Conferences.

(Time—2 hours each day in afternoon.)

1. Know your subject and be thoroughly prepared.

2. Have an outline to refer to, showing main points you wish to cover.

3. Do not allow a man to give an entire chapter in reply to a question. Make your questions short and specific—and require answers to be the same.

4. Get every man on his feet at least once every day.

5. Have a laugh every little while—keep the men awake.

6. Vary your system of calling on men so that no one will know when he is likely to be called on.

7. Avoid reading to the men.

8. Require men to put things on the blackboard when possible.

9. In case of a conference for which no time has been given for preparation, use all possible schemes to get the points home without having either a lecture or a study period. Allot—a definite time and require definite results—e.g., allow 10 minutes for a rough map showing the placing of a picket—15 minutes for an outline of a certain chapter, etc.

10. Never forget that there are 2 sides to every conference—what you plan to give and what you plan to get. You must test the men to see how well they know the work but you must also make sure that every man knows it when he goes out even if he didn't when he came in.

Study.

The study period usually comes after a full day in the open, and the warm air and artificial light soon make the most ardent soldier doze off into cat-naps. Something must be done to counteract these influences and keep the men on the job. The terror of the next day's conference will not do it, as that time seems safely distant, with all night ahead.

Assign the men three to five questions on the work to be studied, which will be asked in conference and which require a pretty general knowledge of the subject. Every man will then have a definite objective and a certain minimum of attainment for the evening. Or reverse the process and let each of the class write several questions about what they have studied. The following day let these questions, with the names of the men who asked them, be read before the class and answered. The effect of reading the name of the writer is to insure careful preparation of the question and study of the subject. A good question can hardly be asked without a basis of knowledge, and a foolish question condemns its author.

Another plan is to let the men, whenever possible, instruct the class. Announce that any man may be called upon to take charge, and the uncertainty will keep everyone studying. This plan will also give the men valuable practice in teaching others. Their periods of instruction, of course, must be limited, and unsatisfactory parts of their work reviewed before the conference is dismissed.

Another way to stimulate study is to have a short discussion, talk or quiz just before the close of the study hour, when the men, if left to themselves, will incline to look at their watches more often than at their books. A brief explanation of the work assigned, with emphasis upon a few especially important points, makes good use of this closing time, especially when the men are required to write down the points emphasized.

Syllabus: Small Problems for Infantry.

(References, f.s.r., p. 26-30, 33-39.)

First Problem: Advance Guard and Point:

  1. Definition and Function.—Small patrol sent ahead from advance party for disclosing enemy's position and strength, in time for larger bodies to make suitable defensive and offensive dispositions. Function primarily warning; but to give specific information, it may have to fight and thus feel enemy out.
  2. Principles:
    1. Formed zig-zag; distance from advance party =?
    2. Controlled by leader of advance party.
    3. Speed must be great enough not to impede the main column. Must not halt at first sign of enemy, nor go off on a flank.
    4. Interest and co-operation of inferiors, by adequate explanation of situation and of individual duties ("repeats").
    5. Rules for estimating numerical strength of the moving body of troops (cf., f.s.r., sec. 27).
    6. Point as a "march outpost" (=?) when the column is halted. Only then may the A.G. point make any lateral arrangement of its members (cf. 3 above).

Second Problem: Advance Guard Connecting File, cf., f.s.r., reference above:

  1. Definition and Function.—Two men (usually) for liaison en route where elements too widely separated or roads too curved and wooded. Distance 200 to 5 yards apart.
  2. Principles:
    1. Constant touch with elements before and behind.
    2. Relay both ways messages sent to or from remoter parts of the column. Speed and accuracy of signaling.
    3. Guide to be forward in daytime, at night on the main body.

Third Problem: Advance Guard Flank Patrol, pp. 31-32:

  1. Definition and Function.—For protecting a marching column from attack, by warning it on the basis of information gained in reconnaissance. Interval between men depends on circumstances.
  2. Principles:
    1. Start from near head of the column, i.e., from smallest element in the advance guard that can afford to cut down its numbers.
    2. Speed rather than safety, to keep abreast of own column and to force the enemy to disclose himself by firing on F.P. rather than on main body.
    3. Sent to investigate suspicious areas, e.g. in woods, behind houses.
    4. Action in case of firing on main body; advance and counterfire, deployed.
    5. Get-away man in rear of column.
    6. Stick to the job: no wandering or chasing of enemy beyond range of column. Job is to warn and protect against flank attack.

Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party:

  1. Definition and Function:
    Body of infantry, amounting to 1/8 to 1/2; the Support (depending on the number of cavalry ahead) cf., f.s.r., p. 28.
    Duty.—To back up the point and the advance cavalry (if any) if fired upon; remove enemy bodies and other obstacles.
  2. Principles:
    1. Describe general mission to inferiors.
    2. Explain individual duties to inferiors.
    3. Send out point and connecting files.
    4. Form in platoon; zig-zag.
    5. Keep going; prosecute engagements briskly, not to delay main column.
    6. Procedure under fire: deploys and drops, when fired upon; looks for enemy's direction and assigns target and range. Advance under cover if any, when fire light; when heavy seek to divert fire to you away from main body of advance guard to facilitate latter's disposition for advance to your support.
      Seek to drive off a weaker enemy, and to hold off a stronger.
    7. Speedy decisions. Value of imaginary situations, while on the march; and planning your commands.

Fifth Problem: Combat Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function.—Contrasted with covering detachment, which is large enough to offer considerable resistance, the combat patrol is primarily to Warn, especially against flank attacks. Size varies widely because of looseness in definition, e.g., 100 men might be covering detachment for a regiment, but a combat patrol for a brigade.
  2. Principles:
    1. Comparison of thin line versus thin column, regarding: (a) vulnerability, (b) fatigue, (c) tactical advantage, when engagement materializes, (e) control of movement and of fire.
    2. Agent between advance and main body.
    3. Attack any enemy of reasonable size that attacks main body.
    4. Corn as concealment versus corn as obstruction to sight.
    5. Vulnerability of charging cavalry.
    6. Lieutenant as tactical chief, sergeant as disciplinarian, in a platoon; except when?
    7. Messages concise, not ambiguous, written versus oral? Repeats.
    8. Limitations of use of map. Vegetation changes; errors in contouring.

Sixth Problem and Seventh Problem: Two Pickets:

  1. Definition and Function.—Outpost contrasted with advance guard in that former is stationed around a camp or bivouac, while latter precedes a marching column. To check enemy attempting to attack main body, and hold him till larger force is able to deploy. Consists of outpost reserve, outpost line of supports, line of outguards (pickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts), plus sentinels, patrols, etc.
    Picket ordinarily merely warns of an attack, but may offer resistance.
  2. Principles:
    1. Smooth posting of outpost very desirable; influence of delay on spirits of men, after day's march.
    2. Outpost support sends out pickets.
    3. Picket sends out sentry squads, cossack posts, sentinels, etc.
    4. Provisional dispositions by leaders of outguard elements; importance of good sketch; intrenchments?
    5. Confirmation and alteration by higher officers; especially changes at night regarding layout and manning. Fire ineffective at night except at short ranges.
    6. 6. Roster = ?
    7. Instructions regarding enemy's position and strength, and the friendly outguards to right and left.
    8. Mode of numbering elements (from right to right). Arrangement for smooth withdrawal of each element upon stronger one.
    9. Disposition of strangers; use for information.
    10. Need of explicit arrangements in case of attack in day or night.
    11. Sleep near arms.

Eighth Problem—Cossack Post and Sentry Squad:

  1. Definition and Function:
    1. Cossack Post: 4 men in charge of a corporal (usually) primarily to observe and warn; secondarily to keep concealed, and intercept strangers who might be useful to enemy or to us.
    2. Sentry Squad: 8 men in charge of a corporal. Duties similar but strength is greater. Posts double sentinel.
    3. Post important enough for a cossack post is often doubled into a sentry squad at night.
  2. Principles:
    1. Opportunity to "pick off" enemies ought to be ignored until position of c.p. or s.s. or of its supporting body has unquestionably been learned by enemy. Then fire away.
    2. Stop enemy's patrolling. Is as important as to force your own observation.
    3. Advantages of s.s. over c.p. for night work: (a) strength, (b) sureness, (c) adequacy of observation before firing alarm.
    4. Use of prisoners, and papers on dead bodies.
    5. Value of imagining yourself in position of enemy commander in deciding what enemy dispositions you will combat him with.

