Terrain Exercises :: Terrain Exercise No. 2. Approach March and Deployment

Terrain Exercise No. 2. Approach March and Deployment

The Problem

Special Situation—Blue:

The Red forces have been retreating (a) before the attack of the Blues for the past two days, contesting every yard of the advance.

The 10th Blue division is operating in the Sector:
- Right boundary: (b)
- Left boundary: (c)
The Division is disposed:
- 19th Brigade as attacking brigade.
- 20th Brigade as division reserve.

The attacking brigade is disposed regiments side by side, the —— Infantry in the right half of the sector: the —— Infantry in the left half of the sector. Regiments are echeloned by battalion; one as assault; one as support and one as reserve.

The —— Infantry has the 2nd battalion as assault; the 1st battalion as support and the 3rd battalion as reserve.

After an all day fight the assault battalion (2nd) has halted along (d) where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for the continuation of the attack tomorrow morning.

The support battalion (1st) has reached (e) where it is halted.

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(a) The compass direction of the retreat of the Red forces: North, south, east, west.

(b) State the right boundary of the sector over which the division is operating.

If practicable the problem should be staged so that there may be a well defined topographical feature that will mark one of these boundaries of the Division sector.

(d) The general location of the front lines of the assault battalion. This line should in general, be perpendicular to the lines of advance of the division and if practicable should lay along some well defined topographical feature of the terrain so that it may be readily indicated to the class.

(e) The location of the halting place of the 1st Battalion. This should be at least 1500 to 1800 yards in rear of the line (d) above.

Procedure

The class is conducted to (e) where the Terrain Exercise is to begin. The Director will distribute the sheets containing Special Situation Blue and a few minutes are allowed the members of the class to read it over.

The Director will then read the Situation aloud, point out the places mentioned where practicable and make such explanations as may be necessary.

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, the situation states that the 10th division is operating on a certain sector. What do you understand by that?”

Lieutenant Williams: “It is the area lying between the two designated boundaries which has been allotted to the division and to which, in general, the division confines its operations. As I understand it there is a division on our right and another on our left. If each were not given a definite area to operate over I can readily see how there might be great confusion over the question as to just who is responsible for a certain area. By assigning definite boundaries this question is eliminated. The division assigned to the particular sector is responsible for everything in the sector.”

The Director: “Captain Hastings, what do you understand by the term attacking brigade?”

Captain Hastings: “It is the term used to designate the Brigade that is leading—the brigade that is making the attack against the enemy—as distinguished from the brigade that is held in reserve.”

Explanation

The Director: “There are several ways of disposing the infantry of a division for combat. I will outline them briefly in order that you may see what the formations are and the relation that our battalion has to them.

“The division may be deployed with the two brigades side by side, each brigade being echeloned in a column of regiments. The leading regiment of each brigade is in turn echeloned in a column of battalions, one as assault, one as support and one as local reserve. The second regiment (less 1 battalion) of each brigade forms the brigade reserve. The remaining battalion from each of these regiments is held out by the division commander as a division reserve. In this case the division commander is driving a two unit team with the units abreast. Under exceptional circumstances the division may be deployed with the brigades side by side with all four regiments in line each echeloned in a column of battalions. This formation uses up a division very rapidly and is only employed where an exceptionally wide front has been assigned.

“The third method of deployment is that indicated in the problem we have under consideration. There is an attacking brigade with the regiments side by side, each regiment echeloned in a column of battalions, one as attacking, one as support and one as reserve. This is a very good formation and has many advantages. It is one that was employed by many of the successful divisions in France. The Reserve brigade is held far back in order to reduce fatigue and casualties to a minimum, so that when it is called upon to relieve the attacking brigade it is in the best of condition and comparatively fresh and rested. In this formation the division commander drives his team of units in tandem. Now, I want every member of the class to visualize this formation and get it firmly fixed in your minds. Let us review it again:

“Our brigade, the 19th is the attacking Brigade. We have our two regiments abreast. Our regiment occupies the —— half of the sector which extends right up through here (indicates); the other regiment occupies the —— half of the sector which extends right along parallel to us along there (indicating). Our 2nd battalion has been the assault battalion and has carried the advance forward today. We have been following as support battalion, and at the end of the day’s work have arrived here. Our 3rd battalion has been following us at a distance of about 1,000 yards as the reserve.

