Chapter II: Part 2

_The Director_: “The line has worked forward to this position with a few more casualties. It is apparent that the enemy’s fire is increasing in volume and you find that it will be impossible for you to continue the advance. In other words you cannot attain fire superiority with your present force on the firing line. What would you do about that, Lieutenant Barry?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “I would signal the section “Fire Faster” and under cover of this increased volume of fire I would bring my 2nd section up onto the line, and have the men join in the firing.”

(Note.—The solution of all the above will depend upon the lay of the
ground where the Terrain Exercise is staged. The points to be
brought out by the Director are that the first wave will continue
its advance by its own efforts as far to the front as possible. When
it cannot longer maintain the superiority of fire necessary to
enable it to continue, the 2nd section must be brought up and
continue the forward movement. When the 2nd section has joined the
1st on the line the subsequent progress of the action will depend
upon how well the superiority of fire can be maintained. If the
volume is such that the enemy can be kept down and prevented from
firing effectively the advance can be continued, by the utilization
of fire and movement. Ordinarily the enemy will realize the
hopelessness of the situation and evacuate his position before it is
necessary to carry it by assault.)

* * * * *

=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 3=

=Director’s Key=

1. Explain what happens between the time the attack order is issued
and the time the attack is ready to start: Platoon commanders
join platoons, and conduct them to the front. Approach march
formation. Column of files to be avoided. Orders of platoon
commanders. Deployment for attack. Action of special weapons.
Signals indicating readiness for attack.

2. Discuss necessity for thorough preparation for the attack. Describe
the situation from the enemy’s point of view. Advantage of the
initiative.

3. Explain necessity for time being allowed subordinate commanders to
prepare to launch attack.

4. Conduct class to line of departure for 1st platoon.

5. Distribute sheets bearing Situation No. 3; read and explain.

6. Description of attack. Initial advance. Scouts. Advance of platoon.
Building up first fire position. Superiority of fire. Continue
advance by fire and movement. Employment of automatic rifles.

7. Conduct class to next fire position. Failure to hold superiority of
fire. Bring up second section. Subsequent progress. Assault.

* * * * *

Procedure

The Class is now conducted to a point where the operation of both the 1st and 2nd platoons may be observed by the company commander.

The Problem

=Situation No. 4=:

You, Captain C, have come forward to this point. You see your assault platoons covered by their own fire and that of the supporting weapons advancing rapidly on the enemy strong point. They are now (indicate the general line that each platoon occupies.) The volume of fire of the enemy has materially decreased. You note that the supporting weapons have lifted their fire and are now firing well beyond the strong point. A few moments later you note that both platoons rush towards the strong point with bayonets fixed.

The 3rd platoon has now arrived at the line of departure of the 2nd platoon. Companies A and B seem to be carrying out their attack on your left; there is no machine gun fire to interfere with them now.

_Required._

What do you, Captain C, do?

Procedure

The Director distributes the sheets bearing Situation No. 4 to the class, reads it aloud to them, points out the location of the troops and makes any verbal explanations that may be necessary.

Explanation

_The Director_: “I want each member of the class to visualize the situation as it now stands. In the beginning Captain C assigned definite missions to each of his platoons. He left the essential details to the platoon commanders. He is driving a team of two units with a third held in reserve. His team has been driven into the enemy’s position. They have accomplished the main part of their mission and something more is necessary on the part of the Captain. Lieutenant Barry, knowing the situation as it is, what would you do?”

Solution

_Lieutenant Barry_: “I would go forward and join my two platoons at the enemy strong point.”

_The Director_: “Would you take any other action before doing that?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “I think not, sir. I would want to know the situation up there as soon as possible.”

_The Director_: “What would you do, Lieutenant Hunt?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send a messenger back to the 3rd platoon to get started on its way to the captured position.”

_The Director_: “Just how would you do that?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would turn to the runner of the 3rd platoon, who is with me and tell him:

“‘Take this message to the leader of the 3rd platoon: ‘The 3rd
platoon will report to Captain C at the enemy strong point at once,
moving by the shortest route.’

“I would have the runner repeat the message and make sure that he, himself, understands what is wanted.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “You are right. There is no doubt but that the presence of the 3rd platoon will be required at the enemy position just as soon as it can be gotten up there. The assault platoons will be more or less disorganized by their attack. They will be out of hand. Squads, sections and platoons will be mixed up. There will be some hand to hand fighting with some of the enemy who have failed to make their get-away or with some determined men who will hold on to their local position until they are driven out with cold steel.

“It is to provide for just such a situation as this, that we hold out a reserve—a formed body of troops that has not been in the assault. A body that is absolutely in hand and under control. It can be conducted up to the enemy position, take it over and be ready for any eventuality that may occur.

