Chapter V: Part 5

“_Formation._—Generally the formation of a machine gun company supporting an infantry battalion will be with one platoon on either flank supporting the two assaulting companies. As to whether or not the platoons should be placed in rear of the assault companies or in rear of the reserve company depends upon conditions. If the conditions indicate the probable early use of machine guns and the ground is favorable for their use, they should be placed in rear of the assault companies. On the other hand, if their use appears improbable, or the ground is unfavorable for overhead fire, they should be placed in rear of the reserve company, where they can use their carts as long as possible. The formation within the platoon conforms to the infantry with which it is advancing. The usual formations will be: when dismounted, line of squad columns or line of skirmishers; when mounted, column of squads. The purpose of the formation taken should be to make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish the machine guns from the infantry.

“_Communication._—Where conditions permit, the commanding officer of the machine gun company will be with the battalion commander. However, the captain must not let this consideration interfere with the efficient command of his company. Where the captain does not remain with the major he will maintain contact with him by means of two runners from the machine gun company.

“Are there any questions?”

Procedure

The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class.

After all questions have been cleared up the Director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class. A few minutes will be allowed to read over the problem.

_The Director_: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.”

The Director reads the problem aloud, pointing out the features of the landscape that are referred to in the problem.

The Director then calls upon one or more members of the class to explain the problem. He clears up any point that does not appear plain to all and satisfies himself that all members of the class understand the situation and what is required of them.

Solution

_The Director_: “Captain Smith, we shall assume that you are commanding the battalion and that Captain M, the commanding officer of the machine gun company, is with you. What would you do when you received the messages from your assault companies?”

_Captain Smith_: “I would send for all of the captains to report to me at once, so that I could issue my orders.”

_The Director_: “The captains of the two assault companies are engaged with the enemy, and it is most essential that they remain in immediate command of their companies. The captain of the reserve company is at some distance from Major X. While it is extremely desirable to issue one complete verbal order to the battalion so that any misunderstanding can be cleared up, it is not practicable to issue such an order in this case. Captain Scott, what would you do?”

_Captain Scott_: “I would take a look at the positions of the right assault company, the machine gun company, and the terrain, to determine whether it would be possible to support the assaulting company by overhead machine gun fire. I see that there is an excellent position for the machine guns and howitzer platoon. The commanding officers of these organizations are with me, so I at once give them the following verbal orders:

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at
(_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon
attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket from this platoon
will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon,
advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will be in
readiness to engage any hostile machine guns that open fire.

“The machine guns will open fire from this hill at (_u_), covering
the enemy’s position at (_t_).

“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of this point in edge of
woods.

“I shall remain here.”

_The Director_: “That is an excellent order. It shows that you understand that Major X should first attempt to give assistance by the use of his machine guns and auxiliary weapons and not by the use of his reserve. The reserve company should not be employed as long as the assaulting companies can overcome the resistance with the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. Fire power should be made to take the place of man-power to the greatest extent that is practicable. You have also given an excellent example of the proper coordination of the machine guns and Stokes mortar. The ground in the direction of (_w_) is such that the machine guns could not effectively support the platoon advancing in that direction. The Stokes mortar, however, can search this ground and provide covering fire for the platoon. Your ordering a red rocket to be fired by the platoon advancing in the direction of (_w_) shows that you understand the necessity for synchronizing the launching of the attack and the opening of fire by the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. However, the steps that you have taken are not adequate to secure this. You have failed to notify the commanding officer of the right assault company of the time that the machine guns will open fire and have not directed him to have his platoon fire a red rocket at the beginning of its attack.

“Captain Howe, tell us how you would notify the commanding officer of the assault companies of your plans.”

_Captain Howe_: “I would send a written message by a runner as follows:

“Begin your attack at (_u_). The machine guns will open fire from
(_s_) at (_u_). The Stokes mortar will open fire in the direction of
(_w_) at (_u_) and will lift their fire 100 yards in two minutes for
six minutes. The one-pounders will fire on hostile machine guns.

“Your platoon, advancing in the direction of (_w_), will fire a red
rocket as a signal that it is leaving its cover and beginning the
attack.

“Battalion ammunition point in edge of woods 500 yards east of
(_s_).

“I shall remain here.”

* * * * *

=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 1=

=Director’s Key=

1. Make copies of the problems and the situation, one for each member
of the class.

2. Conduct the class to the point where the battalion commander
receives the messages from his assault companies.

3. Make a short talk on the employment of machine guns on the
offensive: (_a_) tasks of machine guns in general on the
offensive. (_b_) Tasks of a machine gun company of an assault
battalion. (_c_) Orders of the battalion commander to the
machine gun company. (_d_) Formation of the machine gun company.
(_e_) Communications.

