INFANTRY TRAINING PREPARED AT THE ARMY WAR COLLEGE AUGUST, 1917 DISTRIBUTION ONE TO EACH GENERAL OFFICER ONE TO EACH GENERAL STAFF OFFICER ONE TO EACH OFFICER OF THE ADJUTANT GEN- ERAL'S AND ORDNANCE DEPARTMENTS ONE TO EACH OFFICER OF INFANTRY WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1917 WAR DEPARTMENT, Document No. 656, Office of The Adjutant General. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 27, 1911. The following pamphlet on Infantry Training, prepared by the War College Division, General Staff, is published for the infor- mation and guidance of all concerned. [:;r,3.546 A. G. O.] BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR : H. L. SCOTT, Major General, Chief of Staff. OFFICIAL : H. P. McCAIX. The Adjutant General. 3 INFANTRY TRAINING. I. INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO THE TRAINING OF AN INFANTRY DIVISION IN TRENCH WAR- FARE, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIVISIONAL SCHOOLS. 1. In all the. military training of a division, under existing conditions, training for trench warfare is of paramount im- portance. Without neglect of the fundamentals of individual recruit instruction, every effort should be devoted to making all units from the squad and platoon upwards proficient in this kind of training. It is believed that in an intensive course of 16 weeks troops can be brought to a reasonable degree of effi- ciency through the squad, platoon, and company, making it possible with a minimum of training in France for them to take their places on the line. The responsibility for the in- struction in trench warfare of field officers, staff officers, and higher commanders rests with special force upon the division commander. 2. Instruction in trench warfare can not be properly developed without a trench system. It will be one of the first duties of a division commander, accompanied by his chief of staff and engineer officer, to make, a careful tactical reconnaissance of the terrain with his camp area and locate this trench system. The location of the system should be based upon sound tactical principles, and for this reason the reconnaissance should extend beyond the confines of the camp area, so that in larger problems the trenches actually constructed will form a consistent part of the scheme. The trenches should be so located that proper artillery positions can be occupied, and when practicable it would be. desirable if fire for effect by artillery with service ammunition could be delivered upon them. The location of the trenches should be such that an opposing system of enemy trenches may also be constructed. Soil and drainage should be carefully considered. 5 6 INFANTRY TRAINING. When the "location has been determined upon, the division commander will cause the engineer officer to have the complete trench system staked out and taped. An engineer officer will be detailed in charge of the system from the beginning, and it will be his duty to apportion the tasks to each organization which reports for trench construction. By this means not a spade full of earth will be upturned which does not apply to the development of the system. On account of the high cost of material for obstacles, revetment, etc., it would not be well to plan in the beginning for the construction of a trench area of more than 600 yards front and 800 yards depth. This will re- ceive a garrison of a battalion, and from the time, it nears com- pletion and continuously thereafter it should be occupied suc- cessively by the several battalions in the division. In the shortest practicable time the division commander will require of the engineer officer the preparation of a maneuver map of the camp area and so much of the surrounding country as he deems necessary for problems. This map should be drawn with the coordinate system used by the British and French. Its scale should be 1/5000. with reductions to 1/10000 for con- venient use and 1/40000 for use of artillery. 3. The tactical instruction of brigade commanders, staff offi- cers, and regimental field officers should be under the direct personal supervision of the division commander. Staff officers are included in this instruction, as most of them now have very important functions to perform in the preparation of operation orders. The course will be taken up during the first 16 weeks of intensive training of the troops and continued until the arrival of the division in France. The course will embrace the study of regulations, manuals, and recent publications by the War College Division on trench warfare, combined from the beginning with the employment of the applicatory method, including map problems, terrain exer- cises, tactical rides and walks, and map maneuvers, culminating in practical maneuvers with troops in trench warfare. Opera- tion orders in trench warfare proceed from higher commanders through the several subordinate commanders, each having to issue an order, but differing greatly in form from our field orders. Operation orders now enter into the minutest details of prepara- tion, organization, distribution, methods of advance, supply, liaison, etc. Therefore constant training and exercise in the INFANTRY TRAINING. 7 framing of orders based upon carefully prepared tactical prob- lems are absolutely essential. Courses of like nature will be conducted for regimental officers in each regiment by the colonel under the supervision of the brigade commander. Time must be found for these courses during the evenings and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. 4. In addition to the tactical courses described above, a sys- tem of divisional schools will be established as listed below: (a) Infantry school of arms: 1. Small-arms department First section. Grenades (hand and rifle). Second section. Bayonet. Third section. Rifle and pistol. Fourth section. Automatic arms (automatic rifle and light machine gun). 