The Problem

General Situation:

The (a) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue force is concentrating at (b). Red troops have been reported in the direction of (c).

Special Situation—Blue:

A Blue detachment consisting of one regiment of Infantry has been sent out toward the border as a covering force. It is disposed as follows:

The regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) on the (d) road; 2nd Battalion on the (e) road; 3rd Battalion on the (f) road.

The 2nd Battalion marching on the (e) road, with Company E as advance guard, has reached (g), where the battalion commander decides to halt for the night. It is now 3 o’clock p. m. The column has halted, and the company commanders have assembled at this point.

The battalion commander issues verbal orders as follows:

“Small detachments of the enemy have been reported at (h) and (i). Our 3rd Battalion is halted for the night at (k); our regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) is halted for the night at (l).

“This battalion halts for the night at (m). March conditions cease.

“The advance guard will furnish the outpost along the line (n).

“The remainder of the battalion will bivouac, Company F at (o); Company G at (o); Company H at (o); Headquarters Company at (o). In case of attack the outpost will be supported.

“The field trains will join the troops.

“Messages to (p).”

(Note.—Company E is organized in accordance with T. O. 28-W. See Appendix 1.)

Explanation of Letter Symbols

(a) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of a ridge, etc. In this problem it may be assumed that the halt of the battalion for the night is made just within the boundary or across the boundary in enemy territory. The choice will depend upon the location of suitable ground for the outpost with a view to bringing out the elements involved in the posting of the outpost.

(b) A point within friendly territory. Should be a march or two from the boundary.

(d), (e), (f) Detachments are sent out to cover the concentration of troops when the concentration is made at a point where there is danger that the enemy may attempt to interfere with it. Such detachments proceed toward the border on the main routes by which the enemy must advance. (d) Would be the next main road to the left of the road (e) on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing; (f) would be the next main road to the right of the road on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing. This places the 2nd Battalion in the center of the formation.

(g) A point in the vicinity of the place where the Terrain Exercise is to be conducted.

(h) and (i) The places where the enemy troops are reported to be. They should be several miles away from (g), where the battalion is to halt for the night.

(k) The place where the 3rd Battalion halts for the night.

(l) The place where the regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) halts for the night. The three places where the battalions halt should form a general line covering the place where the Blue forces are concentrating.

(m) The place where our battalion bivouacs for the night.

(n) Indicate the general line that the outpost is to occupy. If it is impossible to do this it may be stated as follows: “Covering the approaches from the (south, north, etc.).”

(o) Designates the locality where each of the companies of the battalion is to bivouac for the night. The companies should be separated, and there should be cover from aerial observation if practicable.

(p) The headquarters of the battalion.