_The Director_: “We assume that this is a small enemy reconnoitering patrol. It would have the same mission as our own patrol. The point to be considered is whether or not anything in the message you send back would materially assist in the defense of the outpost line, or whether it could contain any information of special value to the outpost commander. Our covering patrols sent out from the supports will keep the enemy away from the outpost line. They will soon discover that it is only a small patrol and will drive it off. We have only a few men with the patrol. If one is sent back with a message at this time it may leave the patrol leader shorthanded when there is something really important that must be sent back. The mission of the patrol is to secure information of the enemy’s main body. That is the information that is of importance to the support and outpost commander. I do not believe the patrol commander would be justified in sending back a message at this time.” _Lieutenant Baker_: “I see the point.” (Note.—Should any members of the class insist that a message should be sent back, he may be called upon to compose the message, and it should be examined to see whether it contains information that is vital to the defense of the outpost.) * * * * * =Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 5= =Director’s Key= 1. Conduct class to point where a view of road to front for several hundred yards is available. 2. Distribute problem. 3. Enter on solution: Signal of leading man; method of joining leading man. 4. Enemy advance guard or patrol. Question of firing on enemy. 5. Method of evading enemy patrol. Practical demonstration. Discussion of methods; difficulties. 6. Write out message. Contents; information of enemy main. * * * * * Procedure The class is now conducted to a point where they have a view of an open field some 1,200 yards distant. It may be assumed that the patrol has marched several miles in order to arrive at this place. The Director now distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 6. =Situation No. 6=: The patrol successfully evaded the enemy’s patrol, continued the march, and without encountering any other enemy troops has arrived at this point. The enemy patrol proceeded on down the road toward the outpost line. On arriving here you observe a force of the enemy marching into that field. They are apparently going into bivouac. You estimate the enemy to be one regiment of Infantry. _Required_: What action do you take? Procedure The Director should point out the location of the enemy and should indicate the exact location of each member of the patrol, so that all members of the class will make their solutions on the same basis.