a.s.sign the men three to five questions on the work to be studied, which will be asked in conference and which require a pretty general knowledge of the subject. Every man will then have a definite objective and a certain minimum of attainment for the evening. Or reverse the process and let each of the cla.s.s write several questions about what they have studied. The following day let these questions, with the names of the men who asked them, be read before the cla.s.s and answered. The effect of reading the name of the writer is to insure careful preparation of the question and study of the subject. A good question can hardly be asked without a basis of knowledge, and a foolish question condemns its author.
Another plan is to let the men, whenever possible, instruct the cla.s.s.
Announce that any man may be called upon to take charge, and the uncertainty will keep everyone studying. This plan will also give the men valuable practice in teaching others. Their periods of instruction, of course, must be limited, and unsatisfactory parts of their work reviewed before the conference is dismissed.
Another way to stimulate study is to have a short discussion, talk or quiz just before the close of the study hour, when the men, if left to themselves, will incline to look at their watches more often than at their books. A brief explanation of the work a.s.signed, with emphasis upon a few especially important points, makes good use of this closing time, especially when the men are required to write down the points emphasized.
Syllabus: Small Problems for Infantry.
(References, f.s.r., p. 26-30, 33-39.)
First Problem: Advance Guard and Point:
A. Definition and Function.--Small patrol sent ahead from advance party for disclosing enemy"s position and strength, in time for larger bodies to make suitable defensive and offensive dispositions.
Function primarily warning; but to give specific information, it may have to fight and thus feel enemy out.
B. Principles:
1. Formed zig-zag; distance from advance party =?
2. Controlled by leader of advance party.
3. Speed must be great enough not to impede the main column.
Must not halt at first sign of enemy, nor go off on a flank.
4. Interest and co-operation of inferiors, by adequate explanation of situation and of individual duties ("repeats").
5. Rules for estimating numerical strength of the moving body of troops (cf., f.s.r., sec. 27).
6. Point as a "march outpost" (=?) when the column is halted.
Only then may the A.G. point make any lateral arrangement of its members (cf. 3 above).
Second Problem: Advance Guard Connecting File, cf., f.s.r., reference above:
A. Definition and Function.--Two men (usually) for liaison en route where elements too widely separated or roads too curved and wooded. Distance 200 to 5 yards apart.
B. Principles:
1. Constant touch with elements before and behind.
2. Relay both ways messages sent to or from remoter parts of the column. Speed and accuracy of signaling.
3. Guide to be forward in daytime, at night on the main body.
Third Problem: Advance Guard Flank Patrol, pp. 31-32:
A. Definition and Function.--For protecting a marching column from attack, by warning it on the basis of information gained in reconnaissance. Interval between men depends on circ.u.mstances.
B. Principles:
1. Start from near head of the column, _i.e._, from smallest element in the advance guard that can afford to cut down its numbers.
2. Speed rather than safety, to keep abreast of own column and to force the enemy to disclose himself by firing on F.P.
rather than on main body.
3. Sent to investigate suspicious areas, _e.g._ in woods, behind houses.
4. Action in case of firing on main body; advance and counterfire, deployed.
5. Get-away man in rear of column.
6. _Stick to the job_: no wandering or chasing of enemy beyond range of column. Job is to warn and protect against flank attack.
Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party:
A. Definition and Function:
Body of infantry, amounting to 1/8 to 1/2 the Support (depending on the number of cavalry ahead) cf., f.s.r., p.
28.
Duty.--To back up the point and the advance cavalry (if any) if fired upon; remove enemy bodies and other obstacles.
B. Principles:
1. Describe general mission to inferiors.
2. Explain individual duties to inferiors.
3. Send out point and connecting files.
4. Form in platoon; zig-zag.
5. Keep going; prosecute engagements briskly, not to delay main column.
6. Procedure under fire: deploys and drops, when fired upon; looks for enemy"s direction and a.s.signs target and range.
Advance under cover if any, when fire light; when heavy seek to divert fire to you away from main body of advance guard to facilitate latter"s disposition for advance to your support.
Seek to drive off a weaker enemy, and to hold off a stronger.
7. Speedy decisions. Value of imaginary situations, while on the march; and planning your commands.
Fifth Problem: Combat Patrol:
A. Definition and Function.--Contrasted with covering detachment, which is large enough to offer considerable resistance, the combat patrol is primarily to _Warn_, especially against flank attacks. Size varies widely because of looseness in definition, _e.g._, 100 men might be _covering detachment_ for a regiment, but a combat patrol for a brigade.
B. Principles:
1. Comparison of thin line versus thin column, regarding: (a) vulnerability, (b) fatigue, (c) tactical advantage, when engagement materializes, (e) control of movement and of fire.
2. Agent between advance and main body.
3. Attack any enemy of reasonable size that attacks main body.
4. Corn as concealment versus corn as obstruction to sight.
5. Vulnerability of charging cavalry.
6. Lieutenant as tactical chief, sergeant as disciplinarian, in a platoon; except when?
7. Messages concise, not ambiguous, written versus oral?
Repeats.
8. Limitations of use of map. Vegetation changes; errors in contouring.
Sixth Problem and Seventh Problem: Two Pickets:
A. Definition and Function.--Outpost contrasted with advance guard in that former is stationed around a camp or bivouac, while latter precedes a marching column. To check enemy attempting to attack main body, and hold him till larger force is able to deploy. Consists of outpost reserve, outpost line of supports, line of outguards (pickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts), plus sentinels, patrols, etc.
Picket ordinarily merely warns of an attack, but may offer resistance.
B. Principles:
1. Smooth posting of outpost very desirable; influence of delay on spirits of men, after day"s march.
2. Outpost support sends out pickets.
3. Picket sends out sentry squads, cossack posts, sentinels, etc.