“As a matter of fact the assault troops should not be allowed to go into the captured position unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to drive out or capture those remaining. The reasons for this are obvious. When the enemy abandons the position, he assumes that it is occupied by his opponent and will turn as great a volume of fire on it as possible with a view to inflicting losses on our disorganized troops. With a formed body of troops, under control, we can make such tactical distribution of the units as may be required, posting them where the greatest amount of shelter exists and thereby reduce casualties to a minimum.”

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, let us assume that you have sent back the message to the commander of the 3rd platoon. What would you do now?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would go forward and join my assault platoons.”

_The Director_: “Would you do anything about getting some of the special weapons up to the captured position?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “No sir, not yet. It is my understanding that the machine gun and howitzer platoons were only detailed with Company C to support the attack on the enemy strong point. At the conclusion of the affair that they are to report back to the battalion commander.”

_The Director_: “You are right. If, however, Captain C decides that he needs them he can send a runner to the battalion commander and request that they be detailed for further duty with the company.”

* * * * *

=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 4=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to point where operations of both 1st and 2nd
platoons can be observed.

2. Distribute the sheets bearing Situation No. 4. Read and explain.

3. Visualize situation. Teamwork. Action taken by Captain C.

4. Send for 3rd platoon to come forward to enemy position. Message in
detail.

5. Explain necessity for Reserve Platoon. Assault platoons
disorganized by attack and out hand. Value of formed body under
control.

6. Danger of entering captured positions.

7. Action with respect to supporting troops.

* * * * *

Procedure

The Class is now conducted forward to the captured enemy strongpoint.

The Problem

=Situation No. 5=:

On arriving at the captured strong point, Captain C finds the 1st and 2nd platoons somewhat mixed up and disorganized. Some of the men are on the far side firing on the retreating enemy. Some are seen to be hunting souvenirs. There are a considerable number of enemy dead and wounded lying about. About a dozen enemy prisoners are standing off to one side with their hands up.

The 3rd platoon is seen advancing in the distance. Lieutenant P, with the platoon headquarters is coming forward at a run.

Companies A and B to the left are advancing and the whole enemy line is apparently retreating.

_Required._

What action do you, Captain C, take?

Procedure

The Director distributes the sheets bearing the situation to the class, reads it over and makes the necessary explanations, points out the places mentioned, etc.

Solution

_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what would you do under the circumstances?”

_Captain Hastings_: “In the first place I would want to see the platoon commanders and give them instructions as to the action to be taken. I would call the runners of the 1st and 2nd platoons and order them:

“‘Find your platoon commanders. Tell them to report to me here, at
once.’

“While waiting for the platoon commanders to come I would size up the situation and be prepared to issue my orders soon after their arrival.”

_The Director_: “I think we can all agree that that is the logical procedure. In sizing up the situation, what points would you consider, Lieutenant Wallace?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would consider what my mission is now. The company is the battalion reserve. It was thrown into the attack for the definite purpose of capturing the enemy strong point that was holding up the advance of the battalion. We have completed that mission, the battalion is continuing the advance. Up to the moment no other mission has been assigned. I would not know whether it is the desire of the battalion commander that we continue the advance as an assault unit of the battalion or revert to the former status of battalion reserve. Until I receive definite orders on the subject I would stay right here and cover the right flank of the battalion. I estimate that I will get such orders in a very short time.

“The enemy has several courses of action open to him. He may continue to fall back and not molest us. He may make a counter-attack, though this is not probable. He may concentrate a large volume of fire on this particular point with a view to causing serious casualties in our disorganized ranks.

“Our own battalion is continuing its advance and does not seem to need our support for the time being. The 1st and 2nd platoons must be withdrawn and reorganized. The 3rd platoon can take over the duty of security. The enemy prisoners must be taken care of and others that may be in the position must be rounded up. Souvenir hunters and stragglers must be rounded up and sent to their proper units.

“The sanitary troops are now taking care of our wounded.

“The battalion commander will want to know what has happened on our front and I would send him a message telling him about it.

“My decision would be to withdraw and reorganize the 1st and 2nd platoons. Have the 3rd platoon take over the duty of security, mop up the position and take charge of the prisoners. Send a message to the battalion commander.

“All of this would constitute my hurried estimate of the situation. When the platoon commanders assemble I will give the necessary orders to put my decision into effect.”

_The Director_: “That is very good. Now, Lieutenant Ralston, let us assume that the platoon commanders are assembled and you are ready to give them their orders. What is the first thing you would do?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would want to get my report off to the battalion commander as soon as possible.”

