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CONFERENCE
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INTRODUCTION
The
Combat Reaction Course described in Section I is designed for men armed with the
rifle, bayonet, and grenade, but can be modified so as to test men armed with
the carbine. Similar courses may be devised for testing members of weapons platoons
of rifle companies, or members of heavy weapons companies. The
Test Course described in Section II is suitable, with only minor modification,
for use by all units in the infantry battalion.
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the
unit or group first oriented is running the course. Having completed the explanation
and demonstration, the instructor designates previously instructed noncommissioned
officers to act as assistant instructors, one noncommissioned officer for each
station. One additional man is detailed as the operator for each station. The
position assumed by each operator at the respective stations should not be too
obvious to the pupil. At each station, the noncommissioned officer assistant will
point out errors made by the pupil on the four points listed in paragraph c above,
as soon as the pupil's reaction to the situation is complete.
e.
In order to keep the maximum number of men busy, the unit or group may be subdivided
into two groups, one of which starts the course at Station I, while the other
starts at a midway station. (See also Section III.)
3.
EQUIPMENT.-Each rifleman should be equipped with a rifle, bayonet fixed, and two
dummy hand grenades. Each man armed with a carbine, running a modified course,
also should have two dummy grenades. Light packs may or may not be worn. The assistant
instructors may be provided with check sheets for grading each pupil on the four
points listed in paragraph 2c, above.
4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE.-The combat reaction course is constructed and operated
as follows:
Station 1.-a. Material required.-A medium size gunny sack filled
with shavings or other light material. (See figure 1.)
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figure 1
b. Method of operation.-One operator concealed along path of course to throw the gunny sack in front of the pupil.
(3)
Station
2.-a. Material required.-A bayonet dummy concealed behind a tree beside the path,
with a No. 10 can (containing a few rocks and with holes punched in bottom for
drainage in rainy weather) tied to the bottom of the dummy; about 10 or 15 yards
of cord should be tied to the bottom of the can. (See figure 2.)
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figure
2
b. Method of operation.-One
operator concealed nearby to pull the cord, thereby rattling rocks in the can.
Station
3.-a. Material required.-A dummy made from a gunny sack or an old unionall, filled
with shavings or other material, suspended by a wire from a tree limb over the
path (See figure 3.)
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figure3
b.
Method of operation.-One operator to hold a dummy concealed behind the tree until
the pupil is nearly abreast of the tree, when the dummy is allowed to swing out.
Station
4.-a. Material required.-A bayonet dummy, hinged to a post or tree. (See figure
4.)
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figure
4
b. Method of operation.-One operator to release the dummy as the pupil approaches.
Station
5.-a. Material required.-A log placed across a deep ditch or gulley. Tangled barbed
wire may be placed under the log if desired. (See figure 5.)
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figure
5
6. Method of operation.-One operator concealed in brush on the far bank of the ditch to represent the enemy, and to fire a blank round at the ground or otherwise simulate firing on the pupil as he nears the middle of the log. (See Note 1, below.) (Be sure the action is arrested before the man representing the enemy can be harmed.)
Station
6.-a. Material required.-Three prone silhouette targets on a hinged frame concealed
in a shallow trench (l1/2 feet deep), with a cord attached to raise targets. (See
figure 6.)
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figure
6
b. Method of operation.-One operator concealed about 15 feet to a flank to raise targets when the pupil is about 20 yards distant. Targets are exposed for just a moment. (Be sure the operator is placed so as not to be endangered by the dummy grenade.)
Station
7.-a. Material required.-A log fence 8 feet long and 4 feet high. (See figure
7.)
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figure
7
b. Method of operation.-One operator concealed about 50 yards away, to fire a blank round at the ground or otherwise simulate rifle fire as the pupil tops the fence.
Station 8.-a.
Material required. A shed, constructed out of logs or slabs. (See figure 8.)
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b. Method
of operation.-One operator runs from the shed and disappears. (If desired, a dummy
may be hung to swing out from the door if the pupil approaches the door. An additional
operator may be used to release this dummy.)
Station
9.-a. Material required.-A bayonet dummy near the path of the pupil with a cord
attached for moving it. A concealed sliding bayonet dummy on wire. (See figure
9.)
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b.
Method of operation.- (two operators.) One operator pulls the cord and thus moves
the prone dummy; as the pupil thrusts at the prone dummy, another operator releases
the sliding dummy.
Station
10.-a. Material required.-A bayonet dummy concealed in a shallow pit behind logs,
with a cord attached to cause the dummy to pop up. (See figure 10.)
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b. Method of operation.-One operator concealed near the dummy to operate it by
means of the cord.
