General Situation:

The (a) forms the boundary between hostile States. An invading Red force was counter attacked by Blue troops and after severe fighting the Reds have retired. The Blue advance has been stubbornly contested.

Special Situation—Blue:

The Blue advance was resumed this morning. The 1st Infantry advancing on the extreme right of the Blue line, has been held up.

After a short delay, the 2nd battalion resumed its forward movement, but attempts of the assault waves of companies A and B (on its right) to advance beyond (b) were stopped by fire from the front and especially by enfilading machine gun fire from (c).

Heavy firing—artillery and small arms—can be heard along the line to the left. Shells fall occasionally within and in front of the area occupied by the 1st battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel X, commanding the 1st battalion, has arrived at this point (d) accompanied by a part of his staff; Captain C, commanding the support company C; Captain D, commanding the machine gun company; and Lieutenant Z, commanding a platoon of the Howitzer company, which organization has been attached to the battalion.

After studying the situation in his front Lieutenant Colonel X summoned Captains A and B, commanding the assault companies, and issued verbal orders for continuing the attack.

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(a) In designating the boundary line some natural topographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of ridge, etc. In this problem it may be assumed that the Red invading force has advanced several miles into Blue territory before its advance was checked by the counter-attack.

(b) The general front occupied by the 1st battalion where it is held up by the fire from the front and that from the enemy strong point to the right front. In fitting this problem to the ground care will have to be taken to get all the features properly coordinated. The line of departure for Company C may be selected first and the general line of the 1st battalion prolonged to the left. Then select the location of the strong point with reference to the line of departure of Company C. Cover for the deployment of the company should be available.

(c) Location of the enemy strong point. This should be some topographical feature that might be logically occupied as a strong point by the enemy and from which the advance of the 1st battalion might be interfered with.

(d) This point should be near the center of the front covered by the 1st battalion and should command a view of the front. There should be reasonable cover for the battalion commander and his staff. In other words, it should not be so exposed to enemy fire that the battalion commander could not go there to make his personal reconnaissance.

The class will be assembled at (d) where the Terrain Exercise is to begin.

The Director distributes the sheets containing the problem (General Situation and Special Situation—Blue). A few minutes are allowed the members of the class to read over the problem after which the Director will read it aloud and point out the places of importance. One or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the tactical situation.

Care will be taken to indicate the right of the line occupied by Company A and the location of the enemy strong point will be accurately pointed out.

Explanation

The Director: “Before going further into the problem it is necessary for every member of the class to have an accurate understanding of the formation in which the first battalion is advancing. It is necessary for you to visualize the situation just as it would appear if the operation were actually taking place.”

The battalion is advancing in attack formation with two companies as assault companies (Company A is on the right and Company B on the left) and one company (C) as battalion reserve. The front covered is about 750 yards. The right of Company A is at (indicate). Company C is marching about the center of the battalion sector and about 500 yards in rear of the front lines of the assault companies. The 1st battalion, being on the right of the Blue line has a combat patrol of one squad from the battalion reserve covering the right flank. This patrol is advancing about 150 yards to the right and rear of the assault echelon. A connecting group of two or three men also from the reserve company, maintains communication with the 2nd battalion on the left. As the reserve company may be called into action at any moment, these detachments are taken from the support platoon of the company, the 3rd. The battalion commander and his staff march between the assault echelon and the reserve company.

When the battalion was held up by the enemy, information of this fact was sent back to Lieutenant Colonel X by the commanders of the assault companies and it was also brought back by the battalion intelligence scouts who are with the assault companies. On receipt of the information Lieutenant Colonel X came forward to this point to ascertain the situation and by a personal reconnaissance, see it for himself. Accompanying him were his staff officers Bn-2; Bn-3, Captains C and D; and Lieutenant Z. This is the situation in which we find the battalion commander at the beginning of this Terrain Exercise. I hope every member of the class understands this formation and all the details of it. If there are any doubts about it now is the time to clear them up. If there are no questions we will proceed.

