5. Orders:—Enemy and own troops; detail troops for patrol; mission; how long stay out; messages.
6. Questions of distance to go out.
7. Discuss going into detail in order to subordinates.
The Problem
Situation No. 3:
As the column approached this cross-road the platoon commander calls you, Sergeant Wilkins, to him. As you march along he gives you the following verbal orders:
“We have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column marching on the (a)-(b) road.
“You will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the (direction) to cover the passage of the main body. Remain out about 35 minutes. Catch up with the flank guard when you can.
“Messages to head of support.”
The sixth squad, marching in column of files has arrived at this point with Corporal Jenkins at the head.