The Director: “It will march well out on the right flank and rear of the 2nd platoon, so that if an enemy machine gun or patrol fires on the platoon from that direction the patrol will be in position to attack it.”
Captain Harvey: “The Director mentioned something about extra ammunition. I did not understand what was said?”
The Director: “All riflemen of the units of an assault battalion should carry an extra bandolier of ammunition when they go into action. This applies to the battalion reserve company as well as the assault companies. You can see in this case how delay would be occasioned by stopping to issue extra ammunition to the men.”
Captain Hodges: “It is noted that you give orders for the consolidation and preparation of the enemy strong point for defense as soon as it is captured. Just what is the purpose of this?”
The Director: “At this time Captain C cannot tell just what will happen when he gets into the enemy strong point. That is the objective of the attack for the time being. He would want the platoon commanders to have orders that will carry them until he can get up there and decide what to do. The Company may not stop at the strong point. If the enemy is on the run they will follow him up probably. This will depend upon the action of the rest of the battalion. In any event we will want a position on which to reorganize the company and prepare for future eventualities and by preparing the position for defense we gain such a position and at the same time we are ready to meet a counter-attack if it comes.”
Attack of Strong Point Card No. 2
Director’s Key
1. Assemble class at point designated for the assembly of platoon commanders. Distribute Situation No. 2 and explain.
2. Explain five paragraph field order.
3. Consider order for attack in detail, paragraph by paragraph.