Terrain ExercisesWaldron, William H. (William Henry)
History
Terrain Exercises
Waldron, William H. (William Henry)
Tactics
_Lieutenant Baker_: “Assuming that Lieutenant Z and Captain D have been
with me all the while, I would say:
“‘My first platoon will attack with its right about (indicate). The
second platoon with its left about (indicate). Each will cover a
front of about 150 yards. Select your firing positions to cover the
attack.’
“That is all that should be required. Before issuing final orders for
the attack I would verify the positions selected.”
Explanation
_The Director_: I hope you have all followed the process that we have
gone through during the 20 minutes, in order to arrive at a decision and
the point where Captain C is ready to issue his orders for the attack.
Let us review them briefly:
1. Send for the platoon commanders to come to the front.
2. Accompanied by Captain D and Lieutenant Z, and two runners, make a
personal reconnaissance of the enemy’s position and the terrain and
determine:
(_a_) The line of departure.
(_b_) The tactical formation.
(_c_) Direction of the attack.
(_d_) The position of the supporting weapons.
3. Arrange for a rendezvous where the attack order can be issued.
From all of this you will appreciate that there are many things that
must be done before an attack of this kind can be launched. Battalion
and other commanders should appreciate that it takes time to do all of
these things and should have patience with the officers whom he has
ordered to do it.
* * * * *
=Attack of Strong Point= =Card No. 1=
=Director’s Key=
1. Assemble class at initial point where the Terrain Exercise is to
begin.
2. Distribute sheets containing the general situation and special
situation Blue. Read and explain. Have members of class state
understanding of situation.
3. Formation of battalion for attack—Assault companies, reserve
company, covering patrol on right, connecting patrol on left.
4. Information system.
5. Distribute Situation No. 1. Read and discuss.
6. Formation of Company C.
7. Mission of Company C. Personal Reconnaissance. Estimate of the
situation. Attached and supporting units.
8. Message to platoon commanders.
9. Proceed to right and make personal reconnaissance. Firing position
for the auxiliary weapons.
10. Mark assembly point for platoon commanders.
11. Tactical dispositions. Line of departure. Instructions to Captain
D and Lieutenant Z.
12. Resumé of what has taken place.
* * * * *
The Problem
=Situation No. 2:=
The platoon commanders have assembled at the appointed rendezvous. You,
Captain C, have come to a decision to attack the enemy strong point with
two platoons and hold the third as company support.
_Required_:
The orders that you would issue for the attack.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account