_The Director_: “What action would you now take, Lieutenant Wallace?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “In the first place, I would not want Corporal
Vincent’s squad to come out here on this road. I have been thinking for
some little time about the fact that there are no troops back at the
cross-roads where we turned off from the flank guard. The enemy finding
his efforts blocked on the roads leading toward our main body will find
that opening sooner or later. I would want Corporal Vincent to take up a
position near the cross-road and cover the approaches from the ——
(direction). I would send Halley back to the cross-roads with a message
to Corporal Vincent to that effect.”
_The Director_: “I think that is a proper move on your part. The
cross-road certainly needs to be covered. We will assume that Halley has
left with your message to Corporal Vincent. Would you take any other
action at the time?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “Yes, sir. The men would know that Halley has come
back with some information. I would give the information to the men in
order that they may know. I would tell them of Corporal Vincent’s squad
coming back to reinforce us and inform them of what I intend to do with
it.”
_The Director_: “I think you are right in giving this information to
your men. They can go about their task more intelligently. Would you go
back to the cross-road to inspect Corporal Vincent’s position after he
had made his disposition, Lieutenant Ralston?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “The flank guard commander has charged me with the
defense of the cross-road. He has given me Corporal Jenkins’ and
Corporal Vincent’s squads for the purpose. It is just as important that
I know from personal observation what arrangements are made for the
defense of the main road as it is on this flank. I would turn over the
defense of this position to Corporal Jenkins and then go back and
inspect Corporal Vincent’s dispositions.”
_The Director_: “I think you are right. Are there any questions by any
member of the class?” (The Director will answer any questions that may
be brought up.)
* * * * *
=Flank Guard= =Card No. 6=
=Director’s Key=