Terrain Exercise No. 2.Approach March and Deployment

Special Situation—Blue:

The Red forces have been retreating (a) before the attack of the Blues for the past two days, contesting every yard of the advance.

The attacking brigade is disposed regiments side by side, the —— Infantry in the right half of the sector: the —— Infantry in the left half of the sector. Regiments are echeloned by battalion; one as assault; one as support and one as reserve.

The —— Infantry has the 2nd battalion as assault; the 1st battalion as support and the 3rd battalion as reserve.

After an all day fight the assault battalion (2nd) has halted along (d) 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 morning.

The support battalion (1st) has reached (e) where it is halted.

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(a) The compass direction of the retreat of the Red forces: North, south, east, west.

(b) State the right boundary of the sector over which the division is operating.

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 sector.

(d) The general location of the front lines of the assault battalion. This line should in general, 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 class.

(e) The location of the halting place of the 1st Battalion. This should be at least 1500 to 1800 yards in rear of the line (d) above.

The class is conducted to (e) where the Terrain Exercise is to begin. The Director will distribute the sheets containing Special Situation Blue and a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to read it over.

The Director will then read the Situation aloud, point out the places mentioned where practicable and make such explanations as may be necessary.

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, the situation states that the 10th division is operating on a certain sector. What do you understand by that?”

Lieutenant Williams: “It is the area lying between the two designated boundaries which has been allotted to the division and to which, in general, the division confines its operations. As I understand it there is a division on our right and another on our left. 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 area. By assigning definite boundaries this question is eliminated. The division assigned to the particular sector is responsible for everything in the sector.”

The Director: “Captain Hastings, what do you understand by the term attacking brigade?”

Captain Hastings: “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 reserve.”

The Director: “There are several ways of disposing the infantry of a division for combat. I will outline them briefly in order that you may see what the formations are and the relation that our battalion has to them.

“The division may be deployed with the two brigades side by side, each brigade being echeloned in a column of regiments. The leading regiment of each brigade is in turn echeloned in a column of battalions, one as assault, one as support and one as local reserve. The second regiment (less 1 battalion) of each brigade forms the brigade reserve. The remaining battalion from each of these regiments isheld out by the division commander as a division reserve. In this case the division commander is driving a two unit team with the units abreast. 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 battalions. This formation uses up a division very rapidly and is only employed where an exceptionally wide front has been assigned.

“The third method of deployment is that indicated in the problem we have under consideration. There is an attacking brigade with the regiments side by side, each regiment echeloned in a column of battalions, one as attacking, one as support and one as reserve. This is a very good formation and has many advantages. It is one that was employed by many of the successful divisions in France. The Reserve brigade is held far back in order to reduce fatigue and casualties to a minimum, so that when it is called upon to relieve the attacking brigade it is in the best of condition and comparatively fresh and rested. In this formation the division commander drives his team of units in tandem. Now, I want every member of the class to visualize this formation and get it firmly fixed in your minds. Let us review it again:

“Our brigade, the 19th is the attacking Brigade. We have our two regiments abreast. Our regiment occupies the —— half of the sector which extends right up through here (indicates); the other regiment occupies the —— half of the sector which extends right along parallel to us along there (indicating). Our 2nd battalion has been the assault battalionand has carried the advance forward today. We have been following as support battalion, and at the end of the day’s work have arrived here. Our 3rd battalion has been following us at a distance of about 1,000 yards as the reserve.

“The 1st battalion has gotten as far forward as it possibly can today and has halted along the ________ (indicate the general line of the battalion) where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for continuing the advance tomorrow morning. The problem of this Terrain Exercise has to do with those arrangements, in so far as the Infantry is concerned. We are the support battalion, it is up to us to relieve the assault battalion tonight and carry on the fight tomorrow. How are we going to do it?”

Situation No. 1:

It is now (f) p. m.

