Chapter IV: Part 4

_The Director_: “What is a strong point, Lieutenant Ralston?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “A strong point is an aggregate of combat groups distributed in width and depth under the command of one officer. It is usually defended by a rifle company and usually has machine guns attached. Where practicable, it is arranged for all ’round defense.”

_The Director_: “What is a center of resistance?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “An aggregate of strong points distributed in width and depth and commanded by one officer. It is usually occupied by a battalion.”

_The Director_: “I hope you all see how this proposition works out. A combat group is the smallest element. Two or more of these groups form a strong point. Two or more strong points linked up together form a center of resistance. You will note the Major’s disposition for our battalion here. It forms a center of resistance consisting of the two strong points held by Companies A and B respectively with Company C as a reserve with Company D distributed at key points within the area.”

The class is now conducted to area (_u_), which has been assigned to Company A.

The Problem

=Situation No. 1=:

You, Captain A, are commanding Company A, the unit assigned to occupy the area (_u_) in the right (left) of the battalion sector. You have Major A’s order to proceed with your task with the least practicable delay.

_Required_:

What do you do?

Procedure

The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 1. He will read it to the class and make such explanation as may be necessary.

_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what steps do you take to get your company up to the front?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I have with me one runner from each of my platoons and two runners from Company Headquarters. I will send the platoon runners back with a verbal message to their respective platoon commanders to bring the platoons up. I will have one of my company runners to go to the (indicate place) with a message to platoon commanders to halt their platoons there and report to me here. I think that is all that would be necessary to get the platoons up and assemble the platoon commanders here to receive orders.”

Solution

_The Director_: “All right. We will assume that you have sent the platoon runners back for the platoons and that one of your company runners has gone back to the rendezvous point. What are you going to do between now and the time the platoon commanders report to you for orders?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I am going to make a personal reconnaissance of the area assigned to my company, size up the situation, arrive at a decision as to how I am going to occupy the area and dope out my orders for the platoon commanders.”

_The Director_: “That is the proper procedure. Captain Hodges, in what ways may the company be distributed in an area of this kind?”

_Captain Hodges_: “In the first place there are three lines included in the area. The first is the local security or line of observation—the outpost line; next is the firing line which is the line of defense of the area—where the fight will take place if the enemy attacks; next is the support line. The company must cover all three of these lines. There are several methods of deployment available. The company may be deployed with two platoons each covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line. In this case each platoon furnishes the outguards covering its own front. The company may be deployed with two platoons on the firing line only and one platoon on the support line; in this case the outguards would be furnished by the support platoon. The company may be deployed with one platoon on the outpost line; one on the firing line and one on the support line. Again it may be deployed with the platoons side by side each platoon covering all three of the lines. In this case each platoon furnished the outguards covering its own front.”

(Note.—The Director will draw these four formations out on the
ground and explain them to the class.)

_The Director_: “Considering the four methods of deployment which one would you employ in the organization of this area, Captain James?”

_Captain James_: “I would favor the first method where we have two platoons covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line. Each platoon to furnish the outguards covering its own front.”

_The Director_: “What factors lead you to favor this deployment?”

_Captain James_: “By deploying in this manner we have two complete combat groups each responsible for its own outguards and its firing line. We have a third combat group on the support line located in the interval between the two forward groups so that it is readily available for counter-attack in case the enemy should penetrate the line on our front. Unity of command is preserved and there will be little intermingling of men of different units. Each platoon commander has a definite problem to solve. I think it is by far the best method.”

_The Director_: “Do you see any objections to the second method of deployment, Lieutenant Baker?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “I should say that it is about the same as the first method. The thing that I do not like about it is the proposition of taking the outguards from the support platoon. I like the idea of having each combat group being responsible for its whole front. In addition to dividing responsibility for the defense of the area occupied it weakens the support platoon and makes it just that much less effective for counter-attack work.”

_The Director_: “What objections have you to the third method—the platoons in echelon one behind the other?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “When the outguards fall back on the firing line you have the proposition of an intermingling of men of the two platoons. That will cause endless confusion and destroy the unity of command.”

_The Director_: “Any objections to the fourth method?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “I can conceive of circumstances where this method might be employed to advantage. For example: In woods or in rough, difficult terrain. I do not think it would be employed in an area such as we now have under consideration.”

_The Director_: “We seem to be pretty well agreed that the first method should be employed. Now what considerations will affect your decision as to the area to be included in each of the two combat groups, Captain Hall?”

