Part 16
8. Orders for patrol: Information of enemy and own troops; remain here; look out for enemy; take off pack; prepare for defense.
9. Bring out points involved in preparation for defense. Improvement of firing position. Obstacles.
* * * * *
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.
Solution
_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.)
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 6=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 6. Read and explain.
2. Decision with respect to Corporal Vincent’s squad. Cover the cross-road.
3. Message to Corporal Vincent.
4. New information received from flank guard commander given to men.
5. Inspection of Corporal Vincent’s position.
* * * * *
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.
Explanation
_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.”
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 7=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class back to cross-road.
2. Distribute Situation No. 7. Read and explain.
3. Solution of situation. Each member of class consider himself as being Corporal Vincent. Select position, make sketch, write out orders.
4. At end of twenty minutes collect solutions. Read one or more of them. Arrive at solution. Distribute solution to the class.
5. Explain purpose of each situation. Necessity for flank guard; covering approaches; giving orders on march; conduct of small patrol; estimate of situation; selection of position; troop leading and rendering quick decisions; changing to new mission; solution of problem on own responsibility.
* * * * *
_Terrain Exercise No. 7._ Posting an Outpost
The Problem
=General Situation=:
The (_a_) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue force is concentrating at (_b_). Red troops have been reported in the direction of (_c_).
=Special Situation—Blue=:
A Blue detachment consisting of one regiment of Infantry has been sent out toward the border as a covering force. It is disposed as follows:
The regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) on the (_d_) road; 2nd Battalion on the (_e_) road; 3rd Battalion on the (_f_) road.
The 2nd Battalion marching on the (_e_) road, with Company E as advance guard, has reached (_g_), where the battalion commander decides to halt for the night. It is now 3 o’clock p. m. The column has halted, and the company commanders have assembled at this point.
The battalion commander issues verbal orders as follows:
“Small detachments of the enemy have been reported at (_h_) and (_i_). Our 3rd Battalion is halted for the night at (_k_); our regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) is halted for the night at (_l_).
“This battalion halts for the night at (_m_). March conditions cease.
“The advance guard will furnish the outpost along the line (_n_).
“The remainder of the battalion will bivouac, Company F at (_o_); Company G at (_o_); Company H at (_o_); Headquarters Company at (_o_). In case of attack the outpost will be supported.
“The field trains will join the troops.
“Messages to (_p_).”
(Note.—Company E is organized in accordance with T. O. 28-W. See Appendix 1.)
Explanation of Letter Symbols
(_a_) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of a ridge, etc. In this problem it may be assumed that the halt of the battalion for the night is made just within the boundary or across the boundary in enemy territory. The choice will depend upon the location of suitable ground for the outpost with a view to bringing out the elements involved in the posting of the outpost.
(_b_) A point within friendly territory. Should be a march or two from the boundary.
(_c_) A point within enemy territory. Should be a march or two from the boundary.
(_d_), (_e_), (_f_) Detachments are sent out to cover the concentration of troops when the concentration is made at a point where there is danger that the enemy may attempt to interfere with it. Such detachments proceed toward the border on the main routes by which the enemy must advance. (_d_) Would be the next main road to the left of the road (_e_) on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing; (_f_) would be the next main road to the right of the road on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing. This places the 2nd Battalion in the center of the formation.
(_g_) A point in the vicinity of the place where the Terrain Exercise is to be conducted.
(_h_) and (_i_) The places where the enemy troops are reported to be. They should be several miles away from (_g_), where the battalion is to halt for the night.
(_k_) The place where the 3rd Battalion halts for the night.
(_l_) The place where the regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) halts for the night. The three places where the battalions halt should form a general line covering the place where the Blue forces are concentrating.
(_m_) The place where our battalion bivouacs for the night.
(_n_) Indicate the general line that the outpost is to occupy. If it is impossible to do this it may be stated as follows: “Covering the approaches from the (south, north, etc.).”
(_o_) Designates the locality where each of the companies of the battalion is to bivouac for the night. The companies should be separated, and there should be cover from aerial observation if practicable.