You, Major A, commanding the 1st battalion, which is now support battalion of the regiment, receive an order from the regimental commander, the body of which reads as follows:

1. The enemy has continued to retreat during the day. Our Army is pushing him to the limit. Our 2nd battalion has reached the ________ (state general line that has been reached) where it is in close contact with the enemy. The general attack will be continued all along the line tomorrow morning.

2. A redistribution of troops in the regimental sector will be effected tonight.

3. (a) The 1st battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion onthe front line and be prepared to continue the attack tomorrow morning. Details of Artillery preparation, tank assistance and zero hour will be communicated later.

(b) The 3rd battalion will relieve the 1st battalion as support and take position at ________ (location of the 1st battalion). This relief will be completed by (g) o’clock p. m.

(c) When relieved the 2nd battalion will fall back to (h), reorganize and replenish ammunition, equipment and supplies. It will be the reserve battalion.

(d) Detachments of the Howitzer Company now with the 2nd battalion will remain in position and be reported to the commanding officer 2nd battalion, when the relief is effected.

(e) Details of reliefs will be arranged by battalion commanders concerned.

4. Completion of reliefs and moves will be reported to Regimental C. P. by telephone and runner.

5. Messages to Regimental C. P. at ________ (i).

Required:

Your order for the approach march and arrangements for carrying out the orders of the regimental commander.

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(f) The time at which the order of the regimental commander is received by the battalion commander. This should be before dark.

(g) The time by which the 3rd battalion should relieve the 1st battalion. This should be an hour or more after the time indicated by (f).

(h) The location to which the 2nd battalion is tomarch and assemble when it is relieved by the 1st battalion.

(i) The location of the regimental C. P. It should be some where in the regimental sector between the support and reserve battalions.

The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 1 to the members of the class. He will read the situation aloud, point out the places and locations referred to and make such explanations as may be necessary.

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 understanding.

The Director: “Before going ahead with the problem I want to say a few words about the importance of this subject of approach march and deployment.

“Prior to the war we did not appreciate the necessity for extensive drill and instruction in the subject of approach march, deployment and the relief of units on the firing line. There was little literature on the subjects and what there was dealt only in glittering generalities. Once in a while a training program included the subject ‘Deployment,’ but no one took it seriously and such as we carried out, were executed in a purely perfunctory manner.

“In the training of troops for modern warfare the subject must be given the place and attention that itdeserves. Troops must be trained to take up the approach march formation, and make a deployment therefrom, both day and night, over all kinds of ground. 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 encountered. The great danger at night is in losing direction. This results in a command getting lost and failure to get to the line of departure ready to ‘Jump off’ at H Hour.

“The failure of a single battalion in this respect may imperil a whole military operation and cost the lives of thousands of men. Unless the troops told off to make the attack are in place ready to ‘jump off’ and follow the barrage at H Hour there is not the slightest chance for success. The barrage goes on. The enemy is given time to man his positions and machine guns and the attack on that particular front is held up, usually with enormous losses. The whole attack has to be reorganized and started anew. 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 affairs.”

The Director: “Now, let us take up the problem as it concerns our battalion. The battalion command post we will say is right here where we are standing. Just how do you visualize the distribution of the battalion, Lieutenant Wallace?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “The battalion headquarters company would be in this vicinity. Company A would be the leading company on the right; CompanyB would be the leading company on the left; Company C would be following Company A at a distance of say 100 yards and Company D would be following Company B at about the same distance. Each company would be in two echelons, an assault echelon of two platoons and a support echelon of one platoon, the latter following at about 50 yards. The men have taken advantage of such natural cover that exists and where there is none they have dug individual fox holes to get into. These afford a lot of cover from shrapnel fire.”

The Director: “You have given a very good picture of the formation. Are there any questions? If you do not understand all that is being said, now is the time to speak out. We must all approach the solution of the problem on the same basis to get the greatest benefit from it.”

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 necessary.

The Director: “The requirement of the problem involves Major A’s order for the approach march. Lieutenant Ralston, what must the Major do before he is ready to issue his orders?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “He must size up the situation, arrive at a decision as to what he is going to do and then put this decision in the form of an order.”

