The Problem

Special Situation—Blue:

A regiment of Blue infantry, operating in hostile country, is marching on the (a)-(b) road, towards (c).

The support of the advance guard, composed of Companies A and B (less 1 platoon, Company B), is this time at (d). The reserve, consisting of the remainder of the battalion, is following at a distance of about 400 yards and the main body follows the reserve at a distance of 500 yards.

A (e) flank guard, consisting of the 3rd platoon, Company B, has arrived at this point (f) marching on the (g)-(h) road.

A force of the enemy is reported in the vicinity of (i) and detachments of mounted men have been operating in the direction of (j).

Situation No. 1:

You, Lieutenant A, commanding the (e) flank guard, and marching at the head of the main body of your command, have arrived at this point (f).

Required:

What is the formation of your (e) flank guard at this moment?

(Note.—The platoon is organized in accordance with column 8 T. O. 28-W. See Appendix I.)

(a)-(b) The road on which the Blue regiment is marching. In military orders and problems roads are designated by naming places located on them. For example, the Longs-Emmitsburg-Fairplay road would mean the main road passing through these places. When military maps are made all cross-roads and road-forks should be numbered and all hills and other prominent topographical features either designated by their local names or given letter designations. This will greatly facilitate their designation in orders and messages. When maps have grid lines on them the location of points may be designated by the use of coordinates.

(c) Some point, a number of miles distant, in the direction in which the troops are marching.

(d) The point on the main road where the support of the advance guard of the column has arrived. It should be about abreast of (f), (see below).

(e) The designation of the flank guard, right or left.

(f) The point at which the flank guard is supposed to have arrived. The point where the Terrain Exercise is to begin.

(g)-(h) The road on which it is intended that the flank guard is to march and along which the Terrain Exercise is to be conducted. This road should lie approximately parallel to and not more than a mile distant from the road on which the main body is marching. If no such network of roads exist, the Director may explain to the class the conditions and assume that the nearest road is about a mile distant and work out the problem on that assumption. This procedure strains the situation a little and robs it of some of its reality. The members of the class will have to make the best of it and will have to draw upon their imagination to picture it.

(i) A locality some miles distant in the direction of which the Blue force is marching.

(j) Localities or places some distance to the flank of the Blue force and in the direction of the road on which the flank guard is marching.

Procedure

The members of the class are conducted to (f) where the Terrain Exercise is to begin.

The Director distributes the sheets containing the Special Situation Blue and the Situation No. 1. A few minutes are allowed the members of the class to look them over. The Director then reads the problem aloud, the members of the class following from the copy in their possession, and makes such explanation as may be necessary. One or more members of the class are called upon to state their understanding of the tactical situation.

Explanation

The Director: “Before going ahead with this exercise I want to make a few remarks about a flank guard.

“Ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by small patrols sent out from time to time from the advance guard. There are occasions, however, when patrols will not suffice, as in the present situation, where it is known that hostile troops are operating on the flank of our line of march. In this case it is necessary to send out a stronger detachment to march parallel to the route of the main body. This detachment is denominated a Flank Guard and is an element in the system of covering troops provided for the protection of a marching column.

“The flank guard marches abreast of the column and assumes the general formation of an advance guard, having a point thrown out to the front, followed by the remainder of the detachment, much as an advance party and support. Patrols are sent out to the exposed flank whenever necessary, and communication is maintained with the main body by means of small patrols or connecting files. In some cases it may be necessary to detach a small rear guard, as in the case where a flank guard has been attacked by a comparatively large force of the enemy and has taken up a position to hold them off until the main body can pass the danger point and the flank guard resume its march.

“The general duties of the flank guard are much the same as those of an advance guard; that is, to do everything possible to provide for the uninterrupted progress of the main body. All other duties are incidental to this and all have this prime object in view.”

Solution

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, into what parts is your flank guard divided at this time?”

Lieutenant Williams: “I would have an advance party and a support. Each element would consist of one section of three squads each. From the advance party a point consisting of one squad would be sent to the front.”