Ninth Problem: Reconnoitering Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function.—Gather information in the field. No resistance unless compelled. Concealment and flight rather than resistance by fire: opposite of "covering detachment."
  2. Principles.
    1. Judgment in deciding what equipment is appropriate to the particular patrol.
    2. Sketch copies; contours as guides for concealed route.
    3. Fight only in self defence.
    4. How to question hidden sentinel without disclosing his position to enemy.
    5. Judicious choice of cover in approaching destination.
    6. Dating and placing of messages.
    7. Rate of passage of troops: "Rule of 2-2-2."

Tenth Problem—Visiting Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function:
    Two men or more sent from supports and pickets liaison between adjoining outguards. More useful at night, because of reduced visibility of terrain between outguards.
    1. Inform the sending body of conditions at sentinel posts.
    2. Prevent enemy from penetrating lines between posts.
    3. Exchange information between adjoining posts.
    4. Take back captured strangers to commander.
    5. Reenforce feeling of mutual support among the isolated sentinels.
  2. B. Principles.
    1. Keen sight and hearing; silence.
    2. Need of signals. Both countersign and check—countersign.
    3. Equipment; nothing that rattles or glistens.
    4. Disposition: leader in front, because of need for quick decision.
    5. Distance not over two miles even in most open country.
    6. Danger of startling a friend sentinel by unwarned approach.

Eleventh Problem—Detached Post:

  1. Definition and Function.—Posted where connection cannot be easily maintained with other elements of outpost. Sent usually by outpost reserve or by main body, and retires to them, rather than to the line of supports. Function same as element of outpost proper,—observation, resistance, reconnaissance; but less resistance than warning. May be as small as 2 men, or as large as a support, depending on location and importance of detached position.
  2. Principles.
    1. Established under precautions, because of danger of enemy breaking between the main body and the detached post.
    2. Entrenchment: what time of day? What other circumstances? Treatment of bridges? Night?
    3. Requisitioning order: Need of payment; for justice, for military advantage later (reassure farmers through whose territory you will need to pass and keep supplied).

Twelfth Problem—Requisitioning Detachment or Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function.—A patrol may have any mission: here it is sent to take (on payment) the provender designated. A.r.d. sent by commander with specific instructions, is legal; a raid for booty illegal. (See f.s.r., sec, 290.)
  2. Principles.
    1. Preparation essential.
    2. Sending of men singly or in pairs across open spaces.
    3. Deliberate start on wrong road to deceive enemy scouts.
    4. Not to fire unless obliged,—until return trip.

Thirteenth Problem—A Contact Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function.—A small patrol sent out from a stationary body of troops, usually at night, to find out whether enemy is starting a retreat. (Compact formation in column.)
  2. Principles.
    1. Travel light, but prepare to spend some time lying still.
    2. Route rear and parallel to a road, but not on it.
    3. Do not attack enemy patrols unless necessary.
    4. Get through enemy line of observation and watch support or larger body.
    5. Return together when you have definite information. Do not send single messengers.

Fourteenth Problem.—A Small Outguard:

The principles used in 14 are same as those listed under 1-13; and should be clinched by assigning yourself the problem of completely arranging an outpost for a brigade to be encamped or bivouacked at some assigned position on the Hunter's Town sheet. Exchange solutions, for mutual criticism.

Examinations.

The following examinations, given at the second Plattsburg Training Camp, will enable students of military matters to form some idea as to where they stand in their grasp of the subject:

Plattsburg Training Camp:

