Chapter III: Part 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what are your ideas about this?”

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

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

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

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

_Captain Hodges_: “Yes, sir.”

Procedure

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

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

When this has been completed the Director will distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the order of Captain B and the members of the class will be allowed a few minutes to compare the order he has written with the one distributed by the Director.

_The Director_: “Now I want each member of the class to write his name at the top of the order he has prepared and to place the name of the officer who commented on it at the top of the left-hand margin.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation

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

* * * * *

=Approach March and Deployment= =Card
No. 2=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct the class to the area supposed to be occupied by Company B.

2. Distribute Situation No. 2; read and explain. Call upon one or more
members of class to state understanding of the situation.

3. Formation of Company B; cover; formation for advance.

4. Make estimate of situation; mission; enemy; own troops; plan;
decision.

5. Purpose of directing line; meaning of base company. Loss of
direction.

6. Preliminary arrangements for issuing order.

7. Contents of order: information of enemy and own troops; plan of
commander; dispositions—detailed instructions for elements of
company.

8. Necessity for issuing orders.

9. Reconnaissance party. Second in command.

10. Write out Captain B’s order. Pass to officer at left. Criticise.
Distribute solution. Compare. Collect for future examination.

11. Procedure for platoon commanders. Get order down to last man of
battalion.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted to the area over which the 2nd platoon is to advance.

On arriving at a selected point the class will be halted.

_The Director_: “Captain James, we are now in the area over which the 2nd platoon is advancing to the front. Lieutenant Y, the platoon commander, is at this point. What do you estimate to be the approach march formation of the platoon?”

_Captain James_: “I will first locate the platoon commander and then designate the location of the elements of the platoon with reference to him. I think that the platoon commander would be marching at this time about midway between the assault and the support waves. The 1st Section would be marching in a line of squad columns with the right (left) squad near the directing line which is right there (indicating). It is the base section and the squad nearest the directing line is the base squad. The head of the squad columns is about 25 yards in advance of the platoon commander.

“The 2nd platoon is following the platoon commander at a distance of about 25 yards in a line of squad columns.”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “It seems to me that the platoon commander would be out in front of his platoon at this time.”

_The Director_: “The platoon commander is free to go wherever he pleases. But you must remember he has two section leaders—one for each section of the platoon. These men are supposed to be competent to do their job. The platoon commander should march where he can best direct the operations of his platoon through his section leaders. In this case I think Captain James has located the platoon leader in the proper place.

“Now having definitely fixed in our minds the location of the elements of the platoon let us proceed with the next situation.”

The Problem

=Situation No. 3=:

You., Lieutenant Y., commanding the 2nd platoon have arrived at this point (indicate).

The 1st section is in a line of squad columns 25 yards to the front; the 2nd section is in a line of squad columns 25 yards in rear of you. For some minutes enemy shells have been falling in the area which is occupied by one of our batteries at the rate of about 4 per minute. At this moment the fire increased materially. The men have left the guns temporarily.

_Required_:

What do you do?

Procedure

The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3 and points out to the class the extent of the shelled area. It should be in the direct line of march of the 2nd platoon.

Solution

_The Director_: “Captain Hall, how do you size up the immediate situation?”

_Captain Hall_: “Our original mission has not changed. We must continue the march to the front regardless of what the enemy does. The 2nd battalion must be relieved tonight and our battalion must make the relief. We cannot stand here and wait for the enemy’s fire to let up. It is obvious that we cannot go through the shelled area without ruinous losses. The only thing left for us to do is to go around it.”

_The Director_: “Those are the points I wanted to bring out. The question before us is: How are we going to get around the shelled area? What have you to suggest, Lieutenant Barry?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “In the first place I will have to decide the question as to which side of the shelled area we are to use in getting around it. If the whole platoon goes around one side and the enemy fire shifts in that direction we may get caught in it and lose a lot of men. I think we would reduce our chances of loss by using both sides and having one platoon go around to the right and one to the left.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, what do you think of that proposition?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I think it is all right. The question that arises in my mind is that of loss of control by the platoon commander and the difficulties of getting into the proper formation on the other side of the shelled area again.”