The Director: “What is the first part of his Estimate of this Situation?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “He will determine upon hismission. I would say that the immediate mission is to relieve the 2nd battalion and that the next phase of it is to prepare to continue the attack tomorrow morning.”

The Director: “Very good. What is the next point he will consider, Captain Harvey?”

Captain Harvey: “He must consider the enemy. The enemy has been retreating before our attack for the past two days. This shows that he is inferior in strength and morale. His defense arrangements must be very much impaired and the confusion that exists behind his lines may readily be imagined. 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 him. 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 tomorrow. He will be effecting a relief of his worn-out troops, shifting his machine guns to more advantageous positions, changing his artillery so as to more effectively cover the ground which we will have to pass over tomorrow if our attack is a success. All of this will consume several hours. During the period of readjustment and redistribution of troops the hostile activity and fire will naturally be very much diminished. During this same period from dusk until several hours later these same things will be happening in our lines, as you can see. Our artillery will have to be brought up to new positions for the destructive bombardment and the barrage. Ourmachine guns have to be placed in position to better support the riflemen. Our tanks have to be gotten up ready for the ‘jump off’ tomorrow morning and our worn-out troops on the front lines have to be relieved. It will be a period of lessened activity on both sides. During this period we will take advantage of the opportunity to effect the relief of the 2nd battalion on the line.”

(Note.—The terrain over which the approach march and the relief should now be discussed.)

The Director: “That is a very good discussion of the consideration of the enemy and our troops. Captain Hodges, what other factors enter into the estimate of the situation?”

Captain Hodges: “Our plans, I should say, the Major would want to determine on the formation that he will adopt for the approach march. He wants to arrive on the front line with his assault elements in the best possible formation to go into action. It will be more and more difficult to make changes in the formation as he approaches the location of the front lines. He will therefore start his approach march in as nearly the formation that he wants to be in when he arrives on the line.”

The Director: “You are right. 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 properly. It simply cannot be done. 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 andwith a minimum of losses. Now, Captain James, what would be your decision?”

Captain James: “To march to the front and effect the relief of the 2nd battalion as soon as possible after dusk.”

The Director: “Very good. Now all of what we have said is termed the ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ 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 it.

“We are now ready to proceed with a discussion of the Major’s order. Lieutenant Baker, what would you include in the first paragraph?”

Lieutenant Baker: “The information of the enemy and our own troops. This would include information about the enemy’s retreat all along the line during the day; of the point reached by the front lines of our 2nd battalion; of the proposed attack tomorrow morning; of the fact that the 3rd battalion will relieve our battalion tonight; of the action to be taken by the 2nd battalion after we relieve it. This is all that it would be necessary for the troops to know at this time.”

The Director: “I think you have covered the essential points. Captain Hall, what would you include in the second paragraph of the order?”

Captain Hall: “I would state my plan, to the effect that we are to relieve the 2nd battalion tonight.”

The Director: “What is the next part of the order, Lieutenant Barry?”

Lieutenant Barry: “The disposition of the troops and the orders for each element of the battalion: Iwould want the intelligence section of my headquarters’ company to get to the front at the earliest possible moment, secure the intelligence ‘dope’ and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions as soon as the relief is effected. I would order the section to proceed up to the C. P. of the 2nd battalion right away and instruct them to get on the job. 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 2nd battalion. If these outfits get an early start they will be able to accomplish much before it gets dark. They should lose no time in getting to the front.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, what would you include in the orders for the companies of the Battalion?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “The Major has decided upon the formation already. There only remains the task of putting the decision into an order. I would preserve the present dispositions of the units and direct: Company A to march at —— (time), in approach march formation; designate the sector of the company; announce the guide (right or left) towards the base company; 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 effect. I would also include in this part of the order the fact that Company A is to relieve the Assault Company of the 2nd battalion which is immediately in its front. The orders for Company B, which is to be the other Assault Company, would contain the same instructions as Company A with the addition of a sentence giving the Company a directingline in addition to the compass bearing of the line of march.

