feee
wages
aiefeteernepepeibrryen
|
|
- THE UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS |
LIBRARY
|
Beanie
TLSP
Date Dv The person charging this material is re-
sponsible for its return on or before the
1% O26 | Latest Date stamped below.
Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books
™ = are reasons for disciplinary action and may
“—- tJ result in dismissal from the University.
University of Illinois Library
MAY -'7 1969
FER 1 411997
FEB 03 1992
MAY 14 2009
L161— O-1096
_ THE UNIVERSITY _
OF ILLINOIS
LIBRARY:
3 Sisco
THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
A HANDBOOK FOR
FEDERAL TRAINING CAMPS
Digitized by the Internet Archive
In 2022 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
https://archive.org/details/plattsburgmanualOOelli_ 0
THE
PLATTSBURG MANUAL
A HANDBOOK FOR
FEDERAL TRAINING CAMPS
BY
O. O. ELLIS
FIRST LIEUTENANT, UNITED STATES INFANTRY
AND
= Py
EK. B. GAREY
FIRST LIEUTENANT, UNITED STATES INFANTRY
(INSTRUCTORS, PLATTSBURG TRAINING CAMP, 1916)
WITH MORE THAN
150 ILLUSTRATIONS
NEW YORK
THE CENTURY CO.
1917
Copyright, 1917, by
Tue Century Co.
Published, March, 1917
Yo
-
o
\Y)
8 A
TO
THOSE FAR-SEEING MEN
WHO INAUGURATED AND ATTENDED THE
FIRST FEDERAL TRAINING CAMP
THIS TEXT IS RESPECTFULLY
DEDICATED
364503
PREFACE
This book is to tell the man who is going to Platts-
burg, or to any Federal Training Camp, what he
should know. Its further purpose is to offer a means
of review to the man who has attended any Training
Camp and to start him, if he so desires, along the cor-
rect road for a commission in the officers’ Reserve
Corps.
The authors have commanded companies at Platts-
burg, New York, and noting the need of such a text
compiled their observations while there.
The average man attending a Federal ‘Training
Camp wants to know as much as possible about the
Art and Science of war. He wants to acquire a good
knowledge of the principles involved. He is _ inter-
ested in the technique of movements. He is willing
to work for these things but he often becomes lost in
confusion when he attempts to study the technical serv-
ice manuals. He does not know how to select the most
important and omit the less important. The authors
have selected from the standard texts some of the vitally
important subjects and principles and have presented
them to the civilian in a simple and plain way.
The first part of the text is for the beginner. It tells
him what steps to take to attend a Federal Camp, how
vl
vill PREFACE
to prepare physically for the strenuous work. After
assisting him through the first month, in which it ad-
vises him what to do and what not to do, how to direct
his energies for the greatest efficiency in the short time
at his disposal, it presents for his consideration and
study the Officers’ Reserve Corps.
The second part, or supplement, is a more technical
discussion of those subjects introduced in the first. It
is intended principally for those who have made excel-
lent progress, and for the Officers’ Reserve Corps man.
The authors intend to revise this work as new condi-
tions arise. ‘They would like to have the advice and
assistance of any one who has attended, or who wishes
to encourage, Federal Training Camps.
CHAPTER
CONTENTS
GENERAL ADVICE
PuysicaL EXERCISE .
ScHOOL OF THE SOLDIER .
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD
ScHOOL OF THE COMPANY
Fire SUPERIORITY
THE SERVICE OF SECURITY .
ATTACK AND DEFENSE
GENERAL Principies oF Tarcetr PRractTicE
Practice Marcu or “Hiker”
OrFricers’ RESERVE Corps
SUPPLEMENT
Tue THeory or SECURITY .
ATTACK AND DEFENSE
PATROLLING
TarcGetT PRACTICE
Tent PITcHING .
BIGNATS ANDLGCODES#e. ) se) 6) o> Tete
. 130
. 136
. 144
me ELDO
. 159
- 169
. 213
. 234
. 246
. 252
ea
. 284
FOREWORD
The Plattsburg Manual, written by Lieutenants
Ellis and Garey, will prove very useful to men who are
contemplating attendance at Plattsburg or other United
States military training camps. It will also be of great
value to those who are undergoing training thereat.
It is full of practical information presented in a simple
and direct manner and gives in detail much data not
easily found elsewhere. It is a useful book, easily
understandable by those who have had little or no mili-
tary experience.
It will be useful not only at training camps but it
will be of very great value at schools and colleges where
military instruction is being given.
The authors of this book have performed a valuable
service, one which will tend to facilitate and aid very
much the development of military training in this coun-
try. In addition to the purely mechanical details of
training the book presents in a very effective and simple
manner the tactical use of troops under various condi-
tions.
In a word it is a useful and sound work and one which
can be commended to those who contemplate a course in
military training.
(Signed) Lronarp Woop,
Major General U. S. A.
February 27, 1917.
a ,
eS ee on
_
THE
PLATTSBURG MANUAL
THE
PLATTSBURG MANUAL
CHAPTER I
GENERAL ADVICE
HOW TO ATTEND A FEDERAL TRAINING CAMP
The United States is divided geographically into Mil-
itary Departments with a general officer commanding
each department. There will be, most probably, one or
more Federal Training Camps, each year in each de-
partment within the United States. ‘To attend one of
these camps it is necessary to secure the permission of
the Commanding General of the Department in which
the camp is located. ‘To do this write to the Command-
ing General at his Department Headquarters and make
your wishes known. Ask for an application blank and
any necessary data for you to have on the subject.
The Departments and their Headquarters are as fol-
lows:
(1) The Eastern Department, with Headquarters
at Governors Island.
(2) The Central Department, with Headquarters
at Chicago, Ill.
(3) The Southern Department, with Headquar-
ters at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
3
4 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
(4) The Western Department, with Headquar-
ters at San Francisco, California.
(5) The Philippine Department, with Headquar-
ters at Manila.
(6) The Hawaiian Department, with Headquar-
ters at Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Government will pay your railroad transporta-
tion by the most usual and direct route to and from the
nearest camp, supply you with uniforms, including a
hat and one pair of shoes, necessary arms, equipment,
medical attention, and subsistence. All such informa-
tion to govern your particular case will be sent you upon
application to your Department Commander.
There are certain qualifications as to age, citizenship,
physical condition, etc., that the Government demands
of each man attending one of these camps. ‘This, also,
will be sent to you by your Department Commander.
For the purpose of answering inquiries, the Military
Training Camp Association of the United States has
established the following departmental offices:
Eastern. 31 Nassau Street, New York City.
Central. Military Trainmg Camps Association,
502 Federal Building, Chicago, Ll.
Western. M. T. C. A. First National Bank
Building, San Francisco, Cal.
Southern. M. T. C. A., Ft. Sam Houston, San
Antonio, Texas.
This association is not in any way connected with the
Government. It is for the purpose of promoting Train-
GENERAL ADVICE 5
ing Camps. Any of its branch offices will answer all
questions about your transportation, uniforms, food,
military equipment, and all practical questions that are
not clear in your mind.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The designation of the civilians attending Military
Training Camps will be “Federal Reserve Students.”
The first camp for all reserve students will be an
infantry camp. It is called the RED camp. In this
camp instruction will be given in the duties of a private.
After the first camp, the students will, as far as prac-
ticable, be trained for the arm or corps of the service
for which they express preference and for which they
may seem suited.
The second camp is called the WHITE. camp. In
this camp instruction will be given in the duties of a
corporal and sergeant.
The third camp is called the BLUE camp. In this
camp instruction will be given in the duties of Reserve
Company Officers. In all practical instructions in the
second and third camps the functions of command will,
as far as practicable, be exercised by roster.
Credit under certain regulations will be given for
camp attendance in 1915 and 1916.
DEPOSITS
If you have not been able to purchase your uniform,
you will be required, upon reporting to make a deposit
6 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
of ten dollars to secure the United States against loss
or damage other than the result of reasonable wear to
the uniform the Government will issue to you. ‘The
proper refund will be made at the end of the camp when
the uniform is returned to the Government. Each re-
serve student who provides his own uniform will not be
required to make this deposit, but will be reimbursed by
the United States the cost price of the same to the United
States, plus 10 per cent. ‘This re1mbursement is made
in three payments, each being of one third the entire
amount. ‘The last payment is made at the end of the
blue camp.
