_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, suppose the enemy does something
which, in your judgment, requires fire to be opened before the whole
point is up and in position, would you join in the firing yourself?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “No, sir. I would not. I estimate that I would have
plenty to do to direct the fire of the other men; to search the country
to see if any other parties of the enemy were in our front, and to keep
the advance party commander advised of what is going on at the front.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barney, let us assume that you were able to
get all of the men on the line before opening fire and were able to open
as a surprise to the enemy. He takes cover and returns the fire. What
further action would you take?”
_Lieutenant Barney_: “I would keep on firing. I would signal the advance
party commander to send up some reinforcements.”
_The Director_: “Do you agree with that solution, Lieutenant Hunt?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “No, sir. I would go after him. I cannot run him out
of his position by fire action alone. I would immediately start
filtering my men forward while keeping up a heavy fire with the other
man.”[7]
_The Director_: “Captain Hall, give us Sergeant Roberts’ solution to the
situation.”
_Captain Hall_: “I will signal the members of the point ‘Down,’ and tell
Pendleton to signal the advance party commander ‘Enemy in sight.’ I will
then join Crane and Hanson. I will locate the enemy, give Crane and
Hanson firing data and order them to hold their fire. I will signal the
other members of the point to come up, and as they arrive on the line I
will give them the range and indicate the target. When all are ready I
will open fire on the enemy. Should the enemy do anything to warrant it
I will open fire immediately, with all the rifles on the line. I will
search the landscape for other parties of the enemy. As soon as I open
fire I will take steps to advance and close with the enemy and drive him
off.”[8]
The members of the class should not be required to make a written
solution to this situation.
After all questions have been answered the class is ready to proceed to
the solution of the next situation.
* * * * *
=Advance Guard= =Card No. 4=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct the class to the point where the situation is to be taken
up for solution.
2. Hand out Situation No. 4. Read situation aloud and explain it.
Explain action of point, when enemy encountered.
3. Solution: Signal Down. Information to advance party commander. Join
leading men. When open fire. Firing data.
4. Explain action of reconnoitering and fighting patrols. Necessity
for the training of N. C. O.’s.