Part 7
_Lieutenant Barry_: “I appreciate all the Director has said. But we have to keep up a reconnaissance during the night to keep in contact with the enemy. He might pull his lines back during the night and if he had decided to make a general retreat we would lose touch and with it a lot of time in conducting the pursuit. I think some of our patrols would have to take a chance on getting back so as not to lose contact. Then, too, if the enemy had pretty definite information that our artillery preparation is coming down on a certain line and we have no men out in front he may move his machine gun squads a little to the front and avoid the barrage altogether and be ready to receive our attack when our first wave goes over the top. If I were commanding one of those assault companies I would keep my front thoroughly patrolled during the night and keep my scouts right up in the enemy’s lines until a minute or two before the barrage comes down. I would have them beat it back a hundred yards and take a chance on escaping from the barrage. As soon as they are out of the way I would then have my special weapons and riflemen keep up a fire on any enemy troops that showed themselves trying to get to a position in front of where the barrage is coming down.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “That is all very interesting. Those are important points that we must not lose sight of in our operations against an active and crafty enemy. He will pull all kinds of stunts on you and you have to be just a lap ahead of him to best him. All of this shows the great necessity for combat training. We must have patrol leaders and scouts that know the importance of all these things and know how to go about them. We hear so much about the technical branches and the high order of training that is required. If there is any training more difficult than that of the ‘doughboy’ I have yet to see it. Take the training of patrol leaders and scouts for the single phase of infantry combat that we have just been discussing. I leave it to you if there is anything more technical and difficult in the training of soldiers. If these men fail the whole military operation falls down and may be an utter failure. A half dozen machine guns on a battalion front that have moved forward a few yards and escaped the barrage will be able to hold up a whole battalion. So let us not neglect the training of our scouts.
“If the enemy should fall back during the night our scouts will follow him up and keep in touch with him, word will go back to the battalion and on back to the division so that arrangements can be made to alter the plans. In that case the battalion commander will order a general advance to keep in contact.”
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, what would you include in paragraph 3 of the Major’s order?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “The detail orders for each element of the battalion, giving the designation of the organization and the particular part that it is to play in the operation. There will be orders for Company A, the right assault company; Company B, the left assault company; Company C, the battalion reserve, and Company D, the machine gun company. Then the orders for the elements of the Howitzer Company hold off to support the attack. I believe that would complete paragraph 3 of the order.”
_The Director_: “What would you include in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Williams?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would include the location of the station for slightly wounded. I do not know of anything else.”
_The Director_: “And paragraph 5 would contain what?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “The location of the regimental and battalion command posts.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “I think we have discussed everything that must be included in the battalion order. If you will compare all of this with some of the battalion orders you, as Company Commanders, received in France, you will see how sadly lacking some of them were. What we want to do is to prevent a repetition of those conditions and that is why we are devoting our time and attention to these things now. We want to be prepared to solve these problems if the time ever comes when we have to do so again.”
Procedure
_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to write out the Major’s order on his pad. See how much of the details that we have discussed you can get into the order.”
Sufficient time is allowed for the purpose.
After the orders have been completed the Director will distribute the mimeograph sheets containing the order and one or more of the members of the class will be called upon to read his order and follow with the corresponding paragraph of the solution.
The order will be as follows:
“There is no further information of the enemy. The general attack all along the line will be resumed tomorrow.
“Our battalion will attack at 5.00 o’clock a. m.
“Mission: To drive hard, pierce the enemy position and assist our division in making a penetration of the position.
“Zone of action: No change.
“Line of departure: (Describe line in detail.)
“The attack will be preceded by 30 minutes artillery preparation. The advance of the infantry will be preceded by a rolling barrage. Rate of advance of barrage 100 yards in 4 minutes.
“Company A will attack in the right (left) half of the battalion sector.
“Company B will attack in the left (right) half of the battalion sector.
“Company C will be battalion reserve and follow at a distance of about 300 yards. One squad will be sent to the (east) and one to the (west) boundary of the battalion sector to maintain connection with adjoining units.
“Company D will support the attack of Companies A and B in accordance with previous instructions.
“Elements of the howitzer company in each company sector will support the attack.
“Station for slightly wounded at ____ (indicate).
“Plan of signal communication: No change.
“Command posts:
“Regiment: At ____ (indicate).
“Regiment: At ____ (indicate.)”