2. Machine-gun department First section. Heavy (rifle-caliber) machine gun. Second section. One-pounder gun. 3. Engineer department First section. Sappers, bombers, pioneers. Second section. Field fortifications for line troops. 4. Gas-defense department Use, care, repair of gas masks, etc. Artillery school. School for stable sergeants and farriers. School for mess sergeants, bakers, and cooks. ((} School for horseshoers. (/) School for company mechanics. (g)~ School of equitation. (70 School for supply officers and supply sergeants. I i ) School for clerks. (/) School for saddlers and cobblers. (7c) Signal school. (/) School for bandsmen and buglers. (in) School for hygiene and sanitation. And such other schools as the division commander may deem necessary. For the specialties in this list of schools, specialist instructors will be supplied as rapidly as possible from the central schools now in operation, but their early organization should not be de- 8 INFANTRY TRAINING. layed. Instructors, student officers, and student enlisted men should be excused from all other duty while detailed to the schools. II. INTRODUCTION. 1. With the sudden expansion of the Regular Army and the National Guard and the creation in its entirety of the new National Army, the subject of military training assumes the greatest importance, and concerning this training it is essential that certain well-recognized principles should be constantly borne in mind. 2. The responsibility for the training of a division rests solely upon the division commander. Under his direction, responsi- bility for the training of troops devolves upon all commanders from those of platoons upward. Therefore the following pages will be considered only as suggestive and advisory in character; to be applied and adapted in the discretion of the division com- mander and made mandatory by his direction alone. Results in efficiency are demanded of him the system and methods, subject to the principles laid down in the training manuals and Regu- lations, are his own. 3. To be effective in time of war, military training must be uniform throughout the service and must conform to certain basic principles possessing varying degrees of importance. A due sense of proportion of these principles and a full apprecia- tion of the relative merits of those qualities constituting the standard to which the Army must attain are expected of all com- manding officers. 4. Patriotism is of the first importance. An absolute and un- qualified devotion to the welfare and success of our country is an indispensable prerequisite that has always constituted the soul of our Army. 5. Dixciiilinc distinguishes thoroughly trained and instructed troops from an irresponsible, unwieldy, and disorderly aggrega- tion of men. Its essential characteristics are respect for and implicit obedience to superior authority. Its vital importance must be thoroughly impressed upon all in the military service. Cheerful, earnest, and loyal obedience should be promptly paid by all subordinates to lawful orders of superiors. 6. Physical development of the soldier should be such that it will render him capable of the greatest endurance on the march and on the field of battle. The most endurance is attained INFANTRY TRAINING. 9 through a progressive course of training that improves the vol- untary muscles and vital organs. To this end, marches of in- creasing length, with increasing weights of packs, and daily set- ting-up exercises are necessary for the physical development of infantry. Other physical training calculated to develop the physique along the special lines required in modern warfare will be prescribed from time to time. 7. Self-respect, self-reliance, and resourcefulness are qualities in a large measure inherent in our soldiers and should be culti- vated to the fullest extent in their training. 8. Professional knowledge leads to the greatest efficiency when intelligently applied in actual practice. 9. To render the most perfect service on the field of battle is the final object for which our Army is created and maintained. 10. Fundamental principles and general directions governing the training of infantry: (a) Instruction, inspection, responsibility and authority, or command are inseparable. (6) The officer must know the duties of the men under his command in addition to his own specific duties. (c) Officers and noncommissioned officers of each grade should be competent to take up the duties of the next higher grade. Military efficiency can only be attained through competent and instructed officers and noncommissioned officers. (<Z) The efficiency of the squad, including its leadership, is the basis of efficiency, and this efficiency in turn depends on the thoroughness of the training of individual members of this unit. (e) The efficiency of every command depends on the efficiency of the units or teams composing it. As each team in a large command must be under the direct control of its immediate chief, it is evident that such chief should have all possible charge of the instruction of his team. 1 Authority and respon- sibility should exist in equal degree. From such a system there should result not only suitable instruction of the team but also comradeship among the individual members, pride in the team as a unit, and that confidence and habit of command on the part of the leader so necessary to efficient leadership. 