NOTE
In order to learn thoroughly the contents of this manual it is suggested that you use in connection with your study of the book the pamphlet, "QUESTIONS ON MANUAL OF MILITARY TRAINING," which, by means of questions, brings out and emphasizes every point mentioned in the manual.
"QUESTIONS ON MANUAL OF MILITARY TRAINING" is especially useful to students of schools and colleges using the manual, as it enables them, as nothing else will, to prepare for recitations and examinations.
The pamphlet can be gotten from the publishers, Geo. Banta Publishing Co., Menasha, Wis., or from any of the distributers of "MANUAL OF MILITARY TRAINING." Price 50 cts., postpaid.
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PREFATORY
Not only does this manual cover all the subjects prescribed by War Department orders for the Junior Division, and the Basic Course, Senior Division, of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, but it also contains considerable additional material which broadens its scope, rounding it out and making it answer the purpose of a general, all-around book, complete in itself, for training and instruction in the fundamentals of the art of war.
The Company is the basic fighting tactical unit—it is the foundation rock upon which an army is built—and the fighting efficiency of a COMPANY is based on systematic and thorough training.
This manual is a presentation of MILITARY TRAINING as manifested in the training and instruction of a COMPANY. The book contains all the essentials pertaining to the training and instruction of COMPANY officers, noncommissioned officers and privates, and the officer who masters its contents and who makes his COMPANY proficient in the subjects embodied herein, will be in every way qualified, without the assistance of a single other book, to command with credit and satisfaction, in peace and in war, a COMPANY that will be an efficient fighting weapon.
This manual, as indicated below, is divided into a Prelude and nine Parts, subjects of a similar or correlative nature being thus grouped together.
| [PRELUDE.] | The Object and Advantages of Military Training. |
| [PART I.] | Drills, Exercises, Ceremonies, and Inspections. |
| [PART II.] | Company Command. |
| [PART III.] | Miscellaneous Subjects Pertaining to Company Training and Instruction. |
| [PART IV.] | Rifle Training and Instruction. |
| [PART V.] | Health and Kindred Subjects. |
| [PART VI.] | Military Courtesy and Kindred Subjects. |
| [PART VII.] | Guard Duty. |
| [PART VIII.] | Military Organization. |
| [PART IX.] | Map Reading and Sketching. |
A schedule of training and instruction covering a given period and suitable to the local conditions that obtain in any given school or command, can be readily arranged by looking over the TABLE OF CONTENTS, and selecting therefrom such subjects as it is desired to use, the number and kind, and the time to be devoted to each, depending upon the time available, and climatic and other conditions.
It is suggested that, for the sake of variety, in drawing up a program of instruction and training, when practicable a part of each day or a part of each drill time, be devoted to theoretical work and a part to practical work, theoretical work, when possible, being followed by corresponding practical work, the practice (the doing of a thing) thus putting a clincher, as it were, on the theory (the explaining of a thing). The theoretical work, for example, could be carried on in the forenoon and the practical work in the afternoon, or the theoretical work could be carried on from, say, 8 to 9:30 a. m., and the practical work from 9:30 to 10:30 or 11 a. m.
Attention is invited to the completeness of the Index, whereby one is enabled to locate at once any point covered in the book.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance received in the revision of this Manual in the form of suggestions from a large number of officers on duty at our military schools and colleges, suggestions that enabled him not only to improve the Manual in subject-matter as well as in arrangement, but that have also enabled him to give our military schools and colleges a textbook which, in a way, may be said to represent the consensus of opinion of our Professors of Military Science and Tactics as to what such a book should embody in both subject-matter and arrangement.
Suggestions received from a number of Professors of Military Science and Tactics show conclusively that local conditions as to average age and aptitude of students, interest taken in military training by the student body, support given by the school authorities, etc., are so different in different schools that it would be impossible to write a book for general use that would, in amount of material, arrangement and otherwise, just exactly fit, in toto, the conditions, and meet the requirements of each particular school.
Therefore, the only practical, satisfactory solution of the problem is to produce a book that meets all the requirements of the strictly military schools, where the conditions for military training and instruction are the most favorable, and the requirements the greatest, and then let other schools take only such parts of the book as are necessary to meet their own particular local needs and requirements.
"MANUAL OF MILITARY TRAINING" is such a book.
