OutpostCard No. 3Director’s Key1. Explain necessity for covering the posting of the outguards. Formations that may be used: Skirmishers; patrols; advantages of patrol system.2. Pass out problem and read it. Have members of class explain their version.3. Disposition of packs. Keep haversacks. Remove rolls.4. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops known. Second paragraph. Dispositions. Orders for patrols. Three patrols and support. How far to go out. When to return.5. Asking questions.6. Have class write out solution. Collect and redistribute solutions. Read and comment on solutions.7. Explain object of problem.
OutpostCard No. 3
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
1. Explain necessity for covering the posting of the outguards. Formations that may be used: Skirmishers; patrols; advantages of patrol system.
2. Pass out problem and read it. Have members of class explain their version.
3. Disposition of packs. Keep haversacks. Remove rolls.
4. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops known. Second paragraph. Dispositions. Orders for patrols. Three patrols and support. How far to go out. When to return.
5. Asking questions.
6. Have class write out solution. Collect and redistribute solutions. Read and comment on solutions.
7. Explain object of problem.
The class is now conducted down the road to the point where outguard No. 2 is to be posted.
The Director: “The order of the platoon commander requires Corporal V, with the fifth squad, to post outguard No. 2 on the main road in this vicinity and covering the front from —— (exclusive) to —— (exclusive).
(Note.—The Director points out the limits of the front to be covered by the outguards.)
“There are some definite rules that may be laid down governing the location of an outguard. In the first place, the location within reasonable limits has been designated by the support commander in his order. We are to cover the main road leading from the direction in which the enemy is reported to be. The outguard should occupy a good defensive position—that is, it should have a good field of fire to the front and in oblique directions toward both flanks. It should be so far concealed that the enemy could not discover it without attacking.”
Situation No. 4 is now handed out to the members of the class.
Situation No. 4:
You, Corporal V, have been given the fifth squad, and ordered to establish outguard No. 2 in this vicinity. You have arrived at this point with your squad.
Required:
How will you carry out your mission?
The Director reads the problem aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain their understanding of it.
The Director: “Now, I want each member of the class to visualize this situation—to consider himself as being Corporal V. You have arrived here with your squad to establish outguard No. 2. Just how do you propose to go about it? Captain Hastings, what would you do?”
Captain Hastings: “Well, sir, 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 them. I have the limits of the front assigned to me definitely pointed out. I must first find a location for the outguard that will cover this front.”
The Director: “Have you decided upon such a location?”
Captain Hastings: “Yes, sir. My outguard posted at —— would accomplish the desired results. In the first place, any considerable body of the enemy must travel at night on a well defined road or trail. He cannot strike off across country unless elaborate preparations are made for guiding his columns. We would know about any such preparations and could counter them. If I cover this main road and the country adjacent to it, I will be able to accomplish my mission.”
(Note.—The Director should bring out all the elements connected with the selection of the position of the ground in question. There will be many small points that may be brought up for consideration such as: Is the position selected a good one for defense? Is there a good field of fire? Is there cover for the enemy to conceal a formation for attack? Is the position naturally strong; if not, can it be made so? Can obstacles be so placed as to hold the enemy under effective fire of the outguard? Is there ground to the front or flanks within rifle or machine gun range that commands the position? Are there good approaches to the sentinel posts from the outguard? Is it possible to provide for mutual supporting fire with the other outguards? Are there good communications with the adjoining outguards and with the support? While it is not contemplated that an outguard position will fulfill all of these conditions, it should be selected so as to fulfill as many of them as possible.)
The Director: “In your discussion a minute ago you stated that you would determine the number ofsentinels to be posted. Just what do you mean by that?”
Captain Hastings: “I will want to post a sufficient number of sentinels to keep the sector of the front allotted to me under observation at all times. I have not yet decided how many will be required.”
The Director: “That is just the point I wanted to bring out. The number of sentinels that you can post is determined by the strength of your outguard. You can post only one double sentinel post from a squad. If more than one is required your outguard must be allotted additional men for the purpose. Now, let us see how this proposition works out in practice. You have seven men besides yourself. This will provide three reliefs for one double sentinel post and give you one spare man. The outguard is to be on duty until the march is resumed tomorrow morning. You cannot expect to keep all the men on post all the time. They must have their rest if they are expected to march tomorrow. Sentinels are ordinarily on post for two hours, after which they are given a four-hour period of rest before going on post again. To do otherwise is to wear your men out and render them unfit for further service. Let us all get this system firmly fixed in our minds. A squad furnishes three reliefs for a double sentinel post. If only a single sentinel is required, a cossack post will furnish three reliefs for it. I hope you will all see the point.”
