Document text
—
_2^
CHECK LIST
FOR
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD
MANUAL
THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF SCHOOL PRESS
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
1935
CHECK LIST
FOR STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL
Section I
DIVISIONS
1. General.
a. How, in general, is information disseminated
throughout the Command Group so that all Staff Sections
know what the others are doing and planning?
b. Is the Command Group properly organized for work
to be transacted without confusion and delay?
c. Does the General Staff understand that it is the co-
ordinating agency and the special staff is the operating
agency in the Command Group?
2. Commanding General.
a. Is he utilizing his staff to the best advantage?
b. Does he require them to plan ahead to meet expected
situations?
c. Does he personally supervise the execution of orders
by subordinates? Or, does he accomplish this through
staff officers?
d. Does he look and plan ahead?
e. Is the Staff utilized as a team?
/. Does he take them into his full confidence?
g. Is he thoroughly familiar with the situation imme-
diately confronting him?
h. Does he keep his mind clear of minor details and
reserve his energy for major decisions, or is he attempting
to run the details of the organization personally?
i. Does he issue instructions to assistant chiefs of staff
in person, or through the chief of staff?
/. Does he make all basic decisions?
&. Is his staff so organized that it can function during
his temporary absence?
3. Chief of Staff.
a. Does he keep the Commanding General informed of
all important events?
b. What measures are taken by him to coordinate the
work of all General Staff divisions?
2 CHECK LIST
c. Does he hold conferences to check and supervise all
activities of the General Staff divisions?
d. What steps does he take to insure that higher head-
quarters is kept informed of plans, results of operations,
strength, losses, etc.?
e. Is he fully informed of the status of all staff ac-
tions ?
/. Does he make necessary decisions supplementary to
the basic decision without reference to the Commanding
General ?
g. Does he unduly obstruct his assistants by detailed
instructions, or by detailed inquiry into the minutiae of their
plans and operations?
In. Does he organize his time and subordinates so that
he can maintain his mind and body in proper physical condi-
tion for clear thinking, and action?
i. Is he habitually at the command post during the ab-
sence of the Commanding General?
/. Does he check to see that staff visits are made in the
manner prescribed in Staff Officers' Field Manual?
k. Has he the means of quickly preparing an estimate
of the situation when called for by the Commander?
I. What measures are taken to see that subordinate
commanders have sufficient time to prepare their plans after
receipt of commander's plans?
4. G-l.
a. Does he keep a situation map?
b. Are the installations properly located thereon?
c. What replacement system is in vogue?
d. How does it operate?
e. What is the status of the division in regard to re-
placements ?
/. Do organizations receive replacements when and
where needed?
g. Does G-l keep a chart of replacements up to date?
h. What are the instructions relative to previous ser-
vice men?
i. What arrangements for refitting men after treat-
ment in hospital?
j. How do they again reach the front?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 3
k. Does he understand his duty in regard to adminis-
tration of civil government in occupied territory?
I. What steps are being taken in the matter of pro-
motions, rewards, and decorations?
m. What are the arrangements for handling prisoners
of war in connection with the Provost Marshal?
n. Where are prisoners of war installations located?
o. What arrangements have been made with G-2 for
interrogation of prisoners of war?
p. What periodic reports are required of losses in per-
sonnel in subordinate units?
q. What means are employed to assure the administra-
tion of discipline in a uniform manner within the regiments?
r. What measures are taken to stimulate morale?
s. How are refugees handled?
t. What instructions have been given in regard to the
welfare agencies?
u. Does situation map show location of welfare activi-
ties?
v. Is the journal being kept properly and up to date?
5. G-2.
a. Does G-2 keep an enemy situation map?
b. Is it correct and workable?
c. Is he prepared to make an estimate of the enemy
capabilities at all times for the use of the Commander in
making his decisions?
d. What reconnaissances (air and ground) are being
asked for?
e. Is the information received being promptly evaluated
and furnished to the Commanding General, Chief of Staff,
and interested divisions of the General Staff?
/. How often and when are G-2 reports submitted by
subordinate units?
g. Are frequent summaries submitted to higher head-
quarters?
h. Does G-2 understand that information to be of value
must be sent down to subordinate units as well as up to
higher units?
i. Is this being done?
j. Does the air officer work constantly with G-2?
k. Have any codes and ciphers been prescribed?
4 CHECK LIST
I. What instructions have been issued relative censor-
ship, propaganda, and press relations?
m. What arrangements are made for timely prepara-
tion and distribution of enemy situation maps to subordinate
and higher units ?
n. How long will it take to prepare and issue the ene-
my situation map at this particular time?
0. What counter-espionage measures are taken?
p. What measures are taken to prevent civilian popula-
tion from communcating with the enemy?
q. Is the journal being kept up to date properly?
6. G-3.
a. Is the situation map being kept properly and up to
date?
b. Is there an order-of -battle map or chart posted up
to date?
c. Is the situation map correct as to the disposition of
our own troops?
d. Are the records of major events kept up to date suffi-
ciently to enable G-3 to prepare a prompt narrative report
of operations at any time it may be required by the Com-
manding General?
e. Is he thoroughly familiar with the situation on his
own division front in regard to our troops and those of the
adjacent divisions?