Camp Gaillard, C. Z.,
March 4, 1917.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Par. No. | ||
|---|---|---|
| PRELUDE | ||
| OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES OF MILITARY TRAINING | ||
| Object of: Setting-Up Exercises, Calisthenics,Facings and Marchings, Saluting,Manual of Arms, School of the Squad,Company Drill, Close Order, ExtendedOrder, Ceremonies, Discipline—Advantages:Handiness, Self-Control, Loyalty,Orderliness, Self-Confidence, Self-Respect,Training Eyes, Teamwork, Heeding Lawand Order, Sound Body. | [1–23] | |
| PART I | ||
| CHAPTER I. | INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS—Definitions—GeneralRemarks—GeneralRules for Drills and Formations—Orders,Commands, and Signals—School of theSoldier—School of the Squad—School ofthe Company—School of the Battalion—Combat—Leadership—CombatReconnaissance—FireSuperiority—Fire Directionand Control—Deployment—Attack—Defense—MeetingEngagements—MachineGuns—Ammunition Supply—MountedScouts—Night Operations—InfantryAgainst Cavalry—Infantry Against Artillery—ArtillerySupports—Minor Warfare—Ceremonies—Inspections—Muster—TheColor—Manual of the Saber—Manual ofTent Pitching—Appendices A and B. | [24–710] |
| CHAPTER II. | MANUAL OF THE BAYONET—Nomenclatureand Description of the Bayonet—Instructionwithout the Rifle—Instructionwith the Rifle—Instruction without theBayonet—Combined Movements—FencingExercises—Fencing at Will—Lessons ofthe European War—The "Short point"—The "Jab." | [711–824] |
| CHAPTER III. | MANUAL OF PHYSICAL TRAINING—Methods—Commands—Setting-UpExercises—Rifle Exercises. | [825–860] |
| CHAPTER IV. | SIGNALING—General Service Code—Wigwag—TheTwo-Arm Semaphore Code—Signaling with Heliograph, Flash Lanterns,and Searchlight—Sound Signals—MorseCode. | [861–866] |
| PART II | ||
| COMPANY COMMAND | ||
| CHAPTER I. | GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIONOF A COMPANY—Duties andResponsibilities of the Captain and theLieutenants—Devolution of Work andResponsibility—Duties and Responsibilitiesof the First Sergeant and other NoncommissionedOfficers—Contentment andHarmony—Efficacious Forms of CompanyPunishment—Property Responsibility—Booksand Records. | [867–909] |
| CHAPTER II. | DISCIPLINE—Definition—Methods ofAttaining Good Discipline—Importance—SoundDiscipline—Punishment—GeneralPrinciples. | [910–916] |
| PART III | ||
| MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS PERTAINING TO COMPANYTRAINING AND INSTRUCTION | ||
| CHAPTER I. | GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COMPANYTRAINING AND INSTRUCTION—Objectof Training and Instruction—Methodand Progression—Individual Initiative—TheHuman Element—Art of Instructionon the Ground—Ocular Demonstration. | [917–941] |
| CHAPTER II. | GENERAL COMMON SENSE PRINCIPLESOF APPLIED MINOR TACTICS—Artof War Defined—Responsibilitiesof Officers and Noncommissioned Officersin War—General Rules and Principles ofMap Problems, Terrain Exercises, theWar Game, and Maneuvers—Estimatingthe Situation—Mission. | [942–953] |
| CHAPTER III. | GENERAL PLAN OF INSTRUCTIONIN MAP PROBLEMS FOR NONCOMMISSIONEDOFFICERS AND PRIVATES—INSTRUCTIONIN DELIVERINGMESSAGES. | [954–958] |
| CHAPTER IV. | THE SERVICE OF INFORMATION—GeneralPrinciples of Patrolling—Sizes ofPatrols—Patrol Leaders—Patrol Formations—Messagesand Reports—Suggestionsfor Gaining Information about theEnemy—Suggestions for the Reconnaissanceof Various Positions and Localities—Demolitions—Problemsin Patrolling. | [959–1019] |
| CHAPTER V. | THE SERVICE OF SECURITY—Generalprinciples—Advance Guard—AdvanceGuard Problems—Flank Guards—RearGuard—Outposts—Formation of Outposts—Outguards—Flagsof Truce—DetachedPosts—Examining Posts—Establishingthe Outpost—Outpost Order—Intercommunication—OutpostProblems. | [1020–1079] |
