_The Director_: “Based on that disposition, what orders would you give?”
“‘Corporal D, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the right oblique in the direction of that ——.
“‘Private E, you are detailed as acting corporal. Take the rear rank of the second squad and move to the front along this road.
“‘Corporal F, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the left oblique in the direction of that ——.
“‘The rear rank of the third squad will accompany me. I will march 200 yards in rear of Private E’s patrol.
“‘Patrols will advance about 1,200 yards to the front. Keep in communication with me. Remain out until you receive orders to withdraw.
“‘Take charge of your patrols and move out.’
“I believe these orders would set the covering troops in motion.”
_The Director_: “I agree with you. Are there any questions? I assume that when no questions are asked every member of the class not only understands what is being done, but also the reasons for doing it that particular way. If there is ever any doubt in your mind about any part of the problem or the solution, you should ask questions and demand explanations until the matter is entirely cleared up.”
_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to write out Sergeant X’s orders on his pad. The information about the enemy and our own troops that has already been given to the men by the platoon commander need not be repeated. The first paragraph might be.
“‘You have heard what the platoon commander said about the enemy and our own troops. There is no further information.’”
When all the members of the class have completed writing the order the papers are collected and redistributed. One or more members may be called upon to read the order in their possession and comment upon it. The whole idea is to impress the solution of each phase of the problem so firmly in the minds of the members of the class that, in case they should ever be called upon in active service to meet a similar situation, they would know exactly how to go about it.
1. Explain necessity for covering the posting of the outguards. Formations that may be used: Skirmishers; patrols; advantages of patrol system.
2. Pass out problem and read it. Have members of class explain their version.