The Problem

Special Situation—Blue:

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

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

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

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

The 3rd battalion is the regimental reserve.

It is now 4.30 p. m.

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

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

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

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

“The —— infantry on our right will hold the front from (d to e); the —— infantry on our left will hold the front from (f to g).

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

“Company H will be disposed as follows:

“One section at (j), covering (k).

“One section at (l), covering (m).

“One section at (n), covering (o).

“One section at (p), covering (q).

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

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

“The firing line and support line are (t) and (t') respectively. They will be organized into two strong points.

“Company A will occupy the area (u).

“Company B will occupy the area (v).

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

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

“Administrative arrangements, later.

“Battalion C. P. at (x).”

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

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

(d to e), (f to g). The boundaries of the front that are to be organized and held by the troops on the right and left.

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

(j), (l), (n), (p). The location of the several sections of the machine gun company.

(k), (m), (o), (q). The front covered by the several sections of the machine gun company. Go into detail regarding the bands of fire they are to put down.

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

(t), (t'). The location of the firing line and support, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

Explanation

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “What do you understand a combat group to be?”

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

The Director: “What is a strong point, Lieutenant Ralston?”

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

The Director: “What is a center of resistance?”

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

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

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

The Problem

Situation No. 1:

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

Required:

What do you do?

Procedure

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

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

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

Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “What factors lead you to favor this deployment?”

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “Any objections to the fourth method?”

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

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

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

The Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Company C. P. at ——.

Procedure

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

The Problem

Situation No. 2:

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

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

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

Required:

How do you carry out your mission?

Procedure

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

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

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

Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lieutenant Hunt: “Yes, sir.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “How may the deployment of the platoon be made?”

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

The Director: “Which form of deployment do you favor?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure

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

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

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

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

Solution

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

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

The Director: “Has any member of the class any other plan to offer?”

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

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

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

Lieutenant Baker: “I would locate it at —— (indicate place).”

The Director: “What factors did you take into consideration in selecting that location?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Director: “And what would you include in paragraph 3 of the order?”

Lieutenant Barry: “The disposition of my troops:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The battalion aid station is at ——.”

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

Captain Hastings: “The location of the company and platoon command posts.

“Company C. P. at ——.

“Platoon C. P. at ——.”

Explanation

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

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

Defense Position Card No. 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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