4. Distribute the sheets bearing problem and situation No. 1.

5. Read problem and question members of the class on the tactical
situation.

6. Take up the solution of the problem: Action of Major X; Orders
actually issued by Major X.

7. Explanation by the director of the importance of using fire power,
and of the necessity for coordination between the rifle
companies and the machine guns.

8. May have members of the class write out orders of the battalion
commander.

* * * * *

Explanation

_The Director_: “In the situation just completed we have considered the employment of machine guns from the point of view of the commander who has the responsibility for the coordination of the rifle companies and the machine gun company and for the application of fire power to save man-power wherever it is practicable. In the next situation we shall take up the methods of applying this fire power to support the rifle companies. These are technical questions entirely within the province of the machine gun officer. In the formation the battalion commander designates the position of the machine gun company with reference to the rifle companies; the machine gun company commander determines the formation within his company. Ordinarily the company commander will determine whether the guns will go forward on carts and when it will be necessary to abandon the carts. The firing position may be designated by the battalion commander, or it may be left to the selection of the machine gun company commander. The manner of occupation of the position is decided upon by the machine gun officer. The class of fire to be delivered is a question for the decision of machine gun officers or non-commissioned officers. The situation may be such as to require the sections or platoons to employ different classes of fire. The concentration of the fire of his platoons is a function of the machine gun company commander. In the absence of orders from the battalion commander, the company commander will determine whether the fire of the company will be distributed over the front of the whole battalion or whether it will be concentrated upon a portion of the front. The method of advance from one firing position to another will be determined by the company or platoon commander. Where the company is employed as a whole the advance may be by platoon. As a rule, however, the platoons will advance by alternate sections so that a rifle company will never be without support. The duty of maintaining the ammunition supply from the battalion ammunition point forward to the guns devolves upon the machine gun captain. The machine gun company is responsible for communication forward to the assault companies and to the battalion commander.”

Procedure

The Director passes out the papers containing Special Situation No. 2, reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain it.

The Problem

=Situation No. 2=:

This consists of copies of the orders of Major X to the commanding officers of the machine gun company and howitzer platoon as given by Captain Scott, and of the message to the commanding officer of the right assault company as given by Captain Howe.

_Required_:

The orders actually issued by the commanding officer of the machine gun company.

Solution

_The Director_: “Captain Jones, what is the first decision that Captain M must make when he receives the order of Major X?”

Captain Jones: “He must decide whether he will employ the whole company to support the right assault company or only the platoon which had been directed to support this company at the beginning of the fight. Major X has not indicated whether the whole company will be employed, so Captain M must make this decision. The left assault company may encounter more stubborn resistance, so I should employ only the right platoon.”

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

_Captain Brown_: “I think he should employ the whole company. Concentration of the fire of the platoons on points that are holding up the battalion is one of the duties of the captain. The left assault company is continuing to move forward and does not need the support of the left platoon so it should be used to help advance the right assault company. There is an excellent firing position directly in its line of advance and it can be switched to the support of the left assault company at any time that it becomes necessary. If the only firing position available were such that the platoon could not support the advance of the left assault company, if support were needed, and the position were so situated as to cause the left platoon to deviate greatly from its line of advance, the case would be different. In that situation I think the left platoon should continue its advance in rear of the left assault company with the purpose of bringing flanking fire on the enemy a little later.”

_The Director_: “Captain Burt, we shall assume that Captain M decides to employ both platoons to support the right assault company. What does he do next?”

_Captain Burt_: “He would send the buglers to have the platoon leaders report to him in advance of their platoons and would direct the reconnaissance officer to select the firing positions for the two platoons and obtain the ranges.”

_The Director_: “The captain has a company headquarters to assist him in commanding the company and the use that the captain makes of this headquarters is a sure indication of the efficiency of the company. It is impossible for the captain to command the company by himself and attend to all details. Part of this headquarters detail is mounted. The buglers and reconnaissance officer have horses. By having the platoon leaders precede their platoons they can receive their orders before the platoons arrive and be ready to move into position without delay. When the buglers reach the platoons they would turn over their horses to the platoon leaders and would remain with the platoons to guide them to their firing positions. The reconnaissance sergeant would assist the reconnaissance officer by taking the ranges as soon as the positions had been selected.

“Captain Smith, where would you select the positions and what frontage would you assign to a platoon?”

_Captain Smith_: “I would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire. The position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest. In that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire. The distance between guns should be not less than 20 yards, and preferably more. I would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon. This will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target.”

_The Director_: “I wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ _direct fire_. Indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours. Often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed. However, considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire, and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire. Direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible. It seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire. There is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target.