Upon reporting, each reserve student must make a
deposit of ten dollars to cover loss of, or damage to,
equipment (gun, etc.) ; proper refund will be made at
the end of the camp. This is in addition to the deposit
required in the preceding paragraph.
MAIL
For the first week after camp commences, the camp
post-office is swamped with incoming mail. The de-
livery of your mail will be delayed unless your letters
are sent to the company and the regiment to which you
belong. Therefore, prepare, before you reach camp,
several stamped postal cards, addressed to your family
and business associates, containing directions to address
all communications to you care of Company ——, Train-
ing Regiment As soon as you are assigned to a
company and regiment, fill in these data and mail these
GENERAL ADVICE 7
postal cards at once. ‘This should be done by wire in
case important mail is expected during the first week
of camp. Mail is delivered to each company as soon
as a complete roll of the regiment can be made out and
sent to the post-office; this usually required about five
or six days at Plattsburg in 1916. During these five ©
or six days only the mail addressed in care of a company
and regiment was delivered at the company streets.
TYPHOID INOCULATION
The Government administers the typhoid prophylaxis
inoculation free of charge to any man desiring it. ‘The
first inoculation (there being three in all) is given dur-
ing the first few days of each camp. It 1s recommended
that this inoculation be taken either at the camp or be-
fore arrival. In the past typhoid fever has often been
a far more dangerous foe than the opposing army. Dur-
ing our war with Spain to every one American soldier
killed by a hostile bullet, fourteen were killed by this
disease. Indeed, it is more dangerous than the average
citizen realizes, because a typhoid patient can be a car-
rier of the germs for many years after his recovery and
thus unconsciously be a menace to his community.
Since the typhoid prophylaxis inoculation is a specific,
it is a generous precaution on the part of every patriotic
citizen to become inoculated. ‘The reactions are never
serious and are frequently mild. ‘The inoculations are
usually administered on Saturday, thus avoiding a seri-
ous interference with the military service.
8 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
WHAT TO DO ON YOUR ARRIVAL
The official communication containing directions to
report for training is lost by a great number of men.
Have yours in your pocket book with your deposit
money, and, upon arrival at camp, go immediately to
Headquarters where, after presenting it, you will be as-
signed to a regiment and company. ‘Then proceed as
follows:
1. Report at once with your hand baggage to your
company commander, whom you can easily find when
you reach the company street.
2. Upon being assigned to a tent, proceed to it and
place your hand baggage on an unoccupied cot or on
the ground if cots have not been provided.
3. Draw your property, checking it at the time to see
that you have been issued the correct amount.
4. 'Take this property to your cot or tent and recheck
it if you are not satisfied with the first check or if it was
not checked when issued to you. If you find a short-
age, report it to one of the regular noncoramissioned
officers on duty with the company, and ask him to check
it with you. Then in case he is unable to find the miss-
ing articles, report the matter to your company com-
mander.
You will probably be issued the following articles,
known as “Quartermaster Property”:
1 barrack bag (used as laundry bag)
2 or 3 blankets
2 pillow cases.
GENERAL ADVICE 9
cot
mattress cover
mattress
pillow
shelter half (half of a shelter tent)
small metal tent pins
poncho
sweater
Eight men are assigned to a tent. 1 basin, 1 bucket,
and 1 lantern are issued to each tent.
Clothing. 'The Government will furnish the follow-
ing:
1 hat, service
1 hat, cord
1 coat, service cotton, O. D.
2 shirts, flannel, O. D.
1 pair leggins, canvas
1 pair shoes, marching
This list may be slightly modified.
Note that you are to supply yourself with underwear,
socks, extra pair of shoes, if necessary, handkerchiefs,
and toilet articles.
re as ee ee ee
5. After checking your property, make up your bed
and arrange neatly your personal and issued property
on or under your cot. Your company commander will,
as soon as it is practicable, prescribe the manner in which
beds are to be made up and property arranged.
7. Get into uniform as soon as possible.
8. Spend all your spare time the first day cleaning
10 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
your rifle and bayonet. This will require several hours
of hard work. Get a rag and rub the heavy grease off
of them; then get a soft pine stick, pointed at one end,
and with this point, remove the grease from the cracks,
crevices, and corners. Clean the bore from the breech.
When the heavy grease has been removed, the metal
part of the gun, bore included, should be covered with a
light coating of “3-in-1” oil. Heavy grease can be re-
moved from the rifle by rubbing it with a rag which has
been saturated with gasoline or coal oil.
9. Don’t leave the company street on the first day,
except with the permission of your company comman-
der. Don’t ask for this permission unless you have a
valid reason.
10. You will have plenty of work to do the first day
arranging your property, making up your bed, and
cleaning your rifle and other ordnance property.
11. Travel light. Bring only the bare necessities of
life tocamp with you. Don’t bring a trunk. ‘Two suit-
cases will hold more than enough.
12. Report in uniform if you have one.
13. Bring a pair of sneakers or slippers, also a com-
plete bathing suit.
14. The Government will provide you with a pair of
shoes. However, if you can afford it, buy, before you
reach camp, an extra pair of high-top tan shoes and have
them well broken in by the time you reach camp. Rub-
ber heels are recommended.
GENERAL ADVICE 11
RULES OF CONDUCT
The first few days will be easy and profitable if you
will read carefully and adhere to the followng plan of
procedure:
1. Get up at the first note of reveille and get quickly
into proper uniform. Do not go to the toilet.
2. Get within two or three feet of your place in ranks
and await the sounding of assembly for reveille and then
step into ranks.
3. Stand at attention after the first sergeant com-
mands “Fall In.” Remember that this command is
equivalent to “Company, Attention.”
4. After reveille go first to the toilet, then to your
tent to make up your bed, arrange neatly your equip-
ment, and clean up the ground under and around your
cot. The company commander will require the beds
made up and the equipment arranged in a prescribed
way.
5. Wash for breakfast.
6. Upon returning from breakfast, go at once to the
toilet. Next prepare the equipment prescribed to be
worn to drill. This is especially important when the
full pack is prescribed. Assist your tent mates in po-
licing the ground in and around your tent.
7. If you need medical attention give your name to
the first sergeant at reveille and report to him at his tent
upon your return from breakfast. Sick call is usually
immediately after breakfast. Don’t wait until you are
12 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
sick to report to the hospital, but go as soon as you feel
in the least unwell.
8. When the first call for drill is blown, put on your
equipment, inspect your bed and property to see that
everything is in order, and then go to your place in
ranks.
9, After the morning drill, get ready for dinner. Get
a little rest at this time if possible.
10. After dinner a short rest is usually allowed be-
fore the afternoon drill. Take advantage of this op-
portunity; get off your feet and rest. Be quiet so that
your tent mates may rest.
11. Following the afternoon drill there is a short in-
termission before the ceremony of retreat. During this
time take a quick bath, shave, get into the proper uni-
form for retreat, shine your shoes and brush your clothes
and hat. Be the neatest man in the company.
12. Supper usually follows retreat.
13. You will frequently be marched from supper to
a lecture.
14. After these lectures the saapene are dismissed.
At Plattsburg in 1916 it was the custom of most com-
pany commanders to hold company conferences in the
company streets after these lectures. ‘These confer-
ences were for the purpose of reviewing the day’s work
and going over that of the next day. The acting non-
commissioned officers were required, and all other men
invited and encouraged, to attend.
15. Be in bed with lights out at taps. After taps and
GENERAL ADVICE 13
before reveille remain silent, thus showing consideration
for those who are sleeping or trying to sleep.
16. Consult the company bulletin board at least twice
daily. On this bulletin board is usually found the fol-
lowing information:
(a) A list of calls.
(b) The proper uniform for each formation.
(c) Schedule of drills.
(d) Special orders and instructions.
17. Get all your orders from (a) the bulletin board,
(b) the first sergeant, (c) the acting noncommissioned
officers, (d) the company commander. Don’t put much
faith in rumors.
ADVICE REGARDING HABITS
Your life at a federal training camp in regard to
food, exercise, hours of sleep, surroundings, and com-
forts will differ greatly from that which you are now
leading. You will submit your body to a sudden severe
physical test. In order to prepare your body for this
change in manner of living and work we recommend
that for a short time prior to your arrival in camp and
thereafter; you observe the following suggestions:
1. Use no alcohol of any kind.
2. Stop smoking, or at least be temperate in the use
of tobacco.
