_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.”