Terrain Exercises

The Problem

General Situation:

The (a) forms the boundary between hostile states. The Blue Corps has crossed the boundary. Its advance has been stopped by a Red force of two divisions at (b).

Special Situation, Blue:

In a general attack by the Blue Corps, the —— Division is attacking with (c) regiments abreast in the sector bounded on the right (d) by (e) and on the left (d) by (e). The order of the regiments from right to left is (f). Each regiment has one battalion in the assault, one in regimental reserve, and one in brigade or division reserve (g). The —— Battalion —— Infantry, is the assaulting battalion of the —— Infantry (h). The right (d) boundary of the battalion is (e). Its left (d) boundary is (e).

The battalion is deployed with Company (i) on the right and Company (k) on the left, as assault companies, and Company (l) as the reserve company. The machine gun company (m) and one platoon of the howitzer company are operating with the battalion.

Special Situation No. 1:

The division began a general advance at (n) today. At (o), when the scouts reached (p) they were stopped by fire from the vicinity of (q).

At (r), Major X at (s), received a message from the right (left) assault company that it was held up by fire from (t). The message stated that the company would assault at (u) by building up a firing line at (v) and having a platoon attack in the direction of (w), and requested the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. At the same time Major X received a message from the left (right) assault company that it had encountered slight resistance from (x), but was continuing to advance.

At the time Major X received the messages the machine gun company was located as follows: The 1st and 2nd Platoons were in rear of the right and left assault companies, respectively, at (y), with guns mounted on carts. The captain with his headquarters’ detail was with Major X.

Explanation of Symbols

(a) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, road, state boundary, etc. In this problem the boundary may be some miles from the point where the problem starts and in the opposite direction from the direction of attack.

(b) A general defensive position in rear of the ground selected for the problem.

(c) Two, three or four regiments would be placed in the first line depending on the frontage assigned to the division and other conditions.

(d) Compass direction—north, south, east, or west.

(e) Describe boundaries by roads, creeks, towns, points, etc. Distance between boundaries should be such as to give appropriate frontage to the division—about 500 yards for each battalion employed as an assaulting battalion.

(f) Give order by enumerating regiments as—1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Infantry.

(g) The number of battalions in assault and in reserve may vary in different regiments, depending upon the frontage assigned to the regiment and the nature of its task.

(h) If the regiment has more than one battalion in the first line, the text should read: “Is the right (left) assault battalion of —— Infantry.”

(i), (k), (l), (m) Use letters appropriate to the companies of the designated battalion.

(n), (o) Indicate the hour.

(p) Select position suitable for firing line with position in rear suitable for direct overhead fire of machine guns.

(q) Select suitable position for small force on the defensive.

(r) Indicate the hour a few minutes later than (o).

(s) Select a position between the assault and reserve companies with good visibility.

(t) Defensive position for small force of Reds.

(u) Indicate an hour that will give the rifle and machine gun companies time to get into position for the attack.

(v) Usually on or in advance of the line of scouts.

(w) A direction that will flank or envelop the local resistance.

(x) One of the positions from which scouts originally received fire.

(y) Platoons should be in rear of positions you plan to have them occupy and on natural lines of advance.

Required:

The action taken by Major X and the orders actually issued by him.

(Note.—The Machine Gun Company is organized and equipped in accordance with Table of Organization 29-W. See Appendix I.)

Procedure

The members of the class are assembled at s, the point where Major X receives the messages from his assault companies.

The Director: “Before taking up the problem for solution, I wish to make a few remarks upon the employment of a machine gun company with an assault battalion.”

Explanation

The Director: “The following, in general terms, are the principal tasks of the machine guns on the offensive:

“(1) To cover the deployment of the infantry and its advance to the first firing position.

“(2) To support the attack of the infantry.

“(3) To support the infantry in continuing the attack or taking up the pursuit after the enemy’s main position has been captured.

“(4) To assist in the consolidation of the position whenever the limit of the advance is reached or the infantry is brought to a standstill.

“During the combat the function of the machine guns is to assist constantly the advance of the infantry by fire power. The use of machine guns only at decisive points in the fight is not sufficient. They must be so used as to exert a continuous influence from the beginning to the end of the fight. They can act by fire alone and cannot be used as assault troops.