_The Director_: “When you consider that the platoon commander has a team of two sections each under the charge of a competent leader the difficulties are really not so great as they would at first appear. Let us decide that we are to go around the shelled area on both sides of it, a section on each side. On which side will you have the leading section go, Lieutenant Williams?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “The 1st Section is the base section of the platoon—as such it is the base element of the company and the whole battalion. It is the unit on which the whole battalion is guiding its march. It should therefore go around on the —— side so that the 1st platoon can keep in touch with it and guide on it. When it gets to the other side of the shelled area it can deploy and get its —— element on the directing line again. By employing this method there will be no chance for the 1st platoon losing connection with it. The 2nd section will go around to the ——.”

_The Director_: “I think your reasoning is logical and if there are no objections we will accept that method. Now the battery commander of the battery being shelled will want to know what is going on. Captain Hastings, how will you provide for this?”

_Captain Hastings_: “I will send a runner to him with a message giving him the necessary information.”

_The Director_: “Let us assume that we have arrived at the decision indicated in our discussion. How would you get the orders to the troops?”

_Captain Hastings_: “When we get up as far as it is safe to go I will signal the platoon to halt. And then call for the section leaders to report to me. When they get here I will give them the orders necessary for the execution of the maneuver.”

Procedure

The Class is now conducted forward to the point where it is as far as it is safe to go and still avoid casualties from the enemy shell fire.

_The Director_: “It is considered that this is as far forward as it is reasonably safe to go. Lieutenant Y has halted the platoon and the section leaders have reported to him for orders. Now I want each member of the class to consider himself being Lieutenant Y and to write out on your pads the exact words that Lieutenant Y will say to the section leaders. Then follow this with the contents of the verbal message that you will send by runner to the battery commander.”

The necessary time is allowed for this. When the solutions are completed the Director will have one or more members of the class read aloud what they have written. The solutions are discussed and commented upon.

The Director will then distribute to the class the mimeograph slips containing the orders of Lieutenant Y and a few minutes are allowed for the members of the class to compare them with their work.

The order of Lieutenant Y will be as follows:

“The enemy is shelling the battery in our immediate front. There is
no further information of our own troops.

“This platoon will go around the shelled area.

“The 1st section will go around to the —— (right) (left) side
towards the rest of the battalion.

“The 2nd section will go around to the —— (left) (right) side
towards the directing line.

“On arriving at the other side of the shelled area the platoon will
again take up the same formation that it is in now.

“I will go in rear of the 1st platoon.”

The following message will be sent to the battery commander:

“Second Platoon Company B —— Infantry is going around your battery
position to the right and left. Will deploy again on the other side
of the shelled area.”

* * * * *

=Approach March and Deployment= =Card
No. 3=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to area over which the 2nd platoon is marching.

2. Formation of 2nd platoon. Column of sections in line of squad
columns. Locate each element on the ground. Location of platoon
commander.

3. Distribute Situation No. 3. Read and explain.

4. Estimate of Situation; mission; action of enemy; decision to go
around shelled area, on both sides. Base section to keep in
contact with rest of battalion. Message to the battery
commander.

5. Conduct class to safe edge of shelled area. Write out orders and
message of platoon commander.

6. Distribute solution. Discuss same. Allow time to compare with work
of class.

* * * * *

Procedure

The Class will now be conducted up to the place where the company commanders have been ordered to meet the battalion commander to receive orders for the relief of the 2nd battalion.

_The Director_: “This is the place where Major A directed the Company Commanders to rendezvous to receive the final orders for the relief of the 1st battalion. We assume that the troops have been halted along the line —— (indicate) where they have taken advantage of such cover as is available and are preparing individual cover where none is available.”

The Director will now distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 4.

The Problem

=Situation No. 4=:

You, Major A, have arrived at this point. You have had a conference with the commander of the 2nd battalion, made a reconnaissance of the position and determined the location of the units to be relieved.

The latter are as follows:

Company E occupies the right half of the sector with all three platoons on the firing line.

Company F occupies the left half of the sector with two platoons and a part of the third in the firing line and the remainder of the third as local support.

Company C is located in fox holes at —— (indicate the location) as battalion reserve. A part of the company has participated in the day’s action but the men are all now at the location indicated.

Company D has one platoon divided among the assault companies, and the company (less this platoon) is with the battalion reserve with guns located to cover approaches and to execute overhead harassing fire on enemy back areas.

