The personal influence of the commander upon his troops is of the greatest
significance. He must be located where he can most effectively lead. On the
march he should be as far forward as security permits, and his location
should be definitely known by the members of his staff so that all reports
may reach him promptly. In the attack his command post should be located as
far forward as possible, yet protected from hostile fire so as to insure
undisturbed operation; for tactical reasons, the post is placed near the
main effort, facilitating control at the most important point of the
battlefield. The movement of the command post is influenced by the location
of existing wire lines, and the divisional signal officer is kept constantly
informed so that communication requirements may be better anticipated. In a
delaying action, the commander remains in the forward position until he is
convinced that his order for withdrawal is being successfully carried out; then,
with his artillery commander, he goes back to the new position. In very
difficult or dangerous situations, often present while withdrawals are being
executed, the commander will remain with his troops.