“Every assaulting infantry battalion habitually retains and employs its machine gun company. The machine gun company almost invariably acts under the direct orders of the battalion commander. Only in very exceptional cases will the company act under the orders of the regimental machine gun officer after H hour, although he frequently will prescribe tasks for it during the barrage prior to H hour.

“The following are suitable tasks for a machine gun company of an assault battalion:

“(1) To support the assault companies.

“(2) To protect the flank of the attack.

“(3) To occupy an interval in the line.

“(4) To assist in consolidating the captured ground.

“(5) To assist in resuming the attack.

“Orders.—The orders of Major X for the use of the machine guns should be clear and concise and should assign definite tasks to them. The orders, prior to attack, should assign the machine guns a definite place in the formation and should give them the mission of supporting the infantry by fire. The control of the machine guns should be exercised, as far as possible, through the commanding officer of the machine gun company. Platoons should be assigned to support rifle companies, but should not be placed under the command of rifle company commanders without there are exceptional reasons for so ordering.

“Formation.—Generally the formation of a machine gun company supporting an infantry battalion will be with one platoon on either flank supporting the two assaulting companies. As to whether or not the platoons should be placed in rear of the assault companies or in rear of the reserve company depends upon conditions. If the conditions indicate the probable early use of machine guns and the ground is favorable for their use, they should be placed in rear of the assault companies. On the other hand, if their use appears improbable, or the ground is unfavorable for overhead fire, they should be placed in rear of the reserve company, where they can use their carts as long as possible. The formation within the platoon conforms to the infantry with which it is advancing. The usual formations will be: when dismounted, line of squad columns or line of skirmishers; when mounted, column of squads. The purpose of the formation taken should be to make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish the machine guns from the infantry.

“Communication.—Where conditions permit, the commanding officer of the machine gun company will be with the battalion commander. However, the captain must not let this consideration interfere with the efficient command of his company. Where the captain does not remain with the major he will maintain contact with him by means of two runners from the machine gun company.

“Are there any questions?”

The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class.

After all questions have been cleared up the Director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class. A few minutes will be allowed to read over the problem.

The Director: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.”

The Director reads the problem aloud, pointing out the features of the landscape that are referred to in the problem.

The Director then calls upon one or more members of the class to explain the problem. He clears up any point that does not appear plain to all and satisfies himself that all members of the class understand the situation and what is required of them.

Solution

The Director: “Captain Smith, we shall assume that you are commanding the battalion and that Captain M, the commanding officer of the machine gun company, is with you. What would you do when you received the messages from your assault companies?”

Captain Smith: “I would send for all of the captains to report to me at once, so that I could issue my orders.”

The Director: “The captains of the two assault companies are engaged with the enemy, and it is most essential that they remain in immediate command of their companies. The captain of the reserve company is at some distance from Major X. While it is extremely desirable to issue one complete verbal order to the battalion so that any misunderstanding can be cleared up, it is not practicable to issue such an order in this case. Captain Scott, what would you do?”

Captain Scott: “I would take a look at the positions of the right assault company, the machine gun company, and the terrain, to determine whether it would be possible to support the assaulting company by overhead machine gun fire. I see that there is an excellent position for the machine guns and howitzer platoon. The commanding officers of these organizations are with me, so I at once give them the following verbal orders:

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (t). It will attack at (u) by building up a firing line at (v), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (w). A red rocket from this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon, advancing in the direction of (w). The one-pounder will be in readiness to engage any hostile machine guns that open fire.

“The machine guns will open fire from this hill at (u), covering the enemy’s position at (t).

“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of this point in edge of woods.

“I shall remain here.”

The Director: “That is an excellent order. It shows that you understand that Major X should first attempt to give assistance by the use of his machine guns and auxiliary weapons and not by the use of his reserve. The reserve company should not be employed as long as the assaulting companies can overcome the resistance with the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. Fire power should be made to take the place of man-power to the greatest extent that is practicable. You have also given an excellent example of the proper coordination of the machine guns and Stokes mortar. The ground in the direction of (w) is such that the machine guns could not effectively support the platoon advancing in that direction. The Stokes mortar, however, can search this ground and provide covering fire for the platoon. Your ordering a red rocket to be fired by the platoon advancing in the direction of (w) shows that you understand the necessity for synchronizing the launching of the attack and the opening of fire by the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. However, the steps that you have taken are not adequate to secure this. You have failed to notify the commanding officer of the right assault company of the time that the machine guns will open fire and have not directed him to have his platoon fire a red rocket at the beginning of its attack.

