“In this case, the ‘first firing position’ may be very close to, or even coincide with the Line of Departure, so that the base platoon designation is of especial value in the initial deployment.”
_Captain Hastings_: “Will the Director please discuss the personnel of the headquarters of Company C in action—its positions and formations?”
_The Director_: “A rifle company headquarters in action consists of:
“2. First Sergeant, Signal Sergeant, Agents from the supporting Machine Gun unit (platoon or company), and two company runners all following in two short columns behind the captain. When halted these men take cover within reach of the captain’s voice.
“3. Two buglers, one well to the left flank observing the connecting group keeping connection with Company A and the other observing combat patrol covering the right. These buglers will report to the Captain any item of information they note.
“4. Three platoon runners, arranged in a rough triangle each between his own platoon and the company headquarters. These runners keep within call or signaling distance of the Captain and each knows always the position of his own platoon. By these runners the Captain communicates with his three platoons.
“5. Two Company runners at the Battalion Command Post. These runners keep track of the position of their own company and are prepared to take messages to it from Battalion headquarters.
“The position of Company Headquarters is such that the Captain can maintain connection with his assault platoons, observe the progress of the fight personally and especially be ready to throw his support platoon into the action when and where most needed. During the approach the Captain precedes his assault echelon. When the fire opens, Company Headquarters drops back to a position between the assault echelon and the support platoon.”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “Where is the second in command of the company? There is no mention of him in the orders.”
_The Director_: “Yes, I am glad you noted the omission. The senior Lieutenant, or ‘second-in-command’ remains back at the Company rear echelon during a fight. Here he is responsible that ammunition is forwarded as necessary, that meals are prepared and that all men drifting to the rear are held.