_Captain Burt_: “He would send the buglers to have the platoon leaders report to him in advance of their platoons and would direct the reconnaissance officer to select the firing positions for the two platoons and obtain the ranges.”
_The Director_: “The captain has a company headquarters to assist him in commanding the company and the use that the captain makes of this headquarters is a sure indication of the efficiency of the company. It is impossible for the captain to command the company by himself and attend to all details. Part of this headquarters detail is mounted. The buglers and reconnaissance officer have horses. By having the platoon leaders precede their platoons they can receive their orders before the platoons arrive and be ready to move into position without delay. When the buglers reach the platoons they would turn over their horses to the platoon leaders and would remain with the platoons to guide them to their firing positions. The reconnaissance sergeant would assist the reconnaissance officer by taking the ranges as soon as the positions had been selected.
“Captain Smith, where would you select the positions and what frontage would you assign to a platoon?”
_Captain Smith_: “I would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire. The position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest. In that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire. The distance between guns should be not less than 20 yards, and preferably more. I would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon. This will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target.”
_The Director_: “I wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ _direct fire_. Indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours. Often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed. However, considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire, and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire. Direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible. It seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire. There is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target.