“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 2nd battalion.

“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 2nd Battalion.

“I think these instructions would be all that are necessary for the four companies of the battalion to get them started on the march.”

The Director: “You have covered the points very well. But, there are some instructions that pertain to all of the units of the battalion. These would be included in the final sub-paragraph of paragraph 3 of the order. This paragraph is denominated (x) in the order. What are they, Lieutenant Hunt?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I should think they would include: The designation of the base Company; instructions for sending a reconnaissance officer and party of guides forward at once; 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 2nd battalion; designation of the place where unit commanders are to assemble to receive orders for the relief.”

The Director: “Paragraph 4 of a field order includes administrative arrangements. Can you think of anything that would be necessary to be included in that paragraph of Major A’s orders?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I can think of nothing. That would depend upon circumstances. These administrative arrangements include: instructions for the trains—which have already been attended to; collecting station for wounded—which will be announced in a later order. 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 2nd battalion. If such is the case the kitchen will have to be disposed of in paragraph 4.”

The Director: “What will paragraph 5 contain?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “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 opened.”

The Director: “We have now covered the elements of the Major’s order. Let us review them briefly:

“Paragraph 1: Information of the enemy and our own troops.

“Paragraph 2: The Major’s plan of action in general terms.

“Paragraph 3: Distribution of troops—orders for the various elements of the battalion.

“Paragraph 4: Administrative arrangements.

“Paragraph 5: Time of closing the present C. P. and when and where it will next open.

“Now, I want each member of the class to write out the battalion commander’s order on his pad. Base your order on the dispositions that we have discussed in the solution of the problem; use the 5 paragraph order system; endeavor to include all the instructions that we have included in our solution.”

Procedure

The necessary time is allowed for the preparation of the order by the members of the class. 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 situation.

He will read it aloud to the class and have each man compare it with the order that he, himself, has prepared.

This solution order will be as follows:

1. The enemy continued his retreat during the day. Our 2nd battalion has halted along (d)[1]where it is in close contact with the enemy. Details of location of units will be given later. The attack will be continued tomorrow morning. The 3rd battalion relieves our battalion before (g)[1]tonight. When relieved the 2nd battalion goes to the regimental reserve.

2. This battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion tonight.

3. (a) The Intelligence Section, Headquarters’ Company will proceed at once to the C. P. 2nd battalion and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions.

(b) The Communications platoon, Headquarters’ Company will proceed at once to the C. P. 2nd battalion and be prepared to take over the communications net and message center.

(c) Captain A, with Company A, will march at ____ (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the ____[2]half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the ____[2]Assault Companyof the 2nd battalion. The guide will be ____[3]Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic. Contact with the ____[3]of Company B will be maintained.

(d) Captain B, with Company B, will march at ____ (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the ____[3]half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the ____[3]assault company of the 2nd battalion. Directing line ____ (state directing line). Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(e) Captain C, with Company C, will follow Company A in approach march formation at a distance of 300 yards, preparatory to relieving local support company of the 2nd Battalion. Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(f) Captain D, with Company D, will follow Company B, in approach march formation at a distance of 300 yards, preparatory to relieving the Machine Gun elements of the 2nd battalion. Directing line ____ (state). Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(x) Company B, base company.

A reconnaissance officer from each company, accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once.

When the leading elements of the battalion have arrived at ____ (state place), the entire battalion will halt, take cover and await orders.

Company Commanders will assemble at ____(state point) to receive orders covering the details of the relief.

4. Rolling Kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion.

5. The battalion C. P. will close here at ____ (time) and open at the C. P. 2nd battalion at the same hour.

The Director: “After issuing this order and making sure that it is understood the battalion commander accompanied by his battalion staff, runners, etc., and the remainder of the battalion Headquarters’ Company will proceed to the front. One officer will be left at the old C. P. until the troops have moved out. He will then go to the front. The Major will get in personal communication with the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, secure all the information he has of the situation and the location of the troops to be relieved. 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 2nd battalion.”

