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Lt. Col. William H. Waldron Infantry, U. S. Army
Washington United States Infantry Association 1923
Copyright, 1923 By United States Infantry Association
HAYWORTH PUBLISHING HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. C.
Terrain Exercises are those military exercises in which the students carry on the operations of imaginary bodies of troops over the actual terrain. As these exercises involve the study of the utilization of the ground itself and the application of tactical formations and methods to it, they are the best means, aside from practical field work with troops, of giving officers and non-commissioned officers practice in carrying out the duties that fall to them in war.
In the Terrain Exercise is found the logical step in tactical training, between the theory and practice of the classroom and the practical training with troops. This method of training is suited to all arms and services, and in view of its practical value is constantly employed by unit commanders in the training of their officers and non-commissioned officers.
Any class of military operations may be practiced, such as the operations of covering troops—advance guards, flank guards and outposts; the operations of the various kinds of patrols; combat—attack and defense; approach march and deployment, and the tactical cooperation of all special arms.
The smooth working and success of the Terrain Exercise depends almost entirely on the ability and tactical knowledge of the Director, the care he devotes to the selection of the ground, the preparation of the problem, and his own personal preparation for the conduct of the Terrain Exercise. To this end a study should be made of the tactical training it is desired to impart. A problem designed to bring out these points should be drawn up and fitted to the ground. The successive special situations must follow in logical sequence.
The Director must have in his mind a solution of the various situations of the problem and must familiarize himself with all of its phases to the extent that he will be able to make reasonable answer to any question that may be propounded.