Procedure

The Director will now distribute the sheets bearing Situation No. 1.

The Problem

Situation No. 1:

You, Captain C, commanding Company C, the battalion reserve, took down the following notes from the battalion commander’s orders:

“The 1st battalion will resume its advance, attacking the enemy in front and enveloping his left, including the strong point.”

“Time of attack—signal from battalion commander.”

“Line of departure—present front line.”

“Companies A and B make frontal attack covering present front of 750 yards. Company A, Base Company.”

“Company C will attack the strong point, enveloping its left.”

“One platoon company D and the 1st platoon Howitzer Company will support the attack of Company C. Captain D and Lieutenant Z will confer with Captain C regarding the assistance to be rendered.”

“Captain C will notify the battalion commander when he is ready to attack.”

“The attack will be pushed hard.”

You, Captain C, have with you three platoon runners and two company runners.

Required:

Your action and orders during the next 20 minutes.

Procedure

A few minutes are allowed the members of the class to look over the situation. It is then read aloud and the necessary explanations made.

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, what is the formation of Company C, at the time the battalion commander’s order is received by Captain C?”

Lieutenant Williams: “The formation would depend upon the cover available, the distance from the front line and the class of fire it is being subjected to. In this case I should say that the company will be in dispersed formation either in squad columns or platoon columns. I would prefer the platoon columns because they are more easily controlled. I think I would have each platoon in a platoon column. The first and second platoons would march abreast with an interval of at least 40 yards with the third platoon marching about 50 yards to the rear and opposite the interval between the first and second. Company headquarters would be in the lead.”

The Director: “That seems to be a very good formation under the circumstances.”

(Note.—The Director should prepare an answer to this question based on the lay of the ground.)

“How do you arrive at the interval of 40 yards between the two leading platoons?”

Lieutenant Williams: “That is about the minimum distance to avoid casualties in more than one column from the burst of one shell and it is about the maximum distance for control and visibility in the woods.”

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hastings, let us assume that you are Captain C. You have received the orders of the battalion commander. What is your mission?”

Captain Hastings: “To attack the enemy’s strong point enveloping its left.”

The Director: “In sizing up the situation what points would you consider?”

Captain Hastings: “I would consider the enemy’s position, and if possible, go to a point where I can make a personal reconnaissance of it. I would consider the route by which I can get my company up to the point where I can make the attack and select the line of departure for the company. I will then decide upon my plan of maneuver and the formation of the company for attack.”

The Director: “In other words, you will make an Estimate of the Situation and upon this you will base your decision and in turn your orders?”

Captain Hastings: “Yes, sir. That is the idea.”

The Director: “I want to emphasize the necessity for this process of sizing up the situation on the part of all officers charged with a tactical operation. If you come to a decision without doing so you may be right and you may be wrong. The chances are greatly in favor of the latter. If you stop and consider the elements of the problem as outlined by Captain Hastings the chances are that you will be right. In any event you have the odds on your side. Lieutenant Wallace, what troops have been designated to support your company?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “A part of the machine gun company and a howitzer platoon.”

The Director: “You will note that these two units have been ordered to support your attack. They are not attached to your company. What do you understand to be the difference between a supporting unit and an attached unit?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “An attached unit becomes an integral part of the force and is subject to its commander’s orders. A supporting unit receives its orders, not from the commander of the force being supported, but from another source, usually a common superior.”

The Director: “That is right. I hope you all note the distinction. It is the rule, however, that the supporting unit must work with the unit that it is supporting in every way possible so as to insure teamwork in the accomplishment of the common mission.”

“Lieutenant Ralston, how would you get your instructions to your platoon leaders, who are back with the company?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I have a runner with me from each of the three platoons. I would send these runners back to their respective platoons to tell the platoon commanders to report to me at ___________” (Lieutenant Ralston would indicate where the platoon commanders are to report.)

