_The Director_: “I think that message will give the battalion commander all the information that he requires immediately. It informs him of the fact that you have accomplished your mission. It tells him how many casualties you have had which will enable him to determine the further effective strength of the company and what it is capable of doing in the future. It tells him what you are now doing and indicates that further instructions are desired. His reaction should be to send you instructions what to do, either to continue to the front as an assault unit of the battalion or to revert to the role of battalion reserve. Now, I want each member of the class to write out the orders of Captain C and the message that he would send to the battalion commander. Follow out the five paragraph order system.”
When the orders and the message are complete they will be collected and redistributed. One or more members of the class will be called upon to read the order and message in his possession and to criticize it.
_The Director_: “This situation concludes the Terrain Exercise. I hope that it has been valuable to all of you and has brought out some points that will stand you well in hand if you ever be called upon to undertake an operation of this kind in actual service.
“I hope you all now appreciate what training is necessary on the part of officers and non-commissioned officers to carry on such an operation.
1. Conduct class to captured enemy strong point.
2. Hand out Situation No. 5. Read and discuss. Point out places mentioned.
3. Order platoon commanders to report to Captain C.
4. Estimate of the Situation. Mission, action of enemy, action of own troops, withdrawal of the 1st and 2nd platoons to reorganize. Relief by 3rd platoon. Decision.
5. Report to battalion commander. First sergeant to prepare message.
6. Orders: Information of enemy and own troops. Plan of commander. 3rd platoon take over duty of security. Relieve 1st and 2nd platoons. Prisoners and stragglers. Mop up position. 1st and 2nd platoons assemble and reorganize, check casualties, replenish ammunition.
7. Message to battalion commander: Accomplished mission. Casualties. Prisoners. Reorganization. Await further instructions. Reaction of battalion commander to message.