The Director: “Had you thought of a formation in which the whole platoon is kept intact as one body with only a point of one squad out in front?”

Lieutenant Williams: “Yes, sir. I had considered that possible formation and abandoned the idea because we can cover more road space with the formation that I have adopted and the more road space the flank guard can cover without undue dispersion the more of the column of the main body it covers and protects.”

The Director: “All right. Now let us assume that we adopt your formation of an advance party with a squad as point and the second section as a support. What is the formation of your point, Captain Hastings?”

Captain Hastings: “It would be in the ‘Boni Point’ formation, the men marching on alternate sides of the road with a distance of about 20 yards between them.”

The Director: “I think that formation would be just right for this occasion. What is the next element of the flank guard?”

Captain Hastings: “The connecting files, sir.”

The Director: “How many of them?”

Captain Hastings: “I would have two at least.”

The Director: “Wouldn’t one man be sufficient as a connecting file?”

Captain Hastings: “At this particular point one man would, but there are places on this road where one man would not be able to keep up the communication, and to make sure of that being done all the time I would detail two men. The duty is no more arduous than marching with the point or the advance party, and I do not consider that it is any hardship.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Wallace, what would be the distance from the rear man of the point to the head of the advance party?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “About two hundred yards.”

The Director: “What would be the distance from the advance party to the head of the support?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “I would have that about 350 yards.”

The Director: “You will want to keep in communication with the main body on the (a)-(b) road. How would you accomplish that?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “I would send out two men to march so that they can see the main body and the flank guard. I realize that they cannot do this all the time but they will be able to do it at sufficiently frequent intervals to keep both bodies informed if anything unusual happens.”

The Director: “Would you have a patrol out on the exposed flank at this time?”

(Note.—The answer to this question will depend upon the lay of the country on the exposed flank. If it is close, a patrol will be necessary. If it is open to the limit of effective rifle fire a patrol would not be necessary. In any event, the Director should bring out the principles stated below, at some point in the Terrain Exercise.)

“No, sir; I do not see the necessity for a patrol on the exposed flank at the present. We can see all the country to the limit of effective rifle range from the road, and I think a patrol there would be a waste of men. If, later on, the topography should demand it, I would send out such patrols as may be necessary. At what distance they would march from the column cannot be stated. It would depend entirely upon the country. They would have to go out far enough to see something more than can be seen from the road, if they are to be of any use.”

The Director: “You are exactly right. I think all the members of the class will agree with you. There is no necessity for wearing men out on flank patrol duty, beating their way over rough country and climbing fences, when they accomplish no useful purpose. Never order a disposition unless there is a sound tactical reason for it. Then when the time comes your men are ready to put forth superhuman efforts, if need be, to help you accomplish your mission. On the solution of these small problems in actual service rests your success or failure as a tactical leader of men. You must remember that it is the combination of these small tactical situations that go to make up the big maneuvers.”

The Director: “What would be the march formation of the support, Lieutenant Ralston.”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I would have three squads in the support. I would have them march with a column of files on each side of the road. I would have two squads on this side of the road towards the enemy and one squad on the other side.”

The Director: “What are the advantages of this formation?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “It makes easier marching than in a column of squads; the column is not so vulnerable to enemy fire; if a deployment to the front is necessary it may readily be effected by deploying the leading squad of each column to the right and left respectively and deploying the rear squad of the column towards the enemy in rear of them. If a deployment to the flank towards the enemy is necessary it is practically already made for we have two squads on that flank now, and all the men will have to do is get a little more interval, the squad on the side of the road away from the enemy will get their proper interval and are in the right position for a small reserve; and deployments can be made without any confusion in case of sudden attack.”

The Director: “I think we can all agree that you have the proper formation. Now, I want each member of the class to draw a rough sketch of the road at this point and show on it the detailed formation of the flank guard. Make the scale large so you can show the details.”

Procedure

When the sketches are completed the Director distributes a mimeographed sketch showing the disposition of the flank guard in order that the members of the class may compare their sketches with it.