  1. Explain the "Position of the Soldier." (Par. 51, i.d.r.)
  2. Being at parade rest, explain position of right foot. (Par. 53, i.d.r.)
  3. Explain the "Hand Salute." (Par. 58, i.d.r.)
  4. (1) Give length of full step (a) in quick time, (b) in double time.
    (2) How is the full step measured? (Par. 60, i.d.r.)
  5. Explain "Halt" from quick time. (Par. 70, i.d.r.)
  6. Explain position of butt of rifle at "Order Arms" standing. (Par. 77, i.d.r.)
  7. Explain position of left forearm at present arms. (Par. 78, i.d.r.)
  8. At parade rest under arms (rifle), explain position of left hand. (Par. 90, i.d.r.)
  9. The squad being in line explain "Squad Right." (Par. 119, i.d.r.)
  10. The company in line, give commands and explain "To dismiss the company." (Par. 174, i.d.r.)
  1. Being in any formation assembled, give commands and explain movements for deploying the squad as skirmishers. (Par. 124, i.d.r.)
  2. When deployed as skirmishers (a) How do the men march? (b) How are the pieces carried? (c) Who is the guide? (d) What is the normal interval between skirmishers? (e) What is the length of the front of the squad when deployed at normal intervals? (Par. 124, i.d.r.)
  3. In what formations are the loadings executed? (Par. 133, i.d.r.)
  4. At the preparatory command for forming skirmish line, what does each squad leader do? (Par. 200, i.d.r.)
  5. In what direction does a deployed line face on halting? (Par. 203.)
  6. Being in skirmish line, explain the movement "Platoon columns." March. (Par. 213, i.d.r.)
  7. What is the purpose of the advance in a succession of thin lines? (Par. 219, i.d.r.)
  8. Name three classes of fire. Which class is normally employed in action? (Par. 241-2-3, i.d.r.)
  9. Why is it necessary to have proper distribution of fire? (Par. 246, i.d.r.)
  10. Explain briefly the functions of platoon leaders, platoon guides and squad leaders in the fire fight. (Par. 252, i.d.r.)
  1. Explain the position of parade rest (without arms). (Par. 53, i.d.r.)
  2. Being in the position of the soldier, explain the position of the heels, feet and knees. (Par. 51, i.d.r.)
  3. Give the commands for and explain the execution of "Right Face."
  4. Being at a halt, give the commands for moving forward in quick time and explain the execution thereof. (Par. 62, i.d.r.)
  5. (a) Being in march in quick time, give the commands necessary to march in double time and explain the execution thereof, (Par. 63, i.d.r.)
    (b) What is the length of step and the rate of steps per minute in double time? (Par. 60, i.d.r.)
  6. At "Right Shoulder Arms":
    (a) Explain the position of the trigger guard. (Par. 83, i.d.r.)
    (b) What is the position of the barrel? (Par. 88, i.d.r.)
  7. In the rifle salute (right shoulder arms), describe the position of the:
    (a) Left forearm on first count, (Par. 93, i.d.r.)
    (b) Left hand on first count. (Par. 93, i.d.r.)
  8. Explain the position of the left forearm on the second count of right shoulder arms from order arms. (Par. 83, i.d.r.)
  9. The squad being in line explain "Squad right about." (Par. 121, i.d.r.)
  10. Explain the execution of "Right by Squads," 2 March. (Par. 183, i.d.r.)
  1. What are the two general classes of military information? (Par. 9, f.s.r.)
  2. What do you understand by the term "reconnaissance?" (Par. 11, f.s.r.)
  3. (a) Name the various kinds of patrols. (Note to Par. 23, f.s.r.)
    (b) What are the advantages of small patrols over strong patrols? (Par. 24, f.s.r.)
  4. What governs the formation adopted by the patrol? (Par. 26, f.s.r.)
  5. What is a field message? (Par. 32, f.s.r.)
  6. (a) What is the function of an advance guard? (Par. 40, f.s.r.)
    (b) What of a flank guard? (Par. 53, f.s.r.)
  7. (a) What is an outpost? (Par. 60, f.s.r.)
    (b) How are the outguards classified? (Par. 64, f.s.r.)
  8. Define a successful march. (Par. 96, f.s.r.)
  9. What rules govern the halts of a column of troops on the march? (Par. 102, f.s.r.)
  10. (a) From a certain point off the road you observe a column of troops marching on the road. You can distinguish that these troops are infantry in column of squads. It requires 20 minutes for them to pass a given point. How much infantry is in the column? (Par. 27, f.s.r.)
    (b) The day is still, no wind blowing, further to the rear you can see a broken cloud of dust extending in prolongation of the road but cannot see the cause. What does this indicate? (Par. 27, f.s.r.)

