_The Director_: “Lieutenant Ralston, what preliminary arrangements would
Captain B make for issuing his orders to the company?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “The company command post is supposed to be
located here.
(Note.—In framing up the problem the Director should locate the
Company C. P. where there is cover. If it is impracticable to do so,
it may be assumed that there is a shell hole available.)
“The Captain will assemble the platoon commanders and platoon sergeants
and issue the orders for the initial operation of the Company.”
_The Director_: “What will be included in the first paragraph of the
order?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “The information of the enemy and our own troops.
This will be a repetition of paragraph 1 of the Major’s order with the
addition of information as to what the other companies of the battalion
are going to do. Captain B will go into details, for it must be
remembered, that none of the platoon commanders were present when Major
A issued his orders and they know nothing of the situation except what
they have been able to observe for themselves.”
_The Director_: “I am glad to hear you bring out that point. It takes
only a few minutes to explain the situation in detail and is most
valuable to subordinate officers who are charged with the task of
actually carrying out the operations. They must know the details of the
situation. Now, Captain Harvey, what would you include in the second
paragraph of the order?”
_Captain Harvey_: “My plans. To march at the designated hour,
preparatory to relieving the right (left) assault company of the 1st
battalion. In order to save questions regarding the relief I would state
to the effect that detailed instructions would be issued later.”
_The Director_: “Very good. Now comes the distribution of troops. That
is paragraph 3 of the field order. What points would you include in it?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I would give the orders for each platoon separately.
Those for the right assault platoon would come first. I would designate
the platoon by number and the name of the platoon commander; state the
formation; the sector that the platoon is to march in; announce the
guide; and the compass bearing of the march. In the case of the base
platoon I would indicate the directing line of the march in addition.
“I will then follow with instructions for the reconnaissance party and
guides to go to the front right away.
“Then will come that part of the order that is of interest to all the
elements of the Company. The announcement of the base platoon; where the
halt is to be made to receive detailed orders for the relief. Then will
follow the final paragraph of the order designating the place where the
Company Headquarters is to march.”
_The Director_: “I think you have covered the elements of the company
order very well. I hope all of you see the necessity for such an order.
You may say: why all of this long-winded order for the operation of a
single rifle company? Why not have Captain B simply give the signal for
the advance when the time comes and have the company go ahead? Suppose
you were one of the platoon commanders in the company, would you rather
have the detailed order for your operation or would you be more
satisfied with a mere extended order drill formation? I am sure you will
all favor the order procedure and that is the answer to the question. If
every man has information of what is going on and he knows the part that
his unit is to take in the operation he can go about his work in a much
more intelligent manner. I am pleased to note that many of you are
taking notes on the technique of the Captain’s order. They will now
stand you in good stead. Are there any questions?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I note that Captain Harvey made a statement about
sending forward the reconnaissance party. Who would head that party and
just what would it be composed of?”
_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what are your ideas about this?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I would have the second in command lead the party. It
would be composed of two runners from each of the platoons and two from
company headquarters.”
_The Director_: “You cannot have the second in command lead the party.
He is not up with the company at this time. He is back with the rear
echelon of the company. The idea is that he will remain there so as to
be available to take charge in case the company commander becomes a
casualty.”
_Captain Harvey_: “That is right. I had overlooked that fact. I would
have the commander of the 3rd platoon conduct the reconnaissance party.
His platoon is to be in support and is the most available officer. The
platoon sergeant can conduct the platoon on the approach march.”
_The Director_: “I think you are right. Does that answer your question,
Captain Hodges?”
_Captain Hodges_: “Yes, sir.”