“Captain Jones, what assignment of targets would you make?”

_Captain Jones_: “I would assign a portion of the target to each platoon. The whole target could be assigned to each platoon which would permit an entire platoon to advance to a new firing position, while the other covered the entire target. However, any advance before the resistance is overcome would probably be by section and not by platoon; so there is no advantage in giving each platoon the whole target. A gunner can fire more effectively on a narrow target where it is not necessary to traverse so much.”

_The Director_: “Captain Howe, would you make any provision for lifting your fire as the infantry approaches the target?”

_Captain Howe_: “I would leave that to the platoon commanders. The rate of advance may be different at different parts of the line so that some guns may continue firing safely after others are forced to stop. I would want every gun to fire as long as the safety of the infantry would permit.”

_The Director_: “Captain Burt, what provision would you make for opening fire?”

_Captain Burt_: “I would have the platoon leaders signal me when they were ready and open fire on my signal. The positions of the platoons are plainly visible from my position. Since it has been ordered that fire will open at a definite time I think it better to depend on one watch than to take a chance of the platoons opening a few seconds apart.”

_The Director_: “All of the doubtful points have been cleared up. Assuming that you would do what it has been decided that Captain M should do, I want each of you to write out the complete fire order of Captain M. It is understood, of course, that Captain M would give his order verbally, but it is desired to have you write out this order, so that the form of the order can be examined more carefully.”

Procedure

After the solutions have been written, the Director has one or more members of the class comment on the solution of other members. The Director then distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3, which is the fire order of Captain M.

* * * * *

=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 2=

=Director’s Key=

1. Explain the duties of the commanding officer of a machine gun
company of an assault battalion.

2. Pass out Situation No. 2. Have members of the class explain their
understanding of it.

3. Have members of class discuss: Number of platoons to be employed.
Use of headquarters detail. Selection of firing position. Use of
direct fire. Assignment of targets. Opening fire.

4. Have members of class write out fire order of Captain M.

* * * * *

The Problem

=Situation No. 3=:

Captain M gave the following verbal orders to the platoon leaders at (_s_):

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at
(_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon
attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket fired by this platoon
will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon
advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will engage any
hostile machine guns.

“This company supports the attack.

“Firing positions:

“First platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the right of
this point to 150 yards to the right of this point.

“Second platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the left of
this point to 150 yards to the left of this point.

“Targets:

“First platoon, right half of enemy’s position at (_t_).

“Second platoon, left half of enemy’s position at (_t_).

“Platoon commanders will be responsible for lifting the fire so as
not to endanger the infantry.

“Signal me when ready to open fire and open fire on my signal.

“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of here in edge of woods.
Carts at disposal of platoon leaders.

“I shall be on the left of the 1st platoon.”

_Required_:

Actions of and orders actually issued by Lieutenant Y, commanding the 1st platoon.

Solution

_The Director_: “Captain Smith, in general what assistants has the platoon leader and what are their duties?”

_Captain Smith_: “The platoon sergeant takes command of the platoon when the lieutenant goes forward, and obtains ranges after the selection of the firing position.

“The communication corporal, with the agents (normally two), maintains communication between the platoon and the rifle company which it is supporting, and sends or signals to the platoon the information necessary to it.

“The transport corporal moves guns and ammunition carts forward in accordance with the movements of the platoon. Improvises packs when necessary. Provides for replenishment of ammunition and replacements for killed or disabled mules.

“There are seven privates in the headquarters detail. One of these is a bicyclist, two are agents to the rifle company, four runners maintain communication with machine gun company headquarters, with the sections and the platoon ammunition point.”

_The Director_: “Captain Burt, what would Lieutenant Y do after receiving the order from Captain M?”

_Captain Burt_: “He would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon. He would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections, and observe the enemy’s position to determine upon an allotment of targets. As the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward. When they arrived he would issue his fire order.”

_The Director_: “Captain Jones, give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.”

_Captain Jones_: “Lieutenant Y gives the following verbal order:

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at
(_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon
attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket fired by that platoon
will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon
advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will engage
hostile machine guns.

“This platoon and the remainder of our company supports the attack.

“Firing positions:

“First section to the right of this rock; 2nd section to the left.
Mount your guns below the crest and drag them into position without
disclosing your presence.

“Targets:

“First section, the woods on the right of the enemy’s position at
(_t_). Range 1,300 to 1,400. Combined sights.

“Second section, the ridge for 100 yards to the left of the woods.
Range 1,300.

“Section leaders will be responsible for lifting their fire on the
approach of the infantry.

“Rate of fire 200 for first minute, 150 thereafter.

