Physical Training.

Only the carefully trained and conditioned man can make victory possible. For this reason the first and most important concern of a nation at war is the physical training of its soldiers.

The setting-up exercises are the basis for all other activities and their disciplinary value is almost as great as their physical value.

Physical Training.—Each period should include exercises for all parts of the body. Following the setting-up exercises the following should be given in the order named: marching, jumping, double timing, gymnastic contests, and concluding or restorative exercises.

Rifle exercises have for their purpose the development of "handiness" with the piece. They should be used moderately and with frequent rests, for they develop big muscles at the expense of agility—a muscle bound man cannot use his strength.

Bayonet Training in addition to its military value calls into play every muscle of the body and makes for alertness, agility, quick perception, decision, aggressiveness and confidence.

Time Schedule.

A.M. (Begins ½ hour after breakfast): P.M. (End ½ hour before retreat):
1. Disciplinary exercises, 2 minutes. 1. Bayonet training, 30 minutes.
2. Starting positions, 1 minute. 2. Games and contests, 30 minutes.
3. Setting up exercises, 20 minutes. Alternating daily with:
4. Marching and marching exercises, 5 to 8 minutes. 1. Bombing practice, 20 minutes.
5. Jumping, 5 to 8 minutes. 2. Conditioning exercises, 15 minutes.
Double timing.
Vaulting and overcoming obstacles.
6. Double timing, 5 minutes
3. Rifle practice, 10 minutes.

Instructions must be:

  1. An inspiration to the men.
  2. Well prepared themselves.
  3. Stripped for action.
  4. An example to the men.
  5. Must make drill attractive.
  6. Never have men overdo. Temper the exercises to the endurance of the weakest man.
  7. Accompany every exercise with the proper breathing.
  8. See that the men are clothed according to the season.
  9. Have the drills short and snappy.
  10. Have frequent rests at the beginning—less frequent as work progresses.

The platoon is the best unit for physical drills.

Formations.—When exercising in small squads, the men "fall in" in a single rank and, after having "counted off" by fours, threes or twos, as the instructor may direct, distance is taken at the command: Take distance, March, Squad Halt. At "March" No. 1 moves forward, being followed by the other numbers at intervals of four paces. Halt is commanded when all have taken their distances.

At the discretion of the instructor the distance may be any number of paces, the men being first cautioned to that effect.

When distance is taken from the double rank, No. 1 of the rear rank follows No. 4 of the front rank, and he is in turn followed by the other numbers of the rear rank.

If the instructor desires the files to cover, he commands: In file Cover. Nos. 1 stand fast, the others moving to the right with the side step, until the Nos. 1 are covered.

To return to the original formation, the instructor commands: Assemble March. No. 1 of the front rank stands fast and the other members move forward to their original places.

Second Formation. To the right and left. Take interval, March.

Front Rank: Rear Rank:
No. 1, 6 steps right step.No. 1, 3 steps right step.
No. 2, 3 steps right step.No. 2, Stands fast.
No. 3, Stands fast.No. 3, 3 steps left step.
No. 4, 3 steps left step.No. 4, 6 steps left step.

Commands.

Kinds Of Commands, And How Given.—There are two kinds, preparatory and executive.

The preparatory command describes and specifies what is desired and the executive command calls what has been described into action.

The tone of the command should always be animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number of men for whom it is intended.

Instructors should cultivate a proper command, as its value as a tributary to the success of any military drill cannot be overestimated.

After an exercise has been described, its various movements or parts should be performed at executive words, which indicate not only the movement that is desired but the manner of the execution. Thus: 1. Trunk forward, 2. Bend, 3. Recover (or Raise), here the word bend is drawn to indicate moderately slow execution; the recovery being a little faster, the word recover should be spoken to indicate it.

The word Recover should always be used to bring the men back to the original position.

If it is desired to continue an exercise, the command Exercise should be used and the cadence or rhythm should be indicated by words or numerals. If numerals are used, they should equal the number of movements composing the exercise. Thus an exercise of two movements will be repeated at one, two; one of four movements will require four counts, etc.

The numeral or word preceding the command Halt should always be given with a rising inflection in order to prepare the men for the command Halt.

Thus: 1. Thrust arms forward, 2. Exercise one, two, one, two, one, Halt.

If any movement of any exercise is to be performed with more energy than the others, the word or numeral corresponding to that movement should be emphasized.

