_Captain Smith_: “I would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire. The position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest. In that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire. The distance between guns should be not less than 20 yards, and preferably more. I would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon. This will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target.” _The Director_: “I wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ _direct fire_. Indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours. Often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed. However, considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire, and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire. Direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible. It seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire. There is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target. “Captain Jones, what assignment of targets would you make?” _Captain Jones_: “I would assign a portion of the target to each platoon. The whole target could be assigned to each platoon which would permit an entire platoon to advance to a new firing position, while the other covered the entire target. However, any advance before the resistance is overcome would probably be by section and not by platoon; so there is no advantage in giving each platoon the whole target. A gunner can fire more effectively on a narrow target where it is not necessary to traverse so much.” _The Director_: “Captain Howe, would you make any provision for lifting your fire as the infantry approaches the target?” _Captain Howe_: “I would leave that to the platoon commanders. The rate of advance may be different at different parts of the line so that some guns may continue firing safely after others are forced to stop. I would want every gun to fire as long as the safety of the infantry would permit.” _The Director_: “Captain Burt, what provision would you make for opening fire?” _Captain Burt_: “I would have the platoon leaders signal me when they were ready and open fire on my signal. The positions of the platoons are plainly visible from my position. Since it has been ordered that fire will open at a definite time I think it better to depend on one watch than to take a chance of the platoons opening a few seconds apart.”