so-called trench warfare1 but the same idea holds good in open warfare4 ,identification of the units to which prisoners belong is always sought after by the intelligence service4 ,now1 ,lieutenant ,williams1 what does all of this point to with respect to our own patrol80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,that the members of the patrol should carry nothing with them that will serve to give the enemy an identification1 should one of them be captured40 ,the ,director3 8,you are right4 ,should one of our soldiers be captured1 the enemy should be able to secure from him only his name and rank4 ,the prisoner should give no other information whatever4 8,before going out with a patrol the patrol leader makes an inspection of his men4 ,what is included in this inspection1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,if ,i were making the inspection ,i would satisfy myself that every man is physically fit for the duty to be performed4 ,i would not want a man who has been on some strenuous duty and is all worn out4 ,i would see that every man is properly armed and equipped1 that each man has a ration1 #dj pounds of ammunition and a canteen full of water4 ,i would not allow a man to carry his roll4 ,i would see that the equipment is arranged so that it will not rattle or glisten in the sunlight4 ,i would see that no man carried anything that would give the enemy an identification or information that would be of value to him4 ,i will verify my own equipment and make sure that ,i have everything that ,i will probably require40 ,the ,director will now hand out the slips bearing special situation ,no4 #b3 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #b3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,b1 have been designated to command the reconnoitering patrol1 consisting of ,privates ,anderson1 ,bailey1 ,carlin and ,davis4 ,lieutenant ,a has given you your orders and turned the men over to you4 ,your orders are3 8,i have just received information that there is a ,red force in the vicinity of 7h74 7,the point 7h7 and the road leading toward it are pointed out on the map or on the ground47 8,there are no other patrols out from this support4 ,i will notify the other supports that you are going out4 8,you will take this reconnoitering patrol of four men and proceed towards 7h71 and find out what you can about the enemy4 ,information as to his strength and composition1 and what he is doing is particularly desired4 8,return when you have accomplished your mission4 8,send messages here40 ,required3 ,the orders that you give4 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,wallace1 we will assume that you are ,sergeant ,b4 ,you have made the inspection of your patrol and corrected all deficiencies4 ,you are ready to give your orders and arrange for the patrol to move out4 ,just what would you say and what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,wallace3 8,i would spread my map out on the ground where the men could see it4 ,in the presence of the support commander ,i would give my orders3 8#8,information has been received that there is a ,red force in the vicinity of 7h74 ,here is the place on the map 7indicating74 ,we are here 7indicating74 ,this is the road that we will guide on 7indicating74 ,there are no other patrols out from our support4 8#8,we are going out as a reconnoitering patrol4 ,we will find out what we can about the enemy4 ,our special mission is to find out his strength1 his composition and what he is doing4 8#8,anderson1 you will be advance man2 march on the left-hand side of the road4 8#8,bailey1 you follow ,anderson at a distance of #be yards1 on the right-hand side of the road4 8#8,carlin1 you will march with me4 8#8,davis1 you are get-away man4 ,follow me at a distance of #ge yards4 8#8,i will indicate the route and assembly places as we go along4 ,drill regulation signals will be used4 8#8,messages will be brought to the support commander here4' 8,i will then inquire3 ,what time has the ,lieutenant8 ,i will set my watch to agree and direct3 8#8,all men who have watches set them at ---- 7time74' 8,i will then command3 8#8#a4 ,squad1 #b4 ,,attention1 and follow with #a4 ,with ball cartridges1 #b4 ,,load4' 8,i will then direct3 8#8,,move ,,out4'0 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,i think you have covered all the points that should be included in the patrol commander's order4 ,i wish each member of the class would compare this order with the kind that is usually mumbled out to members of a patrol by the average patrol leader at maneuvers4 ,it is a fact that most patrols go out1 either with orders that they do not understand or with no orders at all4 ,do not allow this to be done under any circumstances4 ,you can well afford to hold up the departure of the patrol until the patrol commander can dope out his orders and give them properly4 ,and you must insist on this being done4 ,if you do not do so it will never be done properly4 8,now ,i want each member of the class to write our ,sergeant ,b's orders to his patrol4 ,try to get the order in the language that ,lieutenant ,wallace used in his solution40 ,when this is completed the papers are collected and redistributed as indicated in previous exercises4 ,the class is now ready to proceed with the next situation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #b ,director's ,key #a4 ,each member of the class to consider himself as being ,sergeant ,b4 #b4 ,equipment of patrol leader3 ,field glass1 compass1 watch1 wire cutter1 pencil1 message blanks4 ,members3--,compass1 wire cutter1 flag kit4 #c4 ,visual signaling4 ,identification4 #d4 ,inspection3 ,physically fit for duty2 arms and equipment2 equipment rattle or glisten2 verify own equipment4 #e4 ,hand out ,special ,situation ,no4 #b4 ,explain4 #f4 ,map4 ,information of enemy and own troops2 mission of patrol2 tactical dispositions2 signals2 second in command2 messages2 synchronize watches2 load rifles2 move out4 #g4 ,explain necessity for training in giving these verbal orders4 #h4 ,write out the orders of ,sergeant ,b4 ,collect and redistribute them4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to the front to the point where one of the outguards of the support is supposed to be posted4 ,the slips bearing ,situation ,no4 #c are handed out4 ,situation ,no4 #c3 ,at this point is posted ,outguard ,no4 444 of ,support ,no4 7c74 ,the main body of the outguard is 7,indicate74 ,the outguard commander is here4 ,required3 ,what do you1 ,sergeant ,b1 do4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,the commander of a patrol