_Captain Hall_: “The battalion commander has assigned the elements of the machine gun company to certain positions to cover the front. I would build my combat groups around this distribution and take advantage of the fire that they are able to produce.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, where would you locate the Company C. P.?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “The C. P. should be in such a position that it can be easily reached and found by the runners. It should be so arranged that the enemy will not be able to observe the runners entering and leaving. I would say that it should be located in the area lying between the combat groups and the support platoon.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “The Major indicated the firing line and support line of the battalion center of resistance and designated the area for Company A to organize and hold. We have decided to organize it with two platoons on the firing line, each furnishing its own outguards and each forming a combat group; and one platoon on the support line. The 1st battalion advanced posts are holding the enemy back and there is every reason to expect that they will be able to continue to do so for sometime yet.

“The location of the machine guns, the 37 mm. guns and the light mortars in the area are known.

“It will be necessary for Captain E to assign the platoons, two to the firing line and one to the support line, and give necessary instructions regarding the work to be undertaken. These instructions will not go into any more detail than is absolutely necessary. In any event they must not be such as will take the initiative away from the platoon commanders. The platoons are given their missions. It is then up to the platoon commander to execute them. This initial order is intended merely to get the work started. It must give the platoon commanders sufficient detail for them to go about their reconnaissance and plan for the organization of their combat groups and the defensive preparation of the ground they are to occupy. The defensive position as it appears finally is not the result of any one order. It is a gradual growth planned and executed from day to day. The first elements may be only a line of individual ‘fox holes’ dug by the men. These are connected up and finally form a short section of trench here and there. As the position is studied more in detail it will become apparent where other defensive utilities should be constructed in order to add to the strength of the position. All that Captain A should include in his order at this time is sufficient detail to get the work started.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “We have sized up the situation and arrived at a decision. It is now necessary to put that decision into an order. We assume that the platoons have arrived at the rendezvous and the platoon commanders have reported to you here for orders.

“Now I want each member of the class to write out the order that he would give at this time. You may omit the first paragraph;—information of the enemy and our own troops. It would be much the same as that contained in the Major’s order. We will assume that you have already given that to the platoon commanders. Start your order with paragraph 2.”

When all the members of the class have completed their work the sheets will be collected and again distributed, making sure that no officer gets his own paper back again.

The Director will call upon one or more members of the class to read the order he has in his possession and it will then be discussed.

When all of this discussion is finished the Director will distribute the mimeographed sheets containing a copy of the Captain’s order. Each member of the class will receive his solution back again and compare it with the solution submitted by the Director.

The Order

2. This company will organize and hold the front from —— to ——.

3. (_a_) Lieutenant M, with the 1st platoon, will organize and hold
the right half of the company area from —— to ——.

(_b_) Lieutenant O, with the 2nd platoon, will organize and hold the
left half of the company area from —— to ——.

(_c_) Lieutenant P, with the 3rd platoon will constitute the local
support and will be posted on the support line in the vicinity
of ——.

(_x_) Combat groups will furnish the out guards for their respective
fronts.

4. Battalion Aid station at ——. Other administrative arrangements
later.

5. Company C. P. at ——.

* * * * *

=Defensive Position= =Card No. 1=

=Director’s Key=

1. Assemble class at (_x_). Distribute sheets containing problem, read
and explain. Call on one or more members of class to state their
understanding of tactical situation.

2. Passive defense. Explain progress of action and necessity for a
halt. Prepare to ward off enemy attacks.

3. Factors in selection of position, communication and observation.
Reasons for distribution in depth. Defensive areas: combat
groups; strong points; centers of resistance; subsectors and
sectors. Definition of each.

4. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 1. Read and explain. Get
company up. Message to platoon commanders. Rendezvous for
company.

5. Reconnaissance. Size up situation. Methods of distribution of
company. First, second, third, fourth, advantages and
disadvantages of each.

6. Decision to use first method. Explain what must be included in
order. Avoid details. Give platoon commanders their job and let
them go to it.

7. Each member of class write out order. Collect and distribute. Hand
out mimeograph sheets containing order. Compare work with
solution.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class is now conducted to the area to be occupied by the 1st platoon and which is to be organized into a combat group.

The Problem

=Situation No. 2=:

You, Lieutenant M, are commanding the 1st platoon which has been designated to form the combat group in the right half of the company area.

The area assigned to your platoon is bounded by —— (describe area boundaries). Your front extends from —— to —— (indicate front). The firing line extends along (indicate).

You have arrived at this point. You have with you two of your platoon runners. The platoon is back at the company rendezvous.

_Required_:

How do you carry out your mission?

Procedure

The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 2. He will read it aloud and make such explanations as may be necessary. He will point out to the members of the class the boundaries of the area assigned to the platoon; the front which the platoon is ordered to cover; and the location of the firing line. He will also indicate the position of each element of Company D in the platoon area and the location of the 37 mm. gun and light mortar.