“Captain Howe, tell us how you would notify the commanding officer of the assault companies of your plans.”

Captain Howe: “I would send a written message by a runner as follows:

“Begin your attack at (u). The machine guns will open fire from (s) at (u). The Stokes mortar will open fire in the direction of (w) at (u) and will lift their fire 100 yards in two minutes for six minutes. The one-pounders will fire on hostile machine guns.

“Your platoon, advancing in the direction of (w), will fire a red rocket as a signal that it is leaving its cover and beginning the attack.

“Battalion ammunition point in edge of woods 500 yards east of (s).

“I shall remain here.”

Explanation

The Director: “In the situation just completed we have considered the employment of machine guns from the point of view of the commander who has the responsibility for the coordination of the rifle companies and the machine gun company and for the application of fire power to save man-power wherever it is practicable. In the next situation we shall take up the methods of applying this fire power to support the rifle companies. These are technical questions entirely within the province of the machine gun officer. In the formation the battalion commander designates the position of the machine gun company with reference to the rifle companies; the machine gun company commander determines the formation within his company. Ordinarily the company commander will determine whether the guns will go forward on carts and when it will be necessary to abandon the carts. The firing position may be designated by the battalion commander, or it may be left to the selection of the machine gun company commander. The manner of occupation of the position is decided upon by the machine gun officer. The class of fire to be delivered is a question for the decision of machine gun officers or non-commissioned officers. The situation may be such as to require the sections or platoons to employ different classes of fire. The concentration of the fire of his platoons is a function of the machine gun company commander. In the absence of orders from the battalion commander, the company commander will determine whether the fire of the company will be distributed over the front of the whole battalion or whether it will be concentrated upon a portion of the front. The method of advance from one firing position to another will be determined by the company or platoon commander. Where the company is employed as a whole the advance may be by platoon. As a rule, however, the platoons will advance by alternate sections so that a rifle company will never be without support. The duty of maintaining the ammunition supply from the battalion ammunition point forward to the guns devolves upon the machine gun captain. The machine gun company is responsible for communication forward to the assault companies and to the battalion commander.”

The Director passes out the papers containing Special Situation No. 2, reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain it.

The Problem

Situation No. 2:

This consists of copies of the orders of Major X to the commanding officers of the machine gun company and howitzer platoon as given by Captain Scott, and of the message to the commanding officer of the right assault company as given by Captain Howe.

Required:

The orders actually issued by the commanding officer of the machine gun company.

Solution

The Director: “Captain Jones, what is the first decision that Captain M must make when he receives the order of Major X?”

Captain Jones: “He must decide whether he will employ the whole company to support the right assault company or only the platoon which had been directed to support this company at the beginning of the fight. Major X has not indicated whether the whole company will be employed, so Captain M must make this decision. The left assault company may encounter more stubborn resistance, so I should employ only the right platoon.”

The Director: “Captain Brown, what do you think about that?”

Captain Brown: “I think he should employ the whole company. Concentration of the fire of the platoons on points that are holding up the battalion is one of the duties of the captain. The left assault company is continuing to move forward and does not need the support of the left platoon so it should be used to help advance the right assault company. There is an excellent firing position directly in its line of advance and it can be switched to the support of the left assault company at any time that it becomes necessary. If the only firing position available were such that the platoon could not support the advance of the left assault company, if support were needed, and the position were so situated as to cause the left platoon to deviate greatly from its line of advance, the case would be different. In that situation I think the left platoon should continue its advance in rear of the left assault company with the purpose of bringing flanking fire on the enemy a little later.”

The Director: “Captain Burt, we shall assume that Captain M decides to employ both platoons to support the right assault company. What does he do next?”

Captain Burt: “He would send the buglers to have the platoon leaders report to him in advance of their platoons and would direct the reconnaissance officer to select the firing positions for the two platoons and obtain the ranges.”