First Lesson.—A. Disciplinary Exercises. 1. Attention; 2. At Ease; 3. Rest; 4. Facings.

B. Starting Positions. (m.p.t., pp. 25 to 29.)

C. Setting-up Exercises (every exercise has two motions): [[P]]

  1. Arms forward, 2. Raise. Swing arms downward and forward.
  2. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Rise on toes. (33.)
  3. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend head backward; same, forward. (38.)
  4. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Turn trunk right; same, left. (40.)
  5. Arms to thrust, 2. Raise. Half bend knees slowly. (35.)
  6. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend trunk forward. (36.)
  7. Arms to thrust, 2. Raise. Raise and lower shoulders. (32.)
  8. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend trunk sideward, right; same, left. (37.)
  9. Arms forward, 2. Raise. Stretch arms sideward. (43.)
  10. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend trunk backward. (34.)
  11. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Raise knees forward alternatingly. (41.)
  12. Breathing Exercise: Inhale, raising arms sideward; exhale, lowering arms.

[P] Note.—Jumping and double-timing exercises and contests should not be included in the first week's work.

Bracketed numbers refer to pages in "Manual of Physical Training," where similar exercises are illustrated and described.

D. Marching Exercises:

  1. Marching in column in quick time and halting.
  2. Same, marking time, marching forward and halting.
  3. Same, marching on toes.

Second Lesson.—A. Disciplinary Exercises. Same as in first lesson.

B. Starting positions.

C. Setting-up Exercises (every exercise has two motions):

  1. Arms forward, 2. Raise. Swing arms sideward.
  2. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Rise on toes. (33.)
  3. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Turn head right; same, left. (41.)
  4. Hands on shoulders, 2. Place. Turn trunk sideward, right; same, left. (40.)
  5. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Full bend knees, slowly. (39.)
  6. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend trunk forward. (36.)
  7. Arms to thrust, 2. Raise. Move shoulders forward and backward. (35.)
  8. Arms sideward, 2. Raise. Bend trunk sideward, right; same, left. (31.)
  9. From Attention. Stretch arms forward and sideward.
  10. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend trunk backward. (34.)
  11. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Extend right and left leg forward. (44.)
  12. Breathing Exercise: Inhale, raising arms sideward and upward; exhale, lowering arms sideward.

D. Marching Exercises:

  1. Marching in column in quick time, mark time, marching in quick time and halting. (88.)
  2. Marching on toes. (89.)
  3. Marching on toes and rocking.

E. Jumping Exercises:

  1. Rise on toes and arms forward, 2 Raise. Swing arms downward and bend knees; swing arms forward and extend knees, and recover Attention.
  2. Jumping in place. (193.)

F. Double Timing:

  1. Double timing, change to quick time and halting. (92.)

G. Concluding Exercises:

  1. Breathing exercise, raising and lowering arms sideward.

Third Lesson.—A disciplinary Exercises, as in first lesson.

B. Starting Positions.

C. Setting-up Exercises:

  1. Arms forward, 2. Raise. Swing arms downward and sideward. (4 motions.)
  2. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Rise on right and left toes, alternatingly. (4 motions.) (46.)
  3. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Bend head forward and backward. (4 motions.) (38.)
  4. Arms sideward, 2. Raise. Turn trunk right and left. (4 motions.) (53.)
  5. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Rise on toes and full bend knees slowly. (4 motions.) (39.)
  6. Fingers in rear of head, 2. Place. Bend trunk forward. (2 motions.) (42.)
  7. Arms to thrust, 2. Raise. Move shoulders forward, upward, backward, and recover. (4 motions.)
  8. Hands on shoulders, 2. Place. Bend trunk sideward, right, and left. (4 motions.) (37.)
  9. From Attention. Stretch arms sideward, upward, sideward, and recover. (4 motions.)
  10. Hands on shoulders, 2. Place. Bend trunk backward. (2 motions.) (34.)
  11. Hands on hips, 2 Place. Extend right and left leg backward. (2 motions.)
  12. Breathing Exercise: Inhale, raising arms forward, upward; and exhale, lowering arms sideward, down.

D. Marching Exercises:

  1. Marching in quick time, raising knees. (89.)
  2. Thrusting arms sideward.

E. Jumping Exercises:

  1. Standing broad jump.
  2. Three successive broad jumps.

F. Double Timing:

  1. Double timing. (92.)
  2. Double timing, marking time in the double and forward.
  3. Double timing and halting from the double.

