The Pied Piper of Saipan (III)
A decision-forcing case
This post builds upon two predecessors. Thus, if you have not done so before, you will want to begin by reading them (or, better yet, devising solutions to the problems they present.)
You reprimand Gabaldon for leaving his post without permission. ‘So you think you are going to do as you please? You are going to obey orders or I will have you court-martialed. Don’t you ever go off on your own again.’
A few hours later, your platoon sergeant tells you that Gabaldon has, once again, disappeared.
The following morning, you hear someone shout ‘Don’t shoot. I’m a Marine.’
A few minutes later, Gabaldon reports to your command post.
‘Look what I found!’
Twelve men in khaki uniforms stand in front of Gabaldon, their hands in the air.
You send the prisoners to the rear, and ask Gabaldon to explain himself.
‘Last evening, I went out looking for Japs. After crawling around for an hour, I caught the scent of Japanese food. I followed the smell to a dugout, sat down near the entrance, and waited for daylight.’
‘When the sun came up, I threw three grenades into the dugout, one after the other. Two frags and one smoke.’
‘Two Japs came out. I told them that there were many Marines with me, and that they should run to American lines as fast as they could.’
You notice that, rather than carrying the M-1 rifle he was issued, Gabaldon sports an M-1 carbine.
What now, Captain?
Please use the comments section to propose answers to this question. I will post the historical solution on Saturday, 21 June 2025.
“Don’t leave your post… ! Coordinate!!”
What now Captain?
Captain, get into the 21st century GWOT mindset or go support the Warfighter.
Meanwhile Galbadon just got promoted and will make Major before you…
Because we need anyone who still goes outside the wire. Never mind wins.
And now back to the mortar platoon