(_p_) The headquarters of the battalion.
The Problem
=Situation No. 1=:
You, Captain E, are in command of Company E, which is now the advance guard, and has been designated to form the outpost for the night. Your company is in advance guard formation on the road.
_Required_:
The action you, Captain E, take and the orders you issue.
Procedure
The members of the class are assembled at (_m_) (see explanation of symbols), where the battalion is to halt for the night.
Explanation
_The Director_: “Before taking up the problem for solution I want to make a few remarks on the subject of the protection of a body of troops while in bivouac, and to review briefly the duties and formation of an outpost.
“As a command on the march protects itself from surprise by covering detachments called advance guards, flank guards and rear guards, so also does a command at a halt protect itself by a system of covering detachments denominated outposts.
“_Duties._—Like advance guards on the march, the outpost is charged with the duties of observation and resistance.
“Specifically these duties are:
“1. To protect the main body so that the troops may rest undisturbed.
“2. In case of attack, to check the advance of the enemy long enough to enable the main body to make dispositions to meet him.
“3. To reconnoiter the enemy, prevent his reconnaissance and give timely warning of the approach of hostile bodies.
“_Subdivisions._—The outpost is divided into two general lines. The first, which is called the ‘line of observation,’ does the watching for the enemy and prevents his small bodies from getting any information about our troops or annoying them. The second is a ‘fighting line,’ which holds off larger bodies.
“These lines must cover the front and flanks of the troops at rest. The ‘watching line’ must be so located that the watchers out in front will be able to see the enemy before he gets close enough to do damage. The ‘fighting line’ must be so located that it will have what we call a ‘good field of fire;’ that is, the ground in front must not be such that it will hide the movements of the enemy and allow him to get within effective rifle range without coming under our fire.
“_Formation._—The formation of an outpost may best be described by referring to an outstretched hand.
“Hold your left hand in front of you with the thumb and fingers extended and pointing to the front, palm of hand down.
“The wrist will be the location of the troops in camp or in bivouac.
“The knuckle joint of the second finger will be the location of the reserve of the outpost. This is the body of troops that is held out of the fight until the direction of the enemy’s main attack is developed, when it is thrown in to meet it, or to make what we call a ‘counter-attack.’ In very small outposts this reserve is usually omitted.
“The second joints of the fingers and thumb will mark the positions occupied by the ‘supports.’ These are the fighting troops and they occupy the fighting line of the outpost. From these supports, small detachments, which we call ‘outguards,’ are sent to the front.
“The first joints of the fingers and thumb will mark the positions of the outguards. These are classified as pickets, sentry squads and cossack posts. A picket consists of two or more squads and is posted so as to cover the most important route by which the enemy may come. The sentry squad consists of one rifle squad. The cossack post is composed of a non-commissioned officer and three men.
“The tips of the fingers and thumb will mark the line of the sentinels. These are the ears and eyes of the outpost system.
“The sentinels are sent out to the front from the outguards. A picket posts one double sentinel post for each of its squads. Each sentry squad is charged with maintaining one double sentinel post. The cossack post maintains a single sentinel who is posted nearby.
“Are there any questions?”
Procedure
The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by the members of the class. After all questions have been cleared up, the Director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class. A few minutes are allowed for them to read it and get oriented.
_The Director_: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.”
The Director reads the problem aloud, each member of the class following from the copy in his possession. The direction of places mentioned are pointed out.
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, give a brief statement of the tactical situation as you understand it.”
Lieutenant Hunt states his understanding of the tactical situation. As he proceeds, the Director makes such explanations as may be desirable. One or more additional members of the class may be called upon to state their version of the situation. All of this is for the purpose of fixing the elements of the problem in the minds of the members of the class and prevent any subsequent misunderstanding of them.
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, what do you estimate the mission of our battalion to be?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “We are an element of the force sent out to cover the concentration of the Blue forces and prevent the enemy from interfering with it.”
_The Director_: “We have not yet gained contact with the enemy. Why do we halt at this time?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “There may be one or more reasons for it. In the first place, we are a detachment of a larger force (our regiment), and it is probable that before we started out, instructions were given our battalion commander to halt in this locality, so as to be on the general line of all the covering troops.”
