Chapter X: Part 10

_Lieutenant Barry_: “Well, sir, 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 vicinity. There would be too much danger of an accident. 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 me. 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 enemy. 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 assistance. I would have the remaining men of the outguard remain on the alert at their post.”

_The Director_: “I think you are right in all you have said and I feel sure that Captain Hall will agree with you on reconsideration. Is that not so, Captain Hall?”

_Captain Hall_: “Yes, sir.”

_The Director_: “We then decide that Corporal Canes is to make the reconnaissance with the two remaining men of his visiting patrol; 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 post. Now, Lieutenant Hunt, just how will you put this decision into the form of orders?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would issue my orders as follows:

“‘You have all the information of the enemy and our own troops.

“‘The visiting patrol will conduct a reconnaissance in that
direction (indicating).

“‘Manley and Harrison will follow me at the usual distance.

“‘Corporal R, have two men of your outguard come up here. If
anything happens to my patrol come to our assistance. Have the
remainder of your men remain at the outguard on the alert.’

“When all is ready I will say:

“‘Manley and Harrison, follow me.’

“We will proceed in Indian file towards the suspicious noise reported by the sentinel.”

* * * * *

=Visiting Patrol= =Card No. 6=

=Director’s Key=

1. On arrival at Outguard No. 3 distribute Situation No. 6 and
explain.

2. Duty of visiting patrol to investigate suspicious occurrences on
outpost line.

3. Question of Patrol from outguard.

4. Visiting patrol makes reconnaissance. Two men brought up to
sentinel post as a reserve. Outguard to remain in place at the
alert.

5. Orders.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted to a point about 100 yards to the front of the sentinel post of Outguard No. 3, where Situation No. 7 is distributed and such explanation as may be necessary is made.

The Problem

=Situation No. 7=:

You have arrived at this point. You discover a cavalryman’s horse, fully equipped, tied to that tree. You reconnoiter the vicinity but can find no other signs of the enemy.

_Required_:

What action do you take?

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, how do you size up the situation?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I have come to the conclusion that the enemy prisoner told the truth when he said he was lost. I do not believe there are any other men of the enemy in this immediate vicinity. Had there been other men with the prisoner he surely would not have dismounted and tied his horse to a tree. 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 foot. 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 line. He got lost and was trying to find some of the men of his own patrol when he ran into us. I do not think he realized that he was inside of our lines at the time he was captured.”

_The Director_: “Has any member of the class a different version of the affair than what Lieutenant Williams has just explained?”

_Captain Hastings_: “I do not think we would be justified in assuming that there are no more of the enemy in this vicinity. Two enemy scouts have been captured that we know of. These two men were not scouting around here alone. There must be more of them somewhere. It may be that others have come in contact with our outguards that we have not heard about.”

_The Director_: “Have you heard any firing tonight along our lines?”

_Captain Hastings_: “No, sir.”

_The Director_: “Don’t you think that if there had been very much enemy activity along our lines that there would have been firing somewhere? I think it is fair to assume that. 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 lost.

“The question now before us is what are we going to do? Lieutenant Wallace, what would you do?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would get this horse back as quickly as possible and then I would extend my reconnaissance farther to the front.”

_The Director_: “Where would you send the horse?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would send him back to the support commander.”

_The Director_: “Where would you send him, Lieutenant Ralston?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I am not so sure I would send him anywhere for the present. If we are to continue our reconnaissance to the front I do not figure that I would spare a man to send the horse back. In any event I would send him no farther than outguard No. 3. And I am not so sure that I would go any farther on the reconnaissance. I do not think a visiting patrol—so few men—should go very far in front of the line of observation at night.”

_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what do you think about all of this?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I agree with Lieutenant Ralston. Another point that presents itself to me is this: 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 have. The natural place for him to come first to find me will be outguard No. 3. I think I should get back there at least by the time the patrol from the support reaches there. I estimate that I could stay around here for a few minutes yet, but I would have to be getting back pretty soon.”

_The Director_: “What would be your decision based on your sizing up of the situation?”

_Captain Harvey_: “To send the horse back to outguard No. 3 right away.

“Manley and myself would stay out here in concealment for, say five minutes longer, and then go back to the outguard by way of the sentinel post.”

_The Director_: “Any member of the class that does not agree with that decision? (After waiting a moment.) There seems to be none, so we will agree to that solution of the problem.”