1 Officers must, however, because of the inexperience of the great ma- jority of the noncommissioned officers, give personal attention to indi- vidual instruction and to that of the squad and platoon, in order that the training may proceed along right lines and due progress be made. 9916 17 2 10 INFANTRY TRAINING. (/) The best instruction is that which is practical and which is taught through personal contact between instructor and those under instruction. Any other kind is justified only when practi- cal instruction can not be given. (g) The paramount object of instruction is not only to impart knowledge as knowledge but also so to train the soldier that he shall be better qualified each day in meeting the situations that may face him in the field. It is believed that this desii'ed development can be hastened by accustoming the soldier td investigate for himself. (h) The applicatory method of instruction should be used as far as possible. This method finds its principal application in theoretical instruction, but its advantages should not be over- looked in practical work. Example : A company commander signaling to platoon commanders without company actually being present. (i) The ultimate object of all instruction being field service efficiency, field maneuvers and field firing should be considered as the culmination of previous training and the test of its thoroughness. (;') There must be a definite and progressive plan and sched- ule of instruction. Every course of instruction should embrace certain definitely prescribed subjects and be for a definite period in order to unify instruction, prevent unnecessary repetition, and use the available time to the best advantage. On the com- pletion of the, prescribed course of theoretical instruction all study should not cease, but sufficient post-graduate work should follow to broaden the student's professional horizon and keep him in touch with new methods and ideas. , (A 1 ) Drill movements are of two general classes first, drills of precision, and, second, maneuver and combat exercises. The precise movements of the manual of arms and close-order drill are not for the purpose of teaching men how to get about on the battle field. They will hardly be used there at all. One of the principal objects is to train the soldiers' minds and bodies to habits of precise, unhesitating obedience to the will of the leader, so that in the stress of battle they will obey without conscious effort, mechanically, automatically, as the easiest and most natural line of action. Maneuver and combat exercises are intended for instruction in the proper handling of troops in campaign and on the battle field. There should be rigid adherence to orders and instruc- tions. INFANTRY TRAINING. 11 It is hardly possible properly to conduct a drill or exercise without special forethought and preparation for that particular drill or exercise. After each drill or exercise the specific work for the next one should be announced, so that leaders may have time to prepare themselves. The drill or exercise should be made interesting, not only by variety, which is necessary in order not to exhaust the soldier's attention by straining it too long on one subject, but also by comments on the part of leaders, continued throughout the drill and directed toward those elements whose performance is un- usually good or bad. (/) Time is important, but proficiency is the most important factor in infantry training. (m) Lectures are valuable aids in military training. Those to enlisted men should be about one-half hour long; to officers they may be longer. The number of lectures on any particular subject will depend upon its nature. They should be delivered by those specially qualified on the particular subjects. The lecture meetings should be as informal as is consistent with discipline ; questions and discussions should be arranged. The appropriate use of maps, diagrams, and illustrations, including moving pictures, is advantageous. A list of general subjects for lectures is given hereafter. 11. Duties of regimental, battalion, and company command- ers. The division commander will prepare and issue programs of training, and will cause detailed schedules covering pre- scribed periods of time to be prepared by proper commanders. The duty of seeing that the prescribed instruction is carried on lies with the regimental commander and his field officers, and witli this end in view they should personally observe the instruction which is being given to the companies. They should, however, carefully refrain from interfering with any legitimate ni(>Tho(l which is producing results, remembering that no two men will proceed along exactly the same lines. By interference superiors not only destroy initiative, but also weaken the authority of the subordinate commander over his men. Inter- ference is justified only when such a commander fails to follow the course of instruction prescribed, displays ignorance, or shows such a luck of judgment in his methods as to render it certain that the results desired will not be accomplished. This does not mean that a suggestion from a superior officer should not be made or followed, but such suggestion should be carefully 12 INFANTRY TRAINING. considered and only made when it is certain better results will follow its adoption. 12. Having received a schedule of instruction, the company commander should lay his plans covering all details of the sub- ject not prescribed by higher authority. Recruits and other ill- instructed men should be grouped together and assigned for instruction to a specially qualified officer or noncommissioned officer. With this exception, each unit leader should, if possi- ble, be the instructor of his own unit. Each drill should be governed by a schedule showing the subjects assigned to each group and the corresponding allowance of time. The captain should supervise the instruction of the various groups, making corrections and suggestions only when he sees the satisfactory results are not forthcoming, and then not in the hearing of the men. 13. Normally four hours will be devoted to military training and instruction at each morning and afternoon assembly. The afternoon periods on Wednesdays and Saturdays may be devoted to giving additional training to backward men, and those who have made adequate progress in their training may be excused from routine work during such periods or, in case of need, re- quired to care for Government property or assist in the instruc- tion and training of others. Care will be taken during all periods to vary the training and not to devote too much time to any one subject. 