“The 1st battalion has gotten as far forward as it possibly can today and has halted along the ________ (indicate the general line of the battalion) where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for continuing the advance tomorrow morning. The problem of this Terrain Exercise has to do with those arrangements, in so far as the Infantry is concerned. We are the support battalion, it is up to us to relieve the assault battalion tonight and carry on the fight tomorrow. How are we going to do it?”

The Problem

Situation No. 1:

It is now (f) p. m.

You, Major A, commanding the 1st battalion, which is now support battalion of the regiment, receive an order from the regimental commander, the body of which reads as follows:

1. The enemy has continued to retreat during the day. Our Army is pushing him to the limit. Our 2nd battalion has reached the ________ (state general line that has been reached) where it is in close contact with the enemy. The general attack will be continued all along the line tomorrow morning.

2. A redistribution of troops in the regimental sector will be effected tonight.

3. (a) The 1st battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion on the front line and be prepared to continue the attack tomorrow morning. Details of Artillery preparation, tank assistance and zero hour will be communicated later.

(b) The 3rd battalion will relieve the 1st battalion as support and take position at ________ (location of the 1st battalion). This relief will be completed by (g) o’clock p. m.

(c) When relieved the 2nd battalion will fall back to (h), reorganize and replenish ammunition, equipment and supplies. It will be the reserve battalion.

(d) Detachments of the Howitzer Company now with the 2nd battalion will remain in position and be reported to the commanding officer 2nd battalion, when the relief is effected.

(e) Details of reliefs will be arranged by battalion commanders concerned.

4. Completion of reliefs and moves will be reported to Regimental C. P. by telephone and runner.

5. Messages to Regimental C. P. at ________ (i).

Required:

Your order for the approach march and arrangements for carrying out the orders of the regimental commander.

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(f) The time at which the order of the regimental commander is received by the battalion commander. This should be before dark.

(g) The time by which the 3rd battalion should relieve the 1st battalion. This should be an hour or more after the time indicated by (f).

(h) The location to which the 2nd battalion is to march and assemble when it is relieved by the 1st battalion.

(i) The location of the regimental C. P. It should be some where in the regimental sector between the support and reserve battalions.

Procedure

The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 1 to the members of the class. He will read the situation aloud, point out the places and locations referred to and make such explanations as may be necessary.

One or more members of the class will be called upon to state his understanding of the situation and this will be continued until it is apparent that all members of the class understand it and are ready to proceed with a solution on the same basis of understanding.

Explanation

The Director: “Before going ahead with the problem I want to say a few words about the importance of this subject of approach march and deployment.

“Prior to the war we did not appreciate the necessity for extensive drill and instruction in the subject of approach march, deployment and the relief of units on the firing line. There was little literature on the subjects and what there was dealt only in glittering generalities. Once in a while a training program included the subject ‘Deployment,’ but no one took it seriously and such as we carried out, were executed in a purely perfunctory manner.

“In the training of troops for modern warfare the subject must be given the place and attention that it deserves. Troops must be trained to take up the approach march formation, and make a deployment therefrom, both day and night, over all kinds of ground. They must be trained in the methods and technique of making a relief of a force on the firing line at night and overcome the obstacles that are habitually encountered. The great danger at night is in losing direction. This results in a command getting lost and failure to get to the line of departure ready to ‘Jump off’ at H Hour.

“The failure of a single battalion in this respect may imperil a whole military operation and cost the lives of thousands of men. Unless the troops told off to make the attack are in place ready to ‘jump off’ and follow the barrage at H Hour there is not the slightest chance for success. The barrage goes on. The enemy is given time to man his positions and machine guns and the attack on that particular front is held up, usually with enormous losses. The whole attack has to be reorganized and started anew. Those of you who have had experience with an attack which was a failure know how much time is lost and how many casualties may result from such affairs.”

