Part 9
“Let us visualize this situation. Let us consider ourselves as being Sergeant K. He is the fellow that all the orders finally get down to and the one that has to do the real job out here on the line. You hear the claims of certain staff corps, from time to time, about the necessity for having high-class men for the key positions in their enlisted personnel. Can you show me in any branch of the Army where a high-class man is required any more than he is right here? Here is a doughboy sergeant face to face with a problem, the proper solution of which means more to the success of the operations than any so-called “highly technical” position in the back areas. Upon what he does and how he does it may depend the success or failure of this whole military operation. The lives of the men under him are absolutely in his hands. If he blunders he may lose all of them.
“With these few remarks let us proceed with the problem.”
Procedure
The Director will read the situation aloud, and make such explanations as may be necessary. He will call on one or more members of the class to state his understanding of the situation.
Solution
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Williams, how would you go about your task?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “In the first place, I would look over the front and see what it affords in the way of a field of fire. I would next locate the section groups on the right and left and see where their fire could help to protect my front and how fire from my position could help to protect their fronts. I would see how the bands of fire from the machine guns in the area lay with relation to my front.”
(Note.—The Director will point out the location of the adjacent section groups on the right and left and the position of the machine guns. He will also indicate the direction of the bands of fire of the machine guns. All of this should be indicated by flags of distinctive color if it is possible to do so.)
_The Director_: “You have done all of the things you mention and the whole layout is clear to you. What is your next step?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would search out the vacant spaces—the uncovered ground of the machine guns and so arrange my dispositions to cover them. I would first determine where my automatic rifles may be employed to the best advantage. I will want them for flanking fire to cover the adjacent combat groups and will expect the support of their automatic rifles to help cover my own front. I will want them to cover exposed places to the front that the enemy will have to pass over in making his attack. I will want them to cover certain lines along my wire entanglements. All of these things will have to be taken into consideration in locating them. I will next consider my other special weapons, the rifle grenade and the hand grenade. They are both valuable adjuncts to the defense, especially the rifle grenade. They will both serve well to cover dead spaces that are difficult to reach with machine gun and rifle fire. Such features as ravines, sunken roads and places where enemy troops may seek cover can be made untenable by the rifle grenade up to about 200 yards.”
_The Director_: “All right, let us assume that all of these things have been taken into consideration. How may the troops be disposed to best meet them, Lieutenant Wallace?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “We have three squads in the section. We are required to furnish our own outguards in addition to furnishing the garrison for the firing line. I should say that one squad employed on the outpost line would be sufficient. That would leave two squads for the firing line.”
_The Director_: “Now, there are two plans by which the outguards may be furnished. One is to have each squad cover its own front with an outguard and the other is to have a complete squad detailed as outguard for the section. Which of these plans do you prefer to use in this instance, Lieutenant Ralston?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I think it would be better to employ one squad as the outguards for the section rather than have each squad do it.”
_The Director_: “What factors lead you to such a decision?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “If we have each squad furnish an outguard for its own front it would take half of the squad for that purpose. The least that could be sent out would be a cossack post of four men—a leader and three reliefs for a single sentinel post. I would not want to send our automatic riflemen on that duty and interfere with our arrangements for flanking fire. We would not desire to send our rifle grenadier under ordinary circumstances. This would leave only two rifles in the squad and one of these is the squad leader. If we send one squad out to furnish the outguards it can furnish two cossack posts, which are sufficient to cover our front, and it will leave the other two squads intact to occupy the firing line with all their weapons. If the enemy attacks and the outguards are driven in they will fall back on the flanks so as not to mask the fire of the squads on the firing line. This will enable them to drift toward an assembly point or trench in rear of the firing line proper where they will be available to the section commander as a small local support to be thrown in any of the squad firing positions where casualties have been relatively heavy or to put them in where they are most needed to repel the attack.”