* * * * *

=Visiting Patrol= =Card No. 7=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to a point 100 yards in front of sentinel post of
Outguard No. 3. Distribute Situation No. 7.

2. Size up situation. Estimate of connection of enemy prisoner with
the cavalry horse.

3. Disposition of horse.

4. Future action of patrol commander.

5. Decision; send horse to Outguard No. 3; Go to Outguard No. 3 to
meet commander of patrol sent out from support.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted to outguard No. 3, at which place Situation No. 8 is distributed and explained.

The Problem

=Situation No. 8=:

You have arrived at outguard No. 3. On your way back the outguard commander who was at the sentinel post joined you. He left the two additional men at the sentinel post. You explained to him what happened on your reconnaissance to the front.

At this moment Sergeant Hamilton, the section leader in command of a patrol of one squad from the support, arrives, and states that he has been ordered to make a reconnaissance to the front of our line of observation. Patrols are going out from the other supports to reconnoiter their fronts. Sergeant Hamilton says:

“Corporal Canes, give me all the information you have.”

_Required_:

State the information you, Corporal Canes, would give to Sergeant Hamilton.

Procedure

_The Director_: “Now, I assume that each of you have followed the details of the problem. You know just what has taken place. Now, I want each of you to write out on your pads just what you would say to Sergeant Hamilton in reply to his instructions,

“Give me all the information you have.”

“I want you to write down the exact words that you would use if you were Corporal Canes.”

When all the members of the class have completed their solutions they will be collected and again distributed, making sure that no man receives his own solution back again.

The Director calls upon one or more members of the class to read the solution in his possession and it is discussed.

At the conclusion of this the Director will submit the following solution for discussion (copies of this will be distributed to the class):

Solution

“When my patrol arrived about midway between outguard No. 2 and outguard No. 3 we captured a soldier of the enemy. I asked several questions. He refused to answer, except that he said he was lost. I sent him back to the support and came on over to outguard No. 3. On arriving there the sentinel told me that he had heard a suspicious noise out in front of his post. I took two men and went out about 100 yards where I found a cavalry horse, fully equipped. Sent him back to the outguard here. Made examination to see if I could find any evidence of other horses or men. Found none. Stayed a few minutes out there. Heard nothing.”

Procedure

The Director reads the solution aloud. The members of the class follow from the copy in their possession.

_The Director_: “This is merely one solution of the problem. There may be others equally good. This situation was devised to give you practice in imparting information that you may have. On occasions like this time may be limited and the information will have to be given hurriedly and without waste of words. 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 happened. You will find practice of this kind very valuable and will pay you large dividends on actual service.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “This is the conclusion of our Terrain Exercise on the subject of the visiting patrol. 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 had. I am sure that you know what a visiting patrol is and what it is supposed to do.

“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 them.

“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 observation. Corporal Canes will send Harrison back to the support commander with the horse with a verbal message. Cline has again joined him at outguard No. 3. The three men, Corporal Canes, Manley and Cline continue the operations of the visiting patrol, going on over to outguard No. 1 of support No. 3 and then back to their own support. On arrival there Corporal Canes finds that it is about time for him to start out on the rounds with his 2 o’clock patrol. This has been his busy night.”

* * * * *

=Visiting Patrol= =Card No. 8=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to position of outguard No. 3. Distribute Situation
No. 8 and explain.

2. Have members of class write out solutions on pad. Collect and
distribute. Read and comment.

3. Distribute solution for discussion. Read it aloud.

4. Explain that this is merely a solution.

5. Situation designed to give practice in stating information.

6. Conclusion of Terrain Exercise. Knowledge of work of visiting
patrol. Necessity for training of non-commissioned officers.

7. Future action of visiting patrol. Send back horse. Continue patrol
to outguard No. 1 of support No. 3; thence to support. Time to
go out with 2 o’clock patrol.

* * * * *

_Terrain Exercise No. 9._
A Reconnoitering Patrol

The Problem

=General Situation=:

A Blue battalion has bivouacked at (_a_). An outpost with support along (_b_) has been established. Support number (_c_) under the command of Lieutenant A is at (_d_). It is now 2 o’clock p. m. The posting of the outguards has been completed. The support commander has made his inspection and sent in his report to the outpost commander. The covering troops have been withdrawn to the support. There has been no contact with the enemy.

