Part 3
“That is one of the valuable features of these Terrain Exercises. They illustrate and demonstrate to officers of all ranks that a certain amount of time must be allowed a combat unit to get ready to launch an attack and that they may as well sit down and take it easy until everything is ready. The war is not to be fought in a day.
“Let us take our problem as an example. Our Company (C) could be brought up and rushed into action in its attack on the enemy strong point. The rifleman would have fought it out with his bare hands, so to speak. There would be no supporting fire from machine guns, light mortars and one-pounders. It would have been a direct frontal attack, with no enveloping movement. The chances are that it would be a complete failure and the whole affair would have to be reorganized and done over again. Even if it were successful it would be accompanied by ruinous losses that would render the company totally ineffective for further combat service in the near future.
“By going about the preparations systematically, as we have done, the chances for success are infinitely greater, the losses will be very much smaller and in the long run, a lot of time saved. I hope you will all consider these things when you give orders to a unit under your command, be it a battalion or a small patrol, to embark upon a tactical undertaking. Give the commander time to perfect his preparations. Do not rush him into action until he is ready.”
Procedure
The class is now conducted up to the line of departure of the platoon. The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3.
The Problem
=Situation No. 3:=
The 1st platoon is deployed on the line of departure—one section in the leading wave in a line of skirmishers, with intervals of 5 yards. The second section is about 100 yards to the rear in line of squad columns. The platoon scouts have worked their way forward to _______ (indicate).
The supporting troops are in position ready to open fire.
At this moment Captain C signals “Forward March”. The supporting weapons open fire on the enemy strong point and shots are heard off to the right indicating that the 2nd platoon has launched its attack.
You, Lieutenant M, commanding the 1st platoon, are at this point when the signal is received.
_Required_:
Describe how the attack is conducted.
Procedure
The Director reads over the situation and indicates the position of the troops on the ground. Any points that may be in doubt are cleared up at this time.
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, I wish you would explain to the class, just what you think takes place.”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “During the preparation process my platoon scouts would have worked their way forward to (indicate on the ground). I assume that they have kept under cover and have drawn little fire from the enemy. The instant I give my signal to advance they will start forward to get to (indicate) where they can open an effective fire on the enemy and thus establish the first firing position.
“When our supporting weapons open their first burst of fire on the enemy strong point it will come as a surprise and his men will naturally seek cover. I will take advantage of this fact to advance my line as far as possible to the front. If he opens effective fire I will have to take cover. If not I will keep on my rush with the platoon until he does and thus take advantage of the few moments when the enemy is surprised from the sudden burst of fire from our supporting weapons. When he recovers and opens fire I will take cover.
“I will then advance my men by filtration up to the line established by the scouts, each man opening fire as soon as he arrives on the line. The scouts will indicate the target to the men by the use of tracer bullets. By this process of fire and movement, I will build up my firing line and keep up a well directed fire on the enemy position.”
_The Director_: “What kind of fire will your automatic riflemen employ?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “They will employ aimed fire, semi-automatic.”
_The Director_: “About what is the rate of this fire with well trained automatic riflemen?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I should say that it would be about 30 to 40 shots per minute.”
Procedure
The Class is now conducted to the point where the first fire position is located.
_The Director_: “Captain Hall, the first section is along this front firing on the enemy strong point. They are returning the fire, the volume of which is just about at a balance with your fire. You hear the firing of the 2nd platoon off to the right. You have had a few casualties. What would you do now?”
_Captain Hall_: “By a process of fire and movement I would work my section further to the front and build up a new firing line ________ (indicate the location of the new line).”
_The Director_: “What would your second section be doing?”
_Captain Hall_: “It would be following the advance ready to join the firing line when I call upon it to do so.”
The class is now conducted up to the new fire position.
_The Director_: “The line has worked forward to this position with a few more casualties. It is apparent that the enemy’s fire is increasing in volume and you find that it will be impossible for you to continue the advance. In other words you cannot attain fire superiority with your present force on the firing line. What would you do about that, Lieutenant Barry?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “I would signal the section “Fire Faster” and under cover of this increased volume of fire I would bring my 2nd section up onto the line, and have the men join in the firing.”
