TACTICAL 
 
 
 Mill 
 
TACTICAL WALKS 
 
 BY 
 
 Lt. Col. William H. Waldron 
 
 U. S. Infantry 
 
 Distinguished Graduate Infantry and 
 Cavalry School 1905 
 
 Graduate Staff College, 1906 
 Graduate Army War College, 1911 
 
 Assistant Director, Army War College, 
 Course 1911-12 
 
 Author of 
 
 "Scouting and Patrolling" 
 "Elements of Trench Warfare" 
 
 "Company Administration" 
 "Infantry Soldiers' Hand Book" 
 
 PRICE rfL 50 
 
 PUBLISHED BY GEORGE U. HARVEY PUBLISHING CO., Inc. 
 109 Lafayette St., New York City 
 
} 
 
 COPYRIGHT 1918 BY 
 GEORGE U. HARVEY PUBLISHING Co., Inc. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 1. ADVANCE GUARD ....................... ... 9 
 
 The operations of an advance party. The operations of a point. 
 Contact. Patrolling. Action of advance guard when column 
 halts. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 2. A FLANK GUARD .......................... 28 
 
 Formation. Patrolling. Covering approaches. Ambuscade. Ac- 
 tion when main body halts. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 3. AN OUTPOST .............................. 43 
 
 Covering the posting of the outguards. Posting of an outguard. 
 Posting sentinels. Orders and instructions. Receptions of a flag 
 of truce at the outposts. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 4. A RECONNOITERING PATROL ................ 58 
 
 Inspection of patrol. Orders and instructions to patrol. Pass- 
 ing line of outguards. Formation of the patrol. Contact with 
 the enemy. Observation of enemy. Message writing. Message 
 carrying. Capture of enemy scouts. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 5. A VISITING PATROL ....................... ". 74 
 
 Preparation. Orders. Visiting points on line of observation. 
 Capture of hostile scouts. Inspection in front of the line of 
 observation. Disposition of prisoners. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 6. A DETACHED POST ....................... 89 
 
 Orders and instructions. Marching. Establishment of detached 
 post. Preparation of position for defense. Conduct of duty. 
 Day and night dispositions. 
 
 TACTICAL WALK No. 7. A DEFENSIVE POSITION ......... ......... 105 
 
 Estimate of the situation. Organization of a defensive position. 
 Location of defensive works. Location and construction of ob- 
 stacles. Clearing the foreground. 
 
 369969 
 
TO THE READER 
 
 "READ THE INSTRUCTIONS' 
 
 Many students ignore the INSTRUCTIONS to a book. It 
 is most important that you read the INSTRUCTIONS to this 
 volume before going into the text. This, in order that you 
 may familiarize yourself with the system laid down herein. 
 
 THE AUTHOR 
 
INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 The Tactical Walk is the best method that has been devised for instruc- 
 ting officers and noncommissioned officers in the subject of Minor Tactics. 
 Tactical situations are presented to them for practical solution on the 
 ground itself, and the lessons are firmly impressed on their minds. 
 
 Fortunate is the company commander detailed to command the support 
 of an outpost who can march his organization to the position designated, 
 group his noncommissioned officers about him, state the military situation 
 to them in a few words, and give his orders for posting the outpost, feel- 
 ing assured that each man will go about his task in an intelligent manner 
 and carry out his part of the operation efficiently. 
 
 To be more specific, can you take any one of your noncommissioned offi- 
 cers at random and after informing him of the contents of the first two 
 paragraphs of the outpost order say: "Sergeant Williams, with the first 
 platoon move out at once and cover the posting of the outguards," and know 
 that this task is going to be efficiently carried out? 
 
 Can you say to another: "Corporal White, with your squad form out- 
 guard No. 2, which will be posted at the road fork , and cover the 
 
 approaches from the east," and feel reasonably assured that Corporal 
 White will select the proper location for his outguard; that he will post 
 one double-sentinel post in the best location for observation and conceal- 
 ment; that he will instruct his sentinels and give them their proper 
 orders; that he will establish communication with the adjoining outguards 
 and sentinels, and that he will prepare his position for defense? 
 
 Again, can you say to another : "Outguard No. 2 has reported a flag 
 of truce about 300 yards in front of sentinel No. 1. Corporal Jones, take 
 four men of your squad, go out and conduct the parlementaire to me," 
 with the assurance that Corporal Jones knows how to carry out his mis- 
 sion in all its details? 
 
 Can you select any one of your noncommissioned officers, detail six 
 men and place them under his command as a reconnoitering patrol for 
 work in front of the outpost line ; give him the information of the enemy 
 and your own troops ; assign him a mission and tell him where to send 
 his messages, and feel that he will be able to conduct the operations of 
 that patrol in the manner that you would wish it conducted? 
 
 Can you send any one of your sergeants out in command of the point 
 of your advance guard and feel that he knows what to do and how to 
 do it? He may have a good general idea of the methods to be employed 
 while the point is just marching along the road. Let a shot be fired from 
 the front. What will he do? The chances are that he will halt and 
 "await instructions." I have seen this procedure time and time again at 
 maneuvers. I have seen an advance guard consisting of a whole battalion 
 deployed against six infantrymen. I have seen another entire battalion 
 deploy to drive twenty dismounted cavalrymen from a sunken road and 
 delay the main body for a considerable length of time when every minute 
 was precious. 
 
6 Tactical Walks 
 
 It is to pru\id<t instruction ir just this class of problems that the Tacti- 
 cal Walk has been devised and developed. If it is efficiently conducted, 
 it will certainly familiarize noncommissioned officers with this class of 
 duties. 
 
 We take the noncommissioned officers from the theory of the class- 
 room and map maneuvers right out on tactical exercises with troops 
 without giving them any preliminary practical training. They are not 
 sure of themselves yet. The Tactical Walk is the intermediate step be- 
 tween the classroom and theory and the actual handling of troops, which 
 fits the man for the duties of troop handling. 
 
 In the practical training of troops the Tactical Walk finds its broad 
 field of application. You decide that you want to instruct your company 
 in outpost work. Select the terrain that you desire to use; draw up 
 your problem and the several situations connected therewith along the 
 lines indicated herein. Take your noncommissioned officers out on a 
 Tactical Walk and solve the problem. The next day, while the situations 
 and their solution are still fresh in their minds, take the company out for 
 a terrain exercise over this same gound and solve the same problem. You 
 will see that the noncommissioned officers will go about their work in an 
 intelligent and straightforward manner. There will be no hesitation and 
 indecision. This inspires the confidence of the men in their squad and 
 platoon and platoon leaders, and your company has learned something 
 really worth while. 
 
 This is not to say that one exercise of this class will suffice. You may 
 have to give your company a dozen such. Now take the same problem 
 and work it out in the same manner on a different piece of ground. You 
 will see a marked improvement in the noncommissioned officers grasping 
 the points of the Tactical Walk. You will see them gaining confidence in 
 themselves. You will see that the men have more confidence in them and 
 respect for their ability. 
 
 After the two phases of training have been carried out as outlined 
 above, you are ready to enter into maneuver with another company. 
 
 The Tactical Walk will be found suitable for teaching the officers and 
 noncommissioned officers of the cadet corps in military schools. The com- 
 mandant may work up his problems and conduct the walks as indicated 
 herein. 
 
 The members of the Officers' Reserve Corps will find herein a wealth 
 of material for their study and practical application. This is exactly the 
 class of instruction they will receive at the officers' training camps each 
 year. 
 
 The Director 
 
 The successful conduct of the Tactical Walk depends to a considerable 
 degree upon the tactical knowledge of the Director and his ability to im- 
 part knowledge to others. Therefore, before starting on a Tactical Walk, 
 study up on all the points that you desire to bring out. In other words, 
 make a detailed solution of the problem and the principles involved. You 
 must know your subject thoroughly, and to this end must familiarize your- 
 self with the different phases of the situations to such extent that you 
 
Instructions 
 
 may be able to make reasonable answer to any questions that may be pro- 
 pounded. If it is possible to do so, go over the ground in advance. Make 
 a study of it and fit each situation to the terrain. 
 
 You must receive all the ideas presented by the members of the class. 
 Take out the good and tactfully discard the bad and indifferent. You 
 should take great care that you do not unduly criticise the men when 
 they make mistakes and faulty dispositions. Above all, never hold up one 
 of their solutions to ridicule. Ideas that you are not willing to accept at 
 first glance may have something worth while hidden away in them. Be- 
 fore going out you will do well to prepare a key to the points that you 
 desire to bring out. Use this to refresh your memory. This prevents 
 important points being overlooked. Such a key is inserted at the end of 
 the solution of each situation in this book. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Your first essential is a problem, clearly and tersely stated, logically 
 drawn, and easily understood. The several tactical situation should follow 
 one another in their natural sequence. Each should bring out some prin- 
 ciple of Minor Tactics that it is desired to illustrate and impress upon the 
 members of the class. Avoid long-winded situations that are complex 
 and difficult for the average man to grasp. The simpler the situations the 
 better they will be. 
 
 Discussion 
 
 A full and free discussion of the points presented during the conduct 
 of the walk should be encouraged. Therein lies one of the great virtues 
 of this method of instruction. Do not permit these discussions to degen- 
 erate into personal arguments among the members of the class. 
 
 Every detail of one situation must be carefully worked out before pass- 
 ing to another. Members of the class should invariably be pinned down to 
 statements of just exactly what they would do under the circumstances if 
 they were confronted with that particular situation in time of war. Men 
 unfamiliar with the subject are prone to give evasive answers. This 
 tendency should be combatted from the very start. The best method is 
 to keep on asking questions until you get the man down to bed-rock and 
 he has to tell you jtost exactly what he would do. 
 
 Equipment 
 
 Each member of the class will be equipped with writing pads of uniform 
 size for facility in handling. Pads 5 by 8 inches are the best. Each man 
 should have several pencils, a compass, a watch, a book of message blanks, 
 and, if practicable, a map of the country over which the walk is being 
 conducted. 
 
 The problems and situations will be typewritten on 3 by 5 inch cards, 
 one for each man participating in the exercise. All cards for a particular 
 
 situation should be placed in an envelope and marked "Situation No. ," 
 
 so that, on arriving at a point where it is intended to solve a phase of the 
 problem, all the Director has to do is to withdraw the envelope from 
 his pocket or dispatch case and distribute the cards. It has been found that 
 cards serve the purpose better than light paper. 
 
8 Tactical Walks 
 
 Conducting the Tactical Walk 
 
 The method to be employed in the conduct of the Tactical Walk de- 
 pends in a measure upon the advancement of the members of the class. 
 For beginners the Director will have to do most of the talking. He will 
 have to explain all the principles involved before questions are asked. As 
 the men progress, the walk may be conducted principally by the quiz 
 method. It has been the endeavor to illustrate these systems in the prob- 
 lems that follow. In the Outpost and Reconnoitering Patrol Walks the 
 beginner's method is largely employed. The Director explains the elements 
 that enter into the situation, the members of the class entering into the 
 solution wherever practicable, and the Director finally presenting a solu- 
 tion for discussion. The remaining walks are of the quiz type, wherein 
 the elements are brought out by the Director asking questions and requir- 
 ing definite answers from the members of the class, explanations being 
 made and discussion entered into wherever necessary. 
 
 If the contents of this book induce you to give this method of instruc- 
 tion a thorough trial, it will have served it purpose ; for it is believed that 
 you will find it the very best method of instructing in Minor Tactics. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 1 
 
 AN ADVANCE GUARD 
 The Problem 
 
 General Situation: . 
 
 The (a) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue brigade is 
 mbbolizing at (b). A Red force is assembling at (c), and has small de- 
 tachments of cavalry at various points along the border. 
 Special Situation Blue : 
 
 A Blue detachment, consisting of one battalion of infantry and a 
 machine-gun company, camps for the night (d) at (e). 
 
 At 11.30 a. m. (/), Major Z, commanding, decides to march toward (#), 
 and issues the following verbal orders to the assembled officers : 
 
 "The enemy's cavalry has occupied points along the border. Our brigade 
 continues mobilizing at (h). 
 
 "This detachment will march towards (i). 
 
 "Captain B, with Company B, will form the advance guard. March at 
 1.00 p. m., by the (/) (&) (/) road. 
 
 "The remainder of the detachment will follow at a distance of 600 yards 
 in the order, C, D, A, Machine-Gun Company. 
 
 "The outpost will stand relieved when the support (m) of the advance 
 guard passes the line of resistance and join the main body in its proper 
 place. 
 
 "The field trains will follow without distance. 
 
 "Messages to head of main body." 
 
 On returning from officers' assembly, Captain B assembles the non- 
 commissioned officers of his company and issues the following verbal orders 
 for the advance guard : 
 
 "The enemy's cavalry has occupied points along the border. Our brigade 
 continues mobilizing at (n). Our detachment marches toward (0). The 
 main body follows the advance guard at 600 yards. 
 
 "This company* will form the advance guard. 
 
 "The first platoon, Sergeant A, will form the advance party. March at 
 1.00 p. m., via the (p) (q) (r) road. 
 
 "The company (less first platoon) will form the support. Follow the 
 advance party at 400 yards. 
 
 "The company wagon will join the battalion field trains. 
 
 "Messages to head of support." 
 
 Explanation of Symbols 
 
 (a) In designating the boundary line, some natural topographical or geographical 
 feature will be selected, such as a river, creek, canal, crest of a range of hills, etc. 
 In this problem the boundary may be located several marches from the point where 
 the problem starts. 
 
 (&) The point selected for the mobilization place of the Blue brigade should be 
 several marches from the border in friendly territory. 
 
 * Company B has only one officer (the Captain) for duty with it. The company is 
 organized into four platoons of four squads each. 
 
10 Tactical Walks 
 
 (c) The assembly point for the enemy will be in his own territory, two or more 
 marches from the border. 
 
 (d) A particular night is designated by citing the date of the day preceding and the 
 day following. For example, the night of January 27 would be designated. "The night 
 27/28 Jan." The figures are always entered before the month. 
 
 (e) The point selected for the camp of the battalion. It should be at the place 
 chosen for the beginning of the tactical walk. It may be one or more marches from 
 the feature designated as the border. 
 
 (/) The date of the tactical walk will be used here. 
 
 (g Some point situated on the road leading towards the border. 
 
 (h) Same point as designated in (&). . 
 
 (t) Same point as designated in (fir). 
 
 (y) () (/) A road is described in field orders by naming several places located 
 thereon. Where a map having the cross-roads numbered is available these may be 
 used: for example: The "17 9 11 road" would mean the road passing through the 
 cross roads numbered 17, 9 and 11, or the "Fort Leavenworth Atchison Cross 
 Frenchman Kickapoo road," which would mean the road passing the place above 
 designated. 
 
 (m) The outpost of a command usually stands relieved when the support of the 
 advance guard passes the line of resistance. The advance guard formation has been 
 taken up, and it is then that the' responsibility for the security of the main body de- 
 volves upon the advance guard. This procedure gives the outpost commander a little 
 time to assemble his command preparatory to falling into his proper place in the 
 column. 
 
 (n) Same as indicated in (&). 
 
 (0) Same as indicated in (p). 
 
 (/>) (g) (r) Description of road as outlined in (/) () (/). 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 You, Sergeant A, commanding the first platoon, have been detailed to 
 form the advance party. It is now 12.55 p. m. Your platoon is formed 
 here. 
 
 Required: 
 
 1. What action are you going to take? 
 
 2. What are your instructions to the members of your platoon? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The members of the class are assembled on the (/) (k) (/) road 
 (see explanation of symbols, page 9), at the point where it is intended 
 that the advance guard formation is to ,be taken up. 
 
 The Director states that before taking up the problem he desires to 
 make a few remarks on the formation of a column of troops on the march 
 and to review briefly the formation and duties of an advance guard. 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "A column of troops on the march consists of a main body and such 
 covering detachments as may be necessary. These covering detachments 
 are denominated advance guards, rear guards and flank guards. They are 
 thrown out for the purpose of gaining information of the enemy, to pro- 
 tect the main body from surprise, and to hold the enemy a sufficient length 
 of time for the main body to prepare for action. 
 
 "The advance guard consist of a series of detachments increasing pro- 
 gressively from head to rear, each being charged with the duty of pro- 
 tecting from surprise the body immediately following it and gaining time 
 for the latter to prepare for action. 
 
An Advance Guard 
 
 "The advance guard is normally divided into a support and a reserve. 
 From the support an advance party is sent to the front a few hundred 
 yards and from time to time, as the occasion demands, flanking patrol 
 are sent out to the right and left. In a small advance guard such as we 
 are to consider in this Tactical Walk there will be no reserve. To have 
 one would divide the company into too many parts and make i 
 more difficult for the Captain to handle. 
 
 "This is the normal formation. Conditions may change this. It cannot 
 be blindly followed in any case. You must consider your mission and 
 understand the underlying principles upon which the normal formation is 
 based. Then use your common-sense in meeting the situations that are 
 presented for solution. 
 
 "Now let us see what the duties of the advance guard are : 
 
 "1. To prevent the main body of our troops from being fired into while 
 they are in a formation that prevents them from defending themselves 
 effectively. You can all imagine what would happen if an effective fire 
 were suddenly poured into the company while it is marching in column 
 of squads on the road. 
 
 "2. To gain information of the enemy by sending out detachments to 
 the front and flanks at such points as may be necessary. Here is an im- 
 portant point to remember. Under the modern conditions of warfare, 
 the haphazard method of sending flanking patrols has every chance of 
 resulting in disaster. These men never get back in time to be of use to 
 you when you neeed them. Much of this patrolling and marching of 
 flanking detachments across country is exhausting and wears out your 
 troops. It should be reduced to the minimum. 
 
 "3. To push back small parties of the enemy. The progress of the main 
 body must not be arrested by small, comparatively insignificant detachments 
 of the enemy. It is the duty of the advance guard to brush them aside. 
 How many times at maneuvers have you seen a skillfully handled patrol 
 make your whole advance guard deploy. It should have been swept away 
 by the advance party. The idea is that you simply have to keep pushing 
 to the front until you really encounter something that will stop you. 
 
 "4. To check the advance of the enemy in force long enough for the 
 main body to prepare for action. When the enemy is met in sufficient 
 force to warrant the employment of troops of the main body there is a 
 certain process that the commander has to go through before he is pre- 
 pared to place the command in action. A reconnaissance must be made 
 to determine the strength and dispositions of the enemy, for it would be 
 folly to commit a force to action without knowing something of these 
 elements. Then the orders; for the deployment have to be issued and the 
 deployment has to be affected. All of this takes a certain amount of time 
 during which period the advance guard holds off the enemy. 
 
 "5. To remove obstacles, repair the roads and favor in every way the 
 uninterrupted progress of the main body. 
 
 "These are the duties of the advance guard. These are the things that 
 you noncommissioned officers will have to do your part to carry out when 
 your company is on advance guard duty. 
 
 "Are there any questions?" 
 
12 Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will endeavor to answer any questions that may be asked 
 at this time. He then passes out a copy of the general and special situa- 
 tion to each man and gives them a few minutes to read and digest it. He 
 reads the situation over aloud, each man following from the copy in his 
 possession. 
 
 "Sergeant White, give a brief statement of the tactical situation as 
 you understand it," says the Director. 
 
 As the sergeant proceeds the Director will make such explanations as 
 may be necessary. Other memjbers of the class may be required to go 
 over the problem in the same manner. This serves to fix it in their minds 
 and prevent misunderstandings as the problem progresses. When the 
 Director is assured that all are familiar with every phase of the problem, 
 the cards bearing Situation No. 1 are handed out and the men given a 
 few minutes to look it over. 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director will explain to the men that each is to now consider him- 
 self as being Sergeant A; that his platoon is there in the road formed in 
 line with the right of the line in the direction of the march. 
 
 "Sergeant Grant, what is the first thing you would do?" asks the Di- 
 rector. 
 
 "I would see if all the members of the platoon are present," replies the 
 sergeant. 
 
 "That is easily done. By looking over the platoon, you see no blank 
 files. Now what are you going to do?" 
 
 "It is not quite 1 o'clock yet. I would have to wait until that time be- 
 fore marching out," says the sergeant. 
 
 "You have just come from camp. Have you inspected your men to 
 see if they all have their proper equipment?" 
 
 "No, sir. I would inspect them now." 
 
 "All right. How would you go about it?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would open ranks and then give the command, 'Prepare for Inspec- 
 tion/ I would make the inspection in the usual manner." 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, the inspection has been completed and the ranks 
 have been closed. What would you do now ?" 
 
 "I would give the command: With ball cartridges, LOAD/" 
 
 "Right. We are now ready for Sergeant A's orders to the platoon. 
 We inspected the platoon and had them load their pieces first because if 
 anything happens to push us out a little ahead of time we can give in- 
 structions as we go along. Whenever possible every man in the com- 
 mand should, have some idea of the military situation, so that he may go 
 about his work more intelligently. At maneuvers and exercises this will 
 increase interest in the work, and in actual service it is absolutely neces- 
 sary. Furthermore, some of the men may be called upon to act indepen- 
 dently, and the more they know about the situation the more intelligently 
 they can act. Corporal Smith, what elements must be included in the 
 orders to the platoon?" 
 
An Advance Guard 13 
 
 Corporal Smith replies, "They ought to know as much as possible about 
 the enemy, and all about what our own troops are going to do. They 
 ought to know the mission of the platoon. They ought to know the 
 formation they are to take, the road they are going to march on, and 
 where to send information." 
 
 "Where did you find the model which prescribes the sequence of the 
 order you have just stated?" asks the Director. 
 
 "In the Field Service Regulations. It is the same for a patrol, the 
 same for a regiment, and the same for a division." 
 
 "Now, applying these elements and considering the problem, just what 
 information of the enemy and our own troops would you give them, 
 Corporal Williams?" 
 
 "I would tell them about the enemy's cavalry coming to the border. I 
 guess they already know about our brigade mobilizing at (h). I would tell 
 them about our detachment going to march in the direction of (0) and 
 that our company was to form the advance guard with the second, third 
 and fourth platoons in the support, following us at a distance of 400 yards." 
 
 "How would you state the mission of the platoon, Corporal Stout?" 
 
 "I would say : 'This platoon forms the advance party/ " 
 
 "Now comes your disposition of troops. Into what parts is an advance 
 party formed, Corporal Wilson?" 
 
 "A patrol is sent out to the front. Connecting files march .between it 
 and the advance party proper, which follows at about 150 to 200 yards 
 in rear. Flanking parties may be sent out from time to time. These are 
 ordinarily sent from the support." 
 
 "What do you call the patrol sent to the front?" 
 
 "It is called a point." 
 
 "How many men in a point?" 
 
 "Sometimes they have a whole squad and at other times they have only 
 four men under a noncommissioned officer." 
 
 "How many would you have in this case?" 
 
 "I would think four men plenty. We never use more men than are 
 necessary. If the advance party were a whole company, a squad would be 
 sent out." 
 
 "Sergeant Mason, what other instructions would you give?" 
 
 "I would indicate the road that we are to march on and tell them where 
 to send messages and information, or tell them where I intend to march, 
 and they will know that that is the place to send information and mes- 
 sages." 
 
 Having all these elements in mind, the Director, in order to save time, 
 repeats the order that Sergeant A would give his platoon, as follows : 
 
 Orders 
 
 "With ball cartridges, LOAD! 
 
 "Enemy cavalry patrols have advanced to points along the border Our 
 brigade continues mobilizing at (h). Our detachment marches this after- 
 noon towards (0) via the (/)()--(/) road. Our company forms the 
 The company (less this platoon) the support. 
 
 "This platoon forms the advance party. 
 
14 Tactical Walks 
 
 "Sergeant K (guide), take the rear rank of the first squad and move 
 out as a point. When you arrive at cross roads and road forks flash me 
 WW* and I will direct you. 
 
 "Privates G and H (Nos. 1 and 2 front rank, first squad) will form 
 connecting files between the point and advance party. 
 
 "Private L (No. 3 front rank) will march with me. 
 
 "Corporal Y (squad leader first squad) will march at the rear of the 
 platoon and watch out for signals from the rear. 
 
 "I will march at the head of the advance party." 
 
 At 1 p. m. Sergeant A would take the following action to get his platoon 
 into formation and start the march: 
 
 "First squad : Squad right, MARCH 1 When the squad had advanced ten 
 paces: Squad, HALT! Sergeant K, take charge and move out with your 
 point. Connecting files march at the proper time. Others take their places 
 when practicable. 
 
 "Platoon right, MARCH; Platoon, HALT! As skirmishers, guide center, 
 MARCH P 
 
 When the rear man of the point has advanced 150 yards to the front 
 Sergeant A commands : "Platoon column, MARCH P and directs "march 
 in column of files on each side of the road 1" $ 
 
 Explanation 
 
 This formation places the platoon in position for rapid deployment to 
 the front, with the squads together and every man in his proper place. 
 Should the enemy appear on the flank it is only necessary to face the near- 
 est column of files in the direction of the fire and you have a formed 
 skirmish line. The ditches usually found alongside the road can be made 
 readily available for cover. If the system is once practiced with your 
 company you will immediately see the advantage of it. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will now have several members of the class repeat aloud 
 the orders and commands given by Sergeant A. This is done with a 
 view to drilling the method into their systems so that it will make an 
 everlasting impression. 
 
 * The signal WW is adapted from Captain Bjornstad's work "Small Problems for 
 Infantry." It means "Which way?" It can be semaphored in a second and is useful 
 for directing detachments beyond the range of the voice. 
 
 t Originated by Capt. A. J. Dougherty, U. S. Army. 
 
An Advance Guard 15 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Make copies of the problem, one for each man. Prepare copies of the several 
 
 situations and write them out on 3 by 5 inch cards, one for each man. 
 
 2. Conduct the class to a point on the road where it is intended that the ad- 
 
 vance guard formation is to be taken up. 
 
 3. Give a short talk on the subject of advance guard: 
 
 (a) Formation of a column of troops on the march, (fc) Description of 
 advance guard, (c) Normal division of advance guard, (d) Danger of 
 adhering too closely to normal formation, (e) Duties of advance guard: 
 (1) Security of main body; (2) Gain information; (3) Push back small 
 parties of the enemy; (4) Check advance of enemy in force; (5) Clear 
 the road, etc. (/) Duties of noncommissioned officers with respect to 
 advance guard work. 
 
 4. Pass out sheets bearing the general and special situations, and the cards 
 
 bearing Situation No. 1. 
 
 5. Question members of class on the situation. 
 
 6. Take up solution of Sergeant A: 
 
 (a) Verify members of platoon. (fc) Inspection, (c) Load pieces, (d) 
 Tell men the military situation and what the command is going to do. 
 (?) Elements to be embodied in the order. (/) Questions to bring out 
 formation of advance party. 
 
 7. Repeat orders of Sergeant A: 
 
 1. Information of enemy and own troops. 
 
 2. Mission of platoon. 
 
 3. Disposition : (a) Point, (fc) Connecting file, (c) Spare man of squad. 
 (d) Corporal Y. 
 
 4. Where march or where messages to be sent. 
 
 8. Forming advance guard: 
 
 (a) First squad orders to Sergeant K to move out. 
 (fr) Forming up rest of platoon in platoon columns. 
 (c) Moving out. 
 
 9. Have members of the class repeat orders following the form laid down in 
 
 (7), the same being in accordance with the instruction on the composition 
 of Field Orders in the Field Service Regulations. 
 
 NOTE: If there is not sufficient space on the face of a 3 by 5 inch card for the con- 
 tents of the Director's Key, place it on the other side of the card. 
 
 The class is now conducted a few paces along the road, where the cards 
 containing the following situation are handed out. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 You, Sergeant K, have been designated to command the point, comr 
 posed of the men of the rear rank of the first squad. They are standing 
 here, ready to move out. 
 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director will explain that each man is to now consider himself as 
 being Sergeant K; that his men are waiting and ready to move out; that 
 they have all heard the orders just issued by Sergeant A; that they are 
 familiar with the tactical situation and the part the company is to play 
 in it. Pieces have been loaded. 
 
 The Director here makes a few remarks on the conduct of the point. 
 
16 Tactical Walks 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "The point of the advance guard should lose no time in starting out 
 after it has been ordered to form. While getting the formation the first 
 three men to move out should generally do so at an increased gait, slow- 
 ing down to the regular rate of march when the third man has gotten 
 the proper distance. 
 
 "The point is nothing more or less than a small combat patrol that has 
 been assigned a definite line of advance, and its operations are conducted 
 on that basis. It may be bold and aggressive, for the advance party is 
 following close behind, ready to back it up. 
 
 "It will be remembered that the outposts are charged with the duty of 
 security until the support has passed the line of resistance so that Ser- 
 geant A has some little distance in which to form his point and get it 
 into operation. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Corporal Jones, what formation would you give the point?" asks the 
 
 Director. 
 
 "I would use the Boni point system having the leading man on the 
 left-hand side of the road ; then, 20 paces in rear of him, the second man 
 would march on the opposite side of the road ; 20 paces in rear of the 
 second man the third man would march on the same side of the road as 
 the first. The rear man would march behind the third man 20 yards on 
 the side of the road where he can best observe to the rear." 
 
 "That is a very good formation. It places whatever cover may be 
 available at the disposal of the men and gives them a quite invulnerable 
 formation. Besides, the men marching on opposite sides of the road 
 may be able to see greater distances to the front. This is especially so 
 where the road is winding," remarks the Director. 
 
 "Where would you, as point commander, march?" 
 
 "I would not assign a definite place. I would march wherever I could 
 best superintend the operations of the point," answers Corporal Jones. 
 
 "Notwithstanding the fact that the men have heard all the instructions 
 of Sergeant A, are familiar with the tactical situation and the part the 
 company is to play in it, are there any other instructions that Sergeant 
 K must give to his men, Sergeant Hughes?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I think they know about everything that is necessary," an- 
 swers the sergeant. 
 
 "Suppose something should happen to Sergeant K, who would take com- 
 mand?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I had not thought of that. Some man of the point should be desig- 
 nated as second in command." 
 
 "Anything else?" queries the Director. 
 
 "Not that I know of, sir." 
 
 "Can you think of anything, Corporal Williams?" 
 
 "Yes, sir. Some one man should be specially detailed to look out for 
 signals from the rear." 
 
 "That is exactly the point that I desired to bring out," says the Director. 
 "What is everybody's business is nobody's business, and unless some one 
 man is detailed to look out for this it will probably not be done. Sergeant 
 
An Advance Guard 17 
 
 K is going to be too busy conducting his point to give this matter con- 
 sideration." 
 
 "Sergeant Cole, you may state the words that Sergeant K would use 
 in instructing the members of the point and putting it in motion. Take 
 into consideration the points that we have just covered." 
 
 Sergeant Cole states: "I would call the men to 'attention.' M, you 
 will be second in command. L, you are charged with looking for signals 
 from the rear. The three leading men will move at double time until we 
 get our formation, then slow down to quick time. N, move out; march 
 on that (left) side of the road (pointing). O, follow at 20 paces on 
 this (right) side of the road. When O has advanced 20 paces, M, move 
 out ; march on that (left) side of the road. L, you follow at 20 paces." 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "That is a very good solution of the situation," says the Director, then 
 continuing: "I want to call the attention of the members of the class 
 to the manner in which we are working out the details of these situations. 
 It is my desire to have you realize that it is the method that you will 
 have to pursue in working out such problems in actual practice. When 
 a noncommissioned officer takes charge of a detachment for any tactical 
 duty and gives his instructions in a clear and concise manner, leaving 
 nothing in the air to be guessed at, he inspires the confidence of the men ; 
 for they realize immediately that there is some one at the helm who 
 knows his business, and they cheerfully respond. You should practice 
 stating the instruction that you would give under the various tactical situ- 
 ations that you may be called upon to handle, such as those to an advance 
 party, the point of an advance guard, a flank patrol from an advance 
 guard, an outguard or picket, a sentinel posted from an outguard, a vis- 
 iting patrol, a reconnoitering patrol, a covering patrol, a combat patrol, 
 and for a detached post. There is no surer way to gain that confidence 
 so necessary to military efficiency." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director then inquires, "Are there any^ questions?" He endeavors 
 to answer any that may be propounded, after which the class proceeds to 
 the consideration of the next situation. 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out card bearing situation No. 2. 
 