8. Eat and drink moderately. Chew your food well.
It is advisable, however, to drink a great deal of cool
(not cold) water between meals.
14 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
4. Don’t eat between meals.
5. Accustom yourself to regular hours as to sleep-
ing, eating, and the morning functions.
6. Keep away from all soda fountains and soft drink
stands. |
7. For at least two weeks prior to your arrival at
camp take regularly the exercises described in this book.
Most men are troubled with their feet during the first
week of each camp, usually because they do not observe
the following precautions:
1. If you have ever had trouble with the arches of
your feet, wear braces for them.
2. Lace your shoe as tightly as comfort will permit.
3. Wash the feet daily.
4. Every morning shake a little talcum powder or
“Foot Ease” in each shoe.
5. Each morning put on a fresh pair of socks. Your
socks should fit the feet so neatly that no wrinkles re-
main in them and yet not be so tight that they bind the
foot. Do not wear a sock with a hole in it or one that
has been darned.
6. Do not wear silk or cotton socks until you have
given light wool socks a fair trial. Some men cannot
wear with comfort light wool socks.
7. Incase of a blister treat it as directed in Chapter X.
8. Most of the foot troubles are caused by wearing
shoes that do not fit properly. If the shoe is too large
it rubs blisters, if too small it cramps the foot and causes
severe pain. Marching several hours while carrying
GENERAL ADVICE 15
about thirty pounds of equipment causes each foot to
expand at least one half a size in length and corre-
spondingly in breadth; hence the size of the shoe you
wear in the office will be too small for training-camp
use. If you have been living a sedentary life, ask for
a pair of shoes larger than you ordinarily wear.
9. In case the tendon in your heel becomes tender,
report at once to the hospital tent and get it strapped.
CADET STATUS
The official and social relation that is to exist between
you and the regular army officers on duty at the camp
will be the same as that which exists at West Point be-
tween the cadets and the regular army officers over
them. In ranks and at drill your officers will accord
you the same strictly impersonal and military treatment
which is accorded an enlisted man in the regular army.
When not in ranks your relation with the regular army
officer will be that of one gentleman to another, with
the exception that the military salute takes the place
of the civilian voice salutation or greeting. You should
feel no hesitancy whatsoever about going to your com-
pany officer at any time that they are unoccupied to ask
for information or advice; however, you should always
remember that these officers are exceedingly busy men
and conduct yourself accordingly. very company of-
ficer desires to know each man in his company more in-
timately than is permitted by strictly official relations.
Endeavor, therefore, to have a short, quiet, social chat
16 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
with him at some appropriate time, such as Sunday,
when you know he is not tired or busy. In the evening
he will frequently want to rest, study, or write letters;
hence at this time do not make your visit too long.
A DISCIPLINED SOLDIER
You will be expected to become quickly amenable
both mentally and physically to discipline. A clear con-
ception on your part of what drills are disciplinary in
character and what discipline really is will help you to
become a disciplined soldier. Drills executed at at-
tention are disciplinary exercises and are designed to
teach precise and soldierly movements and to incul-
cate that prompt and subconscious obedience which is
essential to proper military control. Hence, all cor-
rections should be given and received in an impersonal
manner. Never forget that you lose your identity as
an individual when you step into ranks; you then be-
come merely a unit of a mass. As soon as you obey
properly, promptly, and, at times, unconsciously the
commands of your officers, as soon as you can cheerfully
give up pleasures and personal privileges that conflict
with the new order of life which you have submitted,
you will then have become a disciplined man.
DRESS
The uniform you will wear stands for Duty, Honor,
and Country. .You should not disgrace it by the way
you wear it or by your conduct any more than you would
GENERAL ADVICE ™ 17
trample the flag of the United States of America under
foot. You must constantly bear in mind that in our
country a military organization is too often judged by
the acts of a few of its members. When one or two sol-
diers in uniform conduct themselves in an ungentle-
manly or unmilitary manner to the disgrace of the uni-
form, the layman shakes his head and ecndemns all men
wearing that uniform. Hence, show by the way in
which you wear your uniform that you are proud of it;
this can best be accomplished by observing the following
rules:
1. Carry yourself at all times as though you were
proud of yourself, your uniform, and your country.
2. Wear your hat so that the brim is parallel to the
ground.
3. Have all buttons fastened.
. Never have sleeves rolled up.
. Never wear sleeve holders.
. Never leave shirt or coat unbuttoned at the throat.
. Have leggins and trousers properly laced.
. Keep shoes shined.
. Always be clean shaved.
10. Keep head up and shoulders square.
11. Camp life has a tendency to make one careless as
to personal cleanliness. Bear this in mind.
Oo OED Oe
SALUTING
“The military salute is universal. It is at foundation
but a courteous recognition between two individuals of
18 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
their common fellowship in the same honorable profes-
sion, the prefession of arms. Regulations require that
it be rendered by both the senior and the junior, as bare
courtesy requires between gentlemen in civil life.” It
is the military equivalent of the laymen’s expressions
“Good Morning,” or “How do you do?” ‘Therefore be
punctilious about saluting all regular army officers; be
proud of the manner in which you execute your salute.
and make it indicative of discipline and good breeding.
Always look at the officer you are saluting. The junior
salutes first. It is very unmilitary to salute with the
hands in the pocket, or with a cigarette, cigar, or pipe
in the mouth. Observe the following general rules:
1. Never salute an officer when you are in ranks.
2. Indoors (in your tent) unarmed, do not salute but
stand at attention, uncovered, on the entrance of an
officer.
3. Indoors, armed, render the prescribed salute, 1.e.,
the rifle salute at order arms or at ‘trail.
4. Outdoors, armed, render the prescribed salute, ~
i.e., the rifle salute at right shoulder arms.
5. Outdoors, unarmed, or armed with side arms, but
covered, salute with the right hand.
ARMY SLANG
The following army slang is universally employed:
‘“Bunkie’—the soldier who shares the shelter half or
tent of a comrade in the field. A bunkie looks after his
comrade’s property in the event the latter is absent.
GENERAL ADVICE 19
“Doughboy’’—the infantryman.
“French leave’—unauthorized absence.
“Holy Joe’—the chaplain.
“K. O.”—the commanding officer.
“On the carpet”—a call before the commanding officer
for admonition.
“Q. M.”—quartermaster.
“Rookie’—a new recruit.
“Sand rat’—a soldier on duty in the rifle pit dur-
ing target practice.
“Top sergeant’”’—the first sergeant.
“Come and get it’”—the meal is ready to be served.
TENTATIVE REGULATIONS !
A Student may attend when practicable, two or three
camps in the same year but transportation will be fur-
nished for only one camp.
An applicant for admission to his first camp must
be vouched for as to his good moral chavacter by the
holder of a Red, White or Blue certificate, or by two
other reputable citizens, or he must present a satisfac-
tory discharge from the Federal Training Camp ‘for
Boys.
FINAL SUGGESTIONS
Each man attending a Federal Train camp can buy
any part of the ordnance equipment issued to him.
This includes a rifle.
1 These tentative regulations are at present (February 20, 1917) being
compiled. ‘They are, therefore, subject to change.
20 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Don’t be profane or tell questionable stories to your
bunkies or around the company. There is a much
greater number of silent and unprotesting men in camp
than is generally supposed to whom this is offensive.
Keep everything on a high plane.
CECA RACER ying
Read this chapter as soon as you decide to attend a
Federal Training Camp.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
The greatest problem you will have to solve will be
that of making your body do the work required. Every
one else will be doing exactly what you are doing, and
you have too much pride to want to take even a shorter
step than the man by your side. Some men have to
leave the training camps because they are not in the
proper physical condition to go on with the work. If
this chapter is taken as seriously as it should be, it will be
of great help to you.
If you have not a pair of sensible marching shoes
(tan, high-tops, no hooks on them) get a pair. ‘These
shoes should be considerably larger than a pair of office
shoes.