Procedure

The Director: “Now, let us take up the problem as it concerns our battalion. The battalion command post we will say is right here where we are standing. Just how do you visualize the distribution of the battalion, Lieutenant Wallace?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “The battalion headquarters company would be in this vicinity. Company A would be the leading company on the right; Company B would be the leading company on the left; Company C would be following Company A at a distance of say 100 yards and Company D would be following Company B at about the same distance. Each company would be in two echelons, an assault echelon of two platoons and a support echelon of one platoon, the latter following at about 50 yards. The men have taken advantage of such natural cover that exists and where there is none they have dug individual fox holes to get into. These afford a lot of cover from shrapnel fire.”

The Director: “You have given a very good picture of the formation. Are there any questions? If you do not understand all that is being said, now is the time to speak out. We must all approach the solution of the problem on the same basis to get the greatest benefit from it.”

The Director will point out to the members of the class the location of the various elements of the battalion on the ground and go into the details of the formation if it is deemed necessary.

Solution

The Director: “The requirement of the problem involves Major A’s order for the approach march. Lieutenant Ralston, what must the Major do before he is ready to issue his orders?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “He must size up the situation, arrive at a decision as to what he is going to do and then put this decision in the form of an order.”

The Director: “What is the first part of his Estimate of this Situation?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “He will determine upon his mission. I would say that the immediate mission is to relieve the 2nd battalion and that the next phase of it is to prepare to continue the attack tomorrow morning.”

The Director: “Very good. What is the next point he will consider, Captain Harvey?”

Captain Harvey: “He must consider the enemy. The enemy has been retreating before our attack for the past two days. This shows that he is inferior in strength and morale. His defense arrangements must be very much impaired and the confusion that exists behind his lines may readily be imagined. The fact that he is doggedly contesting our advance and that his retreat has nowhere broken down to the extent that we have been able to break through his lines with a deep penetration shows that he still has a lot of fight in him. As soon as it is sufficiently dark to preclude the possibility of aerial observation the enemy will begin shifting his defense elements with a view to preparations to resist our advance again tomorrow. He will be effecting a relief of his worn-out troops, shifting his machine guns to more advantageous positions, changing his artillery so as to more effectively cover the ground which we will have to pass over tomorrow if our attack is a success. All of this will consume several hours. During the period of readjustment and redistribution of troops the hostile activity and fire will naturally be very much diminished. During this same period from dusk until several hours later these same things will be happening in our lines, as you can see. Our artillery will have to be brought up to new positions for the destructive bombardment and the barrage. Our machine guns have to be placed in position to better support the riflemen. Our tanks have to be gotten up ready for the ‘jump off’ tomorrow morning and our worn-out troops on the front lines have to be relieved. It will be a period of lessened activity on both sides. During this period we will take advantage of the opportunity to effect the relief of the 2nd battalion on the line.”

(Note.—The terrain over which the approach march and the relief should now be discussed.)

The Director: “That is a very good discussion of the consideration of the enemy and our troops. Captain Hodges, what other factors enter into the estimate of the situation?”

Captain Hodges: “Our plans, I should say, the Major would want to determine on the formation that he will adopt for the approach march. He wants to arrive on the front line with his assault elements in the best possible formation to go into action. It will be more and more difficult to make changes in the formation as he approaches the location of the front lines. He will therefore start his approach march in as nearly the formation that he wants to be in when he arrives on the line.”

The Director: “You are right. In making a relief of this kind you cannot march a battalion up within the zone of rifle and machine gun fire in a column of files and then expect to get into combat formation and effect a relief properly. It simply cannot be done. You must get into your formation sufficiently far back to make sure of it and then take advantage of the various invulnerable formations to cross dangerous ground to the best advantage and with a minimum of losses. Now, Captain James, what would be your decision?”

Captain James: “To march to the front and effect the relief of the 2nd battalion as soon as possible after dusk.”

The Director: “Very good. Now all of what we have said is termed the ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ I hope you all appreciate the necessity for the battalion commander going through this process of thought before arriving at his decision and framing up his order based on it.

“We are now ready to proceed with a discussion of the Major’s order. Lieutenant Baker, what would you include in the first paragraph?”