Harvard College. School of the Soldier:

  1. Define depth, distance, interval, front, base, point of rest, deployment, pace. (i.d.r. definitions.)
  2. (a) What is the guide of the leading subdivision, in column of subdivisions, charged with? (Par. 20, i.d.r.)
    (b) What is the guide of the subdivisions in rear charged with? (Par. 20, i.d.r.)
  3. What are orders, commands and signals. (Par. 31, 37, i.d.r.)
  4. Describe position of the soldier or attention (without arms.) (i.d.r. 51.)
  5. What are the rests? Describe each. (Par. 52, i.d.r.)
  6. Describe about face. (Par. 57, i.d.r.)
  7. (a) Being at a halt, or marching in quick time, to march in double time. Describe commands and how executed. (Par. 63, i.d.r.)
    (b) Marching in double time, to resume quick time. Describe commands and how executed. (Par. 64, i.d.r.)
  8. What are the rules that govern the carrying of the piece? (Par. 75, i.d.r.)
  9. What general rules govern the execution of the manual of arms? (Par. 76, i.d.r.)
  10. Give the rate per minute and length of the half step and full step in quick and double time. (Par. 60, i.d.r.)
  11. What are the arm signals for: Column left, march; halt; as skirmishers, march; assemble, march; suspend firing; range, 250 yards; fix bayonets. (Par. 43, i.d.r.)
  12. Explain the execution of the command "Right Dress." (Par. 107, i.d.r.)

School of the Squad:

  1. To suspend firing: Give the commands and describe execution. Same, to cease firing. (Par. 149-150, i.d.r.)
  2. Describe in detail the execution of "Squads Right." (Par. 119, i.d.r.)
  3. Give the commands and explain execution for taking intervals. How does it differ from taking distances? (Pars. 109, 110, 111, 112, i.d.r.)
  4. Describe in detail "Right oblique, March." (Par. 116, i.d.r.)
  5. Explain the use of "In place, Halt." (Par. 14, i.d.r.)
  6. When can the following commands be used: Resume March. (Par. 14, i.d.r.) Oblique March. (Par. 117, i.d.r.) By the right flank, March. (Par. 71, i.d.r.) Take Arms. (Par. 114, i.d.r.)
  7. Describe by what commands and in what manner a squad is formed.
  8. (a) Being in line, give the commands and describe the movements for turning on a moving pivot.
    (b) Being in line, give the commands and describe the movements for turning on a fixed pivot.
  9. Being in any formation, assembled, give the commands and describe the movements for deploying as skirmishers.

School of the Company:

  1. Give the proper commands for the following movements:
    (a) Company being in line, to march to the front in column of squads. (Par. 183, i.d.r.)
    (b) Company being in line, to form column of squads to the flank. (Par. 178, i.d.r.)
    (c) Company being in line, to form skirmish line. (Par. 206, 200, 202, i.d.r.)
    (d) Company being in column of squads, to form line to the right so the leading squad shall be on the right of the line. (Par. 188, i.d.r.)
  2. Being in line, to align the company. Give the commands and explain the movement. (Pars. 175, 107, i.d.r.)
  3. The company having gone from line into column of squads by the command: "Squads right, March," state the position of the captain, two lieutenants and right and left guides. (Pars. 163, 168 and Plate II, i.d.r.)
  4. Show by diagram: (a) A company of two platoons in column of platoons, (b) A company of three platoons in line of platoons. (Plate II, i.d.r.)
  5. What commands are given to form the company?
  6. (a) Who is the pivot in executing "Company Left?"
    (b) Who is the pivot in executing "Left Turn?"

Military Science and Tactics.

Minor Tactics.

Map: Gettysburg—Antietam (Hunterstown Sheet).

First Problem: An Advance Party—Situation I:

Your battalion and the machine gun company occupy Center Mills, in enemy's country. The remainder of the Harvard Regiment is encamped two miles north of Center Mills. The Battalion has an outguard at J. Fohl, 1150 yards southeast of Center Mills. It is mid-winter; there is no snow, but the streams are frozen.

At 6.45 a.m., 1 Feb., 17, your battalion and the machine gun company are hurriedly assembled, pieces are loaded, and the column, your company in the lead, is marched out of town, over the southeast road. Your captain calls the officers and non-commissioned officers to the head of the company and gives the following verbal order:

A Blue force, estimated at one battalion with machine guns, is marching north from Granite Hill Sta. Blue patrols have been reported in vicinity of Henderson meeting house (700 yards north of Hunterstown). There are no Red troops south of here. Our battalion and the machine gun company are going to take up a position on the 712-707 hills, which flank this road, about 3 miles south of here. This company will be the advance guard. The main body, which is the rest of our column, follows at 600 yards. Lieutenant Allen, your platoon (1st) and the second platoon will constitute the Advance Party. The third and fourth platoons will form the Support, and will follow the advance party at 300 yards. Here is a map for you. Follow this road (pointing and indicating on map) through J. Fohl—554-534—Bridge S.H., to crossroads 666, where you will halt and establish a March Outpost. I will be with the support. When we reach the outguard at J. Fohl the column will halt and the advance guard will move out. Posts.