(Note.—The solution of all the above will depend upon the lay of the ground where the Terrain Exercise is staged. The points to be brought out by the Director are that the first wave will continue its advance by its own efforts as far to the front as possible. When it cannot longer maintain the superiority of fire necessary to enable it to continue, the 2nd section must be brought up and continue the forward movement. When the 2nd section has joined the 1st on the line the subsequent progress of the action will depend upon how well the superiority of fire can be maintained. If the volume is such that the enemy can be kept down and prevented from firing effectively the advance can be continued, by the utilization of fire and movement. Ordinarily the enemy will realize the hopelessness of the situation and evacuate his position before it is necessary to carry it by assault.)
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=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 3=
=Director’s Key=
1. Explain what happens between the time the attack order is issued and the time the attack is ready to start: Platoon commanders join platoons, and conduct them to the front. Approach march formation. Column of files to be avoided. Orders of platoon commanders. Deployment for attack. Action of special weapons. Signals indicating readiness for attack.
2. Discuss necessity for thorough preparation for the attack. Describe the situation from the enemy’s point of view. Advantage of the initiative.
3. Explain necessity for time being allowed subordinate commanders to prepare to launch attack.
4. Conduct class to line of departure for 1st platoon.
5. Distribute sheets bearing Situation No. 3; read and explain.
6. Description of attack. Initial advance. Scouts. Advance of platoon. Building up first fire position. Superiority of fire. Continue advance by fire and movement. Employment of automatic rifles.
7. Conduct class to next fire position. Failure to hold superiority of fire. Bring up second section. Subsequent progress. Assault.
* * * * *
Procedure
The Class is now conducted to a point where the operation of both the 1st and 2nd platoons may be observed by the company commander.
The Problem
=Situation No. 4=:
You, Captain C, have come forward to this point. You see your assault platoons covered by their own fire and that of the supporting weapons advancing rapidly on the enemy strong point. They are now (indicate the general line that each platoon occupies.) The volume of fire of the enemy has materially decreased. You note that the supporting weapons have lifted their fire and are now firing well beyond the strong point. A few moments later you note that both platoons rush towards the strong point with bayonets fixed.
The 3rd platoon has now arrived at the line of departure of the 2nd platoon. Companies A and B seem to be carrying out their attack on your left; there is no machine gun fire to interfere with them now.
_Required._
What do you, Captain C, do?
Procedure
The Director distributes the sheets bearing Situation No. 4 to the class, reads it aloud to them, points out the location of the troops and makes any verbal explanations that may be necessary.
Explanation
_The Director_: “I want each member of the class to visualize the situation as it now stands. In the beginning Captain C assigned definite missions to each of his platoons. He left the essential details to the platoon commanders. He is driving a team of two units with a third held in reserve. His team has been driven into the enemy’s position. They have accomplished the main part of their mission and something more is necessary on the part of the Captain. Lieutenant Barry, knowing the situation as it is, what would you do?”
Solution
_Lieutenant Barry_: “I would go forward and join my two platoons at the enemy strong point.”
_The Director_: “Would you take any other action before doing that?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “I think not, sir. I would want to know the situation up there as soon as possible.”
_The Director_: “What would you do, Lieutenant Hunt?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send a messenger back to the 3rd platoon to get started on its way to the captured position.”
_The Director_: “Just how would you do that?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would turn to the runner of the 3rd platoon, who is with me and tell him:
“‘Take this message to the leader of the 3rd platoon: ‘The 3rd platoon will report to Captain C at the enemy strong point at once, moving by the shortest route.’
“I would have the runner repeat the message and make sure that he, himself, understands what is wanted.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “You are right. There is no doubt but that the presence of the 3rd platoon will be required at the enemy position just as soon as it can be gotten up there. The assault platoons will be more or less disorganized by their attack. They will be out of hand. Squads, sections and platoons will be mixed up. There will be some hand to hand fighting with some of the enemy who have failed to make their get-away or with some determined men who will hold on to their local position until they are driven out with cold steel.
“It is to provide for just such a situation as this, that we hold out a reserve—a formed body of troops that has not been in the assault. A body that is absolutely in hand and under control. It can be conducted up to the enemy position, take it over and be ready for any eventuality that may occur.
“As a matter of fact the assault troops should not be allowed to go into the captured position unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to drive out or capture those remaining. The reasons for this are obvious. When the enemy abandons the position, he assumes that it is occupied by his opponent and will turn as great a volume of fire on it as possible with a view to inflicting losses on our disorganized troops. With a formed body of troops, under control, we can make such tactical distribution of the units as may be required, posting them where the greatest amount of shelter exists and thereby reduce casualties to a minimum.”
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, let us assume that you have sent back the message to the commander of the 3rd platoon. What would you do now?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would go forward and join my assault platoons.”
