The cadet raises his arm in front of him to height of shoulders, holding them in this position while the instructor says:
“Swing arms down at 1 and up at 2. Ready! exercise! One! Two! ... One! Halt!”
All movements cease with arms in raised position.
“Arms down.” All drop their arms smartly.
Of course, to the simple movements are added various combinations, and all exercises are executed both at a halt and while marching. The walking with measured step gives poise and grace of carriage. The recruits are also practiced in the run and double time, the latter a military step to gain ground rapidly, but with a minimum inroad upon the wind and endurance of the soldier. Setting-up exercises are the most valuable preliminary training for any body of men entering the military service. For the first week the body is sore and aches to the point of great fatigue, but after the preliminary soreness disappears, a feeling of control supplants it, and the general health of the body is better. No brown pills are necessary; no headaches from biliousness exist. A good forty-five minute setting-up drill every morning, plenty of wholesome food, and eight hours’ sleep contribute to the cadet’s good health. The Mess Hall, not to be outdone by other departments, lends its aid by serving judicious plates of prunes. These preliminary setting-up drills, given during the first few weeks, are discontinued for a short period in camp when the cadets are busy learning other drills.
Swimming now replaces the setting-up exercises until the battalions return to barracks in September. The new cadets must be able to swim at least ten minutes without changing their stroke, which standard each cadet must measure before he is excused from attendance at the swimming drills. These drills are never a bore, however, but anticipated with great pleasure by nearly all of the men. Nothing is so refreshing on a hot summer’s day, after a tedious drill upon the dusty Plain, than the march over to the “Gym” for a swim in the deliciously cool clean water of the tank. Instruction is also given in resuscitating men who are apparently drowned.
When September comes and the studies are commenced, the Fourth Class resumes its setting-up exercises, to which are added gymnastic work.
In the fall each cadet is given a thorough examination at which all of his measurements are accurately taken, and various strength tests are made. This information is entered on a card and filed for future reference, because later on the cadets are again measured and tested in order that the improvement may be noted.
Measurements are made of the height, chest, waist, arms, legs; and strength tests are made of the arms, hands, back, and legs. These methods quickly reveal wherein the cadet is deficient, and allow the instructor, like a doctor, to prescribe for each individual the necessary exercises. For example, those whose chests are under-developed are assigned to the chest weights until the deficiency is made up, and where the smaller muscles of the arms and shoulders need attention practice is given with the Indian clubs and medicine balls.