| CHAPTER VI. | THE COMPANY ON OUTPOST—Establishingthe Outpost. | [1080] |
| CHAPTER VII. | THE COMPANY IN SCOUTING ANDPATROLLING—Requisites of a GoodScout—Eyesight and hearing—FindingWay in Strange Country—What to dowhen Lost—Landmarks—Concealmentand Dodging—Tracking—The Mouse andCat Contest—Flag Stealing Contest. | [1081–1090] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | NIGHT OPERATIONS—Importance—Trainingof the Company—IndividualTraining—Collective Training—Outposts. | [1091–1108] |
| CHAPTER IX. | FIELD ENGINEERING—Bridges—Corduroying—Tascines—Hurdles—BrushRevetment—Gabions—OtherRevetments—Knots—Lashings. | [1109–1139] |
| CHAPTER X. | FIELD FORTIFICATIONS—Object—Classification—HastyIntrenchments—LyingTrench—Kneeling Trench—StandingTrench—Deliberate Intrenchments—FireTrenches—Traverses—Trench recesses;sortie steps—Parados—Head Cover—Notchesand Loopholes—Cover Trenches—Dugouts—CommunicatingTrenches—Lookouts—SupportingPoints—Exampleof Trench System—Location of Trenches—Concealmentof Trenches—DummyTrenches—Length of Trench—Preparationof Foreground—Revetments—Drainage—WaterSupply—Latrines—Illuminationof the foreground—Telephones—SiegeWorks. | [1140–1172] |
| CHAPTER XI. | OBSTACLES—Object—Necessity for Obstacles—Location—Abatis—Palisades—Fraises—Cheveauxde Frise—Obstaclesagainst Cavalry—Wire Entanglements—Timeand Materials—Wire Fence—MilitaryPits or Trous de Loup—MiscellaneousBarricades—Inundations—Obstaclesin Front of Outguards—Lessons from theEuropean War—Wire Cheveaux de Frise—GuardingObstacles—Listening Posts—AutomaticAlarms—Search Lights. | [1173–1193] |
| CHAPTER XII. | TRENCH AND MINE WARFARE—AsphyxiatingGases—Protection againstGases—Liquid Fire—Grenades—Bombs—AerialMines—Winged Torpedoes—Bombsfrom Air-Craft—Protection against HandGrenades—Tanks—Helmets—Masks—Periscopes—Sniperscopes—Aidsto Firing—Mining—Countermining. | [1194–1211] |
| CHAPTER XIII. | MARCHES—Marching Principal Occupationof Troops in Campaign-PhysicalTraining Hardening New Troops—LongMarches Not to Be Made with UntrainedTroops—A Successful March—Preparation—Starting—Conductof March—Rate—MarchingCapacity—Halts—CrossingBridges and Fords—Straggling andElongation of Column—Forced Marches—NightMarches—No Compliments Paidon March—Protection on March—Fittingof Shoes and Care of Feet. | [1212–1229] |
| CHAPTER XIV. | CAMPS—Selection of Camp Sites—DesirableCamp Sites—Undesirable CampSites—Form and Dimensions of Camps—MakingCamp—Retreat in Camp—ParadeGround—Windstorms—Making Tent Polesand Pegs Fast in Loose Soil—Trees. | [1230–1240] |
| CHAPTER XV. | CAMP SANITATION—Definition—CampExpedients—Latrines—Urinal Tubs—Kitchens—KitchenPits—Incinerators—Drainage—AvoidingOld Camp Sites—ChangingCamp Sites—Bunks—Wood—Water—Rulesof Sanitation—Your Camp,Your Home. | [1241–1255] |
| CHAPTER XVI. | INDIVIDUAL COOKING—Making Fire—Recipes—Meats—Vegetables—Drinks—HotBreads—Emergency Ration. | [1256–1275] |
| CHAPTER XVII. | CARE AND PRESERVATION OFCLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT—Clothing—Pressing—RemovingStains—Shoes—Cloth Equipment—Washing—ShelterTent—Mess Outfit—Leather Equipment—Pointsto Be Remembered. | [1276–1320] |
| CHAPTER XVIII. | CARE AND DESCRIPTION OF THERIFLE—Importance—Care of Bore—Howto Remove Fouling—Care of Mechanismand Various Parts—How to Apply Oil—ArmyRegulation Paragraphs About Rifle—Nomenclatureof Rifle. | [1321–1343] |
| PART IV | ||
| RIFLE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION | ||