14. It is desirable that provision be made for a sand table, a map for map problems, and some device to serve as a target in instruction in fire direction. A rough sketch on paper or on a blackboard on a scale of about 12 inches to the mile will serve for map problems, but a relief map is the best device for prac- tical instruction. A board arranged so that it can be raised or lowered and having painted on it a line of prone silhouettes makes a good target. Every headquarters, machine-gun, and Supply company should have one or more wooden horses so con- structed as to permit of saddling, bridling, and harnessing. 15. Basis of Infantry training. The training of Infantry is based on the subjects covered in Infantry Drill Regulations (I. D. R.), Field Service Regulations (F. S. R.), Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates (M. N. C. O.), Small- Arms Firing Manual (S. A. F. M.), and Manual Physical Train- ing (M. P. T.), and upon the experience of other nations in the present war. Training in special subjects, such as the use of INFANTRY TRAINING. 13 gases in war, grenades, bayonet fighting, etc., are being covered in pamphlets issued from time to time by the War Department, in accordance with developments in the art of war. III. TRAINING PLAN. ALL COMPANIES. 1. Recruit instruction: (a) Articles of War. (It) Military discipline and courtesy. (c) Arms, uniforms, and equipment. (d) Personal hygiene and care of feet. (e) School of the soldier. (/) School of the squad. (g) Setting-up exercises, recruit instruction. (h) Orders for sentinels. RIFLE COMPANY. 2. Squad instruction: (a) Test of recruits by squad leader in subjects (1) (b) to (h), inclusive. (6) Setting-up exercises, "Trained soldiers" instruc- tion. (c) School of the squad. (d) Tent pitching. (e) Bayonet exercises and bayonet combat. (/) Whistle and arm signals., (g) Color sentinels, countersigns and paroles, compli- ment from guards, guarding prisoners and flags. (h) Sighting drills. (0 Position and aiming drills. (j) Making triangles. (k) Target practice. (I) Musketry duties of the squad and squad leader, involving target designation, distribution of fire on target, fire discipline, fire direction, and fire control. (m) First aid to the wounded. (n) (1) Methods of employing gases in modern war- fare; (i) gas clouds; (ii) gas shells. (2) Effect of gas. (3) Use of gas mask, (i) care of mask; (ii) method of application; (iii) mask drill. 14 INFANTRY TRAINING. 3. Platoon instruction: (a) Test of squads by platoon leader on subjects (2) (c), (d), (e), (/), (0, (0, and () ; (3) (paragraph above). (&) Drill, close order. (c) Drill, in trench and open warfare. (d) Musketry duties of platoon and platoon leader, involving : Target designation. Finding range. Distribution of fire. Fire discipline. Fire direction. Fire control. Communications. (e) Rifle trenches. (/) Individual cooking. (g) (1) Marching, running, bayonet fighting, rapid loading and aiming, etc., while wearing gas masks. (2) Prevention of damage by gas to rifles, etc., sentry duties in connection with gas. (3) Use of sprayers and fans for clearing out gases. 4. Company instruction: (a) Test of squads in subjects (2) (c), (d), (e), (/), (/), (m), and () ; (3) (paragraph above). (&) Test of platoons in subjects (3) (b), (c), (d), (e), (/), and (g) ; (3) (paragraph above). (c) School of the company, close order. (d) Company training in trench warfare. (e) Company inspection. (/) Commander, sergeant, and corporal of the guard. (g) Guard mounting'. (h) Physical training and swimming. (i) Musketry duties of the company involving: Target designation. Finding the range. Distribution of fire. Fire discipline. Fire direction. Fire control. Communication. INFANTRY TRAINING. 15 4. Company instruction Continued. (;') Field service. (k) Marching and camping. (I) Range practice, known distance, small-arms firing courses. At least one-fourth of the enlisted personnel, less the cooks and buglers, will be trained as hostile trench patrols (called " moppers up " by the British and " trench cleaners " by the French). At least 4 noncommissioned officers and 36 privates selected for their superior intelligence, education, skill in musketry, and steadiness will be trained as sharpshooters or " snipers." This training will include the care and use of field glasses, telescopic sights, devices for and methods of escaping hostile observation, loophole construction, snap shooting at rapidly dis- appearing targets, map reading, and the making of sketches and of clear and concise reports. This training will be given after the company training has made reasonable progress. About one-half of the company will be trained in the duties of scouts, messengers, and liaison patrols. Instruction in these subjects will begin in the platoon and continue during all subse- quent training. Instruction in all of the above specialties will be in accordance with information on these subjects issued from time to time by the War Department, and the changes indicated in such infor- mation with regard to methods and practices will be strictly observed. Coordination in these several specialties will be effected by means of schools in each division or separate com- mand in which unit instructors will receive training under spe- cially trained officers and others. 