The Director: “The captain has a company headquarters to assist him in commanding the company and the use that the captain makes of this headquarters is a sure indication of the efficiency of the company. It is impossible for the captain to command the company by himself and attend to all details. Part of this headquarters detail is mounted. The buglers and reconnaissance officer have horses. By having the platoon leaders precede their platoons they can receive their orders before the platoons arrive and be ready to move into position without delay. When the buglers reach the platoons they would turn over their horses to the platoon leaders and would remain with the platoons to guide them to their firing positions. The reconnaissance sergeant would assist the reconnaissance officer by taking the ranges as soon as the positions had been selected.

“Captain Smith, where would you select the positions and what frontage would you assign to a platoon?”

Captain Smith: “I would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire. The position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest. In that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire. The distance between guns should be not less than 20 yards, and preferably more. I would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon. This will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target.”

The Director: “I wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ direct fire. Indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours. Often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed. However, considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire, and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire. Direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible. It seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire. There is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target.

“Captain Jones, what assignment of targets would you make?”

Captain Jones: “I would assign a portion of the target to each platoon. The whole target could be assigned to each platoon which would permit an entire platoon to advance to a new firing position, while the other covered the entire target. However, any advance before the resistance is overcome would probably be by section and not by platoon; so there is no advantage in giving each platoon the whole target. A gunner can fire more effectively on a narrow target where it is not necessary to traverse so much.”

The Director: “Captain Howe, would you make any provision for lifting your fire as the infantry approaches the target?”

Captain Howe: “I would leave that to the platoon commanders. The rate of advance may be different at different parts of the line so that some guns may continue firing safely after others are forced to stop. I would want every gun to fire as long as the safety of the infantry would permit.”

The Director: “Captain Burt, what provision would you make for opening fire?”

Captain Burt: “I would have the platoon leaders signal me when they were ready and open fire on my signal. The positions of the platoons are plainly visible from my position. Since it has been ordered that fire will open at a definite time I think it better to depend on one watch than to take a chance of the platoons opening a few seconds apart.”

The Director: “All of the doubtful points have been cleared up. Assuming that you would do what it has been decided that Captain M should do, I want each of you to write out the complete fire order of Captain M. It is understood, of course, that Captain M would give his order verbally, but it is desired to have you write out this order, so that the form of the order can be examined more carefully.”

Procedure

After the solutions have been written, the Director has one or more members of the class comment on the solution of other members. The Director then distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3, which is the fire order of Captain M.

The Problem

Situation No. 3:

Captain M gave the following verbal orders to the platoon leaders at (s):

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (t). It will attack at (u) by building up a firing line at (v), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (w). A red rocket fired by this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (w). The one-pounder will engage any hostile machine guns.

“This company supports the attack.

“Firing positions:

“First platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the right of this point to 150 yards to the right of this point.

“Second platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the left of this point to 150 yards to the left of this point.

“Targets:

“First platoon, right half of enemy’s position at (t).

“Second platoon, left half of enemy’s position at (t).

“Platoon commanders will be responsible for lifting the fire so as not to endanger the infantry.

“Signal me when ready to open fire and open fire on my signal.

“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of here in edge of woods. Carts at disposal of platoon leaders.

“I shall be on the left of the 1st platoon.”

Required:

Actions of and orders actually issued by Lieutenant Y, commanding the 1st platoon.

Solution

The Director: “Captain Smith, in general what assistants has the platoon leader and what are their duties?”

Captain Smith: “The platoon sergeant takes command of the platoon when the lieutenant goes forward, and obtains ranges after the selection of the firing position.

“The communication corporal, with the agents (normally two), maintains communication between the platoon and the rifle company which it is supporting, and sends or signals to the platoon the information necessary to it.

“The transport corporal moves guns and ammunition carts forward in accordance with the movements of the platoon. Improvises packs when necessary. Provides for replenishment of ammunition and replacements for killed or disabled mules.

“There are seven privates in the headquarters detail. One of these is a bicyclist, two are agents to the rifle company, four runners maintain communication with machine gun company headquarters, with the sections and the platoon ammunition point.”

