_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would interpret the actions of the leading man to indicate that he has observed the enemy and that they are in small numbers. I would signal the patrol to halt and then signal ‘DOWN,’ which would indicate to the men that they are to take cover. I would then join the leading man to see for myself what is happening out in front.”
_The Director_: “I think we may all agree that your solution up to this point is correct. Now, let us assume that the leading man is at —— (indicate exact location) and you are here. I want you to show the class exactly how you would join him.
(Note.—Lieutenant Ralston gives the practical demonstration and the class moves up to where the leading man is supposed to be.)
“Is there any member of the class that would do it differently?”
(Note.—If any member has any criticism of the solution, have him go back to the starting point and demonstrate how he would do it.)
_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, let us assume that you are Sergeant B. You have joined your leading man here and he points out to you what he has seen. You observe six enemy infantrymen marching down the road in a formation similar to the one your patrol is now in. The leading man is at ——. (The Director points out the exact location of the enemy’s leading man, which should be at least 500 yards distant.) Apparently they have not observed you. What is your reaction to this situation?”
_Captain Harvey_: “At this moment I would have no means of telling whether these men are an enemy patrol or the point of an advance guard. The formation would be about the same. Can the Director give us definite information on that point?”
_The Director_: “All right. Let us assume for the moment that it is an enemy patrol. What would you do?”
_Captain Harvey_: “Under those circumstances, I would have my patrol take cover and let the enemy patrol go on by.”
_The Director_: “That would be the logical thing to do. Now, let us assume that the enemy are the point of an advance guard. What would you do?”
_Captain Harvey_: “In that event I would open fire on them immediately.”
_The Director_: “What would be your object in doing that?”
_Captain Harvey_: “By opening fire I give warning to our outpost that the enemy is advancing and I delay him because he will have to stop and make more or less reconnaissance before proceeding.”