5. Tests as indicated will be made at proper times in the prog- ress of training of individuals, squads, platoons, and companies. A careful record will be kept in each company of work actually peformed from day to day in the progress of training. HEADQUARTERS COMPANY. It may become necessary, in order to enable headquarters companies to perform the duties which devolve upon similar organizations in the British and French armies in trench-to- trench fighting, to materially increase the personnel of head- quarters companies, and to organize platoons trained, respec- tively, as (a) signalmen, (&) sappers and bombers, (c) sappers 16 INFANTRY TRAINING. and pioneers, and (d) in the service and operation of 1-pounder rifle cannon. Pending further instructions a headquarters company will be instructed in the following subjects: (a) Members of the band in litter drill, music, school of the soldier, marching, first aid to the wounded (theoretical and practical), the nomenclature, care, and preservation of band in- struments. (b) Mounted orderlies (theoretical and practical) in riding, bridling, saddling, and care of horses ; signaling, carrying verbal messages. (c) Sergeants major and color sergeants in their duties at ceremonies and drills as prescribed in the Infantry Drill Regu- lations ; in the preparation of returns and reports, correspond- ence and the use of morning reports, sick reports, duty rosters, ration returns, individual records of enlisted men, small-arms reports ; in studies of Army Regulations, Field Service Regula- tions, and other books and papers pertaining strictly to their duties as clerks at regimental or separate battalion headquar- ters. They will also be instructed in semaphore signaling. (d) First sergeant in the preparation of correspondence, re- turns, muster and pay rolls, and in the use of morning reports, sick reports, duty rosters, ration returns, individual records of enlisted men, small-arms reports, and in their duties at ceremonies and drills as prescribed in the Infantry Drill Regu- lations. They will also be instructed in semaphore signaling. (e) Mess sergeants and cooks in the study of Army Cooks' Manual, Army Bakers' Manual, the components of the ration, the nomenclature, care, and preservation of field ranges, march kit, and cooking utensils ; sanitation of kitchen and mess hall, including the disposal of garbage. (/) Supply sergeants in the study of the Infantry Equipment, the issue, care, and preservation of leather, equipment, cloth- ing and arms; the handling and accounting (practical and theoretical) of all property. (g) Stable sergeants in the study of Manual for Farriers, Horseshoers, Saddlers, and Wagoners or Teamsters ; the care and treatment of animals and the care and preservation of harness, saddles, and bridles. (h) Sergeant bugler as. prescribed for buglers in a rifle company. (i) The horseshoer in the study of the manual named in paragraph (g) above. INFANTRY TRAINING. -17 (;) All members in making the pack, antigas measures, camp sanitation, personal hygiene, and the use of the first-aid packet ; the nomenclature, care, and preservation of the rifle or pistol, depending upon the weapon with which they are armed. (k) All members armed with the rifle in sighting, position, and aiming drills, and target practice. (I) All noncommissioned officers will be instructed in sig- naling. (m) Sappers' and bombers' detachment will be instructed in its specialty. (ft) Sappers' and pioneers' detachment will be instructed in its specialty. (o) One-pounder gun detachment will be instructed in its specialty. SUPPLY COMPANY. A supply company will be instructed in the following sub- jects : (a) Regimental supply sergeants in the preparation of property returns, correspondence, rations returns ; in studies of Army Regulations, Field Service Regulations, Infantry equipment, price list of clothing and equipment (annual general order of War Department), Quartermaster Manual, and other books and papers, also blank forms pertaining strictly to their duties as supply sergeants. (It) First sergeants, mess sergeants, stable sergeants, cooks, saddlers, as prescribed respectively for the same positions for a headquarters company. (c) Corporals as prescribed for stable sergeants. (d) Saddlers as prescribed for horseshoers in a headquar- ters company. (e) Wagoners in the study of Manual for Farriers, Horse- shoers, Saddlers, anil Wagoners or Teamsters ; the care and treatment of animals and the nomenclature, care, and preserva- tion of harness and wagons. (/) All noncommissioned officers will be instructed in sig- naling. (g) All members in making pack, in antigas measures, camp sanitation, personal hygiene, and the use of the first-aid packet; the nomenclature, care, and preservation of the rifle or pistol, depending upon the weapon with which they are armed. (h) All members armed with the rifle in sighting, position, and aiming drills and target practice. 18 INFANTRY TRAINING. MACHINE-GUN COMPANY. A machine-gun company will be instructed in the courses and subjects set forth in the Machine Gun Firing Manual. IV. GENERAL SUBJECTS FOR LECTURES. (Suitable for all arms.) 1. Discipline. 2. Conduct in service. 3. Morale. 4. Leadership. 5. Customs and courtesies of the service ; Saluting. 6. Physical training. 7. Obligations and rights of the soldier. 8. Duties and responsibilities of N. C. O. 9. The commissioned officer. 10. Personal hygiene. 11. Venereal diseases. 12. Alcoholism ; Drugs. 13. Personal cleanliness. 14. Insects and vermin. 15. Vaccination and prophylaxis ; Communicable diseases. 16. Care of the feet. 17. First aid and elementary bandaging. 18. Sanitation and its maintenance. 19. Articles of War. 20. Army Regulations and orders. 21. Purposes and methods of drill. 22. Why we are at war. 23. History ; European war ; United States wars. 24. Pay and allowances. 25. Care and adjustment of clothing and equipment. 26. Military offenses and punishments. 27. Property responsibility. 28. Interior guard duty. 29. Security in the field. 30. Rations. 31. Reconnaissance. 32. Use of cover. 33. Study of terrain on the ground. 34. Maps and map reading. 35. Messages and reports. 36. Lines of information. INFANTRY TRAINING. 19 37. Orders. 38. Horses and stable management. 