The Director: “Let us assume that you are Captain C. Just what would you say to the runners?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I would call the platoon runners to me and say:

“‘Do you see that ___________?’ (Designating a tree or other well defined object.) ‘Each platoon runner will deliver this message to his platoon leader—Platoon leaders will join Captain C at once at ___________ (Place). Repeat the message.’”

The Director: “All right. Now let us assume that the platoon runners have started back to their platoons, what would you do now?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I would go over to the right to make a personal reconnaissance of the enemy strong point, select my line of departure for the attack and get the ‘line-up’ of the supporting weapons.”

The Director: “That would seem to be the reasonable thing to do.”

The Class is now conducted over to the right, to a point about the center of the line of departure for the attack.

The Director: “Captain Harvey, let us assume that you have come to this point. You have with you the commanders of the machine gun company, Captain D, and the Howitzer platoon, Lieutenant Z. You decide that the line of departure for your attack shall be along here (indicating). What instructions would you give to Captain D and Lieutenant Z?”

Captain Harvey: “I would indicate to them where I want the machine guns, light mortars, and one-pounders to be located to support the attack.”

The Director: “You would tell exactly where to place the weapons, would you?”

Captain Harvey: “Yes, sir.”

The Director: “Captain Hodges, do you agree with that solution to the problem?”

Captain Hodges: “No, sir, I do not. It seems to me that it would be better for Captain C to indicate to Captain D and Lieutenant Z the dispositions that he proposes to make—where the line of departure is to be and the direction of the attack. Then to leave it up to those officers to select the firing positions for the weapons. I think Captain C would verify the positions selected, but he would at least give the men who are supposed to be the experts an opportunity to use their knowledge of the subject.”

The Director: “I think you are right. I believe in requiring every man to do his job. These officers have been ordered to support the attack. It is up to them to select the position where they can get the best fire effect with their weapons and to get them into position ready to do business.”

“What precautions would you take to indicate the place where the platoon leaders are to assemble, Captain James?”

Captain James: “I would send one of my company runners to the assembly point and order him to tell the platoon leaders to wait there for me.”

The Director: “I think that is a wise precaution. You do not want to take a chance on anything going wrong and failing to effect an assembly of the platoon leaders.”

“Now, let us consider how the attack is to be made. What would be your tactical dispositions, Captain James?”

Captain James: “I would attack with one Platoon (the first), advancing directly against the enemy strong point, and another (the second) working around the enemy’s left flank and enveloping it. I would hold the remaining platoon (the third) as company support.”

The Director: “Where is your line of departure?”

Captain James: “My line of departure would be along here. The right of the first platoon would be (indicate). The left of the second platoon will be (indicate). Each platoon will cover about 150 yards of front. The third platoon will follow in rear of the second platoon as company support.”

The Director: “That seems to be a logical disposition. Now having decided all of this you should give the information to Captain D and Lieutenant X so they can go about the task of selecting positions for their weapons. How would you do this, Lieutenant Baker?”

Lieutenant Baker: “Assuming that Lieutenant Z and Captain D have been with me all the while, I would say:

“‘My first platoon will attack with its right about (indicate). The second platoon with its left about (indicate). Each will cover a front of about 150 yards. Select your firing positions to cover the attack.’

“That is all that should be required. Before issuing final orders for the attack I would verify the positions selected.”

Explanation

The Director: I hope you have all followed the process that we have gone through during the 20 minutes, in order to arrive at a decision and the point where Captain C is ready to issue his orders for the attack. Let us review them briefly:

1. Send for the platoon commanders to come to the front.

2. Accompanied by Captain D and Lieutenant Z, and two runners, make a personal reconnaissance of the enemy’s position and the terrain and determine:

(a) The line of departure.

(b) The tactical formation.

(c) Direction of the attack.

(d) The position of the supporting weapons.

3. Arrange for a rendezvous where the attack order can be issued.

From all of this you will appreciate that there are many things that must be done before an attack of this kind can be launched. Battalion and other commanders should appreciate that it takes time to do all of these things and should have patience with the officers whom he has ordered to do it.

