_Lieutenant Baker_: “Assuming that Lieutenant Z and Captain D have been with me all the while, I would say:
“‘My first platoon will attack with its right about (indicate). The second platoon with its left about (indicate). Each will cover a front of about 150 yards. Select your firing positions to cover the attack.’
“That is all that should be required. Before issuing final orders for the attack I would verify the positions selected.”
_The Director_: I hope you have all followed the process that we have gone through during the 20 minutes, in order to arrive at a decision and the point where Captain C is ready to issue his orders for the attack. Let us review them briefly:
1. Send for the platoon commanders to come to the front.
2. Accompanied by Captain D and Lieutenant Z, and two runners, make a personal reconnaissance of the enemy’s position and the terrain and determine:
(_d_) The position of the supporting weapons.
3. Arrange for a rendezvous where the attack order can be issued.
From all of this you will appreciate that there are many things that must be done before an attack of this kind can be launched. Battalion and other commanders should appreciate that it takes time to do all of these things and should have patience with the officers whom he has ordered to do it.
1. Assemble class at initial point where the Terrain Exercise is to begin.
2. Distribute sheets containing the general situation and special situation Blue. Read and explain. Have members of class state understanding of situation.
3. Formation of battalion for attack—Assault companies, reserve company, covering patrol on right, connecting patrol on left.
5. Distribute Situation No. 1. Read and discuss.
7. Mission of Company C. Personal Reconnaissance. Estimate of the situation. Attached and supporting units.
9. Proceed to right and make personal reconnaissance. Firing position for the auxiliary weapons.
10. Mark assembly point for platoon commanders.
11. Tactical dispositions. Line of departure. Instructions to Captain D and Lieutenant Z.
The platoon commanders have assembled at the appointed rendezvous. You, Captain C, have come to a decision to attack the enemy strong point with two platoons and hold the third as company support.