“_Formation._—Generally the formation of a machine gun company supporting an infantry battalion will be with one platoon on either flank supporting the two assaulting companies. As to whether or not the platoons should be placed in rear of the assault companies or in rear of the reserve company depends upon conditions. If the conditions indicate the probable early use of machine guns and the ground is favorable for their use, they should be placed in rear of the assault companies. On the other hand, if their use appears improbable, or the ground is unfavorable for overhead fire, they should be placed in rear of the reserve company, where they can use their carts as long as possible. The formation within the platoon conforms to the infantry with which it is advancing. The usual formations will be: when dismounted, line of squad columns or line of skirmishers; when mounted, column of squads. The purpose of the formation taken should be to make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish the machine guns from the infantry. “_Communication._—Where conditions permit, the commanding officer of the machine gun company will be with the battalion commander. However, the captain must not let this consideration interfere with the efficient command of his company. Where the captain does not remain with the major he will maintain contact with him by means of two runners from the machine gun company. “Are there any questions?” Procedure The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked by members of the class. After all questions have been cleared up the Director will hand a copy of the problem to each member of the class. A few minutes will be allowed to read over the problem. _The Director_: “Please give me your attention while we go over the problem.” The Director reads the problem aloud, pointing out the features of the landscape that are referred to in the problem. The Director then calls upon one or more members of the class to explain the problem. He clears up any point that does not appear plain to all and satisfies himself that all members of the class understand the situation and what is required of them. Solution _The Director_: “Captain Smith, we shall assume that you are commanding the battalion and that Captain M, the commanding officer of the machine gun company, is with you. What would you do when you received the messages from your assault companies?” _Captain Smith_: “I would send for all of the captains to report to me at once, so that I could issue my orders.”