The column halts at the outguard. You are Lieutenant Allen.

Required:

Your instructions, and dispositions in detail.

Situation II:

The advance party has just cleared roadfork 534 when it is fired upon from the woods along the stream about 500 yards southeast. There are probably 20 rifles firing upon you. The enemy's fire is well-directed. The point has crossed the first bridge, 300 yards south of 534. The support has halted; but is not under fire.

Required:

Your instructions and dispositions.

Second Problem: An Advance Guard Point—Situation I:

The situation is the same as in the First Problem.

You are the commander of the point.

Required:

Your instructions and dispositions as the point clears the outguard.

Required:

The point has just crossed the first bridge 300 yards southeast of 534, when you hear firing and observe that the advance party is being fired upon from the woods directly east of you. A few moments later you note a few dismounted men crossing the island about 400 yards to the east. The firing has ceased.

Required:

Your instructions and dispositions.

Situation III:

The advance guard has resumed its march. When the point reaches Bridge S.H., it is fired upon from the woods 400 yards to the east. About ten cavalrymen are hurriedly mounting, others are already riding into the woods.

Required:

Your instructions and dispositions.

Third Problem: An Advance Guard Flank Patrol—

Situation:

The situation is the same as in the First Problem, and follows Situation III, Second Problem.

When the advance party is two hundred yards from the roadfork where unimproved road leads northeast, about 600 yards southeast of Bridge S.H., Lieutenant Allen gives the following instructions to Corporal Adams, 3d Squad:

Corporal, about fifteen Blue cavalry have been driven back through those woods (pointing out woods to east). When we reach the roadfork in front of us take your squad and comb the woods until you reach southern edge. From there go east until you observe the crossroads (616) which are about 1200 yards beyond. Return over first improved road running southwest to the crossroads (666) about 1-½ miles south of here and just under the hilltop, where you will rejoin advance party.

You are Corporal Adams.

Required:

Your instructions, dispositions, and route of the patrol.

Map Reading. Visibility Problems.

Map: Gettysburg—Antietam (Hunterstown Sheet).

Note.—Observation points 707 and 712 are the hills referred to in the First Problem under Minor Tactics.

Where one point is invisible from another, state points of interference.

Problem 1. Can a sentinel standing at 707 see the roadfork 535 (about 1500 yards south)?

Problem 2. An enemy patrol is marching north on the 544-616 road, and has crossed the stream (750 yards north of 544). Can this patrol see the Red outguard at 707 from any point between stream and crossroads 616?

Problem 3. Can the sentinel at 712 see the roadfork 581 (1850 yards southwest from 712)?

Problem 4. Can the sentinel at 712 see the crossroads 561 (about 1200 yards southeast)?

General Situation—Hunterstown Sheet.

The Harvard Regiment camps the night of May 31-June 1 on Opossum Creek just west of Friends Grove S.H. (A-7) in hostile territory. The regiment is part of a brigade, the remainder of the brigade being in camp one day's march north of Center Mills.

Problem I: An Advance Guard Point:

At daylight of June 1st the regimental commander receives the following message from brigade headquarters: "Our aeroplanes report a large force of the enemy near Hunterstown. Move at once on Hunterstown. Develop the strength of this enemy and locate his exact position. I will send reinforcements to you by motor-train if necessary."

Officers call is sounded, and this information transmitted to all the officers of the regiment. The First Battalion is designated as advance guard and ordered to move out at once by crossroads 554 and 561, and road forks 535 and 552 towards Hunterstown. Major A, commanding the First Battalion, designates the first two platoons of "D" company as advance party and C company and the remainder of D company as support.

Lieut. X, commanding the advance party, calls up all his non-commissioned officers and explains the situation to them. He then says: "Sergeant Mason, take 4 men and move out on that road (pointing) as the point. At crossroads and road forks semaphore W.W. and I will indicate the direction. The remainder of these two platoons will be the advance party. I will be with it. Move out."

You are Sergeant Mason.

