Procedure
The class will now be conducted to the right of the section area and then along the front, and the exact location of the four short trenches will be determined upon. Each will then be traced on the ground so that the members of the class may see just the sector front that it may cover. If additional pits are required for the automatic riflemen they will also be indicated on the ground. One or more members of the class may be required to lie down on the ground and verify the field of fire from each trench.
The Director: “Captain James, we have made a mark on the ground for each of these short trench lengths; we call that a trace; what do you mean by that?”
Captain James: “That the line we have made is the upper edge of the interior slope of the parapet of the trench. It is the firing line of the trench.”
The Director: “Now we have located these trenches; you have noted the distance apart they are. Would we try to connect them up with a continuous trench under the circumstances, Lieutenant Baker?”
Lieutenant Baker: “No, sir. I think not. If any continuous trench is to be constructed it seems to me that it should be dug a few feet to the rear and parallel to our line of short trenches. Our short trenches can then be connected up with it by communication trenches running obliquely, to give cover from fire. I think this parallel trench should be traced now so that work can be commenced on it tonight after the fire trenches are completed. It should be a zigzag trench. The 3rd squad can get some work done on it before they have to go on outpost.”
The Director: “I think we have covered everything that is necessary preliminary to issuing the order of the section commander except the location of the command post. Where would you locate it, Captain Hall?”
Captain Hall: “I would locate it here (indicates). The questions of observation and communication are the determining factors in its selection.”
The Director: “Now I want each member of the class to write out this order that Sergeant K would issue to his section guides. Make it simple and to the point.”
The members of class will write out the order on their pads and when all have completed it the sheets are passed to the officer on the left for criticism.