 2. Remarks on point of advance guard: (a) Starting, (fc) Combat patrol, (c) 
 
 Outposts furnish security until the advance guard is formed 
 
 3. formation of point. Remarks on advantages of Boni point formation. 
 
 4. Where Sergeant K marches. 
 
 5. Instructions to members of point: (a) Second in command, (fe) One man 
 
 watch for signals from rear, (c) Remarks. 
 
 6. Orders of Sergeant K: (a) Attention. (6) Second in command, (c) Sig- 
 
 nal observer, (d) Formation orders. 
 
 7. Remarks: (a) Method of solving details of problem. (6) Confidence, (c) 
 
 Practice giving instructions to meet small tactical situations. 
 
18 Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director conducts the class to a point on the road where there 
 is an open space to the front for several hundred yards, with a wood or 
 hedge or some other natural feature where a cavalry patrol of the enemy 
 may locate themselves. At this point the class is halted and the cards 
 bearing the following situation are handed out : 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 Your leading man has arrived at this point. You are marching abreast 
 of him on the opposite side of the road. You see a few Red soldiers 
 in the edge of that wood to the left of the road. You observe several led 
 horses back in the wood a little distance. You estimate that there are 
 about six men in the party. They apparently have not seen you. 
 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director reads over the situation, points out the location where 
 the troopers are supposed to be located and directs each member of the 
 class to make a memorandum on his pad of his solution to the problem, 
 About ten minutes will be allowed for this. When the time is up several 
 members of the class will be called upon to read their memoranda, after 
 which all will be collected and again distributed. Care will be taken to 
 see that no one gets his own memorandum back again. This method is 
 employed for the purpose of creating more interest in the work, for if 
 a man knows that his writings are to be viseed by his comrades he will 
 take more care in their preparation. 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director states : "The situation has been covered more or less in 
 the memoranda we have just heard. Now, let us take it up in detail and, 
 step by step, arrive at a solution. Sergeant White, what would you do?" 
 
 "I would open fire at once, sir/' 
 
 "Tell us just how you would do it." 
 
 "N and myself would open fire as soon as we see the enemy. The 
 other men of the point, seeing us do this, would come up and join in 
 the firing." 
 
 "How would you handle this situation, Sergeant Hughes?" asks the 
 Director. 
 
 "As soon as I see the enemy I would call to N. 'Down ! Enemy in 
 edge of woods/ Then I would signal and call to the rest of the men 
 of the point, 'Double Time!' While they are coming up I would say 
 Target. Enemy in edge of woods. Nine o'clock. Battle sight. Fire at 
 Will!' The command to fire would be given as soon as all the men had 
 come up on the line, or sooner if I observed that the enemy was making 
 a move to get away." 
 
An Advance Guard 19 
 
 "Would you join in the firing yourself?" 
 
 "No, sir. I would not. I figure that I would have plenty to do to 
 direct the fire of the! other men, search the landscape to see if I can dis- 
 cover any other parties of the enemy, and get word back to the advance 
 party commander of what is happening in front," replies Sergeant 
 Hughes. 
 
 "What do you think of that solution, Sergeant White?" 
 
 "I think it is all right, sir. I can see now why it would be better to 
 get all the rifles into action at the same time, provided the enemy made 
 no move to get away. If he made any move in that direction before all 
 the men were up, I should certainly open fire with all the men who were 
 there at the time. I can also see why Sergeant K would not join in the 
 firing. He will have plenty to do without firing." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes provided for that contingency by stating that he would 
 open fire if the enemy made any move to get away," says the Director, 
 continuing: "the advantage of waiting until all the rifles are on the line 
 is that, as soon as these cavalrymen are fired into, they will probably 
 break for their horses to make their getaway. For only a few seconds 
 will they furnish a target. It will take only a moment for all the mem- 
 bers of the point to be up on the line. If our point can cause them to 
 suffer sufficient casualties, they may fall back and not attempt further 
 reconnaissance, especially if they can down the patrol leader. If the lead- 
 ing man of the point opens fire, by the time the last man gets up the 
 enemy will be well under way and there will be no target to fire at. If 
 the cavalrymen return the fire, they at once reveal themselves, and Ser- 
 geant K will do well to be seeking out other detachments in the same 
 vicinity. A reconnoitering patrol does not fire on an occasion of this 
 kind, unless they are surprised and are compelled to do so in self-defense. 
 They have a much better chance of accomplishing their mission of secur- 
 ing information by avoiding combat. If this small body opens fire, it may 
 be reasonably assumed that they are either being backed up by other 
 troops or have accomplished their mission of finding out the strength and 
 composition of our column and have turned themselves into a combat 
 patrol and opened fire to delay us or give information to their own troops 
 that we are advancing n force. If they immediately make a getaway, 
 it will indicate that they are a reconnoitering patrol and will probably 
 try to work around the flanks to get information of our main body. They 
 will know as soon as we open fire that we are not a reconnoitering patrol 
 and that we are closely backed up by other troops. 
 
 "Corporal Williams, how would you get word back to Sergeant A of 
 what is going on in front? 
 
 "I would hold my rifle horizontally over my head to indicate 'enemy in 
 sight, in small numbers.' " 
 
 "That would not give Sergeant A much information. When you open 
 fire he knows that you are firing on an enemy. His common-sense tells 
 him that the enemy is in small force. Why not semaphore the informa- 
 tion to him? 
 
20 Tactical Walks 
 
 "Well, I guess that would be better. It would only take a moment, 
 and it would give him some real information," says Corporal Williams. 
 
 "What is the message you would semaphore back, Corporal Edwards?" 
 
 "I would simply tell him how many and what kind of troops." 
 
 "What I want is the exact words that you would send," says the Director. 
 
 "I would semaphore : 'Eight men. Cavalry.' " 
 
 "I think that would give the sergeant all the information that he could 
 reasonably expect under the circumstances." 
 
 "Now let us make a review of the action taken by Sergeant K, under 
 the situation. You may recite it, Sergeant James." 
 
 Sergeant James states: "Call to N, 'Down! Enemy in edge of wood' 
 (pointing to left front). Kneel myself. Call and signal to the other men 
 of the point 'Double Time !' As they come up, command : 'Target ! En- 
 emy in edge of woods. Nine o'clock. Battle sight. When all is ready 
 or the enemy makes any move to get away, Fire at Will ! Make a hasty 
 examination of the landscape to see if I can locate other men of the 
 enemy. Semaphore to Sergeant A: 'Eight 'men. Cavalry/" 
 
 Discussion 
 
 The Director states : "You now see the elements involved in this simple 
 situation. You see the responsibility that devolves upon noncommissioned 
 officers when they are placed in the position of Sergeant K. To know 
 what to do and how to do it requires training in the close attention to 
 details. Probably any of us could go out and blunder through a situa- 
 tion of this kind, but it takes a man trained in military tactics to make 
 his decisions quickly and to act upon them promptly and take advantage 
 of the fleeting moments to inflict damage on the enemy. These are the 
 things that we study to become proficient in. You cannot put too much 
 time on these phases of your profession. You may know all about your 
 guard duty and garrison service. These are only mere incidents to the 
 soldier's real job. It is tactics that you must know. What your (com- 
 mander wants is noncommissioned officers who he feels confident will meet 
 tactical situations that confront them, with judgment and decision. There 
 is no royal road to success along this line. You can acquire this knowledge 
 only through study and actual practice. Are there any questions?" 
 
 The Director answers any questions that may be asked. 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class to suitable point on road. 
 
 2. Hand out cards containing Situation No. 3. 
 
 3. Make memo of solution on pads. Read some of them. Collect and re- 
 
 distribute. 
 
 4. Take up solution in, details: (a) First action taken, (fc) Opening fire, (c) 
 
 Does Sergeant K fire? 
 
 5. Estimate of enemy: (a) Reconnoitering patrols, (fc) Combat patrol, (c) 
 
 General discussion. 
 
 6. Message to Sergeant A. (a) Method of sending. (>) Composition. 
 
 7. Have members of class repeat solution. 
 
 8. Discussion: training of noncommissioned officers. 
 
 The cards bearing the following situation are now handed out. 
 
An Advance Guard 21 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 4a: 
 
 As soon as you opened fire the enemy fell back under the cover of the 
 woods. They did not return the fire. You observe two riderless horses 
 galloping through the woods. 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director will announce that the solution to this situation will be 
 made orally. No memorandum will be required. 
 
 "Corporal Scott, what would you do now?" 
 
 "I would form up my point in the original order of march and move 
 out along the road. We would march at double time until we gained our 
 distance/' 
 
 "What command with respect to firing would you have given the men?" 
 
 "I would have signaled 'Cease Firing !' " 
 
 "Anything else?" 
 
 "No, sir. Not that I know of." 
 
 "Would you have given any other command, Corporal Jones ?" 
 
 "Yes, sir. I would have signaled 'Cease Firing!' and then followed 
 with 'Load !' " 
 
 The Director would explain that ,by this time the advance party would 
 have drawn very close to the point and that Sergeant A would probably 
 be sufficiently close to Sergeant K for the latter to talk to him. 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, what information of the enemy would you give 
 Sergeant A?' 
 
 "I would tell him: The enemy was a reconnoitering patrol of eight 
 cavalrymen. They fell back under cover of the woods. I saw two rider- 
 less horses in the woods after they withdrew?" 
 
 "What would you do now, Corporal White?" 
 
 "I would double time up to my point." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted some 300 yards to the front, where the 
 cards bearing the following situation are handed out: 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 4b: 
 
 Your point has arrived here. Off to the left flank you see six mounted 
 men which you estimate to be the survivors of the patrol that you fired 
 into. They are distant about 1,500 yards and moving practically parallel 
 to and towards the rear of the main body. 
 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
22 Tactical Walks 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director again explains that the solution will be made orally and 
 that no memoranda will be required. 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, how do you size up the situation now?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I figure that the men we see now are members of the force 
 that we fired into. That it is a reconnoitering patrol. That they are 
 working around our left flank to get in touch with our column to find 
 out its strength and composition. They are too far away to fire upon. 
 I would say that the point has no further concern with them at this time, 
 other than to send information to the advance party commander regard- 
 ing the move they have made." 
 
 "That is about right," remarks the Director. "Now, Corporal Ken- 
 nedy, what information would you send back, and how would you send 
 it? I want you to tell me just how you would go about it." 
 
 Corporal Kennedy replies : "I would fall back to where Private L is 
 marching. I would say to him : 'You go back to Sergeant K. Tell him 
 that the cavalry patrol which we fired on has withdrawn towards our 
 left flank. That there are probably two dead or wounded cavalrymen in 
 the woods. Point out the place to him. Rejoin the point when you 
 can.' As I again moved to the front I would say to Private M : 'Look 
 out for signals from the rear !' " 
 
 The Director explains that the point of an advance guard is not charged 
 with sending out any men to the flank for scouting purposes. That is 
 done by the advance party or support. 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out cards containing Situation No. 4a. 
 
 2. Announce oral solution. 
 
 3. Question members of class: (a) Formation of point again. (fc) Cease 
 
 firing. Load, (c) Verbal message to Sergeant A. 
 
 4. Hand out cards containing Situation No. 4fc. 
 
 5. Estimate of situation: (a) Cavalry reconnoitering patrol. (b) Working 
 
 around flank. 
 
 6. Message to Sergeant A: (a) Who takes it. (fc) Contents, (c) Instruc- 
 
 tions to Private L. 
 
 At this point the cards bearing the following situation are handed out: 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 5: 
 
 You, Sergeant A, with the advance party, has arrived at this point. 
 Private L delivers Sergeant K's message and points out the place at the 
 edge of the wood where the enemy was located when the point fired on 
 them. 
 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
An Advance Guard 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that the members of the class are to now con- 
 sider themselves as being Sergeant A again, in command of the advance 
 party. 
 
 There are several elements to be considered by Sergeant A in the solu- 
 tion of this situation. In the first place, he would have sent a verbal 
 message back to the Captain relative to the cause of the firing at the 
 front. Then, when the message about the enemy's patrol pulling off to 
 the left flank and the wounded or dead men in the edge of the woods is 
 received, he has to consider what action he would take. 
 
 The enemy patrol is evidently endeavoring to work around the left flank 
 with a view to gaining a position where they can observe the march of 
 the main body and determine its strength and composition. Is it the duty 
 of the advance party to try and prevent this? With such a small advance 
 party it can hardly be expected to send patrols out so far to the flanks. 
 It will require a patrol of at least a squad to perform this work, perhaps 
 two of them, and it has best be left to the support. With respect to 
 investigating the question of the wounded or dead cavalrymen at the 
 edge of the woods, this is only a short distance from the road, and a small 
 patrol from the advance party may be sent out for the purpose. The 
 next question is, how to get the message about the enemy patrol back to 
 the support commander. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Wilson, how would you get the message back?" asks the 
 Director. 
 
 "I would send Private L, the messenger from the point, back to the 
 Captain to give him the message. This will save repeating it to another 
 messenger, with the loss of time incident thereto, and also eliminate the 
 chance of error due to such a transfer." 
 
 "That seems to be the logical course to pursue. We will decide to do 
 it that way. Now, you have practically permanently reduced the point 
 to three men (and a leader). How would you bring it back up to the 
 proper strength, Corporal Jones?" 
 
 "Sergeant A still has a member of the first squad with him. He would 
 send this man forward to report to Sergeant K for duty with the point." 
 
 "Corporal Whyte, how would you arrange for the investigation at the 
 edge of the woods?" 
 
 "I would send a small patrol out there." 
 
 "Sergeant Hanly, considering all the elements that we have just gone 
 over, you may state the orders that Sergeant A would give to meet ihe 
 situation." 
 
 Sergeant Hanly makes the following solution: 
 
 1. To Private L: "You go back to the Captain. Repeat your mes- 
 sage to him. Tell him I am sending a patrol to investigate at the edge 
 of the woods where the enemy was fired on." 
 
 2. To Private R, the remaining man of the first squad: "You take up 
 an increased gait and join the point when you can. Tell Sergeant K that 
 I have sent L back to the Captain with his message and that I am send- 
 ing a patrol to the edge of the woods to investigate." 
 
24 Tactical Walks 
 
 3. To Corporal S, third squad: "You have heard the message just 
 brought back by Private L. Take the front rank of your squad and 
 reconnoiter the edge of that wood. Locate the wounded or dead of the 
 enemy and report the facts in the case to the battalion commander when 
 he comes up. Join the advance party when you can." 
 
 "I think these orders cover the situation admirably," says the Director. 
 "We will now proceed to the front, where we will take up the next situ- 
 ation for consideration." 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 5. 
 
 2. Explain that each member of the class is to now consider himself as being 
 
 Sergeant A. 
 
 3. Explain elements of situation and lead up to a solution of the problem by 
 
 questioning the men: (a) Message to Captain regarding firing. (&) 
 Action of enemy patrol, (c) Sending out patrols from advance party, 
 (d) Investigation at edge of woods. 
 
 4. Solution: (a) Sending message back. (fc) Patrol to edge of woods, (c) 
 
 Reinforcing point from advance party. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director now conducts the class some distance along the road that 
 the advance guard is supposed to ;be marching on, preferably to a cross 
 road, where the following situation is given out : 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 6: 
 
 "You, Sergeant A, have arrived at this point with the advance party. 
 Corporal R's patrol has not yet rejoined. At this moment the signal 
 'Halt' comes from the rear. You halt the advance party. A few minutes 
 later the first sergeant delivers the following message to you from the 
 Captain: "There is no further information of the enemy. The column 
 halts for one hour. The advance guard will form the march outposts. 
 The advance party will form the observation groups. The support will 
 be posted at this cross road. When the advance is resumed the second 
 platoon will form the advance party. The Captain will be at this cross 
 road." 
 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Explanation and Discussion 
 
 The Director outlines the elements of the situation: 
 
 "When a column on the march halts for any considerable length of 
 time the advance guard continues its covering duty by forming march 
 outposts. These are simply patrols sent out a certain distance to the 
 front, where they halt and remain until they are recalled. 
 
An Advance Guard 
 
 'The advance party usually furnishes these patrols. The support is 
 posted at some central point from which it may readily reinforce any 
 group that may be threatened by the enemy. 
 
 "The patrols cover the routes by which the enemy may approach. In 
 this case it will be necessary to send a patrol to the front on the road 
 on which the column is marching. Another patrol will have to be sent 
 to the (direction, by points of compass, say east), on the road leading 
 from that direction, and another sent to the (direction) west, on the road 
 leading from that direction. 
 
 "Having these requirements in mind, Sergeant A will consider the men 
 that he has available for the duty. Of the first squad he has the four 
 men of the point, the two connecting files and the squad leader. Of the 
 third squad he has only the rear rank. He has the second and fourth 
 squads intact." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director now instructs the members of the class to make a memo- 
 randum of their disposition on their pads. Several minutes are allowed 
 for this, after which the memoranda are collected, several are read, and 
 they are distributed again, being careful to see that no man gets his own 
 memorandum .back again. 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director says: "Sergeant Hughes, what force would you send out 
 on the main road to the front?" 
 
 "I would detail Sergeant K to command. I would give him the men 
 of the point (4), the connecting files (2), Corporal Y, of the first squad, 
 and the men (4) of the rear rank of the third squad. This would give 
 him a corporal and ten privates, which I should judge would be sufficient." 
 
 "What troops would you detail to cover the road leading from the 
 (direction) east, Sergeant James?" 
 
 "I would send the second squad intact out there, sir." 
 
 "How would you cover the road leading from the (direction) west, 
 Corporal Jones?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would send all of the fourth squad under the squad leader." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 "Now, having all these elements of the problem in mind, each of you 
 make a memorandum of the orders that you would give in the case. What 
 I want is the exact words that Sergeant A would employ on this occasion. 
 Let me remind you of the preliminary sentences before you start to give 
 the orders for the disposition of the troops." 
 
 The same procedure as heretofore prescribed will be employed in read- 
 ing, collecting and distributing the memoranda. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Now, Sergeant Williams, you may state the order that Sergeant A 
 would give." 
 
26 Tactical Walks 
 
 Sergeant Williams proceeds : "There is no further information of the 
 enemy. The column will halt for an hour. The advance guard forms 
 the march outpost. The support will be located here. 
 
 "The advance party will furnish the observation groups. 
 
 "Corporal Y, take the rear rank of the third squad. Pick up the con- 
 necting files and report to Sergeant K for duty. Inform him of the 
 situation. Tell him to post a march outguard covering the main road on 
 which we are marching, about 500 yards from the cross road. 
 
 "Corporal Z, take your squad and post a march outguard about 500 
 yards from the cross road on the road leading to the (direction) left. 
 Look out for our own patrols that are operating in that direction. 
 
 "Corporal W, take your squad and post a march outguard about 500 
 yards from the cross roads on the road leading to the (direction) right. 
 Look out for our own patrols operating in that direction. 
 
 "Send messages to the Captain, here. Move out." 
 
 "Corporal Watson, what would Sergeant A do now?" 
 
 "I think he would wait here until the Captain comes up and inform 
 him of the action he had taken to provide for the security of the column. 
 He would then take Private L, who carried the message back, and go 
 out and visit each of the march outguards to see if they were properly 
 posted and on the job." 
 
 "What would you do with the front of the second squad when it comes 
 back?" asks Sergeant Hughes. 
 
 "What would you do with it, Corporal Jenkins?", 
 
 "I did not consider them in the problem and made no provision for 
 them. If they do return I would keep them with the support. They 
 have been out on patrol already and there is no telling how much rough 
 marching they have had to do." 
 
 The Director replies : "I think that would be a logical course to pursue. 
 If they were available it might be well to give the march outguard on 
 the left flank a little more strength and they could be properly sent out 
 there. Are there any other questions?" 
 
 After answering any that may be propounded, he continues : 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "This situation ends this tactical walk. We have considered only a few 
 of the many situations that may present themselves for solution to an 
 advance party commander. I hope you have carefully observed the method 
 of entering into the minute details of the action taken in each instance. 
 It is these details that we slur over in making solutions to tactical prob- 
 lems. 
 
 "It is, in my opinion, the attention to these details by which a non- 
 commissioned officer proves his worth as a field soldier. These are the 
 things that you noncommissioned officers will have to do in campaign. 
 These are the things that you should learn to do in time of peace in order 
 that you may do them instinctively in time of war when quick decision 
 and action are necessary, and the lives of your comrades depend upon 
 what you do and how you do it. Take, for instance, that last situation. 
 How many of you would have been able to size up that situation and 
 
An Advance Guard 27 
 
 make the proper dispositions without loss of time and words? How 
 many of you could have given that order in all its details without omit- 
 ting essential elements? In fine, how many of you could have handled 
 the situation as outlined in the solution? How many of you could handle 
 a similar situation now, with the confidence that you would be doing 
 the right thing. I am sure that all of you could. Herein lies the value 
 of the Tactical Walk. Concrete problems are presented, and by a system 
 of questions and explanations a solution is arrived at on the ground itself. 
 They give you practice in issuing the actual orders that you would issue 
 under the circumstances, and they bring home to you the difficulties that 
 military commanders of all ranks encounter in the field. There is no 
 doubt that they form the very best method of learning Minor Tactics. 
 You cannot have too many of them. They never get tiresome, for there 
 is an infinite number of situations that may be proposed for solution in 
 any one of them. 
 
 Problem No. 1 Card No. 6 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 6. 
 
 2. Outline of elements of situation: (a) March outposts, (fc) Support. (c) 
 
 Advance party, (d) Disposition of troops. 
 
 3. Make memoranda, collect, read and distribute. 
 
 4. Disposition of troops. 
 
 5. Make memoranda, etc. 
 
 6. Orders: (1) Information of enemy and own troops. (2) Mission of ad- 
 
 vance party. (3) Disposition of troops, (a) to front, (fc) to left, (c) 
 to right. (4) Messages. 
 
 7. Action ^of Sergeant A. 
 
 8. Resume of value of tactical walks as a means of instruction in Minor 
 
 Tactics. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 2 
 
 A FLANK GUARD 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 A Blue detachment, consisting of two .battalions of infantry and a 
 machine-gun company, operating in hostile country, is marching on the 
 (a) (&) road, towards (c). 
 
 The support of the advance guard, composed of companies (d) and (e), 
 is this moment at (/). The main body is following at a distance of 400 
 yards. 
 
 A flank guard consisting of the third platoon (four squads of Com- 
 pany (#), has arrived at this point (*), marching on the (h)-(i) road. 
 
 A force of the enemy is reported in the vicinity of (/), and detach- 
 ments of hostile cavalry have been operating in the direction of (&) 
 
 You, Sergeant A, commanding the flank guard, marching at the head 
 of the main body of your command, have arrived at this point, (x). 
 Required: 
 
 What is the formation of your flank guard at this moment? 
 
 Explanation of Letter Symbols 
 
 (a) (b) The road on which the main body of the blue detachment is marching. In 
 field orders roads are designated by naming certain places located on them; for 
 example the Atchison Cross-Frenchman-Kickapoo road would mean the main road 
 passing through those places. When military maps are made all cross roads and 
 road forks should be numbered and all hills and other prominent features lettered, 
 in order that routes and localities may be readily described in orders and messages. 
 
 (c) Some point a number of miles distant in the direction in which the troops are 
 marching. 
 
 (d) and (tf) The designation of the companies forming the advance guard. One of 
 these companies should be the one to- which the noncommissioned officers of the class 
 belong. It is assumed that the advance guard is disposed as follows: One company 
 (less two platoons) as advance party with a point of a squad thrown out at the 
 front. Marching at a distance of 200 yards is the remainder of the first platoon, in 
 "platoon column," and the second platoon following in "column of squads." 
 
 (/) A point on the main road abreast of that where the flank guard is supposed to 
 have arrived (#) and, where the Tactical Walk is to begin. 
 
 (0) The company furnishing the advance party of the advance guard. 
 
 (x) The point where the Tactical Walk is* to begin. 
 
 (&) (*') The road on which it is intended that the flank guard is to march and 
 that on which the Tactical Walk is to be conducted. This road should lie approxi- 
 mately parallel to and not more than a mile distant from the road on which the main 
 body is marching. If no such network of roads exist, the Director may explain to 
 the class the conditions and assume that the nearest road is about a mile distant and 
 work out the problem on that assumption. This procedure strains the situation a little 
 and robs it of some of its reality. One will have to make the best of it and the men 
 will have to draw upon their imagination to picture it. 
 
 (/) A locality or place some miles to the front. 
 
 (fe) Localities or places some distance to the flank of the march of the main body 
 on which the flank guard is operating. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director conducts the members of the class to the point where 
 the Tactical Walk is to begin and hands out the cards bearing Situation 
 
A Flank Guard 29 
 
 No. 1. He reads the situation aloud and makes such explanations as may 
 be necessary. The members of the class follow from the cards in their 
 possession. One or more members are then called upon to state the 
 tactical situation as they understand it. At this point the Director will 
 explain the tactical reasons for the employment of a flank guard. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 "Ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by 
 small patrols sent out from the advance guard. There are occasions, 
 however, when patrols will not suffice, as in the present situation, where 
 it is known that hostile cavalry is operating on the flank of our line of 
 march, in which case it is necessary to send out a stronger detachment 
 to march parallel to the route of the main body.' This detachment is 
 denominated a Flank Guard and is an element in the system of covering 
 troops provided for the protection of a marching column. 
 
 "The- flank guard marches abreast of the column and assumes the gen- 
 eral formation of an advance guard, having a point thrown out to the 
 front, followed by the remainder of the detachment, much as an advance 
 party. Patrols are sent out to the exposed flank whenever necessary, and 
 communication is maintained with the main ;body by means of small 
 patrols or connecting files. In some cases it may be necessary to detach 
 a small rear guard, as in the case where a flank guard has been attacked 
 by a comparatively large force of the enemy and has taken up a position 
 to hold them off until the main body can pass the danger point and the 
 flank guard resume its march. 
 
 "The general duties of the flank guard are much the same as those 
 of an advance guard; that is, to do everything possible to provide for 
 the uninterrupted progress of the main body. All other duties are inci- 
 dental to this and all have this prime object in view." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director states : "The requirement calls for the formation of your 
 flank guard at the moment the head of its main body arrives at this 
 point. It is desired that you make a rough sketch on your pads showing 
 the disposition of the various elements of your command." 
 
 Some ten or fifteen minutes will be allowed for this purpose. At the 
 end of that time the class is again assembled. The Director collects the 
 sheets and redistributes them in such manner that no man gets his own 
 sheet back again. He then proceeds to a solution of the problem. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, of what does your leading element consist?" asks 
 the Director. 
 
 "I would have a squad in the point. My reason for employing this 
 number of men with the point is: The more road space that the flank 
 guard can occupy, without dispersion, the more of the column it covers 
 and protects. A squad as a point, assuming the 'Boni Point formation/ 
 will occupy about 120 yards and at the same time be well in hand to 
 meet any emergency. This is twice as much as that occupied by four 
 men." 
 
30 Tactical Walks 
 
 "All right; we will assume that we have a squad in the point. What 
 is the next element of your flank guard, Sergeant Williams?" 
 
 "The connecting files, sir." 
 
 "How many of them?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would have two men." 
 
 "Wouldn't one man be sufficient?" 
 
 "At this particular point one man would. There are places on this 
 road where one man would not be able to keep up the communication, 
 and to make sure of that being done all the time I would detail two 
 men. The duty is no more arduous than marching with the point or the 
 main body, and I do not consider tha it is any hardship." 
 
 "Where would you get them from?" 
 
 "From the third squad, sir; then the men for the patrol 
 
 "Why the third squad?" interrupts the Director. 
 
 "Well, sir, we would be marching in platoon column and the third 
 squad would be in the lead, with the second and fourth squads each, form- 
 ing a column of files in rear of a half of the third." 
 
 "We will take that up later," explains the Director. "What would be 
 the distance between the rear man of the point and the leading man of 
 the main body, Corporal Jones?" 
 
 "Normally, about 200 yards, sir." 
 
 "You would want to keep informed of the movements of the main 
 column, Corporal Hardy. How would you accomplish this?" 
 
 "I would have a couple of men march so that they, could see the main 
 column and the flank guard," replies the corporal. 
 
 "Where would you get these men?" 
 
 "I would take two men of the third squad for the purpose." 
 
 "That seems to be a reasonable solution. Now Sergeant Williams men- 
 tioned a patrol a moment ago. Where would this patrol march?"* 
 
 "Well, sir, I do not see the necessity for a patrol on the exposed flank 
 at the present. We can see all the country to the limit of effective rifle 
 range from the road, and I think a patrol there would be a waste of 
 men. If, later on, the topography should demand it, I would send out 
 such patrols as may be necessary. At what distance they would march 
 from the column cannot be stated. It would depend entirely upon the 
 country. They would have to go out far enough to see something more 
 than can be seen from the road, if they are to be of any use." 
 
 "You are exactly right," says the Director. "I think all the members 
 of the class will agree with you. There is no necessity for wearing men 
 out on flank patrol duty, beating their way over rough country and climb- 
 ing fences, when they accomplish no useful purpose. Never order a dis- 
 position unless there is a sound tactical reason for it. Then when the 
 time comes your men are ready to put forth super-human efforts, if need 
 be, to help you accomplish your mission. On the solution of these small 
 problems in actual service rests your success or failure as a tactical leader 
 of men. You must remember that it is the combination of these small 
 tactical situations that go to make up the big maneuvers." 
 
 * For the purpose of discussion, we will assume that it is open country to the ex- 
 posed flank at this particular point. If it is not, the tactical point involved here 
 may be brought out later. 
 
A Flank Guard 31 
 
 "What is the formation of your main body, Sergeant Eaton?" 
 
 "We have two and a half squads left. They would be marching in 
 platoon column, a column of files on each side of the road. This would 
 place the corporal of the third squad and three of his men in the lead, 
 two at the head of each column. The second squad would form the 
 column of files on the right-hand side of the road and the fourth squad 
 that on the left-hand side." 
 
 "By what process did you get into this formation, Sergeant Powell?" 
 asks the Director. 
 
 "Before we started out we were formed in column of squads on the 
 road. The head of the column was in the direction of the line of march. 
 Sergeant A gave the command : 'First squad, at trail, forward, MARCH !' 
 When it had advanced a few paces, 'Squad, HALT! Corporal Z, take 
 charge and move out as a point.' Then to the remainder of the platoon : 
 'As skirmishers, guide center, MARCH !' The connecting files were sent 
 from the center of the skirmish line. When the point had gained its 
 distance to the front, Sergeant A gave the command : 'Platoon column, 
 MARCH !' and directed 'Column of files on each side of the road/ " 
 
 Discussion 
 
 The Director: "This system of formation for all small covering de- 
 tachments is what I want to indoctrinate into the noncommissioned officers 
 of this company. You will employ it on all occasions where it is applicable. 
 There are several advantages in marching in this formation, among which 
 may be mentioned: The column is not so vulnerable as a column of 
 squads; when it is necessary to deploy, the platoon simply spreads out 
 to the right and left in a skirmish line all ready for business ; it eliminates 
 the slight confusion always incident to a deployment from a column of 
 squads; it prevents on deployment that formation that you have all seen 
 at maneuvers, of a column of men crouching in the ditches alongside of 
 the road and firing into each other's backs; if the fire is received from a 
 flank all the column has to do it to face in that direction when it is 
 deployed and ready to open fire. I want you to drill your platoons in 
 the formation from time to time so that all the men will understand it 
 and have an opportunity to observe its advantages. Are there any ques- 
 tions regarding this situation and its requirement? If any man does not 
 understand the formation that we have adopted for the flank guard let 
 him say so now, as other situations are to be solved on the assumption 
 that we are in the formation adopted by this solution." 
 
