“Now, let us consider how the attack is to be made. What would be your tactical dispositions, Captain James?”
Captain James: “I would attack with one Platoon (the first), advancing directly against the enemy strong point, and another (the second) working around the enemy’s left flank and enveloping it. I would hold the remaining platoon (the third) as company support.”
The Director: “Where is your line of departure?”
Captain James: “My line of departure would be along here. The right of the first platoon would be (indicate). The left of the second platoon will be (indicate). Each platoon will cover about 150 yards of front. The third platoon will follow in rear of the second platoon as company support.”
The Director: “That seems to be a logical disposition. Now having decided all of this you should give the information to Captain D and Lieutenant X so they can go about the task of selecting positions for their weapons. How would you do this, Lieutenant Baker?”
Lieutenant Baker: “Assuming that Lieutenant Z and Captain D have been with me all the while, I would say:
“‘My first platoon will attack with its right about (indicate). The second platoon with its left about (indicate). Each will cover a front of about 150 yards. Select your firing positions to cover the attack.’
“That is all that should be required. Before issuing final orders for the attack I would verify the positions selected.”
Explanation
The Director: I hope you have all followed the process that we have gone through during the 20 minutes, in order to arrive at a decision and the point where Captain C is ready to issue his orders for the attack. Let us review them briefly: