“Company D’s orders will include the same instructions contained in these for Company C except directions for them to relieve the machine gun elements of the 2nd Battalion.
“I think these instructions would be all that are necessary for the four companies of the battalion to get them started on the march.”
The Director: “You have covered the points very well. But, there are some instructions that pertain to all of the units of the battalion. These would be included in the final sub-paragraph of paragraph 3 of the order. This paragraph is denominated (x) in the order. What are they, Lieutenant Hunt?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “I should think they would include: The designation of the base Company; instructions for sending a reconnaissance officer and party of guides forward at once; designating the place where the leading elements of the battalion are to halt for the purpose of receiving final orders for the relief of the units of the 2nd battalion; designation of the place where unit commanders are to assemble to receive orders for the relief.”
The Director: “Paragraph 4 of a field order includes administrative arrangements. Can you think of anything that would be necessary to be included in that paragraph of Major A’s orders?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “I can think of nothing. That would depend upon circumstances. These administrative arrangements include: instructions for the trains—which have already been attended to; collecting station for wounded—which will be announced in a later order. It may be assumed that as soon as the advance halted that the rolling kitchen was brought up and the men given a hot meal before relieving the 2nd battalion. If such is the case the kitchen will have to be disposed of in paragraph 4.”
The Director: “What will paragraph 5 contain?”
Lieutenant Hunt: “It will contain information of the time when the present command post of the battalion will close and when and where it will next be opened.”
The Director: “We have now covered the elements of the Major’s order. Let us review them briefly:
“Paragraph 1: Information of the enemy and our own troops.