Captain Hastings: “I understand the system now. But, suppose I should determine that at least two double sentinel posts are necessary, what should I do?”
The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, can you answer the captain’s question?”
Lieutenant Williams: “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 outguard.”
The Director: “That would be a proper procedure. The initial disposition of the outguard is only tentative. Soon after the outguards are posted the support commander will be out to make his inspection of them. At that time the situation may be represented to him, and he can make his decision as to whether or not he deems it necessary to supply the additional men.”
(Note.—The exact location of the outguard should be decided upon at this time, and the tentative position of the sentinels should be determined.)
The Director: “We have decided upon the location of the outguard, and the dispositions to be made. It is now necessary to embody these in the form of orders to the members of the squad. Lieutenant Hunt, what should this order contain?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “Do you want me to give the entire order for the posting of the outguard?”
The Director: “Yes. If any point comes up that is not fully understood by a member of the class, he should feel free to interrupt with a question.”
Lieutenant Hunt: “The men have all the information about the enemy and our own troops. It is not necessary to repeat that. I would cover this by saying:
“‘You have heard the information about the enemy and our own troops. The first section is out in front covering the posting of the outguards.’
“I would then state the mission of the squad.
“‘This squad forms outguard No. 2 of support No. 1.’
“The tactical dispositions are next in order. The reliefs have to be told off and other arrangements made.”
“‘Hanna and Crow (riflemen), first relief; Smith and Carney (riflemen), second relief; Harris and Welch (riflemen), third relief; Rainer (automatic rifleman), spare man.
“‘Rainer, you select the tentative positions for your automatic rifle and get ready to prepare them for occupation.
“‘The members of the second and third reliefs will prepare the bivouac for the outguard and the firing positions which I will designate later.
“‘In case of attack we will be supported.’
“The administrative arrangements are simple. They will relate to the messing of the men.
“‘Meals will be sent up from the support.’
“Then the location of the outguard commander will be stated:
“‘Messages to me, here.’
“I will then direct the men to remove their packs and order:
“‘First relief, FOLLOW ME.’”
The Director: “You seem to have covered the essentialpoints of the order of an outguard commander. Now, in order to impress it on your minds, I want each member of the class to write out the order on his pad. Follow the form of the five paragraph order and try to get the wording just as was given by Lieutenant Hunt.”
When all have finished writing the order the papers are collected and distributed again. Members of the class are called upon to read and comment on the order they have in their possession.
(Note.—The Director should insist that members of the class prepare these orders with great care and attention to detail. It will be found that there is a tendency to slight them and take a lot for granted.)
OutpostCard No. 4Director’s Key1. Conduct class down the road to location of outguard No. 2. Indicate limits of front of outguard.2. Hand out Situation No. 4. Read and explain it to class.3. Location of outguard. Defense. Field of fire. Cover. Strength of position. Obstacles commanding ground. Approaches and communications.4. Number of sentinels supplied by outguard. Explanation of.5. Tentative dispositions.6. Orders for posting of outguards: Information of enemy and own troops; mission; disposition—division into reliefs; action in case of attack; messing; messages.7. Write out orders. Collect. Distribute. Read.
OutpostCard No. 4
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
1. Conduct class down the road to location of outguard No. 2. Indicate limits of front of outguard.
2. Hand out Situation No. 4. Read and explain it to class.
3. Location of outguard. Defense. Field of fire. Cover. Strength of position. Obstacles commanding ground. Approaches and communications.
4. Number of sentinels supplied by outguard. Explanation of.
5. Tentative dispositions.
6. Orders for posting of outguards: Information of enemy and own troops; mission; disposition—division into reliefs; action in case of attack; messing; messages.
7. Write out orders. Collect. Distribute. Read.
The Director: “We are now ready to proceed with the next step of the problem, the posting of the first relief. Before we go into that I want to make a few remarks about the location of sentinel posts.