The class is conducted along the road on which the flank guard is supposed to be marching to the point where a road leading from the flank where the enemy is reported, enters it. It may be assumed that the flank guard has marched a mile or more to reach this point.

The Director distributes the sheets bearing Situation No. 2, to the members of the class.

The Problem

Situation No. 2:

You, Lieutenant A, commanding the flank guard, and marching at the head of the support, are approaching this road fork. The flank guard is now marching abreast of the interval between the reserve of the advance guard and the head of the main body of the column on the (a)-(b) road. There has been no contact with the enemy.

Required:

What action do you take?

Procedure

The Director reads over the problem and makes such explanation as may be necessary.

The Director: “Captain Harvey, how do you size up the situation at this time?”

Captain Harvey: “The mission of the flank guard is the protection of this flank of the column marching on the (a)-(b) road, and provide for its uninterrupted progress. The enemy has been reported out on this flank (pointing). He will naturally take advantage of roads leading towards the Blue column to facilitate his operations. The road we are approaching leads from the direction of the enemy and must be watched until our main column has passed the danger point. We are marching abreast of the interval between the advance guard and the main body of our main column. This road will have to be watched until the main body passes beyond it. The road space occupied by the main body of the column would be about 2,900 yards, including field train of the regiment and excluding the combat train of the 1st brigade. The column will pass a given point at the rate of about 88 yards per minute. It will therefore take about 32 minutes for the main body to pass.

“My decision would be to send a patrol out on the road to the —— (direction).”

The Director: “Your estimate seems to cover the necessary points and I think we can agree that you have arrived at the proper decision. Just a mention of this ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ It is a logical process of thought involving the elements just mentioned by Captain Harvey, terminating in a tactical decision. This is what you have to do in the solution of all tactical problems. The patrol leader does it in every move of his patrol. The platoon as a flank guard requires the same process on the part of the platoon leader. The company commander, as commander of the advance party of an advance guard, must consider these same elements in the conduct of his covering detachment. It is the same with the battalion commander, the regimental commander, and on up to the commander of a division. When you are presented with a tactical situation for solution, figure out all the elements of it; your mission, your situation with respect to the enemy, the influence of the terrain, and then arrive at a clean-cut decision as to what you are going to do. Captain Hodges, what would be the strength of the patrol?”

Captain Hodges: “I would make it one squad. I think that would be about right.”

The Director: “Whom would you detail in charge of the patrol?”

Captain Hodges: “Sergeant Wilkins, the left guide of the platoon.”

The Director: “When would you issue your orders for the patrol?”

Captain Hodges: “As we march along I will call Sergeant Wilkins to the head of the support and give him his orders as we march along. That would do away with the necessity for halting the column while I am giving the orders.”

The Director: “Now, Captain James, tell us just how you would give the orders to the patrol and just what you would say.”

Captain James: “As we approach the cross-road I will call Sergeant Wilkins to join me. As we march along I will give him the orders for the patrol:

“‘We have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column on the (a)-(b) road.

“‘You will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the (direction) to cover the passage of the main body. Remain out about 35 minutes and then return. Catch up with the flank guard when you can.

“‘Messages to head of support.’”

The Director: “That seems to cover the situation very well.”

Lieutenant Baker: “It seems to me that if I were Sergeant Wilkins I would want you to indicate how far I am to go with the patrol. Can the Director enlighten us on that point?”

The Director: “Captain Hall, what do you think about the point that Lieutenant Baker brings up?”

Captain Hall: “Captain James told the Sergeant to stay out about 35 minutes. It seems to me that is sufficient. The Sergeant can keep tab on his time and judge his distance by that.”

The Director: “Yes, I think the time element is one thing, but there is another point that has not been mentioned. You do not want to hamper your subordinate with detailed instructions. It may be that there is a point on this road only a short distance out where Sergeant Wilkins has a good view over the country and a good position in case the enemy does come upon him. There would be no necessity for going on beyond such a point. If he had specific orders to go a certain distance he would feel that he had to do it. You give the Sergeant his mission, make him understand what he is out there for. Tell him about how long he is to remain out and then let him work out his own problem. You must not go into details. The moment you do so you get beyond your depth. You cannot foresee all contingencies. There has been only one military commander that was able to do this. He was the great Napoleon.”

