Assault Pioneers on patrol. by David A. Fastabend The U.S. Army has long realized the significance of that intangible asset known as combat initiative. Initiative at all levels of command is highly touted as the great equalizer, capable of reversing unfavorable balances of men and equipment. However, there are few detailed analyses of this elusive combat quality. The following account is condensed from the U.S. Army Historical Series on the Russian Campaign, 1941-1945. The account illuminates several aspects of initiative in combat. It is possible to assess several factors that enhance combat initiative and to reach tentative conclusions on the potential performance of the U.S. Army in combat. At 0600, 3 August 1941, the Germans of Company C, 744th Engineer Regiment, were resting and seeking cover from sporadic Russian shellings. Company C had just successfully supported the assault crossing of the Kodyma River by the 239th Division. Events of the last few hours, however, were...