_Terrain Exercise No. 7._ Posting an Outpost
The (_a_) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue force is concentrating at (_b_). Red troops have been reported in the direction of (_c_).
A Blue detachment consisting of one regiment of Infantry has been sent out toward the border as a covering force. It is disposed as follows:
The regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) on the (_d_) road; 2nd Battalion on the (_e_) road; 3rd Battalion on the (_f_) road.
The 2nd Battalion marching on the (_e_) road, with Company E as advance guard, has reached (_g_), where the battalion commander decides to halt for the night. It is now 3 o’clock p. m. The column has halted, and the company commanders have assembled at this point.
The battalion commander issues verbal orders as follows:
“Small detachments of the enemy have been reported at (_h_) and (_i_). Our 3rd Battalion is halted for the night at (_k_); our regiment (less 2nd and 3rd Battalions) is halted for the night at (_l_).
“This battalion halts for the night at (_m_). March conditions cease.
“The advance guard will furnish the outpost along the line (_n_).
“The remainder of the battalion will bivouac, Company F at (_o_); Company G at (_o_); Company H at (_o_); Headquarters Company at (_o_). In case of attack the outpost will be supported.
(Note.—Company E is organized in accordance with T. O. 28-W. See Appendix 1.)
(_a_) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical feature should be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of a ridge, etc. In this problem it may be assumed that the halt of the battalion for the night is made just within the boundary or across the boundary in enemy territory. The choice will depend upon the location of suitable ground for the outpost with a view to bringing out the elements involved in the posting of the outpost.
(_b_) A point within friendly territory. Should be a march or two from the boundary.
(_c_) A point within enemy territory. Should be a march or two from the boundary.
(_d_), (_e_), (_f_) Detachments are sent out to cover the concentration of troops when the concentration is made at a point where there is danger that the enemy may attempt to interfere with it. Such detachments proceed toward the border on the main routes by which the enemy must advance. (_d_) Would be the next main road to the left of the road (_e_) on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing; (_f_) would be the next main road to the right of the road on which the 2nd Battalion is advancing. This places the 2nd Battalion in the center of the formation.