39. Organization, arms, and characteristics of (a) United States troops. (&) Allies. (c) Enemy. (d) Others. 40. Entrenchments. 41. Tactical use of machine guns. 42. Gas warfare. 43. Grenade and bomb warfare. 44. Powers and limitations of various arms. 45. Transportation of troops by rail, trucks, ships. 46. Attack and defense of positions. 47. Rules of land warfare. 48. Trench orders. V. WEEKLY TRAINING PROGRAMS. 1. The following weekly programs are published as guides in order to secure uniformity of instruction and progress through- out the several divisions and to be an aid to division com- manders in preparing similar programs. They are in no sense mandatory, as it is realized that conditions will differ in each division. Results, however, are required and departures from these programs should be in the direction of improvement. 2. The programs cover a period of 16 weeks of intensive training and are restricted (except for short periods of bat- talion training in the fifteenth and sixteenth weeks) to indi- vidual, squad, platoon, and company training. Progressive training, with troops, of the higher units will be taken up at the conclusion of the 16 weeks' course. 3. The time devoted to training each week is 40 hours, leaving Wednesday and Saturday afternoons free for recreation and for additional drill for backward men. 4. Tests are required as indicated. These tests may be held from time to time as the proficiency of the individual or unit is .demonstrated, but all should be completed at time pro- vided in programs. Additional training will be given to indi- viduals and units found not proficient on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons followed by further tests. 5. Target practice is continued to include the sixteenth week. Great care should be exercised in the preparation of company 20 INFANTRY TRAINING. schedules to cover the training of platoons and groups not firing during the time allotted to target practice. 6. Night work is of the utmost importance, and should in- clude all phases of training, scouting, patrolling, marches, se- curity, occupation of trenches, night relief of troops in trenches. trench raids, construction of trenches and obstacles, com- bat, etc. 7. The specialities are given only the time which is con- sidered absolutely necessary to secure proficiency. They should be vigorously taught. 8. Ceremonies will be included in the time allotted for in- spections. 9. Refresher courses should be conducted every evening in each company for the officers and noncommissioned officers. These courses should include a review of the day's work and a careful preparation for the work of the next day. 10. Due to time which may be consumed in physical exami- nations, vaccination, typhoid prophylaxis, possible quarantine, etc., it may be necessary to continue the training set forth for the first week over a period of two or even three weeks. RIFLE COMPANY. WEEKLY PROGRAMS. First week. Hours. Articles of War 1 Military discipline and cour- tesy 2 Uniforms and equipment 4 Personal hygiene and care of feet 2 School of the soldier 6 School of the squad 10 Hours. Setting-up exercises ; Recruit instruction _______________ Orders for sentinels _________ Issue of clothing and equip- ment ____________________ Obligations and rights of the soldier ; Lecture __________ Inspection ----------------- Second week. Hours. Setting-up exercises ; Recruit instruction 4J Running 1J School of the soldier 4 School of the squad 14 Issue of arms 1 Nomenclature and care of rifle- 2 Color sentinels, countersigns and paroles, compliments from guards, guarding pris- oners and flags 1 Hours. Bayonet exercise and bayonet combat 3 Sighting, position, and aiming drills, and deflection and elevation correction drills 4 Making pack and tent pitch- ing 2 Why we are at war ; Lecture- 1 Inspection (as directed) 2 INFANTRY TRAINING. 21 Third week. Hours. Sett;ing-up.exercises ; "Trained soldiers' " instruction 4i Running 1J Bayonet training 4 School of the squad 12 Whistle and arm signals 1 First aid to the wounded 1 Fourth Hours. Setting-up exercises 4J Running and jumping 1J School of the squad 12 Bayonet combat 6 Sighting, position, aiming, trig- ger-squeeze exercises, and gallery practice 12 Fifth Hours. Physical training 4 Bayonet training 4 School of the squad, including duties of squad and squad leader, involving target des- ignation, distribution of fire on target, fire discipline, fire direction, and fire control, I. D. R 4 Bombing 2 Platoon instruction : Drill, close order 3 Drill in trench and open warfare 3 Target practice 16 Firing will be done suc- cessively by platoons ; the platoons not firing will devote time in in- struction in the follow- ing subjects : Sixth Hours. Physical training 4 Bayonet training , 3 School of the squad 3 Platooi instruction in close order and trench warfare 3 Target practice (same as fifth week) 16 Hours. Sighting, aiming, position, trig- ger-squeeze exercises, and de- flection and elevation correc- tion drills 12 Test of recruits by squad lead- ers in subjects 1 (6) to (h), inclusive 2 Inspection (as directed) ^_ 2 week. Hours. Methods of employing gases in modern warfare (1) gas clouds, (2) gas shells; Ef- fect of gas ; Lecture 1 Grenade and bomb warfare ; Lecture 1 Inspection ; Field kit ; Tent pitching 2 week. Hours. Target practice Continued. Estimating distance. Fire-control instru- ments : Field glass. Range finder. Mil scale. Sketching (position, road, landscape) and map reading Signaling. Trench warfare. Marching : To be conducted in connection with march to and from target range. Antigas instruction 1 Field intrenchments ; Lecture- 1 Inspection ; Field kit ; Tent pitching 2 week. Hours. Trench construction 4 Antigas instruction 1 Bombing (hand grenade) 3 Military offenses and punish- ments _ 1 Marching (as in fifth week). Inspection (as directed) 2 22 INFANTRY TRAINING. Seventh week. Hours. Test of squads by platoon leader on