_The Director_: “Of course it is always problematical as to how many men of the outguards will be able to get back; your points are well taken and convincing. I agree with you that the outguards may best be furnished by a complete squad, and this leaves the other units intact for the firing line proper. This now brings us down to the location of two small groups of a squad each. Captain Hodges, what factors will you consider in locating these two groups?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I would want one near each flank of the area where they can help cover the front of the adjacent groups, and I would want also to cover the front of the position. In order to do this I would break each squad into two groups of four men each. In the right group I would have the automatic rifleman and three riflemen of the 1st squad. The automatic rifleman would have a fire position from which he can cover the front of the adjacent section on the right, and if the one position does not serve the purpose I will have another fire position for him from which he can fire to the front. In the next group of four men I would have the rifle grenadier and three riflemen. They will be charged with covering the front. The group that the squad leader will remain with will depend upon circumstances. He would not be definitely assigned, but would go where his presence is most required. I would have a group of four men of the 2nd squad next to the left with the rifle grenade in it, and near the left of my line I would have another group similar to the one on the right with the automatic rifleman in it. The 3rd squad will furnish the outpost—two cossack posts.”
_The Director_: “I think you have made a very good distribution of troops. I do not think you can say off hand that you would have the rifle grenadier always in the interior groups. His position must depend upon the prospective targets that he may have. Now, the distribution brings us down to the proposition of the preparation of four short sections of trench sufficient to shelter four men each. This makes it a comparatively simple proposition. You see, when you divide all of this work up in the way we have how it gradually clears up and becomes perfectly simple.
“Let us now locate on the ground the four short sections of trench that will have to be prepared.”
Procedure
The class will now be conducted to the right of the section area and then along the front, and the exact location of the four short trenches will be determined upon. Each will then be traced on the ground so that the members of the class may see just the sector front that it may cover. If additional pits are required for the automatic riflemen they will also be indicated on the ground. One or more members of the class may be required to lie down on the ground and verify the field of fire from each trench.
_The Director_: “Captain James, we have made a mark on the ground for each of these short trench lengths; we call that a trace; what do you mean by that?”
_Captain James_: “That the line we have made is the upper edge of the interior slope of the parapet of the trench. It is the firing line of the trench.”
_The Director_: “Now we have located these trenches; you have noted the distance apart they are. Would we try to connect them up with a continuous trench under the circumstances, Lieutenant Baker?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “No, sir. I think not. If any continuous trench is to be constructed it seems to me that it should be dug a few feet to the rear and parallel to our line of short trenches. Our short trenches can then be connected up with it by communication trenches running obliquely, to give cover from fire. I think this parallel trench should be traced now so that work can be commenced on it tonight after the fire trenches are completed. It should be a zigzag trench. The 3rd squad can get some work done on it before they have to go on outpost.”
_The Director_: “I think we have covered everything that is necessary preliminary to issuing the order of the section commander except the location of the command post. Where would you locate it, Captain Hall?”
_Captain Hall_: “I would locate it here (indicates). The questions of observation and communication are the determining factors in its selection.”
_The Director_: “Now I want each member of the class to write out this order that Sergeant K would issue to his section guides. Make it simple and to the point.”
The members of class will write out the order on their pads and when all have completed it the sheets are passed to the officer on the left for criticism.
The Director will read aloud the order he has prepared and the members of the class compare their work with it.
The Order
“There is no further information of the enemy. You know the location of the machine guns in this area; the location of the 37 mm. gun and light mortar of the Howitzer company and the location of adjoining groups.
“Our section will organize and hold this area.
“The 1st squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in the right of the area. Sergeant F, you will superintend the task.
“The 2nd squad will prepare the two fire trenches we have traced in the left of the area. Sergeant G, you will superintend the task.
“The 3rd squad will furnish the outguards along the line ——. I will give Corporal B detailed instructions later.
“When the fire trenches have been completed work will be started on the parallel that we have traced.
“Work will begin as soon as we get the section up and pushed to completion as rapidly as possible tonight.
“Section C. P. at ——.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “The section leader will return to the company and get the section ready to come to the front. He will go himself rather than send one of the guides. There may be some new orders or instructions from the company or platoon commander, and he will want to get them first hand. He will want to be sure that the section is supplied with the intrenching tools that are necessary for the rapid prosecution of the mark.
“The section guides will each mark the cutting lines for the section of trench that he is responsible for and those of the communication parallel. They will have everything in readiness to start work as soon as the men get up to the position.
“We have gone into considerable detail in the solution of the problem, but I am sure every member of the class now realizes the necessity for it and how simple the final solution is. When we started out with the problem I am sure you all felt like we were entering upon a hopeless task but when you finally get down to the last analysis of it and find that the pressing problem is the digging of four short sections of trench capable of sheltering four men each and getting started on the communication parallel you realize that it is not such a big proposition after all.