=Situation No. 1=:

At 2:05 o’clock p. m., a Mr. ——, who lives at (_e_) comes to you, Lieutenant A, and gives you the following information:

I have just had a telephone conversation with a friend of mine, who
lives about (_f_) miles (_g_) of here. He states that there is a Red
force in the vicinity of (_h_). The telephone went out before I
could get any further information.

_Required_:

What action do you, Lieutenant A, take?

Explanation of Symbols

(_a_) State the location of the bivouac of the main body of the battalion. This should be at a logical point with reference to the location of the outpost line.

(_b_) State the location of the general line of outpost supports.

(_c_) The number of the support commanded by Lieutenant A. This should be given a logical number with reference to the whole line of supports.

(_d_) The location of support (_c_). The point where the Terrain Exercise is to start.

(_e_) State where Mr. —— lives.

(_f_) The number of miles from the support to where Mr. ——’s friend lives. This should be several miles away.

(_g_) The direction stated by points of compass (North, South, East, West).

(_h_) The general location of the enemy. This should be in the direction which it is intended to send the reconnoitering patrol.

Procedure

The members of the class are assembled at (_d_), where the outpost support is located.

The Director will distribute copies of the problem to members of the class. A few minutes are allowed them to read it. The Director then reads the problem aloud and points out the places mentioned. One or more of the members of the class are called upon to state their understanding of the situation.

_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to consider himself as being Lieutenant A, commanding the outguard located at this point. Mr. —— has just given you the information as stated in the situation. What are you going to do about it? Lieutenant Williams, just what would you do?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would send out a patrol.”

_The Director_: “How do you arrive at this decision so quickly?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “Well, sir, I think that would be the thing to do. I have gotten some important information about the enemy. Details are lacking. I would want to know more about how many troops he has, what kind of troops they are and what he is doing. I can see no better way to get this information than by sending out a patrol to secure it for me.”

_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what do you think about that?”

_Captain Hastings_: “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 out. I should size up the situation a few minutes. Examine my map, if I had one, and then decide what measures I would take. 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 done.”

_The Director_: “Patrolling is usually conducted from the supports. I think you would be justified in taking the initiative in this case. At all events, let us assume that you would.”

_Captain Hastings_: “Can the Director give us some information on the question of the employment of scouts or patrols.”

_The Director_: “There are no hard and fast rules that may be invoked in arriving at such a decision, but there are certain principles that may be applied, and when reconnaissance enterprises are to be undertaken the condition should be examined closely. The scout or pair of scouts would, as a rule, be preferred when concealment is highly essential, and usually when concealment, though not essential, is possible throughout the reconnaissance, or when the enemy habitually conducts his reconnaissance with strong patrols and scouts have a better chance of eluding him.

“In the following cases a patrol should be employed: When information has to be sent in at intervals; when it is desired to capture prisoners; when concealment is deemed impossible; when the reconnaissance is to be extended over such a period of time that relief of scouts will be necessary; when an urgent mission has been assigned and it is necessary to push through the enemy’s covering troops.

“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 scouts.

“If possible, the individual preferences of the most efficient scouts should be considered. Some men lose self-confidence if attached to a patrol and are limited in their actions by the direction of the patrol leader; others dislike the responsibility of uncontrolled action.

“These are only general rules and cannot be followed blindly. The circumstances of each occasion must be taken into consideration in arriving at a decision.

“Now, considering the points I have stated, would you employ scouts or a patrol in the case under consideration, Captain Hastings?”

_Captain Hastings_: “I think a small patrol would be more suitable. There will probably be messages to send back and the patrol may have to remain out for a considerable length of time. I believe a patrol would be more suitable than individual scouts.”

_The Director_: “Let us then decide that we are to send out a reconnoitering patrol to secure the information we desire.

“Before going further with the problem, I want to say a few words about the patrol.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “The first duty of a patrol is to get information, and information is greatly increased in value if the enemy does not know that it has been obtained. The patrol is required, primarily, to discover whether or not the enemy is in a certain locality. This information is only useful to the officer who sent the patrol out. It is, therefore, the next duty of the patrol to get the information back as soon as possible, especially when the enemy is met.

“Next of importance in the duties of the patrol is to continue to observe the enemy when once discovered, to follow him up and ascertain the direction taken if he retires, or to fall back if he advances in strength, endeavoring to keep even with him on a flank. The enemy is certain to send out scouts to his front, but may neglect his flanks.