The Director: “Are there any questions?”

The Director endeavors to answer any questions that may be asked.

Approach March and DeploymentCard No. 1Director’s Key1. Conduct the class to (e) where the Terrain exercise is to begin.2. Distribute the sheets containing Special Situation, Blue, read and explain.3. Meaning of Sector; attacking brigade; attack formations—brigades side by side; regiments side by side; attacking brigade and reserve brigade—tandem; formation of 19th brigade.4. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 1, read and explain.5. Approach march and deployment; importance of; necessity for training; training programs; failure of battalion to jump off.6. Visualize formation of 1st Battalion. Point out relative location of units.7. Estimate of situation; mission; enemy; own troops; terrain plans of operation; decision.8. Order: Information of Enemy and own troops (Refer to copy of order to be submitted as solution in bringing out points of order. Make discussion along lines of solution). Plan of commander. Orders for each unit. Put in paragraph (x). Administrative arrangements. Location of C. P. Review the paragraphs of the order.9. Have class write out order on pads.10. Distribute sheets containing the solution (copy of Order). Read and explain. Have members of class compare their order with the solution.11. Explain subsequent actions of Major A.

Approach March and DeploymentCard No. 1

Director’s Key

1. Conduct the class to (e) where the Terrain exercise is to begin.

2. Distribute the sheets containing Special Situation, Blue, read and explain.

3. Meaning of Sector; attacking brigade; attack formations—brigades side by side; regiments side by side; attacking brigade and reserve brigade—tandem; formation of 19th brigade.

4. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 1, read and explain.

5. Approach march and deployment; importance of; necessity for training; training programs; failure of battalion to jump off.

6. Visualize formation of 1st Battalion. Point out relative location of units.

7. Estimate of situation; mission; enemy; own troops; terrain plans of operation; decision.

8. Order: Information of Enemy and own troops (Refer to copy of order to be submitted as solution in bringing out points of order. Make discussion along lines of solution). Plan of commander. Orders for each unit. Put in paragraph (x). Administrative arrangements. Location of C. P. Review the paragraphs of the order.

9. Have class write out order on pads.

10. Distribute sheets containing the solution (copy of Order). Read and explain. Have members of class compare their order with the solution.

11. Explain subsequent actions of Major A.

The class is now conducted to the area supposed to be occupied by Company B. The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 2 to the members of the class.

Situation No. 2:

You, Captain B, are commanding Company B. You have the order of the battalion commander relating to your company as follows:

(d) Captain B, with Company B, will march at —— (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the right (left) half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 2nd battalion. Directing line —— (state directing line). Compass bearing —— degrees, magnetic.

(x) Company B, base company.

A reconnaissance officer from each company, accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once.

4. Rolling kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion.

You have returned to your Company.

Required:

What action do you take?

The Director will read the situation aloud, make such explanations as may be necessary and point out the area occupied by Company B. One or more members of the class may be called upon to state his understanding of the situation.

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, what do you understand to be the formation of Company B at this moment?”

Lieutenant Williams: “I would say that the company would be in approach march formation. There would be two platoons, let us say the 1st and 2nd, in the assault echelon and one, the 3rd, in the support echelon. All three of the platoons would at this time be deployed in two waves, a section of three squads in each wave. I think each section would be deployedin a line of skirmishers while at a halt. The company headquarters would be here, about midway between the assault echelon and the support echelon.”

(Note.—Lieutenant Williams will point out the location of the various elements of the Company on the ground.)

The Director: “Why do you think the Company would be deployed in a line of skirmishers at this time?”

Lieutenant Williams: “When the company halts the men will want to take advantage of existing cover. If there is little cover available, as in this case, each man will dig himself in—he will dig a ‘fox hole’ big enough to give him some cover. 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 them. Another reason for the support battalion deploying into a line of skirmishers when it halts for any length is this: If the enemy should make a counter-attack and break through our assault battalion, and the companies of our support battalion are ‘dug in’ in a line of skirmishers they are in position to meet him without any change in the formation. Everything is all set and ready to receive the counter-attack.”