will see the commander of the outguard at the place where he crosses the line of observation and give him information as to where he is going and what he is going for4 ,in addition to this he secures any information that the outguard commander may have of the country to the front and the enemy4 8,this procedure is especially necessary in the present case4 ,sergeant ,b's mission will probably keep him out late1 so that it will be after dark when he comes back through the lines4 ,in order to avoid chances of being mistaken for the enemy a recognition signal should be arranged for at this time40 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 you are ,sergeant ,b1 the patrol leader4 ,the outguard commander has come out to meet you4 ,just what would you do with respect to your patrol and what would you say to the outguard commander80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,in the first place ,i will signal the patrol to halt4 ,i will then tell the outguard commander where we are going and all about the mission of the patrol4 ,i will arrange a recognition signal with him4 ,i will find out any information about the enemy that he may have40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,you have told us all about what you will do4 ,now let us do it4 ,assume that ,i am the outguard commander4 ,now just what will you say to me80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i will say3 8#8,information has been received that there is a ,red force in the vicinity of 7h74 7,indicating on the map47 ,we are going out as a reconnoitering patrol1 guiding on the 444 road4 7,indicating on the map47 ,we are to determine the enemy's strength1 and composition and what he is doing4 ,i have four other men with me4 8#8,we will probably be out until after dark and ,i want to arrange a recognition signal with you4 ,if agreeable to you it will be the call #c--d or the same tapped on the rifle stock4 8#8,have you any information about the enemy8' 8,after doing all of this ,i will signal the patrol ,,forward ,,march and proceed on my way40 ,the ,director3 8,that is very good4 ,i wish you would explain to the class just how you propose to employ the recognition signal40 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,in this case we agreed on the signal #c--d4 ,when any of us approach the sentinel post of the outguard after dark we will use the recognition signal4 ,if there is no danger of enemy patrols lurking in the vicinity the man approaching the post calls out #c--d2 the sentinel on post answers the call by calling #c--d and they both know that everything is all right and it is safe for the scout to proceed4 ,if there is danger of enemy patrols discovering the signal should it be called out1 the man coming in would approach the sentinel post cautiously4 ,he would tap #c--d on the stock of his rifle until it is recognized by the sentinel and the signal returned by the latter tapping #c--d on the stock of his rifle40 7,the method should be illustrated47 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 why do we go to all this trouble80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,a sentinel on post1 after he has been harassed by enemy scouts for a while1 takes no chances4 ,he generally shoots first and then challenges4 ,the recognition signal is simply an expedient to lessen the chances of accident40 ,the ,director3 8,now all of these details may seem to be small affairs to you4 ,but the man who knows them and requires them to be carried out in service is the man who will be successful in military operations4 ,almost any dub can blunder through1 paying the price in the lives of his men4 ,it is the man that knows all of the little details of tactics that will come through successfully with his command without the sacrifice of a man more than is necessary to accomplish his mission4 ,the proposition of measuring accomplishment by the number of casualties is old stuff and will not go with the commander that is up to his job4 ,it is the man who accomplishes his mission with the least number of casualties that is the successful military leader40 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #c ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point where outguard is supposed to be posted4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #c4 #b4 ,explain what is done by patrol leader4 ,tell outguard commander about patrol going out4 ,arrange for recognition signal4 ,get information of enemy4 #c4 ,proceed to solution4 ,require member of class to state exact words used by patrol commander4 #d4 ,explain the method of using the recognition signal4 #e4 ,explain necessity for details4 ,measure success by number of casualties avoided4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted along the route of the patrol for a distance of some #fjj yards1 where it is halted4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,it is assumed that the patrol has advanced a distance of some two miles from the outpost and has arrived at this vicinity4 ,this assumption is made in order to save time and energy4 ,we can get just as much training out of our ,terrain ,exercise by coming this #fjj yards as we could by walking the entire two miles4 ,the idea is that we get into new terrain for each phase of the problem40 ,procedure ,the ,director now distributes the papers bearing ,situation ,no4 #d to the members of the class4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #d3 ,you1 ,sergeant ,b1 the patrol leader1 have arrived at this point4 ,there has been no contact with the enemy4 ,required3 ,what is the formation of your patrol at this moment8 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,before going into the details of this situation1 ,i desire to say a few words about the conduct of the operations of a patrol4 ,it is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rule for the conduct of a patrol4 ,each situation will have to be worked out by itself4 ,each solution will vary with the nature of the country over which you are operating and what the enemy does4 ,a few general principles only may be enunciated4 8,the patrol leader1 as he advances toward his objective1 will mentally make note of various intermediate objectives to serve as stepping stones for his further advance4 ,he can never be certain that he will not encounter the enemy1 and must be prepared at all times for such an event4 8,if the patrol advances in one body1 a hostile patrol will allow them to approach and then ambuscade and capture them4 ,further1 all the members of the patrol would not be able to see much