_The Director_: “That is correct. Our battalion must conform to the general plan of the operation.
“Before going further let us consider the process by which our battalion commander arrived at his decision to halt and make the disposition indicated in his order. He has sized up the situation with respect to his mission, the enemy, our own troops; considered the plans of action open to him and the enemy; and the terrain. Based on all of this he decides to halt for the night with the advance guard as the outpost and the other companies bivouacking as indicated in the order. Now, let us see how well this order conforms to the form laid down in Field Service Regulations. Captain Hall, what are the elements of an order as applied to the halt of a command on the march?”
_Captain Hall_: “The first part contains information of the enemy and our own troops. The next is the plan of the commander in general terms. In this case it is merely to halt for the night, with the added sentence to the effect that march conditions cease. Next comes the tactical dispositions in which each element of the command is given orders as to just what it is to do. The last section of this paragraph tells what action is to be taken in case the enemy should make an attack. Then comes the disposition of the trains or administrative arrangements, and finally the location of the battalion C. P. is indicated by telling where messages are to be sent. All of this is included in the order, and I should say that every essential point has been covered satisfactorily.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, why is Company E detailed to furnish the outpost?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “It is the general rule that troops are detailed on covering duty for a period of twenty-four hours. Company E has been our advance guard for today’s march. If the battalion continues the march again tomorrow morning, another rifle company will be detailed to form the advance guard. It will get into advance guard formation before it reaches Company E’s outpost line, and when the advance guard support crosses the line of outpost supports it assumes responsibility for the protection of the column, the outpost troops are withdrawn and take their proper place in the column. Then, too, the advance guard is in the best position to continue the protection of the battalion. It has merely to change its formation from an advance guard to that of an outpost, which involves the least marching on the part of the troops.”
Procedure
_The Director_: “We will now go forward to the point where the support of the advance guard is halted on the road. How far would that be, Captain James?”
_Captain James_: “I should say that the support should be about 500 yards in advance of the main body of the battalion.”
The class is now conducted about 500 yards down the road to the place where the support of the advance guard is supposed to be halted.
_The Director_: “Before proceeding further with the problem it is necessary for us to decide upon the formation of the advance guard at this time. Just what do you think the formation would be, Captain James?”
_Captain James_: “The support would be right here in column of squads on the road. It would consist of the company (less one platoon and two connecting files). About 400 yards farther down the road would be the advance party, consisting of one platoon, from which there would be a point of one squad, about 150 yards farther to the front.”[9]
_The Director_: “I think we can all agree on those dispositions and proceed to the solution of our problem based on them. Now, let each member of the class consider himself to be Captain E, commanding the advance guard. You have attended the assembly of officers at the head of the main body and received the major’s orders. You have now returned to the company and are ready to go ahead with your part of the operation, that of posting the outpost. Just how are you going about the task that has been allotted to you? Captain Hodges, tell us what you would do.”
Solution
_Captain Hodges_: “I would first send a runner to Lieutenant M, commanding the advance party, telling him to report to me here. While waiting for Lieutenant M to come back I would size up the situation and decide upon my tactical dispositions.”
_The Director_: “What would be your primary dispositions?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I would have a line of supports on which I would employ one platoon and one section and a reserve consisting of the rest of the company.”
_The Director_: “That would be a reasonable disposition. How many supports would you have Captain Harvey?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I would have three supports—one on the main road and one at a suitable interval on each side of the road. There would be a section in each support.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, do you agree with that disposition?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “No, sir. It seems to me that two supports would meet the situation better. In the first place, this main road is the route on which any considerable force of the enemy must advance after dark, and I would want to cover it with a relatively strong force. I would put one support on the road and have it extend over to the right for a sufficient distance to cover the front and the immediate right flank. It would extend its front to the left of the main road. I would have support No. 2 off to the left to cover that flank.[10]
“Support No. 1 would consist of one platoon and No. 2 of one section.”
_The Director_: “Explain why you extend the front of your support No. 1 to the left of the road?”