“Boldness must be tempered with caution. It is useless to obtain information if you cannot get it back where it will do some good. A little information sent in in time to be of use is clear gain to your side. 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 depend.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, one of the first questions that will present itself to the support commander is the selection of a patrol leader. What factors would you consider in this matter?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “In the first place I would want a non-commissioned officer for patrol leader; further, I would want to send out the best qualified one in the platoon. To meet this requirement I would select the platoon sergeant to lead this patrol. The importance of the mission is such as to warrant sending him.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, do you agree with this solution?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “No, sir. I realize the importance of the mission of the patrol. I know we should have a qualified man to lead it, but I should hesitate to send my platoon sergeant out.”

_The Director_: “I think you are right and when Lieutenant Wallace reflects on the matter I think he will agree with you. The platoon sergeant has a multitude of duties to perform in connection with the interior administration of the platoon. In his administrative capacity he is to the platoon what the first sergeant is to the company. In addition, he has his tactical duties to perform. He is the second in command, and should anything happen to the platoon leader he automatically assumes charge. 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 operating. 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 night.

“Now, having rejected the idea of sending the platoon sergeant, what man would you send in charge of the patrol, Captain Harvey?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I would send a section leader. The one whose section is on the line of outguards. He seems to me to be the most available man for the duty.”

_The Director_: “I agree with you. 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 support. This leaves the commander of the outguard section surplus in a way, and makes him available for important patrol duty, such as that we have under consideration.

“The next question that comes up is the strength of the patrol. This is a reconnoitering patrol. Its mission is to gain information of the enemy. It need not be made strong to give it fighting power, for it will not engage the enemy in combat except as the last resort. It must not have any more men than are absolutely necessary to carry out its mission, 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 enemy. There will be messages to be sent back, at least one and possibly two or three. The patrol must be sufficiently strong to provide these messengers without reducing it below two men.

“Having all of these points in mind, what would be the strength of the patrol, Captain Harvey?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I should say there would be at least two messages to be sent back, and it may be necessary to send one of them by two messengers. I would not want the patrol leader to be left out alone. These factors would indicate a strength of 5 men. The patrol leader and 4 men.”

_The Director_: “Has any member of the class a different idea than this?”

_Captain Hodges_: “In my own mind I had tentatively decided to send a complete squad. 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 it. Four men would not be sufficient for the purpose. I should like some enlightenment on this phase of the subject.”

_The Director_: “Captain James, can you answer Captain Hodges?”

_Captain James_: “In the first place, 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 him. In the next place, 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 troops. Once a shot is fired the Red commander will send out sufficient patrols to keep your patrol at a distance, and it will get no information whatever. My idea is that any information this patrol gets will be by avoiding the Red covering troops and not by fighting.”

_The Director_: “I think you are correct. The smaller the patrol, within limitations, the better. I think a leader and four men is about right. Lieutenant Baker, tell us what you would include in your order to the patrol leader.”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would first tell the patrol leader all the information I have about the enemy and our troops. I would give him general direction as to where I want the patrol to go. I would tell him what information I want regarding the enemy. Tell him in general terms where to return and where to send messages.”

_The Director_: “The final question that comes up is that of the equipment of the men. How would you have them equipped, Captain Hall?”

_Captain Hall_: “I would want them to go lightly equipped. They should have a ration in their haversack; not over 40 rounds of ammunition and their rifle. I would have them leave the bayonets with their packs. They will not need them.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “You see the process we have gone through to determine that we are going to send out a patrol of five men from the support. You see how many things you have to consider in arriving at a decision as to what you are going to do. This is what we call making an ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ It is merely a process of sizing up the situation and deciding on what you are going to do to meet it. An officer who fails to do this will in the end make a failure of the soldier game. The one who does it habitually has far greater chances for the operations he is conducting to turn out a success. Just a few minutes’ systematic thought will save you a lot of military blunders.

“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 enemy. Lieutenant Barry, assume that you are Lieutenant A, commanding the support. Can you give us the orders necessary to put the decision into operation?”

Solution

_Lieutenant Barry_: “I will try, sir. I will order:

“‘Sergeant C (platoon Sergeant) turn out a reconnoitering patrol of
four privates, with Sergeant B (section leader) as patrol leader.
Have the men carry a ration and 40 rounds of ammunition. Leave
bayonets here. Have Sergeant B report to me as soon as he is ready
to go out.’