 Problem No. 2 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct the class to the point where it is intended to start the Tactical 
 . Walk (*). 
 
 2. Hand out the cards bearing Situation No. 1 and read same aloud. 
 
 3. Explain tactics of flank guard: (a) Protection of flank of column. (&) 
 
 Formation. (c) Duties. 
 
 4. Explain requirement. Have sketch memorandum made. Collect same and 
 
 distribute. 
 
 5. Solution: Question about formation: (a) Point. ((&) Connecting files, (c) 
 
 Distances, (d) Flank patrol, (e) Formation of main body. 
 
 6. Discussion: Formation of all small covering detachments: (a) Vulnera- 
 
 bility. (&) Facility of deployment, (c) Fire from a flank. 
 
32 Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to the front to a point where the fork 
 of a road leading from the exposed flank enters the road on which the 
 flank guard is marching. 
 
 The cards bearing Situation No. 2 are handed out and the Director 
 announces that the solution is to be made orally, no memoranda being 
 required. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 You, Sergeant A, at the head of the main body of the flank guard 
 are approaching this road fork. The flank guard is now marching abreast 
 of the support of the advance guard of the main body. Contact with 
 the enemy has not yet been gained. 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Eaton, what would you do under the circumstances?" asks 
 the Director. 
 
 "I would want to cover that road leading from the .(direction, employ- 
 ing the points of the compass to designate)." 
 
 "How would you do it?" 
 
 "By sending a patrol out on it for a short distance." 
 
 "What would be the strength of the patrol?" 
 
 "I should say a corporal and three men would be sufficient." 
 
 "What men would you send, Sergeant Williams?" 
 
 "I would send the corporal and the three remaining men of the third 
 squad. They are at the head of the main body. I could give the cor- 
 poral his instructions as we approach the road fork. This will eliminate 
 the necessity for halting the column while I am giving the orders." 
 
 "All right. Now, Corporal Jenkinson. You have decided to send a 
 patrol on the road. Just how would you give the orders? Give them 
 to me just as you would give them to Corporal Y," explains the Director. 
 
 "I would say: 'Corporal Y, march beside me. We have not heard 
 or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard is now marching abreast 
 of the support of the advance guard of the main body. You will take 
 the three remaining men of your squad and patrol down the road that 
 we are approaching to the (direction), to cover the passage of the main 
 body. Remain out for 15 minutes and then return. Catch up with the 
 flank guard when you can. I will march with the main body of the flank 
 guard/ " 
 
 "How did you arrive at the time that Corporal Y is to remain out?" 
 
 "I roughly calculated the length of our column from the head of the 
 support to the tail of the train. It is about 1,300 yards. The troops will 
 march at the rate of about 100 yards per minute, so I allowed 13 minutes 
 and then added two more as a factor of safety. I would want the patrol 
 to block the road until all the main column has passed the danger point 
 on their march/ 
 
A Flank Guard 33 
 
 "Tell me just how you calculated the length of the column?" 
 "The support of the advance guard is one and one-third companies, 
 covering a road space of about 900 yards. The distance from the advance 
 guard to the main body is 400 yards. The six companies of infantry in 
 the main body (assuming them 150 men strong) would take up 450 yards 
 and the machine-gun company another 100 yards. Then the field wagons 
 (or auto trucks) would consume 180 yards. The total of all this would 
 be 1,220 yards and allowing a little for lengthening out would make it 
 about 1,300 yards." 
 
 "Why did you not tell Corporal Y how far to go on the road?" 
 "Well, sir, I would not want to hamper him with such instructions. He 
 knows the mission on which he is being sent. He knows the object of 
 it. I would let him decide for himself how far he is to go and what he 
 is to do." 
 
 Discussion 
 
 The Director : "That is another point that I want to indoctrinate into 
 the noncommissioned officers of this company. Do not hamper your sub- 
 ordinates with unnecessary instructions. Give them their orders and assign 
 them a mission. Then let them alone to work out their own salvation. 
 The moment you start to give detailed instructions, you get beyond your 
 depth. You cannot foresee every contingency. There has been only one 
 military commander that was able to do all of this. He was the great 
 Napoleon. We cannot hope to be the military genius that he was." 
 
 Problem No. 2 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class to road fork. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 2. Announce oral solution. 
 
 3. Solution: Patrol to be sent out. Strength. Composition. 
 
 4. Orders for patrol. 
 
 5. Time to remain out. How determined. 
 
 6. Calculating length of main body. 
 
 7. Discussion: Interference with subordinates. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is conducted to a point, preferably a crossroad that leads 
 through to the main road where the column is marching, where the cards 
 bearing the following situation are handed out. The Director announces 
 that the solution will be made orally. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 Just before reaching this cross roads Sergeant A called you, Corporal 
 X, fourth squad, to march beside him. 
 
 He gave you the following orders: 
 
 "W T e have not heard or seen anything of the enemy. Our flank guard 
 is still marching abreast of the support of the advance guard. Take your 
 squad and patrol this cross-road we are approaching to the (direction). 
 
34 Tactical Walks 
 
 Remain out fifteen minutes. Rejoin the flank guard when you can. I will 
 march with the second squad." 
 
 The head of your squad, marching in column of files, has arrived at 
 this point. You observe that the road on which you are going to march 
 (if such is the case) is about 60 feet wide and is bounded on each side 
 by a five-wire fence. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Solution 
 
 "What would you do, Sergeant Hughes?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would first take a look at my watch to get the time. As the head 
 of the squad reaches this point I would command : 'Fourth squad, FOLLOW 
 ME !' After clearing the main road I would give the command : 'Squad, 
 HALT !' and give the following instructions : 
 
 " 'We have seen or heard nothing of the enemy. Our flank guard con- 
 tinues its march abreast of the advance guard. This squad will cover 
 this road until the main body has passed the cross-road to the (direction). 
 R, move out on the right-hand side of the road. S, follow on the left 
 at a distance of 20 yards. The rest of the squad follow me. T, you are 
 second in command.' 
 
 "I would march in this formation to a point where we could overlook 
 the country and then form a sort of march outpost at a point where we 
 could get some cover if we were attacked." 
 
 "What do you think of that solution, Sergeant Williams?" 
 
 "I think it is all right, sir, excepting the halting of the squad. I do 
 not know whether Corporal X would be justified in halting the squad to 
 give the instructions." 
 
 "What do you think about that, Sergeant MacCormack?" 
 
 "Well, sir, under the circumstances I think it would be proper. It is 
 highly important for all the members of the squad to know what they 
 are going out for. Time is not an especially important factor just now 
 and, besides, the squad has to be gotten into patrol formation. I think 
 Corporal X would be justified in halting the squad." 
 
 "What objection to halting the squad did you have in mind, Sergeant 
 Williams?" 
 
 "I had no special objection. I simply did not know and wanted to 
 bring the matter up for discussion and decision. As a general rule on 
 patrol work we give our instructions as we go along. It saves time." 
 
 "As far as we know, time is not a specially important element and, 
 considering the factors mentioned by Sergeant MacCormack, I think the 
 corporal would be justified in halting his squad as Sergeant Hughes did." 
 Continuing: "Sergeant Waring, what class of patrol do you consider 
 this?" 
 
 "To my mind it is a combat patrol. It is out to fight, to keep the enemy 
 from molesting or in any way interfering with the march of our main 
 body?" 
 
 "I think you are right. Are there any further questions?" 
 
A Flank Guard 35 
 
 Problem No. 2 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class t 
 
 3 
 
 4. Question of, hal 
 
 5. Class of patrol. 
 
 Conduct class to cross road where the situation is to be given out. 
 Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 3. 
 
 Solution: Method of getting squad out of column. Orders. 
 Question of halting the patrol. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is conducted down the cross-road to a point that is suitable 
 for the solution of the next situation. This point will have to be selected 
 by the Director with a view to bringing out the tactical points indicated 
 in the solution. 
 
 The cards bearing the following situation are handed out and the Di- 
 rector indicates that the solution will be made orally. 
 
 It is explained that each man of the class is to now consider himself 
 as being Corporal X, commanding the fourth squad. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 4: 
 
 You, Corporal X, have arrived at this point. Your squad is in the 
 formation originally adopted. Nothing has been seen or heard of the 
 enemy. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hamlin, how do you size up the situation?" 
 "Well, sir, the mission of the patrol is to cover the passage of our 
 troops past the junction of this road we are on and the road they are 
 marching on. It will be some ten minutes until the tail of the train will 
 have passed. This point is more than a mile from the cross-roads. It 
 would be unnecessary to go any further out. Here we have a good field 
 of fire to the front. The flanks are fairly open, so that it would be 
 difficult for an enemy to surprise us. Only cavalry has been reported 
 operating on this flank. On account of the wire fences and obstacles their 
 mounted operations will be confined to the roads. We would stop any 
 small body coming down the road toward us and would be able to admin- 
 ister considerable punishment to a force as large as a troop provided we 
 caught them mounted on the road. I would take up a position here. I 
 would make my dispositions so that I could fire on any troops that appear 
 in my front." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains : "Sergeant Hamlin's statements constitute what 
 is known in military parlance as an 'Estimate of the Situation.' He con- 
 sidered the mission of the squad. He took into consideration the position 
 of his own troops with reference to those of the enemy. He has taken 
 
36 Tactical Walks 
 
 the terrain into account, and he has arrived at a decision as to what he 
 is going to do. It is a logical process of thought involving the elements 
 just mentioned, terminating in a tactical decision. This is what you have 
 to do in the solution of all tactical problems. The patrol leader does 
 it in every move of his patrol. The platoon as a flank guard requires the 
 same process on the part of the platoon leader. The company commander, 
 as commander of the advance party of an advance guard, must consider 
 these same elements in the conduct of his covering detachment. It is the 
 same with the battalion commander, the regimental commander, and on 
 up to the commander of a division. When you are presented with a 
 tactical situation for solution, figure out all the elements of it : your mis- 
 sion, your situation with respect to the enemy, the influence of the ter- 
 rain, and then arrive at a clean cut decision as to what you are going 
 to do. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "Now, Sergeant Hamilton, having decided to take up a position here, 
 the next question is: 'How are you going to do it?'"* 
 
 The Director continues : "Where would you place your men ?" 
 
 "The road is about 60 feet wide between fences. There is sufficient 
 space on each side of the main road to accommodate half a squad. I 
 think I would make that disposition. I would put them here (indicating) 
 so they would have a field of fire straight down the road," says Sergeant 
 Hamilton. 
 
 "What do you think of that solution, Sergeant Miller?" 
 
 "That is not what I would do, sir." 
 
 "Why?" queries the Director. 
 
 "Well, sir, they would be too much exposed. Suppose the enemy ap- 
 peared on the road with as much as a troop. We fire into him. Perhaps 
 the hostile captain's orders are to check the advance of our main body. 
 He decides to take his losses and charges down the road. Our small 
 detachment would be in a precarious situation, only eight men against 
 an entire troop. The men know they have no means of getting out of 
 the way. They would be thinking more of their own safety than of hitting 
 the enemy. They would shoot wild, and the chances are that the squad 
 would be ridden down and destroyed. On the other hand, if we put the 
 men on the other side of the wire fences, they will know that a mounted 
 charge cannot hurt them. They will have more confidence in their ability 
 to stop it and the shooting will be much more effective." 
 
 "Then you would place your men on the other side of the fence?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "On which side of the road would you place them?" 
 
 "On both sides. Half a squad on each side, sir. This would give me 
 a cross-fire on the road," answers Sergeant Miller. 
 
 "Have you any objection to that disposition, Corporal Hardy?" asks 
 the Director. 
 
 * The matter that follows may o- may not apply in the actual case. It is inserted 
 to show the procedure to be followed by the Director in bringing out the points. The 
 questions asked would depend entirely on the lay of the ground and the position 
 taken up would have to conform thereto. 
 
A Flank Guard 37 
 
 "Yes, sir. It divides the force and makes it difficult for Corporal X 
 to control and direct the fire." 
 
 "Any other objection, Corporal Jones?" 
 
 "Yes, sir. I would not only want all the men on one side of the road, 
 but I would want them on this side (indicating the side in the direction 
 of which the troops are marching). If it comes to the point where we 
 have to fall back, we can fall back directly on our own troops and not 
 have to expose ourselves in crossing the road and climbing the fences. 
 The field of fire is about as good on this side." 
 
 "Your point with respect to climbing the fences is not well taken. They 
 could be cut readily. If they were stone fences to climb they would be 
 a factor that would have to be considered. Do you see the points brought 
 out here, Sergeant Hamilton?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Do you, Sergeant Miller?" 
 
 "Yes, sir. I can see the advantage of it now." 
 
 "What provision would you make for protection against surprise from 
 your flanks, Sergeant Jenkinson?" 
 
 "I would detail certain men to keep watch to the flanks and I would 
 also detail a man whose special duty would be to watch to the front." 
 
 "Sergeant Jameson, having all these elements in mind, just what would 
 you do now? That is, I want to know just what action you would take 
 to put the decision 'to take up a position' into operation." 
 
 "I would take the squad over the fence and give the following orders : 
 'There is no further information of the enemy or our own troops. We 
 will take up a position here to cover the passage of our main column/ 
 I would then place each man so that he would have a good field of fire : 
 'R, you are charged with keeping a lookout towards the right flank; S, 
 you keep a lookout down the road ; V, you will do the same on the left 
 flank/ " 
 
 "Would you make any personal reconnaissance to the flanks?" 
 
 "No, sir. I would stay right here. If anything happens I would want 
 to be here so I could control the action of the men. If I considered a 
 flank reconnaissance necessary I would send one of the men to make it. 
 My place is right here." 
 
 "You are right," states the Director. "Are there any questions? If 
 not, we will proceed to the next situation." 
 
 Problem No. 2 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class down the road to a suitable point. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 4. Each man now Corporal X. Oral 
 
 solution. 
 
 3. Bring out elements of the estimate of the situation, mission, enemy, own 
 
 troops, terrain, decision. 
 
 4. Location of patrol: In road, at side of road, advantages, disadvantages. 
 
 5. Observation to front and flanks. Question of personal reconnaissance. 
 
Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 It is assumed that the men have gotten into position as provided for 
 in the solution to Situation No. 4, on the right-hand side of the road. 
 The Director will point out the exact position of each man so that all 
 members of the class will solve the next situation on the same basis. It 
 is also assumed that seven minutes have elapsed since the patrol started 
 from the main road on which the flank guard is marching. 
 
 The cards bearing the following situation are handed out. The Director 
 announces that the solution will be made orally. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 5: 
 
 The squad has occupied a position at this point. At this moment, you, 
 Corporal X, observe a party of enemy cavalry approaching at a trot. 
 Two troopers are in the lead; at a distance of about 75 yards two more 
 follow, with a distance of 50 yards between them; about 150 yards in 
 rear there are four more troopers with short distances between them. They 
 apparently have not observed your squad. 
 Required: 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director will point out to the members of the class the exact posi- 
 tion of the cavalrymen at the moment. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Corporal Hardy, what class of cavalry detachment do you estimate 
 this to be?" 
 
 "I would think it is a contact patrol sent out from a larger body to 
 reconnoiter. If it were the point of an advance guard, we would be seeing 
 other troops farther to the rear." 
 
 "Corporal Jones, what would you do under the circumstances?" asks 
 the Director. 
 
 "I would fire on the cavalrymen." 
 
 "When would you open fire?" 
 
 "There are only eight of them. We have an ambuscade and ought to 
 be able to bring down practically all of them. There would be no danger 
 in letting them come close up." 
 
 "How close would you let them come?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I would let the leading men come within 50 yards, if they 
 would do so, before opening fire. The man farthest away would then 
 be about 450 yards distant. We could use battle sight. I would assign 
 a target to each man beginning at the right of the squad, the right man 
 taking the rear trooper and so on through the squad to the left. This 
 would leave one trooper unprovided for. I would make it my particular 
 business to see that no man passed this point." 
 
 "Sergeant Boyle, just what orders would you give? I want you to 
 state the exact words that you would employ in meeting the situation," 
 says the Director. 
 
A Flank Guard 39 
 
 "As soon as I see the cavalry patrol, I would order: 'Target. Enemy 
 cavalry on road. Battle sight. R, S, T and V, fire on four men in rear. 
 W and Y, next two. Z, take one of the leading men. When you get 
 your man, fire on the man farthest away. Wait for my command to 
 open fire.' When the enemy approached to the point designated, I give 
 the command, 'Fire at will!' " 
 
 "Such action would probably produce results," says the Director. "Now, 
 Sergeant Hughes, the flank guard commander will hear this firing and 
 will want to know what it is all about. How would you meet this require- 
 ment ?" 
 
 "This action would be over in about a minute, and the result would 
 be known. I would then direct Private W, the expert semaphore man 
 of the squad : 'Go back to the cross-road and flash to Sergeant A, "Eight 
 cavalrymen. Disabled five. Three got away." Bring me any message 
 that Sergeant A may semaphore/ " 
 
 "Sergeant Hamilton, there are five dead or wounded men lying in the 
 road. Would you do anything for them at -this time?" 
 
 "No, sir. I would not let any of my men show themselves. The men 
 of the enemy who escaped probably did not have a very clear idea of 
 where the fire came from, and I would not want to surrender any of 
 the advantages that I now possess with respect to position and conceal- 
 ment. Our own troops are marching away from me and my position is 
 becoming momentarily less secure. As soon as the main body of the 
 enemy learns of the disaster to their patrol they will send a strong detach- 
 ment out to secure their wounded and punish us. When my time is up 
 I would have to get back to the road and join the flank guard as soon 
 as possible. I would have no time to care for the enemy wounded. They 
 are in their own country and will be cared for. I could do nothing for 
 them," states Sergeant Hamilton. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director states the following situation, orally : 
 
 "At this moment you hear heavy firing which you estimate comes from 
 the direction of the advance guard of the main body. There is some 
 volley firing. The fifteen minutes that you were ordered to remain out 
 are about up." 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hawkins, how do' you size up the situation now?" 
 "Our original mission was to cover the road for fifteen minutes," says 
 Sergeant Hawkins; "that time has expired. We have completed the mis- 
 sion. New conditions have arisen that were not considered when we were 
 sent out and a new situation confronts Corporal X. It would seem to 
 me that his mission would now be 'to continue covering this road.' " 
 
 Sergeant Hawkins, continues : "The volley firing indicates cavalry ac- 
 tion, as the infantry rarely ever employs that class of fire. It is probable 
 that our advance guard has encountered a relatively strong force of cav- 
 alry on the main road. If this cavalry is covering an infantry force it 
 will soon transfer its activities to the flanks and the flank guard will 
 play an important part in the action. If the cavalry force is alone it will 
 
40 Tactical Walks 
 
 fight only a delaying action and a few minutes will clear up the situation. 
 It is known that there is enemy cavalry on this road. Although they 
 have been roughly handled, they may at any moment renew their activities 
 toward cutting in on the main body. 
 
 "It will ,be the endeavor of our advance guard to brush aside any 
 opposition. But the volume of fire indicates that it will be somewhat 
 delayed by deployments, etc., in which case the main body must halt and 
 may even be compelled to deploy a portion to assist the advance guard. 
 The flank guard is undoubtedly halted, although no information to that 
 effect has been received. 
 
 "The network of roads in this vicinity makes it doubly important that 
 Corporal X's patrol remain where it is for the present. The road which 
 he is on leads direct to the flank of the main body. If it is left open, 
 the enemy's patrols may work in and annoy the troops of the main body 
 or shoot up the train. 
 
 "Having all these factors in mind, I think Corporal X would decide 
 to remain where he is and strengthen his position." 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "You seem to have covered the situation very well," says the Director. 
 "I want to again call the attention of the members of the class to this 
 'estimate of the situation' proposition and to the technique with which you 
 go about it. Like field orders, there is a definite process that insures all 
 the elements being considered. These are, in their order: 
 
 "1. The mission. As in this case the original mission has been accom- 
 plished, new conditions arise from which Corporal X must determine what 
 his further mission is. 
 
 "2. Considerations affecting the enemy, in which are considered his 
 strength, composition, position and probable intentions. 
 
 "3. Considerations affecting our own forces, in which are considered 
 relative strength, position, composition, and the methods that may be 
 employed to circumvent the enemy. 
 
 "4. The influence of the terrain. 
 
 "5. Based on the above, a clear-cut decision as to what you are going 
 to do is arrived at. 
 
 "Now that is what Sergeant Hawkins has done in this case. By an 
 examination of his statements you will see that he has covered all of these 
 points." 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "The decision is to remain here and strengthen the position. Just how 
 would you go about that, Sergeant James?" asks the Director. 
 
 "The men would be looking to Corporal X for orders and instructions. 
 They know the time is up and it is time for them to get back to the 
 road. I would say: 'It is apparent that the main body has encountered 
 a force of the enemy. It is probable that our flank guard has halted. We 
 will remain here for the present. R and S, continue to watch for the 
 enemy. Take off your packs. Put them on the ground just behind you. 
 Secure your intrenching tools. Dig a trench along here.' " 
 
 The Director states : "I think that would cover the situation very well. 
 Are there any questions?" 
 
A Flank Guard 41 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director would bring out the points involved in the preparation 
 of the position for defense. This would depend entirely upon the terrain. 
 By questioning the members of the class and a discussion of each phase 
 of the problem the type and location of all elements would be arrived at. 
 
 After this is completed the Director would state the following situation 
 orally : 
 
 "Private W returns to the squad. He reports that he flashed Corporal 
 X's message to the flank guard commander and was given the following 
 message to convey to Corporal X : 'Advance guard encounters strong 
 opposition on main road. Cavalry. Main body halted. Flank guard halts 
 abreast of head of main body. Remain where you are and cover cross 
 road. Intercept Corporal Y's patrol and have him under your orders. 
 I remain with main body of flank guard.' " 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Corporal Jones, what would you do now?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would order Private W: 'Go back to the cross road. Intercept 
 Corporal Y's patrol. Tell Corporal Y to report to me for instructions.' 
 Semaphore to Sergeant A : 'Message received. I remain here. Have 
 intercepted Y's patrol/" 
 
 "What would you do with Corporal Y's patrol?" 
 
 "I do not understand that it would be necessary for Corporal Y to 
 actually join me here. He is simply placed under my orders for the time 
 
 being. I would want to cover the cross road from the (direction). 
 
 I would employ Corporal Y's patrol for that purpose. As soon as Corporal 
 Y reports to me I would explain the situation to him and instruct him 
 to take up a position on the road he has just marched over, covering the 
 cross road." 
 
 "Would you tell him how far out to go?" 
 
 "No, sir. I would simply give him his general instructions and let him 
 work out his own problem. He knows the situation and must realize 
 the tactical necessity for covering the cross road. I would simply give 
 him his mission and let him work out the details." 
 
 "That is right," remarks the Director. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director then addresses the class : 
 
 "This is the termination of this Tactical Walk. Let us see what we 
 have gotten out of it of what tactical -benefit it has been to us. 
 
 "1. The first situation was devised to show you the tactical necessity 
 for a flank guard, the duties that devolve upon it, and the formation that 
 is best calculated to enable it to carry out its functions. 
 
 "2. The second situation was devised for the purpose of illustrating 
 the necessity for covering approaches by which an enemy may cut in on 
 the main body of a column and delay or annoy it. Further, the method 
 employed in giving orders and instructions while continuing to march. 
 
 "3. The third situation was devised to give you experience in giving 
 orders to and conducting a combat patrol along the road. 
 
42 Tactical Walks 
 
 "4. The fourth situation brings out the elements contained in a tactical 
 'estimate of the situation' and the selection and occupation of a small 
 position. 
 
 "5. The fifth situation was devised to give you practical instruction 
 in the methods of troop leading ; rendering a quick decision on the appear- 
 ance of the enemy and handling a squad in action. Also in making an 
 estimate of the situation and rendering a decision when your mission 
 has been carried out and circumstances which could not have been fore- 
 seen have arisen and it is necessary to embark on a new mission on your 
 own initiative and without orders in other words, when a man is thrown 
 upon his own resources and has to decide for himself what he is going 
 to do. 
 
 "It is by the constant practice in solving these situations on the ground 
 that we gain that confidence in our ability to handle them when we have 
 troops actually present. The idea of these Tactical Walks is that you 
 come out here and work out the solution without troops. Then after you 
 have learned how you bring your troops out and take them through the 
 problem according to the solution that you have worked out in the Tactical 
 Walk. 
 
 "I am sure that any of you are now more competent to handle the 
 operations of a flank guard and a force sent out to cover a particular 
 point. I am sure that you would have a very good idea of what to do 
 if in actual service you were confronted with situations similar to those 
 we have considered in our walk today. 
 
 "Are there any questions?" The Director will endeavor to answer any 
 questions that may be propounded." 
 
 Problem No. 2 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Explain situation of troops. 
 
 2. Point out location of enemy. Class of cavalry detachment. 
 
 3. Bring out tactical points of just when and how to open fire. 
 
 4. Orders of Corporal X. 
 
 5. State situation with respect to firing. 
 
 6. Estimate of the situation. Go over points carefully again: (a) Mission. 
 
 (6) Considerations affecting the enemy, (c) Considerations affecting our 
 own forces, (d) Terrain, (e) Decision. 
 
 7. Methods of strengthening position. 
 
 8. Orders of Corporal X. 
 
 9. State next situation orally. 
 
 10. Review situations and what they were devised to bring out. 
 
 11. Dismiss class. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 3 
 
 AN OUTPOST 
 The Problem 
 
 General Situation: 
 
 The (a) forms the boundary between hostile states. A Blue force, 
 consisting of two battalions of infantry under the command of Major 
 A, crossed the (6), (c) and occupied (d). A Red force has been reported 
 in the vicinity of (e). Contact has not been gained. 
 Special Situation, Blue: 
 
 Companies (/) and (#), under the command of Captain K, have been 
 detailed for outpost duty. Company (h) forms support No. (i) which, 
 posted (/), covers the front from (&) to (') Company (i) forms sup- 
 port No. (tw), which, posted (n), covers the front from (0) to (</) The 
 company has arrived at this point (/>), when the support commander issues 
 the following verbal order : 
 
 "It is reported that there is a force of the enemy in the vicinity of 
 (q). Contact has not yet been gained. The main body of our command 
 is bivouacked at (r). Company (s) as Support No. (t), posted at (u), 
 covers the front from (z/) to (v f ). This company forms Support No. 
 (w), to be posted here, and cover the front extending from (#) to (x'). 
 
 "The first platoon, under Sergeant A, will move out at once and cover 
 the posting of the outguards. 
 
 "Corporal B, with the fourth squad, will form Outguard No. 1, which 
 will be posted at (y) and cover the approaches from (2). Communica- 
 tion will be maintained with the (aa) of the line occupied by Company 
 
 "Corporal C, with the fifth and sixth squads, will form Outguard No. 
 2, which will be posted at (y) and cover (2). 
 
 "Corporal D, with the seventh squad, will form Outguard No. 3, which 
 will ,be posted at (y) and (2). 
 
 "The remainder of the company will be posted here as support. Cooking 
 will be done at the support and distributed to the outguards. 
 "In case of attack the outguards will be supported. 
 "Send messages here." 
 
 Explanation of Letter Symbols 
 
 (a) This should be some geographical or topographical feature commonly known to 
 the men, such as a river, a canal, a creek, a range of hills, and, as a last resort, a 
 prominent road if no other natural feature exists. 
 
 (&) Here may be entered the word "river," "canal," or the simple word "boundary" 
 if no other is suitable. 
 
 (c) Enter the date and time. If the feature designated as the boundary is close 
 at hand, the words "this morning" may be entered. If the boundary be at some 
 distance, give a logical date. 
 
 (d) State the place where the main body of the command is suposed to be located. 
 
 (e) A place or locality several miles distant in enemy territory. 
 
 (/) Designate one of the companies as that to which the noncommissioned officers 
 forming the class belong. 
 
 (0) Another company of the same battalion. 
 
44 Tactical Walks 
 
 (h) The same company as that designated in (0). 
 
 (*) Give the numerical designation of the support. The elements of an outpost are 
 always designated in numerical order from right to left. Thus, if there are several 
 supports, we designate them as Supports No. 1, Support No. 2, etc. Likewise when 
 we have several outguards posted from a support' we designate them Outguard No. 1, 
 Outguard No. 2, etc., for each group posted from a support. 
 
 (/) Give the location of the support "at" such a point, or "in the vicinity of" such 
 a point. 
 
 (& k') Describe the front to be occupied by the company indicated in (g) as ac- 
 curately as possible. From the very nature of the duty, some organization must be 
 responsible for every foot of the front covered by an outpost line; hence we specifi- 
 cally define the limits of such responsibility by employing the words "inclusive" or "ex- 
 clusive" when indicating the terminals of the front for which an organization is 
 responsible. 
 
 (/) The company to which the noncommissioned officers forming the class belong. 
 
 (m) Give a number to your support. If it is an the right of the line of supports, 
 it will be Support No. 1; if it is on the left, it will be Support No. 2, etc. 
 
 (n) Define the locality in which the support is situated, the same as indicated in (;'). 
 
 (o-o f ) Define the front as indicated in (k-k f ), using the words "inclusive" or "ex- 
 clusive," as may be appropriate. 
 
 (/>) The point where the main body of the support is to be located. 
 
 (<?) The same point as indicated in (e). 
 
 (r) Same point as indicated in (d). 
 
 CO Same company designated in (fir). 
 
 (0 Same designated as () 
 
 (w) Same place indicated in (/). 
 
 (v-v') Same front as indicated in (k-k'}. Be careful to define the front by the words 
 "inclusive" and "exclusive." 
 
 (w)Same as that stated in (m). 
 
 (x-x f ) Same as indicated in (0-0'). See note (t'-t/). 
 
 (3;) Describe the position of the outguard as accurately as possible. If impracticable 
 to state the exact position, say "in the vicinity of." 
 
 (2) Give the direction, using the points of the compass, as "east," "south," "west," 
 "north." In some cases you may say "from the direction of" such a place, or "cover 
 the road," or "cover the approaches along the 'railroad,' 'canal,' " etc. 
 
 {ad) "Right" or "left." If your company is Support No. 2, it will be "left.' If 
 your company is Support No. 1, it will be "right." 
 
 (bb) Same as in (fir). 
 
 It should be understood that the above is only a type of problem. The 
 wording must be varied to suit the particular terrain over which the 
 Tactical Walk is to be conducted. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will conduct the noncommissioned officers to the point 
 where the support of the outpost is supposed to be located. He will 
 impress upon them that to make the problem as realistic as possible they 
 should draw upon their imagination to picture the tactical situation as 
 it would actually occur in time of war. He explains that the company 
 to which they belong, and which is to form one of the supports of the 
 outpost, is supposed to have just arrived at the point where they are now 
 located; that the company is standing in column of squads, waiting to 
 receive instructions ; that there is a small covering detachment out to the 
 front from the fourth platoon, to prevent surprise, and that he (the Direc- 
 tor), as company commander, has assembled the officers and noncommis- 
 sioned officers for the purpose of giving them their instructions. 
 
 At this point a copy of the problem is handed to each member of the 
 class. They are given a few minutes to look it over. The Director then 
 reads aloud the general and special situations. The members of the class 
 follow him from the cards in their possession. The tactical situation is 
 explained at length. The Director should at this time make certain that 
 all the men thoroughly understand the details of the general and special 
 
An Outpost 45 
 
 situations. A few minutes thus spent will result in the saving of much 
 time and prevent misunderstandings as the problem develops. 
 