The Problem

Situation No. 3:

As the column approached this cross-road the platoon commander calls you, Sergeant Wilkins, to him. As you march along he gives you the following verbal orders:

“We have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column marching on the (a)-(b) road.

“You will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the (direction) to cover the passage of the main body. Remain out about 35 minutes. Catch up with the flank guard when you can.

“Messages to head of support.”

The sixth squad, marching in column of files has arrived at this point with Corporal Jenkins at the head.

Required:

What action do you take?

The Director distributes the sheets bearing the problem to the members of the class, and makes such explanations as may be necessary.

Explanation

The Director: “It is realized that it is probable that no member of this class will ever be called upon to actually conduct the operation of a small patrol such as we have here. It is, however, necessary for you to have a knowledge of just what is likely to happen to any patrol that you may have occasion to send out from a covering detachment of which you may be in command. It shows you the problem that may be put up to non-commissioned officers for solution and indicates in a most practical manner the necessity for their training and instruction.”

Solution

The Director: “Lieutenant Barry, let us assume that you are Sergeant Wilkins. Just what would you do on receipt of the platoon commander’s order?”

Lieutenant Barry: “I would step aside and as the sixth squad comes up I join it, marching abreast of the squad leader. As we get to the cross road I look at my watch to get the time. When the head of the squad reaches the cross-road I command:

“‘Sixth squad, FOLLOW ME.’

“I conduct the squad down the cross-road for a few yards and then command:

“‘1. Squad. 2. Halt.’”

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, we have the squad halted near the cross-road here where Lieutenant Barry has conducted it. Let us assume you have sized up the situation and are ready to issue your verbal orders to the squad. Just what would you say? I want you to give the exact words.”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I would say:

“‘We have seen or heard nothing of the enemy. Our main column continues the march on the (a)-(b) road.

“‘Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and the main body.

“‘This squad will cover this road until the main body has passed the cross-road to the —— (direction).

“‘Renolds will march on the right-hand side of the road. Shane will follow at a distance of 20 yards and march on the left-hand side of the road.

“‘The rest of the squad except Halley, follow me.

“‘Halley will follow at a distance of 50 yards as get-away man.

“‘Signals to me.

“‘MOVE OUT.’”

The Director: “Are there any comments on the order as given by Lieutenant Hunt?”

Lieutenant Williams: “It seems to me that it would be well to follow the Lieutenant’s order and tell the men how long we are going to stay out.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt will you please answer that comment?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “I do not calculate that it makes any difference to the men of the squad. They should be told what they are going out for so that they may know the purpose of the patrol. But as for their having any information as to how long they are to stay out, I do not think it has a place in the order. That part of the order was only for Sergeant Wilkins.”

The Director: “I think you are right. The Lieutenant made a mental calculation of the time that it would take the main body to pass the danger point and specified that 35 minutes as the time the patrol should stay out. I do not think that is any concern of the men. Sergeant Wilkins might well tell it to Corporal Jenkins so if anything should happen to him he would know the orders. Any further comment?”

Lieutenant Williams: “Does the Director think that it would be proper to halt the squad to give them the orders?”

The Director: “Yes, I think that was the proper procedure. It is highly important that every man of the squad know what they are going out for. Time is not a specially important factor just now. Then, too, the squad must be gotten into patrol formation. I think time is saved by taking a minute or two to issue the orders and make sure that every man understands the mission. The men can then go about the work so much more intelligently.”

The class is now conducted along the road on which the patrol is operating to the point selected for the next situation, where it is halted. The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 4 and makes such explanation as may be necessary.

(Note.—The terrain selected for this and the following situations should be carefully selected for the purpose of bringing out the tactical features included in the solutions. In framing up the problem and fitting it to the ground the Director will do well to first select the terrain on which Situation No. 4 is to be carried out and then construct the problem back from this point.)