The Problem

Situation No. 2:

The platoon commanders have assembled at the appointed rendezvous. You, Captain C, have come to a decision to attack the enemy strong point with two platoons and hold the third as company support.

Required:

The orders that you would issue for the attack.

Procedure

The Director distributes the sheets bearing Situation No. 2, reads it aloud and makes such explanation as may be necessary.

Explanation

The Director: “Before going further with the problem I desire to again call your attention to the five paragraph field order that we use in our service. This form of field order was evolved before the war and used in our service schools. It is prescribed by our Field Service Regulations. When we entered the war and our troops went to France we found on both the British and French fronts a system of field orders that did not agree with our American ideas. The orders were most voluminous. They went into every detail of procedure and left little to the initiative of the commanders of tactical units. The consequence was that many of these commanders lost their initiative. When their orders ran out and nothing further had been prescribed for them to do, they just naturally did not know what to do and stopped until more orders were sent up to them. I am not so sure but what this system was responsible in the proposition of limited objectives that we found when we entered into the campaign. Many of our own officers fell for the voluminous order system but it did not last long after we got into action. It was then abandoned and we reverted to our own five paragraph order which filled the bill and met all our requirements. You remember that after an attack started and was seen to be under way, how quickly orders came up to disregard all objectives and push on. Our own simple field order system stood the test of war and I do not think it will ever be abandoned again for any other system.”

The paragraphs of the order include:

1st paragraph:—Information of the enemy and our own troops.

2nd paragraph:—The plans of the commander.

3rd paragraph:—Disposition of troops. Orders for each element of the command and the tactical instructions that pertain to all elements.

4th paragraph:—Administrative arrangements.

5th paragraph:—Where messages are to be sent or location of the command post.

In preparing the order for the attack under the requirement to our Situation No. 2, I wish you would use this form of order.

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hall, just what would you include in the first paragraph of the order?”

Captain Hall: “I would include the information about the enemy holding up our attack and the part that his strong point has played with the affair. I would include information of the fact that our second battalion is resuming the advance and how the rest of our battalion is to attack. That is all that would be necessary.”

The Director: “What would you include in the second paragraph?”

Captain Hall: “My plan—To attack the enemy strong point enveloping its left.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Barry, tell us what you would include in the third paragraph?”

Lieutenant Barry: “I would include orders for the machine guns, the light mortars and the 37 mm. guns; orders for the assault platoons, indicating the troops, line of departure, frontage and the objective; orders for the support platoon; orders for covering and connecting patrols; indicate the base platoon; orders for the action to be taken when the enemy strong point is captured.”

The Director: “There will be very little to be provided for in an administrative way. The location of the battalion aid station should be noted and if there are any instructions regarding extra ammunition, it should be included here. The C. P. of the company will be near the support platoon and this information should be placed in the last paragraph of the order.”

Procedure

The Director: “Now I want each member of the class to write out the order of Captain C for the attack.”

The necessary time is allowed for this and after the orders are completed they are collected and again distributed to the members of the class, making sure that no man gets his own order back again.

Members of the class are called upon to read the order in his possession and it is discussed.

At the conclusion of this the Director will submit the following order for discussion:

Order

“The enemy has held up the advance of our battalion by fire from that (ridge, edge of woods or other feature) and especially by machine gun fire from that enemy strong point (describe and indicate location of the enemy strong point). The second battalion on our left has resumed its advance. Our battalion will attack. Companies A and B will advance from their present positions on our left and attack the enemy in their front (indicate the present positions of Companies A and B).

“Our Company will attack and capture the enemy strong point, enveloping its left.

“The first platoon Company D, will support our advance by direct overhead machine gun fire from (indicate firing position of the machine guns).

“The 1st platoon howitzer company will support our advance with light mortar fire from (indicate firing position of light mortars) and 37 mm. gun fire from (indicate firing position of the 37 mm. gun).

