Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

Particular attention must be paid to the individual instruction of the soldier, and to the improvement of his capacity to think and act for himself. This can best be attained by explanation previous to and during an exercise, and by repetition of the practice when necessary; it should be remembered, however, that the interest of the men is apt to flag if they are kept too long at one subject.

The basis of the whole system of training is careful individual instruction, and gradual progression from the simple to the more difficult.

During instruction in elementary principles companies should act alone, or against a marked enemy and the company commander should concentrate his attention on the individual instruction of his men; but in many of the advanced exercises an opposing body gives not only increased interest to the practice, but also makes it more instructive.

When companies act as opposing forces, each practice should be based on a definite supposition and object, a scheme should be drawn up and executed as far as is possible in conditions of actual warfare, and a mounted officer should be detailed to act as umpire.

The greatest attention must be paid to the development of section and squad command. The capable leading of smaller units is an important item of success in the attack.

During inclement weather, instruction will be given in the drill shed or barrack room by means of lectures, explanations, &c.

Each day’s work should be carefully prepared by company commanders, and short lectures of about 20 minutes on the exercises to be carried out, given to all ranks.

At the practice of outpost duties a broad distinction should be drawn between individual instruction and tactical training. During the former every private should be posted as sentry, the company should be exercised in the rudiments of outpost work, and the prescribed duties should be carried out without reference to the tactical situation, or the employment of the minimum number of men in the sentry line; the main body of the piquet may, in order to save time and give more practice in sentry and patrol duty, be indicated by a flag. Daring tactical training outposts should be placed in accordance with a scheme, strictly in service conditions.

2. Examination by the commanding officer.—At the end of the course the officer commanding the battalion will devote one day to an examination of the company. The scheme for this day should be drawn up either under the direction of the general officer commanding, or by the commanding officer.

3. General officers commanding.—They will personally supervise the companies under training as much as possible, and when circumstances permit be present at the examination by the commanding officer.