Detachments of the Howitzer Company are in position in the platoon sectors and are to remain with the 1st battalion for tomorrow’s attack.

The battalion headquarters company has taken over the intelligence duties, the communications net and the message center.

It is now —— o’clock p. m.

The enemy occupies the —— (give general location of front lines).

There is considerable shelling throughout the area and occasional bursts of machine gun and rifle fire along the entire battle front.

Your company commanders are assembled here in accordance with the instructions contained in your last order.

_Required_:

Your orders and instructions.

Procedure

The Director will read the situation aloud, make such explanations as may be necessary and point out the places mentioned. One or more members of the class will be called upon to state their understanding of the tactical situation at this time.

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, we have now to consider the orders and instructions that Major A would issue to his assembled Company commanders. What is the first thing you would put into the Major’s order?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “The Major has been out to the front and made a personal reconnaissance as far as practicable. He has interviewed the Commander of the 2nd battalion and the officers of his staff who have detailed information as to the situation. He ought to have pretty definite information of just how the different elements of the 2nd battalion are disposed. He should give his Company Commanders all of this information in the first paragraph of the order. We note that this information is all contained in Situation No. 3.”

_The Director_: “What would you include in the next paragraph of the order, Lieutenant Ralston?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “My plan, to the effect that our battalion is to relieve the 2nd battalion.”

_Captain Harvey_: “But we are going to do more than that. We are going to make the attack tomorrow morning. It seems to me that the Major would include in the order all the instructions he wants to give the Company Commanders not only for the relief, but for the attack also. What do you think about that, sir?”

_The Director_: “The Major would certainly not let his Company Commanders get away without giving them all the instructions possible regarding the part they are to play in the attack tomorrow morning. But there are several things that he must get from higher up before he can complete his plans for the attack and give them to his Company Commanders. He must know the time the attack is to begin. He must know about the artillery preparation and the rate of advance of the rolling barrage. He must have information regarding the cooperation of the tanks. While he is waiting for this information, which he momentarily expects, he will go ahead and issue his orders for the relief. Then if the other essential information is not at hand by the time the Company Commanders must join their companies, he will issue as much of the attack order as possible and leave the rest to go out later. He certainly will not let his Captains get away until they have all the instructions it is possible to give them up to the time it is necessary for them to leave—the arrangements to continue the attack tomorrow morning.”

_Captain Harvey_: “Those are the points I wanted to know about.”

_The Director_: “Now, Captain Hodges, what is the next part of the order?”

_Captain Hodges_: “The tactical dispositions. Orders for each element of the battalion. Designate the relieving unit and the unit to be relieved. For example: ‘Company A will relieve Company E.’ This same form will pertain with all the elements of the battalion.”

_The Director_: “Just how much detail would you include? To what extent would you go in prescribing the formation of the company when the relief is completed? For instance: Company E has all three platoons in the assault echelon at this time. Would you want Company A to do the same and hold out no company supports?”

_Captain Hodges_: “Now, that is quite a point. I had not thought of it. I might assume that Captain A would take up the proper formation without my specifying it, but to make sure I believe I would add another sentence or two and specify the formation. I should say he ought to have two platoons in the assault echelon and one held out as local support. I think it would be better to specify that. There would be less chance for a misunderstanding. I would also give these same instructions to the Captain of Company B.”

_The Director_: “I think you are right. It will certainly do no harm. In any event you have no doubt as to what you want done. Now, what about the machine gun company, Captain James? You will note that there is only one platoon up on the lines now. The rest of the company is back with the reserve with their guns covering the approaches and set up for overhead fire on back areas. Do you want to leave them that way?”

_Captain James_: “No, sir. I think I would need the supporting fire of all the machine guns in the ‘jump off’ tomorrow morning. I would assign one platoon to support Company A and the company (less 1 platoon) to support Company B. I think that would be better. If the attack goes over with a good gain in ground tomorrow morning the machine guns will not be able to keep up with it, and the Major will have an opportunity to make an adjustment of their position in the battalion. I certainly would want the advantage of their fire in the ‘jump off.’”