“Lieutenant M. with the 1st platoon, will attack the front of the enemy strong point. Line of departure (indicate). Frontage about 150 yards from that (designate) to that (designate). Objective enemy strong point. Direction ______ degrees, magnetic.

“Lieutenant O, with the 2nd platoon, will attack and envelop the left of the enemy strong point. Line of departure (indicate). Frontage, about 150 yards, left of platoon at (indicate). Route of advance (designate). Objective enemy left.

“Lieutenant P, with the 3rd platoon (less detachments), will constitute the Company support and await orders (indicate where—should be in rear of the 2nd platoon). A combat patrol will be sent out to cover the right flank. A connecting group of two men will maintain connection with the right of Company A on our left.

“The 1st platoon, base platoon.

“After capture the enemy’s strong point will be immediately organized for defense.

“The battalion aid station is at a point 700 yards in rear of Company A.

“Messages to the support platoon.

“After issuing the order Captain C will say:

“It is now ____ o’clock, set your watches to agree.

“Join your platoons. Get them up to the line of departure.

“Notify me at this point when you are ready to attack. Begin the attack at my signal.”

Procedure

The Director will distribute mimeograph copies of this order to the members of the class. He will read the order. The members of the class follow from the copy in their possession. He will point out the features of the terrain referred to in the order as he reads it and make such comment and explanation as may be necessary.

The Director: “You now see what the order for an attack of an infantry company must contain. If you omit any of these things the order is not complete. Note how the order conforms to the requirements of our Field Service Regulations. Are there any questions?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I note that the 1st and 2nd platoons are to attack on a front of about 150 yards. How does a platoon cover such a front?”

The Director: “The normal interval between skirmishers is 5 paces. This should be adhered to rigidly in extended order drill. Men will, under the stress of danger and excitement, do as they have been trained. In spite of the injunction of the Infantry Drill Regulations, I would not change this interval in drill for it may lead to bunching and the consequent loss of lives in action.”

The platoon fights in two waves with a section in each wave. This gives a wave and consequently a platoon a front of 120 yards in action. Where a larger front than 120 yards is assigned to a platoon to cover, the platoon is placed at about the center of the front and held responsible for the interval on each flank to the boundary of the zone of action assigned. The support section forming the second wave, following at a convenient distance, is used by the platoon leader in any required part of the platoon zone of action as the situation develops.

“In rare instances a platoon may be deployed with both sections on one line, covering a front of 240 yards. Such a line is very difficult for the platoon leader to control and is to be avoided.”

Lieutenant Wallace: “I note the designation of a ‘base platoon’ in Captain C.’s orders. What is the significance of that in a converging attack, such as is contemplated?”

The Director: “A Base Platoon is designated only as an aid to the initial formation of the company. During an approach march, in deploying on the line of departure and in advancing to the first firing position, the base platoon forms the guide for the company and helps ensure a coordinated attack. But as soon as enemy opposition is met, each platoon makes its own fight within its own zone of action and all consideration of the ‘base platoon’ is dropped. In action, each platoon must observe the action of adjacent units and be prepared to assist them. But the best possible aid consists in the vast majority of cases, in pushing ahead, ‘where the pushing is good’ and then threatening in the flank or rear enemy resistances holding up adjacent units.

“In this case, the ‘first firing position’ may be very close to, or even coincide with the Line of Departure, so that the base platoon designation is of especial value in the initial deployment.”

Captain Hastings: “Will the Director please discuss the personnel of the headquarters of Company C in action—its positions and formations?”

The Director: “A rifle company headquarters in action consists of:

“1. The Captain.

“2. First Sergeant, Signal Sergeant, Agents from the supporting Machine Gun unit (platoon or company), and two company runners all following in two short columns behind the captain. When halted these men take cover within reach of the captain’s voice.