The Problem

Situation No. 4:

You, Sergeant Wilkins, have arrived at this point. Your patrol is in the formation originally adopted. Nothing has yet been seen or heard of the enemy.

Required:

What action do you take?

Solution

The Director: “Captain Hastings, you have arrived at a point which is sufficiently far out on the road to prevent the enemy from firing into the main body. You have here very good observation over the country to your front and flanks. You have a fairly good field of fire. As you know, only cavalry has been reported operating on this flank and on account of obstacles, wire fences, etc., their operations will be confined more or less to the roads. After considering all of these facts what is your reaction?”

Captain Hastings: “I can see no necessity for going further. I do not think anything more could be accomplished by doing so. From a position here we could certainly stop any small body and we could administer considerable punishment to a body as large as a troop if we caught them mounted on the road. I would take up a position here and make my disposition so as to cover the road.”

The Director: “Having decided to take up a position in this vicinity, just how would you do it, Lieutenant Wallace, where would you place your men?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “There is sufficient space on the road and at the sides of the road to accommodate the squad. I think I would place them so they can fire straight down the road.”

The Director: “What do you think of that solution, Lieutenant Ralston?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “I would not do it that way.”

The Director: “Why?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “Well, sir, the men would be too much exposed. Suppose the enemy appeared on the road with as much as a troop. We fire into him. Perhaps the hostile captain’s orders are to check the advance of our main body. He decides to take his losses and charges down the road. Our small detachment would be in a precarious situation, only eight men against an entire troop. The men know they have no means of getting out of the way. They would be thinking more of their own safety than of hitting the enemy. They would shoot wild, and the chances are that the squad would be ridden down and destroyed. On the other hand, if we put the men on the other side of the wire fences, they will know that a mounted charge cannot hurt them. They will have more confidence in their ability to stop it and the firing will be much more effective.”

The Director: “Then you would place your men on the other side of the fence, would you?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “Yes, sir.”

The Director: “On which side of the road would you place them?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “On both sides, sir. Half a squad on each side. This disposition would give me a good cross-fire on the road.”

The Director: “Have you any objections to that disposition, Captain Harvey?”

Captain Harvey: “Yes, sir. It divides the force and makes it very difficult for Sergeant Wilkins to control and direct the fire.”

The Director: “Captain Hodges, do you see any other objections?”

Captain Hodges: “Yes, sir. I would not only want all the men on the same side of the road but I would want them on this side (indicating the side in the direction of which the flank guard is marching). If it comes to the point where we are compelled to fall back we can do so directly on our own troops and not have to expose ourselves while climbing the fences and crossing the road. And the field of fire is about as good on this favorable side, too.”

The Director: “I think your points are well taken. Let us decide that we are to place the patrol in position on this side (indicate) of the road. Captain James just how would you go about it?”

Captain James: “I would get the men through the fence, and to the vicinity of the position that we are to take up.”

Procedure

The Director now conducts the class to the place where the position is to be taken up.

Solution

The Director: “Captain James, let us assume that you have gotten your squad here. Tell us just what orders you would give?”

Captain James: “I would say:

“‘There is no further information of the enemy. Our troops continue the march.

“‘We will take up a position here.

“‘Each man get into a good position along this line (indicating) where he has a good field of fire, especially on the road.

“‘Hasker, you keep a lookout towards the right flank.

“‘Elliott, you keep a lookout down the road.

“‘Johnson you keep a lookout towards the left flank.

“‘I will be here (indicate).’”

The Director: “I think that would cover the situation for the time being. Would you make any personal reconnaissance to the flanks?”

Captain James: “No, sir, I would stay right here. If anything happens I want to be here to direct my men. If I considered a flank reconnaissance necessary I would send Corporal Jenkins to make it.”

The Director: “You are right. Your place is right here with the squad at this time.”

Procedure

It is assumed that the patrol has taken up a position on the side of the road towards which the flank guard is marching.

The Director will indicate the exact position of each man so that all members of the class will enter upon the solution of the next situation on the same basis.