“I will frame up my orders to the patrol leader, and as soon as he reports to me I will give them to him:

“‘I have just received information that there is a Red force in the
vicinity of (_h_). Here is the point. Here is the road leading in
that direction. (Indicating on the map.)[15]

“‘There are no other patrols out from this support. I will notify
the other supports that you are going out.

“‘You will take this reconnoitering patrol of four men and proceed
toward (_h_) and find out what you can about the enemy. Information
as to his strength and composition and what he is doing is
particularly desired.

“‘Return when you have accomplished your mission.

“‘Carlin will be second in command.

“‘Here is a map.

“‘Send messages here.’

“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 enemy.

“I will send the citizen who gave me the information to the outpost commander accompanied by a runner and a message:

“‘I am sending you a Mr. ——, who lives at ——. 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 (_h_). The telephone went out before he could get any further
information. I am sending out a reconnoitering patrol of four men
under Sergeant B to find out what they can. I will notify other
supports of the action I have taken.’

“I will explain to Mr. —— 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 runner.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “That is very good. Are there any questions? Please do not hesitate to ask questions. They are the very life of the Terrain Exercise.”

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

Each member of the class is now required to write out the orders of the support commander to Sergeant B, the patrol leader, and the message that he would send back to the outpost commander by the runner who conducts Mr. —— to him.

The orders and messages are collected and distributed again. One or more members of the class are required to read those in his possession.

* * * * *

=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 1=

=Director’s Key=

1. Prepare copies of the problem and situation, one for each member of
the class.

2. Conduct the class to the point where the problem is to be started.

3. Distribute copies of problem. Read problem and have members of
class explain tactical situation.

4. Work out solution in detail. Scouts or a patrol. Patrol, messages,
capture prisoners, concealment, combat.

5. Duties of patrol. Combat with enemy. Continue observation. Get
information back.

6. Selection of patrol leader. Platoon sergeant. Section leader.
Explain duties of platoon sergeant. Availability of section
leader.

7. Strength of patrol.

8. Order for patrol: Information of enemy and our own troops. Where to
go. When to return. Where messages are to be sent.

9. Explain necessity for estimate of situation.

10. Solution. Orders to platoon sergeant. Order for patrol leader.
Runner to adjoining supports. Send citizen to outpost commander.

* * * * *

Procedure

_The Director_: “Each member of the class will now consider himself to be Sergeant B. who has been designated as the patrol leader. Lieutenant Hunt, what equipment would you carry?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would not want to be encumbered with a rifle, so I would not carry one. I would want a pair of field glasses, a compass, a watch, a wire cutter, pencils and a book of field message blanks. If one were available I would want a map of the country over which the patrol is to operate. Each member of the patrol should be provided with a compass and a wire cutter. At least one man should carry a combination flag kit for wigwag and semaphore signaling——”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I have understood that visual signaling is about to be discarded in the service. Can the Director give us some information on that point?”

_The Director_: “There is a tendency to throw it into the discard, but I am not so sure that it is right. There are times when visual signaling has its place and will save a lot of time and trouble. The codes are easily learned and any intelligent man can master the process within a comparatively short time. I think there should be a few men in every rifle platoon who are good signalers. Going back to the equipment of the patrol, I think Lieutenant Hunt has enumerated the essential items of equipment.

“Lieutenant Williams, suppose you were out on patrol duty and captured one of the enemy scouts, what is the first thing you would look for on him?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would look for some marking that would give me an identification—that would give me information as to the outfit to which he belongs.”

_The Director_: “That is right. During the war both sides took exceptional measures to secure identification of units that were opposed to them. Of course, much of this work was done during the period of so-called trench warfare, but the same idea holds good in open warfare. Identification of the units to which prisoners belong is always sought after by the intelligence service. Now, Lieutenant Williams, what does all of this point to with respect to our own patrol?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “That the members of the patrol should carry nothing with them that will serve to give the enemy an identification, should one of them be captured.”

_The Director_: “You are right. Should one of our soldiers be captured, the enemy should be able to secure from him only his name and rank. The prisoner should give no other information whatever.

“Before going out with a patrol the patrol leader makes an inspection of his men. What is included in this inspection, Captain Hastings?”