more than one man4 ,if the patrol advances in an extended line of skirmishers1 capture is rendered much more difficult1 but each man will be acting more or less independently1 and it will be most difficult for the patrol leader to control the operations4 8,a patrol should assume the general formation of a column on the march1 i4 e41 there is an advance guard1 a main body1 flankers1 and a rear guard4 ,these several elements may be represented by only one man1 but the principle is exactly the same4 ,the advance man is necessary to give warning of the approach of the enemy4 ,the flankers are necessary to watch toward the flanks and prevent the enemy from ambuscading the patrol or working around its rear unobserved and cutting off its line of retreat4 ,the main body is necessary to back up the advance man and protect him4 ,the rear man is the 8get-away man10 so that in case the patrol is surprised by the enemy1 at least one man will have a good chance to escape and carry the news back to the support commander4 ,you must always remember that a patrol that goes out and does not return1 or is not heard from within a reasonable time1 is the cause for a great deal of uneasiness and anxiety back at the outpost line4 8,some authorities advocate that the patrol commander march as the advance man of the patrol4 ,this is not believed to be good tactics4 ,he should be centrally located so that he will be able to control the operations of the patrol4 ,the patrol leader has been selected for this particular line of work4 ,the officer who sent him out is depending on him to carry out the mission upon which he has been sent and to get information back4 ,he should not1 therefore1 needlessly make himself a target for the enemy marksman who may be lying in concealment at the turn of a road or trail4 ,if he is the leading man he will be so busily occupied with the task of observation1 that he will have little time available for conducting the operations of the other members of the patrol4 ,furthermore1 if anything happens at the front that needs his attention1 he can go there in a very short space of time4 8,when a small patrol is advancing along a road which is more or less winding and has brush and trees along the side1 it is believed that the ,boni point formation will usually meet the requirements4 ,in this formation the leading man walks along one side of the road1 close up to the brush4 ,the next man follows him at a distance of about #be yards on the opposite side of the road4 ,the remaining men follow at varying distances on alternate sides of the road4 ,the rear or get-away man should march at least #ge yards in rear of his next preceding man4 ,flankers are sent out when necessary and where it is possible to do so4 8,you will be surprised to see how admirably this formation will meet the situation under the conditions stated4 ,the next time you are out on a winding road through the woods1 step over to one side and observe to the front4 ,then go to the other side and repeat the operation4 ,you will find that from one side your view will be very much restricted1 while from the opposite side it will be much more extended4 ,one trial will convince you of the suitability of this formation40 ,procedure ,the ,director3 8,now1 having in mind what ,i have just said1 ,i want each member of the class to determine for himself just where each member of the patrol would be at the moment he1 himself1 arrived at this point4 7,the ,director indicates the point on the ground where the patrol leader is47 ,make a rough sketch of this vicinity to show the solution4 7,note4--,the location selected for this situation should be one where there is something that will test the tactical knowledge of the student4 ,to base it otherwise would be of little value47 8,we will allow a few minutes for the solution of this part of the problem1 during which time you should look over the ground and decide upon the disposition of your patrol1 just where each man will be at this particular moment40 ,when the members of the class have completed this solution they will be collected and discussed4 7,note4--,the discussion will depend upon the solution4 ,the points included in the ,director's explanation should be brought out and fully discussed47 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #d ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class along route of patrol to a distance of #fjj yards4 #b4 ,explain distance assumption4 #c4 ,hand out ,situation ,no4 #d and explain4 #d4 ,operation of patrol2 no hard and fast rules2 objectives2 advancing in one body2 skirmishers2 column on march2 patrol leader2 ,boni point system4 #e4 ,solution3 ,make sketch showing disposition of patrol4 #f4 ,discussion of solution4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the members of the class are now conducted along the line of march of the patrol to a point where the road may be observed for a distance of some several hundred yards4 ,the ,director distributes the papers containing the following situation3 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #e3 ,the patrol has arrived at this point4 ,you1 ,sergeant ,b1 are here4 ,the leading man halts1 crouches down1 points down the road1 and holds his rifle horizontally above his head4 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,sergeant ,b1 take8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 just what would you do under the circumstances80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would interpret the actions of the leading man to indicate that he has observed the enemy and that they are in small numbers4 ,i would signal the patrol to halt and then signal #8,,down1' which would indicate to the men that they are to take cover4 ,i would then join the leading man to see for myself what is happening out in front40 ,the ,director3 8,i think we may all agree that your solution up to this point is correct4 ,now1 let us assume that the leading man is at ---- 7indicate exact location7 and you are here4 ,i want you to show the class exactly how you would join him4 7,note4--,lieutenant ,ralston gives the practical demonstration and the class moves up to where the leading man is supposed to be47 8,is there any member of the class that would do it differently80 7,note4--,if any member has any criticism of the solution1 have him go back to the starting point and demonstrate how he would do it47 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,captain ,harvey1 let us assume that you are ,sergeant ,b4 ,you have joined your leading man here and he points out to you what he has seen4 ,you