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.)
* * * * *
=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.