/. Is he familiar with the location, condition and morale
of all reserves, artillery, aviation, communication and sup-
plies ?
g. Is he thoroughly familiar with the enemy situation
on the Corps front and on his immediate front?
h. What measures are being taken for security, recon-
naissance, and observation? Liaison?
i. Is his office properly organized to permit proper
functioning, or is he so engrossed in the minutiae of details
that he has lost his perspective ?
j. What future operations are being planned?
k. Are alternate plans being made to meet possible fu-
ture contingencies?
1. Are operations requirements being properly coordi-
nated with supply requirements?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 5
m. Are needs of additional troops that may be required
foreseen and provided for?
n. Has he indicated priorities in his assignments for all
troop movements. Have they been coordinated with G-4?
o. Do they interfere with proper supply?
p. What arrangements for personal reconnaissance?
q. Are the frontages commensurate with the number of
troops engaged?
r. Is G-3 supervising and verifying the execution of
orders ?
s. What means of communication are available at this
time?
t. Is intimate contact maintained between G-3 and the
other Staff Sections ?
u. Have all essential matters been covered in the plan
of Signal Communication?
v. Does the detailed plan of action indicate HOW,
WHEN and WHERE each particular mission will be execu-
ted?
w. Do the orders show (in defense) outpost MLR, BRL,
RRL, Boundaries, Reserves, Scheme of Defense; (in attack)
Zones of Action, Line of Departure, Boundaries, Time of
Attack, Scheme of maneuver?
x. Is the G-3 journal properly kept and up to date?
y. How long would it take to prepare an overlay of the
situation of our troops on this front?
z. Do the plans embody the proper employment and
cooperation of all tactical units?
aa. Is proper contact being maintained with adjacent
and higher units ?
bb. Is the diary being properly kept?
be. Does G-3 know the difference between an operation
and situation map?
dd. Are operations maps being utilized as annexes to
division orders?
ee. Has he a chart showing schemes of defensive fires
of machine guns and weapons of the cannon companies of
the division?
7. G-4.
a. What is the plan of supply in the case of interruption
in the present system?
v
6 CHECK LIST
b. Has G-4 any alternate plan?
c. What plans are being made for change in the supply
system as the tactical system changes?
d. Have railheads and refilling points been designated ?
e. Are any special provisions necessary for water sup-
ply?
/. Are there any unusual features in the supply sys-
tem?
g. Does G-4 keep the special staff informed of the tac-
tical situation?
h. Is the transportation available for the present or
projected operations sufficient?
i. In case of an acute shortage in the transportation,
are plans prepared for pooling transportation?
j. Are truck and rail troop movements feasible from
the viewpoint of availability of means?
k. Are they interfering with proper supply?
I. Has G-4 estimated the time required for the move-
ments ordered?
m. What is the tonnage of supplies being moved or
ordered?
n. Are facilities sufficient at railheads to accommodate
trains ?
o. Is material available and measures being taken to
provide for repair and maintenance of roads and railroads?
p. Are ammunition expenditure reports required from
subordinate units. If so, when?
q. Are they closely scrutinized to prevent any shortage ?
r. Where there is a shortage of any commodity, what
steps are being taken to conserve the supply ?
s. How are replacements made?
t. Are evacuation and hospital facilities adequate?
u. Is the G-4 journal properly kept and up to date?
v. Does he keep a map showing supply installations?
w. What maps, if any, are furnished lower echelons?
x. Are reports required from combat units on captured
material ?
y. Does G-4 render any such reports to higher head-
quarters ?
z. What has been ordered with regard to burial and
salvage ?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 7
aa. How does G-4 keep in touch with the status of sup-
ply in the hands of troops ?
bb. What reports are required from subordinate units
relative thereto, and when are they made ?
cc. Does G-4 work in close liaison with other members
of the staff?
dd. In preparing plans, do G-2 and G-3 keep in close
liaison with each other as to the feasibility of the plan from
the supply standpoint?
ee. Are labor troops being utilized to the best advantage
of all concerned?
//. Is he in close touch with construction of all kinds,
including maintenance of roads and bridges?
gg. Is his circulation map, if one be necessary, proper-
ly prepared and distributed?
hh. Is he coordinating the transportation available in
the division to the best advantage?
it. Is he thoroughly familiar with the preparation of
administrative plans and orders?
jj. What check is being made on the handling of funds?
kk. Does G-4 operate, or does he supervise and coordi-
nate?
SPECIAL STAFF
8. Adjutant.
Station lists; report on captured material; report on
prisoners of war; data on replacements; promotion and
decorations; classification of personnel; leaves and fur-
loughs; casualties report; returns; strength reports; per-
sonnel supply; postal service; where is mail distributed
and how?
9. Inspector.
What functions has he ? Inspections other than tactical ?
Investigations?
10. Judge Advocate.
Claims; courts-martial; administration of civilians.
11. Chaplain.
a. Has he visited the division hospital?
8 CHECK LIST
b. Is he superintending subordinate chaplains with re-
gard to burials? Last rites? Correspondence with fami-
lies of the deceased and disabled soldiers?
c. What is he doing for the special welfare of the
troops ?
d. What are his relations with G-l in connection with
Red Cross and other welfare activities?