NOTES:
1. If blank ammunition is lacking, it may be necessary to improvise means of representing
firing in order to make the course realistic. Any improvised means which actually
produces the noise desired is suitable. Examples for operators are: two 1"
x 3" x 18" boards, joined by a hinge, give a fair representation of
rifle fire when clapped together; cap pistols with large caps may be used. Also
the pupil can be instructed to shout the instant he squeezes the trigger of his
rifle, in order to indicate to the assistant instructor that he has fired,
2.
The above outline of material, and the use of operators, is given only as a guide
for the construction and operation of a combat reaction course. Many situations
can be developed for testing the reaction of the individual soldier when he is
suddenly confronted with the unexpected, along his route of advance.
3.
Personnel for operating the combat reaction course (one previously instructed
noncommissioned officer and one previously rehearsed private at each station)
may not be readily available. In such case the following procedure is suggested:
To
have one previously instructed noncommissioned officer and one operator assigned
to each two stations, thereby reducing by fifty per cent the number of men required
to operate the course. In this method the noncommissioned officer (assistant instructor)
and the private (who is to operate the apparatus) precede the pupil to Station
1. After the pupil has performed the desired action at Station 1, and while the
noncommissione'd officer is checking, criticizing, and scoring the performance,
the private moves to Station 2, where he takes a suitable position, prepared to
operate the apparatus upon the arrival of the pupil. The noncommissioned officer
and pupil then proceed to Station 2 After the pupil has cleared Station 2, the
noncommissioned officer and operator return to Station 1 and there await the arrival
of the next pupil. Thus a pair, consisting of one noncommissioned officer and
an operator, controls and operates each two stations.
5.
PURPOSE.-The purpose of the Test Course of Basic and Tactical Training is to test
the soldier in his knowledge of individual training, and to bring to light any
deficiencies in that training so that corrective measures may be taken.
6.
PREPARATION.-Prior to the time a unit is to be tested, the unit commander should
put a sufficient number of noncommissioned officers and selected privates through
the course to provide an assistant instructor for each station. If this is not
feasible, the coach-and-pupil method may be used. When the coach-and-pupil method
is used, the group being tested is divided into pairs of coach and pupil. Each
pair is then assigned a test course to go over.
7.
CONDUCT OF TEST.-a. The test is conducted by having an individual (or a pair-coach
and pupil) go over a staked out course of 8 to 20 stations (each station marked
by a numbered stake). At each station along the course the pupil is given a situation
to solve, by an assistant instructor posted at the station, or by the coach. Each
situation pertains to a phase of individual training. After a solution is demonstrated
by the pupil, the assistant instructor (or the coach) then gives the correct solution
and the individual (or pair) moves on to the next station along the course where
similar action is taken for the next situation. An improvised form of score card
should be kept by the assistant instructor at each station for by the coach for
all stations he grades) on which the name of the pupil (s) and the proficiency
attained is entered. (Assistant instructors may be required to have the pupil,
after he is graded and is given the correct solution or other explanation, repeat,
for purposes of instruction, any test incorrectly performed.) When the coach-and-pupil
method is used, men may be instructed to change over, after one-half of the course
is completed.
b. The
example given below shows how a series of tests can be made up to provide a test
course comprising eight stations. These tests preferably should be conducted by
assistant instructors, one at each station. However, the coach-and-pupil method
can be used if closely supervised by one or more instructors.
| 1
You have one minute to conceal yourself near this bush and observe to the front.
| Conceals
himself, observing through bush. If he cannot see through the bush, he should
observe from its rightto observe. (Assistant instructor, or coach, checks for
field of vision and correct concealment.)
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| 2
Set compass (prismatic or lensatic) for a night march on 178 degrees magnetic azimuth. | When the 178 degrees graduation is in line with eyepiece(or rear sight)and etched line on cover, the luminous line on the glass face should coincide with the luminous arrow.
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3 Using watch and sun method, determine which one of two colored flags is north of the numbered stake. Watch is set at local standard time.
| Blue flag (or whichever flag is correct). |
(Note: In determining direction by means of the watch and sun method, care must be taken to set the watch at local standard time, not war time.)
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4 Here is an intrenching shovel. You are exposed to enemy fire from the front. Dig yourself in from a prone position.
| Pupil should lie on left side with left foot forward; start trench, throwing dirt to front to form parapet. (When the pupil has demonstrated his ability, terminate the test.)
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| 5 You are the point of a reconnaissance patrol which is moving along that line of stakes. I am your patrol leader. When I say, "Start," move forward. - While you are moving forward, I will tell you that an enemy has appeared to your front (left flank) (rear). | 1.
