Part 8
“The location of the machine guns, the 37 mm. guns and the light mortars in the area are known.
“It will be necessary for Captain E to assign the platoons, two to the firing line and one to the support line, and give necessary instructions regarding the work to be undertaken. These instructions will not go into any more detail than is absolutely necessary. In any event they must not be such as will take the initiative away from the platoon commanders. The platoons are given their missions. It is then up to the platoon commander to execute them. This initial order is intended merely to get the work started. It must give the platoon commanders sufficient detail for them to go about their reconnaissance and plan for the organization of their combat groups and the defensive preparation of the ground they are to occupy. The defensive position as it appears finally is not the result of any one order. It is a gradual growth planned and executed from day to day. The first elements may be only a line of individual ‘fox holes’ dug by the men. These are connected up and finally form a short section of trench here and there. As the position is studied more in detail it will become apparent where other defensive utilities should be constructed in order to add to the strength of the position. All that Captain A should include in his order at this time is sufficient detail to get the work started.”
Procedure
_The Director_: “We have sized up the situation and arrived at a decision. It is now necessary to put that decision into an order. We assume that the platoons have arrived at the rendezvous and the platoon commanders have reported to you here for orders.
“Now I want each member of the class to write out the order that he would give at this time. You may omit the first paragraph;—information of the enemy and our own troops. It would be much the same as that contained in the Major’s order. We will assume that you have already given that to the platoon commanders. Start your order with paragraph 2.”
When all the members of the class have completed their work the sheets will be collected and again distributed, making sure that no officer gets his own paper back again.
The Director will call upon one or more members of the class to read the order he has in his possession and it will then be discussed.
When all of this discussion is finished the Director will distribute the mimeographed sheets containing a copy of the Captain’s order. Each member of the class will receive his solution back again and compare it with the solution submitted by the Director.
The Order
2. This company will organize and hold the front from —— to ——.
3. (_a_) Lieutenant M, with the 1st platoon, will organize and hold the right half of the company area from —— to ——.
(_b_) Lieutenant O, with the 2nd platoon, will organize and hold the left half of the company area from —— to ——.
(_c_) Lieutenant P, with the 3rd platoon will constitute the local support and will be posted on the support line in the vicinity of ——.
(_x_) Combat groups will furnish the out guards for their respective fronts.
4. Battalion Aid station at ——. Other administrative arrangements later.
5. Company C. P. at ——.
* * * * *
=Defensive Position= =Card No. 1=
=Director’s Key=
1. Assemble class at (_x_). Distribute sheets containing problem, read and explain. Call on one or more members of class to state their understanding of tactical situation.
2. Passive defense. Explain progress of action and necessity for a halt. Prepare to ward off enemy attacks.
3. Factors in selection of position, communication and observation. Reasons for distribution in depth. Defensive areas: combat groups; strong points; centers of resistance; subsectors and sectors. Definition of each.
4. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 1. Read and explain. Get company up. Message to platoon commanders. Rendezvous for company.
5. Reconnaissance. Size up situation. Methods of distribution of company. First, second, third, fourth, advantages and disadvantages of each.
6. Decision to use first method. Explain what must be included in order. Avoid details. Give platoon commanders their job and let them go to it.
7. Each member of class write out order. Collect and distribute. Hand out mimeograph sheets containing order. Compare work with solution.
* * * * *
Procedure
The class is now conducted to the area to be occupied by the 1st platoon and which is to be organized into a combat group.
The Problem
=Situation No. 2=:
You, Lieutenant M, are commanding the 1st platoon which has been designated to form the combat group in the right half of the company area.
The area assigned to your platoon is bounded by —— (describe area boundaries). Your front extends from —— to —— (indicate front). The firing line extends along (indicate).
You have arrived at this point. You have with you two of your platoon runners. The platoon is back at the company rendezvous.
_Required_:
How do you carry out your mission?
Procedure
The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 2. He will read it aloud and make such explanations as may be necessary. He will point out to the members of the class the boundaries of the area assigned to the platoon; the front which the platoon is ordered to cover; and the location of the firing line. He will also indicate the position of each element of Company D in the platoon area and the location of the 37 mm. gun and light mortar.
