_Lieutenant Wallace_: “In the first place, I would not want the men to
be burdened with their packs, so I would have them taken off and piled
here.”
_The Director_: “Would you have them take off the entire pack? Tell us
just what equipment they would carry.”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “Only the rifle and belt.”
_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, do you agree with that?”
_Captain Hastings_: “No, sir. I would have the men take off only the
rolls. I would have them carry the haversack with them. The Infantry
pack is designed for this very purpose. We can relieve the men of the
burdensome part of the pack and still retain the essentials. I do not
believe a man should ever be without his haversack in the field.”
_The Director_: “You are correct. Let us assume that we have taken the
rolls off and piled them here. Now, Lieutenant Wallace, what are you
going to do?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I am going to give my orders. All the men of the
section have heard the platoon commander’s orders about the enemy and
our own troops, so there is no necessity for repeating them. The next
thing is to tell the men what our mission is to be. I would cover this
by the simple statement:
“‘This section (less the first squad) will cover the posting of the
outguards.’
“I will now have to decide upon the formation that I am going to take
up. The front to be covered is too extensive to be covered by a line of
skirmishers, and besides I do not approve of such a formation. It is too
difficult to control the operations. I would use the patrol method.
Divide the section up into small patrols and keep a small support.”
_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, do you agree with such dispositions?”
_Captain Hastings_: “Yes, sir. I think the patrol formation is best. It
has many advantages over the line of skirmishers.”
_The Director_: “How many patrols would you have?”
_Captain Hastings_: “I should have three patrols of a leader and three
men each. This would account for the second squad and the front rank of
the third squad. I would keep the rear rank of the third squad under my
own control as a support.”
_The Director_: “Based on that disposition, what orders would you give?”
_Captain Hastings_: “I would say:
“‘Corporal D, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the
right oblique in the direction of that ——.
“‘Private E, you are detailed as acting corporal. Take the rear rank
of the second squad and move to the front along this road.
“‘Corporal F, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the
left oblique in the direction of that ——.
“‘The rear rank of the third squad will accompany me. I will march
200 yards in rear of Private E’s patrol.
“‘Patrols will advance about 1,200 yards to the front. Keep in
communication with me. Remain out until you receive orders to
withdraw.
“‘Messages to me.
“‘Take charge of your patrols and move out.’
“I believe these orders would set the covering troops in motion.”
_The Director_: “I agree with you. Are there any questions? I assume
that when no questions are asked every member of the class not only
understands what is being done, but also the reasons for doing it that
particular way. If there is ever any doubt in your mind about any part
of the problem or the solution, you should ask questions and demand
explanations until the matter is entirely cleared up.”