The Director: “Captain Burt, what would Lieutenant Y do after receiving the order from Captain M?”

Captain Burt: “He would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon. He would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections, and observe the enemy’s position to determine upon an allotment of targets. As the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward. When they arrived he would issue his fire order.”

The Director: “Captain Jones, give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.”

Captain Jones: “Lieutenant Y gives the following verbal order:

“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (t). It will attack at (u) by building up a firing line at (v), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (w). A red rocket fired by that platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.

“The Stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (w). The one-pounder will engage hostile machine guns.

“This platoon and the remainder of our company supports the attack.

“Firing positions:

“First section to the right of this rock; 2nd section to the left. Mount your guns below the crest and drag them into position without disclosing your presence.

“Targets:

“First section, the woods on the right of the enemy’s position at (t). Range 1,300 to 1,400. Combined sights.

“Second section, the ridge for 100 yards to the left of the woods. Range 1,300.

“Section leaders will be responsible for lifting their fire on the approach of the infantry.

“Rate of fire 200 for first minute, 150 thereafter.

“Signal me when ready. Open fire on my signal.

“Platoon ammunition point 100 yards down the hill.

“I shall remain here.”

The Director: “Captain Howe, what do you think of telling the 1st section to use combined sights? Explain the use of combined sights.”

Captain Howe: “The target undoubtedly calls for the use of combined sights. Whether it would be necessary for Lieutenant Y to direct the use of combined sights would depend on how well trained the section leader was. If I were at all doubtful I would order combined sights.

“Combined sights is the method of engaging any required depth of ground by applying simultaneously overlapping zones of fire from two or more guns. The depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations to be used by each gun. This type of fire is not necessary under 800 meters. When it is used, as many guns as possible should be employed with 100 meters difference if the error in range finding is probably great, and with 50 meters difference if the error is probably small. This kind of fire is used either to engage a target which is deeper than the effective beaten zone or against a small target when the range is not exactly known.”

The Director: “Captain Burt, explain to the class how the section leader determines when the fire should be lifted.”

Captain Burt: “The section leader is equipped with a type EE field glass which has an inverted sight leaf in the field of view. The glass is used as follows:

“Align the inverted sight scale so that the announced range to the target will coincide with the target.

“If the range to the target is 850 meters or less, note where the line in the graticule representing 1,350 meters cuts the landscape.

“If the range to the target is 850 meters or over, add 500 meters to the range to the target, and locate the point on the landscape that is cut by this line.

“If the point located on the landscape is at or above the feet of our own troops, it will be safe to fire.

“The gunner in a similar manner determines when it is safe to fire by means of his rear sight so there is always a double check.”

The Director: “Captain Smith, do you see any purpose in ordering a rate of fire of 200 for the first minute?”

Captain Smith: “Yes, sir, it is important to place as great a volume of fire as possible on the enemy at the beginning of the attack. However, the guns cannot maintain such a rate for but a few minutes, so it is necessary to lower it. A rate of 125 to 150 could be maintained for 20 or 30 minutes, so it is safe to order that.”

The Director: “Captain Jones, what do you mean by the ammunition point?”

Captain Jones: “The machine gun platoon ammunition point consists of the transport corporal, one runner, and the four ammunition carts and four machine gun carts with their drivers. This ammunition point is responsible for maintaining the ammunition supply from the carts forward to the guns.”

The Director: “You are correct about the composition of the ammunition point, but not about its duties. Its function is to maintain a supply of ammunition in the carts sufficiently close to the guns that it can be gotten forward by the ammunition carriers, but it is not responsible for getting the ammunition forward. Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of each squad are responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the carts to the guns. The transport corporal moves the carts forward from one covered position to another by bounds and keeps the platoon leader informed of the location of the carts. That is the reason a runner is assigned to the point. The corporal is responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the combat wagons. Normally this will be done by sending the ammunition carts to the battalion ammunition point. The machine gun carts should be kept filled at all times, if possible, and at the platoon ammunition point ready to move forward to the guns.

“Captain Brown, what do you think about Lieutenant Y not ordering emplacements and cover trenches to be constructed?”