(Note.—If practicable, the location of machine guns, the 37 mm. gun and light mortar should be indicated by flags of a distinctive color.)
By questioning members of the class the Director will make sure that every member understands the situation. They will then be able to proceed with the solution of the problem on a uniform basis.
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, what would you do?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send one of my runners back with a message to the platoon sergeant to bring the platoon up.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, do you agree with what Lieutenant Hunt has just said?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “No, sir. I would not want the platoon to come up here until I have sized up the situation; decided upon my dispositions; and made arrangements for them to get to work on the position we are to occupy. That will take me some little ‘time.’”
_The Director_: “I think you are right. There is no need of exposing any more men to the enemy’s fire than is absolutely necessary. As soon as the enemy realizes that our attack has stopped and we are taking up a defensive position he will do everything in his power to interfere with our plans. If he observes a lot of men all along the line digging in he will open up with everything he has available.”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “That is the point I had in mind. It seems to me that, as a matter of fact, we will not be able to accomplish very much on the preparation of the position until it begins to get dusk.”
_The Director_: “You are right. If we can get the layout of the position completed during the remaining full daylight hours; decide how we are to organize the combat group and get the trenches and other utilities staked out I think we will have accomplished all that could be reasonably expected. Do you see the point, Lieutenant Hunt?”
(Note.—It is assumed that it will be dusk at 6 o’clock.)
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “Yes, sir.”
_The Director_: “Now, taking into consideration what we have said, what would you do?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I would send a runner back to the platoon sergeant to have the men take cover and make themselves comfortable. I would want them to have as much rest as possible for they are going to have a night of hard work. I would have the runner tell the platoon sergeant to turn the platoon over to Sergeant R (platoon guide) and for himself, the two section leaders and the other platoon guides to report to me here.”
_The Director_: “I think that is all right. What are you going to do while you are waiting for the men to report to you?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I will make a personal reconnaissance of the area, size up the situation and decide upon how I am going to dispose my troops.”
(Note.—The disposition of troops will, of course, depend upon the lay of the ground and the location of the machine guns in the sector. The following procedure is based upon certain dispositions and is designed to bring out the points that come up for consideration in the organization of a combat group of this kind. The Director will have previously worked out his solution to the problem and during the course of the discussion will bring out the tactical points that are necessary for the training and instruction of the members of the class.)
_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what are the component parts of a combat group?”
_Captain Hastings_: “First there is the local security line—the outpost. Behind this is the firing line—the fighting line of the group. Outguards are thrown out to back up their sentinels.”
_The Director_: “How may the deployment of the platoon be made?”
_Captain Hastings_: “It may be made with the sections abreast, each section furnishing the outpost covering its own front. It may be made with one section behind the other, the leading section occupying the firing line.”
_The Director_: “Which form of deployment do you favor?”
_Captain Hastings_: “I favor the first. The sections deployed abreast and each section providing for its own local security. The advantages of this is that the section leader is responsible for the whole front assigned to him and there is unity of command. If the outpost line falls back to the firing line it falls back on the men of its own section. In the second method, if the outpost section falls back it does so on the men of the other section of the platoon and there is bound to be more or less intermingling of units.”
_The Director_: “I think you are right. Let us decide that we are to make the deployment with the sections side by side, each section to furnish its own local security—that is, its own outguards. This means that the front assigned to the platoon may now be divided into two parts and a section assigned to each. Lieutenant Wallace, what is the governing factor in the ground assigned to each of the sections?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “Each section must be able to cover the ground to its front and must be so arranged as to mutually support each other. That is, its fire must be able to sweep the front of the adjoining groups.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, how much front can a platoon cover in this formation?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “In country such as this the platoon can cover about 400 to 500 yards of front with its fire. This does not mean that the platoon occupies such a continuous line. It will actually occupy only a small portion of it. The intervening portion will be covered by its fire. By deploying with the sections abreast of each other we can occupy the sector allotted to the platoon without any difficulty.”
_The Director_: “What is the extent of the area that a section may organize for close defense, Captain Harvey?”
_Captain Harvey_: “Ordinarily it should not be more than 75 yards by 75 yards. This 75-yard front actually occupied by the section makes 150 yards for the platoon. The intervening ground of say 150 to 200 yards will be covered by fire.”
