The Problem
Situation No. 6:
Halley returns to the patrol. He reports that he sent the message to Lieutenant A, and that it was acknowledged. He received the following message from Lieutenant A for Sergeant Wilkins:
“Advance guard meets strong opposition on main road—Cavalry. Main body halted. Flank guard halts abreast of head of main body. Your patrol will cover cross-road. Corporal Vincent being sent to you with his squad.”
Required:
What do you, Sergeant Wilkins, do?
Procedure
The Director distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 6 to the class and makes such explanation as may be necessary.
Solution
The Director: “What action would you now take, Lieutenant Wallace?”
Lieutenant Wallace: “In the first place, I would not want Corporal Vincent’s squad to come out here on this road. I have been thinking for some little time about the fact that there are no troops back at the cross-roads where we turned off from the flank guard. The enemy finding his efforts blocked on the roads leading toward our main body will find that opening sooner or later. I would want Corporal Vincent to take up a position near the cross-road and cover the approaches from the —— (direction). I would send Halley back to the cross-roads with a message to Corporal Vincent to that effect.”
The Director: “I think that is a proper move on your part. The cross-road certainly needs to be covered. We will assume that Halley has left with your message to Corporal Vincent. Would you take any other action at the time?”
Lieutenant Wallace: “Yes, sir. The men would know that Halley has come back with some information. I would give the information to the men in order that they may know. I would tell them of Corporal Vincent’s squad coming back to reinforce us and inform them of what I intend to do with it.”
The Director: “I think you are right in giving this information to your men. They can go about their task more intelligently. Would you go back to the cross-road to inspect Corporal Vincent’s position after he had made his disposition, Lieutenant Ralston?”
Lieutenant Ralston: “The flank guard commander has charged me with the defense of the cross-road. He has given me Corporal Jenkins’ and Corporal Vincent’s squads for the purpose. It is just as important that I know from personal observation what arrangements are made for the defense of the main road as it is on this flank. I would turn over the defense of this position to Corporal Jenkins and then go back and inspect Corporal Vincent’s dispositions.”
The Director: “I think you are right. Are there any questions by any member of the class?” (The Director will answer any questions that may be brought up.)
Flank Guard Card No. 6
Director’s Key
1. Distribute sheets containing Situation No. 6. Read and explain.
2. Decision with respect to Corporal Vincent’s squad. Cover the cross-road.
3. Message to Corporal Vincent.
4. New information received from flank guard commander given to men.
5. Inspection of Corporal Vincent’s position.
Procedure
The class is now conducted back to the cross-road where Situation No. 7 is distributed by the Director.