“You now see the elements involved in this simple situation. You see the responsibility that devolves upon non-commissioned officers when they are placed in the position of Sergeant Roberts. To know what to do and how to do it requires training and close attention to detail. Probably any of us could blunder through a situation of this kind, but it takes a man trained in military tactics to make his decisions quickly, to act upon them promptly and take advantage of the fleeting moments to inflict damage on the enemy. These are the things that we study to become proficient in. These are the things that we must teach our non-commissioned officers if we are to have confidence in their ability to meet tactical situations that confront them, with judgment and decision. And there is no royal road to success along this line. The knowledge required can be attained only by thorough study and practice.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, suppose the enemy does something which, in your judgment, requires fire to be opened before the whole point is up and in position, would you join in the firing yourself?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “No, sir. I would not. I estimate that I would have plenty to do to direct the fire of the other men; to search the country to see if any other parties of the enemy were in our front, and to keep the advance party commander advised of what is going on at the front.”
_The Director_: “Lieutenant Barney, let us assume that you were able to get all of the men on the line before opening fire and were able to open as a surprise to the enemy. He takes cover and returns the fire. What further action would you take?”
_Lieutenant Barney_: “I would keep on firing. I would signal the advance party commander to send up some reinforcements.”
_The Director_: “Do you agree with that solution, Lieutenant Hunt?”
_Lieutenant Hunt_: “No, sir. I would go after him. I cannot run him out of his position by fire action alone. I would immediately start filtering my men forward while keeping up a heavy fire with the other man.”[7]
_The Director_: “Captain Hall, give us Sergeant Roberts’ solution to the situation.”
_Captain Hall_: “I will signal the members of the point ‘Down,’ and tell Pendleton to signal the advance party commander ‘Enemy in sight.’ I will then join Crane and Hanson. I will locate the enemy, give Crane and Hanson firing data and order them to hold their fire. I will signal the other members of the point to come up, and as they arrive on the line I will give them the range and indicate the target. When all are ready I will open fire on the enemy. Should the enemy do anything to warrant it I will open fire immediately, with all the rifles on the line. I will search the landscape for other parties of the enemy. As soon as I open fire I will take steps to advance and close with the enemy and drive him off.”[8]