Captain Brown: “If there is time before opening fire the section leader should construct them without any orders. However, I believe it is always safer to order the construction. In this case the time is limited, so it would be best to get the guns into position and ready to open fire and then begin construction. Great caution would have to be used, however, in the construction as emplacements not properly constructed would show up very distinctly on the crest and would be a source of danger. Cover trenches behind the trench would not be visible and would be a great protection for ammunition carriers.”

The Director: “Captain Howe, no mention was made in the order of communications, what do you think of that?”

Captain Howe: “It is unnecessary if the platoon is trained properly. It becomes a matter of routine, and instructions are given only if something out of the ordinary is required.”

Procedure

The Director passes out the papers containing Special Situation No. 4, reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to give their understanding of it.

Situation No. 4:

A few minutes after fire was opened by the machine guns, the enemy gave way, and Company —— advanced and disappeared over the ridge at (t) formerly held by the enemy. The left assault company (Company ——) has continued to make progress and is slightly in advance of the right assault company.

Required:

Orders as actually issued by Captain M, commanding the machine gun company.

Explanation

The Director: “The situation is one in which it would be possible for the battalion commander to give orders to the machine gun company, but would be necessary only in case that the company commander was incompetent. The captain of a company must not expect to receive orders from the major at every new phase of the situation. The major is probably eager to get forward to (t) to see for himself what the situation is and has no time to tell Captain M just what he shall do with his company.

“Captain Smith, assuming you are Captain M, what orders would you give to the company?”

Captain Smith: “I would send the following verbal message to the platoon commanders:

“‘Advance your platoon by section to the position at (t).’”

The Director: “If the enemy were still resisting, advancing the platoons by alternate sections would be the normal procedure. However, since the resistance of the enemy has temporarily ceased and he has passed over the ridge where he cannot at present fire on the machine gun company, Captain M has a little more choice in the formation that he will employ in advancing the company. It is perfectly practicable to advance by platoon, and there is some advantage in so doing as it will leave the platoon commanders in direct touch with their whole platoons. The left assault company is slightly in advance of the right, so it would be better to send the left platoon forward to the position at (t) and have the right platoon go forward just as soon as the left platoon has reached (t).

“Captain Jones, what do you think of immediately sending the whole company forward?”

Captain Jones: “It would not be safe. It is too early to know whether the enemy will counter-attack. If he should counter-attack and drive the infantry out of the position at (t), part of the machine guns should be in position to support the infantry. As soon as it appears that the attack of the infantry has succeeded, part of the guns must be sent forward to give the infantry closer support, but some guns must be retained in position until danger of a counter-attack has passed.”

The Director: “Captain Burt, would you give the platoon leaders any additional instructions?”

Captain Burt: “Yes, sir; I would instruct them to replenish their ammunition before sending their ammunition carts forward. They probably would do this any way, but I would play safe and order it. There has not been a long period of firing so that one cart from each section probably would be all that it would be necessary to send to the rear. This would leave plenty of ammunition with the guns and get additional ammunition forward much sooner than if the ammunition carts were permitted to advance without refilling.”

The Director: “Captain Howe, would you give any further instructions to the platoon leaders?”

Captain Howe: “Yes, sir; I would direct them to move forward with the guns on carts. The carts have been placed at the disposal of the platoon leaders so they should employ them without instructions, as there is no danger in so doing. However, the captain usually determines when the guns shall be moved forward by hand, so I think it is safer to caution them to use their carts. There is a great tendency to continue advancing the guns by hand for the rest of the fight when it has once become necessary to dismount them from the carts.”

The Director: “Captain Smith, give the complete messages that should be sent to the platoon leaders to carry out the decisions we have made.”

Captain Smith: “Captain M would send the following verbal messages:

“To the commander of the 2nd platoon:

“‘Move forward at once with guns on carts to the position from which the enemy has just been driven. Replenish ammunition.’

“To commander of 1st platoon:

“‘Replenish your ammunition. Remain in position until 2nd platoon reaches position from which enemy has just been driven and then move forward with guns on carts.’”

The Director: “We have covered the different situations that are likely to occur in an attack with the exception of the opening phases of a prepared attack and the consolidation. The former is most frequently an indirect fire problem and should be treated as a separate exercise. The latter can be handled best as the first phase of a battalion on the defensive.”