_Captain James_: “I would favor the first method where we have two platoons covering the outpost line and firing line and one platoon on the support line. Each platoon to furnish the outguards covering its own front.” _The Director_: “What factors lead you to favor this deployment?” _Captain James_: “By deploying in this manner we have two complete combat groups each responsible for its own outguards and its firing line. We have a third combat group on the support line located in the interval between the two forward groups so that it is readily available for counter-attack in case the enemy should penetrate the line on our front. Unity of command is preserved and there will be little intermingling of men of different units. Each platoon commander has a definite problem to solve. I think it is by far the best method.” _The Director_: “Do you see any objections to the second method of deployment, Lieutenant Baker?” _Lieutenant Baker_: “I should say that it is about the same as the first method. The thing that I do not like about it is the proposition of taking the outguards from the support platoon. I like the idea of having each combat group being responsible for its whole front. In addition to dividing responsibility for the defense of the area occupied it weakens the support platoon and makes it just that much less effective for counter-attack work.” _The Director_: “What objections have you to the third method—the platoons in echelon one behind the other?” _Lieutenant Baker_: “When the outguards fall back on the firing line you have the proposition of an intermingling of men of the two platoons. That will cause endless confusion and destroy the unity of command.” _The Director_: “Any objections to the fourth method?” _Lieutenant Baker_: “I can conceive of circumstances where this method might be employed to advantage. For example: In woods or in rough, difficult terrain. I do not think it would be employed in an area such as we now have under consideration.” _The Director_: “We seem to be pretty well agreed that the first method should be employed. Now what considerations will affect your decision as to the area to be included in each of the two combat groups, Captain Hall?” _Captain Hall_: “The battalion commander has assigned the elements of the machine gun company to certain positions to cover the front. I would build my combat groups around this distribution and take advantage of the fire that they are able to produce.” _The Director_: “Lieutenant Barry, where would you locate the Company C. P.?” _Lieutenant Barry_: “The C. P. should be in such a position that it can be easily reached and found by the runners. It should be so arranged that the enemy will not be able to observe the runners entering and leaving. I would say that it should be located in the area lying between the combat groups and the support platoon.” Explanation