Drops to a concealed position. 2. Signals to patrol leader-"Enemy in sight" as follows- a. Rolls on back. 6. Holds rifle horizontally above ground as far as arms will extend. 3. Then keeps enemy, or the dangerous locality, under observation until arrival of the patrol leader. |
| 6 Orient your map. (Assistant instructor, or coach, gives the pupil a map and a compass.) | Pupil places map on ground and places sighting line of compass on the magnetic north indicator of map, rotating map until luminous arrow of compass rests at 0 degrees and coincides with magnetic north indicator on map.
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| 7 Find the best cover from the front within 20 yards. I will give you ten seconds. Ready -Go! | Assistant instructor, or coach, counts ten and checks pupil. Pupil should take COVERED, not CONCEALED, position.
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| 8 You are the leader of a reconnaissance patrol moving in the direction of the line of stakes. I will take the position of the left (right) flank man near the crest of that hill to your left (right) Hank. When I have signalled "Enemy in sight," demonstrate your action. | Pupil, acting as patrol leader, moves to left (right) flank man and takes prone position beside him, observing left (right) flank. Advantage is taken of all available cover and concealment, both while moving and in taking position from which to observe. |
c.
Many other phases of individual training can be introduced, such as crossing a
dangerous area under simulated artillery or machine-gun fire; climbing a tree
to take up a position as a sniper; the use of arm-and-hand signals; selecting
a route for a reconnaissance scout; and such others as available terrain permits
and the ingenuity of the instructor can devise. See figure 11.
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d.
Another illustration of drawing up situations and solutions, particularly applicable
to the coach-and-pupil method, is as follows: Note: In scoring this test course,
coaches may be instructed to enter each man's name on a score sheet, list all
stations by stake number, and indicate the proficiency attained at each station,
prior to corrections by the coach, by the following symbols:
V Correct;
/
Partially correct;
X Incorrect
| Stake no. | Instructions given pupil by the coach | Solution |
| 1 | Assume a prone position within 10 yards of this stake with good observation to the front and flanks.-You have one minute to search this area.-At the end of one minute, tell me how many silhouette targets you find. | 1.
Looks first at ground and the trees nearest him. 2. Searches a narrow strip from right to left, including more distant trees. 3. Searches a second strip from left to right, farther away but overlapping the first strip. 4. Continues procedure until entire field of view is covered. 5. Locates silhouette target (in tree { to--.-----.-. (direction)). |
| 2 | (Blindfold Pupil)-It is night.-You are near the enemy.-Demonstrate how to walk at night by moving ten yards in the direction I now face you.- (Coach faces pupil in direction he is to walk.)-Go ahead. | 1.
Raises foot well above any grass or weeds before carrying it forward. 2. Lowers heel first. 3. Puts ball of foot down slowly and quietly. |
| 3 | See that hill? (pointing to right or left flank).-Now take a prone position.-Rush 15 to 20 yards and take a prone firing position to deliver fire on that hill. | 1.
Slowly raises head in order to ! select next position. 2. Slowly lowers head. 3. Draws in arms until hands are opposite head, elbows down. 4. Raises body quickly by straightening arms and jumps off. 5. Runs forward in a crouched position (affords low silhouette). 6. Drops to both knees, sliding right hand to butt of rifle; at the same time places rifle on ground. 7. Assumes firing position. |
| 4 | (Blindfold
pupil in front of wire.) It is night. You are near the enemy.-You are to walk over wire.-I will guide you to the point where you will start to cross the wire. | 1.
Feels carefully for first strand with one hand. (Does not shake or jerk wire.) 2. With the other hand feels for a clear spot where he can place his foot without stepping on the other strands or objects apt to make a noise. 3. Lifts the other foot over wire, close to the hand which grasps the first strand. 4. Carries rifle slung, or pulls it through along the ground, being sure not to get dirt in the muzzle. |
| 5 | (Place pupil in a prone position five yards from a trench.) That trench represents a part of a continuous enemy trench.-The enemy may be occupying it.- Demonstrate how you will cross the trench. | 1.
Crawls, or creeps, up to the trench and looks in. 2. Removes all loose dirt and rocks from the edge. 3. Springs up and leaps across trench, landing on one foot with the other foot held to rear to catch himself in case he misses edge of trench. 4. On other side, drops noiselessly to ground. 5. Lies motionless and listens before proceeding. |
| 6 | Camouflage this helmet with whatever vegetation you can find at hand. (Helmet is provided with a strand of wire fastened loosely around base of crown.) | 1.
Places one end of vegetation in wire on outside of helmet. 2. Draws vegetation across top of helmet and under wire on other side. 3. Assures that top side of leaves are up. 4. Has no plumes sticking up that will wave when head is moved. (After problem, remove camouflage.) |
| 7 | The enemy may be on the other side of that crest to your front (right flank) (left flank). When I say, "Start," move forward. Ready? Start. | 1.