Lieutenant Baker: “The information of the enemy and our own troops. This would include information about the enemy’s retreat all along the line during the day; of the point reached by the front lines of our 2nd battalion; of the proposed attack tomorrow morning; of the fact that the 3rd battalion will relieve our battalion tonight; of the action to be taken by the 2nd battalion after we relieve it. This is all that it would be necessary for the troops to know at this time.”

The Director: “I think you have covered the essential points. Captain Hall, what would you include in the second paragraph of the order?”

Captain Hall: “I would state my plan, to the effect that we are to relieve the 2nd battalion tonight.”

The Director: “What is the next part of the order, Lieutenant Barry?”

Lieutenant Barry: “The disposition of the troops and the orders for each element of the battalion: I would want the intelligence section of my headquarters’ company to get to the front at the earliest possible moment, secure the intelligence ‘dope’ and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions as soon as the relief is effected. I would order the section to proceed up to the C. P. of the 2nd battalion right away and instruct them to get on the job. I would also want my communications platoon to get up to the front and make arrangements to take over the communication net and the message center of the 2nd battalion. If these outfits get an early start they will be able to accomplish much before it gets dark. They should lose no time in getting to the front.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, what would you include in the orders for the companies of the Battalion?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “The Major has decided upon the formation already. There only remains the task of putting the decision into an order. I would preserve the present dispositions of the units and direct: Company A to march at —— (time), in approach march formation; designate the sector of the company; announce the guide (right or left) towards the base company; give the compass bearing of the direction of the march and to make sure that contact will not be lost with the base company will caution to that effect. I would also include in this part of the order the fact that Company A is to relieve the Assault Company of the 2nd battalion which is immediately in its front. The orders for Company B, which is to be the other Assault Company, would contain the same instructions as Company A with the addition of a sentence giving the Company a directing line in addition to the compass bearing of the line of march.

“I would include in the orders for Company C the same line of instructions as for Company A except that I would tell them the distance they are to follow Company A and the fact that they are to relieve the local support company of the 2nd battalion.

“Company D’s orders will include the same instructions contained in these for Company C except directions for them to relieve the machine gun elements of the 2nd Battalion.

“I think these instructions would be all that are necessary for the four companies of the battalion to get them started on the march.”

The Director: “You have covered the points very well. But, there are some instructions that pertain to all of the units of the battalion. These would be included in the final sub-paragraph of paragraph 3 of the order. This paragraph is denominated (x) in the order. What are they, Lieutenant Hunt?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I should think they would include: The designation of the base Company; instructions for sending a reconnaissance officer and party of guides forward at once; designating the place where the leading elements of the battalion are to halt for the purpose of receiving final orders for the relief of the units of the 2nd battalion; designation of the place where unit commanders are to assemble to receive orders for the relief.”

The Director: “Paragraph 4 of a field order includes administrative arrangements. Can you think of anything that would be necessary to be included in that paragraph of Major A’s orders?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I can think of nothing. That would depend upon circumstances. These administrative arrangements include: instructions for the trains—which have already been attended to; collecting station for wounded—which will be announced in a later order. It may be assumed that as soon as the advance halted that the rolling kitchen was brought up and the men given a hot meal before relieving the 2nd battalion. If such is the case the kitchen will have to be disposed of in paragraph 4.”

The Director: “What will paragraph 5 contain?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “It will contain information of the time when the present command post of the battalion will close and when and where it will next be opened.”

The Director: “We have now covered the elements of the Major’s order. Let us review them briefly:

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

“Paragraph 2: The Major’s plan of action in general terms.

“Paragraph 3: Distribution of troops—orders for the various elements of the battalion.

“Paragraph 4: Administrative arrangements.

“Paragraph 5: Time of closing the present C. P. and when and where it will next open.

“Now, I want each member of the class to write out the battalion commander’s order on his pad. Base your order on the dispositions that we have discussed in the solution of the problem; use the 5 paragraph order system; endeavor to include all the instructions that we have included in our solution.”

