_The Director_: “You have now been over the area allotted to the
platoon. Captain James, how would you dispose of the two sections of the
platoon?”
_Captain James_: “I find that the front naturally divides itself into
two parts. A section in the right portion of the area will be able to
cover the foreground with its fire. The right element will be able to
cover the front of the combat group to the right and the left element
will be able to sweep the front of the section on the left. The same
applies to the left section. We can locate our trenches in each area so
that we not only do not interfere with the fire of the machine guns but
will be able to cover areas that form dead space for them. I do not
think there will be any difficulty in preparing the position for
defense.”
_The Director_: “Has any member of the class any other plan to offer?”
(Note.—The members of the class should be urged to present their
views on the subject. The more discussion that can be created the
better it is for all concerned.)
_The Director_: “I agree with Captain James. We can organize the area
allotted to the platoon in fine shape. And this is ordinarily the case
with all these tactical problems. If we go about their solution in a
systematic manner we can usually arrive at a reasonable and suitable
solution to them.
“There is another point that must be decided at this time. That is the
location of the platoon command post. Where would you locate it,
Lieutenant Baker?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would locate it at —— (indicate place).”
_The Director_: “What factors did you take into consideration in
selecting that location?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “The facilities for observation and communication
with all parts of the combat group.”
_The Director_: “Has any member of the class selected another location
for the command post?”
(Note.—If a member suggests another location it should be discussed
and put to the test of facility for observation and communication.
The place that provides these two elements the best should be
selected.)
_The Director_: “Now, there are some other arrangements that will have
to be made before the men can actually go to work on the position. In
the first place, they must have the proper tools to work with. Of
course, some work may be accomplished with the individual intrenching
tools that the squads carry, but they will need a number of regular
digging tools in this case. Wire will have to be supplied for the
construction of the obstacles in front of the position. It is presumed
that the battalion staff will attend to all of these things, but what
the platoon commander is interested in is when and where will they be
supplied. I think I would send my platoon sergeant to the company
commander to let him know just what is required and to secure definite
information as to when and where tools and wire will be available. It is
of little use to get a lot of men up to the platoon area unless they
have something to work with. Besides the area is more or less crowded at
this time with men of the support elements of the 2nd battalion. These
are some of the things that the platoon commander must think about at
this time.
“Let us now assume that the platoon sergeant and the other men that you
sent for have joined you here. Let us see what orders and instructions
you would give them. Captain Hall, what would you include in the first
paragraph of the order?”
_Captain Hall_: “All the information of the enemy and our own troops. I
would explain why it is necessary for our troops to go on the defensive
for a time; the situation with respect to the 2nd battalion, which is
holding on a short distance to the front; the location of the troops on
our right and left and the role of the 3rd platoon of our company as
support; the location of the elements of Company D in our area, and the
location of the machine guns in the adjoining area; the location of the
elements of our company. I would indicate the location of the firing
line where it crosses our area. I think that is all that is necessary to
be included under information of the enemy and our supporting troops.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, what would you include in the second
paragraph of your order?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “My plan. This platoon will organize and hold the
front from —— to ——.”
_The Director_: “And what would you include in paragraph 3 of the
order?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “The disposition of my troops:
“The 1st section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to
—— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the —— Infantry on the
right.
“The 2nd section will organize and hold the front from —— (indicate) to
—— (indicate), connect up and cooperate with the 2nd platoon on the
left.
“Each section will furnish its own outguards along the general line ——
(indicate).
“I think that is all that is necessary at this time. I have not gone
into details as to just how each section leader is to solve his problem.
I will be along the line while they are working it out. If they start
anything that I do not approve of, I will have an opportunity to tell
them so at the time. The company commander has not hampered me with
orders and I will not do so with respect to my section leaders.”
_The Director_: “You are right about that. Give every man a chance to
work out his own salvation. Do not destroy his initiative. Is there
anything to be included in paragraph 4, Lieutenant Hunt?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “Yes, sir. I would give the information about the
intrenching tools and wire being supplied later. This is done to show my
non-commissioned officers that we have not overlooked the subject.
“Information concerning issue of intrenching tools and wire will be
given later.
“The battalion aid station is at ——.”
_The Director_: “And what would be included in the last paragraph,
Captain Hastings?”
_Captain Hastings_: “The location of the company and platoon command
posts.
“Company C. P. at ——.
“Platoon C. P. at ——.”