 Instructors in tactics always avail themselves of the opportunity to call 
 attention to the methods of the composition of field orders. At this time 
 a good opportunity is afforded the Director to invite attention to the 
 technique of the order and to explain that all tactical orders follow the 
 same general scheme in their composition, whether they be issued verbally 
 by a support commander of an outpost or are written out in detail by 
 the staff officer of a division. That is, we first state all the available 
 information of the enemy and our own troops ; we follow this with the 
 plan of the commander, stated in general terms; thirdly, we provide for 
 the disposition of troops, generally in the order of their proximity towards 
 the enemy; we next provide for supply, and, lastly, give directions where 
 messages or information are to be sent or where the commander will be 
 found. 
 
 In order to impress the tactical situation on the minds of the members 
 of the class, as well as to test their understanding of it, the Director selects 
 a noncommissioned officer and says : "Sergeant B, give a brief statement 
 of the military situation as you understand it." This procedure may be 
 repeated until the Director is satisfied that every man is familiar with the 
 details of the situation. 
 
 Problem No. 3 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Explain situation of company with respect to the problem. 
 
 2. Make short talk on the technique of the composition of tactical orders. 
 
 (a) Information of enemy and own troops. 
 (&) Plan of commander in general terms. 
 
 (c) Disposition of troops in the order of their proximity towards the 
 enemy. 
 
 (d) Supply arrangements. 
 
 (e) Where to send messages. 
 
 3. Test grasp of situation by members of the class by asking questions. 
 
 4. Hand out the first situation. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to the front as far as the line selected for 
 the outguards, where it is halted. We are now ready to proceed with a 
 detailed solution of the problem. The Director distributes the slips of 
 paper or cards, upon which have been written the following situation : 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 You, Sergeant A, have been detailed in command of the first platoon 
 (three squads), with instructions to move out at once and cover the 
 posting of the outguards. Your command has arrived at this point. 
 Required : 
 
 How would you carry out your mission? 
 
46 Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 A minute or two will be given the men to allow them to- read over the 
 situation. The Director will then read it aloud, the men following him 
 from the cards in their possession. He will explain that each man is now 
 supposed to be Sergeant A, and that each is to make his own solution 
 without consultation with others. He will point out the general line that 
 the outguards are to occupy. He will explain the small covering detach- 
 ment that was posted to prevent surprise is to be withdrawn, and that the 
 responsibility for security while the outguards are being posted will now 
 rest upon Sergeant A. 
 
 The Director now instructs the members of the class to write out a 
 memorandum on their pads, stating just what they would do under the 
 circumstances. Some ten minutes should be allowed for this purpose. This 
 time allowance will be announced. When the time is up several members 
 are directed to read aloud the solution they have prepared. During the 
 course of this reading the Director explains any points that may be brought 
 up and endeavors to answer any questions that may be propounded. He 
 interrogates members of the class as to whether or not they agree with 
 certain elements of the solution under consideration and induces discus- 
 sion wherever possible. The Director then collects -all the solutions and 
 passes them back to the members of the class, being careful to see that 
 no man gets his own solution back again. This is done for the twofold 
 purpose of letting the men see how others are solving the problem and 
 further to induce careful and conscientious work, for if a man knows 
 that his memorandum solutions are to be seen by his comrades he will 
 take more pride in their preparation. 
 
 The Director then proceeds to a discussion of the situation, and step 
 by step arrives at a solution of the problem, which he presents to the class 
 for consideration. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 In the posting of the outguards there will unavoidably be more or less 
 moving around and exposure to view of the enemy's patrols, should any 
 be lurking in the vicinity. The noncommissioned officers will be seeking 
 out the best positions for their outguards, selecting observation posts for 
 their sentinels, and making arrangements for defense. The officers will 
 be moving from point to point along the line making inspections, pointing 
 out errors, rectifying the position of the various elements, and making a 
 map of the sector covered. In order that all of this may be accomplished 
 in security, it is necessary to have covering detachments well out to the 
 front to prevent small parties of the enemy interfering with the work in 
 hand or making observations that would enable them to form an estimate 
 of the position occupied by the outposts. 
 
 There are two methods by which this covering force may accomplish 
 its mission: 
 
 1. It may deploy as a line of skirmishers at greatly extended intervals. 
 
 2. It may cover the front with a number of small patrols. 
 
 No^hard and fast rule can be laid down that will provide for all con- 
 tingencies. The first method has the disadvantage of being most difficult 
 
An Outpost 47 
 
 for the noncommissioned officers to control the action of the men. The 
 second method possesses the great advantage of having each group di- 
 rectly under the control of a leader, so that in case the enemy's patrols 
 are encountered and it is necessary to drive them back, there can be 
 concert of action instead of dependence on the decisions of individual men 
 as to what is to be done in the emergency. The method to be employed 
 will depend upon circumstances, the nature of the country, the number of 
 men available for the duty and the proximity of the enemy. It may be 
 advisable to use a combination of the two systems. 
 
 The requirements of the problem demand that the front of the line 
 to be occupied by the outguards shall be efficiently covered with the force 
 available. The methods to be employed in accomplishing this result will 
 have to be worked out in detail on the ground. 
 
 Let us assume that the small-patrol formation is suitable and is to be 
 employed. Let us suppose that our platoon is covering the posting of 
 Support No. 2 of the outpost. How does Sergeant A go about the execu- 
 tion of his mission? In the first place, the men will ,be able to act with 
 more understanding and intelligence if they know the situation. Sergeant 
 A, therefore, gives them in a few words what information he has of the 
 enemy and our own troops. He next states his plan in general terms and 
 gives such instructions as apply to all patrols. He designates the patrol 
 leaders and the men to form their patrols and gives them their special 
 instructions. He provides for a small support to meet emergencies and 
 inform the patrol commanders where they are to send their messages. 
 This procedure carries out the general form of a Field Order as pre- 
 scribed in Field Service Regulations. 
 
 We now apply these principles to the problem under consideration and 
 arrive at a solution. 
 
 Solution 
 
 Sergeant A calls his platoon to attention and says : "Fall out ! Take 
 off your packs and put them in squad piles over there (indicating the 
 place). Put your bayonets on your belts, then fall in in your proper places." 
 
 When the platoon has again assembled he calls it to "attention" and 
 gives the following instructions. (It is assumed that the men's pieces are 
 loaded.) 
 
 "A force of the enemy is reported in the vicinity of - . Con- 
 
 tact has not been gained. The main body of our command is bivouacked 
 at . Companies - and - form the outpost, Company 
 
 - Support No. 1, and x our company Support No. 2. 
 
 "This platoon will cover the posting of the outguards of Support No. 
 2 along this (indicating) line. All patrols will advance at least 1,200 
 yards to the front. Remain out until you receive orders to withdraw. 
 
 "Corporal D, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the 
 
 right oblique in the direction of that . Get in touch with the 
 
 covering detachments from Company - . 
 
 "Private E, you are detailed as acting corporal. Take the rear rank 
 of the first squad and move out in the direction of that . 
 
 "Corporal F, take the front rank of your squad and move to the front 
 towards that . 
 
48 Tactical Walks 
 
 "Private G, you are detailed as acting corporal. Take the rear rank 
 of the second squad and move out to the left oblique in the direction of 
 that . 
 
 "Corporal H, take the front rank of your squad and move out to the 
 
 left oblique in the direction of that . There will be no other 
 
 troops on your left. 
 
 "The rear rank of the third squad will accompany me. I will march 
 200 yards in rear of Corporal F's patrol. 
 
 "Send messages to me. 
 
 "Take charge of your patrols and move out." 
 
 To the rear rank of the third squad, "Follow me!" 
 
 In designating the line of direction of the march of the patrols, the 
 platoon commander will be careful to give them prominent objects, if pos- 
 sible, but at least definite points to march on. 
 
 t 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The solution is now open for discussion. The men are invited to ask 
 any questions or make any comments that may be pertinent. In order 
 to test their grasp of the situation, one or more may be required to 
 give the orders as stated in the solution. The whole idea is at this time 
 to impress this solution so firmly on the minds of the members of the 
 class that in case they were called upon in war to meet a similar situa- 
 tion they would know what to do and how to do it. After this is accom- 
 plished the Director will pass on to the next situation. 
 
 Problem No. 3 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Read situation. Question men about it. 
 
 2. Explain each man is now supposed to be Sergeant A. 
 
 3. Write out solution on pads, 10 minutes. 
 
 4. Have solutions read. Collect them. Distribute them again. 
 
 5. Explain necessity for covering troops. 
 
 6. Explain two methods and advantages and disadvantages, (a) Skirmishers. 
 
 (&) Patrols. 
 
 7. Elements of order, for patrols. 
 
 8. Give the orders just as Sergeant A would give them. 
 
 9. Proceed to vicinity of Outguard No. 2 and give out Situation No. 2. 
 
 The Director then conducts the class to the vicinity of the place where 
 it is intended to post Outguard No. 2. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 You, Sergeant C, have been designated to command Outguard No. 2, 
 which is to be posted at (y) and cover (2). (See (y) and (2) of the 
 problem.) You have the fifth and sixth squads of the company. The 
 first platoon has been divided into small patrols and has advanced to the 
 front to cover the posting of the outguards. The small covering detach- 
 ment that had originally been sent out has been withdrawn. 
 
An Outpost 49 
 
 You have arrived at this point with your command. 
 Required : 
 
 How would you carry out your mission? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director proceeds along the same lines as indicated under Situation 
 No. 1. He passes out the cards on which the situation is written. The 
 men are allowed a few minutes to look them over. Then follows the 
 reading of the situation and its requirements. It is explained that each 
 man is to now consider himself as being Sergeant C, and that his two 
 squads are standing there (pointing out the place) waiting for orders. 
 
 The members of the class are then instructed to look over the ground 
 and decide upon their dispositions, and write these out in memorandum 
 form on their pads or indicate them on a rough sketch. Some 15 or 20 
 minutes are allowed for this purpose. The men are then assembled and 
 several called upon to explain their dispositions. During the course of 
 these explanations the Directors will call upon others for their views on 
 the point under consideration. 
 
 Then follows a discussion of the situation, and step by step a solution 
 is arrived at. 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director says : "Corporal Smith, where would you halt your com- 
 mand while you are looking over the ground and deciding upon your 
 disposition?" Corporal Smith will be required to point out the exact spot 
 where he would halt his two squads. Others of the class may be inter- 
 rogated on this same point and required to give their reasons. The Di- 
 rector then points out that the troops designated for outguard duty should, 
 when they approach the line to be occupied by the outguards, be halted 
 under cover a short distance in rear of the line. This procedure will 
 prevent small patrols of the enemy from discovering the position of the 
 outguard. 
 
 The next question to be considered is the selection of the position of 
 the outguard. One or more members of the class will be called upon for 
 a statement as to just where they would locate the outguard, and by a 
 series of questions their reasons brought out for so locating it. After 
 getting the ideas of the men, the Director will enter upon a detailed 
 analysis of the subject with a view to impressing it indelibly on their 
 minds. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 There are some pretty definite rules that may be laid down governing 
 the location of an outguard. In the first place, the location within reason- 
 able limits has been designated by the support commander in his order. 
 We are directed, let us say, to cover the approaches from the east. Having 
 these two conditions in mind, we proceed to a consideration of the other 
 elements affecting the location, as follows: 
 
 1. It should be located on and command some route leading from the 
 direction of the enemy, or where he is reported to be, the strongest out- 
 guards covering the most important routes. 
 
50 Tactical Walks 
 
 2. It should be in a good defensive position, have a good field of fire 
 to the front and in an oblique direction towards both flanks, and should 
 be so far concealed that the enemy could not discover it without attacking. 
 
 The position selected by members of the class will then be examined 
 to determine whether it fulfills the above requirements. 
 
 Sergeant Cs outguard is the strongest sent out from the support. It 
 may therefore be assumed that the approaches leading from the direction 
 of the enemy are the most important within the limits of the sector assigned 
 to the support and that they must be adequately covered. Does the location 
 selected accomplish this? 
 
 In the order of the support commander, Sergeant C has been informed 
 that "in case of attack the outguards will be supported." This places the 
 line of defense of the outpost on the line occupied by the outguards and 
 makes it doubly imperative that a position be selected that is or can be 
 made suitable for defense. Does the position selected fulfill this require- 
 ment? Is there a good field of fire to the front and obliquely to the 
 flanks. Is it naturally a strong position? If not, can it be made so? 
 Can obstacles be placed so as to check the enemy's advance and hold him 
 under the fire of the outguard? Is there any ground to the front within 
 range that commands the position? Are there good, approaches to the 
 points tentatively selected for the sentinel posts? Is it possible to pro- 
 vide for a mutual supporting fire with adjacent outguards? Are these 
 good communications with the adjoining outguards and with the support? 
 
 All of these elements will be considered, and while it is not contemplated 
 that a position will be found that fulfills all of them the position that satis- 
 fies the greatest number should be selected. 
 
 In the course of the discussion on this subject the Director will encour- 
 age the men to ask questions and express their views. In the end he 
 will state definitely the position selected for the outguard and give his 
 reasons for determining on that particular location. 
 
 The next question that presents itself for consideration is the number 
 of sentinel posts that are to be sent out from the outguard. How many 
 times at maneuvers have you gone out to make your first inspection of 
 your outpost line to find that outguard commanders had practically every 
 man of their commands posted as sentinels? The Director will here ex- 
 plain that an outguard of two squads is sufficiently strong to maintain 
 two double sentinel posts of three reliefs, each with a surplus of two 
 privates for carrying messages, forming connecting files and performing 
 such other duties as may become necessary from time to time; that the 
 outguard is usually posted for 24 hours; that the sentinels are usually 
 relieved every two hours, and in inclement weather or exceptional cases 
 every hour. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class then proceeds to the task of actually locating the two sentinel 
 posts. The Director will require several of the men to point out the loca- 
 tion that they have tentatively selected and by questions bring out their 
 ideas on the subject. After this it will be necessary to conduct the class 
 to the various points, and after a comparison of all of them, decide defi- 
 nitely upon the location that most nearly meets the requirements. 
 
An Outpost 51 
 
 Explanation 
 
 By day the sentinel must be able to see the whole of the ground allotted 
 to him for observation. He should be provided with sufficient cover so 
 that the enemy's patrols will not be able to locate him. He should have 
 good communication with the outguard and the adjoining sentinels. Ex- 
 cellent observation posts may sometimes be found in large trees, one of 
 the sentinels of the double post being located in a tree and the other 
 on the ground near the foot of the tree. It may be that the best location 
 for observation is also the best for resistance, in which case the sentinels 
 may be posted on or very near the actual locality to be defended by the 
 outguard. There is no objection to this, provided the members of the 
 outguard, as well as the sentinel, are well concealed from the view of the 
 enemy. 
 
 The location of the sentinel post at night requires the most careful con- 
 sideration. It depends considerably upon the degree of darkness, and con- 
 sequently the value of eye-sight as compared with hearing. On a very 
 dark night, when the sentinel can see only a few yards in front of him, 
 it is evident that his ears will be more useful than his eyes. Furthermore, 
 the difficulties of the enemy will be increased by the darkness, and he is 
 likely to make more noise by stumbling over unseen obstructions. On a 
 still night a sentinel posted on high ground can hear better than when 
 on low ground, because there is likely to be less obstruction in the way 
 of trees and other objects to interfere with the sound waves passing 
 through the atmosphere. It therefore appears that on a very dark night, 
 when the ears are more efficient than the eyes, the sentinel should be 
 posted on high ground, with low ground to his front. 
 
 When the darkness is not so great and the powers of sight more nearly 
 approach in value the powers of hearing, it is better to place the sentinel 
 on low ground, with the sky line to his front. This is because approach- 
 ing persons will be silhouetted on the sky line and that it is difficult to 
 see when looking down from a height into a dark valley. 
 
 The night post should always be provided with an obstacle placed from 
 10 to 30 yards to the front of the sentinel. It must be low, so that it will 
 not be seen by an approaching enemy. Its value is increased if a wire 
 or rope is attached to some object that will fall down with a loud noise 
 when anyone trips over the obstacle. 
 
 Having located the position of the outguard and the two double sen- 
 tinels posted from it, the Director will review Situation No. 2, impressing 
 upon the men all the factors that have entered into the solution of it. 
 
52 Tactical Walks 
 
 Problem No. 3 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Read situation. Question men about it. 
 2. Explain that each man is now supposed to be .Sergeant C. 
 
 3. Write out brief of solution on" pads 20 minutes. 
 
 4. Read some solutions. Collect and distribute. 
 
 5. Halting place for command. 
 
 6. Selection of position for outguard. (a) Command route leading from 
 
 enemy, (fc) Defensive position, (c) Concealment, (d) Field of fire. 
 ((?) Obstacles. (/) Commanding positions. (gr) Communications to 
 sentinels, support, and adjoining outguards. 
 
 7. Explain number of sentinel posts that may be furnished. 
 
 8. Location of sentinel posts, (a) Day. (&) Night, (c) High ground, (d) 
 
 Low ground. 
 
 9. Requirements of sentinel posts. 
 
 10. Proceed to Sentinel Post No. 1 and give out Situation No. 3. 
 
 We are now ready to proceed with the next situation and its require- 
 ments. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 It has been decided to locate double-sentinel post No. 1 of Outguard 
 No. 2 at this point. The fifth squad has been detailed to furnish the re- 
 liefs for it. You, Corporal K, commanding the fifth squad, have been 
 instructed to post your first relief. 
 Required : 
 
 The orders and instructions that you would give your sentinels. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The same procedure will be followed as heretofore explained. (See 
 Director's Key Card No. 4.) Each man will now consider himself as 
 Corporal K. He has arrived at the point where his sentinels are to be 
 posted. He has the two men forming the first relief with him. What 
 orders and instructions will be given them? 
 
 Each member of the class will be required to write out on his memo- 
 randum pad the orders and instructions that he would give these senti- 
 nels. After a reasonable time, several will be required to read their memo- 
 randa aloud. The memoranda will then be collected and distributed as 
 heretofore explained. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director then proceeds with a detailed discussion of the situation, 
 and finally arrives at a solution which is presented for consideration. The 
 elements involved will include the following: 
 
 The sentinels must have imparted to them all information of the enemy 
 and our own troops. With respect to the latter, they must be fully in- 
 formed of the covering patrols that have been sent out and the location 
 of the adjoining sentinel posts. The location of the main body of the 
 outguard should be pointed out, and, if practicable, the position of adjoin- 
 ing outguards. 
 
An Outpost 
 
 They will be given the number of their own post and the number of 
 the outguard from which they are posted. 
 
 They will be informed as to the points to which the roads and trails 
 lead, and, if practicable, the names of important topographical points in 
 sight. 
 
 They will ,be given the countersign, if one is used. The method of 
 challenge and identification of persons approaching the outpost sentinels 
 at night should be changed from time to time so that there will be less 
 chance for the enemy to know just what system is being used on a par- 
 ticular night. On one occasion a countersign using the name of a battle 
 or general may be used; on another night the system of tapping the 
 knuckles on the rifle stock may be employed. 
 
 The mistake of giving sentinels too many orders and instructions should 
 be carefully avoided. If their minds are burdened with too many details, 
 they are likely to become hesitating, timid and confused. The controlling 
 idea is that they should know where to look for the enemy and what to 
 do if they see him. Having in mind the foregoing elements, the Director 
 presents the following solution for consideration and discussion: 
 
 Solution 
 
 Corporal K gives his sentinels the following orders and instructions: 
 
 "A force of the enemy has been reported in the vicinity of (q)" (See 
 (g) of the problem. The corporal explains where the place is if it is 
 not commonly known to the men.) "We have not yet gained contact. 
 The first platoon is distributed across our front in small patrols covering 
 the posting of the outguards. The sentinel from Outguard No. 1 is posted 
 
 (pointing out the location). Post No. 2 from our outguard is 
 
 stationed (pointing out the location). The main body of our 
 
 outguard is to be posted (pointing out the location). 
 
 "This is post No. 1 of Outguard No. 2. 
 
 "That road leads in the direction of (q). That trail leads in the direc- 
 tion of . The stream to the right is the . That large 
 
 building is , etc. 
 
 "The countersign is 'Wilderness/ 
 
 "If you observe the enemy, signal to me at Outguard No. 2." 
 
 Note that at least one man of the post should, if practicable, be posted 
 where he can see the outguard. If this is impracticable, a connecting file 
 will have to be posted where he can see one of the sentinels and also see 
 the outguard. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 At this point an excellent opportunity is afforded for the Director to 
 explain a few rules for the guidance of a sentinel on outpost duty. 
 
 1. He must watch and listen without betraying his presence. Observa- 
 tion is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance. 
 
 2. He must not smoke and matches must not be lighted at night. 
 
 3. Such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in 
 subdued tones. 
 
 4. He must not have any arms or accouterments that will glitter in the 
 sunlight. 
 
54 Tactical Walks 
 
 5. Except at night and in foggy weather, the bayonet must be kept in 
 the scabbard. 
 
 6. Persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol comes 
 out to take charge of them. 
 
 7. He will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements 
 of military etiquette. He pays no compliments and does not salute officers 
 unless addressed by them. 
 
 8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be com- 
 municated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to report 
 promptly all indication of the enemy's approach. If he is satisfied that 
 the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given by firing. When 
 immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be avoided. 
 
 There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at 
 night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the outpost 
 troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information to the 
 enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he is able 
 to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an invariable rule 
 that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort. There is never any 
 necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and 
 are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in 
 covering the withdrawal, if such action is absolutely necessary. Night 
 firing is of little value in any event. It is only effective for very short 
 distances, and should be discouraged by every possible means. 
 
 Problem No. 3 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Read situation. Question men about it. 
 
 2. Explain that each man is now supposed to be Corporal K. 
 
 3. Write out a brief solution on pads 10 minutes. 
 
 4. Read some solutions. Collect and distribute. 
 
 5. Information for sentinels. Enemy. Own troops. Number of post and 
 
 outguard. Topographic information, roads, trails, rivers, prominent 
 points. Countersign. 
 
 6. Give orders to sentinel just as Corporal K would give them. 
 
 7. Rules for guidance of sentinel: Observation. Concealment. Smoking. 
 
 Matches Glittering accouterments. Bayonet. Persons arrested. Mili- 
 tary courtesy. Report when enemy seen. Outpost firing. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to a point about 300 yards to the front of 
 the line of sentinels, preferably on the main route leading towards the 
 enemy. The Director gives out the following situation and requirement : 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 4: 
 
 Several hours have elapsed since Situation No. 3 terminated. You, 
 Sergeant M, have been given a patrol of four men and ordered to bring 
 in a "Parlementaire," who is accompanied by an escort of one bugler and 
 two noncommissioned officers, one bearing a flag of truce. The party 
 has been halted by the sentinel and is standing here awaiting instruc- 
 tions. Your patrol has arrived at this point. 
 
An Outpost 
 
 Required: 
 
 How would you carry out your mission? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director reads over the situation aloud. The men follow from 
 the copy in their possession. He will first explain the meaning of the 
 term and the functions of the "Parlementaire" to the men. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The term parlementaire is used to designate persons through whom 
 non-hostile intercourse is conducted between belligerent armies. Their 
 duties may include every form of communication with the enemy in the 
 field. A parlementaire enters enemy territory under the protection of a 
 flag of truce. He and the escort accompanying him are inviolable so long 
 as they do not take advantage of their privileged position to commit an 
 act of treachery. 
 
 The rules of warfare permit a parlementaire to be accompanied by not 
 more than three persons. These are usually a bugler, who may be em- 
 ployed to sound a call, such as "attention/* to direct the attention of the 
 sentinels to the party and thus make known their status to a certainty; a 
 flag bearer, who bears a white flag, technically known as a "flag of truce," 
 the displaying of which merely indicates a desire for communication, and 
 has no other significance in international law; and one orderly, who may 
 or may not be an interpreter. 
 
 Solution 
 
 In order to bring out in detail the course to be pursued by Sergeant 
 M, the Director will propound questions to members of the class : "Cor- 
 poral Jones, you have arrived at this point. You are Sergeant M. You 
 have the members of your patrol disposed so as to prevent surprise. What 
 is the first thing that you would do?" Corporal Jones has probably never 
 given this question a single thought, and is liable to make any one of a 
 dozen answers. After thus questioning several of the men, the Director 
 will bring out the point that Sergeant M would have all the members of 
 the parlementaire's party face in the direction from which they came. 
 "What is the next step to be taken, Sergeant White?" It will be inter- 
 esting to note the answers. The idea to be brought out is that all the 
 members of the party are to be blindfolded. How are you going to accom- 
 plish this ? A handkerchief makes a poor blindfold. Two first-aid packets, 
 one of which every soldier carries, will provide the apparatus for effectu- 
 ally carrying out this requirement. Open the packet and place one of .the 
 compresses over the eyes and use the bandage part to fasten around the 
 head. 
 
 "Corporal Smith, how many of the party would Sergeant M take back 
 to the support commander?" Only the parlementire ; the other members 
 of the party are not entitled to go unless one is an interpreter and his 
 services are necessary to conduct the interview. 
 
56 Tactical Walks 
 
 Explanation 
 
 At this stage the Director will bring out the following points : Marked 
 courtesy must be observed on both sides. Sergeant M should refrain 
 from engaging in conversation with members of the party and forbid all 
 the members of his patrol from so doing. Only such conversation as is 
 necessary for the conduct of the business in hand should be permitted. 
 Great care will be exercised not to ask for nor to impart any military 
 information. 
 
 The next question for Sergeant M to decide is the disposition of the 
 escort and the members of his patrol while he is conducting the parlemen- 
 taire to the support commander. It is well to take no chances on surprise, 
 and the escort and patrol will ,be disposed with this object in view. The 
 escort may be allowed to sit down on the roadside and the members of 
 the patrol placed so as to guard them and at the same time protect them- 
 selves from surprise. It will be well for Sergeant M to take one of the 
 members of his patrol with him as escort for the parlementaire. This 
 leaves three members of the patrol for guarding the escort. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "Sergeant Jones, how would you dispose of these three men left with 
 the escort?" After getting Jones' views on the subject, others will be 
 questioned. The main idea is to post the men so they can guard the 
 escort, prevent surprise, and have one "get-away man" if anything should 
 happen despite the precautions taken. It will depend to some extent on 
 the nature of the surroundings. In the normal case one man would be 
 posted about 40 yards in front of the group, one man near the group, 
 and one man about 30 yards in rear. The Director will definitely locate 
 the escort and point out just where the three men of the escort are to 
 be stationed. 
 
 The next question that arises is with regard to the route by which 
 Sergeant M will conduct the parlementaire to the support commander. 
 The Director will call upon several members of the class for their views 
 on this subject, and will finally bring out the following ideas: 
 
 Every precaution must be taken to prevent the parlementaire from 
 gaining any information of military value. He must not ,be allowed to 
 estimate the distance between the various elements of the outpost nor to 
 locate them with reference to some known point. These requirements 
 compel Sergeant M to conduct him back over a circuitous route. It may 
 be well to lead him several hundred yards to the front of the sentinel 
 posts, then by the flank for some distance, then double on the trail, and 
 finally cross the line of outguards when it is certain that he is sufficiently 
 confused to prevent his determining the location. 
 
 During this operation the support commander will have been watching 
 from a concealed position, and will meet Sergeant M somewhere behind 
 the line of outguards at a point other than the location of the support, 
 where the interview will be held as a preliminary to further action on 
 the part of the support commander. After explaining all of this to the 
 members of the class, it may be well, if time is available, to take them 
 over a route that might be used. 
 
An Outpost 
 
 To sum up Sergeant M's solution of the problem, he would proceed 
 as follows: 
 
 1. Have the members of the enemy party face in the direction from 
 which they came. 
 
 2. Blindfold them, using the contents of two first-aid packets. 
 
 3. Make a division of the patrol to guard the members of the escort 
 and to conduct the parlementaire back to the support commander. 
 
 4. Dispose the men left to guard the escort to prevent surprise and 
 facilitate the signaling of information to the outguard in case of neces- 
 sity. 
 
 5. Conduct the parlementaire to. the support commander by a circuitous 
 route. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The discussion of this simple situation may appear to be rather elabo- 
 rate, but it is estimated that if the subject is gone over in detail as 
 indicated every noncommissioned officer participating in this Tactical Walk 
 will be thoroughly conversant with the procedure of the reception of a 
 flag of truce should he ever be called upon to perform that duty. We 
 read about these things in the standard military books, but forget the 
 details. Let a man have them brought out to him on the ground, as 
 this is, and he will remember them forever. 
 
 While the enemy party is in the vicinity, the troops of the outguard 
 will be kept closely under cover and there will be no moving around 
 permitted along the outpost line.^ 
 
 This is about all that may be readily accomplished in one Tactical Walk. 
 It is not believed to be good policy to attempt more than the average 
 man is able to absorb in one session. 
 
 Problem No. 3 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Read situation. Question men about it. 
 
 2. Explain that each man is now supposed to be Sergeant M. 
 
 3. Points to be brought out: (a) Functions of parlementaire. (fc) Escort, (c) 
 
 Inviolability. 
 
 4. Face party in direction from which they came. 
 
 5. Blindfold. 
 
 6. Dispose patrol to guard members of escort. 
 
 7. Conduct parlementaire back to the support commander by circuitous route. 
 
 8. Silence and immovability along the line of outguards. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 4 
 
 A RECONNOITERING PATROL 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 A Blue infantry force in hostile country has arrived at (a), and is 
 establishing outposts along the line (b). 
 
 A force of the enemy is reported advancing from the direction of (c). 
 Contact has not yet been established. 
 
 At (d), while the outposts are getting into position, you, Sergeant A, 
 are given the following instructions by the support commander at (e) : 
 
 "The enemy is reported from the direction of (/). Our patrols will 
 cover the (g) and (h). You will take this patrol of (i) and proceed in 
 the direction of (k) and find out what you can about the enemy. It is 
 especially desired that you determine the enemy's strength and his line 
 of advance (/). Send your reports to (m). Return when darkness pre- 
 vents further reconnaissance." 
 Required: 
 
 What are the duties of Sergeant A before starting out with his patrol? 
 
 Explanation of Letter Symbols 
 
 (a) The point selected is the initial or starting point. It should be as close in as 
 possible, to prevent unnecessary walking and consequent loss of time. 
 
 (b) This line should be logically selected with a view to covering the location named 
 in (a) from the direction of the point named in (c). 
 
 (c) Some place several miles to the front. 
 
 (d) The actual time of starting the Tactical Walk. 
 
 (e) Should preferably be at the location of one of the supports of the outpost. If 
 the point where it is desired to start the Tactical Walk is not suitable for the location 
 of a support and is difficult to describe, the Problem may state, "At this point." 
 
 (/) The same place as named in (c). 
 
 (0) CO Fully describe the routes of any other patrols that are being sent out from 
 the outpost line. If the routes have local names, use them. If they can be seen 
 from where the Director stands, point them out. 
 
 (*) Designate the number of men that the patrol is to contain, as "so many non- 
 commissioned officers and so many privates." This number will be determined by 
 the mission of the patrol and the number of messages that it will have to send back. 
 It is well occasionally to frame a problem and fix the strength of the patrol at a 
 lower number than is necessary to conduct the work properly. On the other hand, 
 it may be well to fix the strength at a greater number than is necessary to show the 
 evil of having superfluous men in the patrol. These two courses bring before the 
 men in a practical manner the necessity for having sufficient men to accomplish the 
 object in view, and that, on the other hand, a surplus is only a burden. 
 
 (k) Some intermediate point between (c) and (*). 
 