12. Headquarters, Commandant and Provost Marshal
(CO. Special Troops).
a. What disposition has been made of military police?
b. What is the scheme of traffic control?
c. What is the scheme for internal administration of
DHQ ? including orderlies, mounts, days for work, messages,
guards, officers' messes, casualties, headquarters property
and transportation?
13. Tank Commander.
a. Where is his tank company bivouacked? What is
the scheme of employment of his tanks at this time?
b. Do his orders contemplate rallying points in the ad-
vance ?
c. How many tanks are employed ?
d. How many in reserve?
e. How many tanks are serviceable?
/. What arrangements are in force for maintenance?
14. Chief of Artillery and His Staff.
a. What is the scheme of organization of his office?
b. Has he a situation map?
c. What means for issuing ordres?
d. What means for producing overlays?
e. Is the maximum use made of overlays to show in-
formation graphically rather than in bulky field orders?
/. Is he in close liaison with G-3?
g. Are his subordinates in the S-3 section keeping
close touch with the front held by the Infantry?
h. Has he a list showing current missions for all bat-
teries of the Brigade?
i. Does his map show the position of each regiment,
battalion and battery?
j. Has he a chart showing the possibilities of fire of
the guns of his brigade?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 9
k. Are there any sections of the division front that he
is unable to reach with the guns of his brigade?
I. Can he fire into zones of action of adjacent divisions?
If so, how far? Laterally and in depth?
m. What defensive fires has he prepared for the pro-
tection of the front-line Infantry? Are these indicated on
a map?
n. Is there an established system for calling down de-
fensive concentrations? If so, what are they?
o. Is the Artillery coordinated with machine gun and
howitzer fire of the Infantry ?
p. Is the Artillery information service report being
properly kept?
q. Is any use being made of Corps balloons and aviation
for the adjustment of fire?
r. Locations and routes of approach to batteries for
battalion combat trains.
s. How much ammunition is at the guns? In the bat-
talion combat trains and the Artillery Brigade ammunition
trains?
t. Where is the artillery ammunition distributing point?
u. Are field trains spotted on the S-4 map ?
v. How many days rations and forage are within the
artillery brigade at this time?
w. When and where do the artillery regiments draw
Class I supplies?
x. Have any map studies been made with regard to
forward and rearward displacements?
y. Has S-3 a chart showing artillery support furnished
by the Corps Artillery on this division front?
z. What orders for alternative positions, C.P.'s, O.P.'s,
bivouacs, gas and camouflage? What orders covering Plan
of Ammunition Supply, kinds and amounts of ammunition,
fuzes, etc., in each echelon?
15. Chemical Warfare Officer.
a. Is he familiar with the location of the Chemical
Warfare supply depots?
b. The means of distributing and maintaining gas, of-
fensive and defensive supplies and equipment?
c. Is he familiar with the different types of gas, per-
sistent and non-persistent; screening smokes?
d. Is he working in close liaison with G-3 section?
10 CHECK LIST
e. Is there a Chemical Warfare annex to the division
order ?
/. What areas on the front of the division are being
gassed ?
g. What troops and weapons are being used for this
purpose?
h. How much chemical ammunition and what kind are
available, and where?
16. Air Officer.
a. What calls have been made on the Corps for Air
Corps assistance?
b. Have command planes been called for and utilized?
c. Is there a Division landing field for use of Corps
planes? If so, where?
d. Where is the Division dropping ground?
e. What measures would the Air Officer take to have
the front line marked by infantry and observed by air-
planes ?
/. Are there any orders covering this?
g. Is the Air Officer in close touch with G-3 and Chief
of Artillery?
17. Signal Officer.
a. Has he a line route map? Circuit diagram?
b. Is the message center functioning properly?
c. Are the telephone lines being used to send routine
reports ?
d. How long does it take a message to get through the
message center, in and out?
e. How is the Division Signal Company disposed?
/. Where are Signal supplies for the Division obtained ?
"g. Where do subordinate units get their Signal sup-
plies ?
18. Engineer Officer.
a. What supplies are distributed to subordinate units?
b. Where are Engineer supplies obtained for the Divi-
sion? .
c. What arrangements for the preparation of maps?
d. How is the Combat Engineer Regiment being em-
ployed ?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 11
e. Is there a scheme for the organization of ground?
Location of limiting points?
/. Is he making a study of the ground with a view to
possible future requirements for an advance? For retire-
ment?
g. What Engineer supplies, if any, are available for
this division at the Corps dump or distributing points?
h. Is he familiar with the water supply, electric light
and power available in this division area?
i. What intrenching equipment is available for distri-
bution of the Infantry?
/. What disposition is made of the attached separate
battalion?
k. Has a reconnaissance been made of the division
area? Does it cover roads, bridges, defensive position, loca-
tion of gravel pits and other Engineer material?
I. Has a plan of road circulation been recommended to
G-4?
19. Surgeon.
a. Where are the collecting stations?
b. Are they spotted on the map? Hospital stations?
c. How are animals evacuated?
d. Is the hospital station properly located with regard
to distance from the front line, shelter, water, routes of
approach?
e. Are collecting stations properly located with regard
to line of drift, shelter, water, ambulance routes ?