| Object and Explanation of Our System ofInstruction—Individual Instruction—Theoryof Sighting—Kinds of Sights—PreliminaryDrills—Position and AimingDrills—Deflection and Elevation CorrectionDrills—Gallery Practice—RangePractice—Use of Sling—Designation ofWinds—Zero of Rifle—Estimating Distances—Wind—Temperature—Light—Mirage—CombatPractice—Fire Discipline—TechnicalPrinciples of Firing—BallisticQualities of the Rifle—Cone ofFire—Shot Group—Center of Impact—BeatenZone—Zone of Effective Fire—Effectivenessof Fire—Influence ofGround—Grazing Fire—Ricochet Shots—Occupationof Ground—Adjustment ofFire—Determination of Range—CombinedSights—Auxiliary Aiming Points—Firingat Moving Targets—Night Firing—FireDirection and Control—Distribution ofFire—Individual Instruction in Fire Distribution—Designationof Targets—Exercisesin Ranging, Target DesignationCommunication, etc. | [1344–1450] | |
| PART V | ||
| CARE OF HEALTH AND KINDRED SUBJECTS | ||
| CHAPTER I. | CARE OF THE HEALTH—Importanceof Good Health—Germs—The Five Waysof Catching Disease—Diseases Caught byBreathing in Germs—Diseases Caught bySwallowing Germs—Disease Caught byTouching Germs—Diseases Caught fromBiting Insects. | [1451–1469] |
| CHAPTER II. | PERSONAL HYGIENE—Keep the SkinClean—Keep the Body Properly Protectedagainst the Weather—Keep the BodyProperly Fed—Keep the Body Suppliedwith Fresh Air—Keep the Body wellExercised—Keep the Body Rested bySufficient Sleep—Keep the Body Free ofWastes. | [1470–1477] |
| CHAPTER III. | FIRST AID TO THE SICK AND INJURED—Objectof Teaching First Aid—Asphyxiationby Gas—Bite of Dog—Biteof Snake—Bleeding—Broken Bones(Fractures)—Burns—Bruises—Cuts—Dislocations—Drowning—ElectricShock—Fainting—ForeignBody in Eye, in Ear—Freezing—FrostBite—Headache—HeatExhaustion—Poison—Sprains—Sunburn—Sunstroke—Wounds—ImprovisedLitters. | [1478–1522] |
| PART VI | ||
| MILITARY COURTESY AND KINDRED SUBJECTS | ||
| CHAPTER I. | MILITARY DEPORTMENT AND APPEARANCE—PERSONALCLEANLINESS—FORMSOF SPEECH—DELIVERYOF MESSAGES. | [1523–1531] |
| CHAPTER II. | MILITARY COURTESY—Its Importance—Natureof Salutes and Their Origin—Whomto Salute—When and How toSalute—Usual Mistakes in Saluting—Respectto Be Paid the National Anthem,the Colors and Standards. | [1532–1575] |
| PART VII | ||
| GUARD DUTY | ||
| Importance—Respect for Sentinels—Classificationof Guards—General Rules—TheCommanding Officer—The Officer of theDay—The Commander of the Guard—Sergeantof the Guard—Corporal of theGuard—Musicians of the Guard—Orderliesand Color Sentinels—Privates of theGuard—Countersigns and Paroles—GuardPatrols—Compliments from Guards—GeneralRules Concerning Guard Duty—StableGuards—Troop Stable Guards—Reveilleand Retreat Gun—Formal Guard Mounting—InformalGuard Mounting. | [1576–1857] | |
| PART VIII | ||
| MILITARY ORGANIZATION | ||
| Composition of Infantry, Cavalry andField Artillery Units up to and Includingthe Regiment. | [1858] | |
| PART IX | ||
| MAP READING AND SKETCHING | ||
| CHAPTER I. | MAP READING—Definition of Map—Abilityto Read a Map—Scales—Methodsof Representing Scales—Construction ofScales—Scale Problems—Scaling Distancesfrom a Map—Contours—Map Distances—Slopes—Meridians—Determinationof Positions of Points on Map—Orientation—ConventionalSigns—Visibility. | [1859–1877] |
| CHAPTER II. | MILITARY SKETCHING—The DifferentMethods of Sketching—Location ofPoints by Intersection—Location ofpoints by Resection—Location of Pointsby Traversing—Contours—Form Lines—Scales—PositionSketching—OutpostSketching—Road Sketching—CombinedSketching—Points for Beginners toRemember. | [1878–1893] |
PRELUDE
THE OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES OF MILITARY TRAINING
[1]. Prelude. We will first consider the object and advantages of military training, as they are the natural and logical prelude to the subject of military training and instruction.