(Note.—If practicable, the location of machine guns, the 37 mm. gun
and light mortar should be indicated by flags of a distinctive
color.)

By questioning members of the class the Director will make sure that every member understands the situation. They will then be able to proceed with the solution of the problem on a uniform basis.

Solution

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

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send one of my runners back with a message to the platoon sergeant to bring the platoon up.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, do you agree with what Lieutenant Hunt has just said?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “No, sir. I would not want the platoon to come up here until I have sized up the situation; decided upon my dispositions; and made arrangements for them to get to work on the position we are to occupy. That will take me some little ‘time.’”

_The Director_: “I think you are right. There is no need of exposing any more men to the enemy’s fire than is absolutely necessary. As soon as the enemy realizes that our attack has stopped and we are taking up a defensive position he will do everything in his power to interfere with our plans. If he observes a lot of men all along the line digging in he will open up with everything he has available.”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “That is the point I had in mind. It seems to me that, as a matter of fact, we will not be able to accomplish very much on the preparation of the position until it begins to get dusk.”

_The Director_: “You are right. If we can get the layout of the position completed during the remaining full daylight hours; decide how we are to organize the combat group and get the trenches and other utilities staked out I think we will have accomplished all that could be reasonably expected. Do you see the point, Lieutenant Hunt?”

(Note.—It is assumed that it will be dusk at 6 o’clock.)

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “Yes, sir.”

_The Director_: “Now, taking into consideration what we have said, what would you do?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send a runner back to the platoon sergeant to have the men take cover and make themselves comfortable. I would want them to have as much rest as possible for they are going to have a night of hard work. I would have the runner tell the platoon sergeant to turn the platoon over to Sergeant R (platoon guide) and for himself, the two section leaders and the other platoon guides to report to me here.”

_The Director_: “I think that is all right. What are you going to do while you are waiting for the men to report to you?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I will make a personal reconnaissance of the area, size up the situation and decide upon how I am going to dispose my troops.”

(Note.—The disposition of troops will, of course, depend upon the
lay of the ground and the location of the machine guns in the
sector. The following procedure is based upon certain dispositions
and is designed to bring out the points that come up for
consideration in the organization of a combat group of this kind.
The Director will have previously worked out his solution to the
problem and during the course of the discussion will bring out the
tactical points that are necessary for the training and instruction
of the members of the class.)

_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what are the component parts of a combat group?”

_Captain Hastings_: “First there is the local security line—the outpost. Behind this is the firing line—the fighting line of the group. Outguards are thrown out to back up their sentinels.”

_The Director_: “How may the deployment of the platoon be made?”

_Captain Hastings_: “It may be made with the sections abreast, each section furnishing the outpost covering its own front. It may be made with one section behind the other, the leading section occupying the firing line.”

_The Director_: “Which form of deployment do you favor?”

_Captain Hastings_: “I favor the first. The sections deployed abreast and each section providing for its own local security. The advantages of this is that the section leader is responsible for the whole front assigned to him and there is unity of command. If the outpost line falls back to the firing line it falls back on the men of its own section. In the second method, if the outpost section falls back it does so on the men of the other section of the platoon and there is bound to be more or less intermingling of units.”

_The Director_: “I think you are right. Let us decide that we are to make the deployment with the sections side by side, each section to furnish its own local security—that is, its own outguards. This means that the front assigned to the platoon may now be divided into two parts and a section assigned to each. Lieutenant Wallace, what is the governing factor in the ground assigned to each of the sections?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “Each section must be able to cover the ground to its front and must be so arranged as to mutually support each other. That is, its fire must be able to sweep the front of the adjoining groups.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, how much front can a platoon cover in this formation?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “In country such as this the platoon can cover about 400 to 500 yards of front with its fire. This does not mean that the platoon occupies such a continuous line. It will actually occupy only a small portion of it. The intervening portion will be covered by its fire. By deploying with the sections abreast of each other we can occupy the sector allotted to the platoon without any difficulty.”

_The Director_: “What is the extent of the area that a section may organize for close defense, Captain Harvey?”

_Captain Harvey_: “Ordinarily it should not be more than 75 yards by 75 yards. This 75-yard front actually occupied by the section makes 150 yards for the platoon. The intervening ground of say 150 to 200 yards will be covered by fire.”

_Captain Hodges_: “I do not see how you arrive at the short distance of 150 to 200 yards interval between sections.”