_Captain Hastings_: “If I were making the inspection I would satisfy myself that every man is physically fit for the duty to be performed. I would not want a man who has been on some strenuous duty and is all worn out. I would see that every man is properly armed and equipped, that each man has a ration, 40 pounds of ammunition and a canteen full of water. I would not allow a man to carry his roll. I would see that the equipment is arranged so that it will not rattle or glisten in the sunlight. I would see that no man carried anything that would give the enemy an identification or information that would be of value to him. I will verify my own equipment and make sure that I have everything that I will probably require.”

The Director will now hand out the slips bearing special situation No. 2:

The Problem

=Situation No. 2=:

You, Sergeant B, have been designated to command the reconnoitering patrol, consisting of Privates Anderson, Bailey, Carlin and Davis. Lieutenant A has given you your orders and turned the men over to you.

Your orders are:

“I have just received information that there is a Red force in the
vicinity of (_h_). (The point (_h_) and the road leading toward it
are pointed out on the map or on the ground.)

“There are no other patrols out from this support. I will notify the
other supports that you are going out.

“You will take this reconnoitering patrol of four men and proceed
towards (_h_), and find out what you can about the enemy.
Information as to his strength and composition, and what he is doing
is particularly desired.

“Return when you have accomplished your mission.

“Send messages here.”

_Required_:

The orders that you give.

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, we will assume that you are Sergeant B. You have made the inspection of your patrol and corrected all deficiencies. You are ready to give your orders and arrange for the patrol to move out. Just what would you say and what would you do?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would spread my map out on the ground where the men could see it. In the presence of the support commander I would give my orders:

“‘Information has been received that there is a Red force in the
vicinity of (_h_). Here is the place on the map (indicating). We are
here (indicating). This is the road that we will guide on
(indicating). There are no other patrols out from our support.

“‘We are going out as a reconnoitering patrol. We will find out what
we can about the enemy. Our special mission is to find out his
strength, his composition and what he is doing.

“‘Anderson, you will be advance man; march on the left-hand side of
the road.

“‘Bailey, you follow Anderson at a distance of 25 yards, on the
right-hand side of the road.

“‘Carlin, you will march with me.

“‘Davis, you are get-away man. Follow me at a distance of 75 yards.

“‘I will indicate the route and assembly places as we go along.
Drill regulation signals will be used.

“‘Messages will be brought to the support commander here.’

“I will then inquire: What time has the Lieutenant? I will set my watch to agree and direct:

“‘All men who have watches set them at —— (time).’

“I will then command:

“‘1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION, and follow with 1. With ball cartridges,
2. LOAD.’

“I will then direct:

“‘MOVE OUT.’”

Procedure

_The Director_: “That is very good. I think you have covered all the points that should be included in the patrol commander’s order. 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 maneuvers. It is a fact that most patrols go out, either with orders that they do not understand or with no orders at all. Do not allow this to be done under any circumstances. You can well afford to hold up the departure of the patrol until the patrol commander can dope out his orders and give them properly. And you must insist on this being done. If you do not do so it will never be done properly.

“Now I want each member of the class to write our Sergeant B’s orders to his patrol. Try to get the order in the language that Lieutenant Wallace used in his solution.”

When this is completed the papers are collected and redistributed as indicated in previous exercises. The class is now ready to proceed with the next situation.

* * * * *

=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 2=

=Director’s Key=

1. Each member of the class to consider himself as being Sergeant B.

2. Equipment of patrol leader: Field glass, compass, watch, wire
cutter, pencil, message blanks. Members:—Compass, wire cutter,
flag kit.

3. Visual signaling. Identification.

4. Inspection: Physically fit for duty; arms and equipment; equipment
rattle or glisten; verify own equipment.

5. Hand out Special Situation No. 2. Explain.

6. Map. Information of enemy and own troops; mission of patrol;
tactical dispositions; signals; second in command; messages;
synchronize watches; load rifles; move out.

7. Explain necessity for training in giving these verbal orders.

8. Write out the orders of Sergeant B. Collect and redistribute them.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted to the front to the point where one of the outguards of the support is supposed to be posted.

The slips bearing Situation No. 3 are handed out.

=Situation No. 3=:

At this point is posted Outguard No. ... of Support No. (_c_). The main body of the outguard is (Indicate). The outguard commander is here.

