Part 15
“‘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.”
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 2=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class along road to point where there is a cross-road.
2. Distribute sheets bearing Situation No. 2.
3. Estimates of Situation:—Mission; enemy; own troops; plans of action; decision; discuss necessity for.
4. Selection of commander of patrol. How give orders to him.
5. Orders:—Enemy and own troops; detail troops for patrol; mission; how long stay out; messages.
6. Questions of distance to go out.
7. Discuss going into detail in order to subordinates.
* * * * *
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?
Procedure
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.”
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 3=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute Situation No. 3. Read and explain.
2. Explain that no member of class will be called upon to lead a patrol of this kind, but they must know what happens when they send one out. Necessity for training of non-commissioned officers.
3. Action of Sergeant Wilkins. Get squad out of column and halt it.
4. Orders to patrol: Information of enemy and own supporting troops; plan of commander; tactical dispositions; signals.
5. Comment: How long to stay out; halting patrol for orders.
* * * * *
Procedure
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.”
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 4=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class down the road on which patrol is operating.
2. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 4 and explain.
3. Location: Fire on main body; observation; field of fire; cavalry confined to roads; reaction.
4. Position: In road; both sides of road; one side of road.
5. Conduct class to side of road when position is to be taken up.
6. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops; plan; disposition; place of commander.
7. Flank reconnaissance.
* * * * *
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.”
Solution
_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.
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 5=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 5. Read and explain.
2. Estimate of enemy. Contact patrol. Action—open fire on enemy. How close to let them come. Fire orders.
3. Assumption regarding action of patrol and enemy. Identification.
4. Message to flank guard commander. Importance of identification.
5. Action with respect to enemy dead and wounded.
6. State new situation verbally. Main body encounters enemy. Size up new situation.
7. New mission of patrol. Decision to remain where it is.