G. Gymnastic Contests. Two of these games should be included in each lesson. See pp. 39-40.

H. Concluding Exercises:

  1. Breathing exercise, as in 12.

Fourth Lesson.—A. Disciplinary Exercises, as in first lesson.

B. Starting Positions.

C. Setting-up Exercises:

  1. Hands on shoulders, 2. Place. Extend arms forward; swing sideward, forward, and recover. (4 motions.)
  2. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Rise on toes quickly. (2 motions.) (33.)
  3. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Turn head right and left. (4 motions.) (41.)
  4. Arms upward, 2. Raise. Turn trunk right and left. (4 motions.)
  5. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Half bend knees, quickly. (2 motions.) (35.)
  6. Arms sideward, 2. Raise. Bend trunk forward. (2 motions.)
  7. Hands on shoulders, 2. Place. Move elbows forward, and stretch backward. (2 motions.) (45.)
  8. Arms upward, 2. Raise. Bend trunk sideward, right and left. (4 motions.)
  9. From Attention. Stretch, arms forward, sideward, upward, sideward, forward, and recover. (6 motions.)
  10. Arms sideward, 2. Raise. Bend trunk backward. (2 motions.)
  11. Hands on hips, 2. Place. Extend legs sideward. (2 motions.)
  12. Breathing Exercise: 1. Inhale, raising arms forward, upward; exhale, lowering arms sideward.

D. Marching Exercises:

  1. Marching in quick time, raising knees, and rising on toes of other foot.
  2. Raising heels.
  3. Thrusting arms sideward.

E. Jumping Exercises:

  1. Three successive standing broad jumps.
  2. Jumping in place, raising knees.

F. Double Timing:

  1. Double timing.
  2. Raising heels.
  3. Double timing, sideward, crossing legs.

G. Gymnastic Contests.

H. Concluding Exercises:

  1. Swing arms forward, upward, relaxed.
  2. Breathing exercise, as in 12.

Fifth Lesson.—A. Disciplinary Exercises.

B. Starting Positions.

C. Setting-up Exercises:

  1. Arms to thrust. Thrust arms upward; swing downward; forward; upward, and recover. (4 motions.) (55.)
  2. Hands in rear of head. Rise on toes and rock. (2 motions.) (39.)
  3. Hands on hips. Bend head forward and backward. (4 motions.)
  4. Hands on shoulders. Turn trunk right and left, stretching arms sideward. (4 motions.) (52.)
  5. Full bend knees. Hands on ground between knees, squatting position, extend right and left leg backward, alternatingly. (4 motions.) (65.)
  6. Hands on shoulders. Bend trunk forward and stretch arms sideward. (2 motions.) (51.)
  7. From Attention. Curl shoulders forward and stretch backward. (2 motions.) (38.)
  8. Hands on shoulders. Bend trunk sideward, right and left, extending arms sideward. (4 motions.) (65.)
  9. From Attention. Flex forearms vertically; extend upward; flex and recover. (4 motions.) (54.)
  10. Hands on shoulders. Bend trunk backward, stretching arms sideward. (2 motions.) (56.)
  11. From Attention. Raise arms forward and extend leg forward; stretch arms sideward, extending leg backward; move arms and leg to first position and recover Attention. (4 motions.) (53.)
  12. Breathing Exercise: Raise arms sideward; upward; and lower laterally quickly. (4 motions.)

D. Marching Exercises:

  1. March in quick time and swing extended leg forward, ankle high.
  2. Raising knee and hopping on other foot.
  3. From arms forward. Swing arms upward.

E. Jumping Exercises:

  1. Standing hop, step and jump.
  2. Preliminary running broad jumps.
  3. Broad jump from a walking start of four paces. (197.)

F. Double timing.

  1. Double timing.
  2. Double timing sideward, crossing leg in front.
  3. Double timing, raising knees.

G. Gymnastic Contests.

H. Concluding Exercises:

  1. Bend trunk forward and backward, relaxed.
  2. Breathing exercise, as in 12.

For further work for recruits and work to be given trained soldiers, see Special Regulation No. 23, "Field Physical Training of the Soldier."

To prevent grumbling, keep men at work. Idle men are the ones who growl. The French consider periods spent in the trenches as periods of rest; instead of letting the men go on pass when relieved, they restore discipline by close order drill.

The physical benefit is less than half of physical exercises. There should be mental exertion in every exercise. But the most important part is the disciplinary benefit. The exercises must teach men to jump at commands, and by this means must make the organization a homogeneous mass.