_Captain Harvey_: “(Indicating by a diagram on the ground.) Say the right section is 75 yards from the right boundary of the area; then the section covers 75 yards of trenches; the interval to the section on the left is say 150 yards; the left section occupies 75 yards of front and is 75 yards from the left boundary. All of this, as you will see makes a front of about 450 yards covered by the platoon. The interval between sections might well be expanded to 200 yards which would make the platoon cover a front of 500 yards without serious difficulty. This would make 1,000 yards for the company and 2,000 yards for the battalion with two companies on the firing line. I would say this is the maximum front. It would be better to reduce the interval a little and bring the total down to about 800 yards.”

_Captain Hodges_: “I see the proposition now. I do not think we would have any trouble covering the front allotted to our platoon.”

Procedure

_The Director_: “The next question is the allotment of sections in the platoon area. In this connection you will have to consider the lay of the ground, and select the location for the section groups, so that the ground to the front may best be defended and so that the groups are able to mutually support each other.

“I want the members of the class to go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each of you select the location of each section group. Keep in mind the factors I have just spoken of—defense of the foreground, field of fire, and mutual support of adjacent groups; also consider the location of the machine guns that have already been made by the battalion commander. We will all assemble here in 20 minutes.”

The members of the class will now go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each man will work out his disposition independently.

At the end of the time the class will assemble at the designated point and the discussion resumed.

Solution

_The Director_: “You have now been over the area allotted to the platoon. Captain James, how would you dispose of the two sections of the platoon?”

_Captain James_: “I find that the front naturally divides itself into two parts. A section in the right portion of the area will be able to cover the foreground with its fire. The right element will be able to cover the front of the combat group to the right and the left element will be able to sweep the front of the section on the left. The same applies to the left section. We can locate our trenches in each area so that we not only do not interfere with the fire of the machine guns but will be able to cover areas that form dead space for them. I do not think there will be any difficulty in preparing the position for defense.”

_The Director_: “Has any member of the class any other plan to offer?”

(Note.—The members of the class should be urged to present their
views on the subject. The more discussion that can be created the
better it is for all concerned.)

_The Director_: “I agree with Captain James. We can organize the area allotted to the platoon in fine shape. And this is ordinarily the case with all these tactical problems. If we go about their solution in a systematic manner we can usually arrive at a reasonable and suitable solution to them.

“There is another point that must be decided at this time. That is the location of the platoon command post. Where would you locate it, Lieutenant Baker?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would locate it at —— (indicate place).”

_The Director_: “What factors did you take into consideration in selecting that location?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “The facilities for observation and communication with all parts of the combat group.”

_The Director_: “Has any member of the class selected another location for the command post?”

(Note.—If a member suggests another location it should be discussed
and put to the test of facility for observation and communication.
The place that provides these two elements the best should be
selected.)

_The Director_: “Now, there are some other arrangements that will have to be made before the men can actually go to work on the position. In the first place, they must have the proper tools to work with. Of course, some work may be accomplished with the individual intrenching tools that the squads carry, but they will need a number of regular digging tools in this case. Wire will have to be supplied for the construction of the obstacles in front of the position. It is presumed that the battalion staff will attend to all of these things, but what the platoon commander is interested in is when and where will they be supplied. I think I would send my platoon sergeant to the company commander to let him know just what is required and to secure definite information as to when and where tools and wire will be available. It is of little use to get a lot of men up to the platoon area unless they have something to work with. Besides the area is more or less crowded at this time with men of the support elements of the 2nd battalion. These are some of the things that the platoon commander must think about at this time.

“Let us now assume that the platoon sergeant and the other men that you sent for have joined you here. Let us see what orders and instructions you would give them. Captain Hall, what would you include in the first paragraph of the order?”

_Captain Hall_: “All the information of the enemy and our own troops. I would explain why it is necessary for our troops to go on the defensive for a time; the situation with respect to the 2nd battalion, which is holding on a short distance to the front; the location of the troops on our right and left and the role of the 3rd platoon of our company as support; the location of the elements of Company D in our area, and the location of the machine guns in the adjoining area; the location of the elements of our company. I would indicate the location of the firing line where it crosses our area. I think that is all that is necessary to be included under information of the enemy and our supporting troops.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, what would you include in the second paragraph of your order?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “My plan. This platoon will organize and hold the front from —— to ——.”

_The Director_: “And what would you include in paragraph 3 of the order?”

_Lieutenant Barry_: “The disposition of my troops:

“The 1st section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the —— Infantry on the right.

“The 2nd section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the 2nd platoon on the left.

“Each section will furnish its own outguards along the general line —— (indicate).

“I think that is all that is necessary at this time. I have not gone into details as to just how each section leader is to solve his problem. I will be along the line while they are working it out. If they start anything that I do not approve of, I will have an opportunity to tell them so at the time. The company commander has not hampered me with orders and I will not do so with respect to my section leaders.”