 (/) It may be desirable to vary the problem by directing the partol to proceed to 
 some definite point with some definite object in view, as the examination of a bridge, 
 location of a bivouac for the night, reconnoissance of a village or a group of houses, 
 etc., in which case the several sentences of the problem would have to be changed 
 accordingly. 
 
 (m) This is generally to "Support No. " or to "this point." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is conducted to the point designated in the problem as (e), 
 where the cards bearing the situation are handed out by the Director, a 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 59 
 
 copy to each member. Some five minutes should be allowed for n study 
 of the problem and to get every one properly oriented. The Director will 
 point out the general location of the outpost line. He explains that each 
 member of the class will, throughout the problem, consider himself as 
 being Sergeant A. He makes any explanation of the problem that may 
 appear to be necessary. 
 
 After satisfying himself that all are familiar with the tactical situation, 
 the Director calls attention to the requirement of the problem. He directs 
 the members of the class to make a memorandum on their pads, stating 
 briefly just exactly what they would do if they were actually confronted 
 with the situation before them. 
 
 Some fifteen minutes will be allowed for the solution of the require- 
 ment, at the end of which time the memoranda are collected, several 
 selected at random and read, and then distributed so that no man receives 
 his own solution back again. This is done for the purpose of letting 
 the members of the class see how others are solving the problem. 
 
 The Director will now take up the subject in detail and explain the 
 several duties of the patrol commander before starting out with his patrol, 
 as follows : 
 
 Explanation 
 
 Sergeant A would: 
 
 1. Make an inspection of his patrol, satisfying himself that the mem- 
 bers are in suitable condition for the duty to be performed. He sees 
 that each man is properly armed and equipped and has the proper amount 
 of ammunition; that none are sick, footsore, or intoxicated. (Note: Any 
 equipment carried that is not needed on reconnoitering patrol duty is 
 superfluous. All a man needs is his rifle, belt, canteen, first-aid packet, 
 and a few rounds of ammunition. As a rule, packs should not be carried.) 
 
 2. Assure himsef that the accouterments are so arranged as not to 
 glisten in the sunlight nor rattle when the men walk or move. The 
 equipment is designed with these objects in view, and if properly worn 
 needs no further adjustment. 
 
 3. In the presence of the officer sending out the patrol, repeat the 
 orders or instructions, stating his general plan for carrying them out, 
 and assure himself that every man understands them. 
 
 4. If the men are not already familiar with them, explain the signals 
 by which the members of the patrol are to communicate with each other. 
 (Note: Every soldier should be familiar with the arm and hand signals 
 in the Drill Regulations. These signals have been adapted for use in 
 controlling the operations of a patrol. They are contained in Chapter 
 X of "Scouting and Patrolling," a little book that every soldier in the 
 Army should have in his possession and know the contents of.)* 
 
 5. Impress upon the members of the patrol the necessity for conceal- 
 ment, warn them about firing their pieces, and caution them that they 
 must neither talk nor smoke. This is not usually necessary with Regular 
 troops, but is one of the first things that should be impressed upon green 
 troops in their instruction in Minor Tactics. 
 
 6. Designate the place of assembly for men who may become detached 
 
 * Published by the U. S. Infantry Association, Washington, D. C. Price 50 cents. 
 
60 Tactical Walks 
 
 from the patrol. These assembly places are designated from time to time 
 as the patrol advances. 
 
 7. Compare his watch with that of the officer sending out the patrol, 
 and designate a member to take charge in case an accident befalls him. 
 Sergeant A would be furnished with a map of the country if one be 
 available. 
 
 The Director explains that all of this appears to be a lengthy process, 
 but that when it is boiled down to the essentials it is really very simple. 
 He now states the action that Sergeant A would take in the matter. 
 
 Solution 
 
 Assuming that the members of the patrol are formed up and turned 
 over to Sergeant A, he would order : 
 
 "Take off your packs. Pile them at the end of the stacks. Empty your 
 pockets, except watch and compass. Put contents in your meat can 
 pouches. Leave 50 rounds of ammunition in your belts. Fall in here for 
 inspection." 
 
 Having completed the inspection, Sergeant A states: 
 
 "The enemy is reported advancing from the direction of (/). (Loca- 
 tions are explained if not generally known.) Our patrols are covering 
 the (g) and (h). We are going out in the direction of (k) to find out 
 what we can about the enemy. Our special mission is to determine his 
 strength and which way he is advancing. I will direct the formation, the 
 route and assembly points as we go along. Drill Regulations signals will 
 be used. Jones, you will be second in command. Messages will be brought 
 here. With ball cartridges, LOAD !" Then, turning to the Captain : "What 
 time has the Captain?" He sets his watch to agree, and directs: "All 
 men who have watches, set them at - ." Leading the way, he 
 commands : "Follow me." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 Members of the class will be given an opportunity to ask questions and 
 to discuss any phase of the situation. They may be called upon to repeat 
 the orders given by the sergeant. They may be questioned about any 
 part of it. The more discussion the better. The next requirement should 
 not be taken up until the Director is satisfied that every man in the 
 class thoroughly understands, in all its details, the problem under con- 
 sideration. 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class to point where the problem is to start. 
 
 2. Hand out cards containing the problem. 
 
 3. Explain that each man is to consider himself as being Sergeant A. 
 
 4. Direct members of class to prepare memorandum of the solution on their 
 
 pads. 
 
 5. Read solution and pass them back to members. 
 
 6. Take up solution in detail: Inspection, physical and equipment; accouter- 
 
 ments; orders; signals; concealment; assembly place; second in com- 
 mand; time and map. 
 
 7. Give the actual orders that would be given by Sergeant A. 
 
 8. Question members of class. Have them repeat the orders, etc. 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 61 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class then proceeds to the front. 
 
 After having advanced a couple of hundred yards, the men are halted. 
 The cards bearing the next situation and its requirements are handed out. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 At this point is posted Outguard No. - - of the support that we have 
 just left. The sentinel post is over there (pointing in the direction and 
 indicating the supposed position of the sentinel). 
 
 Required : 
 
 The action you would take as patrol leader. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "What would you do if you were the patrol leader, Sergeant James?" 
 asks the Director. 
 
 "Well, sir, I would ask the outguard commander if he has seen or 
 heard anything about the enemy," replies Sergeant James. 
 
 "What else would you do, Corporal Smith?" 
 
 "I would tell him that I am in command of a reconnoitering patrol, going 
 
 out in the direction of ; that I propose to advance along " 
 
 (indicating the general line of march). 
 
 "You are ordered to remain out until darkness prevents further recon- 
 naissance. This will probably bring you back to the outpost line after 
 dark. What arrangements would you make to cover that contingency, 
 Corporal Blake?" 
 
 "I would arrange a recognition signal with the outguard commander; 
 that is, we would agree on two numbers, say, 31 and 24. As I approach 
 the sentinel after dark I would signal 31 by tapping on the stock of my 
 rifle, and he would answer his recognition by tapping 24 on the stock of 
 his rifle. Then I would know that he has recognized me, and I would be 
 free to advance toward him without danger." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that this procedure is carried out by reconnoiter- 
 ing patrols going out to the front of an outpost line. Failure to do so 
 leaves the outguard commander uninformed of the fact that a patrol is 
 operating in his front, and may result in the patrol commander not having 
 up-to-the-minute information of the enemy. 
 
 The Director now explains that the patrol consists of Sergeant A and 
 six privates. 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class to front to supposed location of an outguard. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 2. 
 
 3. Instruct that solution will be made orally. 
 
 4. Question members of class relative to solution: (a) Information of enemy. 
 
 (&) Direction patrol is to take. ( c) Arrange for recognition signal. 
 
 5. Explanation for the procedure in a case of this class. 
 
62 Tactical Walks 
 
 Procedure 
 
 After having advanced 600 to 800 yards to the front, the class is halted 
 and the cards bearing Situation No. 3 and its requirements are handed out. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 You yourself, as patrol leader, have arrived at this point. Contact with 
 the enemy has not been gained. 
 Required: 
 
 What is the formation of your patrol at this moment? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will explain that it is desired that each member of the 
 class make an examination of the terrain in the vicinity, get his place as 
 patrol leader definitely located, and then decide upon the exact point where 
 each member of the patrol is at that moment. Each man is instructed 
 to make a rough sketch, showing the disposition decided upon. At least 
 15 minutes will be allowed for this purpose, after which the class will 
 be assembled and some of the members required to state orally the dis- 
 position of the patrol, using, if necessary, the sketch that has been pre- 
 pared for reference. After having several members of the class go through 
 this process, the Director will take up the subject in detail, and, applying 
 the general principles of the methods of advancing a patrol to the front, 
 locate on the ground the position of each member of the patrol. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director will now give a little talk on the subject of the formation 
 and conduct of a patrol: 
 
 "It is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rule for the conduct of 
 a patrol. Each situation has to be worked out by itself. Each solution 
 will vary with the topography of the country over which you are passing. 
 A few general principles may, however, be enunciated. 
 
 "The patrol leader, as he advances towards his objective, will mentally 
 make note of various intermediate objectives to serve as stepping stones 
 for his further advance. He can never be certain that he will not en- 
 counter the enemy, and must be prepared at all times for such an event. 
 
 "If the patrol advances in one body, a hostile patrol will allow them 
 to approach and then ambuscade and capture them. Further, all the mem- 
 bers of the patrol would not be able to see much more than one man. 
 If the patrol advances in an extended line of skirmishers, capture is 
 rendered much more difficult, but each man will ,be acting more or less 
 independently, and it will be most difficult for the patrol leader to control 
 the operations. 
 
 "A patrol should assume the general formation of a column on the 
 march, i. e., there is an advance guard, a main body, flankers, and a rear 
 guard. These several elements may be represented by only one man, but 
 the principle is exactly the same. The advance man is necessary to give 
 warning of the approach of the enemy. The flankers are necessary to 
 watch towards the flanks and prevent the enemy from ambuscading the 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 
 
 63 
 
 SUGGESTED FORMATION FOR PATROLS 
 
 6 1 6 
 
 9 
 
 3 Men 
 
 9 
 
 5 Men 
 
 
 9 
 
 6 Men 
 
 9 
 
 7 Ma 
 
 & POINT tf SPARE MAN <3 RI6HT FLANKER 
 
 6 LfADffi 9 GET-AWAY-MAN fe LEFT FLANKER 
 
 patrol or working around its rear unobserved and cutting off its. line of 
 retreat. The main body is necessary to back up the advance man and 
 protect him. The rear man is the 'get-away man/ so that in case the 
 patrol is fired into or captured, at least one man will have a good chance 
 to escape and carry the news back to the support commander. It must 
 always be remembered that a patrol that goes out and does not return, 
 or is not heard from in a reasonable time, causes great uneasiness and 
 apprehension back at the outpost line. 
 
 "This plate from 'Scouting and Patrolling* is here inserted for your 
 information. See the suggested formation of a patrol of a leader and 
 six men. This formation facilitates communication. The following para- 
 graph is quoted from that book: 
 
 "The ordinary communication between the patrol leader and the mem- 
 bers of his patrol is accomplished by means of signals. No formation, 
 however, is entirely satisfactory which does not provide for verbal com- 
 munication between the two. Thus far no set of signals has been devised 
 that will convey the details of information, and it is often in the details 
 that the importance lies. In case the detached scout has information that 
 he desires to impart to the patrol commander he signals : 'Have important 
 information* (see Chapter X, 'Scouting and Patrolling'*), in which case 
 
 * It will facilitate the conduct of your Tactical Walks to have your non-commissioned 
 officers study this book. There is much in it that will interest them. 
 
64 Tactical Walks 
 
 the patrol commander either joins the scout to make observations for him- 
 self or sends one of his spare men to relieve the scout in order that he 
 may come in and make a verbal report. The scout then becomes a spare 
 man until it is necessary for him to go out to the relief of another scout. 
 This method gives communication throughout the patrol at all times at 
 a great saving of time and effort." 
 
 "Some authorities advocate that the patrol commander march as the 
 advance man of the patrol. This is not believed to be good tactics. He 
 should be centrally located so that he will be able to control the opera- 
 tions of the patrol. The patrol leader has been selected for this par- 
 ticular line of work. The officer who sent him out is depending on him 
 to carry out the mission upon which he has been sent and to et informa- 
 tion back. He should not, therefore, needlessly make himself a target for 
 the enemy marksman who may be lying in concealment at the turn of a 
 road or trail. If he is the leading man he will be so busily occupied with 
 the task of observation, that he will have little time available for con- 
 ducting the operations of the other members of the patrol. Furthermore, 
 if anything happens at the front that needs his attention, he can go there 
 in a very short space of time. 
 
 "When a small patrol is advancing along a road which is more or less 
 winding and has brush and trees along the side, it is believed that the 
 Boni Point formation will usually meet the requirements. In this forma- 
 tion the leading man walks along one side of the road, close up to the 
 brush. The next man follows him at a distance cf about 25 yards on the 
 opposite side of the road. The remaining men follow at varying distances 
 on alternate sides of the road. The rear or get-away man should march 
 at least 75 yards in rear of his next preceding man. Flankers are sent 
 out when necessary and where it is possible to do so. 
 
 "You will be surprised to see how admirably this formation will meet 
 the situation under the conditions stated. The next time you are out on 
 a winding road through the woods, step over to one side and observe to 
 the front. Then go to the other side and repeat the operation. You will 
 find that from one side your view will be very much restricted, while 
 from the opposite side it will be much more extended. One trial will con- 
 vince you of the suitability of this formation." 
 
 The Director requires the men to make a test of this proposition at 
 some point along the route suitable for it, if one exists. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 Having brought out all the points involved in the formation of a patrol, 
 the Director requires several of the men to state exactly where each man 
 of the patrol would be at the time in question. By pertinent questions, 
 the reasons for so placing the men can be brought out and a reasonable 
 solution arrived at. The Director will caution the members of the class 
 to observe the terrain as they proceed, and bring up for consideration any 
 question that they may ^desire. 
 
 When the class has advanced several hundred yards to the front, the 
 cards bearing the next situation and its requirement are handed out. 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 55 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class some 600 to 800 yards to the front. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 3. 
 
 pacroi; TIOW accomplished. \cj ran 
 marches. (/) Boni Point formation. 
 
 5. Test Boni Point formation. 
 
 6. Arrive at solution and point out position of each man of the patrol. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 4: 
 
 As a patrol leader, you have arrived at this point. You observe that 
 your leading man has halted and is holding his rifle horizontally above his 
 head, indicating that he has observed the enemy in small force. You 
 join him and discover a detachment of several dismounted men of the 
 enemy advancing down the road in patrol formation. They apparently 
 have not observed you. They are now at that point (the Director indicates 
 to the members of the class the exact point where the enemy's patrol is 
 supposed to be at this time). 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take ? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director allows a few minutes for the members of the class to 
 look over the situation, and inquires if there are any questions that anyone 
 desires to ask. All points of the situation that are not clearly understood 
 should be made plain at this time. 
 
 The Director will decide upon and point out the position of each member 
 of the patrol at this moment, so that all members of the class will solve 
 the problem on the same assumption. 
 
 The men are then instructed to make an examination of the ground 
 and make a memorandum on their pads, showing just what they would 
 do under the circumstances. Ten to fifteen minutes are usually sufficient 
 for this purpose. 
 
 The ground for this situation should be selected at a point not too far 
 from the road where there is some cover available for the patrol. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains : 
 
 "Some pretty definite rules can be laid down to cover a situation of 
 this kind, but at the same time there are tactical questions involved on 
 which no specific rules can be given. 
 
 "This is a reconnoitering patrol. Its mission is to get information of 
 the enemy's strength and his line of advance. The first question that will 
 present itself to the patrol leader is whether he will endeavor to capture 
 the hostile patrol or whether he will avoid it. The capture of an entire 
 patrol that is advancing in proper formation is a most difficult operation. 
 
00 Tactical Walks 
 
 One may almost say that it cannot be accomplished without firing. The 
 noise thus created will doubtless be heard by the enemy, and he will take 
 further precautions by sending out stronger covering detachments, and 
 thus create a screen that it will be impossible for our small patrol to 
 break through. This hostile patrol has not yet gained any information 
 worth while, and the combat patrols that will be sent out from our outpost 
 will delay their operations considerably. The decision on this point will 
 then be 'to avoid the enemy's patrol and let it proceed unmolested, if it 
 will do so/ 
 
 "The patrol leader will next have to consider the question as to whether 
 or not he will attempt! to get information back to the support commander 
 to the effect that he has observed the enemy's patrol and that they are 
 advancing towards the outpost line. This is only a small detachment of 
 the enemy. It may be a reconnoitering patrol out on the same mission 
 on which our patrol is engaged. It may be the point of the advance guard 
 of a column advancing towards the outpost. It may be a combat patrol 
 covering the enemy's outpost line. At this moment its character cannot 
 be definitely determined. If it is a reconnoitering patrol, our own combat 
 patrols should be able to prevent its securing any information of value 
 regarding our outpost line. If it is the advance element of a column on 
 the march, that fact will be disclosed in a very few minutes, in which 
 case our reconnoitering patrol will probably change its character to that 
 of a combat patrol and do all in its power to delay the advance and by 
 firing give warning of the approach of the enemy. If it is a combat patrol 
 and discovers our patrol, it will endeavor to drive it back, and the firing 
 will give the alarm to our outposts. Any information that our patrol could 
 send back at this time would be of little, if any, value. The decision is, 
 therefore, that 'no message will be sent back until something more definite 
 is learned/ " 
 
 Solution 
 
 After the class has had an opportunity to study the situation, the Director 
 selects a member and inquires of him, "Sergeant Hughes, what would 
 you do under the circumstances?" After the sergeant has given his ideas, 
 then another member is asked, "Corporal Smith, what do you think of 
 that solution of the problem?" and so on until it is fixed in the minds of 
 the men just what they ought to do. During this discussion the Director 
 should ask questions to bring out the principles hereinbefore enunciated, and 
 should explain to the men why the action taken is decided upon. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 Having decided to avoid the enemy's patrol, we now take up the question 
 as to just exactly how this is to be done. The Director will question the 
 men and get their ideas on the subject. He will receive evasive answers. 
 He will have answers that are radically wrong. He will have answers 
 that are good and show great resourcefulness. He must try to impress 
 the men with the fact that the situation is as stated in the problem, and 
 that they must draw upon their imagination to see the disposition of our 
 patrol and that of the enemy. Here is a real situation. How are you 
 going to meet it? How would you meet it if that patrol out in front 
 were real and had real rifles with real bullets in their cartridges? The 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 67 
 
 chances are that the untrained man would follow the line of least resistance 
 and fall back on the outpost line or open fire on the patrol. 
 
 We must give the enemy's patrol credit for being on the alert and for 
 having such a knowledge of tactics that he will do the reasonably proper 
 thing. If he sees one member of our patrol, the difficulty of avoiding him 
 will be doubly increased. Our task, then, is to get to cover as quickly as 
 possible. It is this seemingly trivial action that sometimes calls for all the 
 ingenuity that the patrol leader may possess. The road may be open for 
 a considerable distance, so that if one of the members of our patrol tries 
 to cross from one side to the other he will be seen and the position dis- 
 closed to the enemy. It may be necessary for the patrol to fall back a 
 short distance in order to secure the necessary cover. It may be neces- 
 sary, in order to avoid discovery, to direct all men on one side of the 
 road to take cover on their side and the remainder to seek cover on the 
 opposite side. In this event, instructions as to where the patrol will get 
 together again will have to be given. Meanwhile, the enemy's patrol is 
 advancing down the road. The Director will point out to the class and 
 dwell upon the; principle that, having decided to avoid the enemy's patrol, 
 the all-absorbing duty of the patrol leader is to conceal his patrol so that 
 the enemy will have no information that it is anywhere in the vicinity. 
 The measures to be taken to accomplish this will then be worked out in 
 the minutest detail. 
 
 Having decided upon the steps necessary to be taken to avoid the enemy's 
 patrol, the Director will next take up the subject as to whether or not a 
 message is to be sent back at this time. Explain the principles hereinbefore 
 stated. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a short talk on 
 the subject of messages in general, and under the circumstances of this 
 situation in particular. If any member of the class insists that a message 
 should be sent, have him write it ; then take his message and imagine your- 
 self the support commander, who has received it. Ask yourself if there is 
 anything in it that will materially assist you in the defense of the outpost 
 line. Do not hold up the message to ridicule, no matter how bad it may 
 be, but dissect it and show the men, if such be the case, that there is 
 nothing of importance in it nothing that would assist the support com- 
 mander in concealing or defending his outpost line. If it be found on a 
 critical examination that there is information of importance, do not hesi- 
 tate to say so. Give a man credit for every reasonable idea that he is 
 able to produce. 
 
 Having exhausted the subject of the gaining of contact with the enemy 
 and the question of messages under the circumstances stated in this situa- 
 tion, the class again advances to the front. 
 
68 Tactical Walks 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class several hundred yards to the front. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing the Situation No. 4. 
 
 3. Point out the position of each member of the patrol. 
 
 4. Make memorandum of solution on pads. 
 
 ing patrol, (c) Difficulties incident to capture of an enemy's patrol, (d) 
 
 5. Talk by the Director: (a) Character of patrol, (b) Duties of reconnoiter- 
 
 Question of sending back a message, (e) Character of enemy's force. 
 
 6. Ask questions to bring out all points of the situation. 
 
 7. Decision to avoid enemy's patrol. No message to be sent back. 
 
 8. Ask questions on measures taken to avoid enemy force. 
 
 9. Action taken to get members of the patrol under cover. 
 10. Talk on the subject of military messages. 
 
 The class is now conducted about a hundred yards to the front, where 
 Situation No. 5 is handed out. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 5: 
 
 The patrol successfully evaded the enemy's patrol, which marched down 
 the road towards the outpost line. The patrol has been assembled and is 
 continuing its advance to the front. On arriving at this point you observe 
 a force of the enemy marching into that cleared field (the Director in- 
 dicates). They are apparently going into bivouac. Small detachments, 
 which you estimate to be outpost troops, are being pushed out in your 
 direction. You estimate the enemy's force to be a regiment of infantry. 
 At this moment you hear firing to your rear, in the direction of your 
 outpost line. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The assumed location of the enemy should be from 1,200 yards to one 
 mile distant from the point where the patrol is halted. It may be straight 
 to the front or it may be in an oblique direction. The disposition of the 
 patrol should be again pointed out, so that each member of the class will 
 make his solution on the same basis. 
 
 About ten minutes should be allowed for the men to study the situation 
 and get it firmly fixed in their minds. The Director then, as before ex- 
 plained, proceeds to question the men as to the action that they would 
 take. The subject will be taken up in the following sequence: 
 
 Solution 
 
 1. The disposition of the members of the patrol : 
 
 (a) For observation of the enemy. 
 
 (b) To prevent surprise. 
 
 2. The advisability of sending back a message. 
 
 3. The contents of the message. 
 
 4. The precautions to be taken to insure the delivery of the message. 
 
 5. The significance of the firing to the rear. 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 69 
 
 6. Precautions to be taken to prevent the enemy from receiving mes- 
 sages from his patrol. 
 
 When the patrol has encountered the enemy, the disposition must be 
 such as to permit the leader to observe the hostile force for the purpose 
 of forming an estimate of its strength and composition, dispositions, and 
 probable intentions. With this end in view, the leader must get to a 
 vantage point from which he may obtain a good view of the enemy. The 
 remaining members of the patrol must be so disposed as to guard all the 
 avenues of approach from the known direction of the enemy's forces, in 
 order to prevent surprise. Having in mind these points, this phase of 
 the situation will be worked out in detail on the ground and a solution 
 arrived at. 
 
 The next question for consideration is whether or not a message should 
 be sent back. This is the first force of hostile troops of any consequence 
 that the patrol has observed, and, although it is apparently one regiment 
 of infantry, it may be only a detachment of a much larger force. Other 
 patrols may locate other forces of the enemy, and from all the reports 
 sent in to the several supports of the outpost and transmitted by the com- 
 manders thereof to the commander of the main body a pretty clear esti- 
 mate of the strength and composition of the whole force may be arrived 
 at. It is therefore important that a message be sent back. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The contents of the message will now engage your consideration. You 
 will require the members of the class to sit down and each write out the 
 message that he would send. 
 
 After all of the men have written their messages, collect them and read 
 a few at random. Then pass them around to the members of the class, 
 being particular to see that no man gets his own message. By following 
 this scheme the men are kept on their mettle through knowledge of the 
 fact that their work is being viseed by their comrades. 
 
 Now take up the message in detail. Call attention to the requirement 
 that the heading of the message should be carefully filled in with all the 
 data required, especially the location from which the message is sent, and 
 that it must be clear and concise. The address to which the message is 
 sent should be clear and unmistakable. The body will contain the informa- 
 tion gained regarding the enemy, together with a statement of the patrol 
 commander's future intentions.* In this case the body of the message 
 would probably read as follows : 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Have observed a force of the enemy, estimated as a regiment of in- 
 fantry, going into bivouac at (here give concise location of the 
 
 place where the enemy is bivouacking). His outposts are being established 
 along the - (describing as accurately as possible where the outposts 
 
 are being established). A hostile patrol of - - men passed my patrol 
 at and advanced in the direction of your outpost line. I will re- 
 
 * See Chapter IX, "Scouting and Patrolling," for a complete treatment of the sub- 
 ject of military messages. 
 
70 Tactical Walks 
 
 main here in observation until forced to retire or darkness prevents further 
 reconnaissance." 
 
 The Director will work out this message word by word, impress all the 
 elements on the men, and after a full discussion of the subject pass on 
 to the next requirement. 
 
 Addressing a member of the class, the director propounds the question, 
 "Sergeant Black, how would you get this message back to the support 
 commander?" After receiving the sergeant's solution, "Corporal Jones, 
 what precautions do you think should be taken to insure the delivery of the 
 message?" Then to another: "Corporal Whyte, what do you think of 
 that solution of the problem?" After having gotten the ideas of several 
 of the men, the Director will take up the subject of the transmission of 
 messages by messenger. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 It is well known that there is at least one patrol of the enemy operating 
 in the country lying between the point where the patrol is halted and the 
 outpost line. There may be others who have eluded our patrol. If the 
 latter be the case, they will be on the lookout to prevent any information 
 from our patrol getting back to our outposts, so that extraordinary pre- 
 cautions will have to be taken by the messenger in order to insure the 
 delivery of the message. Under the circumstances, it is thought that the 
 message should be sent back by at least two messengers along different 
 routes. They will be given the general direction that each is to follow. 
 They will be apprised of the contents of the message and impressed with 
 the importance of the information contained therein and with the necessity 
 for taking precautions to insure its delivery.* 
 
 After having exhausted this subject and arrived at a decision to send the 
 message back by two messengers, the director will proceed to the next 
 phase of the requirement, which involves a discussion of the significance 
 of the firing to the rear. This will be brought out by questioning mem- 
 bers of the class to get their ideas of what is going on and will be fol- 
 lowed by a short talk on the employment of combat patrols sent out from 
 the outpost to beat off small patrols and keep them from developing the 
 position. 
 
 The next requirement of the problem involves the subject of just what 
 precautions the patrol leader will take to prevent members of the enemy's 
 patrol from getting back to their own force with information. Proceed 
 along the same line of questioning as heretofore indicated. Follow this 
 with a thorough discussion of just what you would do. Do not deal in 
 glittering generalities, but pin the men down to a statement of just what 
 they would do. 
 
 If only the one patrol is operating in our rear and our patrol has not 
 been seen by any of the enemy, it is pretty safe to estimate that any 
 messenger will take the line of least resistance and follow the road pretty 
 closely in going back to his own troops. On the other hand, if another 
 patrol of the enemy has eluded our patrol and knows that it is in its rear, 
 
 * An entire tactical talk may be devised and conducted on this simple problem of 
 getting a message back from the patrol to the outpost. By throwing a number of 
 obstacles in the way of the messenger, it can be made most interesting. 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 71 
 
 it will avoid the main avenues and endeavor to get messages back by 
 making use of all available cover. 
 
 As far as possible, the patrol leader will dispose his men so as to cover 
 all avenues of approach from the enemy's bivouac. The direction of the 
 firing that has been heard will serve somewhat as a guide as to the scope 
 of the operations of the enemy's patrol. Just where the men will be sta- 
 tioned for observation, will have to be determined from the lay of the 
 ground and will have to be worked out in detail on the ground itself. 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 5. 
 
 2. Point out location of patrol and enemy. 
 
 3. Make memorandum of the solution. 
 
 4. Sequence of the solution: 
 
 (1) Dispositions of patrol: (a) For observation of enemy, (b) To pre- 
 vent surprise. 
 
 (2) Advisability of sending back a message. 
 
 (3) Contents of message. 
 
 (4) Precautions to be taken to insure the delivery of the message. 
 
 (5) Significance of firing to rear. 
 
 (6) Precautions to be taken to prevent the enemy receiving messages 
 from his patrol. 
 
 3. Discuss contents and have members of the class write out messages that 
 would be sent back. 
 
 The class will now pass on to the next situation and requirement : 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 6: 
 
 You are still observing the enemy. Nothing has happened to cause you 
 to change your estimate of his strength and composition. His outposts 
 are being established, and he is pushing out patrols to his front and flanks. 
 Your position is rapidly becoming untenable. The firing to your rear has 
 diminished until there is only a shot now- and then. The sentinel you 
 have posted to watch the road (the director indicates position) signals 
 "enemy in sight in small numbers" and points in the direction of the road. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The director will proceed with the solution as hereinbefore indicated by 
 questioning the members of the class and in a discussion of the situation 
 bring out the following points : 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The patrol leader has accomplished his mission, in so far as the main 
 body of the enemy is concerned. He has located his .bivouac, where he 
 apparently intends to spend the night. He has seen his outpost established. 
 He has ascertained his strength and composition. The advance of hostile 
 patrols is rendering his present position untenable. It would be of little 
 advantage for him to attempt to remain out so far to the front and take 
 
Tactical Walks 
 
 the chances of being surrounded and captured by superior numbers. The 
 signal from the sentinel watching the road indicates that a part of the 
 hostile patrol is advancing towards him, and it is probable that they are 
 bearing a message giving information of our own forces that will be of 
 great value to the enemy. 
 
 After having brought out these points, the director announces the fol- 
 lowing decision : 
 
 1. Leave one man with orders to observe the enemy and the advance of 
 his patrols, and when compelled to do so, to fall back on th'e main body 
 of the patrol. 
 
 2. Signal the other members of the patrol that the enemy is in sight 
 and point in his direction. Signal them to fall back and conform to the 
 movements of the leader. 
 
 3. Take the remaining members of the patrol, if there be any, and join 
 the man who signaled "enemy in sight." 
 
 The director will explain how these signals may be given. The mem- 
 bers of the class will be required to work out the details of the route 
 by which the patrol leader will join the sentinel observing the road and 
 will conduct the class to the point assumed to be occupied by the sentinel, 
 where the next situation is given out: 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 6 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out Situation No. 6. 
 
 2. Make memorandum of solution on pads. 
 
 3. In discussion bring out following points: (a) Accomplishment of mission. 
 
 (b) Little advantage in remaining out longer, (c) Enemy approaching. 
 
 4. Decision: (a) One man observe enemy. (>) Signal members of patrol to 
 
 assemble, (c) Join sentinel who signaled enemy in sight. 
 
