_The Director_: “Let us assume that it is now 11.50 p. m. The obscurity
is such that a man may see another at a distance of about 12 yards.
Corporal Canes has been awakened by the support sentinel. He is up and
getting ready to start with his patrol. Captain James, you are now
Corporal Canes. What would you do?”
_Captain James_: “I would wake Manley, Harrison and Kline and say to
them:
“‘It is time to make our 12 o’clock patrol. Get up. You have about 5
minutes to get ready.’
“At 11:55 I would have the patrol fall in for inspection. I would
inspect the men to see if they had the proper equipment and make sure
that each man is fully awake. I would then give the command:
“‘With ball cartridges. 2. LOAD.’
“I am now ready to start.”
_The Director_: “All right. It is now 12 o’clock. Give the orders for
the start.”
_Captain James_: “I would say:
“‘Manley, you will lead; I will follow at a distance of 8 yards;
Harrison, you follow me at 10 yards; Kline you follow Harrison at 12
yards. Move out.’
“I think that order would get the patrol under way.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, have you any criticism of the
formation proposed by Captain James?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “Yes, sir. It seems to me that here is one instance
where the patrol commander should actually lead the patrol himself. He
knows the route that is to be taken and no other member of the patrol
knows it. He is the man that knows the recognition signals with the
outguard commanders. I think there is every reason why he should
physically lead the patrol.”
_The Director_: “I think so, too, and feel that Captain James will when
he considers the situation. Now then, this new disposition will change
the orders somewhat. Lieutenant Baker how would you state the orders
now?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would say:
“‘I will lead. Manley, you follow me at a distance of about 8 yards.
Harrison, follow Manley at a distance of about 10 yards; Kline will
follow Harrison at a distance of about 10 yards.
“‘Keep the man ahead of you in sight at all times.
“‘Manley, you will be second in command.
“‘Follow me.’”
_The Director_: “I think this order will get our patrol under way in the
proper formation. I hope you see and understand the necessity for going
into the minute details of these situations. Herein lies one of the
greatest values of the Terrain Exercise. It not only teaches the student
of Minor Tactics the principles, but affords practice in giving the
orders to meet the various situations and fixes all indelibly on the
mind. When you conduct a Terrain Exercise yourself you cannot be too
particular about going into the details of every situation.”
* * * * *
=Visiting Patrol= =Card No. 2=
=Director’s Key=
1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 2. Each member of class
is now Corporal Canes. Explain why this Terrain Exercise is
given to officers.
2. Orders for squad. Failure to use five paragraph order. Information
of enemy and own troops. Plan of commander. Tactical
dispositions and order for each element; detail each patrol,
time of going out, supernumerary, equipment—only rifle and belt
of ammunition, no bayonets, canteen, messages.