subjects 2 (c), (d), (e), (f), (1), (m), (n), and 3 3 Physical training 3 Bombing 2 Bayonet training 3 Platoon instruction in close order and trench warfare 3 Trench construction 3 Target practice 16 By platoons, those not fir- ing to be instructed in Target designation. Finding the range. Distribution of fire. Fire discipline. Fire direction. Fire control. Hours. Target practice Continued. By platoons Continued. Communications. Trench warfare. Antigd.s instruction. This in- struction should now include marching, running, bayonet fighting, rapid loading and aiming, etc., while wearing gas masks 1 Prevention of damage by gas to rifles, etc., sentry duties in connection with gas ; Use of sprayers and fans for clearing out gases ; Lecture- 1 Marching (as in fifth week). Night work 3 Inspection (as directed) 2 Eighth week. Hours. Physical training 4 Bayonet training 3 Trench and obstacle construc- tion 3 Platoon instruction 3 Antigas instruction : 1 Night work 3 Target practice 10 By platoons, platoons not firing as in seventh week. Hours. Marching (as in fifth week). Bombing Morale ; lecture History ; European war Inspection (as directed) \inth week. Hours. Tests of squads in subjects 2 (c), (d), (c), (f), (I), (m), (n),3 3 School of the company, close order 3 Physical training ' 3 Bayonet training 3 Trench work 3 Antigas instruction 1 Night work 3 Hours. Bombing (hand and rifle grenades) 2 Target practice 16 By platoons, platoons not firing as in seventh week. Marching (as in fifth week). History ; European war ; Lec- ture 1 Inspection (as directed) 2 INFANTRY TRAINING. 23 Tenth week. Hours. Tests of platoons in subjects 3 (), (c), 0, (e), (f), (<J) (p. ) 4 Physical training 2 Bayonet training 2 Company in close order and trench warfare 3 Antigas instruction 1 Bombing (hand and rifle) 2 Hours. Night work 3 Intrenching 4 Target practice 10 By platoon, platoons not firing as in seventh week. Marching (as in fifth week). Trench warfare ; Lecture 1 Inspection (as directed) 2 Eleventh week. Hours. Selection of specialists in the following 4 Bombers (hand grenade). Grenadiers (rifle grenade). Snipers. Sketehers. Liaison details (signalers, runners, observers, etc). Estimators. Automatic rifle or light machine gun. Physical training 3 Hours. 2 3 Bayonet training Intrenching Bombing 2 Antigas instruction 1 Night work 3 Target practice 16 By platoon, platoons not firing as in seventh week. Marching (as in fifth week). Inspection (as directed) 2 Twelfth week. Hours. 3 Physical training Bayonet training ^ Intrenching 4 Bombing 3 Antigas instruction 1 Night work 3 Company in trench and open warfare 4 Target practice 16 Firing by specialist groups. Each group Thirteenth week. Hours. not firing will be in- structed in its specialty and in trench warfare. Marching (as in fifth week). Use of light machine guns ; lecture 1 Use of automatic rifle ; Lec- ture _. 1 Inspection (as directed) 2 Hours. Physical training 2 Bayonet training 2 Intrenching 4 Bombing Antigas instruction Company drill, close order Musketry duties of company- Target designation. Finding the range. Distribution of fire. Fire discipline. Hours. Musketry duties of company Continued. Fire direction. Fire control. Communication. Target practice 16 Fire by specialist groups. Each group not firing to be instructed in spe- cialty and in trench warfare. INFANTRY TRAINING. Third ruth iceck Continued. Hours. Marching (as in fifth week). Army Regulations and orders ; Lecture 1 History ; European war_. Night work Inspection (as directed). Hours. 1 3 2 Fourteenth week. Physical training Bayonet training Intrenching Bombing , Antigas instruction Marching by company ; prob- lems in security, on the march and at a halt ; com- bat problem, open warfare. Hours. 2 3 3 2 Hours. Night work 3 Target practice 16 Fire by specialist groups. Each group not firing to be instructed in spe- cialty and in trench warfare. Inspection (as directed) 2 Fifteenth week. by Company test commander Physical training Bayonet training Antigas instruction Battalion close-order drill Battalion in trench warfare Hours, battalion 8 2 2 Hours. Target practice 16 By specialist groups. Each group not firing will be trained in its specialty and in trench warfare. History ; European war 1 Inspection (as directed) ; 2 Sixteenth wcefc. Physical training Bayonet training Bombing Antigas instruction Battalion in trench warfare (including 3 hours' night Hours. 3 work) 1:5 Inspection (as directed) Hours. Target practice 16 By specialist groups. Each group not firing will be trained in its specialty and in trench warfare. %. INFANTRY PM gOfcfcEc, TRAINI] 'xt EM i-5 C3 IG. Physical training. F. Platoon trench warfare. K. Signaling. Bayonet training. Q. Target practice. L. Marching. School of the squad. H. Estimating distance. M. Antigas instruction. .Bombing. I. Fire-control instruments. N. Intrenchments. Platoon, close order. J. Sketching and map reading. O. Inspection. re that each subject is completely covered, and in order to require thorough preparation, the extent of each day's training will bo )y paragraph or pago in Training Manuals, Regulations, or Instruction pamphlets. SsS EM C EqWfe EM EM O ho co'* 3 M o WWW M EMS co'"" w - H.^H> n >- O 5*3 _, ^2 i-j HJ t-j t-s >- O Pf _ O CO M O Ml IH-II I l-l C3 ^ o _o co Oq M WWMffl W ** o Oco M JOaMSW ^ '"'^ WEM o o go h ^^g^ * SP* o o "0. o E,^ ^0 *WP^ O d+^d o ^ ^0 EM S 2 2 1 O W WWW WO 0W^ 8.0 .2" c H, pppp o i-. PS<JJJO 08 CC Ci w !