Procedure

The necessary time is allowed for the preparation of the order by the members of the class. As soon as the orders are completed the Director will distribute to the class the mimeograph sheets containing the order that he has prepared as a solution to the situation.

He will read it aloud to the class and have each man compare it with the order that he, himself, has prepared.

This solution order will be as follows:

1. The enemy continued his retreat during the day. Our 2nd battalion has halted along (d)^[1] where it is in close contact with the enemy. Details of location of units will be given later. The attack will be continued tomorrow morning. The 3rd battalion relieves our battalion before (g)^[1] tonight. When relieved the 2nd battalion goes to the regimental reserve.

2. This battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion tonight.

3. (a) The Intelligence Section, Headquarters’ Company will proceed at once to the C. P. 2nd battalion and be prepared to take over the intelligence functions.

(b) The Communications platoon, Headquarters’ Company will proceed at once to the C. P. 2nd battalion and be prepared to take over the communications net and message center.

(c) Captain A, with Company A, will march at ____ (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the ____^[2] half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the ____^[2] Assault Company of the 2nd battalion. The guide will be ____^[3] Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic. Contact with the ____^[3] of Company B will be maintained.

(d) Captain B, with Company B, will march at ____ (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the ____^[3] half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the ____^[3] assault company of the 2nd battalion. Directing line ____ (state directing line). Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(e) Captain C, with Company C, will follow Company A in approach march formation at a distance of 300 yards, preparatory to relieving local support company of the 2nd Battalion. Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(f) Captain D, with Company D, will follow Company B, in approach march formation at a distance of 300 yards, preparatory to relieving the Machine Gun elements of the 2nd battalion. Directing line ____ (state). Compass bearing ____ degrees, magnetic.

(x) Company B, base company.

A reconnaissance officer from each company, accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once.

When the leading elements of the battalion have arrived at ____ (state place), the entire battalion will halt, take cover and await orders.

Company Commanders will assemble at ____ (state point) to receive orders covering the details of the relief.

4. Rolling Kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion.

5. The battalion C. P. will close here at ____ (time) and open at the C. P. 2nd battalion at the same hour.

Explanation

The Director: “After issuing this order and making sure that it is understood the battalion commander accompanied by his battalion staff, runners, etc., and the remainder of the battalion Headquarters’ Company will proceed to the front. One officer will be left at the old C. P. until the troops have moved out. He will then go to the front. The Major will get in personal communication with the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, secure all the information he has of the situation and the location of the troops to be relieved. He will make such reconnaissance as is practicable and necessary to a complete understanding of the situation and then prepare his orders for the relief of the 2nd battalion.”

Procedure

The Director: “Are there any questions?”

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

Approach March and Deployment Card No. 1

Director’s Key

1. Conduct the class to (e) where the Terrain exercise is to begin.

2. Distribute the sheets containing Special Situation, Blue, read and explain.

3. Meaning of Sector; attacking brigade; attack formations—brigades side by side; regiments side by side; attacking brigade and reserve brigade—tandem; formation of 19th brigade.

4. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 1, read and explain.

5. Approach march and deployment; importance of; necessity for training; training programs; failure of battalion to jump off.

6. Visualize formation of 1st Battalion. Point out relative location of units.

7. Estimate of situation; mission; enemy; own troops; terrain plans of operation; decision.

8. Order: Information of Enemy and own troops (Refer to copy of order to be submitted as solution in bringing out points of order. Make discussion along lines of solution). Plan of commander. Orders for each unit. Put in paragraph (x). Administrative arrangements. Location of C. P. Review the paragraphs of the order.

9. Have class write out order on pads.

10. Distribute sheets containing the solution (copy of Order). Read and explain. Have members of class compare their order with the solution.

11. Explain subsequent actions of Major A.

Procedure

The class is now conducted to the area supposed to be occupied by Company B. The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 2 to the members of the class.

The Problem

Situation No. 2:

You, Captain B, are commanding Company B. You have the order of the battalion commander relating to your company as follows:

(d) Captain B, with Company B, will march at —— (hour) p. m., in approach march formation in the right (left) half of the regimental sector, preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 2nd battalion. Directing line —— (state directing line). Compass bearing —— degrees, magnetic.