 5. Work out details of situation. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 7: 
 
 You and one other member of your patrol have joined the sentinel watch- 
 ing the road. He points out the enemy he has observed. On examination, 
 you find that the two men of the enemy are advancing at a rapid walk. 
 one on each side of the road, with a distance of about 50 yards between 
 them. They are about 600 yards distant at this time. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The director will question members of the class to get their ideas of 
 the measures necessary to meet the situation. The points to be brought 
 out are that the men are probably carrying back important information to 
 their own commander. To prevent the accomplishment of this mission 
 now becomes the supreme duty of the patrol commander. In other words, 
 the two men must be captured. The method of accomplishing this must 
 be worked out on the ground. In this case, it is desirable to effect the 
 
A Reconnoitering Patrol 73 
 
 capture at as great a distance as possible from the patrols that are being 
 pushed out from the enemy's main body. Our patrol leader will advance 
 down the road under cover as far as possible before holding up the two 
 men. He should be able to reach a point at least 200 yards further down 
 the road. If practicable, the capture should be effected without firing to 
 avoid giving warning to the enemy's patrol operating in the direction of 
 our outpost as they would otherwise infer that their messengers are in 
 difficulties and would probably send back another message by a different 
 route. Furthermore, firing at this time would give the alarm to the hostile 
 patrols operating from the main body, and they would rush to the rescue 
 of their comrades. 
 
 It is a general rule in the attempt to capture members of a patrol that 
 the situation we desire to produce when we meet them, is that they should 
 be marching and that we should be halted. By adopting this method, we 
 form an ambuscade. In this particular case, the patrol leader will gain a 
 point where his two men will be stationed alongside of the road about 50 
 yards apart so that the two scouts of the enemy can be held up simul- 
 taneously and compelled to surrender. 
 
 Problem No. 4 Card No. 7 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out Situation No. 7. 
 
 2. Make memorandum of solution. 
 
 3. Arrangements for capturing enemy messengers: (o) Discuss mission of mes- 
 
 sengers. () Undesirability of firing, (c) Dispositions for capture. 
 
 The situations herein stated, if worked out in detail, will consume a 
 full afternoon and will be about all the average man will be able to assim- 
 ilate at one session. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 5 
 
 A VISITING PATROL 
 
 The tactical situation is based oft that given in Problem No. 3 (Outpost). 
 
 The Director conducts the classes to the position of the support. (See 
 (n) of Problem No. 3.) He goes over the general and special situations 
 and gives a brief review of the tactical dispositions of the outpost as 
 decided upon in Tactical Walk No. 3. He then hands out the cards 
 bearing the following situation: 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 It is 8.55 at night. The obscurity is only such that one man may readily 
 see another at a distance of 12 paces. You, Corporal H, with your squad, 
 have been detailed to furnish the reliefs for and conduct the visiting patrols 
 until midnight. You make the rounds on the odd hours. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take ? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 After allowing the members of the class to get themselves oriented and 
 familiar with the situation the Director explains that a Visiting Patrol 
 consists of a noncommissioned officer and from one to three men. They 
 are sent out from the support or picket at intervals during the night to 
 keep up communication between the elements of the outpost. In its rounds 
 the patrol normally touches upon the nearest sentinel of the support on 
 the right (or left), then passes along the line of its own sentinels to the 
 nearest sentinel of the support to the left (or right and returns to its own 
 support. 
 
 The visiting patrol is essentially a night institution. It is not ordinarily 
 required by day. The noncommissioned officer desginated for the patrol 
 leader should, however, go over by day the route he proposes to take at 
 night. Included in the duties of visiting patrols may be enumerated: 
 
 1. They bring back information of incidents that may occur along the 
 line of observation and form a medium of exchange of information between 
 the various elements of the outpost. 
 
 2. In a measure they prevent the unobserved approach of the enemy 
 between sentinel posts. When the enemy is very active there is constant 
 patrolling between the observation posts. 
 
 3. They drive off small patrols. 
 
 4. They take charge of detained persons and conduct them back to the 
 support. 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director now proceeds with the solution of the problem : "Corporal 
 Wilson, what would you be doing at this time?" After getting Corporal 
 Wilson's answer, he may ask: "Corporal White, do you agree with Cor- 
 
A Visiting Patrol 
 
 poral Wilson?" The point to be brought out is that Corporal H would 
 be getting the members of his patrol ready to start out on the 9 o'clock 
 round. 
 
 "Sergeant James, how many men would you take with you on this 
 patrol?" Then, to Corporal Blank: "How many would you take?" It 
 will be explained that no more men than are necessary should be taken. 
 
 The Director brings out the procedure followed in preparing the patrol 
 to go out, dwelling especially on the equipment that they will take with 
 them. He finally arrives at a point where he may state exactly the words 
 that Corporal H employs. 
 
 Say Corporal H decides to take two men with him. He wakes the 
 two men whose turn it is to go out and instructs them as follows : 
 
 "Privates C and D, it is time to make our 9 o'clock patrol. You have 
 five minutes. We will take rifle and belts. Fix bayonets. Leave your 
 canteens and bayonet scabbards here. Fall in for inspection in three 
 minutes." 
 
 After inspecting the men and being sure that his own equipment is com- 
 plete, he commands : "With ball cartridges, Load." 
 
 The members of the visiting patrol travel light. They do not want to 
 be hampered with any more equipment than is necessary. Above all, they 
 do not want anything about them that will rattle and make a noise. They 
 leave the canteen and bayonet scabbard at the post of the support because 
 on this short march they will not need any water and the bayonet scabbard 
 would be dangling between the legs if it were fastened to the belt. They 
 fix their bayonets so as to have them ready for hand-to-hand fighting in 
 case it becomes necessary. A great deal of night work will be done with 
 the bayonet. Rifle fire at night is effective only for very short distances, 
 due to the inability of the firer to see his target. The pieces are loaded to 
 provide for an emergency. The patrol is now ready to proceed. 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Explain situation and tactical disposition of the outpost. 
 
 2. Hand out Situation No. 1. 
 
 3. Explain visiting patrols: (a) Composition. (>) Objects of. (c) Method o-f 
 
 operation, (d) Duties, including (1) medium of communication; (2) pre- 
 vent enemy from working in between the observation posts; (3) drive off 
 small patrols; (4) take charge of detained persons. 
 
 4. Give the instructions of Corporal H, as indicated in the solution. 
 
 The following situation is now handed out: 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 Your patrol has been inspected and you are now ready to start out. 
 Required: 
 
 What formation do you order? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will explain to the members of the class that each is now 
 to consider himself as being Corporal H. That the two privates (C and 
 
76 Tactical Walks 
 
 D) are standing there waiting for orders. It is time to start. Just what 
 orders are given? 
 
 "Corporal Smith, just what orders would you give at this time?" asks 
 the Director. After hearing what Corporal Smith has to say, turning to 
 another, he says : "Sergeant Jenkins, what orders would you give ?" 
 
 Explanation 
 
 It will be the endeavor to pin the men down to the exact words that 
 they would use in giving these orders. Herein lies one of the great values 
 of the Tactical Walk. It not only teaches the student the principles of 
 tactics but gives practice in giving the orders to meet the various tactical 
 situations and fixes all indelibly in his mind. 
 
 The simple point here is to provide the proper formation for the patrol. 
 Here is one instance when the patrol leader should physically lead the 
 patrol, where he should be the advance man. Corporal H has been over 
 the ground at least twice, once in the afternoon and once with the 7 o'clock 
 patrol. He ought to have a good knowledge of the route. Then again, 
 things frequently happen suddenly and require quick decisions; Corporal 
 H is there to make them. The distances between the members of the 
 patrol is fixed by the degree of darkness. In this case it is about ten 
 paces. 
 
 After a discussion of these points the Director indicates that the orders 
 of Corporal H would be: 
 
 "I -will lead. C, you follow me at a distance of about ten paces. D, 
 you follow C at the same distance. Keep the man ahead of you in sight 
 at all times. C, you will be second in command. Follow me." 
 
 The Director has some of the members of the class repeat these instruc- 
 tions to fix them more firmly in their minds. 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Hand out Situation No. 2. 
 
 2. Explain that each member of class is now Corporal H. 
 
 3. Ask questions about the formation of the patrol. Why should corporal lead? 
 
 What limits distance between men? 
 
 4. Statement of orders of Corporal H involving instructions to men and designa- 
 
 tion of a second in command. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted along the route by which the visiting patrol 
 would advance to a point near the position of the left sentinel post of 
 Support No. 1, where it is halted. The cards bearing the following situa- 
 tion are handed out. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 You, Corporal H, as the leading man of your patrol, have arrived at 
 this point. The double sentinel post from the left outguard of Support 
 
 No. 1 is posted (The Director points out the exact position where 
 
 the sentinel is supposed to be posted.) 
 
A Visiting Patrol 77 
 
 Required: 
 What do you do and how do you do it? 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director has decided to solve this situation orally, that is, the mem- 
 bers of the class will not be required to make any memoranda on their 
 pads. He proceeds : 
 
 "Corporal Butcher, what would you do under the circumstances?" 
 
 "I would go to the sentinel and ask him" 
 
 The Director interrupts, "Wait a minute. You have two other men with 
 you. What are you going to do with them?" 
 
 "I would take them along with me," replies the Corporal. 
 
 "Would you take them with you, Sergeant James?" 
 
 "No sir. I would have them halt and remain where they are." 
 
 "Right. Now, how would you halt them?" 
 
 "I would halt myself. Then I would signal 'Half to the men. I would 
 move back a few paces and say to Private C, "C, you and D stand fast until 
 I return.'" 
 
 "What would you do now, Corporal Harris?" asks the Director. 
 
 "Well, I would go on up to the sentinel and ask him" 
 
 The Director interrupts, "You're going too fast. What I want to get 
 at is the exact method, in detail, that you would employ in getting up to 
 that sentinel. Now, tell me just exactly what you would do and how 
 you would do it." 
 
 Corporal Harris grasps the situation. "I would go up to this point" 
 (moving forward to indicate). "I would call in a low tone of voice Vis- 
 iting patrol.' If the sentinel did not recognize me I would go a little 
 farther towards him and again call out in a low tone, Visiting patrol.' 
 When the sentinel hears my call he will probably say to me: 'Give the 
 countersign/ I will say in a low tone, 'Wilderness/ He will tell me to 
 advance and I will approach his post." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 "That is exactly right," says the Director. "That is the proper method 
 of solving the situations during the progress of a tactical walk. You have 
 to draw upon your imagination to picture the situation that confronts you. 
 You have to draw upon your gray matter to figure out and decide just 
 what you would do under the circumstances and how you would do it. 
 Finally, you have to draw upon your power of speech to put this decision 
 into words and express it in a clear and intelligent manner. 
 
 "Now, let us consider in detail this apparently simple proposition of 
 approaching the sentinel post at night. Outpost sentinels at night are as 
 easily flushed as a pheasant. Their nerves are strung to the breaking point. 
 In every shadow lurks the enemy. They soon learn to take no chances. 
 If you make a practice of running headlong into sentinel posts on dark 
 nights you may get away with it for awhile, but you are taking a serious 
 risk and the game will finally get you. Having this in mind, let us review 
 the process of approaching the sentinel post: 
 
 "1. The patrol leader halts his patrol some little distance from the post. 
 He tells the other members to stand fast until he returns. There is no 
 
78 Tactical Walks 
 
 necessity for any other person than the patrol commander going up to 
 the post. It just makes that much more confusion and adds that much 
 more chance for lurking scouts to locate the post and get information. 
 
 "2. The patrol leader advances towards the post and when he is near 
 enough he calls in a low tone, Visiting patrol/ and continues to call until 
 he is recognized. We never approach a sentinel post from the front at 
 night and, if it can be avoided, never from a flank. Always from the 
 rear. 
 
 "3. When the sentinel discovers the presence of the patrol leader he 
 will verify his identity by calling upon him for the countersign. Corporal 
 H gives the countersign, 'Wilderness/ and the sentinel directs him to 
 advance. 
 
 "This countersign may be given by word of mouth. It may consist of 
 whistling a few bars of sortie familiar service call. It may be made by 
 tapping with the knuckles on the stock of the rifle. The number of taps 
 to represent a number, for example : The countersign or recognition 
 signal is 22 33. Corporal H would approach the sentinel post and strike 
 his rifle, tap, tap (pause), tap, tap. The answering signal from the sen- 
 tinel would be tap, tap, tap (pause), tap, tap, tap. He would then know 
 that he had been recognized as a friend and proceed to the post. If 
 the sentinel discovered Corporal H first he would keep him under observa- 
 tion and when he is close enough to hear would challenge him, tap, tap 
 (pause), tap, tap. Corporal H's answer would be tap, tap, tap (pause), 
 tap, tap, tap. The system is interchangeable. The first number may be 
 said to be. the challenge or inquiry signal and the second number the 
 recognition. 
 
 "It is not well, however, to confine ourselves to any one set of signals 
 or method of identification. They should be changed frequently, so that 
 the enemy will never know what system is being used on any particular 
 night. 
 
 "When the countersign is a word it should be spoken at night in a 
 very low tone of voice for fear of betraying it to the enemy's scouts 
 who may be near by. History is replete with incidents of disaster to 
 covering detachments arising from the enemy's knowledge of counter- 
 signs." 
 
 The Director then asks if there are any question on the subject. 
 
 This may appear to be a long drawn out discussion of a simple situa- 
 tion, but it is in the repetition of incidents of this kind that they are 
 fixed firmly in the minds of the men. If you doubt the value of this situ- 
 ation, take some of your noncommissioned officers out and have them 
 solve it without any previous preparation. See how many of them get 
 away with it. If you will take the trouble to go over it in detail, as herein 
 outlined, you will find that the next time you have a Tactical Walk in- 
 volving the approaching of a sentinel on post at night your men will 
 know exactly how to go about it. And, which is more to the point, when 
 they are required to do this in actual practice they will also know how 
 to go about it. As a Director, do not slur over the details, for it is in 
 these that the men fall down. Make them go through the problem step 
 by step until it is firmly fixed in their minds. 
 
A Visiting Patrol 79 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Hand out Situation No. 3. Announce no writing required. 
 
 2. Question members of the class regarding method of approaching sentinel 
 
 posts at night: 
 
 (a) Disposition of members of patrol. 
 (t) Advancing towards post, 
 (c) Identification. 
 
 3. Talk on method of solving situations: 
 
 (a) Imagination, (b) Gray matter, (c) Speech. 
 
 4. Approaching sentinel posts at night. 
 
 5. Resume of situation and solution. 
 
 6. Explanation of countersigns and challenges and recognition signals. 
 
 7. Ask if there are any questions. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains to the class that while Corporal H is at the 
 sentinel post he will make inquiry as to whether there is any information 
 or news of the enemy or anything else that would be of interest to the 
 commanding officer of Support No. 2. He also gives the sentinels such 
 information and news as he may have. Corporal H then joins the other 
 members of his patrol and proceeds along the line of observation of 
 Support No. 2. In most cases the? sentinels will not be far from the out- 
 guards and in some cases Corporal H will see and talk to the outguard 
 commanders. If the latter are asleep when the rounds are made it is 
 ordinarily not necessary to wake them, for the sentinels will give him 
 any information that he desires. Of course, if there is anything that 
 requires the special attention of the outguard commander, Corporal H 
 would see him and tell him about it. 
 
 Each sentinel post along the line is approached in the same manner as 
 stated in the solution to Situation No. 3. It will be well to enact this 
 situation, say at No. 2 sentinel post of Outguard No. 2 by detailing one 
 of the members of the class as the patrol leader and having two other 
 members act as the men of his patrol. Send two men on ahead to rep- 
 resent the sentinel post designated. Have the other members of the class 
 act as observers and conduct a short conference at the termination of the 
 exercise to comment on the conduct of it. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 Upon the completion of this exercise the class is conducted to a point 
 about midway between No. 2 sentinel post of No. 2 Outguard and the 
 sentinel posted from Outguard No. 3, where the following situation is 
 handed out: 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 4: 
 
 Your visiting patrol has arrived at this point. You are right here. You 
 hear a noise in that direction. (The Director points out the direction 
 from which the noise comes.) In a moment you see the dim outline of 
 a man. He is armed with a rifle which he seems to be carrying at about 
 
Tactical Walks 
 
 the position of "Port Arms." He is stooping low and moving very cau- 
 tiously towards you. Apparently he has not seen you. 
 Required: 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The place selected for this situation should be chosen with great care. 
 It should preferably be in a woods with some underbrush and some cleared 
 places. The place where the patrol is located when the situation is given 
 out should preferably be at the near edge of one of these clearings. 
 
 The men are given a few minutes to study over the situation and look 
 over the ground. They are reminded that it is supposed to be night and 
 that they must base their decisions and actions on that assumption. 
 
 Solution 
 
 ^Sergeant Riley, what would you do," asks the Director. 
 
 "Am I to take it that the man approaching is one of our own force 
 or one of the enemy?" queries Sergeant Riley. 
 
 "That is exactly the point. You don't know whether he is friend or 
 enemy yet. It is dark. You have only seen the bare outlines of a man. 
 You estimate from his position and from what you can see of him that 
 he is carrying a rifle at the position of 'port/ " 
 
 "I would not want to shoot one of our own men. I guess I would 
 halt and wait and see what he is going to do." 
 
 "Have you any definite plan of what you intend to do?" 
 
 "No, sir. I'm just going to wait and see what he is going to do and 
 whether he is a friend or enemy," replies Sergeant Riley. 
 
 The Director explains: "The moment you let the man take the lead 
 you are just one lap behind him in decision and action. If you do some- 
 thing and take the lead yourself he will have to make his decisions rapidly 
 and base his action on what you do. Never lose the opportunity to put 
 your opponent in that hole. As far as can be seen, you now have the 
 drop on the man. Don't make a blunder and lose the advantage. Of 
 all tactical offenses, indecision and inaction are the most to be condemned. 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, tell us what you would do?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I would hate to make the mistake of killing one of our 
 own men. But I consider that no man of this outpost has any business 
 running around between the lines at this time of the night unless he 
 is a member of a patrol. If such is the case the sentinel at No. 2 Out- 
 guard would have known about that and told me. So, I suppose if it 
 came to the point of killing him, he would be paid for his indiscretion. 
 Next, I do not know whether the man is alone or whether there are others 
 with him. Up to this time I have only seen one man, and it is not likely 
 that one man of the enemy would be wandering around in our lines alone. 
 Considering the possibility of his being one of our men, I would give 
 him -just one chance." 
 
 "That is a very good estimate of the situation. Now, arrive at a de- 
 cision as to what you are going to do and tell me what it is," says the 
 Director. 
 
 Sergeant Hughes says : "I would crouch down. Privates C and D see- 
 ing me do this would follow my action without orders. Without making 
 
A Visiting Patrol 81 
 
 any noise I would unlock my piece and aim it at the approaching man. 
 As soon as he arrived at a point where I could see him sufficiently in 
 the dark to make sure of hitting him if it were necessary to fire I would 
 call out in a tone loud enough for him to hear and understand that I 
 meant business: 'Halt! Drop that rifle! Throw up your hands!' If 
 there was the least hesitation on his part or any move to use his rifle 
 I would fire. In other words, if he did not drop his rifle instantly and 
 throw up his hands, I would shoot him. If he obeyed my orders, I 
 would call to him in a low tone, 'I have the drop on you. Do as I say, 
 or I'll fire. Walk five steps towards me and halt.' I would wait a few 
 seconds to see if there were any more men behind him and then call to 
 Privates C and D to join me at the edge of the clearing. While I still 
 covered the man with my rifle, I would say, 'C, you go out and search 
 the man. Take any arms that he may have. Keep out of my way, so 
 I can fire if necessary. Now get his rifle.' I now have the man a pris- 
 oner, and " 
 
 "Wait a minute," interrupts the Director. "That is as far as we will 
 go at this time. I think you have covered the situation very well." 
 
 "We will now assume that you have the man a prisoner. Would you 
 try to get any information from him, Sergeant Casey?" 
 
 "Yes, sir. Before he had a chance to get over the confusion and col- 
 lect his thoughts I would ask questions to try and find out to what outfit 
 he belongs ; what he is doing in our lines by himself, a.nd where his com- 
 rades are, if he has any." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director here points out to the members of the class that it is one 
 of the important duties of the visiting patrol to pick up all persons found 
 inside the lines. It is much more important that they be captured, and 
 every effort should be bent to that end. Make it a rule that strangers 
 in the outpost line have no business there, and take no chances on their 
 getting away. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 4 (a): 
 
 Privates C and D have been posted to guard against surprise. You 
 question the prisoner a moment. He refuses to give any information. 
 Stands mute. To your one question, "What are you doing here?" he an- 
 swers, "Lost." 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director will explain that while only this one man has been seen 
 by the patrol that there is a possibility that there are others in the im- 
 mediate vicinity. That Corporal H will immediately post Privates C and 
 D in such position that they will be able to discover the approach of any 
 person, while he hurriedly questions the prisoner to see if he can get any 
 information from him. The statement that he is "Lost" may be the truth 
 and it may not. 
 
82 Tactical Walks 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Corporal Hill, what would you do in this case?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would take the fellow along with me," answers the Corporal. 
 
 "What would you do, Corporal Sanders?" 
 
 "Well, I wouldn't want to be bothered with him, so I would send him 
 back." 
 
 "Where would you send him to?" 
 
 "I would send him to the support commander." 
 
 "Why not send him to Outguard No. 3 for the time being?" asks the 
 Director. "That is nearer than the support." 
 
 "Well, sir,, that would be losing time. The support commander should 
 know as soon as possible that this man has been captured in our lines, 
 so that he can make any plans he desires with a view to finding out where 
 the other members of the patrol to which he belongs are," answers Cor- 
 poral Sanders. 
 
 "That is the exact point that I wish to bring out. In the first place, 
 Corporal C, at Outguard No. 3, will have no time to question the man. 
 He will have to busy himself immediately making arrangements to send 
 out patrols in his immediate vicinity to see if he can find any other mem- 
 bers of the enemy's forces. It is not likely that the man is running around 
 in our lines alone. There are others with him. Corporal H would send 
 the prisoner back to the support commander immediately in order that the 
 captain may question him before he gets over the confusion of being 
 captured, and in order that patrols may be sent out to find any of his 
 comrades that may also be within the lines. This capture was effected 
 near the left flank of the outpost line, and it is probable that the other 
 members of his patrol are operating out on the left of the line and work- 
 ing around towards the support. The captain will immediately see this 
 phase of the situation and sends patrols out in that direction. 
 
 "How is Corporal H going to send him back? It is in the working out 
 of these minor details that the value of the Tactical Walk lies. We are 
 confronted with a simple situation of sending a prisoner back. Just how 
 are we going to do it? Let us work out the details of how Corporal 
 H will go about it. There are several elements to be considered: 
 
 "1. The prisoner is to be sent back. 
 
 "2. The commander of Outguard No. 2 is to be notified of what has 
 happened, so that he may take intelligent action in the premises. 
 
 "3. The support commander must be notified of the circumstances of 
 the capture by a message (verbal). 
 
 "4. The support commander must be informed of the action that Cor- 
 poral H intends to take in the next few minutes." 
 
 The Director now says : "We will assume that I am Corporal H ; that 
 I have arrived at the decision outlined above. Give me your attention and 
 I will enact the solution of the problem." 
 
 To the prisoner: "Step over here and face in that direction. I want 
 to warn you that any attempt to escape will be disastrous to you." 
 
 To Private C : "C, you conduct this man back to the support commander 
 as quickly as possible. Have him march in front of you. Place the 
 point of your bayonet close to his back. Do not let him escape. As you 
 pass Outguard No. 2 notify Corporal C of the circumstances of the cap- 
 
A Visiting Patrol 
 
 83 
 
 ture, and say that we have gone over to Outguard No 3 Tell the cap- 
 tain where we captured this man, and that he says he is lost; that D 
 and I myse If have gone over to Outguard No. 3; that we will reconnoiter 
 to the left of Outguard No. 3. You rejoin me at Outguard No 3 Any 
 questions?' 
 
 Private C answers "No." He then commands the prisoner to move 
 forward aiong the trail, and that he will direct him as they proceed 
 
 The prisoner's rifle would be hidden in the brush. It can be gotten 
 later. Corporal H does not want to be bothered with it now. 
 
 Corporal H and Private D would then proceed cautiously towards Out- 
 guard No. 3 and approach the sentinel as outlined hereinbefore. 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 .^u. o. message to suppo 
 7. Further action of Corporal H. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class now proceeds in the direction of the position of the sentinel 
 Uutguard No. 3, where the following situation is handed out : 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 5: 
 
 You have arrived at the sentinel post of Outguard No. 3 and have been 
 identified. As you approach the sentinel signal "silence" by giving the 
 signal cease firing" (Infantry Drill Regulations). He tells you in a low 
 tone that he heard a suspicious noise to the front of his post, and points 
 in the direction from whence it came. He tells you that he has already 
 signaled the outguard (by pulling a wire that runs from the sentinel to 
 
 e post of the outguard, where it is fastened to the foot of the spare 
 man). At this moment Corporal D and one member of his outguard 
 approach the sentinel post, signal, and are identified. You inform Cor- 
 [) of the capture of the prisoner and make a hasty review of the 
 incidents connected therewith. The sentinel repeats his suspicion to Cor- 
 poral D. You are the senior in rank at present. 
 Required : 
 
 What are you going to do? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 It is the business of the visiting patrol to investigate any suspicious 
 noises and incidents that may be reported by sentinels. Corporal H de- 
 
84 Tactical Walks 
 
 cides that he will reconnoiter in the direction indicated by the sentinel. 
 This decision is announced by the Director to the members of the class. 
 
 The Director questions the noncommissioned officers along the lines in- 
 dicated heretofore to get their ideas of the methods to be pursued by 
 Corporal H to carry out his decision and develop the following points: 
 
 1. What men is he going to take with him on this reconnaissance? 
 
 2. What formation is he going to employ? 
 
 3. What instructions is he going to give? 
 
 After this the Director will present a solution for the consideration of 
 the class, as follows : ' 
 
 Solution 
 
 1. Corporal H will tell Corporal D to let him have his spare man 
 for patrol work. He states that he will take the spare man and Private 
 D on the reconnaissance. He instructs Corporal D to remain at the sen- 
 tinel post until he returns. Corporal H and the spare man (whom we 
 will designate as Private M) will join Private D, who is back away from 
 the sentinel post, and start the reconnaissance from that point. The Di- 
 rector will explain that it would not be good tactics to start a recon- 
 naissance directly from a sentinel post; that the patrol should start out 
 at some distance from the post, and preferably to a flank. 
 
 2. The formation will be Indian file, Corporal H leading, with Private 
 D ten paces in rear, and Private M ten paces in rear of him. Arriving 
 at the point where D is located, Corporal H will give the following in- 
 structions : 
 
 3. "The sentinel from Outguard No. 3 has reported a suspicious noise 
 a short distance to his front. Private M has joined us and will go out 
 as a member of our patrol. M, fix bayonet. (It is assumed that Private 
 M has his piece loaded.) We will reconnoiter in the direction of the 
 noise. I will lead. D, you follow me at ten paces. M, you follow D at 
 ten paces. D, you are second in command. Follow me." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director will require certain members of the class to repeat the 
 instructions given by Corporal H, and calls attention to the fact that they 
 follow the general rule for the composition of field orders, and that the 
 technique is equally suitable for the orders of a small patrol such as this 
 and for any detachment of troops up to and including an entire army. 
 Corporal H first gives information of the enemy and our own troops 
 (Private M joining the patrol). He states his plan in general terms. He* 
 then makes his disposition of troops in the order of their proximity to 
 the enemy. This is exactly the composition of the first three paragraphs 
 of a field order. 
 
A Visiting Patrol 85 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class to position of sentinel post of Outguard No. 3. 
 
 2. Hand out card bearing the Situation No. 5. 
 
 3. Explain that visiting patrols reconnoiter to the front, and announce decision 
 
 of Corporal H to that effect. 
 
 4. Explain points involved in carrying out decision: 
 
 1. What men to take. 
 
 2. What formation. 
 
 3. Instructions. 
 
 5. Go over in detail the matters mentioned in 1, 2, and 3 above. 
 Give tactical orders in 3. 
 
 6. Have members of class repeat orders. 
 
 7. Explain and grfre short talk on order composition, and draw attention to 
 
 similarity of Field Orders. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to a point about 100 yards to the front of 
 sentinel post from Outguard No. 3. 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 6: 
 
 You have arrived at this point. You discover a cavalryman's horse, 
 fully equipped, tied to that tree. You reconnoiter the vicinity, which in- 
 cludes an examination of the trail by which the horse was brought to 
 the point. You can discover only the one set of tracks. You find no other 
 indications of the enemy. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Solution 
 
 The Director questions the members of the class. 
 
 "Sergeant Hardy, what would you do?" 
 
 "I would estimate that the horse belongs to the man that was just 
 captured. I would secure him and take him back to our support." 
 
 "Would you extend your reconnaissance to the front any farther?" 
 
 "No, sir. I do not think that such a small patrol would be justified in 
 going any farther than a hundred yards to the front of a sentinel post at 
 night. 
 
 "Corporal Jones, would you do anything else?" asks the Director. 
 
 "Yes, sir. I would secure the horse and send him back by Private D. 
 Then M and myself would wait around here for a little while, remaining 
 quiet and listening. We might be able to pick up some information of 
 value if there are any more men of the enemy rambling about here." 
 
 The Director explains: "You seem to have a very good grasp of the 
 situation. Is there any further action that any of you could suggest?" 
 
 After a pause, Corporal Hill asks : "Would Private D lead the horse 
 or ride him?" 
 
 Addressing Corporal Hill, the Director asks: "Which would you do 
 under the circumstances?" 
 
86 Tactical Walks 
 
 "I would lead him back." 
 
 "Why wouldn't you ride him?" 
 
 "I could get him Jback with less noise by leading him, and, then, he 
 might run away with me if I tried to ride him." 
 
 "That first reason is the main object in leading the horse. You do. not 
 want to make any more noise than is absolutely necessary," says the 
 Director. 
 
 "We will decide, then, to have Private D lead the horse back. Cor- 
 poral H and Private M will remain in the vicinity for .a while listening." 
 
 The Director explains that Corporal H would turn the horse over to 
 D and give him his instructions and a message for the captain back at 
 the support. This phase of the situation is not dwelt upon because there 
 are others that have to be gone over, and the time is getting limited. 
 
 "How long would they remain out here?" asks Corporal Smith. 
 
 "You may answer that question, Sergeant James," says the Director. 
 
 "I do not think that they should remain here any great length of time," 
 answers the sergeant. 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 "Well, as soon as the captain gets information that a soldier of the 
 enemy has been captured in our lines he will send out a patrol, probably 
 under the lieutenant, to investigate. The lieutenant will probably come to 
 Outguard No. 3. He will want to see Corporal H and get all the in- 
 formation of the incident first hand. Corporal H should, therefore, get 
 back to the outguard, so as to be there when the lieutenant arrives, so 
 he can give him the information." 
 
 "What do you think about that estimate, Corporal Wilson?" 
 
 "I think it is all right." 
 
 "Have you anything further to suggest ?" 
 
 "No, sir," answers Corporal Wilson. 
 
 "Has any member of the class anything further to suggest or any ques- 
 tions to ask?" The Director pauses. "There seems to be none. We will 
 then decide 
 
 "1. To send the horse back by Private D leading him. 
 
 "2. Corporal H and Private M remain here for a few minutes, listen- 
 ing. Then they go to Outguard No. 3, so as to be there and give in- 
 formation of what has happened to the patrol commander when he comes 
 out. 
 
 The Director explains how necessary it was for Corporal H to include 
 in his message to the captain when the prisoner was sent back the fact 
 that he was going to Outguard No. 3. 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 6 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class about 100 yards to front of sentinel post. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 6. 
 
 3. Question members of class to bring out points: (a) What to do with 
 
 horse, (b) What is the further action of the patrol, (c) Length of 
 
 time to remain out. (d) Necessity for getting back to Outguard No. 
 