observe six enemy infantrymen marching down the road in a formation similar to the one your patrol is now in4 ,the leading man is at ----4 7,the ,director points out the exact location of the enemy's leading man1 which should be at least #ejj yards distant47 ,apparently they have not observed you4 ,what is your reaction to this situation80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,at this moment ,i would have no means of telling whether these men are an enemy patrol or the point of an advance guard4 ,the formation would be about the same4 ,can the ,director give us definite information on that point80 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,let us assume for the moment that it is an enemy patrol4 ,what would you do80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,under those circumstances1 ,i would have my patrol take cover and let the enemy patrol go on by40 ,the ,director3 8,that would be the logical thing to do4 ,now1 let us assume that the enemy are the point of an advance guard4 ,what would you do80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,in that event ,i would open fire on them immediately40 ,the ,director3 8,what would be your object in doing that80 ,captain ,harvey3 8,by opening fire ,i give warning to our outpost that the enemy is advancing and ,i delay him because he will have to stop and make more or less reconnaissance before proceeding40 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hodges1 do you agree with that solution80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,no1 sir4 ,this is a reconnoitering patrol4 ,its mission is to get information of the enemy's strength and composition4 ,if we fire on the point of this advance guard1 all hope of getting any information of what is behind it is gone4 ,it will not take the advance party commander very long to discover that we are only a patrol and he will simply run over us4 ,sufficient patrols will be sent out to the flanks to keep us away and we will get no information of any value to our own commander4 ,i most certainly would not fire on the enemy at this time40 ,the ,director3 8,what action would you take80 ,captain ,hodges3 8,i would wait a few minutes to try and determine the strength of the enemy's advance party4 ,this would give me a general line on his strength4 ,i would then send my leading man1 who has seen the enemy himself1 back to the support commander as fast as he could go with the information we have4 ,this would be a verbal message4 ,i would have no chance to write it out4 ,i would then conduct the rest of my patrol off to the ---- flank under cover with a view to working around abreast of the enemy's main body to secure information of his strength and composition4 ,i would keep in contact with him to try and discover the direction of his deployment and what his intentions are4 ,i would make strenuous efforts to get all of this information back to my support commander40 ,the ,director3 8,those are the points ,i wanted to bring out4 ,i do not think our patrol would be justified in opening fire on the enemy under the circumstances4 ,we will assume that the enemy troops are a patrol1 and that we have decided to avoid them and let them go on by4 ,just how would you go about that task1 ,captain ,james80 7,note4--,captain ,james' solution will depend upon the ,terrain and the cover available47 ,procedure ,the ,director will point out to the class and dwell upon the principle that1 having decided to avoid the enemy's patrol1 the all-absorbing duty of the patrol leader is to conceal his patrol so that the enemy will have no information that it is anywhere in the vicinity4 ,the measures to accomplish this will then be worked out in the minutest detail4 ,it may be well to have members of the class take post to represent the members of the patrol and have other members of the class to go out and represent the enemy's patrol and advance just as they would under service conditions4 ,then have ,captain ,james solve the problem of getting his patrol under cover without being discovered by the enemy4 ,explanation ,the ,director3 8,we must give the enemy's patrol credit for being on the alert and for having such a knowledge of tactics that he will do the reasonably proper thing4 ,if he sees one member of our patrol1 the difficulty of avoiding him will be doubly increased4 ,our task1 then1 is to get to cover as quickly as possible4 ,it is this seeming trivial action that sometimes calls for all the ingenuity that the patrol leader may possess4 ,the road may be open for a considerable distance1 so that if one of the members of our patrol crosses from one side to the other he will be seen and the position disclosed to the enemy4 ,it may be necessary for the patrol to fall back a short distance in order to secure the necessary cover4 ,it may be necessary1 in order to avoid discovery1 to direct all men on one side of the road to take cover on their side and the remainder to seek cover on the opposite side4 ,this means a dispersion of the patrol and the consequent danger of getting lost and also the difficulties of assembling again4 ,this points to the advisability of training the men to all take cover on the same side of the road when the enemy is encountered as in this case40 ,procedure ,when members of the class are in place to represent the enemy and our own patrol1 the ,director will give a signal and the movement starts4 ,the enemy patrol moves along as it would naturally and ,captain ,james proceeds to get the members of his patrol under cover4 ,his method should be discussed by the class and the defects of it pointed out4 ,it may be necessary to enact the solution several times before a satisfactory one is found4 ,the demonstration completed and the class again assembled1 the ,director proceeds with the problem4 ,the ,problem ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,baker1 would you send back any message to the support commander about the enemy patrol80 ,solution ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i think that is a point that the patrol commander should consider4 ,i am not clear in my own mind just what should be done under the circumstances4 ,i would be pleased to have the ,director enlighten us on the subject40 ,the ,director3 8,we assume that this is a small enemy reconnoitering patrol4 ,it would have the same mission as our own patrol4 ,the point to be considered is whether or not anything in the message you send back would materially assist in the defense of the outpost line1 or whether it could contain any information of special value to the outpost