* * * * *
=Approach March and Deployment= =Card No. 5=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 5. Read and explain. Have one or more members of class state his understanding of the situation.
2. Explain situation. Prepared to receive order for attack. Formation from the time of taking up the approach march. Training of troops in approach march formation.
3. Discuss Major’s order. Information of enemy; information of our own troops; time of attack; mission of battalion; line of departure; artillery preparation.
4. Details of solution. Necessity for designating line of departure. Artillery barrage. Scouting and patrolling. Keeping contact with the enemy.
5. Necessity for infantry combat training.
6. Paragraph 3 of the order: Orders for each element. Assault companies; battalion reserve; machine gun company; howitzer elements.
7. Paragraph 4 station for slightly wounded.
8. Paragraph 5 of order. Signal communications and location of C. P.’s.
9. Have class write out order. Distribute solution. Have one or more members of class read their order and compare it with the solution.
* * * * *
Explanation
_The Director_: “When the battalion commander has finished giving his orders the Company Commanders will go back to their respective companies and the Major will go to his command post. By this time the company reconnaissance parties should be back at their companies and ready to guide the various elements up to the lines where they are to make the reliefs.
“The Company Commander will assemble his officers and non-commissioned officers and go over the whole situation with them and issue the orders for the company. This order will conform to the five paragraph system; will contain the essential elements of the Major’s order and detailed instructions for each element of the company.
“The Company Commander will then conduct his company to the front in such formation as to take advantage of the natural cover afforded and so as to be as invulnerable as possible to the enemy’s fire.
“The details of the actual relief will depend upon the cover available and what the enemy is doing to interfere with it.”
_Terrain Exercise No. 3._ Defensive Position
The Problem
=Special Situation—Blue=:
The Blue forces, after severe fighting, have reached the line (_a_). The reds have vigorously defended every foot of the ground, and it is apparent that the resistance is growing stronger.
On account of the exhausted condition of the troops and the lack of fresh reserves, the Blues are unable to continue the advance and it has been decided to assume the defensive, temporarily.
The 2nd battalion, which has been the assault battalion, has been stopped and is now holding the line (_b-c_). It has suffered heavy casualties.
The 1st battalion, which has been in regimental support, has had comparatively few casualties.
The 3rd battalion is the regimental reserve.
It is now 4.30 p. m.
It has been decided to have the 1st battalion, with one platoon of the howitzer company attached, organize and hold a defensive position covering the front of the regimental sector just in rear of the line now occupied by the 2nd battalion.
Major A, the battalion commander, accompanied by his company commanders and Lieutenant Z, commanding the howitzer platoon, has made a personal reconnaissance of the position and issued the following verbal orders to the assembled officers:
“The enemy has stopped our advance temporarily. It is necessary for us to assume the defensive until our troops can be reorganized and arrangements made to resume the advance.
“Our 2nd battalion is now holding the line (_b-c_). It will withdraw after dark. Our 3rd battalion relieves us as support battalion.
“The —— infantry on our right will hold the front from (_d_ to _e_); the —— infantry on our left will hold the front from (_f_ to _g_).
“This battalion, with one howitzer platoon attached, will organize and hold the line from (_h_ to _i_).
“Company H will be disposed as follows:
“One section at (_j_), covering (_k_).
“One section at (_l_), covering (_m_).
“One section at (_n_), covering (_o_).
“One section at (_p_), covering (_q_).
“The platoon from the howitzer company will be disposed as follows:
“The 37 mm. gun at (_r_) and the light mortar at (_s_), covering the front of the battalion.
“The firing line and support line are (_t_) and (_t′_) respectively. They will be organized into two strong points.
“Company A will occupy the area (_u_).
“Company B will occupy the area (_v_).
“Company C will occupy the battalion reserve line along (_w_).
“Companies will proceed with their tasks with the least practicable delay.
“Administrative arrangements, later.
“Battalion C. P. at (_x_).”
Explanation of Letter Symbols
(_a_). A brief description of the location of the general line reached by the Blue forces. This should be identified by some easily recognized topographical feature of the terrain.
(_b-c_). The specific location of the line occupied by the troops of the 2nd battalion.
(_d_ to _e_), (_f_ to _g_). The boundaries of the front that are to be organized and held by the troops on the right and left.
