3. The future action of the patrol in so far as it can be determined.
The Director should then compose a message covering the above requirements and submit it to the class for discussion.
“Have observed a force of the enemy, estimated one regiment of Infantry at —— (give location). They are now going into bivouac. A hostile patrol of six men passed my patrol at —— (give location) at —— (time) which proceeded in the direction of the outpost line. I will remain in observation until forced to retire or darkness prevents further reconnaissance.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Hunt, how would you get the message back to the support commander?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “I have had Anderson and Bailey here with me while making my observations and composing the message. I will send it back by them, each man taking a different route. I will read the message to them. I will indicate on the map the general route that each man is to take in going back to the support and caution each of them to look out for the enemy patrol that is between us and the outpost line. By sending the message by two men going over different routes I am almost sure to get it through. If one of them runs into the enemy, it is pretty safe to say that the other will not.”
_The Director_: “I think your sizing up of the situation is very good. You have taken all the precautions possible for getting the message back safely to the support commander.”
1. Conduct class to point where they can see enemy. Distribute Situation No. 6. Point out location of the enemy.
2. Disposition of the patrol for observation—observers, men to carry message, get-away man.
3. Write out message. Contents; information of enemy main body, enemy patrol, future plans of the patrol leader. Prepare message for discussion.
4. Send back message by two messengers. Chances for getting through with it.
The Director now distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 7 to the members of the class. A few minutes are allowed to read it over, and it is explained.
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 they are pushing out patrols to the front and flanks. Your position is becoming untenable. You have heard distant firing in the direction of the Blue troops.