_The Director_: “You are right about that. Give every man a chance to work out his own salvation. Do not destroy his initiative. Is there anything to be included in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Hunt?”

_Lieutenant Hunt_: “Yes, sir. I would give the information about the intrenching tools and wire being supplied later. This is done to show my non-commissioned officers that we have not overlooked the subject.

“Information concerning issue of intrenching tools and wire will be given later.

“The battalion aid station is at ——.”

_The Director_: “And what would be included in the last paragraph, Captain Hastings?”

_Captain Hastings_: “The location of the company and platoon command posts.

“Company C. P. at ——.

“Platoon C. P. at ——.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “I think that would cover all that is necessary at this time. Let us visualize what is now going to happen. The section leaders with their section guides would go out to the area that has been assigned to them. They would locate the machine gun positions that were designated by the battalion commander and then dope out the disposition that they are to make of the three squads of their respective sections.

“The platoon commander is first concerned with the procurement of the intrenching tools for digging in his groups and the wire for constructing an obstacle along the front. As soon as he gets the platoon sergeant off with a message to the company commander about these things he will go to the front and join the section leaders. He will find out from them what dispositions they are planning on and give them such detailed instructions as may be necessary to carry out his own ideas of how the position should be organized. He will have everything in readiness to bring the men forward as soon as it is advisable to do so.”

* * * * *

=Defense Position= =Card No. 2=

=Director’s Key=

1. Distribute sheets containing situation No. 2. Read and explain.
Point out boundaries of area assigned to the platoon and
indicate positions assigned to machine gun and special weapons.
Mark with flags if practicable.

2. Question as to whether platoon should be brought up now; nothing
for men to do yet; no necessity for exposing them. Have platoon
sergeant, section leaders, and platoon and section guides report
at once. Leave platoon in charge of one section guide.

3. Size up situation. Determine upon dispositions, component parts of
combat group, methods of deploying a platoon. Decide to deploy
sections side by side. Outguards.

4. Factors that govern selection of position; field of fire to front;
mutual support with adjoining units. Front that platoon may
cover. Depth of section area.

5. Have class go over ground and decide on dispositions. Allotment of
sections to platoon area. Location of C. P. observation and
communication.

6. Question of intrenching tools and wire for obstacles. Platoon
sergeant to company commander about tools and wire.

7. The order. Information of enemy and own troops. Plan: Platoon to
organize and hold front from —— to ——. Orders for each section.
Supply outguards. Make orders short. Little detail. Let every
man work out his own salvation.

8. Explanation: Visualize what is happening. Section leaders and
guides go to section area; dope out situation and decide on
disposition. Platoon commander sends platoon sergeant to see
about tools and wire, then joins section leaders on the line.

* * * * *

Procedure

The class will be conducted to the area assigned to the 2nd section of the platoon.

The Problem

=Situation No. 3=:

You, Sergeant K, commanding the 2nd section, have been ordered to organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate).

The section is to connect up and cooperate with the 2nd platoon on the left.

Your section is to furnish its own outguards along the general line —— (indicate).

You have arrived at this point.

You have with you your section guides.

_Required_:

How do you carry out your mission?

Explanation

_The Director_: “While it is not expected that any member of the class will ever be called upon to command a section of Infantry, it is nevertheless important for you to know what happens when you issue an order which requires the action of a section leader.

“Let us visualize this situation. Let us consider ourselves as being Sergeant K. He is the fellow that all the orders finally get down to and the one that has to do the real job out here on the line. You hear the claims of certain staff corps, from time to time, about the necessity for having high-class men for the key positions in their enlisted personnel. Can you show me in any branch of the Army where a high-class man is required any more than he is right here? Here is a doughboy sergeant face to face with a problem, the proper solution of which means more to the success of the operations than any so-called “highly technical” position in the back areas. Upon what he does and how he does it may depend the success or failure of this whole military operation. The lives of the men under him are absolutely in his hands. If he blunders he may lose all of them.

“With these few remarks let us proceed with the problem.”

Procedure

The Director will read the situation aloud, and make such explanations as may be necessary. He will call on one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the situation.

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, how would you go about your task?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “In the first place, I would look over the front and see what it affords in the way of a field of fire. I would next locate the section groups on the right and left and see where their fire could help to protect my front and how fire from my position could help to protect their fronts. I would see how the bands of fire from the machine guns in the area lay with relation to my front.”

(Note.—The Director will point out the location of the adjacent
section groups on the right and left and the position of the machine
guns. He will also indicate the direction of the bands of fire of
the machine guns. All of this should be indicated by flags of
distinctive color if it is possible to do so.)