_The Director_: “Would you do anything about getting some of the special weapons up to the captured position?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “No sir, not yet. It is my understanding that the machine gun and howitzer platoons were only detailed with Company C to support the attack on the enemy strong point. At the conclusion of the affair that they are to report back to the battalion commander.”
_The Director_: “You are right. If, however, Captain C decides that he needs them he can send a runner to the battalion commander and request that they be detailed for further duty with the company.”
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=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 4=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class to point where operations of both 1st and 2nd platoons can be observed.
2. Distribute the sheets bearing Situation No. 4. Read and explain.
3. Visualize situation. Teamwork. Action taken by Captain C.
4. Send for 3rd platoon to come forward to enemy position. Message in detail.
5. Explain necessity for Reserve Platoon. Assault platoons disorganized by attack and out hand. Value of formed body under control.
6. Danger of entering captured positions.
7. Action with respect to supporting troops.
* * * * *
Procedure
The Class is now conducted forward to the captured enemy strongpoint.
The Problem
=Situation No. 5=:
On arriving at the captured strong point, Captain C finds the 1st and 2nd platoons somewhat mixed up and disorganized. Some of the men are on the far side firing on the retreating enemy. Some are seen to be hunting souvenirs. There are a considerable number of enemy dead and wounded lying about. About a dozen enemy prisoners are standing off to one side with their hands up.
The 3rd platoon is seen advancing in the distance. Lieutenant P, with the platoon headquarters is coming forward at a run.
Companies A and B to the left are advancing and the whole enemy line is apparently retreating.
_Required._
What action do you, Captain C, take?
Procedure
The Director distributes the sheets bearing the situation to the class, reads it over and makes the necessary explanations, points out the places mentioned, etc.
Solution
_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what would you do under the circumstances?”
_Captain Hastings_: “In the first place I would want to see the platoon commanders and give them instructions as to the action to be taken. I would call the runners of the 1st and 2nd platoons and order them:
“‘Find your platoon commanders. Tell them to report to me here, at once.’
“While waiting for the platoon commanders to come I would size up the situation and be prepared to issue my orders soon after their arrival.”
_The Director_: “I think we can all agree that that is the logical procedure. In sizing up the situation, what points would you consider, Lieutenant Wallace?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would consider what my mission is now. The company is the battalion reserve. It was thrown into the attack for the definite purpose of capturing the enemy strong point that was holding up the advance of the battalion. We have completed that mission, the battalion is continuing the advance. Up to the moment no other mission has been assigned. I would not know whether it is the desire of the battalion commander that we continue the advance as an assault unit of the battalion or revert to the former status of battalion reserve. Until I receive definite orders on the subject I would stay right here and cover the right flank of the battalion. I estimate that I will get such orders in a very short time.
“The enemy has several courses of action open to him. He may continue to fall back and not molest us. He may make a counter-attack, though this is not probable. He may concentrate a large volume of fire on this particular point with a view to causing serious casualties in our disorganized ranks.
“Our own battalion is continuing its advance and does not seem to need our support for the time being. The 1st and 2nd platoons must be withdrawn and reorganized. The 3rd platoon can take over the duty of security. The enemy prisoners must be taken care of and others that may be in the position must be rounded up. Souvenir hunters and stragglers must be rounded up and sent to their proper units.
“The sanitary troops are now taking care of our wounded.
“The battalion commander will want to know what has happened on our front and I would send him a message telling him about it.
“My decision would be to withdraw and reorganize the 1st and 2nd platoons. Have the 3rd platoon take over the duty of security, mop up the position and take charge of the prisoners. Send a message to the battalion commander.
“All of this would constitute my hurried estimate of the situation. When the platoon commanders assemble I will give the necessary orders to put my decision into effect.”
_The Director_: “That is very good. Now, Lieutenant Ralston, let us assume that the platoon commanders are assembled and you are ready to give them their orders. What is the first thing you would do?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would want to get my report off to the battalion commander as soon as possible.”
_The Director_: “Just how would you do this?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would write it out and send it by a runner.”
_The Director_: “Do you think you would take the time to do that? You have your first sergeant with you. He should be able to write out the message and I think you would have him do it. That leaves you free to go ahead with your orders to the platoon commanders. You would indicate roughly what you want to go into the message to the battalion commander and leave the rest to the first sergeant. Now, tell us what you would include in the orders to the platoon commanders, Captain Harvey?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I would give the orders about as follows:
“The other companies of our battalion are advancing on our left.