“3. Two buglers, one well to the left flank observing the connecting group keeping connection with Company A and the other observing combat patrol covering the right. These buglers will report to the Captain any item of information they note.

“4. Three platoon runners, arranged in a rough triangle each between his own platoon and the company headquarters. These runners keep within call or signaling distance of the Captain and each knows always the position of his own platoon. By these runners the Captain communicates with his three platoons.

“5. Two Company runners at the Battalion Command Post. These runners keep track of the position of their own company and are prepared to take messages to it from Battalion headquarters.

“The position of Company Headquarters is such that the Captain can maintain connection with his assault platoons, observe the progress of the fight personally and especially be ready to throw his support platoon into the action when and where most needed. During the approach the Captain precedes his assault echelon. When the fire opens, Company Headquarters drops back to a position between the assault echelon and the support platoon.”

Lieutenant Wallace: “Where is the second in command of the company? There is no mention of him in the orders.”

The Director: “Yes, I am glad you noted the omission. The senior Lieutenant, or ‘second-in-command’ remains back at the Company rear echelon during a fight. Here he is responsible that ammunition is forwarded as necessary, that meals are prepared and that all men drifting to the rear are held.

“Further, as the casualties among rifle company officers are higher than in any other unit in the entire army, keeping this officer out of the fight ensures a trained officer to replace the Captain, in case the latter becomes a casualty and to reorganize the company after each battle.

“Whenever the Captain becomes incapacitated for any reason a runner is sent at once from Company Headquarters back to the rear echelon and the second in command hastens forward to take command of the company. The first sergeant or others of the personnel at Company Headquarters acquaint him with the situation. It is considered most important to have this trained officer in reserve ready to take command on short notice.”

Lieutenant Ralston: “Where will the combat patrol on the right flank march?”

The Director: “It will march well out on the right flank and rear of the 2nd platoon, so that if an enemy machine gun or patrol fires on the platoon from that direction the patrol will be in position to attack it.”

Captain Harvey: “The Director mentioned something about extra ammunition. I did not understand what was said?”

The Director: “All riflemen of the units of an assault battalion should carry an extra bandolier of ammunition when they go into action. This applies to the battalion reserve company as well as the assault companies. You can see in this case how delay would be occasioned by stopping to issue extra ammunition to the men.”

Captain Hodges: “It is noted that you give orders for the consolidation and preparation of the enemy strong point for defense as soon as it is captured. Just what is the purpose of this?”

The Director: “At this time Captain C cannot tell just what will happen when he gets into the enemy strong point. That is the objective of the attack for the time being. He would want the platoon commanders to have orders that will carry them until he can get up there and decide what to do. The Company may not stop at the strong point. If the enemy is on the run they will follow him up probably. This will depend upon the action of the rest of the battalion. In any event we will want a position on which to reorganize the company and prepare for future eventualities and by preparing the position for defense we gain such a position and at the same time we are ready to meet a counter-attack if it comes.”

Explanation

The Director: “Before going further with the problem I want to explain to you what happens between the time the Captain issues his orders for the attack and the time that it starts.

“Having received and understood their orders, the platoon commanders go back and join their platoons. In doing so they select the route over which they are going to conduct their commands up to the line of departure for the attack.

“Each platoon commander conducts his platoon over to the right and gets it into approach formation directly in rear of and with its front as nearly parallel to the line of departure as possible. The proposition of bringing a platoon or any other unit up to a point immediately in rear of the line of departure in a column of files and making the deployment from that formation is fraught with great danger and is almost sure to result in confusion, losses and great consumption of time. The platoons must be gotten into an approach formation from which they can readily deploy on nearing the line of departure. Captain James, suppose you were commanding the first platoon. What formation would you take up in bringing your platoon up to the line of departure?”

Captain James: “I would form it in two lines or waves each consisting of one section. Each section would be in line of squad columns. From this formation I can readily deploy the leading wave in to a line of skirmishes covering the front allotted to the platoon and hold the rear wave in a line of squad columns or deploy it as the circumstances may require. In any event I have my platoon under complete control all the time.”

