The Problem
Situation No. 3:
As the column approached this cross-road the platoon commander calls you, Sergeant Wilkins, to him. As you march along he gives you the following verbal orders:
“We have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column marching on the (a)-(b) road.
“You will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the (direction) to cover the passage of the main body. Remain out about 35 minutes. Catch up with the flank guard when you can.
“Messages to head of support.”
The sixth squad, marching in column of files has arrived at this point with Corporal Jenkins at the head.
Required:
What action do you take?
Procedure
The Director distributes the sheets bearing the problem to the members of the class, and makes such explanations as may be necessary.
Explanation
The Director: “It is realized that it is probable that no member of this class will ever be called upon to actually conduct the operation of a small patrol such as we have here. It is, however, necessary for you to have a knowledge of just what is likely to happen to any patrol that you may have occasion to send out from a covering detachment of which you may be in command. It shows you the problem that may be put up to non-commissioned officers for solution and indicates in a most practical manner the necessity for their training and instruction.”
Solution
The Director: “Lieutenant Barry, let us assume that you are Sergeant Wilkins. Just what would you do on receipt of the platoon commander’s order?”
Lieutenant Barry: “I would step aside and as the sixth squad comes up I join it, marching abreast of the squad leader. As we get to the cross road I look at my watch to get the time. When the head of the squad reaches the cross-road I command:
“‘Sixth squad, FOLLOW ME.’
“I conduct the squad down the cross-road for a few yards and then command:
“‘1. Squad. 2. Halt.’”
The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, we have the squad halted near the cross-road here where Lieutenant Barry has conducted it. Let us assume you have sized up the situation and are ready to issue your verbal orders to the squad. Just what would you say? I want you to give the exact words.”
Lieutenant Hunt: “I would say:
“‘We have seen or heard nothing of the enemy. Our main column continues the march on the (a)-(b) road.
“‘Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and the main body.
“‘This squad will cover this road until the main body has passed the cross-road to the —— (direction).
“‘Renolds will march on the right-hand side of the road. Shane will follow at a distance of 20 yards and march on the left-hand side of the road.
“‘The rest of the squad except Halley, follow me.
“‘Halley will follow at a distance of 50 yards as get-away man.
“‘Signals to me.
“‘MOVE OUT.’”
The Director: “Are there any comments on the order as given by Lieutenant Hunt?”
Lieutenant Williams: “It seems to me that it would be well to follow the Lieutenant’s order and tell the men how long we are going to stay out.”
The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt will you please answer that comment?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “I do not calculate that it makes any difference to the men of the squad. They should be told what they are going out for so that they may know the purpose of the patrol. But as for their having any information as to how long they are to stay out, I do not think it has a place in the order. That part of the order was only for Sergeant Wilkins.”
The Director: “I think you are right. The Lieutenant made a mental calculation of the time that it would take the main body to pass the danger point and specified that 35 minutes as the time the patrol should stay out. I do not think that is any concern of the men. Sergeant Wilkins might well tell it to Corporal Jenkins so if anything should happen to him he would know the orders. Any further comment?”
Lieutenant Williams: “Does the Director think that it would be proper to halt the squad to give them the orders?”
The Director: “Yes, I think that was the proper procedure. It is highly important that every man of the squad know what they are going out for. Time is not a specially important factor just now. Then, too, the squad must be gotten into patrol formation. I think time is saved by taking a minute or two to issue the orders and make sure that every man understands the mission. The men can then go about the work so much more intelligently.”
Flank Guard Card No. 3
Director’s Key
1. Distribute Situation No. 3. Read and explain.
2. Explain that no member of class will be called upon to lead a patrol of this kind, but they must know what happens when they send one out. Necessity for training of non-commissioned officers.
3. Action of Sergeant Wilkins. Get squad out of column and halt it.
4. Orders to patrol: Information of enemy and own supporting troops; plan of commander; tactical dispositions; signals.
5. Comment: How long to stay out; halting patrol for orders.
Procedure
The class is now conducted along the road on which the patrol is operating to the point selected for the next situation, where it is halted. The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 4 and makes such explanation as may be necessary.
(Note.—The terrain selected for this and the following situations should be carefully selected for the purpose of bringing out the tactical features included in the solutions. In framing up the problem and fitting it to the ground the Director will do well to first select the terrain on which Situation No. 4 is to be carried out and then construct the problem back from this point.)