_Captain Hodges_: “I do not see how you arrive at the short distance of 150 to 200 yards interval between sections.”
_Captain Harvey_: “(Indicating by a diagram on the ground.) Say the right section is 75 yards from the right boundary of the area; then the section covers 75 yards of trenches; the interval to the section on the left is say 150 yards; the left section occupies 75 yards of front and is 75 yards from the left boundary. All of this, as you will see makes a front of about 450 yards covered by the platoon. The interval between sections might well be expanded to 200 yards which would make the platoon cover a front of 500 yards without serious difficulty. This would make 1,000 yards for the company and 2,000 yards for the battalion with two companies on the firing line. I would say this is the maximum front. It would be better to reduce the interval a little and bring the total down to about 800 yards.”
_Captain Hodges_: “I see the proposition now. I do not think we would have any trouble covering the front allotted to our platoon.”
Procedure
_The Director_: “The next question is the allotment of sections in the platoon area. In this connection you will have to consider the lay of the ground, and select the location for the section groups, so that the ground to the front may best be defended and so that the groups are able to mutually support each other.
“I want the members of the class to go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each of you select the location of each section group. Keep in mind the factors I have just spoken of—defense of the foreground, field of fire, and mutual support of adjacent groups; also consider the location of the machine guns that have already been made by the battalion commander. We will all assemble here in 20 minutes.”
The members of the class will now go over the ground allotted to the platoon and each man will work out his disposition independently.
At the end of the time the class will assemble at the designated point and the discussion resumed.
Solution
_The Director_: “You have now been over the area allotted to the platoon. Captain James, how would you dispose of the two sections of the platoon?”
_Captain James_: “I find that the front naturally divides itself into two parts. A section in the right portion of the area will be able to cover the foreground with its fire. The right element will be able to cover the front of the combat group to the right and the left element will be able to sweep the front of the section on the left. The same applies to the left section. We can locate our trenches in each area so that we not only do not interfere with the fire of the machine guns but will be able to cover areas that form dead space for them. I do not think there will be any difficulty in preparing the position for defense.”
_The Director_: “Has any member of the class any other plan to offer?”
(Note.—The members of the class should be urged to present their views on the subject. The more discussion that can be created the better it is for all concerned.)
_The Director_: “I agree with Captain James. We can organize the area allotted to the platoon in fine shape. And this is ordinarily the case with all these tactical problems. If we go about their solution in a systematic manner we can usually arrive at a reasonable and suitable solution to them.
“There is another point that must be decided at this time. That is the location of the platoon command post. Where would you locate it, Lieutenant Baker?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would locate it at —— (indicate place).”
_The Director_: “What factors did you take into consideration in selecting that location?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “The facilities for observation and communication with all parts of the combat group.”
_The Director_: “Has any member of the class selected another location for the command post?”
(Note.—If a member suggests another location it should be discussed and put to the test of facility for observation and communication. The place that provides these two elements the best should be selected.)
_The Director_: “Now, there are some other arrangements that will have to be made before the men can actually go to work on the position. In the first place, they must have the proper tools to work with. Of course, some work may be accomplished with the individual intrenching tools that the squads carry, but they will need a number of regular digging tools in this case. Wire will have to be supplied for the construction of the obstacles in front of the position. It is presumed that the battalion staff will attend to all of these things, but what the platoon commander is interested in is when and where will they be supplied. I think I would send my platoon sergeant to the company commander to let him know just what is required and to secure definite information as to when and where tools and wire will be available. It is of little use to get a lot of men up to the platoon area unless they have something to work with. Besides the area is more or less crowded at this time with men of the support elements of the 2nd battalion. These are some of the things that the platoon commander must think about at this time.
“Let us now assume that the platoon sergeant and the other men that you sent for have joined you here. Let us see what orders and instructions you would give them. Captain Hall, what would you include in the first paragraph of the order?”