The Director: “I think we can all agree that your formation is correct.”

“Now, each platoon commander must get the orders to the men who are to make the attack. When the platoon arrives at a point in rear of the line of departure the platoon commanders will assemble their non-commissioned officers and scouts at a covered location near the line of departure where they can command a view of the front. Here he will explain the situation and give his orders for the attack. These orders will be issued in the regular five paragraph order form which I have already explained to you. The non-commissioned officers join their units. The leading wave is brought up and deployed on the line of departure. The scouts move out to the front. The second section is held in proper formation (line of squad columns or line of skirmishers) from 50 to 100 yards in rear of the leading wave. The platoon commanders signal Captain C that they are ready to launch the attack.

“The special weapons, machine guns and light mortars and the 37 mm. gun, are gotten to their respective firing positions and the unit commanders signal Captain C that they are ready to cover the attacking troops with their fire.

“The company support platoon is conducted to its position in rear of the second platoon and the platoon commander signals that he is ready.

“Captain C then signals the battalion commander that he is all ready to launch the attack. When he gets the signal from the battalion commander, he signals the supporting weapon commanders and the platoon commanders to proceed.

“Now, you may say that all of this sounds well in theory, but, you ask, how is it done in actual practice? What is the enemy doing all this time? I ask you to visualize the situation from the enemy point of view. What would you be doing if you were in his place? You occupy a strong point on the left of your line. You have been placed there to protect the flank and to bring machine gun fire to bear on our attacking troops to your right. The attack is progressing off to your right. The firing seems to be getting further and further to your rear. You have fears that the line is not holding. You have visions of being left to your fate. You get no information of what is taking place over there. In your own immediate front there is little doing. You see nothing to indicate what we are doing over here. You have no well defined target to fire on. A few scouts are seen off to the right oblique (scouts of Companies A and B). There is nothing in your front that would afford you a target. The scouts that you send out from the strong point run into our covering patrol and either become casualties or are driven back. Your strength does not permit sending out a reconnoitering party of sufficient strength to break through and get any real information of what is taking place in your front. You simply have to sit and wait for something to develop. I am sure if you will place yourself in the enemy’s position at this time, you must realize his situation and the conflicting thoughts that come across his mind. He is just a human as you are. He is just as much afraid. He has just the same feeling about the danger of the situation as you have, only his situation is worse than yours. He must sit and wait for something to happen while your activities and preparations occupy your thoughts and attention. You have the initiative, you lead and he must follow.

“When you consider all of these things you will see how it is possible to go about the preparation process in a comparatively deliberate manner. If you have fairly good cover from the fire and view of the enemy it is not at all difficult.

“The greatest danger in all of this is from our own side. From the impatience of our own higher commanders who think the preparations are taking too much time. Brigade and regimental commanders who are to the rear and cannot see what is going on get impatient with the apparent delays and demand that the attack be delivered at once. Even the battalion commander, who is up at the front and ought to know better, cannot see how you can possibly consume so much time getting ready.

“That is one of the valuable features of these Terrain Exercises. They illustrate and demonstrate to officers of all ranks that a certain amount of time must be allowed a combat unit to get ready to launch an attack and that they may as well sit down and take it easy until everything is ready. The war is not to be fought in a day.

“Let us take our problem as an example. Our Company (C) could be brought up and rushed into action in its attack on the enemy strong point. The rifleman would have fought it out with his bare hands, so to speak. There would be no supporting fire from machine guns, light mortars and one-pounders. It would have been a direct frontal attack, with no enveloping movement. The chances are that it would be a complete failure and the whole affair would have to be reorganized and done over again. Even if it were successful it would be accompanied by ruinous losses that would render the company totally ineffective for further combat service in the near future.

