_The Director_: “I think you are correct. The smaller the patrol, within limitations, the better. I think a leader and four men is about right. Lieutenant Baker, tell us what you would include in your order to the patrol leader.”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would first tell the patrol leader all the information I have about the enemy and our troops. I would give him general direction as to where I want the patrol to go. I would tell him what information I want regarding the enemy. Tell him in general terms where to return and where to send messages.”
_The Director_: “The final question that comes up is that of the equipment of the men. How would you have them equipped, Captain Hall?”
_Captain Hall_: “I would want them to go lightly equipped. They should have a ration in their haversack; not over 40 rounds of ammunition and their rifle. I would have them leave the bayonets with their packs. They will not need them.”
_The Director_: “You see the process we have gone through to determine that we are going to send out a patrol of five men from the support. You see how many things you have to consider in arriving at a decision as to what you are going to do. This is what we call making an ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ It is merely a process of sizing up the situation and deciding on what you are going to do to meet it. An officer who fails to do this will in the end make a failure of the soldier game. The one who does it habitually has far greater chances for the operations he is conducting to turn out a success. Just a few minutes’ systematic thought will save you a lot of military blunders.
“Based on this estimate of the situation we arrive at a decision to send out a patrol of five men to secure information of the enemy. Lieutenant Barry, assume that you are Lieutenant A, commanding the support. Can you give us the orders necessary to put the decision into operation?”
_Lieutenant Barry_: “I will try, sir. I will order:
“‘Sergeant C (platoon Sergeant) turn out a reconnoitering patrol of four privates, with Sergeant B (section leader) as patrol leader. Have the men carry a ration and 40 rounds of ammunition. Leave bayonets here. Have Sergeant B report to me as soon as he is ready to go out.’