Walk to and from your business. ‘Take every op-
portunity to get out in the country where the air is
pure. Fill your lungs full. Get into the habit of
taking deep breaths now and then. Don’t make this a
task, but surround it with pleasantries. Get some de-
lightful companion to walk with you. Walk vigorously.
1 These exercises are selected from those commonly given by Major
H. J, Koehler, United States Army.
21
22 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Let down on your smoking. Better to leave it alone
for a while. You will enjoy the air. Deep breathing
seems to be more natural.
Make it a work for your country. View it in that
light. If you are not going to be called upon to un-
dergo the cruel hardships and physical strain of some
campaigns, your son will be, and you can be of great
help to him by being fit yourself. You and your sons
will form the backbone of America’s strength in her
next peril.
You will have a great deal of walking after you arrive
in eamp, possibly a great deal more than you have ever
had, and probably a great deal more than you expect,
even with this word of warning. If you have failed
to provide yourself with proper shoes and socks, great
will be the price of your lack of forethought. You will
wince at your own blisters. You will get no sympathy
from any one else. It is the spirit of the camp for each
man to bear his own burdens. So arrive at camp with
hardened legs and broken in shoes. Don’t buy shoes
with pointed or narrow toes. ‘They should be broad
and airy.
Immediately after you arise in the morning and just
before you retire at night, go through the following
exercises for two or three minutes. Ina short time you
may want to make it more. No objection. Give it a
fair trial. Be brisk and energetic. Forget, for the
time being, what you are going to get out of it. Give
and then give more. The result will take care of itself.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE 23
Ist EXERCISE
Involving practically every important muscle in the
body.
SOE
RS, ©
No. 1 oN Oo
From first position spring to second position; instantly return
to first position and continue.
Be light on your feet. Alight on your toes. Begin with a
limited number of times. Day by day increase it a little until you
reach a fair number. Be most moderate at first. Never allow
yourself in any exercise to become greatly fatigued.
24 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
2p EXERCISE
To reduce waist, strengthen back muscles, and be-
come limber.
No.) No. 2
Assume position No. 1.
Swing to position (No. 2), return at once to No. 1, and continue.
Shoot your head and arms as far through your legs as your
conformation permits.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE 25
8rpD EXERCISE
To harden leg muscles and exercise joints.
No. 1
From position No. 1 come to position No. 2. Return at once to
No. 1 and continue.
Toes turned well out. Body and head erect. Up with a slight
spring. After a little practice, you will have no difficulty with this
exercise in balancing yourself.
26 THK PLATTSBURG MANUAL
47H EXERCISE
To exercise arms and shoulders and organs of chest
and shoulder muscles.
From position No. 1 thrust
arms forward to position No.
2, and return at once to posi-
tion No. 1.
No. 1 £
Vary by thrusting
arms downward, side-
ward and upward.
Be moderate at first.
Grow more vigorous
with practice.
No. 2
PHYSICAL EXERCISE 27
5TH EXERCISE
7 To strengthen ankles and
insteps.
From position No. 1 rise on
the toes to position No. 2, re-
turn at once to position No. 1,
and continue.
7
©
—_
4
Go up on your toes as high
as you can.
CHAPTER III
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER
Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military
training; hence the excellence of an organization 1s
judged by its field efficiency. Your instruction will be
progressive in character, and will have as its ultimate
purpose the creation of a company measuring up to a
high standard of field efficiency.
The Preparatory Command, such as Forward, in-
dicates the movement that is to be executed.
The Command of Execution, such as MARCH,
HALT, or ARMS, commences the execution of the
movement.
Preparatory Commands are distinguished by bold
face, those of execution by capitals. As, 1. Forward,
2. MARCH.
The average man understands better and learns faster
when you show him how a thing is done. Don’t be
content with telling him how. Bear this in mind when
you become an instructor.
On account of the absence of the Regular Army on
the border, it was not practical to obtain photographs
of regular troops with which to illustrate this book.
The photographs used were taken under the direct
supervision of the authors.
28
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 29
POSITION OF A SOLDIER AT ATTENTION
No. 1 No. 2
CORRECT POSITION
No. 1. Don’t gaze
about. That’s not play-
ing the game.
No. 2. Don’t slouch.
Hold yourself up. Keep
your eyes off the ground.
These are the common
errors of beginners.
No. 1. Eyes to,the front.
Hands hang naturally. Rest
weight of body equally on
feet. Feet turned out making
angles of 45°.
No. 2. Head erect. Shoul-
ders down and back. Chest
out. Stomach up. Thumb
along seams of __ trousers.
Knees straight, not stiff.
Heels on line and together.
No. 1 No. 2
INCORRECT POSITIONS
-
30 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
No. 1 No. 2
CORRECT POSITION
No. 1. Not looking straight
to the front. Right foot not
carried straight to the rear.
No. 2. Leaning back too
far. Right foot carried back
too far.
1. Parade, 2. REST.
No. 1. Clasp hands with-
out constraint in front of
center of body. Left hand
uppermost. Fingers joined.
Thumb and fore finger right
hand clasps the left thumb.
No. 22, . Bend = dlett<.knec
slightly. Right foot is car-
ried 6 inches straight to the
rear. | |
No. 1 No. 2
INCORRECT POSITIONS
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 31
1. Hand, 2. SALUTE.
CORRECT POSITION
No. 1. Look toward the person saluted. .
No. 2. Tip of forefinger right hand touches cap or hat above
right eye. Thumb and forefingers extended and joined. Hand and
wrist straight. Palm to the left.
32 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
1. Hand, 2. SALUTE.
No. 1 No. 2 INO 3
INCORRECT POSITIONS OR COMMON ERRORS
No. 1. Palm of the hand to the front and fingers not joined.
No. 2. Arm held too high. Fingers not perfectly joined.
No. 3. Fingers not extended and joined. Left hand not by
side while salute is being made.
Some beginners forget, while saluting, to remove their pipes,
cigarettes, or cigars from their mouths. This proves clearly that
they are beginners, for trained and experienced men are careful
about military honors and salutes.
THE RESTS
Being at a halt, the commands are: FALL OUT; REST; AT
EASE; and, 1. Parade, 2. REST.
At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks, but are
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 33
required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their
former places, at attention, at the command fall in.
At the command rest, each man keeps one foot in place, but is
not required to preserve silence or immobility.
At the command at ease, each man keeps one foot in place and
is required to preserve silence, but not immobility.
1. Parade, 2. REST. Previously explained.
To resume the attention: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. The
men take the position of the soldier.
EYES RIGHT OR LEFT
1. Eyes, 2. RIGHT (LEFT), 3. FRONT.
At the command right, turn the head to the right oblique, eyes
fixed on the line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in, the
same rank, At the command front, turn the head and eyes to the
front. Notice the right file does not turn the eyes to the right.
34 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
FACINGS
To the flank: 1. Right (left), 2. FACE.
Raise slightly the left heel and
right toe; face to the right, turning
on the right heel, assisted by a slight
pressure on the ball of the left foot;
place the left foot by the side of the
right. Left face is executed on the
left heel in the corresponding man-
ner.
Right (left) Half Face is executed similarly, facing 45°.
To the rear: 1. About, 2. FACE.
Carry the toe of the right foot about a half foot-length to the
rear and slightly to the left of the left heel without changing the
position of the left foot; face to the rear, turning to the right
on the left heel and right toe; place the right heel by the side of
the left. There is no left about face.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 35
STEPS AND MARCHINGS
All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except
right step, begin with the left foot.
The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches,
measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the
rate of 120 steps per minute.
The length of the full step in double time is 36 inches;
the cadence is at the rate of 180 steps per minute.
The instructor, when necessary, indicates the cadence
of the step by calling one, two, three, four, or left,
right, the instant the left and right foot, respectively,
should be planted. |
All steps and marchings and movements involving
march are executed in quick time unless the squad be
marching in double time, or double time be added to the
command; in the latter case double time is added to the
preparatory command. Example: 1. Squad right,
double time, 2. MARCH (School of the Squad).
QUICK TIME
Being at a halt, to march forward in quick tities als
Forward, 2. MARCH.
At the command forward, shift the weight of the
body to the right leg, left knee straight.
At the command march, move the left foot smartly
straight forward 30 inches from the right, sole near the
ground, and plant it without shock; next, in like man-
ner, advance the right foot and plant it as above; con-
tinue the march. The arms swing naturally.