“All of this shows the necessity for the systematic training of officers and men in these things. I am sure you can see what would happen to an untrained outfit blundering into a proposition of this kind. You can readily imagine a company rushing madly to the front with no one to tell the men where to go or what to do. These tactical situations that confront troops in time of war require time and forethought for their solution. Unless the proposition is gone about in a systematic and orderly manner the task is hopeless. I feel sure that if any of you were confronted with the task of organizing a defensive position in the face of the enemy you are better equipped for the solution of the task for having had this Terrain Exercise.”
* * * * *
=Defensive Position= =Card No. 3=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class to area assigned to the 2nd Section.
2. Explain purpose of giving this small problem to class. Distribute Situation No. 3, read and explain.
3. Point out location of all defensive elements that have a bearing on the area allotted to the 2nd Section. Disposition of troops—factors affecting outpost line, firing line.
4. Location of groups, automatic rifle, rifle grenadier.
5. Locate trenches on the ground and trace them. Locate parallel communication trench.
6. Issue order. Collect and redistribute. Present order for discussion.
7. Explain necessity for training in tactics.
* * * * *
_Terrain Exercise No. 4._ A Machine Gun Company in Attack[5]
The Problem
=General Situation=:
The (_a_) forms the boundary between hostile states. The Blue Corps has crossed the boundary. Its advance has been stopped by a Red force of two divisions at (_b_).
=Special Situation, Blue=:
In a general attack by the Blue Corps, the —— Division is attacking with (_c_) regiments abreast in the sector bounded on the right (_d_) by (_e_) and on the left (_d_) by (_e_). The order of the regiments from right to left is (_f_). Each regiment has one battalion in the assault, one in regimental reserve, and one in brigade or division reserve (_g_). The —— Battalion —— Infantry, is the assaulting battalion of the —— Infantry (_h_). The right (_d_) boundary of the battalion is (_e_). Its left (_d_) boundary is (_e_).
The battalion is deployed with Company (_i_) on the right and Company (_k_) on the left, as assault companies, and Company (_l_) as the reserve company. The machine gun company (_m_) and one platoon of the howitzer company are operating with the battalion.
=Special Situation No. 1=:
The division began a general advance at (_n_) today. At (_o_), when the scouts reached (_p_) they were stopped by fire from the vicinity of (_q_).
At (_r_), Major X at (_s_), received a message from the right (left) assault company that it was held up by fire from (_t_). The message stated that the company would assault at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_) and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_), and requested the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. At the same time Major X received a message from the left (right) assault company that it had encountered slight resistance from (_x_), but was continuing to advance.
At the time Major X received the messages the machine gun company was located as follows: The 1st and 2nd Platoons were in rear of the right and left assault companies, respectively, at (_y_), with guns mounted on carts. The captain with his headquarters’ detail was with Major X.
Explanation of Symbols
(_a_) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, road, state boundary, etc. In this problem the boundary may be some miles from the point where the problem starts and in the opposite direction from the direction of attack.
(_b_) A general defensive position in rear of the ground selected for the problem.
(_c_) Two, three or four regiments would be placed in the first line depending on the frontage assigned to the division and other conditions.
(_d_) Compass direction—north, south, east, or west.
(_e_) Describe boundaries by roads, creeks, towns, points, etc. Distance between boundaries should be such as to give appropriate frontage to the division—about 500 yards for each battalion employed as an assaulting battalion.
(_f_) Give order by enumerating regiments as—1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Infantry.
(_g_) The number of battalions in assault and in reserve may vary in different regiments, depending upon the frontage assigned to the regiment and the nature of its task.
(_h_) If the regiment has more than one battalion in the first line, the text should read: “Is the right (left) assault battalion of —— Infantry.”
(_i_), (_k_), (_l_), (_m_) Use letters appropriate to the companies of the designated battalion.
(_n_), (_o_) Indicate the hour.
(_p_) Select position suitable for firing line with position in rear suitable for direct overhead fire of machine guns.
(_q_) Select suitable position for small force on the defensive.
(_r_) Indicate the hour a few minutes later than (_o_).
(_s_) Select a position between the assault and reserve companies with good visibility.
(_t_) Defensive position for small force of Reds.
(_u_) Indicate an hour that will give the rifle and machine gun companies time to get into position for the attack.