(x) Company B, base company.

A reconnaissance officer from each company, accompanied by scouts and guides will be sent forward at once.

4. Rolling kitchens will join the combat train of the reserve battalion.

You have returned to your Company.

Required:

What action do you take?

Procedure

The Director will read the situation aloud, make such explanations as may be necessary and point out the area occupied by Company B. One or more members of the class may be called upon to state his understanding of the situation.

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, what do you understand to be the formation of Company B at this moment?”

Lieutenant Williams: “I would say that the company would be in approach march formation. There would be two platoons, let us say the 1st and 2nd, in the assault echelon and one, the 3rd, in the support echelon. All three of the platoons would at this time be deployed in two waves, a section of three squads in each wave. I think each section would be deployed in a line of skirmishers while at a halt. The company headquarters would be here, about midway between the assault echelon and the support echelon.”

(Note.—Lieutenant Williams will point out the location of the various elements of the Company on the ground.)

The Director: “Why do you think the Company would be deployed in a line of skirmishers at this time?”

Lieutenant Williams: “When the company halts the men will want to take advantage of existing cover. If there is little cover available, as in this case, each man will dig himself in—he will dig a ‘fox hole’ big enough to give him some cover. Shell holes will be improved along their forward lips to give cover and if large ones are available as much as a half squad may occupy one of them. Another reason for the support battalion deploying into a line of skirmishers when it halts for any length is this: If the enemy should make a counter-attack and break through our assault battalion, and the companies of our support battalion are ‘dug in’ in a line of skirmishers they are in position to meet him without any change in the formation. Everything is all set and ready to receive the counter-attack.”

The Director: “I think you have sized up the formation pretty well. I think if any member of this class is ever in command of an assault company of a support battalion in action he will remember this phase of this Terrain Exercise and when he halts for any length of time he will get the company into a line of skirmishers and have them dig in. You may say ‘why dig in for such a short halt.’ I answer that you will have no trouble getting the men to dig fox holes after they have been in action a few times. They soon learn the value of them and automatically do it.”

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hastings, let us assume that you are Captain B. How do you size up the situation?”

Captain Hastings: “My immediate mission is to get my company ready to march at the appointed hour.

“I have little information of the detailed dispositions of the enemy that is opposing our 1st battalion but my reconnaissance officer whom I will send forward right away will secure it and have it available for me before the orders for the actual relief are to be issued.

“We are to relieve the right (left) assault company of the 1st battalion which is now in close contact with the enemy along the front lines. Due to casualties and the progress of the day’s action it is probable that each of his assault platoons have both waves in the firing line and it is highly probable that some or all of the support platoon has also been absorbed in the firing line. It is necessary for Company B in making the relief to get the assault troops in the proper formation to make the attack tomorrow morning.

“The present formation of the company is suitable for the purpose and will need no change. We can march straight to the front in our present general formation. We will change from a line of skirmishers into a line of squad columns for each of the waves of the 1st and 2nd platoons and the 3rd platoon will march in a column of section columns with the second section staggered to the right of the first.”

(Note.—Discuss features of the terrain as they actually exist.)

The Director: “Your decision will be to march to the front in the general formation you are now in.”

Captain Hastings: “Yes, sir.”

The Director: “Now let us go into details a little. Lieutenant Wallace, what do you understand to be the purpose of the ‘Directing line’ assigned to the company by the Major?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “The directing line was assigned in addition to the compass bearing to make doubly sure that the company would keep the right direction and that there would be little chance for getting lost. It is a well defined topographical feature and will serve the purpose very well.”

The Director: “You note that the company has been designated as ‘base company.’ What do you understand by that?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “It is the company on which all the units of the battalion will guide during the approach march.”

Explanation

The Director: “This places an additional responsibility on the company. If Company B loses its direction the whole battalion will do the same and it is probable that the troops will not be in position ready to ‘jump off’ tomorrow morning. You have no idea of the confusion that can take place in an outfit that loses its direction and gets lost in an operation of this kind. Every possible precaution must be taken to prevent it. In this case the Captain must charge the platoon that is to march nearest to the directing line to guide on that line throughout the march and for the other platoons to guide on it. In this case the right (left) assault platoon will be designated ‘base platoon’ and will take every precaution to keep the right (left) element of the platoon absolutely on the directing line. You can see that this places the responsibility for the march direction of the whole battalion on the squad that is nearest the directing line. I want you to keep this in mind throughout the problem.”