36 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Being at a halt, or in march in quick time, to march
in double time: 1. Double time, 2. MARCH.
If at a halt, at the first command shift the weight of
the body to the right leg. At the command march,
raise the forearms, fingers closed, to a horizontal posi-
tion along the waist line; take up an easy run with the
step and cadence of double time, allowing a natural
swinging motion to the arms. |
If marching in quick time, at the command march,
given as either foot strikes the ground, take one step in
quick time, and then step off in double time.
To resume the quick time: 1. Quick time, 2.
MARCH.
At the command march, given as either foot strikes
the ground, advance and plant the other foot in double
time; resume the quick time, dropping the hands by
the sides.
TO MARK TIME
Being in march: 1. Mark time, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as either foot strikes
the ground, advance and plant the other foot; bring up
the foot in rear and continue the cadence by alternately
raising each foot about 2 inches and planting it on line
with the other.
Being at a halt, at the command march, raise and
plant the feet as prescribed above. Common errors
are to raise the feet several inches and to run up the
cadence, 1.e., go too fast.
1. Half step, 2. MARCH.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 37
Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in
double time.
Forward, half step, halt, and mark time may be
executed one from the other in quick or double time.
Any step less than the full step (ie., half step, right
step, or backward) is apt to be too fast, ie., greater
than 120 steps a minute.
To resume the full step from half step or mark time:
1. Forward, 2. MARCH.
SIDE STEP
Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Right (left) step,
2. MARCH.
Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right;
bring the left foot beside it and continue the movement
in the cadence of quick time.
The side step is used for short distances only and is
not executed in double time.
If at order arms, the side step is executed at trail
without command.
BACK STEP
Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Backward, 2.
MARCH.
Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear.
The back step is used for short distances only and is
not executed in double time.
If at order arms, the back step is executed at trail
without command,
,
38 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
TO HALT
To arrest the march in quikk or double time: 1..
Squad, 2. HALT. |
At the command halt, given as either foot rorites the
ground, plant the other foot as in marching; raise and
place the first foot by the side of the other. If in double
time, drop the hands by the sides.
TO MARCH BY THE FLANK
Being in march: 1. By the right (left) flank, 2. MARCH.
The command march must
be given when the _ right
foot is on the ground as
shown in No, 1. Then ads
vance and plant the left foot
and turn on the toes to right
as shown in No. 2, and step
off with the left foot.
No. 1 No. 2
a
Ss}
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 39
TO MARCH TO THE REAR
Being in march: 1. To the rear, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the
ground, advance and plant the left foot; turn to the right about
on the balls of both feet and immediately step off with the left
foot.
The turn is made on the toes as shown.
The command march must be: given when
the right foot is on the ground. The left foot
is then advanced to the position shown.
If marching in double time, turn to the right
about, taking four steps in place, keeping the
cadence, and then step off with the left foot.
CHANGE STEP
Being in march: 1. Change step, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes
the ground, advance and plant the left foot; plant the
toe of the right foot near the heel of the left and step
off with the left foot.
The change on the right foot is similarly executed,
the command march being given as the left foot strikes
the ground.
40 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
MANUAL OF ARMS
To acquire proficiency in the Manual of Arms, you
should practice, practice, and practice.
Position of order arms standing, 1.e., the position of
attention under arms.
No. 1. Arm and hands _ hang
naturally. Right hand holding
piece between thumb and fingers.
Butt rests evenly on ground. Bar-
rel to the rear.
* eNov:2.” Bde of theo butions
line with toe of and touching the
right shoe.
4
a
ONO a tere Nags
CORRECT POSITION
To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions:
“By the Numbers’; all movements, divided into motions, are then
executed singly. ‘That is to say, make one motion and then wait
until a further command for another. This is for the purpose of
correcting erroneous positions and giving detailed instructions.
We are explaining the manual by the numbers.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER Ay
Being at order arms: 1. Present,
2. ARMS. It takes two counts.
At command arms, with the right
hand carry the piece in _ front
of the center of the body. Barrel
to the rear and vertical. Grasp it
with le:t hand at the balance. Left
forearm is horizontal and_ rests
against body. The balance of the
piece is approximately the position of
the rear sight.
FIRST POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS FROM ORDER ARMS
At command two, grasp the
small of the stock with the right
hand.
i
CORRECT POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS
42 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
No. 1 No. 2
INCORRECT POSITION OF PRESENT ARMS
These are the common errors made by beginners.
No. 1. Thumb along barrel.
No. 2. Piece held too low. The front sight will be a little above
the eyes when the left fore arm is horizontal.
No. 3. Piece not vertical; too close to body.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 4.3
Being at order arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS, It takes one count.
CORRECT POSITION OF PORT ARMS
At the command of arms, with the right hand raise and throw the
piece diagonally across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands;
the right, palm down, at the small of stock; the left, palm up, at the
balance; barrel up, sloping to the left and crossing opposite the
junction of the neck with the left shoulder; right forearm horizontal;
left forearm resting against the body. The rifle is held in a verti-
cal plane parallel to the front.
Ad. THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
In executing this movement, it is a common error with beginners
to raise the piece as though it weighed much more than it does.
No part of the body should move except the arms, in coming to
“port arms” from “order arms.”
No. 1 No. 2 . No. 3
INCORRECT POSITIONS OF PORT ARMS
No. 1. Arms held away from side.
No. 2. Piece held too low and too close to body.
No. 3. Piece held too high and not in a vertical plane parallel
to the body.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER AS
Being at present arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It is executed in
one count. At the command arms, carry the piece diagonally
across the body and take the position of “port arms.”
Being at port arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. It is executed in
one count. At the command arms, carry the piece to a vertical
position in front of the center of the body and take the position
of present arms.
Being at present or port arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. It is
executed in two counts.
At the command arms, let
go with the right hand; lower
and carry the piece to the right
with the left hand; regrasp it
with the'right hand just above
the lower band; let go with the
left hand and take the position
shown here, which is the next
to the last position in coming
to the order. The left hand
should be above and near the
right, steadying the gun, fingers
extended and joined, forearm
and wrist straight and inclined
downward. Barrel to the rear.
All the fingers of the right
hand grasp the gun. Butt
| about 3 inches from the ground.
NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF ORDER ARMS
Being in the above position, at the command Two, lower the
piece gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the left hand
quickly by the side, and take the position of order arms.
The common errors are to slam the gun down on the ground and
to drop the left hand by the side in a slow and indifferent manner.
46 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3
.
INCORRECT POSITIONS
Common errors in the next to the last position of order arms.
No. 1. Thumb is up. Gun too far from the ground.
No. 2. Gun too near to ground. Thumb is up. Butt of gun
too far to the right.
No. 38. Gun held too high and too far away from body.
Being at order arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is exe-
cuted in three counts.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 47
At the command arms, with
the right hand raise and throw the
piece diagonally across the body;
carry the right hand quickly to
the butt, and grasp the heel be-
tween the first two fingers as
shown. Note the position of the
first two fingers of right hand.
THE FIRST POSITION OF RIGHT
SHOULDER ARMS FROM
THE ORDER
| i ae aes
NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS
At the command two, with-
out changing the grasp of the
right hand, place the piece on
the right shoulder, right elbow
near the side, the piece in a
vertical plane perpendicular to
the front; carry the left hand,
thumb and fingers extended
and joined, to the small of the
stock, wrist straight and elbow
down. Barrel up, and inclined
at an angle of about 45° from
the horizontal. Trigger guard
in the hollow of the shoulder,
tip of forefinger touching the
cocking piece. Right fore arm
horizontal.
48 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Nope! NOs NO
COMMON ERRORS IN THE NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION
OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS
No. 1. Right arm not by side. Left arm too high. Remember
that the left arm rests on the chest. This is very commonly con-
fused with rifle salute.
No. 2. Thumb is up. Butt of rifle carried to the right.
No. 3. Trigger guard not against shoulder. Butt held too low.
Hand not straight.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 49
No. 1. Right arm
not by side. Right
forearm not horizon-
tal.
No. 2. Heel of gun
too far to left.
No 3. Trigger guaid
not against shoulder.
Butt held too low.
At the command three,
drop the left hand by the
side.
