Solution
The Director: “Captain Hastings, what would you do under the circumstances?”
Captain Hastings: “In the first place I would want to see the platoon commanders and give them instructions as to the action to be taken. I would call the runners of the 1st and 2nd platoons and order them:
“‘Find your platoon commanders. Tell them to report to me here, at once.’
“While waiting for the platoon commanders to come I would size up the situation and be prepared to issue my orders soon after their arrival.”
The Director: “I think we can all agree that that is the logical procedure. In sizing up the situation, what points would you consider, Lieutenant Wallace?”
Lieutenant Wallace: “I would consider what my mission is now. The company is the battalion reserve. It was thrown into the attack for the definite purpose of capturing the enemy strong point that was holding up the advance of the battalion. We have completed that mission, the battalion is continuing the advance. Up to the moment no other mission has been assigned. I would not know whether it is the desire of the battalion commander that we continue the advance as an assault unit of the battalion or revert to the former status of battalion reserve. Until I receive definite orders on the subject I would stay right here and cover the right flank of the battalion. I estimate that I will get such orders in a very short time.
“The enemy has several courses of action open to him. He may continue to fall back and not molest us. He may make a counter-attack, though this is not probable. He may concentrate a large volume of fire on this particular point with a view to causing serious casualties in our disorganized ranks.
“Our own battalion is continuing its advance and does not seem to need our support for the time being. The 1st and 2nd platoons must be withdrawn and reorganized. The 3rd platoon can take over the duty of security. The enemy prisoners must be taken care of and others that may be in the position must be rounded up. Souvenir hunters and stragglers must be rounded up and sent to their proper units.
“The sanitary troops are now taking care of our wounded.