(_h_ to _i_). The front to be organized and held by the 1st battalion. This will be the boundary lines of the sector not occupied by the 2nd battalion.
(_j_), (_l_), (_n_), (_p_). The location of the several sections of the machine gun company.
(_k_), (_m_), (_o_), (_q_). The front covered by the several sections of the machine gun company. Go into detail regarding the bands of fire they are to put down.
(_r_), (_s_). The location of the 37 mm. gun and light mortar of the howitzer platoon.
(_t_), (_t′_). The location of the firing line and support, respectively.
(_u_). The area to be occupied by Company A.
(_v_). The area to be occupied by Company B.
(_w_). The location of the battalion reserve line.
(_x_). The location of the battalion C. P.
(Note.—The preparation of this problem will require considerable work on the part of the Director in order to get all of the features of the position worked out in detail so as to be able to include them in the order to the company commanders. If it is practicable to do so the boundaries of the battalion sector, together with the location of the machine guns and howitzer units and the battalion C. P., should be marked with flags. This will save many questions during the Terrain Exercise and save a lot of time. It will give the members of the class a much better idea of the set-up and they will be able to proceed with the solution of their part of the problem more readily.)
Procedure
The members of the class are assembled in the vicinity of (_x_).
The Director distributes the sheets containing the special situation Blue and reads it aloud. The members of the class follow from the copy in their possession. The places, localities and areas referred to are pointed out in detail.
The Director will call upon one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the tactical situation and this process is continued until he is satisfied that all members know the details and are ready to proceed with the solution.
Explanation
_The Director_: “Before going further with the problem I want to make some remarks on the general subject of the defensive and some with reference to the part that the battalion and its component parts plays in it. The problem under consideration is that of a passive defense. Our troops have made such rapid progress that the rear echelons have not been able to keep up. The enemy has been falling back on his reserves and naturally his defense is stiffening all along the line. The time has arrived when it is necessary for us to stop for a period; reorganize our forces, which have been more or less disorganized by our successes; bring up our rear echelons; and prepare to continue the advance. During this period we must so organize our position that the enemy will have little chance for success should he decide to attack with a view to interfering with our arrangements.
“Our attacking troops have now arrived on a general line where a defensive position may be taken up and the high command has ordered such action. We do not want to give up any ground that has been gained that is suitable for our purpose. Having this principle in mind Major A has decided to organize and hold the ground that is now occupied by the support echelon of the 2nd Battalion.”
Procedure
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, what factors exercise the greatest influence in the selection of a defensive position?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “I should say the facilities for communication and those for observation. The greater ease with which we can move troops within the position the better we can defend it, and unless we have facilities for observation we had better move to another place for the enemy will be able to surprise us on any and all occasions.”
_The Director_: “In a defensive position we deploy in great depth. What is the object of this, Captain Hastings?”
_Captain Hastings_: “Where a great mass of enemy artillery is to be encountered we must disperse our troops over a large area to force him to scatter his fire, and waste a lot of it. In addition to this we must have room to maneuver our counter-attack units and get them into action with as little flank marching as possible. In a case like we are considering here I do not believe such great depth is necessary. This is open warfare and it will take the enemy quite a while to get his artillery in shape to employ it effectively on our position. We will therefore be able to concentrate our troops in a more shallow zone than is usual in regular position warfare.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, what are the defensive areas called in a defensive position?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “They are combat groups; strong points; centers of resistance; subsectors and sectors.”
_The Director_: “What do you understand a combat group to be?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “It is an area prepared for defense and held by a small unit such as a platoon or section.”
_The Director_: “What is a strong point, Lieutenant Ralston?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “A strong point is an aggregate of combat groups distributed in width and depth under the command of one officer. It is usually defended by a rifle company and usually has machine guns attached. Where practicable, it is arranged for all ’round defense.”
_The Director_: “What is a center of resistance?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “An aggregate of strong points distributed in width and depth and commanded by one officer. It is usually occupied by a battalion.”
_The Director_: “I hope you all see how this proposition works out. A combat group is the smallest element. Two or more of these groups form a strong point. Two or more strong points linked up together form a center of resistance. You will note the Major’s disposition for our battalion here. It forms a center of resistance consisting of the two strong points held by Companies A and B respectively with Company C as a reserve with Company D distributed at key points within the area.”
The class is now conducted to area (_u_), which has been assigned to Company A.