“Signal me when ready. Open fire on my signal.

“Platoon ammunition point 100 yards down the hill.

“I shall remain here.”

_The Director_: “Captain Howe, what do you think of telling the 1st section to use combined sights? Explain the use of combined sights.”

_Captain Howe_: “The target undoubtedly calls for the use of combined sights. Whether it would be necessary for Lieutenant Y to direct the use of combined sights would depend on how well trained the section leader was. If I were at all doubtful I would order combined sights.

“Combined sights is the method of engaging any required depth of ground by applying simultaneously overlapping zones of fire from two or more guns. The depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations to be used by each gun. This type of fire is not necessary under 800 meters. When it is used, as many guns as possible should be employed with 100 meters difference if the error in range finding is probably great, and with 50 meters difference if the error is probably small. This kind of fire is used either to engage a target which is deeper than the effective beaten zone or against a small target when the range is not exactly known.”

_The Director_: “Captain Burt, explain to the class how the section leader determines when the fire should be lifted.”

_Captain Burt_: “The section leader is equipped with a type EE field glass which has an inverted sight leaf in the field of view. The glass is used as follows:

“Align the inverted sight scale so that the announced range to the target will coincide with the target.

“If the range to the target is 850 meters or less, note where the line in the graticule representing 1,350 meters cuts the landscape.

“If the range to the target is 850 meters or over, add 500 meters to the range to the target, and locate the point on the landscape that is cut by this line.

“If the point located on the landscape is at or above the feet of our own troops, it will be safe to fire.

“The gunner in a similar manner determines when it is safe to fire by means of his rear sight so there is always a double check.”

_The Director_: “Captain Smith, do you see any purpose in ordering a rate of fire of 200 for the first minute?”

_Captain Smith_: “Yes, sir, it is important to place as great a volume of fire as possible on the enemy at the beginning of the attack. However, the guns cannot maintain such a rate for but a few minutes, so it is necessary to lower it. A rate of 125 to 150 could be maintained for 20 or 30 minutes, so it is safe to order that.”

_The Director_: “Captain Jones, what do you mean by the ammunition point?”

_Captain Jones_: “The machine gun platoon ammunition point consists of the transport corporal, one runner, and the four ammunition carts and four machine gun carts with their drivers. This ammunition point is responsible for maintaining the ammunition supply from the carts forward to the guns.”

_The Director_: “You are correct about the composition of the ammunition point, but not about its duties. Its function is to maintain a supply of ammunition in the carts sufficiently close to the guns that it can be gotten forward by the ammunition carriers, but it is not responsible for getting the ammunition forward. Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of each squad are responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the carts to the guns. The transport corporal moves the carts forward from one covered position to another by bounds and keeps the platoon leader informed of the location of the carts. That is the reason a runner is assigned to the point. The corporal is responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the combat wagons. Normally this will be done by sending the ammunition carts to the battalion ammunition point. The machine gun carts should be kept filled at all times, if possible, and at the platoon ammunition point ready to move forward to the guns.

“Captain Brown, what do you think about Lieutenant Y not ordering emplacements and cover trenches to be constructed?”

_Captain Brown_: “If there is time before opening fire the section leader should construct them without any orders. However, I believe it is always safer to order the construction. In this case the time is limited, so it would be best to get the guns into position and ready to open fire and then begin construction. Great caution would have to be used, however, in the construction as emplacements not properly constructed would show up very distinctly on the crest and would be a source of danger. Cover trenches behind the trench would not be visible and would be a great protection for ammunition carriers.”

_The Director_: “Captain Howe, no mention was made in the order of communications, what do you think of that?”

_Captain Howe_: “It is unnecessary if the platoon is trained properly. It becomes a matter of routine, and instructions are given only if something out of the ordinary is required.”

* * * * *

=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 3=

=Director’s Key=

1. Pass out Situation No. 3. Have members of the class explain their
understanding of it.

2. Have members of the class discuss: Duties of the members of the
platoon headquarters detail. Action of Lieutenant Y prior to the
issue of the fire order.

3. Have a member of the class give the fire order issued by Lieutenant
Y.

4. Have members of the class discuss: Combined sights. Safety angles
for direct overhead fire. Rates of fire. The platoon ammunition
point. Construction of emplacements and cover trenches.
Communications.

* * * * *

Procedure

The Director passes out the papers containing Special Situation No. 4, reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to give their understanding of it.

The Problem

=Situation No. 4=:

A few minutes after fire was opened by the machine guns, the enemy gave way, and Company —— advanced and disappeared over the ridge at (_t_) formerly held by the enemy. The left assault company (Company ——) has continued to make progress and is slightly in advance of the right assault company.