(a) What instructions, and information do you give the point before you reach crossroads 554?

After passing crossroads 561 about 300 yards one of your men reports about a squad of hostile cavalry on the road south of road fork 544, 1500 yards east of you.

(b) What do you do?

Problem II: An Advance Guard Connecting File:

Situation as in preceding problem.

After the advance party has moved out about 100 yards, Captain Y, commanding the support, says: "Smith, you take Jones and move out as connecting file." After Smith and Jones have moved about 100 yards, he says: "Donnelly, you take Burke and move out as connecting file." You are Donnelly.

(a) What instructions do you give Burke before reaching crossroads 554?

After passing crossroads 561 you go about 150 yards without seeing the connecting file in rear of you.

(b) What do you do?

Problem III: An Advance Guard Flank Patrol:

Situation as in preceding problem.

On arriving at crossroads 561 Lieut. X commanding the advance party calls up Sergeant Clifford and says: "Sergeant, the point has just reported a squad of hostile cavalry about a mile down this road (pointing toward road fork 544). Take your squad and scout down this road. I will take the next road to the left leading to Hunterstown. Rejoin me on that road."

You are Sergeant Clifford.

(a) What formation do you adopt for your patrol?

Nothing happens until you arrive near road fork 544, when you hear firing from the woods southwest of you. This fire is not directed toward you. There is evidently about a squad firing. You can see no enemy in any direction.

(b) What do you do?

Problem IV: Platoon as an Advance Party:

General situation same as before.

You are Lieut. X commanding the advance party. You have arrived near the small orchard southeast of road fork 535. A sharp fire is suddenly opened from the woods to the southeast, apparently from a squad or small platoon.

(a) Give your orders and dispositions.

After firing about a minute the fire of the enemy stops. You move out into the road and can see no sign of your point or connecting files. The support is closing up on you.

(b) What do you do?

Visibility Problems:

(a) Can a man on hill 712 see a man at crossroads 554 in Hunterstown? (Disregard trees.)

(b) A man stands at the point where contour 680 crosses the road followed in above problem, just south of hill 707. Where does the roadbed first become invisible?

Map: Gettysburg—Antietam (Hunterstown Sheet).

First Problem: A Connecting File—Situation I:

The Harvard Regiment is in camp in hostile country the night May 1-2 in the corn field 1000 yards east of Boyd S.H., just northeast of cross roads 488. The line of outguards extends approximately through Boyd S.H., Hill 527, McElheny.

At 1.00 a.m.; May 1st, the regimental commander receives the following telephone message from brigade headquarters at Gettysburg (just off the map to the south)—An enemy force estimated strength one regiment is in camp 6 miles north of Center Mills. His patrols were seen yesterday by our advance cavalry near Guernsey and Center Mills. It is reliably reported that this force will march by Center Mills and Guernsey on Biglersville to-morrow morning to destroy a large amount of rolling stock at that point. Move at once toward Center Mills to stop and drive back this force.

Officers call is sounded. The situation is explained to the officers and they are told to have their companies ready to move at 2.00 a.m. The 1st battalion is designated as advance guard.

The advance guard is directed to move across the field to road fork 511 thence north by the main road. The first platoon of "A" company is designated as advance party. "B" company and the remainder of "A" company form the support. As the advance party moves out Captain Smith commanding the support, says to Private Long, "Long, you and Williams move out as connecting files. This is a dark night so be careful to keep connection both front and rear." Before Long is out of sight; he says, "Scott, you and Hunt move out as connecting files following Long." You are Scott.

Required:

(a) What instructions do you give Hunt?

(b) What do you do up to the time you reach the main road at 511?

Situation II:

After you have passed road fork in Table Rock about 100 yards you notice that Hunt who has been watching to the rear does not seem to be alert. You look back and can see no sign of the connecting file in rear of you. It is still dark.

Required:

What do you do?

Second Problem: An Advance Guard Point—General Situation same as in Problem I:

Sergeant Hill and four men constitute the point. The situation has been explained to Sergeant Hill by the advance party commander.

About daylight the point arrives at crossroads 600. A sharp fire evidently from about a squad is received from the house on the rise 500 yards north along the road. You are Sergeant Hill.

Required:

What do you do?