_Required_:

What do you, Sergeant B, do.

Explanation

_The Director_: “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 for. In addition to this he secures any information that the outguard commander may have of the country to the front and the enemy.

“This procedure is especially necessary in the present case. Sergeant B’s mission will probably keep him out late, so that it will be after dark when he comes back through the lines. In order to avoid chances of being mistaken for the enemy a recognition signal should be arranged for at this time.”

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, you are Sergeant B, the patrol leader. The outguard commander has come out to meet you. Just what would you do with respect to your patrol and what would you say to the outguard commander?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “In the first place I will signal the patrol to halt. I will then tell the outguard commander where we are going and all about the mission of the patrol. I will arrange a recognition signal with him. I will find out any information about the enemy that he may have.”

_The Director_: “All right. You have told us all about what you will do. Now let us do it. Assume that I am the outguard commander. Now just what will you say to me?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I will say:

“‘Information has been received that there is a Red force in the
vicinity of (_h_). (Indicating on the map.) We are going out as a
reconnoitering patrol, guiding on the ... road. (Indicating on the
map.) We are to determine the enemy’s strength, and composition and
what he is doing. I have four other men with me.

“‘We will probably be out until after dark and I want to arrange a
recognition signal with you. If agreeable to you it will be the call
3—4 or the same tapped on the rifle stock.

“‘Have you any information about the enemy?’

“After doing all of this I will signal the patrol FORWARD MARCH and proceed on my way.”

_The Director_: “That is very good. I wish you would explain to the class just how you propose to employ the recognition signal.”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “In this case we agreed on the signal 3—4. When any of us approach the sentinel post of the outguard after dark we will use the recognition signal. If there is no danger of enemy patrols lurking in the vicinity the man approaching the post calls out 3—4; the sentinel on post answers the call by calling 3—4 and they both know that everything is all right and it is safe for the scout to proceed. If there is danger of enemy patrols discovering the signal should it be called out, the man coming in would approach the sentinel post cautiously. He would tap 3—4 on the stock of his rifle until it is recognized by the sentinel and the signal returned by the latter tapping 3—4 on the stock of his rifle.” (The method should be illustrated.)

_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, why do we go to all this trouble?”

_Captain Harvey_: “A sentinel on post, after he has been harassed by enemy scouts for a while, takes no chances. He generally shoots first and then challenges. The recognition signal is simply an expedient to lessen the chances of accident.”

_The Director_: “Now all of these details may seem to be small affairs to you. But the man who knows them and requires them to be carried out in service is the man who will be successful in military operations. Almost any dub can blunder through, paying the price in the lives of his men. 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 mission. 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 job. It is the man who accomplishes his mission with the least number of casualties that is the successful military leader.”

* * * * *

=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 3=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to point where outguard is supposed to be posted.
Hand out Situation No. 3.

2. Explain what is done by patrol leader. Tell outguard commander
about patrol going out. Arrange for recognition signal. Get
information of enemy.

3. Proceed to solution. Require member of class to state exact words
used by patrol commander.

4. Explain the method of using the recognition signal.

5. Explain necessity for details. Measure success by number of
casualties avoided.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted along the route of the patrol for a distance of some 600 yards, where it is halted.

Explanation

_The Director_: “It is assumed that the patrol has advanced a distance of some two miles from the outpost and has arrived at this vicinity. This assumption is made in order to save time and energy. We can get just as much training out of our Terrain Exercise by coming this 600 yards as we could by walking the entire two miles. The idea is that we get into new terrain for each phase of the problem.”

Procedure

The Director now distributes the papers bearing Situation No. 4 to the members of the class.

The Problem

=Situation No. 4=:

You, Sergeant B, the patrol leader, have arrived at this point. There has been no contact with the enemy.

_Required_:

What is the formation of your patrol at this moment?

Explanation

_The Director_: “Before going into the details of this situation, I desire to say a few words about the conduct of the operations of a patrol. It is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rule for the conduct of a patrol. Each situation will have to be worked out by itself. Each solution will vary with the nature of the country over which you are operating and what the enemy does. A few general principles only may be enunciated.

“The patrol leader, as he advances toward his objective, will mentally make note of various intermediate objectives to serve as stepping stones for his further advance. He can never be certain that he will not encounter the enemy, and must be prepared at all times for such an event.