_Required_:

Orders as actually issued by Captain M, commanding the machine gun company.

Explanation

_The Director_: “The situation is one in which it would be possible for the battalion commander to give orders to the machine gun company, but would be necessary only in case that the company commander was incompetent. The captain of a company must not expect to receive orders from the major at every new phase of the situation. The major is probably eager to get forward to (_t_) to see for himself what the situation is and has no time to tell Captain M just what he shall do with his company.

“Captain Smith, assuming you are Captain M, what orders would you give to the company?”

_Captain Smith_: “I would send the following verbal message to the platoon commanders:

“‘Advance your platoon by section to the position at (_t_).’”

_The Director_: “If the enemy were still resisting, advancing the platoons by alternate sections would be the normal procedure. However, since the resistance of the enemy has temporarily ceased and he has passed over the ridge where he cannot at present fire on the machine gun company, Captain M has a little more choice in the formation that he will employ in advancing the company. It is perfectly practicable to advance by platoon, and there is some advantage in so doing as it will leave the platoon commanders in direct touch with their whole platoons. The left assault company is slightly in advance of the right, so it would be better to send the left platoon forward to the position at (_t_) and have the right platoon go forward just as soon as the left platoon has reached (_t_).

“Captain Jones, what do you think of immediately sending the whole company forward?”

_Captain Jones_: “It would not be safe. It is too early to know whether the enemy will counter-attack. If he should counter-attack and drive the infantry out of the position at (_t_), part of the machine guns should be in position to support the infantry. As soon as it appears that the attack of the infantry has succeeded, part of the guns must be sent forward to give the infantry closer support, but some guns must be retained in position until danger of a counter-attack has passed.”

_The Director_: “Captain Burt, would you give the platoon leaders any additional instructions?”

_Captain Burt_: “Yes, sir; I would instruct them to replenish their ammunition before sending their ammunition carts forward. They probably would do this any way, but I would play safe and order it. There has not been a long period of firing so that one cart from each section probably would be all that it would be necessary to send to the rear. This would leave plenty of ammunition with the guns and get additional ammunition forward much sooner than if the ammunition carts were permitted to advance without refilling.”

_The Director_: “Captain Howe, would you give any further instructions to the platoon leaders?”

_Captain Howe_: “Yes, sir; I would direct them to move forward with the guns on carts. The carts have been placed at the disposal of the platoon leaders so they should employ them without instructions, as there is no danger in so doing. However, the captain usually determines when the guns shall be moved forward by hand, so I think it is safer to caution them to use their carts. There is a great tendency to continue advancing the guns by hand for the rest of the fight when it has once become necessary to dismount them from the carts.”

_The Director_: “Captain Smith, give the complete messages that should be sent to the platoon leaders to carry out the decisions we have made.”

_Captain Smith_: “Captain M would send the following verbal messages:

“To the commander of the 2nd platoon:

“‘Move forward at once with guns on carts to the position from which
the enemy has just been driven. Replenish ammunition.’

“To commander of 1st platoon:

“‘Replenish your ammunition. Remain in position until 2nd platoon
reaches position from which enemy has just been driven and then move
forward with guns on carts.’”

_The Director_: “We have covered the different situations that are likely to occur in an attack with the exception of the opening phases of a prepared attack and the consolidation. The former is most frequently an indirect fire problem and should be treated as a separate exercise. The latter can be handled best as the first phase of a battalion on the defensive.”

* * * * *

=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 4=

=Director’s Key=

1. Pass out Situation No. 4. Have members of the class explain their
understanding of it.

2. Explain the responsibility of the captain for acting on his own
initiative in the absence of orders from the major.

3. Have a member of the class give the orders issued by Captain M.

4. Have members of the class discuss: Different methods of advancing
the company. Necessity for retaining some guns in position to
meet counter-attack. Replenishment of ammunition. Use of carts.

5. Concluding statement by the Director.

* * * * *

_Terrain Exercise No. 5._
An Advance Guard

The Problem

=General Situation=:

The (_a_) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue brigade is marching towards (_b_). Small Red forces are reported in the direction of (_c_).

=Special Situation—Blue=:

A (_d_) flank guard, consisting of the (_e_) battalion (_f_) infantry, halts for the night at (_g_).

At (_h_) (date) Company A, which has been designated to form the advance guard, is assembled at (_i_).

Based on the orders of the battalion commander, Captain A, commanding, issues the following verbal orders to his assembled officers and non-commissioned officers:

“Small Red forces are reported in the direction of (_c_). Our
brigade marches towards (_b_) today by the (_j_)—(_k_)—(_l_) road.
Our battalion continues its mission as a (_d_) flank guard. Our main
body follows the advance guard at a distance of about 500 yards.

