_The Director_: “Captain Hall, based upon the decision reached in our
‘Estimate of the Situation’ and the discussion prior thereto, state your
solution of the problem in detail.”
_Captain Hall_: “I give the command: 1. Platoon, 2. ATTENTION; then
follow with: 1. With ball cartridges, 2. LOAD. After all pieces are
loaded and locked, I give the command: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. I then give
the command: AT EASE, and direct: ‘Give me your attention.’ I then issue
my order as follows:
“Small Red forces are reported in the direction of (_c_) (indicating
the direction). Our brigade marches towards (_b_), by the
(_j_)—(_k_)—(_l_) road, which is —— miles to the —— of here. Our
battalion continues its mission as a right (left) flank guard. Our
company forms the advance guard. The company, less this platoon, is
the support and follows us at a distance of about 400 yards.
“‘This platoon forms the advance party.
“‘Sergeant Roberts (section leader, first section) with the first
squad will form the point. March by that road (indicating the road).
I will signal the direction as we go along. Precede the advance
party by about 200 yards.
“‘Private Allen (rifleman from front rank, second squad), act as
connecting file between the point and advance party.
“‘The remainder of the platoon will march in column of twos, one
file on each side of the road, at easy marching distances.
“‘Corporal Howard (section guide, second section), watch for signals
from the rear.
“‘I will march at the head of the advance party.
“‘You have about five minutes before the advance begins. Move out
with the point, Sergeant Roberts, get your distance and formation
and await my signal to start.
“‘Remainder of the platoon REST.’
“When the time for starting arrives I will give the command: 1. Platoon,
2. ATTENTION; and then follow with: 1. Right, 2. FACE; then: 1. Forward,
2. MARCH, and direct: ‘A file on each side of the road.’ I will then
signal the point: FORWARD MARCH.”
_The Director_: “That is very good. Now I want each member of the class
to write out the order of the platoon commander on his pad.”