/. Are the facilities of the division medical regiment
sufficient to care for expected casualties?
g. If not, has request been made through G-4 on the
Corps for additional facilities?
h. Are empty trucks returning from the front being
utilized in cooperation with G-4 and other activities for the
evacuation of the wounded and gassed cases?
i. What orders have been issued for protection of the
command against infected water (boiling and chlorination) ?
/. Where does the division obtain its medical supplies?
k. How are subordinate units supplied?
I. What sanitary inspections are required?
m. Does he know how to obtain medical replacements?
n. Are the Army and Corps Surgeons informed
promptly of any change in the CP of the Medical Regiment?
12 CHECK LIST
o. What provisions are made for daily reports of cas-
ualties, especially reports covering cases to be evacuated
from division hospitals?
20. Ordnance Officer,
a. Has he selected, and recommended to G-4, the de-
sired sites for small-arms ammunition distributing points?
b. Has he arranged with the division quartermaster
for motor (or animal) transport for stocking these dis-
tributing points and labor for operating them?
c. Has he, through G-4, arranged for the proper sub-
mission of small-arms ammunition expenditure reports?
d. In the case of a division operating independently,
has he, after consultation with the artillery commander,
made arrangements for the delivery of both small arms and
artillery ammunition at a refilling point?
e. Has he selected, and recommended to G-4, a site for
the Ordnance Company (maintenance) ? Is this train re-
leased or still under division control?
/. Has he made plans for carrying maintenance ser-
vice to the troops by means of detachments of the Ordnance
Company (maintenance) sent forward to the vicinity of
ammunition distributing points or other convenient loca-
tions?
g. Has he arranged for small-arms ammunition sup-
ply and maintenance service to attached units?
h. Is he familiar with the tactical plan of operations?
Do his plans provide for possible changes in this plan and
for interruptions in the normal chain of supply?
21. Quartermaster.
a. What is the general tactical plan for the operations
contemplated ?
b. Where is the rear echelon of division headquarters?
c. Where is the railhead, when does it open, and at
what time does the daily train arrive?
d. Is there a railhead reserve of Class I supplies?
e. What is the status of Class I supply within the divi-
sion? Has the daily telegram been sent?
/. What kind of ration is to be distributed to the troops,
where is it obtained, when, where and how is it to be de-
livered to units, and is hay included? Is gasoline and oil
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 13
obtained at railhead for Class I supplies or at a corps or
army Gasoline and Oil Railhead?
g. What attachment is made of units for Class I sup-
ply?
h. Where is the refilling point for Quartermaster Class
II, III and IV supplies?
i. How do organizations receive their requirement of
Quartermaster Class II, III and IV supplies?
j. What provision has been made for 3.d echelon motor
maintenance ?
k. How and where do units secure animal replace-
ments ?
I. Has a Headquarters Garage been established, where,
and by what unit?
m. What provisions have been made for quartering,
and for the settlement of claims?
n. What provision has been made for handling sal-
vage
o. Has a cemetery been located?
p. Who is handling the collection of the dead, and bur-
ial?
q. Did the quartermaster recommend to G-4, locations
for field train bivouacs? Where are they located?
r. Where are the headquarters of the Quartermaster
Regiment and bivouacs of all quartermaster units?
s. Is the quartermaster regiment under division con-
trol or released?
t Where is the main supply road?
u. Are there any traffic restrictions in the area?
v. Where is the ammunition refilling point and am-
munition distributing points?
w. What quartermaster motor transportation is being
used, or will be required for tactical purposes ?
x. What is the plan for the employment of the organic
and attached quartermaster units?
y. Does the quartermaster cooperate with other Spe-
cial Staff Officers to effect coordination of the plans of the
several services?
z. Has the quartermaster alternate plans for the opera-
tion of his service in case of interruption of the present
plan, or changes in the tactical situation?
14 CHECK LIST
22. Finance Officer.
a. Does he understand his functions in the payment
of troops ?
b. How are the troops paid, and when?
c. What other disbursement does he make?
d. Is he familiar with the auditing of property ac-
counts ?
Section II
BRIGADES— Infantry
1. General.
a. Is the headquarters properly organized for work to
be transacted without confusion or delay?
b. Does the staff understand its functions and relation
to the division subordinate units?
2. Brigade Commander.
a. Is he utilizing his staff to the best advantage?
b. Does he require the staff to plan ahead to meet ex-
pected situations?
c. Does he make all major decisions?
d. Does he keep his executive informed of his intentions
so that the latter can intelligently direct the work of the
staff?
e. Is the staff utilized as a team?
/. Is he thoroughly familiar with the situation on his
immediate front and on the adjacent fronts?
g. Does he make any personal reconnaissance?
h. Has he visited front-line units?
i. Does he hold any conferences with regimental com-
manders ?
j. Does he attempt to handle all details, or does he
utilize his staff for all routine matters and reserve his en-
ergy for major decisions?
3. Executive.
a. Does he keep the Brigade Commander informed of
all important events ?
b. What measures does he take to coordinate the work
of all staff sections?
c. Does he keep higher and lower units thoroughly in-
formed of plans?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 15
d. Is he fully informed of the action taken by all staff
sections?
e. Does he organize his time and that of his subordi-
nates so that he can maintain his body and mind in proper
condition for clear thinking and action?
