_Lieutenant Baker_: “I think that is a point that the patrol commander
should consider. I am not clear in my own mind just what should be done
under the circumstances. I would be pleased to have the Director
enlighten us on the subject.”
_The Director_: “We assume that this is a small enemy reconnoitering
patrol. It would have the same mission as our own patrol. The point to
be considered is whether or not anything in the message you send back
would materially assist in the defense of the outpost line, or whether
it could contain any information of special value to the outpost
commander. Our covering patrols sent out from the supports will keep the
enemy away from the outpost line. They will soon discover that it is
only a small patrol and will drive it off. We have only a few men with
the patrol. If one is sent back with a message at this time it may leave
the patrol leader shorthanded when there is something really important
that must be sent back. The mission of the patrol is to secure
information of the enemy’s main body. That is the information that is of
importance to the support and outpost commander. I do not believe the
patrol commander would be justified in sending back a message at this
time.”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I see the point.”
(Note.—Should any members of the class insist that a message should
be sent back, he may be called upon to compose the message, and it
should be examined to see whether it contains information that is
vital to the defense of the outpost.)
* * * * *
=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 5=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class to point where a view of road to front for several
hundred yards is available.