. “se 3
4 ms
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3
INCORRECT POSITION OF RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS
50 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Being at right shoulder
Arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. It
is executed in 3 counts.
Press the butt down quickly
and throw the gun diagonally
across the body, to the position
shown here.
At the command two,
lower the gun and assume the
next to the last position of
order arms. At the command
three, come to the order arms.
The common errors in this
movement are to move the head
to the left and to throw the gun
too far to the front.
Being at port arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS.
It is executed in three counts.
At the command arms, change the right hand to the
butt.
At the command two and three, come to the right
shoulder as from order arms.
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
It is executed in two counts.
At the command arms, press the butt down quickly
and throw the piece to the diagonal position across the
body with the left hand grasping it at the balance; the
right hand retaining its grasp of the butt.
At the command two, change the right hand to the
small of the stock.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 51
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Present, 2.
ARMS. It is executed in three counts.
At the command arms, execute port arms. (This
requires two counts.) At the command three, execute
present arms. .
Being at present arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2.
ARMS. It is executed in four counts.
At the command arms, execute port arms. At the
command two, three, four, execute right shoulder arms
as from port arms.
Being at port arms: 1. Left shoulder, 2. ARMS. It is exe-
cuted in two counts.
THE NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION OF THE LEFT
SHOULDER ARMS
52 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
At the command Arms, carry the piece with the right hand and
place it on the left shoulder; at the same time grasp the butt with
the left hand, heel between first and second fingers. Thumb and
fingers of right hand closed on the stock. Barrel up, trigger guard
in the hollow of the shoulder.
hood No: 0: coerebae be NaS
COMMON ERRORS IN THE NEXT TO THE LAST POSITION
OF LEFT SHOULDER ARMS
No. 1. Right arm too high. Butt too high.
No. 2. Butt too close to center of body. Not grasping gun
correctly with fingers of left hand.
No. 3. Right arm too high. Butt too high.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 53
At the command two,
drop the right hand by
the side.
THE CORRECT POSITION OF LEFT SHOULDER ARMS
The incorrect positions are
usually the same as are found in
the right shoulder arms, and as
illustrated here.
54 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Being at left shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
It is executed in two counts.
At the command arms, grasp the piece with the right
hand at the small of the stock.
At the command two, carry the piece, with the right
hand to the position of port arms, regrasp it with the
left.
Left shoulder arms may be ordered from the order,
right shoulder or present, or the reverse. At the com-
mand arms, executed port arms and continue to the
position ordered.
Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. REST, It is executed in
one count.
At the command rest,
carry muzzle in front of the
center of the body, barrel
to the left. Grasp piece
with the left hand just be-
low the stacking swivel, and
with the right hand below
and against the left. Left
knee slightly bent. Carry
the right foot 6 inches
straight to the rear.
pees
CORRECT POSITION OF PARADE REST
Being at parade rest: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION,
Executed in one count.
A
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 55
At the command attention (it is a custom of the
service to execute the movement at the last syllable of
the command), resume the order, the left hand quitting
the piece opposite the right hip.
Being at order arms: 1. Trail, 2. ARMS.
At the command arms, raise the piece, right arm slightly bent,
and incline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle
of about 30° with the vertical.
When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to others,
the piece may be grasped at the balance and the muzzle lowered
until the piece is horizontal; a similar position in the left hand
may be used.
’ CORRECT POSITION OF TRAIL ARMS
Being at trail arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS.
At the command arms, lower the gun with the right
hand and resume the order.
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE, It is exe-
cuted in two counts.
56 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL -
At the command
salute, carry the left
hand smartly to the
small of the stock, fore-
arm horizontal, palm of
hand down, thumb and
forefingers extended and
joined. Look toward
the person saluted. At
the command two, drop
the hand by the side;
TUT, (06 Dead anne
eyes —:to.) ithe
Forefingers
front.
touching
end of cocking piece.
No. 1
THE CORRECT POSITION OF
RIFLE SALUTE, BEING AT
RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS.
No. 1. Left elbow too low.
Forearm should be horizontal.
No. 2. Left elbow too high.
Fingers not extended and joined.
COMMON ERRORS IN RIFLE
SALUTE AT RIGHT SHOUL-
DER ARMS.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 57
be
RIFLE SALUTE BEING AT ORDER
No. 1. Fingers not extended
and joined.
No. 2. Fingers not joined.
Gun held too high.
COMMON ERRORS IN RIFLE SA-
LUTE AT ORDER OR TRAIL
ARMS
Being at order or trail
arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE.
At the command salute,
carry the left hand smartly
to the right side, palm of
the hand down, thumb and
fingers extended and joined,
forefinger against piece near
the muzzle; look toward the
person saluted. At the com-
mand two, drop the left
hand by the side; turn the
head and eyes to the front.
No. 1 No. 2
58 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Being at order arms: 1. Fix, 2. BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: execute
parade rest; grasp the bayonet with the right hand,
back of hand toward the body; draw the bayonet from
the scabbard and fix it on the barrel, glancing at the
muzzle; resume the order. |
If the bayonet is carried on the haversack: draw the
bayonet with the left hand and fix it in the most con-
venient manner.
Being at order arms: 1. Unfix, 2. BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Eix-
ecute parade rest; grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly
with the right hand, passing the spring with the fore-
finger of the right hand; raise the bayonet until the
handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the piece;
drop the point to the left, back of the hand toward the
body, and, glancing at the scabbard, return the bayonet,
the blade passing between the left arm and the body; re-
grasp the piece with the right hand and resume the order.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack:
Take the bayonet from the rifle with the left hand and
return it to the scabbard in the most convenient manner.
If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and
unfixed in the most expeditious and convenient manner
and the piece returned to the original position.
Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness
and regularity but not in cadence.
Exercises for instruction in bayonet combat are pre-
scribed in the Manual for Bayonet Exercise.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER 59
Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS.
At the command arms,
take the position of port
arms; at the command
two, seize the bolt handle
with the thumb and fore-
finger of the right hand,
turn the handle up, draw
the bolt back, and glance at
the chamber. Having found
the chamber empty, or hav-
ing emptied it, raise the
head and eyes to the front.
INSPECTION ARMS
It is a very common error to change the position of the piece
while drawing the bolt back. Guard against this.
Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (or right
shoulder, or port), 2. ARMS.
At the preparatory command (i.e., at the command
order), push the bolt forward, turn the handle down,
pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the com-
mand arms, complete the movement ordered.
TO DISMISS THE SQUAD
Being at a halt: 1. Inspection, 2, ARMS, 3. Port,
4, ARMS, 5. DISMISSED.
60 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Make a point of becoming sufficiently familiar with
the different parts of the rifle to obey the following
general rules governing the manual.
The following rules govern the carrying of the piece:
First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in
either the chamber or the magazine except when spe-
cifically ordered. When so loaded, or supposed to be
loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the
safety lock turned to the “safe.” At all other times it
is carried unlocked with the trigger pulled.
Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms,
pieces are immediately inspected at the commands: 1.
Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order (right shoulder,
port), 4. ARMS.
A similar inspection is made immediately before dis-
missal. |
If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine
they are removed and placed in the belt.
Third. The cut-off is kept turned “off” except when
cartridges are actually used.
Fourth. 'The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet
exercise, on guard, or for combat.
Fifth. all in is executed with the piece at the order
arms. Fall out, rest, and at ease are executed as with-
out arms. On resuming attention the position of order
arms is taken. .
Sixth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed,
the piece is brought to the right shoulder at the com-
mand march, the three motions corresponding with the
\
NR
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER
first three steps. Movements may be executed at the
trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the
words at trail; as, 1. At trail, forward, 2. MARCH;
the trail is taken at the command march.
When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks,
taking interval or distance, and assemblings are exe-
cuted from the order, raise the piece to the trail while in
motion and resume the order on halting.
Seventh. ‘The piece is brought to the order on halt-
ing. ‘The execution of the order begins when the halt
is completed.
Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held
as when without arms.
The following rules govern the execution of the
manual of arms:
First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance
(center of gravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps
the piece; the sling is included in the grasp of the hand.
-Second. In all positions of the piece, “diagonally
across the body” the position of the piece, left arm and
hand are the same as in port arms.
