Lieutenant Wallace: “They are combat groups; strong points; centers of resistance; subsectors and sectors.”

The Director: “What do you understand a combat group to be?”

Lieutenant Wallace: “It is an area prepared for defense and held by a small unit such as a platoon or section.”

The Director: “What is a strong point, Lieutenant Ralston?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “A strong point is an aggregate of combat groups distributed in width and depth under the command of one officer. It is usually defended by a rifle company and usually has machine guns attached. Where practicable, it is arranged for all ’round defense.”

The Director: “What is a center of resistance?”

Lieutenant Ralston: “An aggregate of strong points distributed in width and depth and commanded by one officer. It is usually occupied by a battalion.”

The Director: “I hope you all see how this proposition works out. A combat group is the smallest element. Two or more of these groups form a strong point. Two or more strong points linked up together form a center of resistance. You will note the Major’s disposition for our battalion here. It forms a center of resistance consisting of the two strong points held by Companies A and B respectively with Company C as a reserve with Company D distributed at key points within the area.”

The class is now conducted to area (u), which has been assigned to Company A.

The Problem