CHAPTER IX
THE VERBAL FIELD ORDER
“The initial combat orders of a division are almost invariably written; those of the brigade are generally so. The written order is preferable and is used wherever time permits. Subsequent orders are likewise written either as field orders or messages.”[14] In chapters VII and VIII we actually practiced the expression of the field orders for the higher units. We illustrated to ourselves how difficult it was to express disordered and straggling thoughts in the most direct way. We did this work for two purposes: first, to gain facility in dealing with language, and second, to go through with a part of the mental process demanded of commanders in the field. We should have found out how perplexing it is to put the new-born decision into form.
We now progress in our development to a more difficult performance. We are going to discard our pencil. Just as we took up the practice of speaking a field message after we had been drilled in writing it, so here we are going to learn to dictate the field order after we have been schooled in composing it.
“The initial combat orders of regiments and smaller units are given verbally. For this purpose the subordinates for whom the orders are intended are assembled, if practicable, at a place from which the situation and plan can be explained. Subsequent orders are verbal or are in the form of verbal or written messages.”[15] The verbal field order, then, may be divided into two classes:
(1) The initial combat order.
(2) The subsequent order, in the form of a field message.
Number 1 follows implicitly the sequence of the body of the written field order. Number 2 follows the form of the written or verbal message.
What really happens in action is this. A regiment or battalion commander, after he has arrived at a decision by way of his estimate of a situation, assembles his subordinate officers. He recites to them his order. He points out on the map and on the ground the various places to which he refers in his order. He gives an opportunity, when he has finished, for his officers to ask questions. He then dismisses them.