“This company forms the advance guard.

“Lieutenant W, with the first platoon, will form the advance party.
March at (_m_) o’clock by the (_n_)—(_o_) road.

“The rest of the company will form the support and follow the
advance party at a distance of about 400 yards.

“Corporal White (signalman) watch for signals from the main body.

“The rolling kitchen will join the battalion train.

“I will march with the support.”

(Note.—Company A is organized in accordance with Table of
Organization 28-W. See Appendix 1.)

Explanation of Symbols

(_a_) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of ridges, etc. In this problem the boundary may be a number of miles from the point where the problem starts and in the direction in which the march is to be made.

(_b_) A point a march away in the direction of the enemy.

(_c_) The locality where the enemy is reported to be. This should be beyond the border in enemy territory.

(_d_) Indicate whether the battalion is a right or left flank guard. For example: The Blue brigade is marching north on a certain road. The battalion is marching north on a road to the west of that on which the brigade is marching—the battalion would be a left flank guard.

(_e_) Designate as one of the battalions of the regiment to which the officers participating belong or are attached.

(_f_) See next above. Example “A left flank guard, consisting of the 1st Battalion, 305th Infantry.”

(_g_) A point in the vicinity of where the terrain exercise is to start.

(_h_) Indicate the hour. Make it about 20 minutes before the time designated for the advance guard to start the march.

(_j_) The point where the terrain exercise is to begin.

(_j_)—(_k_)—(_l_) A road is designated in field orders by naming two or more places located on it. Example: “The FOUR POINT—EMMITSBURG—FAIRPLAY road.” In this case indicate in definite terms the road that the main body of the brigade is to march on.

(_m_) Designate the hour of marching of the advance guard.

(_n_)—(_o_) See remarks pertaining to the symbol (_j_)—(_k_)—(_l_).

The Problem

=Situation No. 1=:

You, Lieutenant W, commanding the first platoon, have been detailed to form the advance party. It is now (_h_). Your platoon is formed here.

_Required_:

The action that you, Lieutenant W, take, and the orders you issue to your platoon.

Procedure

The members of the class are assembled at (_g_) on the (_n—o_) road (see explanation of symbols), where it is intended that the advance guard formation is to be taken up.

_The Director_: “Before taking up the problem for solution, I want to make a few remarks on the formation of a column of troops on the march and to review briefly the formation and duties of an advance guard.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “A column of troops on the march consists of a main body and such covering detachments as may be necessary. These covering detachments are denominated advance guards, rear guards and flank guards. They are thrown out for the purpose of gaining information of the enemy, to protect the main body from surprise, and to hold off the enemy a sufficient length of time for the main body to prepare for action.

“The covering detachment that goes ahead of and protects the march of a marching column is called an ‘advance guard.’ It consists of a series of detachments or groups increasing progressively in strength from head to rear, each being charged with the protection of the group immediately following it from surprise and thus gaining time for the latter to get ready to fight.

“_Formation._—The advance guard is normally divided into a support and a reserve. From the support, an advance party is sent to the front a few hundred yards, and from this advance party a small patrol, technically called a ‘point,’ is sent out. From time to time as the occasion demands, patrols are sent out to the right and left. These are called ‘flankers.’

“When the advance guard consists of a small force the reserve is omitted and we have only a support, from which an advance party is sent out.

“In the problem we have an advance guard composed of one rifle company of infantry. What is the proper formation?

“The advance party will consist of one platoon, from which a ‘point’ of one squad will be sent out to the front, a distance of about 200 yards. The remainder of the company will constitute the support and follow the advance party at a distance of about 400 yards.

“We do away with a reserve. It would divide the company into too many component parts and make control just that much more difficult.

“That is what may be termed the usual formation. Conditions may be such that it would be desirable to make the advance party stronger; as where the enemy habitually opposes us with relatively small detachments and we want to run over them and drive them off without bringing the support into action.

“In any case you must have a knowledge of the functions of an advance guard. You must know the mission and be able to size up the situation of the particular case. You must then use your plain commonsense in meeting the situations as they develop.

“_Duties._—Now let us see what the duties of the advance guard are:

“1. To prevent the main body of our troops from being fired into while they are in a formation that prevents them from defending themselves. You can imagine what would happen if an effective fire were suddenly poured into the company while it is marching in column of squads on the road.

“2. To gain information of the enemy by sending out detachments to the front and flanks at such points as may be necessary. Here is an important thing to remember. Under the conditions of modern warfare, the haphazard method of sending out flanking patrols has every chance of resulting in disaster. These men never get back in time to be of use to you when you need them. Much of this patrolling and marching of flanking detachments across country is exhausting and wears out your troops. It should be reduced to the minimum.