/. Does he make any personal reconnaissance?
g. Is he familiar with troop dispositions on his own
front and that of adjacent units?
h. What measures is he taking to maintain liaison
with subordinate, higher, and adjacent units?
i. Has he arranged to be present at the command post
when the brigade commander is absent?
4. S-l, S-2, S-3, S-4, and Communications Officer.*
a. Is a combined situation map being kept, showing
our own and the enemy situation?
b. Is a journal of operations being properly kept? A
diary?
c. Is there a scheme of defensive fires? If so, is it
coordinated with the artillery supporting the brigade and
with adjacent units?
d. Does the situation map show location of zones of
action, boundaries, line of departure, command posts, in-
telligence observation points, axes of signal communication,
aid stations, location of combat trains, munitions distribut-
ing points, field trains, (and in case of defense) organiza-
tion of the ground and security measures; (in case of at-
tack) scheme of maneuver; (in case of defense) scheme of
defense?
e. Are the frontages held commensurate with the num-
ber of troops disposed thereon?
/. What arrangements have been made for communi-
cation with subordinate units?
Section III
REGIMENTS— Infantry
1. General.
a. Is the command post properly organized to function
without confusion or delay?
♦Where more than one officer is assigned to these duties, the
questions included under G-l, G-2, G-3, and G-4 of the Division (pages
2-7, 10) will be used in so far as they apply to a unit of this size
16 CHECK LIST
b. Is it properly located with regard to position of front
line, as to distance, cover, communicating roads or trails?
2. Regimental Commander.
a. Is the staff organized as a team?
b. Is he thoroughly familiar with his own troop dis-
positions and the enemy situation on his front?
c. What personal reconnaissance does he make?
d. Is he in close touch with his battalion commanders
and brigade commander?
e. What liaison has he with supporting artillery?
/. Does he make all major decisions?
g. Does he utilize his staff to the best advantage, or
attempt to run all details himself?
h. Is he utilizing all the resources at his command
(troops, supporting artillery, adjacent units, communica-
tion, liaison) to carry out his assigned mission?
3. Executive.
a. Is he thoroughly familiar with all the plans of the
regimental commander?
b. Is he prepared to take over the command of the
regiment upon short notice?
c. Does he remain at the rear echelon, or is he dividing
his time between the rear echelon and front-line units?
d. Does he make any personal reconnaissance?
4. S-l, S-2, S-3, S-4, and Communications Officer.*
a. Is a combined situation map being maintained;
journal of operations; diary?
b. What reports are being made to higher headquar-
ters?
c. Does the staff understand the necessity, purpose, and
routing of these reports?
d. Are troops properly disposed as to frontages, depth
and location, to carry out the assigned mission ?
e. Does the situation may show outposts, main line of
resistance, support line, battalion reserve line, regimental
reserve line, defensive fires (including those of artillery) ?
Are they coordinated within the regiment, with the artil-
lery supporting the regiment, and with adjacent units?
*Where more than one officer is assigned to these duties, the
questions included under G-l, G-2, G-3, and G-4 of the Division (pages
2-7, 10) will be used in so far as they apply to a unit of this size.
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 17
Does it show final protective lines, sectors of fire of ma-
chine guns, location of break-through guns, areas covered
by trench mortars and 37-mm's., boundaries of adjacent
units, reserves, line of departure, strong points, centers of
resistance, detached posts, contact groups, munitions dis-
tributing points, location of field and combat trains?
/. What scheme is provided for replenishment of am-
munition ?
g. Does the staif understand the distribution of ra-
tions?
h. What is the status of ration supply in the regiment
at this time?
i. What are the arrangements for evacuation of prison-
ers?
j. Location of aid stations?
k. Provision for water?
I. Feeding of troops (kitchens) ?
ra. What is the plan of signal communication ? Liaison ?
n. What are the signals for calling down artillery de-
fensive fires ?
o. Are orders issued orally or in written form?
p. Do orders contain scheme of maneuver of employ-
ment for each subordinate unit?
q. Is a reserve provided for in every case?
r. What local security measures are indicated?
s. Are Engineer tool wagons and materiel provided,
and is their location known? (In case of defense.)
t. What provision is made for utilizing the Air Corps?
Have any requests been made for missions?
u. Do any instructions exist as to the display of panels
for marking of front lines at stated times?
v. Is full use being made of supporting artillery and
tanks ?
w. What arrangements have been made for liaison
with contact airplanes?
5. Special for Cavalry.
a. For regiments of cavalry, in addition to the above,
the location of led horses should be indicated on the situa-
tion map.
b. Location of veterinary aid station.
c. What provision is made for replacement of animals ?
18 CHECK LIST
d. What is the status of animals in the regiment as to
number present for duty ; replacements required ?