The Director: “I think you have sized up the formation pretty well. 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 in. You may say ‘why dig in for such a short halt.’ I answer that youwill have no trouble getting the men to dig fox holes after they have been in action a few times. They soon learn the value of them and automatically do it.”

The Director: “Captain Hastings, let us assume that you are Captain B. How do you size up the situation?”

Captain Hastings: “My immediate mission is to get my company ready to march at the appointed hour.

“I have little information of the detailed dispositions of the enemy that is opposing our 1st 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 issued.

“We are to relieve the right (left) assault company of the 1st battalion which is now in close contact with the enemy along the front lines. 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 line. It is necessary for Company B in making the relief to get the assault troops in the proper formation to make the attack tomorrow morning.

“The present formation of the company is suitable for the purpose and will need no change. We can march straight to the front in our present general formation. We will change from a line of skirmishers into a line of squad columns for each of thewaves of the 1st and 2nd platoons and the 3rd platoon will march in a column of section columns with the second section staggered to the right of the first.”

(Note.—Discuss features of the terrain as they actually exist.)

The Director: “Your decision will be to march to the front in the general formation you are now in.”

Captain Hastings: “Yes, sir.”

The Director: “Now let us go into details a little. Lieutenant Wallace, what do you understand to be the purpose of the ‘Directing line’ assigned to the company by the Major?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “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 lost. It is a well defined topographical feature and will serve the purpose very well.”

The Director: “You note that the company has been designated as ‘base company.’ What do you understand by that?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “It is the company on which all the units of the battalion will guide during the approach march.”

The Director: “This places an additional responsibility on the company. 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 ‘jump off’ tomorrow morning. 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 kind. Every possible precaution must be taken toprevent it. 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 it. In this case the right (left) assault platoon will be designated ‘base platoon’ and will take every precaution to keep the right (left) element of the platoon absolutely on the directing line. You can see that this places the responsibility for the march direction of the whole battalion on the squad that is nearest the directing line. I want you to keep this in mind throughout the problem.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Ralston, what preliminary arrangements would Captain B make for issuing his orders to the company?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “The company command post is supposed to be located here.

(Note.—In framing up the problem the Director should locate the Company C. P. where there is cover. If it is impracticable to do so, it may be assumed that there is a shell hole available.)

“The Captain will assemble the platoon commanders and platoon sergeants and issue the orders for the initial operation of the Company.”

The Director: “What will be included in the first paragraph of the order?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “The information of the enemy and our own troops. This will be a repetition of paragraph 1 of the Major’s order with the addition of information as to what the other companies of the battalion are going to do. Captain B will go into details, for it must be remembered, that none ofthe 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 themselves.”

The Director: “I am glad to hear you bring out that point. 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 operations. They must know the details of the situation. Now, Captain Harvey, what would you include in the second paragraph of the order?”

Captain Harvey: “My plans. To march at the designated hour, preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 1st battalion. In order to save questions regarding the relief I would state to the effect that detailed instructions would be issued later.”

The Director: “Very good. Now comes the distribution of troops. That is paragraph 3 of the field order. What points would you include in it?”

Captain Harvey: “I would give the orders for each platoon separately. Those for the right assault platoon would come first. I would designate the platoon by number and the name of the platoon commander; state the formation; the sector that the platoon is to march in; announce the guide; and the compass bearing of the march. In the case of the base platoon I would indicate the directing line of the march in addition.

“I will then follow with instructions for the reconnaissance party and guides to go to the front right away.

“Then will come that part of the order that is of interest to all the elements of the Company. The announcement of the base platoon; where the halt is to be made to receive detailed orders for the relief. Then will follow the final paragraph of the order designating the place where the Company Headquarters is to march.”

