_The Director_: “What is a center of resistance?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “An aggregate of strong points distributed in width and depth and commanded by one officer. It is usually occupied by a battalion.”
_The Director_: “I hope you all see how this proposition works out. A combat group is the smallest element. Two or more of these groups form a strong point. Two or more strong points linked up together form a center of resistance. You will note the Major’s disposition for our battalion here. It forms a center of resistance consisting of the two strong points held by Companies A and B respectively with Company C as a reserve with Company D distributed at key points within the area.”
The class is now conducted to area (_u_), which has been assigned to Company A.
You, Captain A, are commanding Company A, the unit assigned to occupy the area (_u_) in the right (left) of the battalion sector. You have Major A’s order to proceed with your task with the least practicable delay.
The Director will distribute the sheets containing Situation No. 1. He will read it to the class and make such explanation as may be necessary.
_The Director_: “Captain Harvey, what steps do you take to get your company up to the front?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I have with me one runner from each of my platoons and two runners from Company Headquarters. I will send the platoon runners back with a verbal message to their respective platoon commanders to bring the platoons up. I will have one of my company runners to go to the (indicate place) with a message to platoon commanders to halt their platoons there and report to me here. I think that is all that would be necessary to get the platoons up and assemble the platoon commanders here to receive orders.”
_The Director_: “All right. We will assume that you have sent the platoon runners back for the platoons and that one of your company runners has gone back to the rendezvous point. What are you going to do between now and the time the platoon commanders report to you for orders?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I am going to make a personal reconnaissance of the area assigned to my company, size up the situation, arrive at a decision as to how I am going to occupy the area and dope out my orders for the platoon commanders.”