_The Director_: “I think you are right. Let us decide on that disposition.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “Now, there is another point I want to bring out at this time. You have pictured in your own mind this formation and advance of one battalion of Infantry and the relief and retirement of another. Along side of you to the right are two other battalions going through the same process. The same is happening to your left and all along the line. Behind you there are other battalions effecting reliefs. There are batteries of artillery and transport vehicles, innumerable. In other words the back area of a force in action is crowded with troops. There is much activity effecting reliefs, getting up supplies and ammunition and evacuating the wounded.

“The enemy is doing these same things. His back areas are just as crowded as our own. He is no better off than we are in this respect.

“It is our job to interfere with him as much as possible—to prevent or curtail movement, and inflict losses on him. The wounding or killing of one man by harassing fire will have no effect on the outcome of the war, but if we can kill and wound a thousand every night it will in time have its effect.

“The enemy can get away from artillery fire by avoiding shelled areas but he cannot get away from rifle and machine gun harassing fire for he never knows when and where it is going to come.

“If there is sufficient small arms ammunition available and it can be gotten up to the riflemen and machine gunners on the front lines the back areas of the enemy can be made a perfect ‘hell-hole’ by means of systematic harassing fire.

“Many of the men whom our men will relieve tonight will have ammunition in bandoliers with them. By having our men take over this ammunition and expending it tonight we can get a big increase in fire over the enemy back areas. Our ammunition supply for tomorrow will not be impaired. The men being relieved will be re-supplied when they get back to the regimental reserve. I think arrangements should be made for this procedure by the Major.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “The Major has made arrangements with the Commanding Officer 2nd battalion as to when the command of the sector is to pass to the 1st battalion. He will now have to tell his company commanders when their full responsibility is to devolve upon them for their respective sectors within the battalion. What would you do about that, Lieutenant Baker?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “When a relief is made in larger commands the orders state the hour when the command is to pass to the relieving troops. But in a case like this I judge that it passes when the relief is completed. In order to make sure that the point is understood I would specify:

“‘Command of company sectors will pass when reliefs have been completed.’”

_The Director_: “I think that would be a good idea.”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “There is another point that should be included in the order. Let us say I am Captain B. My company is relieving Company F on the lines. The Captain of Company F either has not received definite orders as to what he is to do on being relieved or has overlooked the instructions in the confusion. It seems to me that it might be well for the Major to tell us just what Major B’s instructions are as to that point. It might save a lot of confusion in getting the 2nd battalion troops disengaged and out of the battalion sector. It might save a lot of casualties from men wandering around in the darkness for my section and squad leaders to be able to tell the men they are relieving just where to go.”

_The Director_: “I do not know that such instructions have a place in the regular order form. But I see no objection to putting it in. It can do no harm I am sure.

“Now, the Major will want to know when the reliefs have been completed and he will give instructions to that effect. He will then announce the location of the battalion command post and this will complete the details of the order.

“Now, I want each member of the class to write out Major A’s orders for the relief of the 2nd battalion.”

The necessary time is allowed for this. When completed the Director will call upon one or more of the members of the class to read his orders aloud and comments are invited from other members of the class.

The Director will then distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the Major’s order and an opportunity will be given the members of the class to compare the work with the solution presented.

The Major’s order will be as follows:

Solution

“The enemy occupies (describe the enemy’s front line in the
necessary detail in the light of information gained by the Major’s
reconnaissance).

“Our 2nd battalion is in close contact all along the line. Troops
are disposed as follows in the battalion sector:

“Company E, right half of sector, with all three platoons on the
line. Right of company at —— (describe location).

“Company F, left half of sector, with two platoons and part of the
third on the line and the remainder as local support. Left of
company at —— (describe location).

“Company G is located at —— (indicate location of company).

“Company H has one platoon divided among the assault companies and
the company (less 1 platoon) is in the battalion reserve with guns
now located to cover approaches and execute overhead harassing fire
in the enemy back areas.

“This battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion.

“The Headquarters’ Company will relieve the Headquarters’ Company,
2nd battalion, and take over the duties pertaining thereto.

“Company A will relieve Company E in the right sector with two
platoons in the assault echelon and one as local support.

“Company B will relieve Company F in the left sector with two
platoons in the assault echelon and one as local support.

“Company C will relieve Company G as battalion reserve.

“Company D will relieve Company H, one platoon will support Company
A and the company (less 1 platoon) will support Company B.