The Director will now distribute the sheets bearing Situation No. 5 to the class and make such explanations as may be necessary.

The Problem

Situation No. 5:

The patrol has occupied a position at this point. At this moment you, Sergeant Wilkins, observe a party of enemy cavalry approaching along the road at a trot.

Two troopers are in the lead; at a distance of about 75 yards two more follow; about 150 yards in rear there are four more troopers with short distances between them. Apparently they have not observed your patrol.

Required:

What action do you take?

Procedure

The Director will point out to the members of the class the position of each of the troopers at the moment. They should be far enough away to allow the orders of Sergeant Wilkins to be given.

Solution

The Director: “Lieutenant Baker, what class of cavalry detachment do you estimate this to be?”

Lieutenant Baker: “I should say it is a contact patrol sent out from a larger body to reconnoiter. If it were the point of an advance guard we would now be seeing other troops farther to the rear of them.”

The Director: “What would you do?”

Lieutenant Baker: “I would open fire on the cavalrymen.”

The Director: “When would you open fire?”

Lieutenant Baker: “There are only eight of them. We have an ambuscade and ought to be able to bring down practically all of them. There would be no danger in letting them come close up.”

The Director: “How close would you let them come?”

Lieutenant Baker: “Well, sir, I would let the leading men come within 50 yards, if they would do so, before opening fire. The man farthest away would then be about 450 yards distant. I would assign a target to each man beginning at the right man taking the rear trooper and so on through the squad to the left. I would make it my particular business to see that no man passed this point.”

The Director: “Just what orders would you give? I want you to state the exact words that you would employ in meeting the situation.”

Lieutenant Baker: “As soon as I determine how close I am going to let the enemy come before opening fire I will order:

“‘Four men on right. Range: 450 yards. Target: Enemy cavalry on road, four men at rear of patrol. Renolds and Shane. Range: 300 yards. Target: Enemy cavalry on road, two men in center of patrol. Healy fire on second man. Corporal Jenkins take the leading man. When you get your man fire on the man next farthest away. Wait for my command to open fire.

“‘When the enemy patrol has advanced to the point where I have indicated the ranges I will command:

“‘Fire at will.’”

The Director: “Let us assume that the patrol came up the road and that you opened fire in accordance with your orders. The two leading men and one of the next group of two were brought down and one of the latter made his get-away. At least two of the last group were brought down. You have then inflicted five casualties on the patrol and the three remaining men got away. Now, Lieutenant A will hear the firing and will want to know what it is all about. How would you meet this requirement, Captain Hall?”

Captain Hall: “The action will be over in a minute. I would want to get an identification as soon as possible. I would say to Corporal Jenkins:

“‘Go out to the leading trooper we brought down and see if you can get an identification.’

While Corporal Jenkins is doing this I will call Halley, who is the expert semaphore man to me and say to him:

“‘Go back to the cross-roads and signal Lieutenant A:

“‘“Eight men, Sixth Cavalry fired on, disabled five of them, three got away.” Bring me any message that Lieutenant A may send.’

“I would assume that Corporal Jenkins secured an identification on the leading cavalryman. If he did not the message would be modified accordingly.”

Lieutenant Barry: “I do not understand why we go to so much trouble at this particular time to get an identification.”

The Director: “Suppose you were commanding the Blue force and you ran into the enemy in this locality. Cavalry troops are operating on your front and flanks. If the advance guard picks up an identification of the 6th Cavalry in its front, the flank guard does the same and we get our identification here. This information put together indicates to the Blue command that he is being opposed by a single regiment of cavalry and considering the front he is covering he cannot be very strong at any point. But suppose the identification of three different regiments are picked up. This puts a different aspect on the situation. Our commander would estimate that he is probably confronted by a cavalry division and his plans would have to be made accordingly. Make it a general rule that you secure an enemy identification when it is possible to do so. It may have little value at the time and again it may be most valuable. You play safe by getting it and sending it in.”