The Director: “I think you have covered the elements of the company order very well. I hope all of you see the necessity for such an order. You may say: why all of this long-winded order for the operation of a single rifle company? Why not have Captain B simply give the signal for the advance when the time comes and have the company go ahead? Suppose you were one of the platoon commanders in the company, would you rather have the detailed order for your operation or would you be more satisfied with a mere extended order drill formation? I am sure you will all favor the order procedure and that is the answer to the question. 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 manner. I am pleased to note that many of you are taking notes on the technique of the Captain’s order. They will now stand you in good stead. Are there any questions?”

Captain Hodges: “I note that Captain Harvey made a statement about sending forward the reconnaissance party. Who would head that party and just what would it be composed of?”

The Director: “Captain Harvey, what are your ideas about this?”

Captain Harvey: “I would have the second in command lead the party. It would be composed of two runners from each of the platoons and two from company headquarters.”

The Director: “You cannot have the second in command lead the party. He is not up with the company at this time. He is back with the rear echelon of the company. The idea is that he will remain there so as to be available to take charge in case the company commander becomes a casualty.”

Captain Harvey: “That is right. I had overlooked that fact. I would have the commander of the 3rd platoon conduct the reconnaissance party. His platoon is to be in support and is the most available officer. The platoon sergeant can conduct the platoon on the approach march.”

The Director: “I think you are right. Does that answer your question, Captain Hodges?”

Captain Hodges: “Yes, sir.”

The Director: “Now, I want each member of the class to write out Captain B’s order on his pad. Place yourself in the Captain’s shoes; visualize the situation just as it is before you; refer to the notes you have made during the solution and explanations; and write out the order. This is the very best training you can possibly get. It puts the proposition right up to you for solution. In writing the order leave a margin of 1½ inches on the left.”

When the class has finished with the order the Director will direct each member to pass his order to the member at his left. Each officer will then correctthe order in his possession and make comments on the margin.

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 Director.

The Director: “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 margin.”

When this is done the orders will be collected. The Director will examine them at his leisure for the purpose of determining the quality of the work that the class is doing.

Captain B’s order distributed by the Director will be as follows:

1. The enemy continued his retreat during the day. Our 2nd battalion has halted along (d)[4]where it is in close contact with the enemy. Details of location of units will be given later. The attack will be continued tomorrow morning. The 3rd battalion relieves our battalion before ——[4]tonight. When relieved the 2nd battalion goes to the regimental reserve. Our battalion relieves the 2nd battalion tonight. Company A marches on our left (right); Company C follows Company A at a distance of 300 yards; Company D follows us at a distance of 300 yards.

2. This company, as base company of the battalion, will march at ______ (hour), preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 2nd battalion. Detailed instructions for the relief later.

3. (a) Lieutenant X, with the 1st platoon, will march the right (left) half of our company sector. Guide will be left (right). Contact with the 2nd platoon will be maintained. Compass bearing of march —— degrees, magnetic.

(b) Lieutenant Y, with the 2nd platoon, will march in the left (right) half of our company sector. Guiding line (indicate in detail) compass bearing of march —— degrees, magnetic.

(c) Sergeant M with the 3rd platoon will march in the center of our company sector following the 1st and 2nd platoons at a distance of 200 yards.

(d) Lieutenant Z with 8 runners (2 from Company Headquarters and 2 from each platoon) will proceed at once to the front, reconnoiter the sector occupied by the left (right) assault company, 2nd battalion, and instruct the runners in order that they may act as guides for the elements of the company in effecting the relief.

(x) The 2nd platoon Base platoon. When the leading elements of the 1st and 2nd platoons reach the —— (state line) a halt will be made until further orders.

4. The rolling kitchen will join the combat train of the reserve battalion at ——.

5. I will march ahead of the 3rd platoon.

The Director: “The platoon commanders will return to their platoons, assemble their non-commissioned officers and issue their instructions. Through this chain of command the instructions for the operationwill be gotten right down to the last member of the battalion.”

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