3. The future action of the patrol in so far as it can be determined.
Solution
The Director should then compose a message covering the above requirements and submit it to the class for discussion.
“Have observed a force of the enemy, estimated one regiment of Infantry at —— (give location). They are now going into bivouac. A hostile patrol of six men passed my patrol at —— (give location) at —— (time) which proceeded in the direction of the outpost line. I will remain in observation until forced to retire or darkness prevents further reconnaissance.”
The Director: “Lieutenant Hunt, how would you get the message back to the support commander?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “I have had Anderson and Bailey here with me while making my observations and composing the message. I will send it back by them, each man taking a different route. I will read the message to them. I will indicate on the map the general route that each man is to take in going back to the support and caution each of them to look out for the enemy patrol that is between us and the outpost line. By sending the message by two men going over different routes I am almost sure to get it through. If one of them runs into the enemy, it is pretty safe to say that the other will not.”
The Director: “I think your sizing up of the situation is very good. You have taken all the precautions possible for getting the message back safely to the support commander.”
Reconnoitering Patrol Card No. 6
Director’s Key
1. Conduct class to point where they can see enemy. Distribute Situation No. 6. Point out location of the enemy.