“Detachments of the Howitzer Company are to remain with the
battalion. Company commanders will confer with the commanders of
detachments in their respective sectors and arrange for the support
of their special weapons. Men of Companies A and B will take over
from the men of Companies E and F whom they relieve, all ammunition
in bandoliers, which will be expended to keep up harassing fire
during the remainder of the night, with a view to curtailing
movement within the enemy lines. Company D will take over surplus
ammunition from Company H and expend it for the same purpose. The
regular ammunition supply will be reserved for the action tomorrow.

“Command of company sectors will pass when reliefs have been
completed.

“When relieved, troops of the 2nd Battalion are to fall back to the
line —— (describe).

“Report when reliefs are effected.

“Battalion C. P. at ——.”

* * * * *

=Approach March and Deployment= =Card
No. 4=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to the point where the company commanders have been
ordered to assemble to meet the Major.

2. Distribute Situation No. 4, read aloud, and make necessary
explanations.

3. Contents of Order: Information of enemy obtained by reconnaissance
and reports; plan of commander; question of including orders for
attack also; zero hour; artillery preparation; progress of
barrage; tactical dispositions; orders for each element of
command; orders for machine gun units; when command passes;
action to be taken by troops when relieved.

4. Have members of class write out the Major’s order. When completed
distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the solution. Read
orders and compare.

* * * * *

The Problem

=Situation No. 5=:

Just as the order for the relief is completed, you, Major A, receive the following message from the regimental commander:

“No further information of the enemy.

“The general attack will be resumed tomorrow morning at 5.00
o’clock. Your battalion will attack in regimental sector.

“Mission: To pierce enemy position and assist division in
penetrating the position.

“Zone of action: No change.

“Line of departure: (Describe in detail).

“The attack will be preceded by 30 minutes’ artillery preparation.
The advance of the infantry will be preceded by a rolling barrage.
Rate of advance of barrage 100 yards in 4 minutes.

“Station for slightly wounded at ——.

“Regimental C. P. no change.”

_Required_:

What orders do you give?

Procedure

The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 5, read the situation aloud and explain the message from the regimental commander. One or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the situation.

Explanation

_The Director_: “Let us visualize the situation. The Major has been expecting to receive just such a message from the regimental commander. As a matter of fact he anticipated it when he made the estimate of the situation before issuing his first order for the approach march before dark. He ordered his formation for the approach march so that when the order for the attack came there would be few changes necessary. By his foresight and knowledge of infantry tactics he now has his battalion in the proper formation to make the relief of the 2nd battalion and when this is accomplished he will have his units properly disposed to make the attack tomorrow morning. In other words, the Major started his attack when he made his initial dispositions. And this must be so in every case. When you get into the infantry area of a battle you must get your troops into a formation from which they can make an attack or repel an enemy counter-attack and you must keep them in that formation. That is why the subject of approach march and deployment is so important and that is why troops must be so thoroughly trained in it. During the war the subject was given little attention in our divisions. The British and French instructors brought nothing of it over from the other side. They had communication trenches as lanes of approach and gave little heed to the open warfare end of the game. The American divisions soon realized the necessity for thorough training and the most successful ones were those that spent many of their nights with units from battalions to brigades chasing through the woods, up hill and down dale, practicing the approach march formation. I am sure that when you consider the proposition seriously and visualize what can happen in a situation such as we have had to do with today you will realize the necessity for thorough training in the subject.”

Solution

_The Director_: “Now let us consider what must be included in the Major’s order for the attack. Captain Hall, what have you to suggest for the first paragraph?”

_Captain Hall_: “The Major has already given the company commanders everything he knows about the enemy. He has a little additional information to the effect that the general attack all along the line will be resumed tomorrow. This will be included in the first paragraph of the order.”

_The Director_: “That is all that is necessary. Our second paragraph is a much more complicated affair. What have you to suggest to go into it?”

_Captain Hall_: “The first thing would be the time of the attack. The orders from regimental headquarters say 5.00 o’clock. That will be included in the order. We have a definite mission for the battalion. To pierce the enemy position and assist our division to penetrate the position—that is, to make a break through, if possible. In order to do this we have got to drive hard. There is no change in the zone of action of the battalion; it remains the same as it was for today. The line of departure should be given. The information about the artillery preparation and the rolling barrage should be included. I think that is about all that must go into paragraph two of the order.”

_The Director_: “Yes. But you have skimped over two very important points without the explanation they deserve. These are the line of departure and the information about the artillery preparation and the rolling barrage. Let us go into these things a little more in detail.

“The division staff has made arrangements for the artillery preparation to come down along a certain line, and stand there for a period of thirty minutes. Then the barrage will begin to advance at exactly 5.00 o’clock. Unless we have a definite line of departure some parts of our front line may work their way to the front and be caught under our own barrage and you can see what would happen. In case any men do work forward during the night on reconnaissance they must get back a little before 4.30 so as not to get caught under the barrage.”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “I appreciate all the Director has said. But we have to keep up a reconnaissance during the night to keep in contact with the enemy. He might pull his lines back during the night and if he had decided to make a general retreat we would lose touch and with it a lot of time in conducting the pursuit. I think some of our patrols would have to take a chance on getting back so as not to lose contact. Then, too, if the enemy had pretty definite information that our artillery preparation is coming down on a certain line and we have no men out in front he may move his machine gun squads a little to the front and avoid the barrage altogether and be ready to receive our attack when our first wave goes over the top. If I were commanding one of those assault companies I would keep my front thoroughly patrolled during the night and keep my scouts right up in the enemy’s lines until a minute or two before the barrage comes down. I would have them beat it back a hundred yards and take a chance on escaping from the barrage. As soon as they are out of the way I would then have my special weapons and riflemen keep up a fire on any enemy troops that showed themselves trying to get to a position in front of where the barrage is coming down.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “That is all very interesting. Those are important points that we must not lose sight of in our operations against an active and crafty enemy. He will pull all kinds of stunts on you and you have to be just a lap ahead of him to best him. All of this shows the great necessity for combat training. We must have patrol leaders and scouts that know the importance of all these things and know how to go about them. We hear so much about the technical branches and the high order of training that is required. If there is any training more difficult than that of the ‘doughboy’ I have yet to see it. Take the training of patrol leaders and scouts for the single phase of infantry combat that we have just been discussing. I leave it to you if there is anything more technical and difficult in the training of soldiers. If these men fail the whole military operation falls down and may be an utter failure. A half dozen machine guns on a battalion front that have moved forward a few yards and escaped the barrage will be able to hold up a whole battalion. So let us not neglect the training of our scouts.

“If the enemy should fall back during the night our scouts will follow him up and keep in touch with him, word will go back to the battalion and on back to the division so that arrangements can be made to alter the plans. In that case the battalion commander will order a general advance to keep in contact.”

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, what would you include in paragraph 3 of the Major’s order?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “The detail orders for each element of the battalion, giving the designation of the organization and the particular part that it is to play in the operation. There will be orders for Company A, the right assault company; Company B, the left assault company; Company C, the battalion reserve, and Company D, the machine gun company. Then the orders for the elements of the Howitzer Company hold off to support the attack. I believe that would complete paragraph 3 of the order.”

_The Director_: “What would you include in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Williams?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would include the location of the station for slightly wounded. I do not know of anything else.”

_The Director_: “And paragraph 5 would contain what?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “The location of the regimental and battalion command posts.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “I think we have discussed everything that must be included in the battalion order. If you will compare all of this with some of the battalion orders you, as Company Commanders, received in France, you will see how sadly lacking some of them were. What we want to do is to prevent a repetition of those conditions and that is why we are devoting our time and attention to these things now. We want to be prepared to solve these problems if the time ever comes when we have to do so again.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to write out the Major’s order on his pad. See how much of the details that we have discussed you can get into the order.”

Sufficient time is allowed for the purpose.

After the orders have been completed the Director will distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the order and one or more of the members of the class will be called upon to read his order and follow with the corresponding paragraph of the solution.

The order will be as follows:

“There is no further information of the enemy. The general attack
all along the line will be resumed tomorrow.

“Our battalion will attack at 5.00 o’clock a. m.

“Mission: To drive hard, pierce the enemy position and assist our
division in making a penetration of the position.

“Zone of action: No change.

“Line of departure: (Describe line in detail.)

“The attack will be preceded by 30 minutes artillery preparation.
The advance of the infantry will be preceded by a rolling barrage.
Rate of advance of barrage 100 yards in 4 minutes.

