The class will now be conducted to the right of the section area and
then along the front, and the exact location of the four short trenches
will be determined upon. Each will then be traced on the ground so that
the members of the class may see just the sector front that it may
cover. If additional pits are required for the automatic riflemen they
will also be indicated on the ground. One or more members of the class
may be required to lie down on the ground and verify the field of fire
from each trench.
_The Director_: “Captain James, we have made a mark on the ground for
each of these short trench lengths; we call that a trace; what do you
mean by that?”
_Captain James_: “That the line we have made is the upper edge of the
interior slope of the parapet of the trench. It is the firing line of
the trench.”
_The Director_: “Now we have located these trenches; you have noted the
distance apart they are. Would we try to connect them up with a
continuous trench under the circumstances, Lieutenant Baker?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “No, sir. I think not. If any continuous trench is
to be constructed it seems to me that it should be dug a few feet to the
rear and parallel to our line of short trenches. Our short trenches can
then be connected up with it by communication trenches running
obliquely, to give cover from fire. I think this parallel trench should
be traced now so that work can be commenced on it tonight after the fire
trenches are completed. It should be a zigzag trench. The 3rd squad can
get some work done on it before they have to go on outpost.”
_The Director_: “I think we have covered everything that is necessary
preliminary to issuing the order of the section commander except the
location of the command post. Where would you locate it, Captain Hall?”
_Captain Hall_: “I would locate it here (indicates). The questions of
observation and communication are the determining factors in its
selection.”
_The Director_: “Now I want each member of the class to write out this
order that Sergeant K would issue to his section guides. Make it simple
and to the point.”
The members of class will write out the order on their pads and when all
have completed it the sheets are passed to the officer on the left for
criticism.
The Director will read aloud the order he has prepared and the members
of the class compare their work with it.