_The Director_: “Lieutenant Wallace, we will assume that you are commanding the platoon. Just how do you go about the task of getting started on the day’s work?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I should first see if all the men are present, and then I would inspect the platoon to make sure that everything is all right.”
_The Director_: “The first part of your problem is simple. All you have to do is to glance down the ranks to determine whether every man is in his proper place. Let us assume that all are present. Now, with regard to the proposition of the inspection. In campaign the platoon commander should inspect his platoon at reveille—check up the appearance of the men and note the condition of the arms and equipment. At this time he should take the steps necessary to remedy deficiencies and make provision for the evacuation of any man that is physically unfit. This should be a matter of routine. Then, when the day’s work is to be started, there is no delay.”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I see the point and realize the necessity for the procedure you have outlined. There is one other point. When should the rifles be loaded?”
_The Director_: “Some advocate that the rifles should be loaded and the safety locks turned to ‘Safe’ just after the inspection in the morning. I do not believe that to be the best procedure. It increases the chances for an accident. I would have the men load their rifles, in this case, just before starting to form the advance party. Let us assume that the platoon has been inspected at reveille and that all the men are in fit physical condition and ready for the work in hand. What is the first move you would make, Lieutenant Ralston?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “Well, sir, I would want to get the platoon a short distance away from the rest of the company. So the first thing I do is to march the platoon about 75 to 100 yards up the road.”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “There is always more or less confusion around the company on an occasion of this kind, and I want to get my platoon off by themselves so they can give me their undivided attention while I am issuing my orders and getting them all set for the work in hand.”
_The Director_: “That seems to be a very good reason. Let us assume that you have moved the platoon 100 yards away from the rest of the company. You are formed up in line. What are you going to do now?”