MANUAI FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 207 



Example 4: 



" Sergeant B, here is a map of the country in this vicinity 

 on a scale of 1 inch to the mile. Here is where we are camped 

 [indicating position on the map], I have just learned that 

 foraging parties of the enemy are collecting supplies over here 

 at X [indicating point on map], which is 10 miles off in that 

 direction [pointing across country toward X]. It is reported 

 that this bridge over this stream [indicating same on the 

 map], which is about 3 miles down this road [indicating road 

 and direction on the ground], has been destroyed. You will 

 take three men from your platoon and verify this report. You 

 will also reconnoiter the- stream for a distance of 3 miles both 

 above and below the bridge for fords suitable for infantry. 

 JMessages will reach me here. Return by 8 o'clock to-night." 



Sergeant B then inspects his horses and men and gives them 

 their instructions. The patrol is then formed and moves out 

 exactly as it would under actual war conditions. 



Captain A may halt (and assemble if desirable) the patrol 

 at intervals in order to discuss the formation used and the 

 movement of any members of the patrol, their route, use of 

 cover, etc., with the reasons therefor, and compare the same 

 w^ith suggested modifications of the formations, etc. After the 

 discussion, the patrol is again set in motion. Captain A may 

 accompany any part of the patrol. From time to time he pre- 

 sents certain situations to some member of the patrol, being 

 very careful to assume only such situations as might naturally 

 occur. 



Thus, take Example 1 : 



Captain A is with Sergeant B, who, with Private C, is 

 marching along the road as the point of the patrol. The other 

 members of the patrol are distributed to suit the nature of 

 the country over which the patrol is marching. The point has 

 just reached a ridge beyond which the country is open and 

 cultivated for about half a mile. Beyond this the road enters 

 a woods. Captain A now says : " Sergeant B, from this point 

 you see two soldiers in khaki on the road there at the begin- 

 ning of that cornfield about 200 yards from the woods [points 

 out same]. They are moving in this direction. About 200 

 yards to the right of these and somewhat farther to their rear 

 you see two more men moving along that rail fence." 