“Company A will attack in the right (left) half of the battalion
sector.

“Company B will attack in the left (right) half of the battalion
sector.

“Company C will be battalion reserve and follow at a distance of
about 300 yards. One squad will be sent to the (east) and one to the
(west) boundary of the battalion sector to maintain connection with
adjoining units.

“Company D will support the attack of Companies A and B in
accordance with previous instructions.

“Elements of the howitzer company in each company sector will
support the attack.

“Station for slightly wounded at ____ (indicate).

“Plan of signal communication: No change.

“Command posts:

“Regiment: At ____ (indicate).

“Regiment: At ____ (indicate.)”

* * * * *

=Approach March and Deployment= =Card
No. 5=

=Director’s Key=

1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 5. Read and explain.
Have one or more members of class state his understanding of the
situation.

2. Explain situation. Prepared to receive order for attack. Formation
from the time of taking up the approach march. Training of
troops in approach march formation.

3. Discuss Major’s order. Information of enemy; information of our own
troops; time of attack; mission of battalion; line of departure;
artillery preparation.

4. Details of solution. Necessity for designating line of departure.
Artillery barrage. Scouting and patrolling. Keeping contact with
the enemy.

5. Necessity for infantry combat training.

6. Paragraph 3 of the order: Orders for each element. Assault
companies; battalion reserve; machine gun company; howitzer
elements.

7. Paragraph 4 station for slightly wounded.

8. Paragraph 5 of order. Signal communications and location of C.
P.’s.

9. Have class write out order. Distribute solution. Have one or more
members of class read their order and compare it with the
solution.

* * * * *

Explanation

_The Director_: “When the battalion commander has finished giving his orders the Company Commanders will go back to their respective companies and the Major will go to his command post. By this time the company reconnaissance parties should be back at their companies and ready to guide the various elements up to the lines where they are to make the reliefs.

“The Company Commander will assemble his officers and non-commissioned officers and go over the whole situation with them and issue the orders for the company. This order will conform to the five paragraph system; will contain the essential elements of the Major’s order and detailed instructions for each element of the company.

“The Company Commander will then conduct his company to the front in such formation as to take advantage of the natural cover afforded and so as to be as invulnerable as possible to the enemy’s fire.

“The details of the actual relief will depend upon the cover available and what the enemy is doing to interfere with it.”

_Terrain Exercise No. 3._
Defensive Position

The Problem

=Special Situation—Blue=:

The Blue forces, after severe fighting, have reached the line (_a_). The reds have vigorously defended every foot of the ground, and it is apparent that the resistance is growing stronger.

On account of the exhausted condition of the troops and the lack of fresh reserves, the Blues are unable to continue the advance and it has been decided to assume the defensive, temporarily.

The 2nd battalion, which has been the assault battalion, has been stopped and is now holding the line (_b-c_). It has suffered heavy casualties.

The 1st battalion, which has been in regimental support, has had comparatively few casualties.

The 3rd battalion is the regimental reserve.

It is now 4.30 p. m.

It has been decided to have the 1st battalion, with one platoon of the howitzer company attached, organize and hold a defensive position covering the front of the regimental sector just in rear of the line now occupied by the 2nd battalion.

Major A, the battalion commander, accompanied by his company commanders and Lieutenant Z, commanding the howitzer platoon, has made a personal reconnaissance of the position and issued the following verbal orders to the assembled officers:

“The enemy has stopped our advance temporarily. It is necessary for
us to assume the defensive until our troops can be reorganized and
arrangements made to resume the advance.

“Our 2nd battalion is now holding the line (_b-c_). It will withdraw
after dark. Our 3rd battalion relieves us as support battalion.

“The —— infantry on our right will hold the front from (_d_ to _e_);
the —— infantry on our left will hold the front from (_f_ to _g_).

“This battalion, with one howitzer platoon attached, will organize
and hold the line from (_h_ to _i_).

“Company H will be disposed as follows:

“One section at (_j_), covering (_k_).

“One section at (_l_), covering (_m_).

“One section at (_n_), covering (_o_).

“One section at (_p_), covering (_q_).

“The platoon from the howitzer company will be disposed as follows:

“The 37 mm. gun at (_r_) and the light mortar at (_s_), covering the
front of the battalion.