Walks, crouched, toward crest; drops to the ground when he reaches a point where
he is apt to be seen. 2. Creeps or crawls remainder of distance to crest. 3. Takes concealed position for observation. |
| 8 | You
have uncontrollable desire to: a. Cough. b. Sneeze. | a.
Pupil presses against Adams apple. b. Pupil presses upward on nostrils. |
| 9 | Take a prone position.-You have ten seconds to run about 20 yards and conceal yourself from me.-I will keep my eyes closed for ten seconds.-Are you ready?- Go! | 1. No part of pupil can be seen. |
| 10 | Creep ten yards | 1.Rests
body on- a Lower legs with knees in rear of buttocks. b Elbows. c Forearms. 2.Rifle is cradled in arms or carried in hands. 3. Drags body forward by alternately pulling with either arm being sure to keep knees in rear of buttocks. |
| 11 | Crawl
ten yards | 1.
Body and legs flat on the ground. 2. Rifle in right hand. 3. Draw up either leg and push body forward, pulling up with hands. |
| 12 | (Wire is strung between two tall pickets; pupil is blindfolded.) Crawl under barbed wire. | 1.
Pupil lies on back. 2. Feels for wire and raises it over his head. 3. Edges himself forward at same time. 4. Guards against fouling muzzle of his rifle with dirt. 5. WIRE SHOULD NOT BE SHAKEN OR JERKED. |
8.
EQUIPMENT.-Each individual undergoing the test should be equipped with a rifle
with bayonet fixed, or with a carbine. Light packs may or may not be worn. Equipment
required at each station of the individual test course will be that needed for
the particular test. For example: at a station requiring orienting a map, compass
and map; at a station requiring the pupil to dig in, an intrenching shovel; at
a station requiring direction by the watch and sun method, a watch and two colored
flags; and so on.
9.
TERRAIN.-a. The terrain should contain streams, hills, gullies, and wooded areas.
The course should be laid out in such a manner as to take advantage of all natural
features which will aid in presenting the specific situations at the various stations.
b. As many courses as are desired, and as the terrain will permit, can be staked out. The courses should be about 20 yards apart to prevent assistant instructors (or coaches) and pupils from interfering with each other, and to prevent pupils from getting on the wrong course. The stakes marking the stations and direction of the course should be lettered with the course designation, such as A, B, C, etc., and numbered consecutively throughout. The stations may be placed from 20 to 35 yards apart along the course in order to take advantage of natural terrain features.
10.
COMBINED TESTS.-a. Figure 3 shows a schematic layout consisting of two combat
reaction courses (lettered A and B-see paragraph 2) and six test courses of basic
and tactical training (lettered I, J, K, L, M, and N-see paragraph 7). Combat
reaction courses A and B may be constructed so as to provide different situations
within each area, or they may be constructed alike. All test courses of basic
and tactical training will contain the same tests, but the tests may be arranged
in a different order or sequence in order to take advantage of natural features
afforded by the terrain. If available terrain permits the various courses to be
arranged as shown in figure 3, a large number of men may be tested concurrently.
b.
A suggested division of personnel to be tested is as follows: Assume a unit or
group of 100 men is to be tested on a terrain layout similar to that shown in
figure 3. Divide the unit or group into two groups of 50 men each; send one group
to the combat reaction course marked "A" and the other group to the
combat reaction course marked "B." Further divide each group, upon arrival
at combat reaction courses A and B, into sections of 24 and 26 men, respectively.
Assign each 24-man section to tests on the combat reaction course, and each 26-man
section to tests on individual test courses. The 26-man section from combat reaction
course A would use courses L, M, and N (8 men might be assigned to courses L.
and M, respectively, and 10 men to course N). The 26-man section from combat reaction
course B would use courses I, J, and K (10 men might be assigned to course I,
and 8 men to courses J and K, respectively). Upon the arrival of all men at the
last station on the respective test courses, they would be reported to the instructor
in charge of the nearest combat reaction course and then be required to complete
that course. Also, when the men of each 24-man section complete the respective
combat reaction courses, they in turn should be assigned to individual test courses.
c.
The method of testing outlined above assures a minimum of lost time and insures
keeping a maximum number of men engaged at all times. The two groups of 50 men
each should finish the respective courses at approximately the same time.
d.
Availability of suitable terrain is the only limitation as to the number of the
courses that can be constructed. Twice the number of men could be tested by adding
combat reaction courses "C" and "D" and six additional individual
test courses to the layout shown in figure 12.
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last revision