The class is now conducted to the area over which the 2nd platoon is to
advance.
On arriving at a selected point the class will be halted.
_The Director_: “Captain James, we are now in the area over which the
2nd platoon is advancing to the front. Lieutenant Y, the platoon
commander, is at this point. What do you estimate to be the approach
march formation of the platoon?”
_Captain James_: “I will first locate the platoon commander and then
designate the location of the elements of the platoon with reference to
him. I think that the platoon commander would be marching at this time
about midway between the assault and the support waves. The 1st Section
would be marching in a line of squad columns with the right (left) squad
near the directing line which is right there (indicating). It is the
base section and the squad nearest the directing line is the base squad.
The head of the squad columns is about 25 yards in advance of the
platoon commander.
“The 2nd platoon is following the platoon commander at a distance of
about 25 yards in a line of squad columns.”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “It seems to me that the platoon commander would be
out in front of his platoon at this time.”
_The Director_: “The platoon commander is free to go wherever he
pleases. But you must remember he has two section leaders—one for each
section of the platoon. These men are supposed to be competent to do
their job. The platoon commander should march where he can best direct
the operations of his platoon through his section leaders. In this case
I think Captain James has located the platoon leader in the proper
place.
“Now having definitely fixed in our minds the location of the elements
of the platoon let us proceed with the next situation.”