<!j<< M ^<KJO q Oco ^ s oooo ^ H oooo . F^O y OOOO^,^ 1 H OOOO O ; S E^E ^||| * > 1 is ! f ^ s* ^** 2 '" '1 25 26 INFANTRY TRAINING. VI. MACHINE-GUN COMPANIES. There are only a few particulars in which the details of train- ing of the machine-gun company differ from those of the rifle company. These subjects in which there is a difference in methods are : I'se of weapons. Disciplinary drill ; gun drill in addition to infantry drill. Marches ; care of animals on the march. Field fortification ; gun emplacements. Combat ; cooperation with infantry. Transportation; depending upon method of carrying guns. In the remaining subjects the training of the machine-gun company and the rifle company are along similar lines. WEEKLY PROGRAMS FOR MACHINE-GUN COMPANIES. week. Hours. Articles of War 1 Military discipline and cour- tesy 2 Uniforms and equipment 4 Personal hygiene and care of feet 2 School of the soldier 6 School of the squad 12 Hours. Recruit (i Setting-up exercises ; instruction Orders for sentinels Issue of clothing and equip- ment Obligations and rights of the soldier ; Lecture Second week. Hours. Setting-up exercises ; Recruit instruction 4 School of the soldier 3 School of the squad 13 Issue of arms 1 Nomenclature and care of pis- tol 2 Guard duty (interior) 1 Hours. Marksmanship (machine gun) 3 Marksmanship (pistol) 1 Making pack and tent pitch- ing 2 Why we are at war ; Lecture- 1 Inspection (as directed) 2 Transportation 7 Third week. Hours. Setting-up exercises ; "Trained soldiers " instruction 4 Marksmanship (pistol) 2 Marksmanship (machine gun) _ 13 School of the squad 8 Whistle and arm signals 1 Hours. First aid 1 Test of recruits by squad leader 2 Inspection (as directed) 2 Transportation 7 INFANTRY TRAINING. 27 Fourth week. Hours. Setting-up exercises 4 School of the squad 8 Marksmanship (pistol) 2 Marksmanship (machine gun)_ 12 Transportation 3 Use of gas ; lecture 1 Grenade and lecture Inspection ; field pitching Transportation Hours, bomb warfare ; kit ; tent Fifth week. Hours. Physical training 4 Tiring (machine gun) 10 Only such men to be en- gaged in firing as can be kept busy with the range facilities avail- able. This normally might be a platoon. The platoons not firing . would take up instruc- tion in Leadership (fire di- rection and con- trol, direct and in- rect). Gunnery (recognition and designation of targets, gun lay- ing, etc.). Liaison (signalists, runners, observers, etc.). T ra n sportation ; horse exercise, grooming, stable management, driv- ing, care of har- ness, etc. Sketching (road, po- sition, and pano- ramic). Hours. Firing (machine gun) Contd. Use of instruments Compass. Clinometer. Field glass. Range finder. Mil scale. Technique of fire. Estimating distance. Infantry drill and drill of gun squad and platoon. Pistol practice. Scouting. Patroling. Outposts. Field fortification. Camouflage. Transportation 7 March instruction to be con- ducted fh connection with march to and from the tar- get range. Antigas instruction 1 Field intrenchment and camou- Inspection, pitching . Drill _. field kit ; tent S-ixth week. Hours. Physical training 4 Transportation 7 Firing (as in fifth week) 16 Antigas instruction 1 Marching (as in fifth week). Military offenses and punish- ments ; lecture i Hours. Trench construction and cam- ouflage 3 Drill Inspection '2 28 INFANTRY TRAINING. Hours. Test of squads by platoon leaders 3 Physical training 3 Trench construction and cam- ouflage 4 Firing (as in fifth week) 16 Marching (as in fifth week). Transportation 7 Antigas instruction 1 Hours. Prevention of damage by gas to guns, etc. ; use of spray- ors and fans for cleaning out gas ; sentry duties in connection with gas : Loc- ture 1 Night work 3 Inspection 2 Eighth week. Hours. Hours. Physical training 4 Transportation 7 Trenches, obstacles, and cam- Marching (as in fifth week). ouflage 3 Morale: Lecture 1 Firing (as in fifth week) 16 History; European war 1 Antigas instruction 1 Drill 2 Night work 3 Inspection 2 yinth week. Hours. Hours. Test of squads 3 Firing (as in fifth week) 10 Physical training 3 Marching (as in fifth week). Trenches, obstacles, and cam- Transportation 7 ouflage 4 History ; European war 1 Antigas instruction 1 Inspection 2 Night work 3 Tenth week, Hours. Hours. Test of platoons 4 Marching (as in fifth week i . Physical training 2 Trench warfare; Lecture 1 Antigas instruction 1 Transportation 7 Night work 3 Company drills 2 Intronchment 2 Inspection 2 Firing (as in fifth week) 16 Eleventh week. Hours. Hours. Selection of specialists as fol- Physical training 3 lows 4 Intrenchment 2 Gunners and gun cr>-\vs. Antigas instruction 1 Sketchers and scouts. Night work 3 Transportation crews. Firing (as in fifth week) 16 Instrument details, ob- Marching (as in fifth week). servers, and estima- Transportation 7 tors. Company drills 2 Liaison details. Inspection 2 Administrative and sup- ply squads. INFANTRY TRAINING. 29 Twelfth week. Physical training Intrencfitaent Firing by specialist groups ; those not firing to be in- structed in their specialties and also in subjects as enu- merated under fifth week. Transportation Marching (as in fifth week). Hours. 3 3 Antigas instruction Night work ; Use of light machine gun ; Lecture Use of automatic rifle ; Lec- ture Company drills _ Inspection Hours. 1 Thirteenth week. Physical training Intrenchment Antigas instruction Firing (as in twelfth week)- Marching (as in fifth week). Transportation Army Regulations and orders ; Lecture. Hours. 2 4 1 16 Hours. History, European war ; Lec- ture Night work Company drills Inspection Fourteenth week. Hours. Physical training 2 Intrenchment 2 Antigas instruction 1 Firing (as in twelfth wook)_ 16 Marching (as in fifth week). Hours. 2 Night work Transportation 7 Company-combat problem 8 Inspection 2 Fifteenth week. Hours, battalion Company test commander Antigas instruction Firing (as in twelfth week)_ Marching (as in fifth week). Drill with Infantry battalion. 1 16 With Infantry battalion trench warfare Transportation History, European war ; Lec- ture Inspection Hours, in Sixteenth week. < ':.tirs. Physical training 1 Antigas instruction 1 Firing (as in twelfth week). 16 Marching (as in fifth week). Transportation 7 Hours. With Infantry battalion in trench warfare (including 3 hours' night work) 13 Inspection 2 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 000550157 2