_The Director_: “Yes, I think the time element is one thing, but there is another point that has not been mentioned. You do not want to hamper your subordinate with detailed instructions. It may be that there is a point on this road only a short distance out where Sergeant Wilkins has a good view over the country and a good position in case the enemy does come upon him. There would be no necessity for going on beyond such a point. If he had specific orders to go a certain distance he would feel that he had to do it. You give the Sergeant his mission, make him understand what he is out there for. Tell him about how long he is to remain out and then let him work out his own problem. You must not go into details. The moment you do so you get beyond your depth. You cannot foresee all contingencies. There has been only one military commander that was able to do this. He was the great Napoleon.” * * * * * =Flank Guard= =Card No. 2= =Director’s Key= 1. Conduct class along road to point where there is a cross-road. 2. Distribute sheets bearing Situation No. 2. 3. Estimates of Situation:—Mission; enemy; own troops; plans of action; decision; discuss necessity for. 4. Selection of commander of patrol. How give orders to him. 5. Orders:—Enemy and own troops; detail troops for patrol; mission; how long stay out; messages. 6. Questions of distance to go out. 7. Discuss going into detail in order to subordinates. * * * * * The Problem =Situation No. 3=: As the column approached this cross-road the platoon commander calls you, Sergeant Wilkins, to him. As you march along he gives you the following verbal orders: “We have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast of the distance between the advance guard and main body of our column marching on the (_a_)-(_b_) road. “You will take the sixth squad and patrol down the road we are approaching to the (direction) to cover the passage of the main body. Remain out about 35 minutes. Catch up with the flank guard when you can. “Messages to head of support.” The sixth squad, marching in column of files has arrived at this point with Corporal Jenkins at the head. _Required_: What action do you take? Procedure The Director distributes the sheets bearing the problem to the members of the class, and makes such explanations as may be necessary. Explanation