_The Director_: “You have done all of the things you mention and the whole layout is clear to you. What is your next step?”

_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would search out the vacant spaces—the uncovered ground of the machine guns and so arrange my dispositions to cover them. I would first determine where my automatic rifles may be employed to the best advantage. I will want them for flanking fire to cover the adjacent combat groups and will expect the support of their automatic rifles to help cover my own front. I will want them to cover exposed places to the front that the enemy will have to pass over in making his attack. I will want them to cover certain lines along my wire entanglements. All of these things will have to be taken into consideration in locating them. I will next consider my other special weapons, the rifle grenade and the hand grenade. They are both valuable adjuncts to the defense, especially the rifle grenade. They will both serve well to cover dead spaces that are difficult to reach with machine gun and rifle fire. Such features as ravines, sunken roads and places where enemy troops may seek cover can be made untenable by the rifle grenade up to about 200 yards.”

_The Director_: “All right, let us assume that all of these things have been taken into consideration. How may the troops be disposed to best meet them, Lieutenant Wallace?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “We have three squads in the section. We are required to furnish our own outguards in addition to furnishing the garrison for the firing line. I should say that one squad employed on the outpost line would be sufficient. That would leave two squads for the firing line.”

_The Director_: “Now, there are two plans by which the outguards may be furnished. One is to have each squad cover its own front with an outguard and the other is to have a complete squad detailed as outguard for the section. Which of these plans do you prefer to use in this instance, Lieutenant Ralston?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I think it would be better to employ one squad as the outguards for the section rather than have each squad do it.”

_The Director_: “What factors lead you to such a decision?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “If we have each squad furnish an outguard for its own front it would take half of the squad for that purpose. The least that could be sent out would be a cossack post of four men—a leader and three reliefs for a single sentinel post. I would not want to send our automatic riflemen on that duty and interfere with our arrangements for flanking fire. We would not desire to send our rifle grenadier under ordinary circumstances. This would leave only two rifles in the squad and one of these is the squad leader. If we send one squad out to furnish the outguards it can furnish two cossack posts, which are sufficient to cover our front, and it will leave the other two squads intact to occupy the firing line with all their weapons. If the enemy attacks and the outguards are driven in they will fall back on the flanks so as not to mask the fire of the squads on the firing line. This will enable them to drift toward an assembly point or trench in rear of the firing line proper where they will be available to the section commander as a small local support to be thrown in any of the squad firing positions where casualties have been relatively heavy or to put them in where they are most needed to repel the attack.”

_The Director_: “Of course it is always problematical as to how many men of the outguards will be able to get back; your points are well taken and convincing. I agree with you that the outguards may best be furnished by a complete squad, and this leaves the other units intact for the firing line proper. This now brings us down to the location of two small groups of a squad each. Captain Hodges, what factors will you consider in locating these two groups?”

_Captain Hodges_: “I would want one near each flank of the area where they can help cover the front of the adjacent groups, and I would want also to cover the front of the position. In order to do this I would break each squad into two groups of four men each. In the right group I would have the automatic rifleman and three riflemen of the 1st squad. The automatic rifleman would have a fire position from which he can cover the front of the adjacent section on the right, and if the one position does not serve the purpose I will have another fire position for him from which he can fire to the front. In the next group of four men I would have the rifle grenadier and three riflemen. They will be charged with covering the front. The group that the squad leader will remain with will depend upon circumstances. He would not be definitely assigned, but would go where his presence is most required. I would have a group of four men of the 2nd squad next to the left with the rifle grenade in it, and near the left of my line I would have another group similar to the one on the right with the automatic rifleman in it. The 3rd squad will furnish the outpost—two cossack posts.”

_The Director_: “I think you have made a very good distribution of troops. I do not think you can say off hand that you would have the rifle grenadier always in the interior groups. His position must depend upon the prospective targets that he may have. Now, the distribution brings us down to the proposition of the preparation of four short sections of trench sufficient to shelter four men each. This makes it a comparatively simple proposition. You see, when you divide all of this work up in the way we have how it gradually clears up and becomes perfectly simple.

“Let us now locate on the ground the four short sections of trench that will have to be prepared.”

Procedure

The class will now be conducted to the right of the section area and then along the front, and the exact location of the four short trenches will be determined upon. Each will then be traced on the ground so that the members of the class may see just the sector front that it may cover. If additional pits are required for the automatic riflemen they will also be indicated on the ground. One or more members of the class may be required to lie down on the ground and verify the field of fire from each trench.

_The Director_: “Captain James, we have made a mark on the ground for each of these short trench lengths; we call that a trace; what do you mean by that?”

_Captain James_: “That the line we have made is the upper edge of the interior slope of the parapet of the trench. It is the firing line of the trench.”