_Captain Hall_: “All the information of the enemy and our own troops. I would explain why it is necessary for our troops to go on the defensive for a time; the situation with respect to the 2nd battalion, which is holding on a short distance to the front; the location of the troops on our right and left and the role of the 3rd platoon of our company as support; the location of the elements of Company D in our area, and the location of the machine guns in the adjoining area; the location of the elements of our company. I would indicate the location of the firing line where it crosses our area. I think that is all that is necessary to be included under information of the enemy and our supporting troops.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, what would you include in the second paragraph of your order?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “My plan. This platoon will organize and hold the front from —— to ——.”
_The Director_: “And what would you include in paragraph 3 of the order?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “The disposition of my troops:
“The 1st section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the —— Infantry on the right.
“The 2nd section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the 2nd platoon on the left.
“Each section will furnish its own outguards along the general line —— (indicate).
“I think that is all that is necessary at this time. I have not gone into details as to just how each section leader is to solve his problem. I will be along the line while they are working it out. If they start anything that I do not approve of, I will have an opportunity to tell them so at the time. The company commander has not hampered me with orders and I will not do so with respect to my section leaders.”
_The Director_: “You are right about that. Give every man a chance to work out his own salvation. Do not destroy his initiative. Is there anything to be included in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Hunt?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “Yes, sir. I would give the information about the intrenching tools and wire being supplied later. This is done to show my non-commissioned officers that we have not overlooked the subject.
“Information concerning issue of intrenching tools and wire will be given later.
“The battalion aid station is at ——.”
_The Director_: “And what would be included in the last paragraph, Captain Hastings?”
_Captain Hastings_: “The location of the company and platoon command posts.
“Company C. P. at ——.
“Platoon C. P. at ——.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “I think that would cover all that is necessary at this time. Let us visualize what is now going to happen. The section leaders with their section guides would go out to the area that has been assigned to them. They would locate the machine gun positions that were designated by the battalion commander and then dope out the disposition that they are to make of the three squads of their respective sections.
“The platoon commander is first concerned with the procurement of the intrenching tools for digging in his groups and the wire for constructing an obstacle along the front. As soon as he gets the platoon sergeant off with a message to the company commander about these things he will go to the front and join the section leaders. He will find out from them what dispositions they are planning on and give them such detailed instructions as may be necessary to carry out his own ideas of how the position should be organized. He will have everything in readiness to bring the men forward as soon as it is advisable to do so.”
* * * * *
=Defense Position= =Card No. 2=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute sheets containing situation No. 2. Read and explain. Point out boundaries of area assigned to the platoon and indicate positions assigned to machine gun and special weapons. Mark with flags if practicable.
2. Question as to whether platoon should be brought up now; nothing for men to do yet; no necessity for exposing them. Have platoon sergeant, section leaders, and platoon and section guides report at once. Leave platoon in charge of one section guide.
3. Size up situation. Determine upon dispositions, component parts of combat group, methods of deploying a platoon. Decide to deploy sections side by side. Outguards.
4. Factors that govern selection of position; field of fire to front; mutual support with adjoining units. Front that platoon may cover. Depth of section area.
5. Have class go over ground and decide on dispositions. Allotment of sections to platoon area. Location of C. P. observation and communication.
6. Question of intrenching tools and wire for obstacles. Platoon sergeant to company commander about tools and wire.
7. The order. Information of enemy and own troops. Plan: Platoon to organize and hold front from —— to ——. Orders for each section. Supply outguards. Make orders short. Little detail. Let every man work out his own salvation.
8. Explanation: Visualize what is happening. Section leaders and guides go to section area; dope out situation and decide on disposition. Platoon commander sends platoon sergeant to see about tools and wire, then joins section leaders on the line.
* * * * *
Procedure
The class will be conducted to the area assigned to the 2nd section of the platoon.
The Problem
=Situation No. 3=:
You, Sergeant K, commanding the 2nd section, have been ordered to organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to —— (indicate).
The section is to connect up and cooperate with the 2nd platoon on the left.
Your section is to furnish its own outguards along the general line —— (indicate).
You have arrived at this point.
You have with you your section guides.
_Required_:
How do you carry out your mission?
Explanation
_The Director_: “While it is not expected that any member of the class will ever be called upon to command a section of Infantry, it is nevertheless important for you to know what happens when you issue an order which requires the action of a section leader.