with this, come see me. The information isn’t to leave this room. I’ll see you when you are done.”
I sat down and started to scan through all the information. I could see they were ready now. They worked well together and had a good grasp of infantry tactics. LTC Reynolds commanded the first battalion, LTC Rice commands the second battalion. In just two weeks, they were using advanced tactics with complex formations in the first battalion.
Looking over the disciplinary records, it look mostly normal for a training unit. However, Karen Rivera, Adam Palomalu, and Betty-Jo McDonald had been disciplined for failure to follow orders.
“Look here, Jamie, some of the troopers like to take the initiative. They got in trouble for it, but they think on their feet.”
Jamie related, “Some in my platoon did it once, but not after the first time.”
“Why, what happened?”
“They got in trouble. They spent a week cleaning toilets.”
“Jamie, these troopers are in the first battalion. I need to talk to the commander.”
Jamie followed me into Bill’s office. Bill was at his desk, with papers he was reading.
“Bill, can I talk to LTC Reynolds?”
“Sure, Jim, what about?”
“The discipline of three troopers.”
“Oh, well I can see why you want to check them out. From what I know, those soldiers didn’t follow the assigned tactics.”
“Bill, they did it three times.”
Bill held up the papers in his hand. “Four times”.
“Let’s go talk to LTC Reynolds.”
Bill lead us out of the building, across the street to the first battalion headquarters. Once inside, we went down another long hallway to LTC Reynolds office. We waited outside until LTC Reynolds was able to see us.
Bill introduced us. “Steven, this is COL Preston.”
“How are you, COL Preston?”
“Fine. How have you been, Steven?”
“I made lieutenant colonel without your help.”
“Steven, I would like to talk about the three soldiers you disciplined.”
Steven countered, “What’s your interest in this?”
“They’re my troopers, I need to evaluate all of them.”
“Well, they don’t obey orders. I set the formation, and they change it on their own.”
I asked, “What were the formations used?”
Steven said, “I was using basic company line formations for a ground assault.”
“Did you stipulate that these tactics be used only?”
“I don’t have to tell them. They haven’t learned advance assault tactics yet.”
I told him, “Thanks, Steven, that should be all for now.”
Walking back to Bill’s office, we talked about the troopers. I decided to see if I could get my troopers released from here early.
“Bill, can we talk to these three troopers?”
“I don’t see why not. Let me call them down here.”
As we waited for the troopers to arrive, we talked about the four exercises.
“You know, Jim, I’m not sure if Steven was more upset about losing than the soldiers improvising on the fly.”
“That I can understand. How about if we make the next exercise a little competition?”
“What are you suggesting exactly?”
“Let LTC Reynolds take Bravo Company and I’ll take Alpha Company on a field exercise. Each company will spend time on defense and offense. See who does a better job.”
“I like the idea, but what will that prove?”
“Well, I’ll delegate control of Alpha Company to someone in the company.”
“Who would you get to run the company?”
“I’m not sure just yet, but I have some ideas. By the way, don’t tell them I’m the regimental commander.”
Bill’s administrative assistant knocked and entered. “Sir, the soldiers are here.”
“Pat, please send them in.”
Karen Rivera a raven-haired Hispanic girl, Adam Palomalu, a big tall Polynesian, and Betty-Jo McDonald, a tall Irish girl with green eyes and flaming red hair, entered the room. All three stood at attention, looking straight ahead. I waited to see what they might do. Not a move, no flinching, no roving eyes.
Bill started, “At ease, soldiers. We want to talk about your performance.”
I jumped in, “I would like to hear your side of the story.”
Karen started, “It’s my fault, sir. We’ve been studying basic tactics for two weeks.”
Bill countered, “Training normally is six weeks of infantry tactics before graduation.”
Betty-Jo countered, “Sir, we know basic tactics. We got bored and wanted to tried more advanced tactics.”
“Jim, they won the exercises in twenty minutes.”
“Bill, I think we should have one week to practice the tactics we will use in the exercise.”
“Jim, should we use the MILES system for this?”
“I think we need the MILES for this exercise.”
Karen asked, “What are you talking about?”
“We’re talking about a small wager on a field exercise.”
Adam responded, “What are you wagering on this exercise?”
I smiled. “Freedom.”
Karen asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“We win, both battalions are released to me. We lose, and you all stay to finish the whole training program.”
Karen looked at me. “What do you mean released to you?”
“I’m your first commander. Everyone will be assigned to my regiment.”
Karen asked, “What do I have to do?”
“Fight one field exercise against Bravo Company.”
