Tactical Decision Game #97-5 Solution B
Tactical Decision Game Solution #97-5 B May 1997
Meeting at the 'Mounds'
The Platoon Commander
by Walter W. Grant
View a map of the solution
Reports Made
To CO: "We're in the Mounds area and are exchanging fire with an enemy force across the stream at coordinates 123456. I estimate they are at least platoon strength. This may be "the big one" you are looking for. We're probing them aggressively and will keep you informed."
Platoon Leader's Frag Order
"2d Squad, move up and relieve the 1st Squad in their positions. Protect the machineguns and cover the front and right flank. Be careful; part of the 1st Squad is moving around our left flank and the rest of the squad will be going up that way also. Pass the word to the machineguns.
"Fire Team Leaders, 1st Squad, when you are relieved by the 2d Squad, move out fast to the left and catch up with your squad leader. Tell him we need information on enemy strength and disposition. Also tell him we've seen some movement in that patch of woods this side of the stream. The enemy may already be trying to envelope our left flank. Be alert. I'll be here near the machineguns."
Additional Message
"3d Squad leader (by radio or runner): We need you. Get up here ASAP."
Rationale
Our aggressive 1st Squad leader is probing the enemy's flank, and he obviously could use the rest of his squad to either press the initiative or to extricate himself if he runs into serious opposition.
Depending on what I learn in the next few minutes and on what reinforcements arrive, I can plan our next action. I'm concerned also about our right flank and would like to send some troops down along the road. But at present, I don't want to split up my understrength platoon any further.
For more detailed information on the structure
of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and
symbols used in Tactical Decision Game sketches, see
Marine Corps Gazette, October 1994,
pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in the
January, 1995, edition on page 5.