“The firing line and support line are (_t_) and (_t′_) respectively.
They will be organized into two strong points.

“Company A will occupy the area (_u_).

“Company B will occupy the area (_v_).

“Company C will occupy the battalion reserve line along (_w_).

“Companies will proceed with their tasks with the least practicable
delay.

“Administrative arrangements, later.

“Battalion C. P. at (_x_).”

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(_a_). A brief description of the location of the general line reached by the Blue forces. This should be identified by some easily recognized topographical feature of the terrain.

(_b-c_). The specific location of the line occupied by the troops of the 2nd battalion.

(_d_ to _e_), (_f_ to _g_). The boundaries of the front that are to be organized and held by the troops on the right and left.

(_h_ to _i_). The front to be organized and held by the 1st battalion. This will be the boundary lines of the sector not occupied by the 2nd battalion.

(_j_), (_l_), (_n_), (_p_). The location of the several sections of the machine gun company.

(_k_), (_m_), (_o_), (_q_). The front covered by the several sections of the machine gun company. Go into detail regarding the bands of fire they are to put down.

(_r_), (_s_). The location of the 37 mm. gun and light mortar of the howitzer platoon.

(_t_), (_t′_). The location of the firing line and support, respectively.

(_u_). The area to be occupied by Company A.

(_v_). The area to be occupied by Company B.

(_w_). The location of the battalion reserve line.

(_x_). The location of the battalion C. P.

(Note.—The preparation of this problem will require considerable
work on the part of the Director in order to get all of the features
of the position worked out in detail so as to be able to include
them in the order to the company commanders. If it is practicable to
do so the boundaries of the battalion sector, together with the
location of the machine guns and howitzer units and the battalion C.
P., should be marked with flags. This will save many questions
during the Terrain Exercise and save a lot of time. It will give the
members of the class a much better idea of the set-up and they will
be able to proceed with the solution of their part of the problem
more readily.)

Procedure

The members of the class are assembled in the vicinity of (_x_).

The Director distributes the sheets containing the special situation Blue and reads it aloud. The members of the class follow from the copy in their possession. The places, localities and areas referred to are pointed out in detail.

The Director will call upon one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the tactical situation and this process is continued until he is satisfied that all members know the details and are ready to proceed with the solution.

Explanation

_The Director_: “Before going further with the problem I want to make some remarks on the general subject of the defensive and some with reference to the part that the battalion and its component parts plays in it. The problem under consideration is that of a passive defense. Our troops have made such rapid progress that the rear echelons have not been able to keep up. The enemy has been falling back on his reserves and naturally his defense is stiffening all along the line. The time has arrived when it is necessary for us to stop for a period; reorganize our forces, which have been more or less disorganized by our successes; bring up our rear echelons; and prepare to continue the advance. During this period we must so organize our position that the enemy will have little chance for success should he decide to attack with a view to interfering with our arrangements.

“Our attacking troops have now arrived on a general line where a defensive position may be taken up and the high command has ordered such action. We do not want to give up any ground that has been gained that is suitable for our purpose. Having this principle in mind Major A has decided to organize and hold the ground that is now occupied by the support echelon of the 2nd Battalion.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, what factors exercise the greatest influence in the selection of a defensive position?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I should say the facilities for communication and those for observation. The greater ease with which we can move troops within the position the better we can defend it, and unless we have facilities for observation we had better move to another place for the enemy will be able to surprise us on any and all occasions.”

_The Director_: “In a defensive position we deploy in great depth. What is the object of this, Captain Hastings?”

_Captain Hastings_: “Where a great mass of enemy artillery is to be encountered we must disperse our troops over a large area to force him to scatter his fire, and waste a lot of it. In addition to this we must have room to maneuver our counter-attack units and get them into action with as little flank marching as possible. In a case like we are considering here I do not believe such great depth is necessary. This is open warfare and it will take the enemy quite a while to get his artillery in shape to employ it effectively on our position. We will therefore be able to concentrate our troops in a more shallow zone than is usual in regular position warfare.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, what are the defensive areas called in a defensive position?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “They are combat groups; strong points; centers of resistance; subsectors and sectors.”

_The Director_: “What do you understand a combat group to be?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “It is an area prepared for defense and held by a small unit such as a platoon or section.”