(_v_) Usually on or in advance of the line of scouts.
(_w_) A direction that will flank or envelop the local resistance.
(_x_) One of the positions from which scouts originally received fire.
(_y_) Platoons should be in rear of positions you plan to have them occupy and on natural lines of advance.
_Required_:
The action taken by Major X and the orders actually issued by him.
(Note.—The Machine Gun Company is organized and equipped in accordance with Table of Organization 29-W. See Appendix I.)
Procedure
The members of the class are assembled at _s_, the point where Major X receives the messages from his assault companies.
_The Director_: “Before taking up the problem for solution, I wish to make a few remarks upon the employment of a machine gun company with an assault battalion.”
Explanation
_The Director_: “The following, in general terms, are the principal tasks of the machine guns on the offensive:
“(1) To cover the deployment of the infantry and its advance to the first firing position.
“(2) To support the attack of the infantry.
“(3) To support the infantry in continuing the attack or taking up the pursuit after the enemy’s main position has been captured.
“(4) To assist in the consolidation of the position whenever the limit of the advance is reached or the infantry is brought to a standstill.
“During the combat the function of the machine guns is to assist constantly the advance of the infantry by fire power. The use of machine guns only at decisive points in the fight is not sufficient. They must be so used as to exert a continuous influence from the beginning to the end of the fight. They can act by fire alone and cannot be used as assault troops.
“Every assaulting infantry battalion habitually retains and employs its machine gun company. The machine gun company almost invariably acts under the direct orders of the battalion commander. Only in very exceptional cases will the company act under the orders of the regimental machine gun officer after H hour, although he frequently will prescribe tasks for it during the barrage prior to H hour.
“The following are suitable tasks for a machine gun company of an assault battalion:
“(1) To support the assault companies.
“(2) To protect the flank of the attack.
“(3) To occupy an interval in the line.
“(4) To assist in consolidating the captured ground.
“(5) To assist in resuming the attack.
“_Orders._—The orders of Major X for the use of the machine guns should be clear and concise and should assign definite tasks to them. The orders, prior to attack, should assign the machine guns a definite place in the formation and should give them the mission of supporting the infantry by fire. The control of the machine guns should be exercised, as far as possible, through the commanding officer of the machine gun company. Platoons should be assigned to support rifle companies, but should not be placed under the command of rifle company commanders without there are exceptional reasons for so ordering.
“_Formation._—Generally the formation of a machine gun company supporting an infantry battalion will be with one platoon on either flank supporting the two assaulting companies. As to whether or not the platoons should be placed in rear of the assault companies or in rear of the reserve company depends upon conditions. If the conditions indicate the probable early use of machine guns and the ground is favorable for their use, they should be placed in rear of the assault companies. On the other hand, if their use appears improbable, or the ground is unfavorable for overhead fire, they should be placed in rear of the reserve company, where they can use their carts as long as possible. The formation within the platoon conforms to the infantry with which it is advancing. The usual formations will be: when dismounted, line of squad columns or line of skirmishers; when mounted, column of squads. The purpose of the formation taken should be to make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish the machine guns from the infantry.
“_Communication._—Where conditions permit, the commanding officer of the machine gun company will be with the battalion commander. However, the captain must not let this consideration interfere with the efficient command of his company. Where the captain does not remain with the major he will maintain contact with him by means of two runners from the machine gun company.
“Are there any questions?”
Procedure
The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by 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 will be allowed to read over the problem.
_The Director_: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.”
The Director reads the problem aloud, pointing out the features of the landscape that are referred to in the problem.
The Director then calls upon one or more members of the class to explain the problem. He clears up any point that does not appear plain to all and satisfies himself that all members of the class understand the situation and what is required of them.
Solution
_The Director_: “Captain Smith, we shall assume that you are commanding the battalion and that Captain M, the commanding officer of the machine gun company, is with you. What would you do when you received the messages from your assault companies?”
_Captain Smith_: “I would send for all of the captains to report to me at once, so that I could issue my orders.”
_The Director_: “The captains of the two assault companies are engaged with the enemy, and it is most essential that they remain in immediate command of their companies. The captain of the reserve company is at some distance from Major X. While it is extremely desirable to issue one complete verbal order to the battalion so that any misunderstanding can be cleared up, it is not practicable to issue such an order in this case. Captain Scott, what would you do?”