“3. To push back small parties of the enemy. The progress of the main body must not be arrested by small, comparatively insignificant detachments of the enemy. It is the duty of the advance guard to brush them aside. How many times at maneuvers have you seen a skillfully handled patrol make a whole advance guard deploy? It should have been swept away by the advance party. The idea is, that you simply have to keep pushing to the front until you really encounter something that will stop you.

“4. To check the advance of the enemy in force long enough for the main body to prepare for action. When the enemy is met in sufficient force to warrant the employment of troops of the main body there is a certain process that the commander has to go through before he can get his troops in action. A reconnaissance must be made to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy, for it would be folly to commit a force to action without knowing something of these elements. Then, too, the orders for the deployment have to be issued and the deployment has to be effected. All of this takes a certain amount of time during which period the advance guard holds off the enemy.

“5. To remove obstacles, repair the roads, and favor in every way the uninterrupted progress of the main body.

“These are the duties of the advance guard. These are the things that platoon, section and squad leaders must ever keep in mind when they are on advance guard duty. These are the things that we officers must learn about in time of peace in order that we may do them as a matter of habit in time of actual service.

“_Distances._—The distances between the several elements of the advance guard are fixed by the general rule that ‘the element in front must be at such a distance that the next succeeding element will not be involved in a disaster to the former.’

“The point will be from 150 to 200 yards in advance of the advance party. The latter will be from 300 to 400 yards in front of the support and the main body will follow at a distance of from 400 to 500 yards. It will thus be seen that the head of a battalion with one company as advance guard will be about 1,400 yards away from the enemy. This allows a minimum distance of 400 yards from the leading man of the point to the enemy. If a deployment becomes necessary, it can be made in comparative security. These distances are not fixed. They are flexible. They may be increased or diminished to meet the situation. When the advance guard commander prescribes distances between the several elements it is not to be taken that the exact distance will be maintained at all times. It is merely an indication of the approximate distances desired.

“_Communication._—Communication between the several elements of the advance guard and with the main body is kept up by means of connecting files which march between them. They employ signals and act as runners when necessary.

“Are there any questions?”

Procedure

The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class.

After all questions have been cleared up the Director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class. A few minutes are allowed for the class to read over the problem.

_The Director_: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.”

The Director reads the problem aloud, each member of the class following from the copy in his possession. The direction of places mentioned are pointed out.

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, give a brief statement of the tactical situation, as you understand it.”

Lieutenant Williams states his understanding of the tactical situation. As he proceeds the Director makes such explanations as may be desirable. One or more additional members of the class may be called upon to state their version of the tactical situation. All of this is for the purpose of fixing the elements of the problem firmly in the minds of the members of the class and prevent any subsequent misunderstanding of them.

_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, you note that the problem states that our battalion is a right (left) flank guard. Just what do you understand by that?”

_Captain Hastings_: “Ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by small patrols sent out from the advance guard. There are, however, occasions when patrols will not suffice and it is necessary to send out a stronger detachment, to march along a route essentially parallel to and abreast of the force. A detachment so sent out is called a flank guard. In this case our whole battalion is a flank guard sent out to protect the right (left) flank of our brigade in its march towards (_b_).”

_The Director_: “What do you understand to be the duties of a flank guard?”

_Captain Hastings_: “They are much the same as those of an advance guard, that is, to do everything possible to facilitate the uninterrupted progress of the main body. All other duties are incidental to this and all have this prime object in view.”

_The Director_: “Very good. Are there any questions at this time? Now I want each member of the class to consider himself as being Lieutenant W, commanding the first platoon of Company A. Your platoon is right over there (pointing), formed up in line, at the right of the company. You, together with the other officers and non-commissioned officers of the company, have assembled here and have received the verbal orders of the captain for the formation of the company as the advance guard of the battalion. You are now ready to return to your platoon. Just how are you going to do the job that has been assigned to you?”

The Director will now conduct the class to the point where the first platoon is supposed to be.

Solution

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, we will assume that you are commanding the platoon. Just how do you go about the task of getting started on the day’s work?”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I should first see if all the men are present, and then I would inspect the platoon to make sure that everything is all right.”

_The Director_: “The first part of your problem is simple. All you have to do is to glance down the ranks to determine whether every man is in his proper place. Let us assume that all are present. Now, with regard to the proposition of the inspection. In campaign the platoon commander should inspect his platoon at reveille—check up the appearance of the men and note the condition of the arms and equipment. At this time he should take the steps necessary to remedy deficiencies and make provision for the evacuation of any man that is physically unfit. This should be a matter of routine. Then, when the day’s work is to be started, there is no delay.”

