“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 the 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 contingencies. The first method has the disadvantage of being most difficult for the non-commissioned officers to control the action of the men. The second method possesses the great advantage of having each group directly 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.”
You, Sergeant X, have been detailed to cover the posting of the outguards. Lieutenant M’s order to you is as follows:
“Sergeant X, with the first section (less one squad), will cover the posting of the outguards and on completion of that duty withdraw to the support.”
The troops have been turned over to you and you have been directed to move out.
The Director reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to state his understanding of it.
_The Director_: “Now, I want each member of the class to consider himself as being Sergeant X. You have your troops right here on the road and everything is ready to proceed with the work in hand. Just how do you go about carrying out your mission? Lieutenant Wallace, what is the first move you would make?”
_Lieutenant Wallace_: “I would want to get my men away from the rest of the platoon so I can give them their instructions without having their attention diverted by other things.”