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"The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training"


To frame a suitable field order you must make an estimate of the
situation, culminating in a decision upon a definite plan of action. You
must then actually draft or word the orders which will carry your
decision into effect.

THE LOGICAL WAY TO ESTIMATE THE SITUATION

1st. Consider exactly what you are to do, i.e., your mission as set
forth in the orders or instructions under which you are acting or as
deduced by you from your knowledge of the situation.
2d. Consider all available information of the enemy. What is his
strength? How is he situated? What is he going to do? etc.
3d. Consider all conditions affecting your own troops. What advantages
in numbers and position have you over the enemy? What is their morale?
etc.
4th. Consider the terrain in so far as it affects the situation.
5th. Consider the various plans of action open to you and decide upon
the one that will best enable you to accomplish your mission (carry out
your task); that is to say, come to a decision.
It is now necessary to express that decision in the form of an order as
the quarterback did in giving the signal, 44--11--17--5.


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