“By day the sentinel must be able to see the wholeof the ground allotted to him for observation. He should be provided with sufficient cover so that the enemy’s patrols will not be able to locate him. He should have good communication with the outguard and the adjoining sentinels. Excellent observation posts may sometimes be found in large trees, one of the sentinels of the double post being located in a tree and the other on the ground near the foot of the tree. It may be that the best location for observation is also the best for resistance, in which case the sentinels may be posted on or very near the actual locality to be defended by the outguard. There is no objection to this, provided the members of the outguard, as well as the sentinel, are well concealed from the view of the enemy.
“The location of the sentinel post at night requires the most careful consideration. It depends considerably upon the degree of darkness, and consequently the value of eyesight as compared with hearing. On a very dark night, when the sentinel can see only a few yards in front of him, it is evident that his ears will be more useful than his eyes. Furthermore, the difficulties of the enemy will be increased by the darkness, and he is likely to make more noise by stumbling over unseen obstructions. On a still night a sentinel posted on high ground can hear better than when on low ground, 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 atmosphere. It therefore appears that on a very dark night, when the ears are more efficient than the eyes, the sentinel should be posted on high ground, with low ground to his front.
“When the darkness is not so great and the powers of sight more nearly approach in value the powers of hearing, it is better to place the sentinel on low ground, with the sky line to his front. 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 valley.
“The night post should always be provided with an obstacle placed from 10 to 30 yards to the front of the sentinel. It must be low, so that it will not be seen by an approaching enemy. 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 obstacle.”
The class is now conducted to the place where the sentinel post is to be established.
The Director: “Lieutenant Barry, where would you locate your sentinel post?”
Lieutenant Barry: “I would locate it at ——”
(Note.—The location of the sentinel post should be determined upon after careful consideration of all the factors that enter into the problem.)
The Director now distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 5.
Situation No. 5:
It has been decided to locate double sentinel post No. 1 of outguard No. 2 at this point. You, Corporal V, have arrived here with the members of the first relief.
Required:
The orders and instructions you give your sentinels.
The Director: “The sentinels must have imparted to them all information of the enemy and our own troops. With respect to the latter, they must be fully informed of the covering patrols that have been sent out and the location of the adjoining sentinel posts. The location of the main body of the outguard should be pointed out, and, if practicable, the position of adjoining outguards.
“They will be given the number of their own post and the number of the outguard from which they are posted.
“They will be informed as to the points to which the roads and trails lead, and, if practicable, the names of important topographical points in sight.
“They will be given the countersign, if one is used. 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 night. On one occasion a countersign using the name of a battle or general may be used; on another night the system of tapping the knuckles on the rifle stock may be employed.
“The mistake of giving sentinels too many orders and instructions should be carefully avoided. If their minds are burdened with too many details, they are likely to become hesitating, timid and confused.The controlling idea is that they should know where to look for the enemy and what to do if they see him.”
The Director: “Captain Hall, having in mind what I have just said, what orders would you give your sentinels?”
Captain Hall: “I would give them the following orders:
“‘You have all the information of the enemy and our own troops.
“‘You are double sentinel post No. 1 of outguard No. 2 of support No. 1. Outguard No. 1 is —— (point out location). Outguard No. 3 is —— (point out location). Information of the exact location of the sentinel posts will be given to you later.
“‘This road leads to ——. That trail leads in the direction of ——. That —— is known as the ——.
(Note—Locate and name other important topographical features in view.)
“‘If you see the enemy, signal to me at the outguard.
“‘The countersign will be given to you later.’”
The Director: “I think that covers the orders for your sentinel very well. The big idea is that we should not burden them with too many things to think about. We will omit the written solution of this part of the problem.”
The Director: “There are certain rules for the guidance of a sentinel on post with which all officers and soldiers should be familiar. They must be scrupulouslyobserved under all circumstances. They are:
“1. He must watch and listen without betraying his presence. Observation is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance.
“2. He must not smoke, and matches must not be lighted at night.
“3. Such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in subdued tones.
“4. He must not have any arms or accoutrements that will glitter in the sunlight.
“5. Except at night and in foggy weather, the bayonet must be kept in the scabbard.
“6. Persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol comes out to take charge of them.
“7. He will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements of military etiquette. He pays no compliments and does not salute officers unless addressed by them.