Third. In resuming the order from any position in
the manual, the motion next to the last concludes with
the butt of the piece about 3 inches from the ground,
barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near the
right, steadying the piece, fingers extended and joined,
forearm and wrist straight and inclining downward, all
fingers of the right hand grasping the piece. ‘To com-
plete the order, lower the piece gently to the ground
THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side,
and take the position of order arms.
Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to
the ground, or other similar abuse of the rifle to produce
effect in executing the manual, is prohibited. |
Fourth. ‘The cadence of the motions is that of quick
time; the recruits are first required to give their whole
attention to the details of the motions, the cadence being
gradually acquired as they become accustomed to hand-
ling their pieces. 'The instructor may require them to
count aloud in cadence with the motions.
Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the move-
ments are, for the purpose of instruction, divided into
motions and executed in detail; in this case the com-
mand of execution determines the prompt execution of
the first motion, and the commands, two, three, four,
that of the other motions.
To execute the movements in detail, the instructor
first cautions: By the numbers; all movements divided
into motions are then executed as above explained until
he cautions: Without the numbers; or commands
movements other than those in the manual of arms.
Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular
positions of the manual of arms and the firings may be
ordered without regard to the previous position of the
piece.
Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue
the rifle may be carried in any manner directed.
|
LJ
CHAPTER IV
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD
CLOSE ORDER DRILLS
For several days after reporting you will undergo
many hours of close order drill. You will ask yourself,
“Why is all this mental and physical strain necessary
when these exercises are not used in battle?’ The
answer is: they are disciplinary exercises and are de-
signed to inculcate that prompt and_ subconscious
obedience which is essential to proper military control
and to teach you precise and soldierly movements;
hence, they are executed at attention.
SQUAD
Deploy. ‘To extend the front. A squad deploys
when it goes “As skirmishers.”
File. 'Two men, the front rank man and the cor-
responding man in the rear rank. The front rank man
is the file leader. A file which has no rear rank man is
a blank file.
Interval. Space between elements of the same line.
The interval between men in ranks is 4 inches and is
measured from elbow to elbow. It is to get this in-
terval that each man is required to raise his arm when*
the company is formed.
63
64 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Distance. Space between elements in the direction
of depth. It is measured from the back of the man in
front to the breast of the man in rear. The rear rank
when in line or column is 40 inches from the front rank.
The guide of a squad in line is right unless otherwise
announced.
The guide of a squad deployed, (i.e., skirmishes) is
center unless otherwise announced.
TO FORM THE SQUAD
To form the squad the instructor places himself 3
paces in front of where the center is to be and com-
mands: Fall in.
The men assemble at attention, pieces at the order,
and are arranged’ by the corporal in double rank, as
nearly as practicable in order of height from right to
left, each man dropping his left hand as soon as the
man on his left has his interval. The rear rank forms
with distance of 40 inches. |
The instructor then commands: Count off.
At this command all except the right file execute eyes
right, and beginning on the right, the men in each rank
count one, two, three, four; each man turns his head and
eyes to the front as he counts.
Pieces are then inspected.
1
ites |
The purpose of putting the left hand on the hip is to
get enough elbow room. A man should have sufficient
space to operate his piece. These four-inch intervals
give it to him.
{ps} [es] Fe) fea) A 22
es EO, we ee
°
BI Front
eae ie XI Rank
Note the space _ between
elbows (interval) is 4 inches.
The space between the front
and rear rank (distance) is 40
inches, and is measured from
the back of the man in front to
the breast of the man in the
rear.
66 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
ALIGN MENTS
To align the squad, the base file or files having been
established: 1. Right (left), 2. DRESS, 3. FRONT.
At the command dress, all men place the left hand
upon the hip (whether dressing to the right or left) ;
each man, except the base file, when on or near the new
lines executes eyes right, and, taking steps of 2 or 3
inches, places himself so that his right arm rests lightly
against the arm of the man on his right, and so that his
eyes and shoulders are in line with those of the men on
his right; the rear rank men cover in file.
The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks
from the right flank and orders up or back such men
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 67
as may be in the rear, or in advance, of the line; only
the men designated move.
At the command front, given when the ranks are
aligned, each man turns his head and eyes to the front
and drops his left hand by his side.
There are in dressing a number of common errors
that we should try to avoid. Don’t jab the man on
your left with your elbow. If you are not on the line,
move your feet. Don’t lean forward or backward.
Be sure to touch gently the man on your right with
your right arm. Be certain to keep your left elbow
forced well to the front. This is a little uncomfortable
at first, but unless we do this our arms will not measure
the 4 inches correctly. Don’t hump up the left
shoulder, and don’t turn the shoulders to the right.
Keep fingers of left hand extended and joined.
We want to place especial stress on the importance
of three movements in the school of the squad. When
you have thoroughly mastered these three, you will have
a splendid basis for the remainder of the School of the
Squad, the full value of which you will later appreciate.
These are: Squad right, Squad right about, and Right
turn.
The first line drawing in this chapter shows correct
proportions of interval and distance. ‘To save space
and for convenience, the drawings hereafter are made
without regard to proportions (intervals and distances) .
68 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
First MovEMENT
SQUAD RIGHT
Being in line, to turn and march: 1. Squad right
(left), 2. MARCH.
(The “left” in parenthesis means that we can sub-
stitute it for mght and have the movement executed in
a similar manner to the left.)
At the command
ayes march, No. 1 inthe ©
Ta KX ix x Qfave front rank faces to
_ 78 2 ay the right in march-
“3X & [=] ing and marks time;
#+™ [4] Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of
Seal the front rank turn
45 degrees to the
right (right oblique), place themselves abreast (on the
same line) of No. 1 and mark time.
Now it is difficult quickly to understand the move-
ments of the rear rank.
Give them a ]6t of study & os a: m7 Kis
and don’t go on until | i —_— He
you are certain that you me C4 cin way tt 1s
understand. DX uN zi aN
No. 3 moves straight 7D” ea
to the front. | SS We -
No. 2 follows No. 3. iw
No. 1 follows No. 2.
When they (Nos. 3, 2 and 1) arrive in rear of their
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 69
file leaders, (Nos. 3, 2 and 1, front rank) they face to
the right in marching and mark time.
No. 4 of the rear rank moves straight to the front
four paces, and places himself abreast of No. 3, rear
rank.
When No. 4, front rank, and No. 4, rear rank, are
on the line, (and the remainder of the squad must
glance toward them to see when that is true), the whole
squad moves forward without further command.
Note that we have said that No. 1 front rank marks
' time. We see that he becomes, temporarily, an im-
movable pivot for his squad. We, therefore, call him
a fixed pivot.
Had the command been squad left, instead of squad
right, No. 4 would have been the fixed pivot instead of
No. 1.
Being in line, to turn and halt: 1. Squad right
(left), 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT.
The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding
case except that all men, on arriving on the new line,
mark time until the command halt is given, when all
halt.
Whenever the third command (i.e., squad) is given
it means that the command halt is to follow. This is
a caution to the squad to prepare to halt. The com-
mand halt should be given as No. 4 arrives on the line.
70 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
SECOND MovEMENT
SQUAD RIGHT ABOUT
Being in line, to turn about and march: 1. Squad
right (left) about, 2. MARCH.
I
noe S32 S E88
what
what
we want
Sd SP
At the command march, the front rank twice exe-
cutes Squad right, initiating (starting) the second
Squad right when No. 4 has arrived on the line. That
much is very simple.
The rear rank has a harder task. Let us have the
front and rear rank execute the movement separately:
Bees apa) 2h
SN
Front = = 2 :
Ronk Bl x] KI bd i
v Y
: ‘
eS a tare, Ae 3
hag nds Reet cr erie § eee 3) oie es Sorte are }——---- ben
Pet OO SO SEE HOOCEESEEOE EAP OBEDEOSISBARBADESOSMSIAGS
The rear rank is to take its place on the dotted line
a b.
No. 3 rear rank moves straight to the front until in
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 71
prolongation of the line to be occupied by the rear rank.
No. 2 follows No. 3.
No. 1 follows No. 2.
When No. 8 arrives on the line to be occupied by
the rear rank he changes direction to the right; he
moves in the new direction until in rear of No. 3, front
rank, when Nos. 3, 2, and 1, rear rank, are in rear of
Nos. 3, 2, and 1, front rank, (1.e., when they are in rear
of their front rank men), they face to the right in
marching and mark time. No. 4 marches on the left
of No. 3 to his new position. As he arrives on the line,
both ranks execute forward march without command.
