1. Explain what happens between the time the attack order is issued and the time the attack is ready to start: Platoon commanders join platoons, and conduct them to the front. Approach march formation. Column of files to be avoided. Orders of platoon commanders. Deployment for attack. Action of special weapons. Signals indicating readiness for attack.
2. Discuss necessity for thorough preparation for the attack. Describe the situation from the enemy’s point of view. Advantage of the initiative.
3. Explain necessity for time being allowed subordinate commanders to prepare to launch attack.
4. Conduct class to line of departure for 1st platoon.
5. Distribute sheets bearing Situation No. 3; read and explain.
6. Description of attack. Initial advance. Scouts. Advance of platoon. Building up first fire position. Superiority of fire. Continue advance by fire and movement. Employment of automatic rifles.
7. Conduct class to next fire position. Failure to hold superiority of fire. Bring up second section. Subsequent progress. Assault.
The Class is now conducted to a point where the operation of both the 1st and 2nd platoons may be observed by the company commander.
You, Captain C, have come forward to this point. You see your assault platoons covered by their own fire and that of the supporting weapons advancing rapidly on the enemy strong point. They are now (indicate the general line that each platoon occupies.) The volume of fire of the enemy has materially decreased. You note that the supporting weapons have lifted their fire and are now firing well beyond the strong point. A few moments later you note that both platoons rush towards the strong point with bayonets fixed.
The 3rd platoon has now arrived at the line of departure of the 2nd platoon. Companies A and B seem to be carrying out their attack on your left; there is no machine gun fire to interfere with them now.
The Director distributes the sheets bearing Situation No. 4 to the class, reads it aloud to them, points out the location of the troops and makes any verbal explanations that may be necessary.
_The Director_: “I want each member of the class to visualize the situation as it now stands. In the beginning Captain C assigned definite missions to each of his platoons. He left the essential details to the platoon commanders. He is driving a team of two units with a third held in reserve. His team has been driven into the enemy’s position. They have accomplished the main part of their mission and something more is necessary on the part of the Captain. Lieutenant Barry, knowing the situation as it is, what would you do?”