The Problem
=Situation No. 1=:
You, Captain A, are commanding Company A, the unit assigned to occupy the area (_u_) in the right (left) of the battalion sector. You have Major A’s order to proceed with your task with the least practicable delay.
_Required_:
What do you do?
Procedure
The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 1. He will read it to the class and make such explanation as may be necessary.
_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what steps do you take to get your company up to the front?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I have with me one runner from each of my platoons and two runners from Company Headquarters. I will send the platoon runners back with a verbal message to their respective platoon commanders to bring the platoons up. I will have one of my company runners to go to the (indicate place) with a message to platoon commanders to halt their platoons there and report to me here. I think that is all that would be necessary to get the platoons up and assemble the platoon commanders here to receive orders.”
Solution
_The Director_: “All right. We will assume that you have sent the platoon runners back for the platoons and that one of your company runners has gone back to the rendezvous point. What are you going to do between now and the time the platoon commanders report to you for orders?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I am going to make a personal reconnaissance of the area assigned to my company, size up the situation, arrive at a decision as to how I am going to occupy the area and dope out my orders for the platoon commanders.”
_The Director_: “That is the proper procedure. Captain Hodges, in what ways may the company be distributed in an area of this kind?”
_Captain Hodges_: “In the first place there are three lines included in the area. The first is the local security or line of observation—the outpost line; next is the firing line which is the line of defense of the area—where the fight will take place if the enemy attacks; next is the support line. The company must cover all three of these lines. There are several methods of deployment available. The company may be deployed with two platoons each covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line. In this case each platoon furnishes the outguards covering its own front. The company may be deployed with two platoons on the firing line only and one platoon on the support line; in this case the outguards would be furnished by the support platoon. The company may be deployed with one platoon on the outpost line; one on the firing line and one on the support line. Again it may be deployed with the platoons side by side each platoon covering all three of the lines. In this case each platoon furnished the outguards covering its own front.”
(Note.—The Director will draw these four formations out on the ground and explain them to the class.)
_The Director_: “Considering the four methods of deployment which one would you employ in the organization of this area, Captain James?”
_Captain James_: “I would favor the first method where we have two platoons covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line. Each platoon to furnish the outguards covering its own front.”
_The Director_: “What factors lead you to favor this deployment?”
_Captain James_: “By deploying in this manner we have two complete combat groups each responsible for its own outguards and its firing line. We have a third combat group on the support line located in the interval between the two forward groups so that it is readily available for counter-attack in case the enemy should penetrate the line on our front. Unity of command is preserved and there will be little intermingling of men of different units. Each platoon commander has a definite problem to solve. I think it is by far the best method.”
_The Director_: “Do you see any objections to the second method of deployment, Lieutenant Baker?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I should say that it is about the same as the first method. The thing that I do not like about it is the proposition of taking the outguards from the support platoon. I like the idea of having each combat group being responsible for its whole front. In addition to dividing responsibility for the defense of the area occupied it weakens the support platoon and makes it just that much less effective for counter-attack work.”
_The Director_: “What objections have you to the third method—the platoons in echelon one behind the other?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “When the outguards fall back on the firing line you have the proposition of an intermingling of men of the two platoons. That will cause endless confusion and destroy the unity of command.”
_The Director_: “Any objections to the fourth method?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I can conceive of circumstances where this method might be employed to advantage. For example: In woods or in rough, difficult terrain. I do not think it would be employed in an area such as we now have under consideration.”
_The Director_: “We seem to be pretty well agreed that the first method should be employed. Now what considerations will affect your decision as to the area to be included in each of the two combat groups, Captain Hall?”
_Captain Hall_: “The battalion commander has assigned the elements of the machine gun company to certain positions to cover the front. I would build my combat groups around this distribution and take advantage of the fire that they are able to produce.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, where would you locate the Company C. P.?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “The C. P. should be in such a position that it can be easily reached and found by the runners. It should be so arranged that the enemy will not be able to observe the runners entering and leaving. I would say that it should be located in the area lying between the combat groups and the support platoon.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “The Major indicated the firing line and support line of the battalion center of resistance and designated the area for Company A to organize and hold. We have decided to organize it with two platoons on the firing line, each furnishing its own outguards and each forming a combat group; and one platoon on the support line. The 1st battalion advanced posts are holding the enemy back and there is every reason to expect that they will be able to continue to do so for sometime yet.