Third Problem: An Advance Guard Flank Patrol—Situation I—General Situation same as Problem I:

Up to daylight no flank patrols have been sent out. When the support reaches Table Rock the support commander calls Corporal Bell and says to him "Corporal take your squad as a flank patrol up this road to the right. Take the left hand road at the first two road forks and follow the road past the church and school-house until you reach this road again about 1-½ miles north of here. Report every thing you have seen when you rejoin. Your squad consists of seven men besides yourself."

Required:

(a) The disposition of your squad on the march.

(b) What do you do when you hear the firing near crossroads 600?

Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party—Situation—General Situation same as in the First Problem:

When you arrive at a point about 200 yards south of hill 646 you hear firing 1000 yards north of you. You cannot see who is firing nor can you see the point. You are Lieutenant Clark commanding the advance party.

Required:

What do you do?

Visibility Problems:

(a) When the point arrives at hill 647 can it see the crossroads 610 to the northeast?

(b) When the flank patrol reaches Benders' Church crossroads can it see an enemy patrol at the house midway on the road 534-554 one mile to the northeast?

(c) Looking north along the Center Mills road from hill 647 where does the road first become invisible?

Map: Hunterstown Sheet.

General Situation:

The Harvard regiment encamped on the night of July 12-13 at Biglerville (B-8) in hostile territory. The remainder of the brigade of which the regiment is a part is in camp 5 miles west of Biglerville.

Problem I:

At daylight, July 13, the regimental commander receives the following message from brigade headquarters:

"It is reported that the enemy is in force near Heidlersburg. Move on Heidlersburg at once; locate the position of the enemy, and develop his strength. Reinforcements will be sent you, if necessary."

This information is transmitted to all officers of the regiment. The First Battalion is ordered to move out at once as advance guard on Biglerville-610-582 road toward Heidlersburg. Major Dunn, commanding First Battalion, designates the first two platoons of C Company as advance party, and D Company and the remainder of C Company as support.

Lieut. Gibbs, commanding the advance party, explains the situation to his non-commissioned officers, and then orders:

"Sergeant Dow, take four men and move out on that road (indicating road to Heidlersburg) as point. The remainder of these two platoons will be the advance party and will follow you at 200 yards. I shall be with it. Move out."

You are Sergt. Dow.

How do you place your men, and what information and instructions do you give the point before you pass the orchard east of Biglerville?

Situation 2:

You are still Sergt. Dow.

The point has reached crossroads 582. You are informed by a farmer living at crossroads 582 that about half an hour before there were some soldiers half a mile north of 582 on the road to Center Mills. He says he does not know where they went.

What do you do?

Problem II:

The advance party has arrived at crossroads 582. Information has come to Lieut. Gibbs, both from the point and from the farmer direct, that Red Soldiers have been seen on road to north leading to Center Mills. Lieut. Gibbs on arrival at 582 sends out a squad under Sergt. Jones to patrol north on the Center Mills road half a mile, then east by farm road to corner, then by fence south of house and barn to Opossum Creek and down creek to main road again.

The advance party then proceeds about 300 yards easterly from 582, when the point signals "Enemy in small numbers in creek bottom due north."

  1. What does Lieut. Gibbs and the advance party do?
  2. What does he tell the point to do?
  3. What does the flank patrol under Sergt. Jones do?

Problem III:

Because of the action taken in Problem II the Reds have ceased to menace the left flank of the advance guard:

  1. What does the advance party and its commander do?
  2. What does he tell the point to do?

Another Situation—Problem IV:

Enemy is in the vicinity of Hunterstown. Your brigade has marched south through Guernsey to road fork 610, and has turned east, and is about to camp in grass field north of road 610-582, 1-3 of a mile west of 582. Your battalion is to form the outpost. You are its major.

Where do you post:

  1. The outpost reserve?
  2. The outpost supports?
  3. The outguards?
    (Note: The sector up to and including the road Center Mills—554-534—Bridge S.H. is covered by another brigade to your left.)

Problem V:

On the same general scheme as in Problem IV. You are Sergt. Robinson of Support No. 1. You are ordered by its commander to move out with 3 squads to form a picket, outguard No. 1, putting out observation posts on the road about half a mile south of the support.

  1. State what directions you give to your picket and how you move to your position.
  2. Where do you post the picket and its observation posts?
  3. What orders and instructions do you give on arrival at the place selected?

CHAPTER 15.

[ToC]