“By going about the preparations systematically, as we have done, the chances for success are infinitely greater, the losses will be very much smaller and in the long run, a lot of time saved. I hope you will all consider these things when you give orders to a unit under your command, be it a battalion or a small patrol, to embark upon a tactical undertaking. Give the commander time to perfect his preparations. Do not rush him into action until he is ready.”

Procedure

The class is now conducted up to the line of departure of the platoon. The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3.

Situation No. 3:

The 1st platoon is deployed on the line of departure—one section in the leading wave in a line of skirmishers, with intervals of 5 yards. The second section is about 100 yards to the rear in line of squad columns. The platoon scouts have worked their way forward to _______ (indicate).

The supporting troops are in position ready to open fire.

At this moment Captain C signals “Forward March”. The supporting weapons open fire on the enemy strong point and shots are heard off to the right indicating that the 2nd platoon has launched its attack.

You, Lieutenant M, commanding the 1st platoon, are at this point when the signal is received.

Required:

Describe how the attack is conducted.

Procedure

The Director reads over the situation and indicates the position of the troops on the ground. Any points that may be in doubt are cleared up at this time.

Solution

The Director: “Lieutenant Baker, I wish you would explain to the class, just what you think takes place.”

Lieutenant Baker: “During the preparation process my platoon scouts would have worked their way forward to (indicate on the ground). I assume that they have kept under cover and have drawn little fire from the enemy. The instant I give my signal to advance they will start forward to get to (indicate) where they can open an effective fire on the enemy and thus establish the first firing position.

“When our supporting weapons open their first burst of fire on the enemy strong point it will come as a surprise and his men will naturally seek cover. I will take advantage of this fact to advance my line as far as possible to the front. If he opens effective fire I will have to take cover. If not I will keep on my rush with the platoon until he does and thus take advantage of the few moments when the enemy is surprised from the sudden burst of fire from our supporting weapons. When he recovers and opens fire I will take cover.

“I will then advance my men by filtration up to the line established by the scouts, each man opening fire as soon as he arrives on the line. The scouts will indicate the target to the men by the use of tracer bullets. By this process of fire and movement, I will build up my firing line and keep up a well directed fire on the enemy position.”

The Director: “What kind of fire will your automatic riflemen employ?”

Lieutenant Baker: “They will employ aimed fire, semi-automatic.”

The Director: “About what is the rate of this fire with well trained automatic riflemen?”

Lieutenant Baker: “I should say that it would be about 30 to 40 shots per minute.”

Procedure

The Class is now conducted to the point where the first fire position is located.

The Director: “Captain Hall, the first section is along this front firing on the enemy strong point. They are returning the fire, the volume of which is just about at a balance with your fire. You hear the firing of the 2nd platoon off to the right. You have had a few casualties. What would you do now?”

Captain Hall: “By a process of fire and movement I would work my section further to the front and build up a new firing line ________ (indicate the location of the new line).”

The Director: “What would your second section be doing?”

Captain Hall: “It would be following the advance ready to join the firing line when I call upon it to do so.”

The class is now conducted up to the new fire position.

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

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

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

Procedure

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

Situation No. 4:

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

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

Required.

What do you, Captain C, do?

Procedure

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

Explanation

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

Solution

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

The Director: “Would you take any other action before doing that?”

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

The Director: “What would you do, Lieutenant Hunt?”

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

The Director: “Just how would you do that?”

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

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

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

Explanation

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

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

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

Solution

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

Lieutenant Williams: “I would go forward and join my assault platoons.”

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

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

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

Procedure

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

The Problem

Situation No. 5:

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

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

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

Required.

What action do you, Captain C, take?

Procedure

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

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hastings, what would you do under the circumstances?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “Just how would you do this?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I would write it out and send it by a runner.”

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

Captain Harvey: “I would give the orders about as follows:

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

“This company will reorganize and prepare for further service.

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

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

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

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

“Messages to me here.”

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

Captain Hodges: “I would make it very brief. Something to this effect:

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

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

Procedure

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

Explanation

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

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

“I thank you for your attention.”

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