commander4 ,our covering patrols sent out from the supports will keep the enemy away from the outpost line4 ,they will soon discover that it is only a small patrol and will drive it off4 ,we have only a few men with the patrol4 ,if one is sent back with a message at this time it may leave the patrol leader shorthanded when there is something really important that must be sent back4 ,the mission of the patrol is to secure information of the enemy's main body4 ,that is the information that is of importance to the support and outpost commander4 ,i do not believe the patrol commander would be justified in sending back a message at this time40 ,lieutenant ,baker3 8,i see the point40 7,note4--,should any members of the class insist that a message should be sent back1 he may be called upon to compose the message1 and it should be examined to see whether it contains information that is vital to the defense of the outpost47 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #e ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point where a view of road to front for several hundred yards is available4 #b4 ,distribute problem4 #c4 ,enter on solution3 ,signal of leading man2 method of joining leading man4 #d4 ,enemy advance guard or patrol4 ,question of firing on enemy4 #e4 ,method of evading enemy patrol4 ,practical demonstration4 ,discussion of methods2 difficulties4 #f4 ,write out message4 ,contents2 information of enemy main4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted to a point where they have a view of an open field some #a1bjj yards distant4 ,it may be assumed that the patrol has marched several miles in order to arrive at this place4 ,the ,director now distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #f4 ,situation ,no4 #f3 ,the patrol successfully evaded the enemy's patrol1 continued the march1 and without encountering any other enemy troops has arrived at this point4 ,the enemy patrol proceeded on down the road toward the outpost line4 ,on arriving here you observe a force of the enemy marching into that field4 ,they are apparently going into bivouac4 ,you estimate the enemy to be one regiment of ,infantry4 ,required3 ,what action do you take8 ,procedure ,the ,director should point out the location of the enemy and should indicate the exact location of each member of the patrol1 so that all members of the class will make their solutions on the same basis4 ,the ,director3 8,captain ,hall1 what would you do under the circumstances80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i would send a message to the support commander telling him what ,i have seen40 ,the ,director3 8,is there anything that you would do before starting to compose your message80 ,captain ,hall3 8,i do not think so4 ,i have located the enemy and want to get the information back as quickly as possible40 ,the ,director3 8,that is true4 ,but there are certain things that must be done in connection with it4 ,you have discovered what you estimate to be the enemy's main body4 ,you know the strength and composition of it4 ,you know what he is doing for the time being4 ,the members of your patrol are still in patrol formation and must be told what to do4 ,in other words1 there are several things to be done4 ,in the first place1 you want to dispose your men for observation of the enemy and to prevent surprise4 ,enemy patrols may be operating in the vicinity4 ,one of these may pick you up and prevent you from getting any information back4 ,this is the thing you must guard against4 ,you must consider the contents of your message and you must figure out how you are going to get it back considering the fact that there is an enemy patrol of six men operating between you and the outpost line4 8,when the patrol has encountered the enemy the disposition must be such as to permit the leader to observe the hostile force for the purpose of forming an estimate of its strength and composition1 dispositions1 and probable intentions4 ,with this end in view1 the leader must go to a vantage point from which he may obtain a good view of the enemy4 ,the remaining members of the patrol must be so disposed as to guard all the avenues of approach from the known direction of the enemy's forces1 in order to prevent surprise4 8,lieutenant ,barry1 what disposition would you make of the members of the patrol80 ,solution ,lieutenant ,barry3 8,i would select a good observation point where ,i can see the enemy and what he is doing4 ,i would select two of the men to carry the message back4 ,i would post a man to watch for enemy patrols and post a get-away man somewhat to my rear40 ,the ,director3 8,all right4 ,select your observation post and give the orders necessary to carry out what you have just said40 ,the solution will depend upon the lay of the ground4 ,the points to be brought out are that patrol leaders must be able to observe the enemy in security and not have to bother about being surprised by enemy patrols4 ,the lookouts will be posted so that they can watch the approaches4 ,the men that are to carry the message should be with ,sergeant ,b while he is composing it so that they will be able to tell the support commander all about the situation when they get back with the message4 ,the get-away man will be posted in such position as will make sure that he will not be included in any disaster to the patrol4 ,procedure ,the dispositions having been completed1 the next question is that of the contents of the message4 ,the ,director3 8,i want each member of the class to write out the body of the message that he would send back to the support commander40 ,when the message has been completed and turned in by all the class they are distributed and various members called upon to read and comment on the one in his possession4 ,the points that should be included in the message are3 #a4 ,information of the strength and composition of the enemy main body4 ,what he is doing4 #b4 ,information of the strength and composition of the enemy patrol that was passed4 #c4 ,the future action of the patrol in so far as it can be determined4 ,solution ,the ,director should then compose a message covering the above requirements and submit it to the class for discussion4 8,have observed a force of the enemy1 estimated one regiment of ,infantry at ---- 7give location74 ,they are now going into bivouac4 ,a hostile patrol of six men passed my patrol at ---- 7give location7 at ---- 7time7 which proceeded in the direction of the outpost line4 ,i will remain in observation until forced to retire or darkness prevents further reconnaissance40 ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,hunt1 