Lieutenant Barry: “I see the point.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, there are five dead or wounded men of the enemy lying out there in the road. Would you do anything about them?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “Except to secure the identification, I would not. The men of the enemy who made their escape probably did not have a very clear idea of where the fire came from and I would not want to surrender any of the advantages I now possess with respect to position and concealment. When the enemy learns of the disaster to his patrol he may send out a strong detachment to secure their dead and wounded and punish us. Our own main body is marching away from us and our position is becoming momentarily more dangerous. I could do nothing for the enemy wounded. They would have to stay where they are for the time being.”

The Director: “When do you estimate that you should leave here?”

Lieutenant Hunt: “In the absence of orders or other circumstances which I do not now see, I will leave here when the time designated by the flank guard commander is up.”

The Problem

The Director states the following situation orally:

“At this moment you hear quite heavy firing which you estimate comes from the direction of the main body. There are a few shots from the direction of the flank guard. The time you were ordered to remain out here is about up.”

The Director: “Lieutenant Williams, how do you size up the situation now?”

Lieutenant Williams: “Our original mission was to cover this road for a certain number of minutes. That time is about up now when we will have completed the mission. New conditions have arisen which could not have been provided for when Lieutenant A gave us our original orders and a new situation confronts us. It would seem to me that our mission would now be to ‘continue to cover the road.’

“From the firing we have heard, it is possible that our main body has run into a considerable force of the enemy on the main road. If this is a Cavalry force covering one of Infantry it will soon transfer its activities to the flanks and try and cut in on the flanks of our main body. Under those circumstances our flank guard will have a very important role to play. The road that we are on leads directly to the flank and rear of our main body and must be guarded for the time being. The fact that we have already encountered the enemy indicates that he intends to make use of it if practicable and the presence of even our small force here will make him more cautious and delay and hamper his operations. If our main body has run into only a small Cavalry force of the enemy it will be quickly brushed aside and the situation will be cleared up in a few minutes.

“After considering all of these circumstances, I think Sergeant Wilkins’ decision would be to remain here and continue covering this road.”

The Director: “I think you are right. Now, having arrived at that decision, what are you going to do next, Captain Hastings?”

Captain Hastings: “The men would be looking to me for instructions. I would say:

“‘It is apparent that our main body has encountered a force of the enemy. It is possible that our flank guard has halted.

“‘We will remain here for the present.

“‘Shane, you will keep on the look out for the enemy.

“‘Take off your packs and put them on the ground behind you.

“‘Secure your intrenching tools and each man improve his firing position.

“‘I will remain here.’”

The Director: “I think that order would meet the immediate requirements.”

Procedure

The Director will bring out the points involved in the preparation of the position for defense. This will depend entirely upon the terrain. By questioning members of the class and a discussion the method of preparing certain of the individual fire positions will be arrived at. The question of obstacles in the road to interfere with the enemy’s advance should also be considered and discussed.

The Problem

Situation No. 6:

Halley returns to the patrol. He reports that he sent the message to Lieutenant A, and that it was acknowledged. He received the following message from Lieutenant A for Sergeant Wilkins:

“Advance guard meets strong opposition on main road—Cavalry. Main body halted. Flank guard halts abreast of head of main body. Your patrol will cover cross-road. Corporal Vincent being sent to you with his squad.”

Required:

What do you, Sergeant Wilkins, do?

Procedure

The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 6 to the class and makes such explanation as may be necessary.

The Director: “What action would you now take, Lieutenant Wallace?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “In the first place, I would not want Corporal Vincent’s squad to come out here on this road. I have been thinking for some little time about the fact that there are no troops back at the cross-roads where we turned off from the flank guard. The enemy finding his efforts blocked on the roads leading toward our main body will find that opening sooner or later. I would want Corporal Vincent to take up a position near the cross-road and cover the approaches from the —— (direction). I would send Halley back to the cross-roads with a message to Corporal Vincent to that effect.”