 3. O) What action will be taken by captain when he receives infor- 
 mation of the capture of the prisoner. 
 
A Visiting Patrol 87 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to the position of Outguard No. 3, where 
 the following situation is handed out : 
 
 The Problem 
 
 Situation No. 7: 
 
 You have arrived at Outguard No. 3. On the way back Corporal D 
 joined you. At this moment Lieutenant K, in command of a patrol of 
 eight men from the support, arrives and states that he has been ordered 
 to make a reconnaissance to the left front and flank of Outguard No. 3; 
 that other patrols are going out in front of Outguards No. 2 and No. 1. 
 He says : "Corporal H, give me all the information that you have." 
 Required : 
 
 State the information that you would give Lieutenant K. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director instructs the members of the class to make a memorandum 
 on their pads of just what information they would give the lieutenant. He 
 explains that this situation is devised to give them practice in imparting 
 information; that on occasions like this time may be limited and the in- 
 formation may have to be given hurriedly and without waste of words. 
 The idea is to state the circumstances of the incident in the fewest words 
 possible and at the same time make it clear. This will be found to be 
 a most valuable training for noncommissioned officers. The class is then 
 questioned regarding the statements to be made by Corporal H to Lieu- 
 tenant K, and step by step it is arrived at just exactly in the words that 
 he employs. 
 
 The memoranda are read, collected, and redistributed as indicated here- 
 tofore. 
 
 The whole is finally put into a solution which is presented to the class 
 for discussion. 
 
 Solution 
 
 Corporal H would state: "When my patrol arrived about midway be- 
 tween the left sentinel of Outguard No. 2 and that of Outguard No. 3, 
 we captured a soldier of the enemy. I asked several questions. He re- 
 fused to answer, except that he said he was lost. I sent him back to 
 the support and came on over to Outguard No. 3. On arriving there the 
 sentinel told me that he had heard a suspicious noise out in front of his 
 post. I took two men and went out about 100 yards, where I found a 
 cavalry horse, fully equipped. Sent him back to the support. Made ex- 
 amination to see if I could find any evidence of other horses. Found 
 none. Stayed a few minutes out there. Heard nothing." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that Lieutenant K would now take charge of the 
 situation, and that Corporal H's patrol would proceed back to the sup- 
 
88 Tactical Walks 
 
 port. He would inquire if any man had any questions to ask on any 
 phase of the situations that have been under consideration, and if there 
 were any he would endeavor to answer them. 
 
 Problem No. 5 Card No. 7 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY. 
 
 1. Conduct class to Outguard No. 3. 
 
 2. Hand out Situation No. 7. 
 
 3. Write out memorandum on pads of the solution. 
 
 4. Explain object of the situation. 
 
 5. Question members of the class on points to be included in the statement 
 
 of Corporal H. 
 
 6. State information that he would give. 
 
 7. Have members of the class repeat this information. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 6 
 
 A DETACHED POST 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 1: 
 
 A Blue detachment, consisting of two battalions of infantry and one 
 machine-gun company, operating in hostile country, halts for the night at 
 (a) and establishes an outpost line (b). 
 
 At 1.30 p. m. you, Sergeant L, in command of the third platoon of your 
 company, report to Lieutenant Colonel B, commanding, at camp head- 
 quarters, where you receive the following orders: 
 
 "It is reported that the enemy has occupied (c). Contact has not been 
 gained. Our detachment will camp here for the time being. Companies 
 (d) and (e) have established an outpost along the line (/). Reconnoiter- 
 ing patrols are operating in the direction of (<?). 
 
 "You will establish a detached post with your platoon at (/*), covering 
 the (t). 
 
 "Cooked rations will be sent out from your company. 
 
 "Your battalion commander will inspect your position later. 
 
 "Send messages here." 
 
 It is assumed that you have made an inspection of your platoon. The 
 men are all properly equipped for the duty. 
 Required : 
 
 What action do you take? 
 
 Explanation of Symbols 
 
 (a) The place where the Tactical Walk begins. If no better method of 
 designating the location can be devised, you may say "Here" or "This point." 
 
 (b) A brief description of the general location of the outpost line, as "Along 
 the Mandinga Brook," "Covering the approaches from the west," "Along the Sheridan 
 
 Pike," "Along the railroad," "Extending from to along the south 
 
 edge of the Highfand Woods," etc. 
 
 (c) A point several miles to the front. This point should be one that, is familiar 
 to the members of the class. If no such point is available, a general location 
 may be named. 
 
 (d) and (e) Designate the companies that are forming the outpost. For 
 example, if you assume that Sergeant L is commanding the third platoon of 
 Company H, designate two of the other companies of the battalion as the outpost 
 companies, as E and F. 
 
 (/) Same as Note (&). 
 
 (gr) Some point in the direction of the enemy, as designated in Note (c). 
 
 (/t) Describe the location of the point where it is desired to establish the 
 detached post. This point should be located on the flank or flank and rear of the 
 general outpost position. It should be pointed out to the members of the class, 
 if it is possible to do so. It should not in this case be located to the ,front of the 
 outpost line, as it would be inconsistent with the tactical situation and dispositions. 
 If it were in front of the outpost line, the detached post would be sent out by the 
 "The bridge over the Mandinga Brook," "The Mandinga Ford," "The approaches 
 outpost commander. (See discussion of Detached Post.) 
 
 (t) Some topographic feature to the front or flank should be named, such as 
 leading from the direction of ," etc. (See 6.) 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that each man is to now consider himself as 
 being Sergeant L, in command of the third platoon of his company; that 
 
90 Tactical Walks 
 
 the platoon is standing in column of squads, ready to march; and that 
 Sergeant L has received and understands the orders as stated in Situa- 
 tion No. 1. 
 
 Before entering upon the solution of the problem the Director will ex- 
 plain what a detached post is, the tactical reasons for its existence, and, 
 in general, the duties that devolve upon it: 
 
 "When a position has been selected for the establishment of an out- 
 post line it may be, and frequently is, found that there is some point of 
 tactical importance that is too distant to be included in the general line 
 of defense. Such a position is provided for by occupying it with a de- 
 tached post. 
 
 "The position may lie to the front of the general outpost line, but at 
 such distance that its operations could not be controlled by one of the 
 support commanders. In this case the detached post will be sent out by 
 the outpost commander from the troops detailed for outpost duty, 
 
 "The position may lie to the flank of the general line of the outpost, 
 but too far away to be included in it without a sheer waste of troops 
 to bridge the gap. In this case the troops for the detached post may be 
 detailed from those of the outpost or be sent direct from the main body. 
 
 "The position may lie to the flank and rear of the general line of the 
 outpost or to the flank or rear of the main body. In this case the troops 
 for the detached post are taken direct from the main body. The com- 
 mander received his instructions from the supreme commander; his dis- 
 positions are inspected by a representative of the commander, and he is 
 responsible to him alone and in no way connected with the regular outposts. 
 
 "The duties devolving upon a detached post are, in general, those that 
 pertain to an element of an outpost line ; that is, observation and resistence : 
 in detail, to keep under observation all the approaches by which the enemy 
 may advance and to watch and report his movements ; to prevent hostile 
 reconnaissance and resist the enemy's advance long enough for the main 
 body to prepare for action." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director now reads over the problems, the members of the class 
 following from the copies in their possession. He announces that the 
 solution will be made orally. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, you may state the tactical situation as you under- 
 stand it," says the Director. 
 
 Sergeant Hughes goes over the situation. This procedure may be re- 
 peated with other members of the class until it is certain that all are fa- 
 miliar with the same. 
 
 "Sergeant James, what is the first thing that you would do?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I would want all the men to know where we are going and 
 what we intend to do. In other words, I would give them this informa- 
 tion and issue the necessary orders to start upon my mission." 
 
 The Director explains : "In issuing orders to any detachment of troops, 
 be it a small patrol or a division, it is well to follow the general plan 
 
A Detached Post 91 
 
 of the Field Service Regulations. First, giving all available information 
 of the enemy and our own troops; secondly, stating in general terms the 
 mission of the command; third, the disposition of troops in the order of 
 their proximity towards the enemy ; fourthly, the arrangements for supply ; 
 and, lastly, where information and messages are to be sent. Now, having 
 these elements in mind, Sergeant Yates, what would be included in the 
 first part of the order?" 
 
 "I would tell them, sir, about the enemy being " 
 
 The Director interrupts : "Sergeant, do not tell me what you would 
 tell the men. You are supposed to have that platoon formed up here and 
 ready to march. Draw upon your imagination to see it. What I want 
 you to do is to put into words the exact order that you would issue if 
 you had your platoon right here and were giving them orders. Do you 
 understand what is wanted now?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," answers the sergeant. 
 
 "Then proceed." 
 
 The sergeant grasps the situation, and states : "I would call the platoon 
 to attention and say: 'The enemy has occupied (c). Contact has not 
 been gained. Our troops will camp here for the present. Companies (d) 
 and (e) have established an outpost along the line (/). Reconnoitering 
 parties are now operating in the direction of (#)."* 
 
 "In other words, you would give the men all the information that you 
 have just received from the detachment commander?" queries the Director. 
 
 "Yes, sir. That is the idea." 
 
 "Sergeant Williams, you may state the mission of the platoon." 
 
 "This platoon will march towards (h) to establish a detached post 
 there." 
 
 "Corporal Johnson, what comes next?" 
 
 "My disposition of troops. I would want a small advance guard to 
 insure the protection of our march." 
 
 "All right. Go ahead and give your order for that." 
 
 "Corporal A, with the first squad, will form the advance guard. March 
 via the , , . The main body will follow at 300 yards." 
 
 "Would you give such a small command the designation of advance 
 guard? Why not call it a point?" asks the Director. 
 
 "Well, sir, if I call it an advance guard it alone is charged with the 
 security of the march, and Corporal A is at liberty to send out such flank- 
 ing patrols as he deems necessary. If I designate the first squad as a 
 point, it will march right along the route and not be concerned with the 
 flanks. It will take it for granted that the main body will do the flank 
 reconnaissance work, and I do not desire that disposition. It is my in- 
 tention to charge the first squad with the security of the march; hence I 
 designate it as advance guard and not as a point." 
 
 "You are exactly right. Is there any member of the class that does 
 not understand that distinction?" 
 
 Turning to Corporal Hamlin: "What are your next orders?" 
 
 "Cooked rations will be sent out from the company." 
 
 "And the final order?" says the Director. 
 
 "Messages to head of main body." 
 
 *Letter symbols correspond to those in the situation. 
 
92 Tactical Walks 
 
 The Director will have one or more members of the class repeat the 
 whole order, with a view to getting the system firmly indoctrinated into 
 his noncommissioned officers. 
 
 It takes time, patience, and constant repetition to accomplish this. But 
 perseverance will finally be rewarded with a corps of noncommissioned 
 officers in which you will have confidence a corps of noncommissioned 
 officers that you feel will meet tactical situations with common sense and 
 good judgment. 
 
 "Having given the necessary orders, what is Sergeant L's next move, 
 Corporal Willis?" 
 
 "To put his outfit in march," replies the corporal. 
 
 "How would you do this ? Give the commands and instructions that you 
 would actually give if the men were here." 
 
 Corporal Willis : " 'First squad, at trail ! Forward, MARCH ! Squad 
 halt! Corporal A, take charge. Have your men load. Move out when 
 you are ready/ When the first squad has advanced a short distance to 
 the front, face the column of squads in the direction of the march and 
 command : 'As skirmishers, Guide center, MARCH ! With ball cartridges, 
 load !' When the advance guard has gained its proper distance : 'Platoon 
 column, MARCH 1' To J and D : 'Move out and form connecting files.' " 
 
 Explanation 
 
 You will see the tactical advantage of this formation immediately. If 
 the necessity for deployment exists, all Sergeant L has to do is give the 
 signal and the skirmish line spreads out without loss of time. If a de- 
 ployment to a flank is necessary, one of the column of files can immedi- 
 ately face in that direction already deployed to meet it. 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 1 
 
 DIRECTORS KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class to place where Tactical Walk is to start. Camp of main body. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 1. 
 
 3. Explain that each man is to consider himself as being Sergeant L. Solu- 
 
 tion orally. 
 
 4. Explain tactical necessity for detached posts: (a) In front of outpost 
 
 line. (b) On the flank. (c) On the flank and rear, (d) Duties 
 observation and resistence. 
 
 5. Read over problem. Ask questions about it. 
 
 6. Orders: 1. Information of enemy and our own troops. 2. Mission. 
 
 3. Disposition of troops. 4. Arrangements for supply. 5. Messages. 
 
 7. Question to bring out wording of orders that would be issued. 
 
 8. Distinction between squad as advance gtfcard and as point. 
 
 9. Commands to put platoon in march. Advantage of platoon column. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is now conducted to the place where the detached post is to 
 be established, where the following situation is given out: 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 You, Sergeant L, at the head of the main body, have arrived at this 
 point, where the detached post is to be established. Your advance guard 
 is about 200 yards ahead. 
 
A Detached Post 93 
 
 Required : 
 What action would you take with reference to 
 
 1. Halting the platoon and providing cover for it. 
 
 2. Detailing a detachment to cover the posting of the outguards. 
 
 3. Getting in communication with the flank element of the general 
 outpost line. 
 
 4. Determination of the number, strength, and location of outguards. 
 
 5. Making a sketch of the position occupied by the detached post and 
 making a report of the dispositions. 
 
 6. Preparation of the position for defense. 
 
 7. Sending out patrol. 
 
 8. Night dispositions. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that before taking up the solution of the problem 
 he will make a review of the elements of the requirements: 
 
 1. The platoon is in march. It will have to be halted. The main body 
 should be placed under cover while Sergeant L is making his examination 
 of the surroundings and determining on his measures for occupying the 
 position. Just how are you going to halt the platoon, and just where are 
 you going to put the main body? 
 
 2. A detachment must be detailed to provide security during the post- 
 ing of the outguards and sentinels. In this case the advance guard is so 
 disposed that it will be able to assume this duty with the least expendi- 
 ture of time and energy. 
 
 3. Sergeant L must get in touch with the nearest flank element of the 
 regular outpost line. Locate it and inform them of his location. This 
 may be accomplished by a small patrol sent out for the purpose. 
 
 4. It must be determined how many outguards are to be sent out, what 
 the strength of each is to be, and where each is to be posted. An out- 
 guard may be a sentry squad of a corporal and his seven men, from which 
 one double sentinel post is furnished. This gives the three reliefs for 
 the sentinel post and one additional man as "runner." It may consist of 
 a Cossack post, of a noncommissioned officer, and three men, which is 
 sufficient to provide three reliefs for a single sentinel post. The topogra- 
 phy is the determining factor for the number, strength, and location of 
 these outguards, and it can only be determined after a careful examina- 
 tion. The idea is that we employ only such number as is necessary to 
 provide adequate observation. 
 
 5. A sketch will have to be made of the position and a report of the 
 dispositions made to the camp commander at the earliest practicable mo- 
 ment. This may be accomplished by detailing a noncommissioned officer to 
 make the sketch and have it all prepared when you are ready to make 
 your report. 
 
 6. Arrangements will have to be made for preparing the position for 
 defense. This includes the location and type of trenches ; the location and 
 type of obstacles, considering the material at hand available for same ; the 
 time and men available for clearing the field of fire; the establishment 
 of communication with camp headquarters. 
 
94 Tactical Walks 
 
 7. The number of patrols that are to be sent out will have to be de- 
 cided upon, including the number and strength of each and the route they 
 are to take. 
 
 8. Arrangements will have to be made before dark for the night dis- 
 positions, including the position of outguards and the routes to be taken 
 by visiting patrols. At night any operations of the enemy worthy of note 
 are practically confined to the roads and well-defined trails. If these are 
 covered and the intervening country patrolled, there is little danger of 
 a surprise. The routes to be taken by the night patrols should be thor- 
 oughly reconnoitered by day. 
 
 The Director states : "Having these points in mind, each member of 
 the class will make an examination of the country in his vicinity and 
 prepare a memorandum, showing just what he would do to meet the 
 situation in each case." 
 
 Half an hour, or longer if necessary, should be allowed for this. 
 
 When the time is up the Director will assemble the class at some 
 convenient point where they can overlook the country and proceed 
 to a detailed solution of the problem. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Each man will now consult his memorandum with respect to the 
 several requirements of the situation/' explains the Director. "Just 
 how would you halt the platoon, Corporal Hardy?" 
 
 "I would blow several short blasts on my whistle and hold my 
 right arm up vertically. This is the signal for halt. The whistle 
 is to attract the attention of everybody." 
 
 "Why would it be necessary to use the whistle?" 
 
 "Well, sir, the advance guard is more than 200 yards ahead, and 
 I would have to have some way of attracting their attention." 
 
 "You have forgotten about the connecting files between you and 
 die advance guard, who are charged with looking out for the trans- 
 mitting signals," says the Director. 
 
 "That's so; we have connecting files. I could call to them and 
 not have the noise of a whistle signal." 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, we now have the command halted. Where 
 rre you going to put the main body while Sergeant L is making 
 an -examination of the position and determining the measures for 
 occupying it. I want you to show me exactly where you would place 
 them." 
 
 This phase of the situation will have to be worked out on the 
 ground. A solution should finally be arrived at as to just where 
 and how the main body will be concealed during this period of time. 
 It may be well for the Director to here take up the question of 
 keeping up communication between the covering detachments and 
 the main body until the outguards and sentinels are posted. The 
 connecting files may be employed for this, their number being 
 increased if necessary for the purpose. 
 
A Detached Post 95 
 
 "The command is now under cover, Sergeant Hamilton. How 
 are you going to provide for a detachment to cover the posting 
 of the outguards and sentinels?" asks the Director. 
 
 "I would adopt the captain's scheme and have the advance guard 
 do it." 
 
 "All right. Just how would you accomplish this? You will 
 htve to get some orders to Corporal A to that effect." 
 
 "I would say to Private N (third squad) : 'You go forward to 
 Corporal A. Tell him, " 'No further information of the enemy. 
 The platoon has halted under cover. The detached post will be 
 established at (h). The duties of the advance guard, as such, 
 will cease. The first squad will cover the posting of the guards and 
 sentinels. Messages to me here. Repeat that/ " 
 
 "Did Sergeant Hamilton leave anything out of his orders to 
 Corporal A, Corporal Rodgers?" 
 
 "I think not, sir. It seems to me he covered the situation." 
 
 "What do you think about that, Sergeant Hughes?" 
 
 "If I were in Corporal A's place, I would want to know just who 
 is responsible for keeping up communication between my squad 
 and the main body,' replies Sergeant Hughes. 
 
 "You are right. That is the point that I wish to bring out. If 
 nothing was said about keeping up the communication, Corporal A 
 would have to attend to it. This might take several of his men and 
 leave very few for covering duty. I think Sergeant L would include in 
 his instructions a statement to the effect that 'communication with 
 the covering detachment will be maintained by connecting files from 
 main body.' This leaves Corporal A free to use his entire squad in 
 the duty of providing for the security of the command while 
 the outguards are being posted." 
 
 "Why did Sergeant Hamilton take Private N, of the third squad, 
 to carry the message?" inquired Sergeant Yates. 
 
 "Why did you do that, Sergeant Hamilton?" asks the Director. 
 
 "The third squad is in the lead. Two men have already been 
 detached from it to form the connecting files, and the squad is 
 broken up somewhat. By taking Private N from it we save cutting 
 into another squad." 
 
 Sergeant Yates states: "I had overlooked the fact that we are 
 marching in platoon column and that the second and fourth squads 
 would be on the flanks if we were deployed and the third squad 
 in the center and consequently at the head of the column when 
 marching." 
 
 "The next proposition is that of getting in touch with the near- 
 est flank element of the regular outpost line," states the Director. 
 "Sergeant Edmunds, how would you accomplish this?" 
 
 "I would send a patrol over there." 
 
 "How many men, and where would you get them from?" 
 
96 Tactical Walks 
 
 "I would use Corporal C and two men of his (third) squad for 
 the communication patrol. This squad is already broken up, and 
 by so doing I leave the second and fourth squads intact." 
 
 "That seems to be a reasonable solution. What instructions would 
 you give Corporal C?" 
 
 Sergeant Edmunds replies: "I would say to Corporal C, The 
 left picket of the general outpost line is located about (describ- 
 ing the location as accurately as possible). Take two men of your 
 squad. Locate a route to it, so that you could go there at night, 
 if necessary. Report to the picket commander that we are estab- 
 lishing a detached post at this point and will send out reconnoitering 
 patrols later in the afternoon. Get any information that he may have 
 of the enemy. Have your patrol take off packs.' " 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that the establishment of a detached post 
 and the performance of duty in connection therewith is much the 
 same as in the case of the support of an outpost line. A central 
 position, capable of being defended, is selected for the main body 
 of the post. Outguards, with their sentinels, are posted. Recon- 
 noitering patrols, and, if the occasion demands it, combat patrols, 
 are sent out to the front. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "The next problem for Sergeant L to determine," says the Director, 
 "is the number, location, and strength of the outguards. Sergeant 
 James, what class of outguards would you employ?" 
 
 "It seems to me that. the Cossack post system would meet the 
 situation very well," replies the sergeant. 
 
 "Upon what do you base your estimate?" 
 
 "Well, sir, this is only a small force. We will require certain 
 patrols operating to the front practically continuously. We will 
 require at least two observation posts. If we make them sentry 
 squads, half of our command is on observation duty and the patrol 
 will consume the best part of another squad. I would consider thai 
 we should have at least half, and more if practicable, of our com- 
 mand well in hand and ready to meet any emergency." 
 
 "Your estimate seems to be based on sound principles," replies 
 the Director. "Now let us examine into the places where observa- 
 tion groups are required." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 This phase of the problem will have to be worked out on the 
 ground itself. The class will be conducted along the front where 
 it is proposed to locate the outguards and the exact position of each 
 
A Detached Post 9? 
 
 determined upon after a consideration of a)l the elements that 
 enter into the situation. Having determined that, say, two, outguards 
 (Cossack posts) are to be established and the places where they 
 are to be posted selected, the Director addresses a member of the 
 class: 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "Corporal Willis, what troops would you detail to form the 
 Cossack posts?" 
 
 "I would take the second squad. It is intact. There is only one 
 noncommissioned officer, so I would detail one of the privates of 
 the squad as an acting noncommissioned officer and place him in 
 command of the post." 
 
 "We will assume that the second squad has been called up and 
 you are ready to give the orders for establishing the Cossack posts. 
 You may give these orders, Corporal Jameson." 
 
 Corporal Jameson proceeds: "There is no further information 
 of the enemy. The first squad is covering the posting of the out- 
 guards. Corporal C's patrol has gone over to locate the flank 
 element of the regular outpost line. 
 
 ''The second squad will form the outguards. 
 
 "Corporal B, with the front rank, will form Cossack post No. 1, 
 
 posted at (indicating position), covering the front from , 
 
 inclusive, to , inclusive. 
 
 "Private M, you are detailed acting corporal. You will, with the 
 
 rear rank of the squad, form Cossack post No. 2, posted at 
 
 (indicating position), covering the front from , exclusive, to 
 
 , inclusive. 
 
 "In case of attack, you will, after offering all resistance possible, 
 fall back on the support which will be intrenched here. 
 
 "Arrange for signal communication with the support. 
 
 "This order will tentatively establish the line of observation. Later 
 on Sergeant L will have to make an inspection and order any changes 
 that he may desire in their dispositions." 
 
 If time is available, the Director may later take the class to one or 
 both of the Cossack posts and work out in detail the method of 
 posting the post and sentinel and frame up the orders and instruc- 
 tions that would be given the latter. 
 
 The Director explains: "The next question that will engage the 
 attention of Sergeant L is the making of a sketch of the position. 
 The camp commander will want to know how this particular location 
 is being defended, and the best way to inform him of the facts is by 
 means of a report, supplemented by a sketch, showing the disposi- 
 tions." 
 
 Continuing: "Sergeant Turner, how would you arrange for the 
 making of this sketch?" 
 
98 , Tactical Walks 
 
 "I would not have time to do it myself. I would detail a non- 
 commissioned officer and one of the men of the fourth squad to 
 do it." 
 
 "On what scale would you have the sketch made, Corporal John- 
 son?" 
 
 "I would let the corporal select the scale. It. would not make much 
 difference, so it was large enough to show the position and the 
 dispositions." 
 
 "Do you know whether or not a scale has ever been prescribed 
 for position sketches?" 
 
 "No, sir; not that I know of." 
 
 "Corporal Jennings, -on what scale would you have the sketch 
 made?" 
 
 "The normal scale provided for in Field Service Regulations is 6 
 inches to the mile, with a vertical interval of 10 feet. That is the 
 scale I would prescribe. It is sufficiently large to show the details 
 of the position and the dispositions. We are all familiar with it." 
 
 "Sergeant Yates, what orders would you give to put this decision 
 into operation?" 
 
 "I would say, 'Corporal D, take one man of your squad and make 
 a position sketch of the ground covered by the detached post. The 
 scale will be 6 inches to 1 mile. Have it ready for me as soon as 
 practicable/ " 
 
 Corporal Johnson inquires: "Sergeant Yates did not state the verti- 
 cal interval. Would he have to do that?" 
 
 "No, he would not. When he directs the scale at 6 inches to 1 
 mile it is understood that the normal vertical interval will be em- 
 ployed. That is 10 feet." 
 
 Continuing to, Sergeant Yates: "Suppose Corporal D asks you, 
 'How far am I to extend the sketch to the front and flanks?' what 
 answer would you give him?" 
 
 "The purpose of the sketch is to show the position covered by 
 the detached post. On it I will want to show the various elements 
 and the routes of patrols. You will have to extend it sufficiently for 
 that purpose. Are there any other questions?" 
 
 The Director explains: "Having gotten this work under way, the 
 next question that Sergeant L will have to consider is the prepara- 
 tion of the position for defense. Sergeant Hamilton, what does this 
 involve?" 
 
 "Well, sir, he would have to select the place where the fire trench 
 is to be located. He would have to determine the class of trench 
 that is to be dug, and he would have to arrange for obstacles in 
 front of the trench." 
 
 "Would you have more than one fire trench?" 
 
 "No, sir. For such a small command, I think not." 
 
A Detached Post 99 
 
 "In an isolated position of this kind the flanks are especially vul- 
 nerable. How would you provide for that contingency?" 
 
 "I would simply turn the ends of the trench back a little to provide 
 a field of fire to the flanks." 
 
 "In which case," remarks the Director, "all the men in the section 
 of the trench that has been refused, or turned back, as you call it, 
 would come under a flanking fire directed at the main trench from 
 the front." 
 
 "I don't know just how I would get around that without a high 
 traverse that would defilade that section of the trench. That would 
 be objectionable on account of being conspicuous. I don't know 
 what I would do in that case." 
 
 "How would it do to provide for the flanks by placing short sec- 
 tions of trenches in echelon to the main fire trench?" 
 
 The Director explains this system by drawing a main fire trench 
 on the ground and placing others echeloned on the flanks. 
 
 "That would solve the problem, sir," remarks Sergeant Hamilton. 
 
 "Is there any member of the class that does not thoroughly under- 
 stand this system?" If you are ever called upon to organize the 
 defense of a position such as this, do you think you would know how 
 to go about it?" 
 
 Passing on to the next phase of the solution, the Director states: 
 
 "Sergeant James, what factors are to be considered in the location 
 of your main fire trench?" 
 
 "The first thing is a field of fire. If the enemy can get up close 
 to the trench under cover, he will have a good chance to capture it. 
 We must have a field of fire to the front for several hundred yards. 
 The next thing is the concealment of the trench. If we put it along 
 the edge of a wood, for instance, the enemy will have a good aiming 
 point and shower us with a hail of bullets aimed at the ground at 
 the edge of the woods. In this case I would put my trench out in 
 front of the woods, say, 50 to 75 yards. This would probably save us 
 many casualties." 
 
 "Having in mind the factors just discussed, Sergeant Yates, where 
 would you locate the main fire trench?" 
 
 This phase of the problem will have to be worked out oh the 
 ground itself. The same -procedure is followed with respect to the 
 trenches echeloned on the flarik. This proposition is taken up in 
 detail in the Tactical Walk, "A Defensive Position." 
 
 The Director now proceeds to the next phase of the solution: 
 
 "Sergeant Williams, what factors determine the trace of the fire 
 trench?" 
 
 "There are several concealment of the trench, protection from the 
 enemy's fire, arrangements for the delivery of an effective fire on the 
 enemy, and the drainage of the trench when the position is to be 
 occupied for any length of time." 
 
100 Tactical Walks 
 
 "Corporal Willis, what is the best method of concealing the 
 trench?" 
 
 "To make it as invisible as possible. This may be accomplished 
 by the elimination of parapets, or, in case they are absolutely neces- 
 sary, by Dlending them into the landscape/' 
 
 "Corporal Hardy, how would you provide protection from the 
 enemy's fire from the front and flanks?" 
 
 "We provide against frontal fire by digging the trench deep 
 enough so that our men can get down into it and not have to 
 expose themselves except to fire. We make the trench very narrow; 
 not over 2 feet in width. To provide protection against flank fire 
 we construct traverses at intervals along the trench." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director will draw a diagram on the ground of a traversed 
 trench, and explain to the class the part that the traverse plays 
 in the protection of the men in the trench. If time is available, it 
 may be well to have the class lay out the cutting lines of the trench 
 with tape or string. This may be followed later by the company 
 actually digging the trench and preparing the position for defense. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 Corporal Johnson inquires : "What is the length of the trench 
 between the traverses, sir?" 
 
 "That may depend somewhat on the lay of the trench. The 
 idea is to provide a defiladed space under the protection of each 
 traverse. The space in any event should be sufficient for one squad 
 to occupy and have sufficient room to fire their rifles. This means 
 over a yard per man. I should say the minimum would be about 
 30 feet. Are there any other questions? 
 
 "Corporal Hardy, what measures would you provide for draining 
 the trench in wet weather?" 
 
 "I would put in a covered drain at the lowest point and drain 
 the water to lower ground if possible. If it is not practicable to 
 do this, I would put in sump holes at the lowest points and have 
 them bailed or pumped out." 
 
 "The next question," explains the Director, "that will demand 
 Sergeant L's attention is that of the obstacles to be placed in front 
 of the fire trench. Sergeant Whitehouse, what factors determine 
 the class of obstacles and their location?" 
 
 "The class depends upon the material available for constructing 
 them. If there was a road leading from the enemy towards the 
 position, it should be barricaded by felling a tree or two across 
 it or piling up wagons or any other available bulky objects across 
 it. If there were lots of wire fences in the vicinity, it is probable 
 
A Detached Post '01 
 
 that sufficient barbed wire could be secured to make -an" enlr),gle-> 
 ment. The location should be such that the enemy would ^cbfae 
 upon it as a surprise. It should be difficult for him to negotiate. 
 It should be within the effective rifle range of crur position. It 
 should be concealed as much as possible from observers to the 
 front, for the enemy will know that our trenches are just on the 
 other side, and it will furnish him an aiming point." 
 
 "Having these factors in mind, Sergeant Edgar, what class of 
 obstacle would you provide, and where would you locate it?" 
 
 The solution to this phase of the problem will have to be worked 
 out on the ground. The class will be conducted to the point where 
 it is intended to place the obstacle and the solution worked out in 
 all its details. 
 
 "Corporal Johnson, what patrols would be sent out during the 
 afternoon?" 
 
 "I think Sergeant L would send out a reconnoitering patrol several 
 miles to the front to find out w r hat they can about the enemy, and 
 stay out until darkness prevents further reconnaissance." 
 
 "How many men would be detailed for this patrol?" 
 
 "A noncommissioned officer and three men. It would not be sup- 
 posed to fight, and the fewer men the better." 
 
 "Would any other patrols be sent out, Corporal Willis?" 
 
