The Problem
Situation No. 5:
It has been decided to locate double sentinel post No. 1 of outguard No. 2 at this point. You, Corporal V, have arrived here with the members of the first relief.
Required:
The orders and instructions you give your sentinels.
Explanation
The Director: “The sentinels must have imparted to them all information of the enemy and our own troops. With respect to the latter, they must be fully informed of the covering patrols that have been sent out and the location of the adjoining sentinel posts. The location of the main body of the outguard should be pointed out, and, if practicable, the position of adjoining outguards.
“They will be given the number of their own post and the number of the outguard from which they are posted.
“They will be informed as to the points to which the roads and trails lead, and, if practicable, the names of important topographical points in sight.
“They will be given the countersign, if one is used. The method of challenge and identification of persons approaching the outpost sentinels at night should be changed from time to time so that there will be less chance for the enemy to know just what system is being used on a particular night. On one occasion a countersign using the name of a battle or general may be used; on another night the system of tapping the knuckles on the rifle stock may be employed.
“The mistake of giving sentinels too many orders and instructions should be carefully avoided. If their minds are burdened with too many details, they are likely to become hesitating, timid and confused. The controlling idea is that they should know where to look for the enemy and what to do if they see him.”
Solution
The Director: “Captain Hall, having in mind what I have just said, what orders would you give your sentinels?”
Captain Hall: “I would give them the following orders:
“‘You have all the information of the enemy and our own troops.
“‘You are double sentinel post No. 1 of outguard No. 2 of support No. 1. Outguard No. 1 is —— (point out location). Outguard No. 3 is —— (point out location). Information of the exact location of the sentinel posts will be given to you later.
“‘This road leads to ——. That trail leads in the direction of ——. That —— is known as the ——.
(Note—Locate and name other important topographical features in view.)
“‘If you see the enemy, signal to me at the outguard.
“‘The countersign will be given to you later.’”
The Director: “I think that covers the orders for your sentinel very well. The big idea is that we should not burden them with too many things to think about. We will omit the written solution of this part of the problem.”
Explanation
The Director: “There are certain rules for the guidance of a sentinel on post with which all officers and soldiers should be familiar. They must be scrupulously observed under all circumstances. They are:
“1. He must watch and listen without betraying his presence. Observation is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance.
“2. He must not smoke, and matches must not be lighted at night.
“3. Such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in subdued tones.
“4. He must not have any arms or accoutrements that will glitter in the sunlight.
“5. Except at night and in foggy weather, the bayonet must be kept in the scabbard.
“6. Persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol comes out to take charge of them.
“7. He will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements of military etiquette. He pays no compliments and does not salute officers unless addressed by them.
“8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be communicated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to report promptly all indication of the enemy’s approach. If he is satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given by firing. When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be avoided.
“There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the outpost troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information to the enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he is able to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an invariable rule that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort. There is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal, if such action is absolutely necessary. Night firing is of little value in any event. It is only effective for very short distances, and should be discouraged by every possible means.”
Outpost Card No. 5
Director’s Key
1. Location of Sentinel Posts. By day. At night. Obstacles. Field of view.
2. Conduct class to place where sentinel post is to be established.
3. Discuss location of post.
4. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss it.
5. Orders for sentinels: Information of enemy and own troops; number of post; identify support and outguard; countersigns; too many orders.
6. Proceed with verbal solution of problem.
7. Explain rules for guidance of sentinels: Watch and listen; smoke; matches; conversation; arms; vigilance; etiquette; report of observations; night firing.
Procedure
The class is now conducted to the location of outguard No. 1.
Explanation
The Director: “After sufficient time has elapsed for the outguards to get into position and post their sentinels the support commander makes an inspection of the elements of his support. In this inspection any or all of the following questions may be presented for consideration.
“1. Is the outguard located at the best place to cover the sector of the front allotted to it? Is there a good field of fire over the ground by which the enemy may approach?
“2. Are the sentinels so located that they can observe all approaches? Are they well instructed in their duties? Do they know what to do if they should see the enemy?
“3. Have provisions been made for rapid communication between sentinels and the outguard? Has communication been established with adjoining outguards and sentinels and with the support?
“4. Have fire positions been prepared for all riflemen, the automatic rifleman and the rifle grenadier? Are the men well supplied with ammunition?
“5. Are all the men familiar with the plans for defense? Do they know what to do in case the enemy attacks?
“6. Have necessary arrangements been made for patrolling?
“7. Have necessary arrangements been made for messing?
“In the course of the inspection the support commander will make such changes in the dispositions as may be necessary and will give such instructions as he may deem desirable for the proper conduct of the duty with which the support is charged.
“Having completed this inspection he will return to the support and make his report to the outpost commander. This report may be made in the form of a message and must contain information as to the location of the main body of the support, the location of each of the outguards, their strength and disposition, the extent of patrolling contemplated, and finally the place where messages are to be sent is indicated. A report such as this received from each support and detached post commander gives the outpost commander detailed information regarding the disposition of the entire outpost upon which he may base his report to the commander of the main body.
“When practicable the report is accompanied by a rough sketch showing the dispositions of the support.”
Procedure
While at the location of outguard No. 1, the Director will point out the location of the outguard and the sentinels and question various members of the class regarding these locations and the instructions under which the outguard is operating.
The class is then conducted to the location of outguard No. 3, and the same procedure is gone through with.[[14]]
The class is then conducted to the position of the support, and Situation No. 6 is distributed.