REGIMENTS— Artillery
(Same remarks under General and Regimental
Commander apply as indicated under Regiments,
Infantry. )
1. S-l, S-2, S-3, S-4, and Communications Officer.
a. Is a situation map kept properly posted and up to
date?
b. Is a journal of operations kept; a diary?
c. What reports are rendered to higher headquarters,
and does the staff understand the necessity, purpose and
routing of same?
d. Does the situation map show location and disposition
of front-line infantry and of the battalions and batteries of
the regiment of artillery? Alternative positions, O.P.'s,
C.P.'s?
e. Is a "possibilities of fire" chart kept?
/. Are defensive fires indicated on the map ; successive
concentrations ; preparation and counter-preparation ; inter-
diction and harassing fires; provision for fire on transient
targets (fleeting) ?
g. Is there a chart showing the current missions of all
batteries ?
h. Do charts show supporting fire of corps artillery?
i. Are concentrations required by the infantry worked
out in conjunction with supported infantry units?
j. What use is being made of the aviation for ad-
justment of fires?
k. Are any anti-tank or accompanying guns being
utilized ?
I. What provision is made for displacement to the
rear and to the front?
m. Has any reconnaissance been made of routes, po-
sitions, etc.?
n. What is the means of signal communication employed
for calling down artillery defensive fires?
o. What liaison is maintained with supported infantry
units ?
p. Are batteries or battalions sufficiently echeloned in
depth to carry out their missions in case of a penetration by
the enemy?
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 19
q. Do members of the artillery staff make close liaison
with members of the supported infantry unit staff?
r. What personal reconnaissances are made, and by
what members of the staff?
s. Where is the ration distributing point?
(1) When do the batteries draw rations?
(2) What is the status of ration, forage, gas, and oil sup-
ply, within the regiment?
t. What is the status of animal supply and replace-
ment?
u. Is the circulation map available and is it under-
stood?
What priority on the roads, if any, has the artillery in
displacement?
v. What arrangement exists for the movement of com-
mand posts (forward and rear echelons) so as to maintain
constant communication with higher and supported units?
Section IV
BATTALIONS— Infantry
1. Battalion Commander.
a. Is a situation map being maintained, showing loca-
tion and disposition of our own troops and those of the
enemy ?
b. Is information being properly evaluated and sent
to the next higher echelon?
c. Does the situation map show centers of resistance,
strong points, combat groups, detached posts, scheme of
defensive fires as coordinated with the artillery and with
adjacent units, boundaries, line of departure, zones of ac-
tion of C.P.'s, O.P.'s, ammunition distributing point, aid
station, combat trains, gassed areas?
d. Does he understand the plan of signal communica-
tion?
Means for calling down artillery defensive fires?
e. What local security measures are provided?
/. What contact with adjacent units?
g. What means is provided for giving gas alarms?
Are any sentries provided for this purpose?
h. Does he understand the scheme of maneuver?
20 CHECK LIST
Section V
BATTALIONS— Field Artillery
1. General.
a. Is a situation map being- kept up to date, showing
location of all batteries of the battalion, all O.P.'s, C.P.'s,
location of battalion combat train, location of artillery am-
munition distributing point?
h. Is a "possibilities of fire" chart maintained?
c. Are the batteries of the battalion properly echeloned
in depth to carry on their mission in case of a penetration
of the front line by the enemy ?
d. Does the Battalion Commander know the status of
the ammunition supply in his battalion?
e. Has he worked out defensive and supporting ar-
tillery fires in conjunction with the supported infantry
regimental staff?
Are these fires shown on the chart or map?
/. Does he understand the necessity, purpose, and rout-
ing of ammunition reports, artillery information service
reports ?
g. What reconnaissance, if any, has he made for for-
ward and rear displacement?
h. Does he maintain a chart at all times showing on
what missions the batteries of the battalion are employed ?
RECORDS AND REPORTS
Paragraph
Journal 1
War diary 2
Situation maps 3
Section reports 4
Administrative orders 5
Sources: Staff Officers' Field Manual; C.S.L., C. & G.S.S., Chap. II;
A.R. 3U5-100.
1. Journals.
a. (1) Each general staff section keeps a journal of
its activities. This journal contains a brief or reference
to important written or oral messages sent or received, and
notations of reports, orders, and similar matter pertaining
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 21
to the section. All important actions of the officers in the
section, particularly absences and returns to the office should
be noted, with a brief report of what transpired during the
absence. Copies of important papers sent or received are
filed as supporting documents with the journal. In bri-
gades and lower units it is not necessary for each section
to keep a separate journal. One unit journal, kept by the
adjutant or plans and training officer, as directed by the unit
commander, will usually be sufficient.
(2) "As the journal is the permanent record of the
operations of the section or the unit, entries should be made
immediately as the events occur. Original entries should
not be altered, but may be supplemented by later entries if
necessary. The journal with its supporting documents, is
the basis for the diary rendered in accordance with A.R.
345-100."
b. How kept.
(1) The unit journal is kept under the supervision of
S-l or S-3, as directed by the unit commander. A clerk
is usually charged with making the entries in the journal,
and is especially trained for this important duty.
(2) Telephone messages. — When an officer receives or
transmits an important message over the telephone, he
makes a brief notation of the contents and hands it for
entry to the keeper of the journal. Or he may do this
orally. The method is not important — but the system,
whatever it is, must be such that an entry in the journal
is made whenever an important message is received or sent
by telephone. The entry made should be a brief summary
of the telephone message, together with a brief notation of
any action taken as a result of the message.