 "If any of the enemy's reconnoitering patrols came to the front 
 cf our position, sufficient combat patrols to beat them off and 
 prevent their reconnaissance would be sent out." 
 
 The Director explains : "By this time Corporal D will have fin- 
 ished the sketch of the position, and Sergeant L is now ready to 
 make the report of his dispositions to the detachment commander. 
 What elements would be included in such a report, Sergeant 
 Hughes?" 
 
 "Sergeant L would include in his report the fact that he has 
 established the detached post at (h) ; the location of his main body 
 and the number and location of his covering detachments; the fact 
 that communication has been established with the flank element of 
 the general outpost line; that reconnoitering patrols have been 
 sent out to the front. Should any information of the enemy have 
 been obtained, it would have been sent in immediately." 
 
 "Now let each member of the class assume that he has the map 
 made by Corporal D* ; that he is ready to render his report. I 
 want each of you to write out on your memorandum pads the report 
 that you, as Sergeant L, would make." 
 
 Some ten minutes will be allowed for this, at the end of which 
 time the Director will require several members of the class to read 
 
 *If it is practicable to do so-, the Director should have had a map prepared of 
 the position and made a copy for each member of the class. This introduces an 
 element of realism in the problem and makes it more interesting. 
 
102 Tactical Walks 
 
 what they have wrKien. Errors will be pointed out as they occur 
 and a solution finally arrived at based on the elements above stated, 
 as follows : 
 
 Commanding Officer, Blue Detachment: 
 
 Detached post established at (h) . Troops: Third Platoon, Com- 
 pany . Strength : Five noncommissioned officers and twenty- 
 eight privates. Main body intrenched at (describe point). Two 
 Cossack posts established, all as shown on sketch herewith. Have 
 established communication with flank element of general outpost 
 line. Reconnoitering patrol sent towards (c), with instructions to 
 remain out until dark. 
 
 L, 
 Sergeant. 
 
 "The next element of the problem that Sergeant L will have to 
 make provision for is the night arrangements. What factors will 
 determine his night dispositions, Sergeant Budd?" 
 
 "At night the operations of the enemy will be confined to the 
 roads and well-defined trails. The moment that he departs from 
 these his difficulties begin to multiply. His combinations fail to 
 materialize. Communication between the elements of his command 
 is lost and his operations generally end in failure, if not in disaster. 
 Any position that it is intended to attack at night must be recon- 
 noitered in detail during the daytime and all the arrangements made 
 while it is yet daylight. The enemy has made no such reconnois- 
 sance of our position. It can hardly be expected that he will attack 
 tonight. If Sergeant L covers the main road (or other approach) 
 with a comparatively strong outguard and patrols the country in 
 the vicinity, it ought to meet the situaion." 
 
 "Those are the logical conclusions one would draw," remarks the 
 Director. "Sergeant Wadsworth, what tactical dispositions would 
 you make to meet this situation?" 
 
 "I would combine the two Cossack posts into a sentry squad and 
 post them at . I would send patrols at intervals in the direc- 
 tion of and ." 
 
 Discussion 
 
 "I think that would meet the situation admirably," says the Direc- 
 tor. Then, continuing: "Is there any phase of this problem that 
 we have gone over that any member of the class does not under- 
 stand and know the reasons therefor? I want to feel assured that 
 if any one of you were called up by your commanding officer, given 
 a platoon of troops, and ordered to establish a detached post, you 
 would be able to go about it systematically and intelligently, without 
 wasting the time and energy of the men under you. We are going 
 to do this very thing with a platoon of the company in a few days, 
 
A Detached Post 103 
 
 and I want each of you that participate in that exercise to display 
 the knowledge that you have gained this afternoon. Are there any 
 questions? There appear to be none. The session of the class 
 is adjourned." 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class to point where the detached post is to be established. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 2. State that each of the eight 
 
 requirements will be taken up separately. 
 
 3. Review elements of the requirements: (a) Halting platoon. (&) Covering 
 
 detachment. (c) Communication with general outpost line, (rf) Out- 
 guards. O) Sketch and report. (f) Preparation of position for 
 defense. (#) Patrols, (h) Night dispositions. 
 
 4. Make examination of country in vicinity. 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Halting platoon. 
 
 2. Use of whistle. 
 
 3. Connecting files. 
 
 4. Concealment of main body. 
 
 5. Covering troops. 
 
 6. Orders to Corporal A. 
 
 7. Order of march of the column. 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Getting in communication with outposts. 
 
 2. Orders to Corporal C. 
 
 3. Establishment of outguards. Number. Location and strength. 
 
 4. Sentry squads and Cossack posts. 
 
 5. Troops for Cossack posts. 
 
 6. Orders for Corporal B and Private M, Cossack post commanders. 
 
104 Tactical Walks 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 5 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Making sketch of position. 
 
 2. Scale of sketch 
 
 3. Orders for Corporal D. 
 
 4. Elements in preparing position for defense: Location of trenches; type 
 
 of trenches; obstacles. 
 
 5. Echelon trench on flank. 
 
 6. Type of trench. Trace of cutting lines, traverses, and drainage. 
 
 Problem No. 6 Card No. 6 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Obstacles: Class, location, concealment. 
 
 2. Patrols: Number, composition, how long remain out. 
 
 3. Report of detachment commander. Elements of report. Wording of report. 
 
 4. Night dispositions. Elements that effect. 
 
 5. Short talk to class on problem. Dismiss class. 
 
TACTICAL WALK No. 7 
 
 A Defensive Position 
 The Problem 
 
 General Situation: 
 
 The (a) forms the boundary between hostile States. A Blue 
 invading force is operating in the (fr) district. The line of communi- 
 cations is along the (c) from (d) to (V), where an advance base 
 has been established. Enemy raiding parties have been operating 
 against the line of communications. 
 Special Situation, Blue: 
 
 The third batalion has been detailed to guard the line of com- 
 munications from (/) to (g). Company M has been ordered to 
 furnish detachments to guard the (h) and (i). The company (less 
 the third platoon) will be stationed at () The third platoon, under 
 the command of Sergeant D, has been assigned to guard this point 
 (/). You, Sergeant D, have arrived here with your platoon. 
 Required : 
 
 What orders would you give your platoon at this time? 
 
 Explanation of Letter Symbols 
 
 (a) Some topographical or geographical feature that is well known to the mem- 
 bers of the class, such as a river, creek, canal, or range of hills, etc. 
 
 (fc) A section of country some distance away in the enemy's territory. This 
 may be designated by the name of some natural feature, as a lake, or by some town, 
 river, or other locality which is known, as "The Round Lake District," or "The 
 Keysville District," "or "The Platte River District," etc. 
 
 (c) Some feature that may be logically used as a line of communication, as a 
 railroad, a main road, a canal, or a river, as "Atchison Pike," "Warrenton-Orange 
 Road," "The Delaware and Hudson Railroad," or "Ohio River." 
 
 (d) The point ot the boundary where the line of communication enters the 
 hostile country. 
 
 (e) The point to the front in hostile territory where the advance base has 
 been established. 
 
 (/) Some point on the line of communication nearer to (d) than is (fir). 
 
 (g) Another point on the line of communication farther towards the advance 
 base (*). 
 
 (A) Some point on the line of communication near the point () and a more 
 important place. This is to make it appear that it is the logical place for the 
 bulk of the company. 
 
 (t) The point selected for the station of the third platoon of the company under 
 the command of Sergeant D, which is the 9rganization to be considered in this 
 Tactical Walk. This point may be a small railroad bridge, an important cross-road, 
 a canal utility, a ford of a stream, or other place suitable for bringing out the 
 elements to be considered in the preparation of a position for defense. 
 
 (/) The point mentioned in (t.) 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is conducted to the point (i) designated in the problem, 
 where it is intended to conduct the Tactical Walk. 
 
 The cards bearing the problem are passed out by the Director. 
 The members of the class are informed that each man is to now 
 
106 Tactical Walks 
 
 consider himself as being Sergeant D and to assume that he has just 
 arrived at the point with his platoon, consisting of a sergeant (guide) 
 and four complete squads ; that the platoon has been halted in col- 
 umn of squads, and that the first squad, which has been acting as 
 advance guard, is some 200 yards ahead. The platoon is waiting 
 for instructions. 
 
 The Director reads the problem aloud. The men follow from the 
 cards in their possession. The Director calls upon a member of 
 the class to state the military situation as he understands it. This 
 process is repeated until he is satisfied that every man is familiar 
 with each element of the tactical situation. He then instructs the 
 men to make a memorandum on their pads, showing the elements 
 that would be included in the orders that Sergeant D would issue 
 to the platoon at this time. Some ten minutes are allowed for this 
 purpose, at the end of which time he proceeds with the solution 
 of the problem. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hughes, you may state the 'information of the enemy 
 and our own troops,' the first part of a field order," says the 
 Director. 
 
 Referring to his memorandum, Sergeant Hughes proceeds: "Enemy 
 raiding parties have been operating against our line of communica- 
 tions to the extent that it has become necessary to guard same. 
 Our forces are operating in the (b) district. The line of communi- 
 cations extend along the (c) from (d) to (<?) Our battalion has 
 been assigned as a guard for the section from (/) to (#). Our 
 company occupies (h) and this point, the company (l ess this platoon) 
 at (A).* 
 
 "Sergeant Williams, how would you state the mission of the 
 platoon?" 
 
 "The platoon will occupy this point and prepare it for defense." 
 
 The Director explains that it would be necessary to have some de- 
 tachments posted to protect the platoon from surprise while the ele- 
 ments of the defense are being worked out and the necessary meas- 
 ures taken. He further explains that these detachments may consist 
 of Cossack posts for the time being. 
 
 "What would be included in your disposition of troops, Sergeant 
 Eaton?" asks the Director. 
 
 "Sergeant B (guide) will, with the first squad (now on advance 
 guard duty) establish two Cossack posts covering the position (point- 
 ing out the general location of the posts). The functions of the 
 advance guard as such will cease. Each corporal place his squad 
 (indicates place). Have the men take off their packs and pile them 
 
 *The letter references are to the same points and localities as those stated 
 in the problem proper. 
 
A Defensive Position 107 
 
 in squad piles. Secure intrenchment tools from the wagon to equip 
 squads and hold men in readiness to begin work. Keep the belts 
 on, and have the men retain their rifles." 
 
 "And the final elements, Sergeant Waring?" 
 
 "There will be individual cooking until further arrangements are 
 made. 
 
 "Messages here. 
 
 "Post your covering detachments, Sergeant B. Corporals take 
 charge of their squads." 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The memoranda made by the members of the class are collected 
 and again distributed. Care is taken that no man receives his own 
 memorandum back again. 
 
 Discussion 
 
 The Director states: "You will observe that in issuing the order 
 we have followed the general form prescribed by the Field Service 
 Regulations; that is, we gave the information of the enemy and 
 our own troops; we stated the mission of the platoon; we made 
 the disposition of troops in the order of their proximity towards 
 the enemy, and gave such special instructions as were necessary; 
 we made arrangements for supply, and we stated where messages 
 may be sent or the commander may be found. If you will get these 
 elements firmly fixed in your mind and refer to them mentally when- 
 ever it becomes necessary to issue a tactical order there will be little 
 chance of your omitting some important element of the order. This 
 same procedure is followed in all tactical orders, whether they be 
 intended for a small patrol or an entire division. 
 
 "Now, our platoon may remain here for several days, and maybe 
 several weeks, so that one of the first things that Sergeant D 
 would have to do is to provide for the necessary sanitary arrange- 
 ments. 
 
 "What would you do to provide for this contingency at this time, 
 Sergeant Edgar?" says the Director. 
 
 "I would order: 'Corporal M, take your squad and dig a latrine 
 (indicating the point). Make it deep enough for several days' 
 use, and screen it.' " 
 
108 Tactical Walks 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 Problem No. 7 Card No. 1 
 
 1. Take class to place where Tactical Walk is to be conducted. 
 
 2. Hand out cards bearing problem and requirement. 
 
 3. Read problem aloud. Ask questions until all are familiar with it. Make 
 
 memorandum solutions. 
 
 4. Solution: Orders. Information of enemy and own troops. Mission. 
 
 Explain necessity for covering detachments. Disposition of troops, 
 O) covering detachments; (fc) action to be taken by squad leaders. 
 Supply. Messages. 
 
 5. Collect and distribute memorandums. 
 
 6. Explain elements of field order. 
 
 7. Make preliminary sanitary arrangements. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 2: 
 
 You are now ready to proceed with the organization of your de- 
 fensive position. 
 Required: 
 
 How do you size up the situation in general? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains that the requirement is only another term 
 for "an estimate of the situation," which includes the elements : 
 
 1. The mission. 
 
 2. Considerations affecting the enemy. 
 
 3. Considerations affecting our own forces. 
 
 4. The influence of the terrain. 
 
 5. The decision. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director states : "Now, having these five elements in mind, 
 I desire each of you to make a memorandum on your pads of your 
 discussion of them based on the actual conditions that you can see 
 before you and the provisions of the problem that we have under 
 consideration." 
 
 Some fifteen minutes will be allowed for this, at the end of which 
 time the class will be assembled and the solution taken up in detail. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Hamilton, what do you understand the mission of the 
 platoon to be?" asks the Director. 
 
 "To occupy this point on the line of communication and hold if." 
 
 "What points would you consider with respect to the enemy, 
 Sergeant James; that is, what points in general?" 
 
 "I would consider his location, his probable intentions, his powers 
 and limitations." 
 
A Defensive Position 109 
 
 "What points would you consider with respect to his location?" 
 
 "Well, sir, his main body in the (b) district would be opposing 
 our main forces there. Only his raiding parties may operate against 
 our communications. His main forces will be too busily occupied 
 for such adventures." 
 
 "What class of troops would he then have available for his raiding 
 parties?" asks the Director? 
 
 "They would be cavalry. When the two main bodies come to- 
 gether the cavalry transfers its activities to the flanks. ' It is 
 crowded out, so to speak. It is then available for raids on the 
 opponent's lines of communication. The mounted troops have great 
 mobility, and can get from place to place rapidly. They may have 
 horse or mountain artillery attached. The infantry cannot get 
 around fast enough for raiders. Besides, they are needed to oppose 
 our main body, and would not be frittered away in that manner." 
 
 "Assuming, then, that Sergeant D will have only mounted troops 
 of the enemy to deal with, what are their limitations?" 
 
 "The activities of any body worth mentioning will practically be 
 confined to the roads. They cannot make their way rapidly across 
 country on account of the wire fences and other obstacles/' 
 
 "What is their method of attack?" 
 
 "To swoop down upon a place, do all the damage they can, and 
 make a get-away before other troops can come to the assistance 
 of those in trouble." 
 
 *To what class of points will they confine their activities?" 
 
 "To such points that will really disable and interrupt our lines of 
 communication," answers the sergeant. 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The remainder of this discussion will depend entirely upon the 
 character of the line of communication. In the case of a railroad, 
 the points to bring out are that the enemy would not waste his 
 time and energy tearing up railroad tracks that could be replaced in 
 a few hours. He would endeavor to blow up a bridge, culvert, or 
 tunnel, that would tie up the system for days and perhaps weeks. 
 In the case of a road, he would endeavor to burn or destroy 
 wagon bridges or attack trains of supplies moving forward along 
 the road. He could do no damage to the road proper that could 
 not be repaired and made passable in a few hours. In the case of a 
 canal, he would confine his activities to utilities, such as locks, 
 dams, and spillways, that could be put out of commission and really 
 disable the line of communication. These points will be brought out 
 by the Director to cover the elements of the problem. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 "Now, Corporal Harrison, our next element deals with our own 
 
110 Tactical Walks 
 
 forces their strength and position, their dispositions, and the 
 measures that may be taken to circumvent the enemy. What can 
 you say about the strength and dispositions?" 
 
 "In guarding a line of communications we place bodies of troops, 
 varying in size, according to the importance of the place. These 
 are located at the strategic points. The intervening country be- 
 tween these detachments is patrolled. The positions they occupy 
 are strengthened with field fortifications in order to increase the 
 defensive power of the troops." 
 
 "What are the general duties that devolve upon these detach- 
 ments?" 
 
 "Their first duty is to prevent the enemy from getting close 
 enough to the utility they are guarding to destroy it. They furnish 
 patrols to cover the country between the positions occupied. They 
 i:iay be called upon to furnish escorts for convoys moving back 
 and forth along the lines of communication. In the case of trains, 
 they may be called upon to furnish train guards." 
 
 "Considering this special situation with which we have to deal, 
 how would these principles be applied?" 
 
 "In this case we have a battalion covering important points along 
 the line from (/) to (g). Our company has a detachment at (h) 
 and this platoon here. The next detachment to our front is at 00*. 
 We would have to hold this place against any force of the enemy 
 that may attack us. In order to increase our defensive powers, we 
 would construct a system of trenches and organize a regular defense 
 of the position. We would have to furnish patrolling parties from 
 here to a point halfway between (h) and O). When called upon to 
 do so, we may have to furnish escorts from here to (#) for trains." 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The remainder of this estimate, like that above, would depend en- 
 tirely upon the character of the line of communication. The Direc- 
 tor will proceed in accordance therewith. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 The Director, addressing Corporal Jones, states: "We now come 
 to a consideration of the terrain. What would you include in that 
 part of your estimate of the situation?" 
 
 Having decided that the enemy's raiding parties would be mounted 
 troops, and that their operations would, as a rule, be confined to the 
 roads we would naturally arrange our defense primarily to cover the 
 roads and then as time is available extend it to cover any contin- 
 gency. 
 
 * Naming the location. 
 
A Defensive Position 111 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The class will be conducted to the various points of the position 
 and the influence of the terrain on the preparations for defense 
 studied. 
 
 Solution (Continued) 
 
 "What, then, would be your decision, Corporal Smithers?" 
 "I would decide to construct field fortifications to cover the ap- 
 proaches and then gradually extend the same to cover every con- 
 tingency as time is available/* 
 
 Explanation 
 
 This method of bringing out the elements of the estimate of the 
 situation will have to be carried out by the Director and the ques- 
 tions asked will naturally depend upon the previous training that 
 the noncommissioned officers have had. It should be the endeavor 
 to have the points considered in their regular order. That is what 
 :onstitutes the technique of solving the problem and that is what 
 you want to drill into the men. The idea is that when they are 
 put up against tactical situations they will go about their solution 
 in a methodical and systematic manner and arrive at a clean-cut 
 decision as to just what they are going to do to meet the situation. 
 !f they have a definite idea of the elements that enter into the 
 proposition there is little likelihood of their missing essential parts. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 Collect and redistribute the memoranda made by the men. 
 
 Problem No. 7 Card No. 2 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Hand out cards bearing Situation No. 2. 
 
 2. Explain elements of an estimate of the situation: (a) Mission. (6) 
 
 Enemy. (c) Own troops. (d) Influence of terrain. (0) Decision. 
 
 3. Direct class to make memorandum of solution. 
 
 4. Solution: 
 
 (1) Mission. 
 
 (2) Considerations affecting enemy: (a) Location. (&) Probable 
 
 intentions. (c) Powers and limitations. 
 
 (3) Own troops: (a) Method of guarding a line of communication. 
 
 (>) Distribution of troops, (c) Duties of detachments. 
 
 (4) Terrain. Approaches. 
 
 (5) Decision. 
 
 5. Explain method of making estimate of the situation. The technique. 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 3: 
 
 You are now ready to proceed with the organization of your posi- 
 tion and the determination of the location of the fire trenches, the 
 trenches for the garrison and the communicating trenches. 
 
112 Tactical Walks 
 
 Required: 
 
 How would you go about it? 
 
 Explanation 
 
 The Director explains: "In the organization of a defensive posi- 
 tion covering a point of this kind provision must be made to meet 
 an attack from any direction. We therefore provide a system of fire 
 trenches with that object in view. We hold the main body of the 
 defending force in a central position from which it may be moved 
 into the trenches covering the front over which the enemy has se- 
 lected to make his attack. 
 
 "In proceeding to the organization of the position Sergeant D 
 will first go over the ground covering the front where he has esti- 
 mated that the enemy is most likely to attack. He will select the 
 general line that the fire trench is to occupy and lay out the cutting 
 lines of the trench. In order that no time may be wasted in the 
 preparation of the position he will put the men to work on this 
 trench while he is selecting the location for the other fire trenches. 
 Having completed this he will select some central point for the 
 location of his cover for the garrison and having decided upon 
 this and laid out the cutting lines he considers the location of the 
 communicating trenches from the supports to the fire trenches. 
 This is the general outline of the procedure to be employed in the 
 organization of a defensive position of this class/' 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The class is conducted to a point overlooking the foreground 
 over which it has been estimated that the enemy is most likely to 
 attack. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "In choosing the location for the trenches at this point the first 
 thing to consider is the field of fire. Sergeant Hughes, just where 
 would you locate a trench here to secure the best field of fire?" 
 
 "What is the minimum field of fire that you think we would re- 
 quire here, sir?" asks the sergeant. 
 
 "You may answer that question, Corporal Harrison," says the 
 Director. 
 
 "We would want all we could get. I understand that it has been 
 found in the European war that if there is a field of fire of 150 % to 
 200 yards any reasonable force of the enemy can be stopped. I 
 would want a minimum here of, say, 800 yards."* 
 
 "We will assume, Sergeant Hughes, that the field of fire that you 
 see to the front is sufficient. Now where would you locate your 
 trench to cover it?" 
 
 *This number would have to agree with that which is available. 
 
A Defensive Position 113 
 
 The sergeant will be required to point out the general line of the 
 trench, just as if he were Sergeant D and the responsibility of de- 
 termining the matter was up to him. 
 
 The next question for decision is : "What kind of a trench is to 
 he dug?" The experience of the war in Europe dictates that the 
 trench should be deep and narrow, with scarcely any parapet at 
 all. This enables us to conceal the trench easily, it requires the 
 removal of less soil, and gives better protection from artillery fire. 
 The height of the parapet will depend somewhat on the lay of the 
 ground. It is necessary to get a field of fire. If it is necessary to 
 raise the parapet for this purpose, it will have to be done and 
 other artifices resorted to for concealment, such as sodding or 
 blending it into the surrounding landscape. 
 
 "How wide would you have the trench, Sergeant Williams?" asks 
 the Director. 
 
 "I would want it as narrow as possible. I should say that 2 feet 
 would be the limit." 
 
 In a position of this class, it is impossible to say just how many 
 men may be needed on any front. The enemy may launch his 
 attack on one front and work his way around to the flanks. His 
 main idea will be to get sufficiently close to the utility that we are 
 guarding to damage it. The defense will commit only such men 
 to action as are necessary to cover a sector of the front that is be- 
 ing threatened. The remainder will be held under cover at the 
 Central point, ready to occupy any part of the defenses that may 
 be threatened. 
 
 Note: The number of yards of trench to be put in at any one 
 point will depend upon the number of rifles that will be required to 
 cover the foreground. A little over a yard per man will be allowed. 
 Ordinarily a single line in a position like this would be constructed 
 10 accommodate two squads. Care should be taken in selecting 
 the trace of the trench that it covers the foreground. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 After this process is completed at one point, the class will be 
 conducted to the various points where the Director considers it 
 necessary to place the trenches, and after going over each position 
 thoroughly in the manner indicated, one of the places will be 
 selected and the class required to actually lay out the trenches 
 on the ground. 
 
 Note: After all the details of the position have been worked out. 
 it will make an interesting exercise to have the company go out 
 and actually dig the trenches and Organize the position. 
 
 Solution 
 The class will now be conducted to some central point, where 
 
114 Tactical Walks 
 
 it is explained that arrangements will be made for the housing 
 of the garrison. This is accomplished by means of a trench more 
 commodious than the fire trench, where overhead cover may be 
 provided and where the men can live in comparative comfort. This 
 position will be located with reference to the fire trenches. 
 
 "Sergeant Eaton, where would you locate the shelter for the 
 garrison?" asks the Director. 
 
 The sergeant will be required to point out the location. After 
 this, the type of shelter will be decided upon and worked out in 
 detail, including the tracing of the cutting lines, on the ground. 
 
 The question of communicating trenches must now be considered; 
 that is, trenches by which the defenders may go from the garrison 
 shelter to the various fire trenches without being subjected to the 
 fire of attackers while en route. The line of these trenches will be 
 pointed out on the ground. Advantage will be taken of any natural 
 cover that may be available, and such zigzags and offsets as may 
 be necessary will be installed. 
 
 With the location of the fire trenches, the garrison trench, and 
 the communicating trenches, the position may be said to be organ- 
 ized. This may appear an elaborate process for such a small force, 
 but this is a position that must be held indefinitely; and all this 
 will have to be done if } r ou ever find yourself face to face with a 
 situation of the kind. If we are ever called upon to hunt down ban- 
 dits again, the strategic points throughout the country will be occu- 
 pied with just such fortified posts as this, and the detachments will 
 work out from them in all directions. The garrisons will in many 
 cases be not larger than a company, and in some may be as smalt 
 as a half company or platoon. It is these problems that we want 
 to teach our noncommissioned officers to solve. Probably there are 
 many in the army today that have never given a thought to a 
 situation similar to this. 
 
 Problem No. 7 Card No. 3 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Explain the general procedure to be followed in the organization of a 
 
 small defensive position. 
 
 2. Conduct the class to one of the points where a fire trench ia to be dug. 
 
 3. Explain the principles governing the selection of the location. Determine 
 
 the location of the trench and the type to be employed. 
 
 4. Conduct the class to other points and go over the same procedure. 
 
 5. Conduct the class to a certain point and locate the shelter for the garrison 
 
 and the communicating trenches therefrom to the fire trenches. 
 
 6. Go over one or more of these communicating trenches and point out the 
 
 principles of their construction. Make use of natural cover to save 
 digging. 
 
 7. Explain the necessity for such defensive positions and their employment 
 
 to cover points on the lines of communication and to cover strategic 
 points during the conduct of guerilla warfare. 
 
A Defensive Position 115 
 
 The Problem 
 Situation No. 4: 
 
 The location of the fire trenches, shelter for the garrison, and 
 communicating trenches have been decided upon. Work on the fire 
 Irenches has commenced. You, Sergeant A, are now ready to 
 consider the subjects of obstacles, including: 
 
 1. The kind to be used. 
 
 2. The location of them. 
 Required: 
 
 How would you go about this task? 
 
 Procedure 
 
 The Director conducts the class to a point on the system of fire 
 trenches, where he explains the situation and directs the members 
 to make a memorandum on their pads of just what they would do 
 to provide obstacles in front of this particular part of the position. 
 Some ten minutes will be allowed for this. At the end of the period, 
 the class is again assembled and the solution of the problem taken up. 
 
 Solution 
 
 "Sergeant Waring, what is the first thing that you would con- 
 sider in the placing of obstacles?" asks the Director. 
 
 "Well, sir, we came to the conclusion when we were sizing up 
 this situation that we were in greater danger of attack from cavalry 
 than from any other troops. That being the case, it seems to me 
 that the first thing we ought to do is to block the road to prevent 
 a cavalry charge into our position." 
 
 "That seems to be a good idea. How would you go about it?" 
 
 "One of the most effective measures that could be taken here 
 would be to fell trees across the road. That would prevent cavalry 
 charging into our position." 
 
 "That will do all right for the roads leading from a flank, but it 
 would not be the proper scheme for our main road over which our 
 transport has to move," says the Director. Then, continuing: "How 
 would you provide for blocking these roads?" 
 
 "I would put in abatis extending from the roadway proper to the 
 boundary fences! Then I would get a couple of farmers* wagons 
 and roll them into the gap to block it. When our trains come 
 along and want to pass, the wagons can be rolled out of the way 
 very easily. They can be put back in place when they have passed." 
 
 "That would meet the situation in a satisfactory manner," says 
 the Director. 
 
 "Now, what is the next point to be considered in the matter of 
 obstacles, Sergeant Edgar?" 
 
 "To decide what kind of obstacles we would put in front of the 
 trenches and where we would put them," replies Sergeant Edgar. 
 
116 Tactical Walks 
 
 "What kind would you use?" 
 
 "Barbed wire, if I could get enough." 
 
 "Where would you get it from?" 
 
 "1 would take it from the fences in this locality. I would not 
 take down any wire fence immediately in front of any of our trenches, 
 for they already constitute formidable obstacles just as they stand. 
 I would send patrols out beyond the field of fire to collect barbed 
 wire and the wire staples from the fence posts," says the sergeant. 
 
 "Having secured the wire and staples, how would you construct 
 your entanglement, Sergeant Budd?" 
 
 "Well, sir, I do. not favor the so-called high-wire entanglement. 
 It is too conspicuous, too hard to build, and too easily cut. I would 
 take some saplings about 2 inches in diameter, cut them in lengths 
 of about 2 feet, and sharpen one end; then I would take the wire 
 and staple it alongside of these stakes, putting a stake about every 
 ,>0 feet along the wire. I would then drive the stakes in the ground 
 until the head is flush with the surface on a line about 2 feet apart. 
 This will give me about 30 feet of wire to entangle in every 10 feet 
 of front. Another row of stakes, about 6 feet in rear of the first, 
 Wth the stakes driven in the intervals of the first row, and then two 
 or three more rows, spaced in the rear, would give me an entangle- 
 ment about 30 feet wide that would be most difficult to get through. 
 The wire from one row should be entangled with that of another, 
 and the whole concealed in the high grass, if it is possible to do so." 
 
 "Where would you locate this entanglement?" 
 
 The sergeant will be required to conduct the class to the place 
 where he would locate the entanglement and point out the trace 
 of the front line of stakes. This should not be more than 300 yards 
 away from the fire trench and not closer than 100 yards. Between 
 these two limits the best locality may be selected. 
 
 Procedure 
 
 This same procedure will be followed in front of each of the fire 
 trenches included in the position. If there is a hedge or other natu- 
 ral obstacle in front of any of the trenches, the Director will describe 
 the methods by which it could be improved and made formidable. 
 The location of obstacles, it will be explained, must be made so as 
 to hold the enemy under the fire of the defenders at the effective 
 ranges. 
 
 W T hile engaged in the location of the obstacles the Director will 
 take up the subject of clearing the foreground in places where such 
 action is necessary. 
 
A Defensive Position 117 
 
 Problem No. 7 Card No. 4 
 
 DIRECTOR'S KEY 
 
 1. Conduct class to the location of one of the fire trenches. 
 
 2. Hand out the cards bearing Situation No. 4. 
 
 3. Explain situation and direct class to make memorandum of the kind of 
 
 obstacles they would employ and where they would locate them. Ten 
 minutes allowed for this. 
 
 4. Blocking roads to keep off cavalry charges. Felling trees, abatis, wagons. 
 
 5. Wire entanglements. Securing wire. Method of construction. Fastening 
 
 wire to stakes. Driving stakes. Entangling wires. Depth of entanglements. 
 
 6. Concealment of obstacles. 
 
 7. Actual location of entanglement on the ground. Distance to front not 
 
 over 300 yards, not less than 100 yards. 
 
 8. Procedure as indicated above in the trenches. 
 
 9. Clearing of the foreground. 
 
 It is estimated that this Tactical Walk will, if it is worked out in 
 detail, take an entire afternoon, and possibly two of them. What 
 the members of the class will get out of it will depend to a great 
 measure on how the Director handles the several situations, how 
 he brings out the points and elements, how practical he is able to 
 make it. 
 
 It is hoped that you will give this system a fair trial. Study up 
 your problem so you can talk about it. Be ready to answer any 
 reasonable question that may be put to you. You cannot do this 
 unless you have made a complete solution of your problem. 
 
 There are many other situations that may be worked into tactical walks. 
 It is not intended that you should confine yourself to the solution of those 
 laid down in this book. Half the instruction of the Director is in making 
 up the problems and working out the solutions to them before ever taking 
 the class out. 
 
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