“This company will reorganize and prepare for further service.
“The 3rd platoon will relieve the firing line with one section and take over the security of the position. Have the men of the 1st and 2nd platoons fall back and assemble by squads on this side (indicate) of the position. The remaining section will take charge of the prisoners, mop up the position, collect other prisoners and stragglers. The covering patrol of one squad will remain out on the right.
“The 1st platoon will assemble at (indicate place).
“The 2nd platoon will assemble at (indicate place).
“The 1st and 2nd platoons will reorganize, check casualties and report results. Secure ammunition from dead and wounded.
“Messages to me here.”
_The Director_: “I think that order will meet the immediate requirements of the situation. Now, Captain Hodges, what would you include in the message to the battalion commander?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I would make it very brief. Something to this effect:
“‘Enemy strong point captured at ____ (Time). My casualties about ____, killed; ____ wounded. Prisoners ____ (number). Am reorganizing. (Such additional information about enemy that would be of value to the Battalion commander). Await your further instructions.’”
_The Director_: “I think that message will give the battalion commander all the information that he requires immediately. It informs him of the fact that you have accomplished your mission. It tells him how many casualties you have had which will enable him to determine the further effective strength of the company and what it is capable of doing in the future. It tells him what you are now doing and indicates that further instructions are desired. His reaction should be to send you instructions what to do, either to continue to the front as an assault unit of the battalion or to revert to the role of battalion reserve. Now, I want each member of the class to write out the orders of Captain C and the message that he would send to the battalion commander. Follow out the five paragraph order system.”
Procedure
When the orders and the message are complete they will be collected and redistributed. One or more members of the class will be called upon to read the order and message in his possession and to criticize it.
Explanation
_The Director_: “This situation concludes the Terrain Exercise. I hope that it has been valuable to all of you and has brought out some points that will stand you well in hand if you ever be called upon to undertake an operation of this kind in actual service.
“I hope you all now appreciate what training is necessary on the part of officers and non-commissioned officers to carry on such an operation.
“I thank you for your attention.”
* * * * *
=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 5=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class to captured enemy strong point.
2. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss. Point out places mentioned.
3. Order platoon commanders to report to Captain C.
4. Estimate of the Situation. Mission, action of enemy, action of own troops, withdrawal of the 1st and 2nd platoons to reorganize. Relief by 3rd platoon. Decision.
5. Report to battalion commander. First sergeant to prepare message.
6. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops. Plan of commander. 3rd platoon take over duty of security. Relieve 1st and 2nd platoons. Prisoners and stragglers. Mop up position. 1st and 2nd platoons assemble and reorganize, check casualties, replenish ammunition.
7. Message to battalion commander: Accomplished mission. Casualties. Prisoners. Reorganization. Await further instructions. Reaction of battalion commander to message.
* * * * *
Note.—Acknowledgment is made to Major Reginald H. Kelly, Infantry, for the background on which this Terrain Exercise is based.—THE AUTHOR.
_Terrain Exercise No. 2._ Approach March and Deployment
The Problem
=Special Situation—Blue=:
The Red forces have been retreating (_a_) before the attack of the Blues for the past two days, contesting every yard of the advance.
The 10th Blue division is operating in the Sector: Right boundary: (_b_) Left boundary: (_c_)
The Division is disposed: 19th Brigade as attacking brigade. 20th Brigade as division reserve.
The attacking brigade is disposed regiments side by side, the —— Infantry in the right half of the sector: the —— Infantry in the left half of the sector. Regiments are echeloned by battalion; one as assault; one as support and one as reserve.
The —— Infantry has the 2nd battalion as assault; the 1st battalion as support and the 3rd battalion as reserve.
After an all day fight the assault battalion (2nd) has halted along (_d_) where it has been ordered to stabilize for the night in order to permit arrangements to be made for the continuation of the attack tomorrow morning.
The support battalion (1st) has reached (_e_) where it is halted.
Explanation of Letter Symbols
(_a_) The compass direction of the retreat of the Red forces: North, south, east, west.
(_b_) State the right boundary of the sector over which the division is operating.
(_c_) State the left boundary of the sector over which the division is operating.
If practicable the problem should be staged so that there may be a well defined topographical feature that will mark one of these boundaries of the Division sector.
(_d_) The general location of the front lines of the assault battalion. This line should in general, be perpendicular to the lines of advance of the division and if practicable should lay along some well defined topographical feature of the terrain so that it may be readily indicated to the class.