The members of the class are assembled at (_d_), where the outpost
support is located.
The Director will distribute copies of the problem to members of the
class. A few minutes are allowed them to read it. The Director then
reads the problem aloud and points out the places mentioned. One or more
of the members of the class are called upon to state their understanding
of the situation.
_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to consider
himself as being Lieutenant A, commanding the outguard located at this
point. Mr. —— has just given you the information as stated in the
situation. What are you going to do about it? Lieutenant Williams, just
what would you do?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “I would send out a patrol.”
_The Director_: “How do you arrive at this decision so quickly?”
_Lieutenant Williams_: “Well, sir, I think that would be the thing to
do. I have gotten some important information about the enemy. Details
are lacking. I would want to know more about how many troops he has,
what kind of troops they are and what he is doing. I can see no better
way to get this information than by sending out a patrol to secure it
for me.”
_The Director_: “Captain Hastings, what do you think about that?”
_Captain Hastings_: “There is always a question in a case like this as
to whether a pair of scouts should be employed or whether a patrol is to
be sent out. I should size up the situation a few minutes. Examine my
map, if I had one, and then decide what measures I would take. Another
point that presents itself to me is the question as to whether I should
send out the men from this support or whether it would be better to send
the information back to the outpost commander and let him decide what is
to be done.”
_The Director_: “Patrolling is usually conducted from the supports. I
think you would be justified in taking the initiative in this case. At
all events, let us assume that you would.”
_Captain Hastings_: “Can the Director give us some information on the
question of the employment of scouts or patrols.”
_The Director_: “There are no hard and fast rules that may be invoked in
arriving at such a decision, but there are certain principles that may
be applied, and when reconnaissance enterprises are to be undertaken the
condition should be examined closely. The scout or pair of scouts would,
as a rule, be preferred when concealment is highly essential, and
usually when concealment, though not essential, is possible throughout
the reconnaissance, or when the enemy habitually conducts his
reconnaissance with strong patrols and scouts have a better chance of
eluding him.
“In the following cases a patrol should be employed: When information
has to be sent in at intervals; when it is desired to capture prisoners;
when concealment is deemed impossible; when the reconnaissance is to be
extended over such a period of time that relief of scouts will be
necessary; when an urgent mission has been assigned and it is necessary
to push through the enemy’s covering troops.
“In some cases it may be advisable to employ a patrol for the first part
of the reconnaissance and at a certain point break up into scouting
parties of a single scout or pair of scouts.
“If possible, the individual preferences of the most efficient scouts
should be considered. Some men lose self-confidence if attached to a
patrol and are limited in their actions by the direction of the patrol
leader; others dislike the responsibility of uncontrolled action.
“These are only general rules and cannot be followed blindly. The
circumstances of each occasion must be taken into consideration in
arriving at a decision.
“Now, considering the points I have stated, would you employ scouts or a
patrol in the case under consideration, Captain Hastings?”
_Captain Hastings_: “I think a small patrol would be more suitable.
There will probably be messages to send back and the patrol may have to
remain out for a considerable length of time. I believe a patrol would
be more suitable than individual scouts.”
_The Director_: “Let us then decide that we are to send out a
reconnoitering patrol to secure the information we desire.
“Before going further with the problem, I want to say a few words about
the patrol.”