_The Director_: “Now we have located these trenches; you have noted the distance apart they are. Would we try to connect them up with a continuous trench under the circumstances, Lieutenant Baker?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “No, sir. I think not. If any continuous trench is to be constructed it seems to me that it should be dug a few feet to the rear and parallel to our line of short trenches. Our short trenches can then be connected up with it by communication trenches running obliquely, to give cover from fire. I think this parallel trench should be traced now so that work can be commenced on it tonight after the fire trenches are completed. It should be a zigzag trench. The 3rd squad can get some work done on it before they have to go on outpost.”

_The Director_: “I think we have covered everything that is necessary preliminary to issuing the order of the section commander except the location of the command post. Where would you locate it, Captain Hall?”

_Captain Hall_: “I would locate it here (indicates). The questions of observation and communication are the determining factors in its selection.”

_The Director_: “Now I want each member of the class to write out this order that Sergeant K would issue to his section guides. Make it simple and to the point.”

The members of class will write out the order on their pads and when all have completed it the sheets are passed to the officer on the left for criticism.

The Director will read aloud the order he has prepared and the members of the class compare their work with it.

The Order

“There is no further information of the enemy. You know the location
of the machine guns in this area; the location of the 37 mm. gun and
light mortar of the Howitzer company and the location of adjoining
groups.

“Our section will organize and hold this area.

“The 1st squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in
the right of the area. Sergeant F, you will superintend the task.

“The 2nd squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in
the left of the area. Sergeant G, you will superintend the task.

“The 3rd squad will furnish the outguards along the line ——. I will
give Corporal B detailed instructions later.

“When the fire trenches have been completed work will be started on
the parallel that we have traced.

“Work will begin as soon as we get the section up and pushed to
completion as rapidly as possible tonight.

“Section C. P. at ——.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “The section leader will return to the company and get the section ready to come to the front. He will go himself rather than send one of the guides. There may be some new orders or instructions from the company or platoon commander, and he will want to get them first hand. He will want to be sure that the section is supplied with the intrenching tools that are necessary for the rapid prosecution of the mark.

“The section guides will each mark the cutting lines for the section of trench that he is responsible for and those of the communication parallel. They will have everything in readiness to start work as soon as the men get up to the position.

“We have gone into considerable detail in the solution of the problem, but I am sure every member of the class now realizes the necessity for it and how simple the final solution is. When we started out with the problem I am sure you all felt like we were entering upon a hopeless task but when you finally get down to the last analysis of it and find that the pressing problem is the digging of four short sections of trench capable of sheltering four men each and getting started on the communication parallel you realize that it is not such a big proposition after all.

“All of this shows the necessity for the systematic training of officers and men in these things. I am sure you can see what would happen to an untrained outfit blundering into a proposition of this kind. You can readily imagine a company rushing madly to the front with no one to tell the men where to go or what to do. These tactical situations that confront troops in time of war require time and forethought for their solution. Unless the proposition is gone about in a systematic and orderly manner the task is hopeless. I feel sure that if any of you were confronted with the task of organizing a defensive position in the face of the enemy you are better equipped for the solution of the task for having had this Terrain Exercise.”

* * * * *

=Defensive Position= =Card No. 3=

=Director’s Key=

1. Conduct class to area assigned to the 2nd Section.

2. Explain purpose of giving this small problem to class. Distribute
Situation No. 3, read and explain.

3. Point out location of all defensive elements that have a bearing on
the area allotted to the 2nd Section. Disposition of
troops—factors affecting outpost line, firing line.

4. Location of groups, automatic rifle, rifle grenadier.

5. Locate trenches on the ground and trace them. Locate parallel
communication trench.

6. Issue order. Collect and redistribute. Present order for
discussion.

7. Explain necessity for training in tactics.

* * * * *

_Terrain Exercise No. 4._
A Machine Gun Company in Attack[5]

The Problem

=General Situation=:

The (_a_) forms the boundary between hostile states. The Blue Corps has crossed the boundary. Its advance has been stopped by a Red force of two divisions at (_b_).

=Special Situation, Blue=:

In a general attack by the Blue Corps, the —— Division is attacking with (_c_) regiments abreast in the sector bounded on the right (_d_) by (_e_) and on the left (_d_) by (_e_). The order of the regiments from right to left is (_f_). Each regiment has one battalion in the assault, one in regimental reserve, and one in brigade or division reserve (_g_). The —— Battalion —— Infantry, is the assaulting battalion of the —— Infantry (_h_). The right (_d_) boundary of the battalion is (_e_). Its left (_d_) boundary is (_e_).