_The Director_: “Just how would you do this?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would write it out and send it by a runner.”

_The Director_: “Do you think you would take the time to do that? You have your first sergeant with you. He should be able to write out the message and I think you would have him do it. That leaves you free to go ahead with your orders to the platoon commanders. You would indicate roughly what you want to go into the message to the battalion commander and leave the rest to the first sergeant. Now, tell us what you would include in the orders to the platoon commanders, Captain Harvey?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I would give the orders about as follows:

“The other companies of our battalion are advancing on our left.

“This company will reorganize and prepare for further service.

“The 3rd platoon will relieve the firing line with one section and
take over the security of the position. Have the men of the 1st and
2nd platoons fall back and assemble by squads on this side
(indicate) of the position. The remaining section will take charge
of the prisoners, mop up the position, collect other prisoners and
stragglers. The covering patrol of one squad will remain out on the
right.

“The 1st platoon will assemble at (indicate place).

“The 2nd platoon will assemble at (indicate place).

“The 1st and 2nd platoons will reorganize, check casualties and
report results. Secure ammunition from dead and wounded.

“Messages to me here.”

_The Director_: “I think that order will meet the immediate requirements of the situation. Now, Captain Hodges, what would you include in the message to the battalion commander?”

_Captain Hodges_: “I would make it very brief. Something to this effect:

“‘Enemy strong point captured at ____ (Time). My casualties about
____, killed; ____ wounded. Prisoners ____ (number). Am
reorganizing. (Such additional information about enemy that would be
of value to the Battalion commander). Await your further
instructions.’”

_The Director_: “I think that message will give the battalion commander all the information that he requires immediately. It informs him of the fact that you have accomplished your mission. It tells him how many casualties you have had which will enable him to determine the further effective strength of the company and what it is capable of doing in the future. It tells him what you are now doing and indicates that further instructions are desired. His reaction should be to send you instructions what to do, either to continue to the front as an assault unit of the battalion or to revert to the role of battalion reserve. Now, I want each member of the class to write out the orders of Captain C and the message that he would send to the battalion commander. Follow out the five paragraph order system.”

Procedure

When the orders and the message are complete they will be collected and redistributed. One or more members of the class will be called upon to read the order and message in his possession and to criticize it.

Explanation

_The Director_: “This situation concludes the Terrain Exercise. I hope that it has been valuable to all of you and has brought out some points that will stand you well in hand if you ever be called upon to undertake an operation of this kind in actual service.

“I hope you all now appreciate what training is necessary on the part of officers and non-commissioned officers to carry on such an operation.

“I thank you for your attention.”

* * * * *

=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 5=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to captured enemy strong point.

2. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss. Point out places
mentioned.

3. Order platoon commanders to report to Captain C.

4. Estimate of the Situation. Mission, action of enemy, action of own
troops, withdrawal of the 1st and 2nd platoons to reorganize.
Relief by 3rd platoon. Decision.

5. Report to battalion commander. First sergeant to prepare message.

6. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops. Plan of commander. 3rd
platoon take over duty of security. Relieve 1st and 2nd
platoons. Prisoners and stragglers. Mop up position. 1st and 2nd
platoons assemble and reorganize, check casualties, replenish
ammunition.

7. Message to battalion commander: Accomplished mission. Casualties.
Prisoners. Reorganization. Await further instructions. Reaction
of battalion commander to message.

* * * * *

Note.—Acknowledgment is made to Major Reginald H. Kelly, Infantry,
for the background on which this Terrain Exercise is based.—THE
AUTHOR.

_Terrain Exercise No. 2._
Approach March and Deployment

The Problem

=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 10th Blue division is operating in the Sector:
Right boundary: (_b_)
Left boundary: (_c_)

The Division is disposed:
19th Brigade as attacking brigade.
20th Brigade as division reserve.

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.

(_c_) State the left 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.

Procedure

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.”

Explanation

_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 is held 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 battalion and 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?”

The Problem

=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 on the 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 to march 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.

Procedure

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.

Explanation

_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 it deserves. 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.”

Procedure

_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; Company B 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.

Solution

_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 his mission. 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. Our machine 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 and with 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: I would 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 directing line 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 Company of
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.

Explanation

_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.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “Are there any questions?”

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

* * * * *

=Approach March and Deployment= =Card
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.

* * * * *

Procedure

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.

The Problem

=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?

Procedure

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 deployed in 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 you will 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.”

Solution

_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 the waves 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.”

Explanation

_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 to prevent 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.”

Solution

_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 of the platoon commanders were present when Major A issued his orders and they know nothing of the situation except what they have been able to observe for 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.”