The Director: “I think that is a proper move on your part. The cross-road certainly needs to be covered. We will assume that Halley has left with your message to Corporal Vincent. Would you take any other action at the time?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “Yes, sir. The men would know that Halley has come back with some information. I would give the information to the men in order that they may know. I would tell them of Corporal Vincent’s squad coming back to reinforce us and inform them of what I intend to do with it.”

The Director: “I think you are right in giving this information to your men. They can go about their task more intelligently. Would you go back to the cross-road to inspect Corporal Vincent’s position after he had made his disposition, Lieutenant Ralston?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “The flank guard commander has charged me with the defense of the cross-road. He has given me Corporal Jenkins’ and Corporal Vincent’s squads for the purpose. It is just as important that I know from personal observation what arrangements are made for the defense of the main road as it is on this flank. I would turn over the defense of this position to Corporal Jenkins and then go back and inspect Corporal Vincent’s dispositions.”

The Director: “I think you are right. Are there any questions by any member of the class?” (The Director will answer any questions that may be brought up.)

Procedure

The class is now conducted back to the cross-road where Situation No. 7 is distributed by the Director.

The Problem

Situation No. 7:

You, Corporal Vincent, commanding the 5th squad, have arrived at this point. Here you meet Halley, who delivers the following message to you from Sergeant Wilkins:

“No further information of the enemy. Corporal Jenkins’ squad has taken up a position on the road leading to the flank about —— yards from the cross-road.

“You will take up a position on the road on which the flank guard is marching covering the cross-road.

“Messages to cross-road.”

Required:

What action do you, Corporal Vincent, take?

Procedure

The Director: “Now, I want each member of the class to consider himself as being Corporal Vincent. You have just arrived here with your squad and received the order of Sergeant Wilkins. It is up to you to select the point where you are going to place your squad to cover the road. I want each of you to solve this phase of the problem independently. Make a rough sketch showing the position, and write out the orders that you will issue as squad commander. Twenty minutes will be allowed for the purpose. It is now —— (state time).”

At the end of twenty minutes the class is assembled. The solutions are collected and redistributed. One or more members are called upon to read the solution he has in his possession.

The position will then be selected and the Director will give a statement of the orders that would be issued. This may have been previously prepared for distribution to the class as “a solution.”

The solution of each member of the class is returned to him in order that he may compare it with the solution submitted by the Director.

The Director: “This is the termination of this Terrain Exercise. Let us see what we have gotten out of it—of what tactical benefit it has been to us.

“The first situation was devised to show you the tactical necessity for a flank guard, the duties that devolve upon it, and the formation that is best calculated to enable it to carry out its functions.

“The second situation was devised for the purpose of illustrating the necessity for covering approaches by which an enemy may cut in on the main body of a column and delay or annoy it. Further, the method employed in giving orders and instructions while continuing to march.

“The third situation was devised to give you experience in giving orders to and conducting a combat patrol along the road.

“The fourth situation brings out the elements contained in a tactical ‘estimate of the situation’ and the selection and occupation of a small position.

“The fifth situation was devised to give you practical instruction in the methods of troop leading; rendering a quick decision on the appearance of the enemy and handling a squad in action. Also in making an estimate of the situation and rendering a decision when your mission has been carried out and circumstances which could not have been foreseen have arisen and it is necessary to embark on a new mission on your own initiative and without orders—in other words, when a man is thrown upon his own resources and has to decide for himself what he is going to do.

“The sixth situation was devised for the purpose of placing the members of the class on their own responsibility in the selection of a position for the defense of a particular point and make practical use of the knowledge they had gained in the solution of Situations Nos. 4 and 5.

“It is by the constant practice in solving these situations on the ground that we gain that confidence in our ability to handle them when we have troops actually present. The idea of these Terrain Exercises is that you come out here and work out the solution without troops. Then after you have learned how, you bring your troops out and take them through the problem according to the solution that you have worked out in the Terrain Exercise.

“I am sure that any of you are now more competent to handle the operations of a flank guard and a force sent out to cover a particular point. I am sure that you would have a very good idea of what to do if in actual service you were confronted with situations similar to those we have considered in our exercise today.”