“8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be communicated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to report promptly all indication of the enemy’s approach. If he is satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given by firing. When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be avoided.
“There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the outpost troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information to the enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he is able to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an invariable rulethat sentinels do not fire except as a last resort. There is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal, if such action is absolutely necessary. Night firing is of little value in any event. It is only effective for very short distances, and should be discouraged by every possible means.”
OutpostCard No. 5Director’s Key1. Location of Sentinel Posts. By day. At night. Obstacles. Field of view.2. Conduct class to place where sentinel post is to be established.3. Discuss location of post.4. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss it.5. Orders for sentinels: Information of enemy and own troops; number of post; identify support and outguard; countersigns; too many orders.6. Proceed with verbal solution of problem.7. Explain rules for guidance of sentinels: Watch and listen; smoke; matches; conversation; arms; vigilance; etiquette; report of observations; night firing.
OutpostCard No. 5
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
1. Location of Sentinel Posts. By day. At night. Obstacles. Field of view.
2. Conduct class to place where sentinel post is to be established.
3. Discuss location of post.
4. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss it.
5. Orders for sentinels: Information of enemy and own troops; number of post; identify support and outguard; countersigns; too many orders.
6. Proceed with verbal solution of problem.
7. Explain rules for guidance of sentinels: Watch and listen; smoke; matches; conversation; arms; vigilance; etiquette; report of observations; night firing.
The class is now conducted to the location of outguard No. 1.
The Director: “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 support. In this inspection any or all of the following questions may be presented for consideration.
“1. Is the outguard located at the best place to cover the sector of the front allotted to it? Is there a good field of fire over the ground by which the enemy may approach?
“2. Are the sentinels so located that they can observe all approaches? Are they well instructed in their duties? Do they know what to do if they should see the enemy?
“3. Have provisions been made for rapid communication between sentinels and the outguard? Has communication been established with adjoining outguards and sentinels and with the support?
“4. Have fire positions been prepared for all riflemen, the automatic rifleman and the rifle grenadier? Are the men well supplied with ammunition?
“5. Are all the men familiar with the plans for defense? Do they know what to do in case the enemy attacks?
“6. Have necessary arrangements been made for patrolling?
“7. Have necessary arrangements been made for messing?
“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 charged.
“Having completed this inspection he will return to the support and make his report to the outpost commander. 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 support, the location of each of the outguards, their strength and disposition,the extent of patrolling contemplated, and finally the place where messages are to be sent is indicated. 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 body.
“When practicable the report is accompanied by a rough sketch showing the dispositions of the support.”
While at the location of outguard No. 1, 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 operating.
The class is then conducted to the location of outguard No. 3, and the same procedure is gone through with.[14]
The class is then conducted to the position of the support, and Situation No. 6 is distributed.
Situation No. 6:
You, Lieutenant M, have completed the inspection of your outguards and returned to your support.
Required:
Write out the body of the report that you would send back to the outpost commander.
Procedure
The Director: “We have been over the entire front covered by our support and made a detailed inspection of the dispositions, rearranged them where it was necessary and given instructions that will insure efficient outpost service. We have now returned to the position of the support. Word has been sent out to withdraw the covering troops. It is now up to Lieutenant M to make his report to the outpost commander. 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 in.”
The members of the class write out the report. When this is done they are collected and redistributed as indicated heretofore. Members of the class are required to read the solutions and comment on them.
OutpostCard No. 6Director’s Key1. Conduct class to location of outguard No. 1.2. Explain method of inspection of line of outguards by support commander. Considerations that will come up: Location of outguard; location of sentinel posts; arrangements for communication; fire positions; men familiar with plans for defense; patroling; messing; changes in dispositions.3. Report and sketch.4. Conduct class to outguard No. 3. Discuss dispositions.5. Conduct class to support. Pass out Situation No. 6. Write out report of support commander.
OutpostCard No. 6
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
Director’s Key
1. Conduct class to location of outguard No. 1.
2. Explain method of inspection of line of outguards by support commander. Considerations that will come up: Location of outguard; location of sentinel posts; arrangements for communication; fire positions; men familiar with plans for defense; patroling; messing; changes in dispositions.
3. Report and sketch.
4. Conduct class to outguard No. 3. Discuss dispositions.
5. Conduct class to support. Pass out Situation No. 6. Write out report of support commander.