_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I see the point and realize the necessity for the procedure you have outlined. There is one other point. When should the rifles be loaded?”

_The Director_: “Some advocate that the rifles should be loaded and the safety locks turned to ‘Safe’ just after the inspection in the morning. I do not believe that to be the best procedure. It increases the chances for an accident. I would have the men load their rifles, in this case, just before starting to form the advance party. Let us assume that the platoon has been inspected at reveille and that all the men are in fit physical condition and ready for the work in hand. What is the first move you would make, Lieutenant Ralston?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “Well, sir, I would want to get the platoon a short distance away from the rest of the company. So the first thing I do is to march the platoon about 75 to 100 yards up the road.”

_The Director_: “What is the idea?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “There is always more or less confusion around the company on an occasion of this kind, and I want to get my platoon off by themselves so they can give me their undivided attention while I am issuing my orders and getting them all set for the work in hand.”

_The Director_: “That seems to be a very good reason. Let us assume that you have moved the platoon 100 yards away from the rest of the company. You are formed up in line. What are you going to do now?”

_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would have the men load their rifles.”

_The Director_: “All right; you have done that. Captain Harvey, what is the next step?”

_Captain Harvey_: “I would take a few minutes to dope out the situation and determine what I am going to do.”

_The Director_: “That is time well spent. Now let us go through the process you have just mentioned. What is the first thing you are to determine?”

_Captain Harvey_: “What is the mission of the platoon? It is to form the advance party.”

_The Director_: “What is the next step, Captain Hodges?”

_Captain Hodges_: “To consider the enemy—where he is, what he is doing, and what he is likely to do. In this case the only information we have is that small forces of the enemy are reported in the direction of (_c_). We have no information of his strength or composition or what he is doing. We must be prepared to meet him at any time and govern our action accordingly.”

_The Director_: “What is the next step, Captain Mason?”

_Captain Mason_: “To consider our own supporting forces. We know that our brigade is to march towards (_b_) by the (_j_)—(_k_)—(_l_) road. That our battalion continues its mission as a right (left) flank guard. That our company, less this platoon, is the support, which follows us at a distance of about 400 yards.”

_The Director_: “What is the next step, Captain Jones?”

_Captain Jones_: “We then consider our plans of action—what we are going to do. There is no information on which to base our plans very far ahead. We can only get the advance party into the most favorable formation and be prepared for eventualities. We will have a point, consisting of one squad, precede the advance party at about 200 yards. The rest of the platoon will march in column of twos, a file on each side of the road. From this formation a rapid deployment can be made, and we are always ready to meet the enemy. Measures for local protection will be taken as the march progresses.”

_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, what is the next step in this process?”

_Lieutenant Baker_: “Based upon what has been said before we arrive at a decision as to what we are going to do. In this case it would be—To march at (_m_) o’clock by the (_n_)—(_o_) road as advance party of the advance guard. We then embody this decision in a field order and issue it verbally to the platoon.”

Explanation

_The Director_: “All of that which we have just discussed is what we call the ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ It is simply a sizing up of the tactical situation in a logical and systematic manner. The commander of troops who fails to do this fails to do everything possible to promote the success of the military operation he is about to undertake—he does not take advantage of all the aids at his disposal. The commander who blunders into action without sizing up the situation as we have outlined here is doomed to failure and disaster. It may be an operation in which there is little to consider—where there is little choice of methods—but you should religiously go through the process, even if only a few minutes of time are available.

“At this point I want to invite your attention to the merits of the simple five paragraph field order provided for in our Field Service Regulations. The elements of it are:

“Paragraph 1. Information of the enemy and our own troops.

“Paragraph 2. The plan of the commander, stated in general terms.

“Paragraph 3. Orders for the several elements of the command.

“Paragraph 4. Administrative and communication arrangements.

“Paragraph 5. The place where messages are to be sent, or where the commander will march.

“This form of field order has stood the test of time and, what is more to the point, it has proved to be a suitable and effective method of issuing orders in time of war. When we went to France we found the long-winded, highly detailed orders that were the development of years of trench warfare. No one read them and, if they did, they did not understand them. We used them in order to conform with requirements from higher headquarters. When we really got down to the business of fighting and had to produce results we fell back on our own simple five paragraph order, and it met all the requirements. Get the elements of this order firmly fixed in your minds and follow them. They are applicable to any body of troops, large or small.

“The next point I want to bring out is the necessity for letting every man in the platoon know what the work for the day is to be. This information is imparted to them in the form of a verbal order by the platoon commander, which embraces the points brought out in the ‘Estimate of the Situation,’ which we have just discussed.”

Solution