(3) Written messages.
(a) Incoming Messages. — Whenever a message is received
at a unit headquarters it is delivered to the appropriate officer.
This officer takes such action as he deems advisable, and then
turns the written message, together with such remarks as he
thinks necessary, over to the keeper of the journal for entry.
The keeper of the journal makes a note in the journal concerning
the contents of the message and the action taken, and places the
message in the journal file, giving it a file number corresponding
to the entry number in the journal.
(b) Outgoing Messages. — Whenever an officer writes out a
message, for delivery outside the headquarters, he makes out an
original and three carbon copies. He retains a carbon copy and
sends the original and one copy to the message center. See
"Messages prepared during the exercise."
22 CHECK LIST
(4) Orders.
(a) Oral Orders. — When an oral order is given, a summary
of the order should be entered in the journal.
(b) Written Orders. — Written orders are referred to in
the journal and a copy filed in the journal file.
(5) The journal should be kept for the same period
as the operation map, and a new journal started at each
time that a new operation map is started. Journals and
operation maps should be filed together.
2. War Diary.
a. The War Diary is an exact historical record of the
unit during every 24 hours of field service conditions. "The
diary will contain a detailed contemporaneous account of
just what the command did during the period' covered, and
also such items of military interest as the state of the weath-
er and roads, health of the command, etc. A sketch show-
ing the position of the command at the most important
phases of an engagement will be incorporated in the diary
or attached thereto as an appendix. Current notes of posi-
tions and operations will be kept. Pertinent orders, writ-
ten messages sent and received, synopsis of oral mes-
sages, etc., will be attached as appendices."
He * * * * * *
The diary will be rendered daily, the day comprising the
24 hours covered by the date.
"In commands larger than a company, it will be kept by
the adjutant or plans and training officer, and may be au-
thenticated by him in the manner prescribed in regulations
for correspondence, when so authorized by the command-
er." (A.R. 345-100.)
b. How made. — From the regulations quoted above, it
can be seen that there is little difference between a war
diary and a unit journal. In actual practice the war diary
is made up as follows:
(1) All entries in the journal of any historical value are
copied verbatim on the blank forms provided for the war diary.
All entries showing what the unit did, and where, when, how,
and why should be copied. Any entries which are obviously of
no military interest or historical value need not be copied. To
this report are added sketches showing where the command was
located at important phases of the engagement, and other notes
of military interest and historical value. The result should be a
clear, concise, and accurate history of the unit during the period
covered.
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 28
(2) An original and two carbon copies of the war diary-
will be prepared. All appendices to the unit journal, except
those necessary for future reference, will be transferred and
appended to the original copy of the war diary. Copies of these
appendices which will be necessary for future reference, will be
made for the war diary.
c. Disposition. — "The original diary (with appendices)
and one carbon copy will be sent daily to the next higher
commander, who will:
(1) Examine and sign the original and forward it, together
with any remarks that may be necessary, directly to The Adjutant
General.
(2) Retain and file the carbon copy, unless he is the com-
mander of a battalion that is part of a regiment, in which case
he will forward the carbon copy to regimental headquarters for
file.
"A carbon copy will always be retained for file in the unit from
which rendered." (A.R. 345-100.)
3. Situation Maps.
a. Situation maps must be kept posted up to date by
the section concerned. G-3 (S-3) should show on his map the
latest information obtainable concerning our own front
lines, our own dispositions, etc. G-2 (S-2) should show on
his map, or his part of the combined map, the latest ob-
tainable information of hostile dispositions, installations,
etc.
b. These maps should not be posted periodically, but
should be posted immediately upon receipt of important
information.
4. Section Reports.
a. Based on available information, each section and all
headquarters provided with a staff analogous to the four
general staff sections, prepares and submits periodic re-
ports to its commander for approval. Separate or inde-
pendent units not provided with such a staff submit con-
solidated reports. These reports are usually submitted at
stated intervals, but they may be called for at the close of
some phase of operations or at any other time desired by the
commander. These reports are supported by such maps
and appendices as may be necessary to make a complete
record of the existing situation and the operations for the
period.
b. After approval by the commander, the Chief of
Staff or the Executive assembles the section reports to
24 CHECK LIST
form a unit report; after approval these reports are for-
warded to the next higher commander.
c. The forms used for section reports should furnish
in a clear concise and logical manner, information as to the
existing situation from the viewpoint of the section ; so that
when an estimate of the situation is necessary, no time need
to be lost in collecting and arranging data.
d. Every attempt is made to prevent reports from be-
coming perfunctory. They should contain information
that is vital. They should not contain information that
tends to relieve the reporting officer from responsibility for
the work on which he reports. No reports are called for
that can be prepared from the information that is already
at hand. Special reports are not called for if the informa-
tion desired is contained in reports already submitted or
that will be submitted soon.
TACTICAL MISTAKES COMMONLY NOTED IN
MANEUVERS
1. Failure to connect infantry and artillery in moving
situations — to achieve real infantry-artillery teamwork.
2. Infantry put in action too fast, with insufficient re-
connaissance, making frontal attacks over open ground
with little fire support, and failing to take advantage of
the terrain and use of available cover.