Solution

The Director: “Lieutenant Ralston, what preliminary arrangements would Captain B make for issuing his orders to the company?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “The company command post is supposed to be located here.

(Note.—In framing up the problem the Director should locate the Company C. P. where there is cover. If it is impracticable to do so, it may be assumed that there is a shell hole available.)

“The Captain will assemble the platoon commanders and platoon sergeants and issue the orders for the initial operation of the Company.”

The Director: “What will be included in the first paragraph of the order?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “The information of the enemy and our own troops. This will be a repetition of paragraph 1 of the Major’s order with the addition of information as to what the other companies of the battalion are going to do. Captain B will go into details, for it must be remembered, that none of the platoon commanders were present when Major A issued his orders and they know nothing of the situation except what they have been able to observe for themselves.”

The Director: “I am glad to hear you bring out that point. It takes only a few minutes to explain the situation in detail and is most valuable to subordinate officers who are charged with the task of actually carrying out the operations. They must know the details of the situation. Now, Captain Harvey, what would you include in the second paragraph of the order?”

Captain Harvey: “My plans. To march at the designated hour, preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 1st battalion. In order to save questions regarding the relief I would state to the effect that detailed instructions would be issued later.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “Captain Harvey, what are your ideas about this?”

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

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

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

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

Captain Hodges: “Yes, sir.”

Procedure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation

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

Approach March and Deployment Card No. 2

Director’s Key

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

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

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

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

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

6. Preliminary arrangements for issuing order.

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

8. Necessity for issuing orders.

9. Reconnaissance party. Second in command.

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Problem

Situation No. 3:

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

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

Required:

What do you do?

Procedure

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

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hall, how do you size up the immediate situation?”

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

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

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

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, what do you think of that proposition?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

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

The order of Lieutenant Y will be as follows:

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

“This platoon will go around the shelled area.

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

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

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

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

The following message will be sent to the battery commander:

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

Approach March and Deployment Card No. 3

Director’s Key

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

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

The Problem

Situation No. 4:

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

The latter are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is now —— o’clock p. m.

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

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

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

Required:

Your orders and instructions.

Procedure

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

Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

Captain Harvey: “Those are the points I wanted to know about.”

The Director: “Now, Captain Hodges, what is the next part of the order?”

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “I think you are right. Let us decide on that disposition.”

Explanation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

The Director: “I think that would be a good idea.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Major’s order will be as follows:

Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

“This battalion will relieve the 2nd battalion.

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

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

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

“Company C will relieve Company G as battalion reserve.

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

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

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

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

“Report when reliefs are effected.

“Battalion C. P. at ——.”

Approach March and Deployment Card No. 4

Director’s Key

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

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

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

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

The Problem

Situation No. 5:

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

“No further information of the enemy.

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

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

“Zone of action: No change.

“Line of departure: (Describe in detail).

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

“Station for slightly wounded at ——.

“Regimental C. P. no change.”

Required:

What orders do you give?

Procedure

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

Explanation

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

Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation

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

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

Solution

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

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

The Director: “What would you include in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Williams?”

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

The Director: “And paragraph 5 would contain what?”

Lieutenant Williams: “The location of the regimental and battalion command posts.”

Explanation

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

Procedure

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

Sufficient time is allowed for the purpose.

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

The order will be as follows:

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

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

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

“Zone of action: No change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Station for slightly wounded at ____ (indicate).

“Plan of signal communication: No change.

“Command posts:

“Regiment: At ____ (indicate).

“Regiment: At ____ (indicate.)”

Approach March and Deployment Card No. 5

Director’s Key

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

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

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

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

5. Necessity for infantry combat training.

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

7. Paragraph 4 station for slightly wounded.

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

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

Explanation

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

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

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

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

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