how would you get the message back to the support commander80 ,lieutenant ,hunt3 8,i have had ,anderson and ,bailey here with me while making my observations and composing the message4 ,i will send it back by them1 each man taking a different route4 ,i will read the message to them4 ,i will indicate on the map the general route that each man is to take in going back to the support and caution each of them to look out for the enemy patrol that is between us and the outpost line4 ,by sending the message by two men going over different routes ,i am almost sure to get it through4 ,if one of them runs into the enemy1 it is pretty safe to say that the other will not40 ,the ,director3 8,i think your sizing up of the situation is very good4 ,you have taken all the precautions possible for getting the message back safely to the support commander40 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #f ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point where they can see enemy4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #f4 ,point out location of the enemy4 #b4 ,disposition of the patrol for observation--observers1 men to carry message1 get-away man4 #c4 ,write out message4 ,contents2 information of enemy main body1 enemy patrol1 future plans of the patrol leader4 ,prepare message for discussion4 #d4 ,send back message by two messengers4 ,chances for getting through with it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the ,director now distributes the sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #g to the members of the class4 ,a few minutes are allowed to read it over1 and it is explained4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #g3 ,you are still observing the enemy4 ,nothing has happened to cause you to change your estimate of his strength and composition4 ,his outposts are being established and they are pushing out patrols to the front and flanks4 ,your position is becoming untenable4 ,you have heard distant firing in the direction of the ,blue troops4 ,required3 ,what action do you1 ,sergeant ,b1 take8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,williams1 what would you do80 ,lieutenant ,williams3 8,i estimate that it is about time for me to be getting out with what is left of my patrol4 ,i have accomplished my mission in so far as the main body of the enemy is concerned4 ,his bivouac for the night has been located4 ,he has established his outposts1 which indicates that he will probably not make any more moves today4 ,the operations of the hostile patrols will soon make my position untenable4 ,there is little to be gained by my staying here any longer and taking a chance on being picked up4 ,i would get on my way back to my own troops40 ,the ,director3 8,has any member of the class any criticism of that solution80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,it seems to me that ,sergeant ,b would now have another mission imposed upon him by the conditions4 ,it is that of intercepting enemy scouts from getting back with information from the patrol that passed us4 ,how about that80 ,the ,director3 8,that is true4 ,it is the point that ,i was going to bring up next4 ,the fact that you have heard firing from the direction of our own troops indicates that contact has been gained and the enemy patrol has gotten some information of our forces4 ,this he will endeavor to get back to his own commander4 ,in view of the fact that the patrol leader does not know that our patrol is between him and his own troops he may not think it necessary to take the precautions to send it by two messengers1 and ,i think it is reasonable to assume that he will direct his messenger along the main road where he can make the better time than he can in going across country4 ,you now have two men with you1 ,carlin and ,davis4 ,how would you manage the withdrawal and what would be your formation on the way back8 ,what route would you take8 ,how would you solve all of these points1 ,captain ,hastings80 ,captain ,hastings3 8,i would signal ,carlin1 who is observer1 to join me4 ,this accomplished1 ,i would signal ,davis to move out toward the main road4 ,i would make my withdrawal as rapidly as possible and when we get away some little distance ,i would signal ,davis to slow down until we caught up with him4 ,i would get on or near the main road and march with ,davis as the leading man1 following him at a distance of about #be yards and have ,carlin follow me at the same distance4 ,i would keep a sharp lookout for enemy scouts with a view to intercepting them40 ,the ,director3 8,i think your solution meets the situation very well4 ,are there any questions80 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #g ,director's ,key #a4 ,distribute sheets containing ,situation ,no4 #g4 ,read and explain4 #b4 ,withdrawal of patrol4 ,accomplished mission4 #c4 ,new mission to intercept messengers from enemy patrol4 #d4 ,formation for withdrawal4 99 99 99 99 99 ,procedure ,the class is now conducted back along the main road to a point selected for ,situation ,no4 #h4 ,the ,problem ,situation ,no4 #h3 ,when you arrive at this point you observe an enemy scout coming down the road in your direction at a walk4 ,you can see some distance beyond him and he appears to be alone4 7,the ,director will point out the location of the enemy scout47 ,required3 ,what do you do8 ,solution ,the ,director3 8,lieutenant ,ralston1 how do you size up the situation80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i estimate that the man is carrying a message from his patrol leader to the commander of the ,red forces4 ,my mission is to capture him and prevent the message going back4 ,if practicable the capture must be effected without resorting to firing4 ,if we have to fire it will give warning to the enemy's patrol operating toward our outpost and the patrol commander would assume that his messenger is in trouble and would send another message by another route4 ,furthermore1 firing at this time would give the alarm to the patrols operating from the hostile outpost1 and they would rush to the rescue of their comrades40 ,the ,director3 8,tell us just how you would go about the capture of the messenger80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would form an ambuscade here with ,davis and myself on one side of the road and ,carlin on the other side about #be yards in rear of us4 ,when the messenger arrives at about #aj yards from us1 ,davis and myself will jump out into the road and order him to surrender4 ,we will endeavor to surprise him and take him without firing a shot4 ,if by any chance he should get by us1 ,carlin would be in position to intercept him40 ,the ,director3 8,just what would you say when you order him to surrender80 ,lieutenant ,ralston3 8,i would jump out on the side of the road1 level my rifle at him and yell at him as loud as ,i could1 #8,drop your rifle--throw up your hands4' ,if he did as ordered ,i would explain to him that he is now a prisoner of war and that resistance is useless4 ,if he did not do as ,i told him on the instant or if he made any attempt to escape or move to fire on me ,i would open fire on him at once4 ,i would take no chances with him40 ,the ,director3 8,that seems to be a reasonable solution4 ,this is a very simple proposition and presents little difficulty4 ,it is brought before you at this time merely to show you the procedure that makes for reasonable chances for success4 ,the capture of several scouts or a patrol is a much more difficult undertaking4 8,it is a general rule in the attempt to capture members of a patrol that the situation we desire to produce when we meet them is that they should be marching and that we should be halted4 ,by adopting this method1 we form an ambuscade40 99 99 99 99 99 ,reconnoitering ,patrol ,card ,no4 #h ,director's ,key #a4 ,conduct class to point where ambush may be arranged for4 #b4 ,distribute ,situation ,no4 #h and explain it4 #c4 ,size up situation4 ,enemy messenger4 #d4 ,details of ambush and method of capture4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,table #bh-,w4--,,rifle ,,company1 ,,infantry ,,regiment4 7,war ,strength7 #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h ,total ,company ,spe- ,company 7#c #a ,units cialist ,head- ,one ,platoon ,platoons7 ,rating quarters and 7,class7 ,company ,head- quarters #a ,section ,total 7#c ,squads,platoon ,platoon and 7#b ,head- #a ,section ,sections quarters,squad ,head- and quarters7,platoon #af ,head- quarters #b;,captain #a #a #c;,first #aag #a #a #b7aag7 ,lieutenants #d,second #b ,lieutenants #e ,total #b7aag7 #a #a #e7aag7 ,commissioned #f;,first ,sergeant #a #a #g,sergeants1 #c #a #a #c #ab incl4 #h ,mess 7#a7 #i ,platoon 7#a7 ,sergeants #aj ,section 7#a7 ,leaders #aa ,signal 7#a7 #ab ,supply 7#a7 #ac;,corporals1 #b #a #d #h #bf incl4 #ad ,company 7#a7 ,clerk #ae ,section 7#a7 ,guides #af ,signal 7#a7 #ag ,squad 7#a7 7#c7 ,leaders ,pvts4 #ast ,cl4 #ah ,pvts41 #ag #d #g #ba #dfafaahai incl4 #ai ,barber 7#a7 #bj ,buglers 7#b7 #ba ,cobbler 7#a7 #bb ,cooks #dth 7#b7 7,first7 #bc ,cooks #eth 7#b7 7,asst47 #bd ,mechanics #fth 7#b7 #be ,riflemen 7#e7 #bf ,riflemen1 #fth 7#a7 7#a7 7#b7 7#f7 automatic #bg ,riflemen1 7#b7 7#d7 7#ab7 automatic ,riflemen1 #bh with grenade 7#a7 disch4 #bi ,runners and 7#f7 7#d7 ,agents #cj ,tailor 7#a7 #ca ,total #bc #e #h #bf #eg #bjjai ,enlisted #cb ,,aggregate #be #f #h #bfaf #eh #bje #cc,pistols #i #b #a #c #h #cc #cd,rifles #af #d #f #bj #dd #adh #ce,rifles1 #a #c #f #ah automatic ,rifles1 with #cf grenade #a #c #f #ah discharger ,footnote #af3 ,includes ,section ,headquarters 7#a ,sergeant and #a ,corporal74 ,footnote #ag3 ,second in ,command4 ,not authorized for ,war ,strength ,companies organized in time of peace4 ,footnote #ah3 ,includes3 #ec ,privates #ast ,class1 #ajh ,privates4 ,summary of ,specialist ,ratings3 ,fourth ,class1 #b2 ,fifth ,class1 #b2 ,sixth ,class1 #h4 ,footnote #ai3 ,includes #f extra privates4 ,,table #bi-,w4--,,machine ,,gun ,,company1 ,,infantry ,,regiment 7,war ,strength7 #a #b #c #d ,specialist #a ,units ,rating ,company ,company 7,class7 ,headquarters ,train #b;,captain #a;h #c;,first #a;hx ,lieutenants #d,second #a;hc ,lieutenants #e ,total #c7ax7 ,commissioned #f;,first ,sergeant #a;h #g,sergeants1 incl4 #d #a #h ,mess 7#a7 #i ,platoon ,sergeants #aj ,reconnaissance 7#a7 #aa ,section ,leaders #ab ,signal 7#a7 #ac ,stable 7#am7 #ad ,supply 7#a7 #ae;,corporals1 incl4 #b #af ,agents #ag ,company ,clerk 7#a7 #ah ,signal 7#a7 #ai ,squad ,leaders #bj ,transport #ba,privates1 #ast #ag #d ,cl4 and ,priv4 #bb ,barber 7#a7 #bc ,buglers 7#b;h7 #bd ,cobbler 7#a7 #be ,cooks 7,first7 #dth 7#a7 #bf ,cooks 7,asst47 #eth 7#b7 #bg ,gunners #fth #bh ,gunners #bi ,horseshoer #dth 7#a7 #cj ,mechanics #fth 7#b7 #ca ,motorcyclist #fth 7#a7 #cb ,saddler #eth 7#a7 #cc ,tailor 7#a7 #cd ,miscellaneous 7#g;d7 7#a;e7 #ce ,total ,enlisted #bd #e #cf ,,aggregate #bg #e #cg;,horses1 riding #f #ch,mules1 draft #ci,mules1 riding #a #dj ,total ,animals #f #a ,carts1 #da ammunition1 ,m4 ,g4 #db;,carts1 ,m4 ,g4 gun #dc;,bicycles #a #dd,motorcycles1 #a with side cars #de,miscellaneous #df,pistols #bg #e #a #e #f #g #h #i ,total ,company 7#b #a ,units ,one ,platoon ,platoons1 ,company ,hq4 and ,company ,train7 #a ,squad#a ,section 7#b ,total ,platoon ,platoon 7#a ,squads and 7#b ,sections ,headquarters,machine ,section and ,platoon ,gun7 ,headquarters7,headquarters7 7b7 #b;,captain #a #c;,first #a #a #c7ax7 ,lieutenants #d,second #a ,lieutenants #e ,total #a #a #e7ax7 ,commissioned #f;,first ,sergeant #a #g,sergeants1 incl4 #a #a #c #aa #h ,mess #i ,platoon 7#a7 ,sergeants #aj ,reconnaissance #aa ,section 7#a7 ,leaders #ab ,signal #ac ,stable #ad ,supply #ae;,corporals1 incl4 #b #a #b #f #ad #af ,agents 7#a7 #ag ,company ,clerk #ah ,signal #ai ,squad ,leaders 7#a7 #bj ,transport 7#a7 #ba,privates1 #ast #g #aj #bj #dg #aae;a ,cl4 and ,priv4 #bb ,barber #bc ,buglers #bd ,cobbler #be ,cooks 7,first7 #bf ,cooks 7,asst47 #bg ,gunners 7#a7 7#b7 7#d7 7#c7 #bh ,gunners 7#e7 #bi ,horseshoer #cj ,mechanics #ca ,motorcyclist #cb ,saddler #cc ,tailor #cd ,miscellaneous 7#g;d7 7#i;f7 #ce ,total ,enlisted #aj #aa #bc;b #ef #ada #cf ,,aggregate #aa #aa #bc #eg #adf #cg;,horses1 riding #a #a #h #ch,mules1 draft #b #d #h #af #ci,mules1 riding #a #dj ,total ,animals #a #b #d #i #be ,carts1 #da ammunition1 ,m4 #a #b #d #h ,g4 #db;,carts1 ,m4 ,g4 gun #a #b #d #h #dc;,bicycles #a #a #c #dd,motorcycles1 #a with side cars #de,miscellaneous #a #b #d #h #df,pistols #aa #aa #bc #eg #adf ,remarks3 7h7 ,mounted on horse4 7m7 ,mounted on mule4 7a7 ,includes3 #ce ,privates #ast ,class1 #hj ,privates4 ,summary of ,specialist ,ratings3 #dth ,class1 #b2 #eth ,class1 #c2 #fth ,class1 #f4 7b7 ,section ,headquarters includes #a sergeant4 7c7 ,reconnaissance ,officer4 7d7 ,signalmen1 runners1 agents and orderlies1 #a bicyclist4 7e7 ,stable orderly4 7f7 ,includes #b drivers for gun and ammunition carts4 7x7 ,second in ,command4 ,not authorized for ,war ,strength ,companies organized in time of peace4 ----- ,footnote #a3 ,see explanation of ,letter ,symbols4 ,footnote #b3 ,right or left as the case may be4 ,footnote #c3 ,right or left as the