The principal thing in the position of attention is "chest lifted; and arched." There should be a stretch upward at the waist. The position should give the impression of a man as proud of himself as he can be. This is a bluff which works, not only by making a good first impression on others, but by causing the man himself to live up to it.

Insist on precision. Especially when men are losing interest, don't let the work sag, but make it interesting by requiring concentration. At the beginning of each exercise, wake the men up by calling them to attention until they do it well, giving the facings, etc.

Commands.—There is a tone at which each voice carries best. Each man must find it for himself. To make commands understood, enunciate carefully with lips and teeth. Sound especially first and last letters of words. Officer's posture adds to effect of command. His personality is impressed on his men largely by his voice. Preparatory command should be vibrant and cheerful—not a harsh tone that grates on the men and antagonizes them. The command of execution must be short and sharp; drill can be made or marred by it.

Marching.—A cadence faster than 120 a minute adds snap to marching, but snap can not be gained in proportion as the cadence is run up. Snap is attained chiefly by the proper gait. Soldiers should march, not with knees always slightly bent, but should straighten them smartly at the end of each step. This adds drive to the step, and gives the men confidence and a mob spirit of courage. After long drill at attention, this spirit can be carried into extended order work.

Marching exercises are useful and can be greatly varied. The command "Exercise" should always be given as the left foot strikes the ground. "Exercise" is a command of execution, and the first movement should be executed at once when it is given. The count "One" is given when this first position is reached. The command to stop all marching exercises is "Quick time—March."

In all exercises the instructor should cultivate the ability to pick mistakes. He can develop this until he can watch much larger groups than at first.

Voice Culture.

Mastery of the voice is a necessity for every officer; for without it the giving of commands will soon make his throat look and feel like a piece of raw Hamburg steak. Quality of voice is more effective than quantity. Brute force may produce a roar that has tremendous volume at a short distance; but the sound will not carry unless it is so placed that it gets the benefit of the resonance spaces in the head. If the tone is produced properly, so that it has the singing quality necessary in all right commands, quantity of tone will come of itself.

This singing quality has nothing to do with music; it may be attained by a man who can hardly distinguish a bar of music from a bar of soap. It depends upon three principles, which are very simple in themselves but can not be applied without careful practise. The first covers proper use of the breath. Air must be drawn into the lungs by expanding the diaphragm and abdomen, a process best seen in the natural breathing of a man who is lying on his back with all muscles relaxed. Filling the upper part of the lungs by raising the chest puts the work on the comparatively small muscles between the ribs; but filling the base of the lungs by pulling downward brings into play the diaphragm, the largest muscle in the body. The sensation which accompanies proper deep control of the breath is as if the tone were not pushed out of the mouth, but drawn in and upwards. It is partly described by the phrases of singing teachers, "drawn tone" and "singing on the breath."

The diaphragm must not only relieve the muscles between the ribs, but, still more important, the small muscles of the throat. The second great principle of voice production is that the throat must be perfectly relaxed. Any tension there interferes with the free vibration which is essential for strong and resonant tone. This relaxation is most easily gained by drawing the chin in slightly, loosening the muscles under it. The base of the tongue can be relaxed by rolling the letter "R," even to the extent of making two syllables of such words as "gr-rand." Talking with the teeth closed loosely will also help to ease incorrect, tension about the throat. If the throat is properly relaxed, there will be no sensation in it during the production of the voice. Any sensation between the diaphragm and the resonance chambers of the head is a sign of wrong and harmful tension.

The use of these resonance chambers is required by the third principle—that the tone must be reinforced by resonance in all the hollow spaces of the head. These are found in the nose, above the palate and even above the eyes. They have the same effect as the sounding board of a musical instrument, in giving quality to the tone. The best way to put this principle into practice is to learn the sensation of the clear and ringing tone which is produced by proper placing of the voice. Exercises containing the letters "M" and "N" will give this effect. This does not mean that the sound should be nasal; it should be made in the nose, but not through it. Another way to increase resonance is to think of crying the words rather than talking them. A slightly whining intonation or a sound like that of a laugh has more ring to it than an ordinary flat talking tone.

These principles should not be neglected because they are simple. They can not be mastered without work, and unless they are mastered the voice will not be heard at a distance and will not last under the work of giving commands. Further suggestions on the manner of giving commands will be found under Physical Training.

CHAPTER 4.

[ToC]