“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 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 1 mile both above and below the bridge for fords suitable for infantry.  Messages will reach me here.  Return by 8 o’clock to-night.”

Sergeant B then inspects his 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 with 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 presents 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 beginning 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 find somewhat farther to their rear you see two more men moving along that rail fence.”

Sergeant B now does exactly as he would do in actual war.  How does he signal to his patrol?  Does he assemble his men?  If so, how and where?  Does he send a message back to camp; and if so, by whom, and is it written or verbal? (If written, Sergeant B actually writes it and delivers it to Private ——­, with the necessary instructions.  If verbal, it is actually given to Private ——­ with instructions.) Captain A must in this case make notes of what the message was.  In either case, Private ——­ ceases to be a member of the patrol and joins Captain A as an observer.  He should, however, at some later time be required to repeat his message to Captain A, on the assumption that he had reached camp with the same.  The message,