3. Commanders, in meeting engagements, reluctant to
employ sufficient force at the start to clear up a situation
properly.
4. Delay in the issuance of orders and too much time
spent in waiting for an ideal situation instead of meeting
the existing situation.
5. Ignoring the terrain by remaining on or near the
main highway. Movement of rear units forward by jerks
along the road exposed to observation, instead of by bounds
from cover to cover.
6. Failure to give practical application to the cardinal
factors of simplicity and control.
7. Failure by commanders to estimate the situation
and strike a proper balance between the necessity for speed
and the necessity for method.
STAFF OFFICERS' FIELD MANUAL 25
8. Piecemeal operations frequently following as the
direct result of an academic effort to secure a coordinated
attack.
9. Insufficient effort to attain surprise. Obvious meth-
ods were usually employed.
10. Commanders and troops ignoring the probable effect
of fire, failing to use cover, assembling in groups on the
road, failing to conceal themselves from airplanes, and, on
the defensive, failing to actually dig entrenchments im-
peratively called for by the situation.
1062— C&GSS— 4-30-35— 750
^
0 >>
^. s
^-^
-*
1
>>
>»
>>
fe"fH
CO
CO
w
ft
>i O
>> 0
'C<
'— **
^^
M
ft O
ft «•'
ft 0
>>
"tf
Tj<
%
O
O
0
ft L"
U ft
6
6
§
w
iH r^
rH^
in
tH^j
0
0
-p
«H
P3
5-1
p; 03
•3 £
f-i
C 03
*3 £
2
'ft
Q
fH
P! 03
•3 ^
'3?
£ fH
cp 0
0^
fH
p 0
-M fH
-M fH
O
-P fH
■^ b
ft ft
b ft
<V O
0) 0
0) 0
a> o3
ft CP
o3 cp
Ohhh
OhHH
CO
Onfe
Oh ^
^Oh
Oh Oh
«H O
... 1
1
0 -p
t&
5fc!
0
-P
PS
CP
CD E?
1°
ft
O
• l-H
a
'So
CD
.£ ft
cp .
^0
Pi*
ps
Q
«
>>
>»
>5
>>
6 >»
>J
03
72
03
2
2
2
«H 2
2
CO
0)
2
CD
a
fH
<
<
fH
<
O fH
f-1 t
fH
o
05
03
0
0
O fn ,
O
O
03 O ^
° CD
o
CO
CO
H
H
H«iO
Ch
H
OhH 8
H 8
SB
-p
Pi
cp
t&
1
-P
CO
ft
O
c3
2
•a
0
CP •
^0
pi
P5
cp
Oh
w
CO
m
w
6 w
«j
£
to
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
&
.0
>s
03
fn
fH
fH
fH
*H fn
fH
ft
O
O
0
O
O O
c
o
H
g
CO
O
0 0
CP
0)
03
O
O
0
0
O
03 d b
0
EH cp
Q
,-hCO
CO
Ph
H
I H
Eh
OhH %
-P
•P
'3°?
-p "^
s
a
Pi
cp
2
0
«H
CP >j
fH fH
ft^
cp
^.2
1 m
'So
'So
*
pi
•2
Pi
.2
6£
Pi
0
*
Pi
Q
to
a
cp
2
03
co
03
cp
a
'co
5
0
*0J
'>
s
0
CO
p! ^ 2
O 0) 0
OS'S
"-P *>
">
S
0
'>
5
0
^Q fH*
03 O «B
w ft
ftr^ Pi
S°.2
DQ
CO
CO
H
H
H<^Q
H
H
OhEHO
H $Q
tc
Jp
'2
es : one, re-
one, next
Comdr. ; one
al) to the
through next
Comdr.
co
'>
s
0
■p
1 informa-
aily intelli-
to Brigade
CP
1
#6ft.
a) cp
Ph^3
^ 03
"S to
<J'?H
.2 0
fH fH
ft
cp
^.2
P$
CP
03
#60
'fH
'Si
50
ft ti
Q
"ftT3 ^ -S JH
q a 2 &o .2
•| #6p g H .60
0
a
CP
03 T3 „
fH CD
CP •- cp
Pi Pi Pi
CD C S
'fn
Oh
O
•1-1
fH
PQ
0
'> ■>»
'S&
0 y
03 OSE
CP
as
T-i Ha
CO 5 jS»-"<JS
05
CSS bfl
H
H
EH^
OhHO
EHO
1 1
-t-T
H-T
'43 cp
fH M
<5 Pi
fH
&
CP
fH
O
ft
<P
to
w.2
Oh
Oh
s
o
Oh
fn
fn
03
5
-p
fH
O
ft
CP
03
-p
u
0
ft
<p
Oh
^j'-p
fn a
ft2
Oh «H
. C
co-'-^
fH
O
ft
(U
Oh
-p
fH
O
ft
cp
Oh
Pi
0
C fH
S c3
Pi
O
2*2
3
03
rHrH
(N<N
CO co
^f t
2^
St
O
Ha
£
COO
coC?
-sxj _2 >
C0C5
coc5
35
<r^<i
^
MARINE COHWUUBJJW
3000170814