Terrain ExercisesWaldron, William H. (William Henry)
History
Terrain Exercises
Waldron, William H. (William Henry)
Tactics
The dispositions having been completed, the next question is that of the
contents of the message.
_The Director_: “I want each member of the class to write out the body
of the message that he would send back to the support commander.”
When the message has been completed and turned in by all the class they
are distributed and various members called upon to read and comment on
the one in his possession. The points that should be included in the
message are:
1. Information of the strength and composition of the enemy main body.
What he is doing.
2. Information of the strength and composition of the enemy patrol that
was passed.
3. The future action of the patrol in so far as it can be determined.
Solution
The Director should then compose a message covering the above
requirements and submit it to the class for discussion.
“Have observed a force of the enemy, estimated one regiment of
Infantry at —— (give location). They are now going into bivouac. A
hostile patrol of six men passed my patrol at —— (give location) at
—— (time) which proceeded in the direction of the outpost line. I
will remain in observation until forced to retire or darkness
prevents further reconnaissance.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, how would you get the message back to
the support commander?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I have had Anderson and Bailey here with me while
making my observations and composing the message. I will send it back by
them, each man taking a different route. I will read the message to
them. I will indicate on the map the general route that each man is to
take in going back to the support and caution each of them to look out
for the enemy patrol that is between us and the outpost line. By sending
the message by two men going over different routes I am almost sure to
get it through. If one of them runs into the enemy, it is pretty safe to
say that the other will not.”
_The Director_: “I think your sizing up of the situation is very good.
You have taken all the precautions possible for getting the message back
safely to the support commander.”
* * * * *
=Reconnoitering Patrol= =Card No. 6=
=Director’s Key=
1. Conduct class to point where they can see enemy. Distribute
Situation No. 6. Point out location of the enemy.
2. Disposition of the patrol for observation—observers, men to carry
message, get-away man.
3. Write out message. Contents; information of enemy main body, enemy
patrol, future plans of the patrol leader. Prepare message for
discussion.
4. Send back message by two messengers. Chances for getting through
with it.
* * * * *
Procedure
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