case may be4 ,footnote #d3 ,see explanation of ,letter ,symbols4 ,footnote #e3 ,prepared by ,major ,walter ,c4 ,short1 ,infantry4 ,footnote #f3 ,when the ,terrain ,exercise is being conducted for non-commissioned officers this explanation should be modified to suit the occasion4 ,footnote #g3 ,in making a solution to this situation on the ground1 the exact location of each man of the point1 and especially the automatic rifleman1 should be indicated and staked out4 ,footnote #h3 ,the details of the advance against the enemy's position should be discussed by the class and worked out on the ground4 ,it is impossible to consider it in the abstract4 ,footnote #i3 ,captain ,james would include in his dispositions any flank patrols that would be out at this time4 ,footnote #aj3 ,the terrain may be such as to cause a reversal of this disposition4 ,the idea is that the support on the flank should be posted so as to cover the most exposed flank4 ,footnote #aa3 ,see explanation of ,symbols4 ,footnote #ab3 ,in the preparation of the ,terrain ,exercise and fitting the problem to the ground1 the ,director should decide upon the location of the line of observation and the line of resistance and bring out the points indicated above4 ,he should decide upon the location of the outguards and their strength4 ,footnote #ac3 ,the ,director should take advantage of every opportunity to get members of the class to ask questions4 ,it is by this means that we are able to bring out the tactical points of the problems and make them clear4 ,if no questions are asked1 it is natural to assume that the members of the class understand everything that is under discussion1 whereas many of them may not understand at all4 ,the more questions a ,director can get out of a class the more effective will the training be4 ,footnote #ad3 ,the members of the class are already familiar with the detailed dispositions of outguard ,no4 #b4 ,footnote #ae3 ,if there is no map available the support commander should indicate as well as practicable the location of the enemy and the road4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- 99 99 99 99 99 ,,subjects ,reserve ,administration ,officers' ,military ,law ,examiner ,customs of the ,service ,field ,service ,regulations ,military ,hygiene 8,please ,,rush a copy of ,reserve ,officers' ,examiner to my address0 ,this is the form of order that comes to us day after day4 ,sometimes in a letter1 sometimes by wire1 often accompanied by a request for special delivery service4 ,many times a passage is added3 8,i am ordered up for examination and need the book right away40 ,the point we make is this4 ,the mere possession of a copy of ,reserve ,officers' ,examiner will not prepare you for examination for promotion or keep you in touch with the subjects it covers4 ,you must know its contents4 ,these may not be absorbed by the average man by a casual glance through the book4 ,its contents must be studied the same as you study anything else you want to learn4 ,you should not put off getting your copy of ,reserve ,officers' ,examiner until the last minute--when you are face to face with your examination4 ,get your copy now4 ,devote a little time to the study of its contents4 ,then when the opportunity comes for promotion--as it surely will--you will be prepared for it4 ,price1 #b4jj 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,steele's ,prepared originally for students of the ,army ,service ,schools in conjunction with their course in military history4 ,much has been written on the individual campaigns and battles that make up our military history1 but this is the only single work that contains a comprehensive narrative of the whole down to and including the ,spanish-,american ,war4 ,the present edition is a reprint from new type and plates of the work which originally appeared in #aiji1 and which has been unobtainable except in second-hand book shops for many years4 ,two handsome volumes in box ,price1 #aj4jj per set ,a postcard will secure a copy for you 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,employment ,,of ,,machine ,,guns ,by ,major ,,walter ,c4 ,,short1 ,infantry ,the first comprehensive study of ,american machine gun tactics as developed in the ,world ,war4 ,the only text on machine guns based on the present ,tables of ,organization4 ,the proper tactical employment of machine guns4 ,tactical principles and orders illustrated by means of map problems4 ,gives the complete organization and equipment of machine gun units4 ,illustrates the effective cooperation of infantry and cavalry machine gun units4 ,shows the company machine gun officer how to support the rifleman4 ,duties of the personnel and characteristics of machine guns discussed4 ,,price #c4ej 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,thirty-,minute ,talks-- ,by ,,colonel ,m4 ,b4 ,,stewart and ,,lt4 ,,col4 ,w4 ,h4 ,,waldron ,cloth ,bound--#chg ,pages ,explaining is half the work of instructing4 ,talk saves work--when it is the right kind of talk4 ,for the instructor1 explaining--talking is the hardest part because it means constant brushing up1 reading1 study1 thought and planning--all of which takes time1 and time counts heavily in the game of intensive training4 ,,thirty-,,minute ,,talks are offered as time-savers for the instructor4 ,they are in no sense treatises of the subjects considered--just plain1 everyday talks1 in language the man new to the service will be able to understand4 ,they will save the instructor's time by furnishing him with a guide which he may rearrange or elaborate as he chooses4 ,the subject matter of the ,thirty-,minute ,talks are as follows3 ,,organization4 ,,training4 ,,instructing4 ,,physical ,,development4 ,,close ,,order ,,drill4 ,,extended ,,order ,,drill4 ,,military ,,courtesy4 ,,military ,,discipline4 ,,care ,,of ,,arms ,,and ,,equipment4 ,,advance ,,guards4 ,,outposts4 ,,scouting ,,and ,,patrolling4 ,,combat4 ,,approach ,,march ,,and ,,deployment4 ,,musketry4 ,,orders ,,and ,,messages4 ,,field ,,fortifications4 ,,map ,,reading4 ,,military ,,sketching4 ,,contouring4 ,,price1 #b4ej1 ,,postpaid ,u4 ,s4 ,infantry ,association ,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 99 99 99 99 99 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,transcriber',s ,,notes #a4 ,silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling4 #b4 ,archaic1 non-standard1 and uncertain spellings retained as printed4 #c4 ,footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together at the end of the last chapter4 #d4 ,enclosed italics font in underscores4 #e4 ,enclosed bold font in equals4