The battalion is deployed with Company (_i_) on the right and Company (_k_) on the left, as assault companies, and Company (_l_) as the reserve company. The machine gun company (_m_) and one platoon of the howitzer company are operating with the battalion.

=Special Situation No. 1=:

The division began a general advance at (_n_) today. At (_o_), when the scouts reached (_p_) they were stopped by fire from the vicinity of (_q_).

At (_r_), Major X at (_s_), received a message from the right (left) assault company that it was held up by fire from (_t_). The message stated that the company would assault at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_) and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_), and requested the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. At the same time Major X received a message from the left (right) assault company that it had encountered slight resistance from (_x_), but was continuing to advance.

At the time Major X received the messages the machine gun company was located as follows: The 1st and 2nd Platoons were in rear of the right and left assault companies, respectively, at (_y_), with guns mounted on carts. The captain with his headquarters’ detail was with Major X.

Explanation of Symbols

(_a_) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, road, state boundary, etc. In this problem the boundary may be some miles from the point where the problem starts and in the opposite direction from the direction of attack.

(_b_) A general defensive position in rear of the ground selected for the problem.

(_c_) Two, three or four regiments would be placed in the first line depending on the frontage assigned to the division and other conditions.

(_d_) Compass direction—north, south, east, or west.

(_e_) Describe boundaries by roads, creeks, towns, points, etc. Distance between boundaries should be such as to give appropriate frontage to the division—about 500 yards for each battalion employed as an assaulting battalion.

(_f_) Give order by enumerating regiments as—1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Infantry.

(_g_) The number of battalions in assault and in reserve may vary in different regiments, depending upon the frontage assigned to the regiment and the nature of its task.

(_h_) If the regiment has more than one battalion in the first line, the text should read: “Is the right (left) assault battalion of —— Infantry.”

(_i_), (_k_), (_l_), (_m_) Use letters appropriate to the companies of the designated battalion.

(_n_), (_o_) Indicate the hour.

(_p_) Select position suitable for firing line with position in rear suitable for direct overhead fire of machine guns.

(_q_) Select suitable position for small force on the defensive.

(_r_) Indicate the hour a few minutes later than (_o_).

(_s_) Select a position between the assault and reserve companies with good visibility.

(_t_) Defensive position for small force of Reds.

(_u_) Indicate an hour that will give the rifle and machine gun companies time to get into position for the attack.

(_v_) Usually on or in advance of the line of scouts.

(_w_) A direction that will flank or envelop the local resistance.

(_x_) One of the positions from which scouts originally received fire.

(_y_) Platoons should be in rear of positions you plan to have them occupy and on natural lines of advance.

_Required_:

The action taken by Major X and the orders actually issued by him.

(Note.—The Machine Gun Company is organized and equipped in
accordance with Table of Organization 29-W. See Appendix I.)

Procedure

The members of the class are assembled at _s_, the point where Major X receives the messages from his assault companies.

_The Director_: “Before taking up the problem for solution, I wish to make a few remarks upon the employment of a machine gun company with an assault battalion.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “The following, in general terms, are the principal tasks of the machine guns on the offensive:

“(1) To cover the deployment of the infantry and its advance to the first firing position.

“(2) To support the attack of the infantry.

“(3) To support the infantry in continuing the attack or taking up the pursuit after the enemy’s main position has been captured.

“(4) To assist in the consolidation of the position whenever the limit of the advance is reached or the infantry is brought to a standstill.

“During the combat the function of the machine guns is to assist constantly the advance of the infantry by fire power. The use of machine guns only at decisive points in the fight is not sufficient. They must be so used as to exert a continuous influence from the beginning to the end of the fight. They can act by fire alone and cannot be used as assault troops.

“Every assaulting infantry battalion habitually retains and employs its machine gun company. The machine gun company almost invariably acts under the direct orders of the battalion commander. Only in very exceptional cases will the company act under the orders of the regimental machine gun officer after H hour, although he frequently will prescribe tasks for it during the barrage prior to H hour.

“The following are suitable tasks for a machine gun company of an assault battalion:

“(1) To support the assault companies.

“(2) To protect the flank of the attack.

“(3) To occupy an interval in the line.

“(4) To assist in consolidating the captured ground.

“(5) To assist in resuming the attack.

“_Orders._—The orders of Major X for the use of the machine guns should be clear and concise and should assign definite tasks to them. The orders, prior to attack, should assign the machine guns a definite place in the formation and should give them the mission of supporting the infantry by fire. The control of the machine guns should be exercised, as far as possible, through the commanding officer of the machine gun company. Platoons should be assigned to support rifle companies, but should not be placed under the command of rifle company commanders without there are exceptional reasons for so ordering.