“If the patrol advances in one body, a hostile patrol will allow them to approach and then ambuscade and capture them. Further, all the members of the patrol would not be able to see much more than one man. If the patrol advances in an extended line of skirmishers, capture is rendered much more difficult, but each man will be acting more or less independently, and it will be most difficult for the patrol leader to control the operations.

“A patrol should assume the general formation of a column on the march, _i. e._, there is an advance guard, a main body, flankers, and a rear guard. These several elements may be represented by only one man, but the principle is exactly the same. The advance man is necessary to give warning of the approach of the enemy. 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 retreat. The main body is necessary to back up the advance man and protect him. The rear man is the “get-away man,” so that in case the patrol is surprised by the enemy, at least one man will have a good chance to escape and carry the news back to the support commander. You must always remember that a patrol that goes out and does not return, or is not heard from within a reasonable time, is the cause for a great deal of uneasiness and anxiety back at the outpost line.

“Some authorities advocate that the patrol commander march as the advance man of the patrol. This is not believed to be good tactics. He should be centrally located so that he will be able to control the operations of the patrol. The patrol leader has been selected for this particular line of work. 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 back. He should not, therefore, needlessly make himself a target for the enemy marksman who may be lying in concealment at the turn of a road or trail. If he is the leading man he will be so busily occupied with the task of observation, that he will have little time available for conducting the operations of the other members of the patrol. Furthermore, if anything happens at the front that needs his attention, he can go there in a very short space of time.

“When a small patrol is advancing along a road which is more or less winding and has brush and trees along the side, it is believed that the Boni point formation will usually meet the requirements. In this formation the leading man walks along one side of the road, close up to the brush. The next man follows him at a distance of about 25 yards on the opposite side of the road. The remaining men follow at varying distances on alternate sides of the road. The rear or get-away man should march at least 75 yards in rear of his next preceding man. Flankers are sent out when necessary and where it is possible to do so.

“You will be surprised to see how admirably this formation will meet the situation under the conditions stated. The next time you are out on a winding road through the woods, step over to one side and observe to the front. Then go to the other side and repeat the operation. You will find that from one side your view will be very much restricted, while from the opposite side it will be much more extended. One trial will convince you of the suitability of this formation.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “Now, having in mind what I have just said, I want each member of the class to determine for himself just where each member of the patrol would be at the moment he, himself, arrived at this point. (The Director indicates the point on the ground where the patrol leader is.) Make a rough sketch of this vicinity to show the solution.

(Note.—The location selected for this situation should be one where
there is something that will test the tactical knowledge of the
student. To base it otherwise would be of little value.)

“We will allow a few minutes for the solution of this part of the problem, during which time you should look over the ground and decide upon the disposition of your patrol, just where each man will be at this particular moment.”

When the members of the class have completed this solution they will be collected and discussed.

(Note.—The discussion will depend upon the solution. The points
included in the Director’s explanation should be brought out and
fully discussed.)

* * * * *

=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 4=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class along route of patrol to a distance of 600 yards.

2. Explain distance assumption.

3. Hand out Situation No. 4 and explain.

4. Operation of patrol; no hard and fast rules; objectives; advancing
in one body; skirmishers; column on march; patrol leader; Boni
point system.

5. Solution: Make sketch showing disposition of patrol.

6. Discussion of solution.

* * * * *

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 yards.

The Director distributes the papers containing the following situation:

The Problem

=Situation No. 5=:

The patrol has arrived at this point. You, Sergeant B, are here. The leading man halts, crouches down, points down the road, and holds his rifle horizontally above his head.

_Required_:

What action do you, Sergeant B, take?

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, just what would you do under the circumstances?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would interpret the actions of the leading man to indicate that he has observed the enemy and that they are in small numbers. I would signal the patrol to halt and then signal ‘DOWN,’ which would indicate to the men that they are to take cover. I would then join the leading man to see for myself what is happening out in front.”

_The Director_: “I think we may all agree that your solution up to this point is correct. Now, let us assume that the leading man is at —— (indicate exact location) and you are here. I want you to show the class exactly how you would join him.

(Note.—Lieutenant Ralston gives the practical demonstration and the
class moves up to where the leading man is supposed to be.)

“Is there any member of the class that would do it differently?”

(Note.—If any member has any criticism of the solution, have him go
back to the starting point and demonstrate how he would do it.)

Solution