For the remainder of the squad to know when No. 4
front and rear rank have arrived on the line, they
glance to see.
Tuirp MovEMENT
RIGHT TURN
Being in line: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. MARCH.
/ XJ - ()---&3 [roe Bd salen ot ae |
After 2 - BY
+ - @-----”
THIS IS THE WAY IT IS DONE
At the command march, No. 1 front rank faces to
the right in marching and takes the half step. Nos. 2,
72 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
3, and 4 front rank right oblique (turn 45 degrees to
the right) until opposite their places in line, then exe-
cute a second right oblique and take the half step on
arriving abreast of the pivot man. When No. 4 ar-
rives on the line Nos. 1, 2, 8, and 4 take the full step
without further command. (‘To know when No. 4.
arrives on the line it is necessary to glance in his di-
rection. )
The rear rank executes the movement in the same
way and turns on the same ground as the front rank.
The rear rank, therefore, moves forward at the com-
mand march, or continues to move forward, if already
marching, until it arrives at the place where the front
turned, when it turns.
Note that the squad turns on No. 1 front ranks but
that he does not remain in his position even temporarily,
as in squad right; he is, therefore, called the moving
pivot. No. 4 is called the marching flank.
Had the command been left turn, No. 4 would have
been the moving pivot, and No. 1 the marching flank.
Knowing the three above movements, we are pre-
pared for the following:
Being in line at a halt: 1. Take interval, 2. To
the right (left), 3. MARCH, 4. Squad, 5. HALT.
: u : = Aissernbled
Ke
| fh f an EP .
BEING IN THIS FORMATION
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 73
At the command to the right (left), the rear rank
men march backward four steps (15 inches each step)
and halt.
LIKE THIS
Note that the ac-
[+] tual distance from
Rear rank 4. the front rank to the
wo Cc .
7 fol tata far 2
4) SG plus 4x15 inches,
KX x4 X 1e., 100 inches.
fen eee
At the command march, all face to the right and
No. 1 front and rear rank step off. No. 2, front and
rear rank, follow No. 1, front and rear rank, at a dis-
tance of four paces. Likewise with the other numbers.
ii 2] &
Like this, when No. 1 front
and rear rank have gained four
paces distance.
HY wskeR
/ Pa ie ep
At the command halt, given when No. 3 is three paces
distant from No. 4, all halt and face to the front.
3) O O O
The squad looks like 4 = =a oe
this when the move 4% /nrervals
ment is completed.
i x
= JF
~&
Bl
74 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Being at intervals: 1. Assemble, to the right,
(left), 2. MARCH.
At the command march, No. 1 front rank stands —
fast. No. 1 rear rank closes to 40 inches. ‘The other
men face to the right, close by the shortest line, and
face to the front.
i: r ome
/ Pea Be oie 4.
poses
Gf i fee ane
KK KSS KS? es
2 “bs
Being in line at a halt: 1. Take distance, 2.
MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT.
At the command march, No. 1 of the front rank
moves straight to the front; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of the
front rank and Nos. 1, 2, 8, and 4 of the rear rank, in
the order named, move straight to the front, each
stepping off so as to follow the preceding man at four
paces. The command halt is given when all have their
distances.
In case more than one squad is in line, each squad
executes the movement as above. The guide of each
rank of numbers is right.
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 75
f
Ara
on
m7
Ny
— — — — — — — FY — —— — -82 1
eM ut N
© Eel eg
~Nw wu
Lh lreé
Boe
ee eee
eels
Af AtsTAaVICES
oe ee
ee ae
Nw
|
an:
The front rank men should walk straight to the front
and their rear rank men should cover them accurately.
Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1. As-
semble, 2. MARCH.
No. 1 of the front rank stands fast; the other num-
bers move forward to their proper places in line.
76 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
THE OBLIQUE MARCH
For the instruction of recruits, the squad being in
column or correctly aligned, the instructor causes the
squad to face half right (or half left), points out to
the men their relative positions, and explains that these
are to be maintained in the oblique march.
1. Right (left) oblique, 2, MARCH.
Each man steps off in a direction 45 degrees to the
right of his original front. He preserves his relative
position, keeping his shoulders parallel to those of the
guide (the man on the right front of the line or
column), and so regulates his steps that the ranks re-
main parallel to their original front.
At the command halt, the men halt faced to the
front.
To resume the original direction: 1. Forward, 2.
MARCH.
Raf Geis
Bap LY Eye} Cay
/ FF +
raraveiwery
bytset os
4 2 F&F 4
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD ie
The men half face to the left in marching and then
move straight to the front.
If at half step or mark time while obliquing, the
oblique march is resumed by the commands: 1. Ob-
lique, 2. MARCH.
TO FOLLOW THE CORPORAL
Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad
without unnecessary commands, the corporal places
himself in front of it and commands: FOLLOW ME.
If in line or skirmish line, No. 2 of the front rank
follows in the track of the corporal at about 3 paces;
the other men conform to the movements of No. 2,
guiding on him and maintaining their relative positions.
If in column, the head of the column follows the cor-
whentale
Rae
‘of Paces,”
7
4
poral.
Corporal
Note that No. 4 rear rank takes the place of the cor-
poral when the corporal is in front of the squad. This
is a general rule. When any front rank man is absent
his rear rank man steps up in the front rank. When
78 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
the squad is following the corporal No. 4 rear rank re-
mains blank (1.e., No. 8 does not step to the left and
cover No. 4). :
TO DEPLOY AS SKIRMISHERS
Being in any formation, assembled: 1. As_ skir-
mishers, 2. MARCH.
The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if
not already there. Moving at a run, the men. place
themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals. -
Nos. 1 and 2 on his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-
rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men
on the left of No. 4; all then conform to the corporal’s
gait.
There is a rule of thumb that must be remembered.
The rear-rank man is always on the right of his file
leader.
A common error is for beginners to execute the
movement at a slow trot when a run is required.
When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is simi-
larly formed on No. 2 of the front rank, who stands
fast or continues the march, as the case may be; the
corporal places himself in front of the squad when
advancing and in rear when halted.
When deployed as skirmishers, the men march at
ease, pieces at the trail unless otherwise ordered.
The corporal is the guide when in the line; otherwise
No. 2 front rank is the guide.
The normal interval between skirmishers is one-half
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 79
pace, resulting practically in one man per yard of front.
The front of a squad thus deployed as skirmishers is
about 10 paces.
POctia NG. Lar *NO..32 Non? = Cpl. No.3 No.3 No. 4
RR FR RR FR RR FR RR
. SQUAD DEPLOYED ON CORPORAL
og rary |
wt ny bel i gh he
aes fen _esetntled in Whe
x ay
ie Se 1 aie U4
Ps ea l pate oS
te | wid J | DY
(IXKX¥ O NX & baal: a [Declared ira Mi
/ / 2 2 Corporal 5
re DI PA OS ei ee
THIS IS THE WAY IT IS DONE
The common error is to keep an interval of a very
few inches when 15 inches are required.
TO INCREASE OR DIMINISH INTERVALS
If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater
than the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is de-
sired to increase or decrease the interval: 1. AS
skirmishers, (so many) paces, 2. MARCH.
80 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces.
If already deployed, the men move by the flank or away
from the guide.
The above command is used but very little.
THE ASSEMBLY
Being deployed: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.
The men move toward the corporal and form in their
proper places.
If the corporal continues to advance, the men move
in double time, form, and follow him.
The assembly while marching to the rear is not exe-
cuted.
Note. It will be better for the beginner to let the remainder
of this chapter go for awhile. Your instructor will explain all of
the following points in a way that will be easier for you than for
you to try to work them out alone. They will come up in the
month’s work and will be explained and shown as you go along. As
you become more proficient we advise you, then, to take up the re-
mainder of the chapter. :
If standing: KNEEL.
Half face to the right; carry the right toe about 1
foot to the left rear of the left heel; kneel on the right
knee, sitting as nearly as possible on the right heel;. left
forearm across left thigh; piece remains in position of
order arms, right hand grasping it above the lower hand.
If standing or kneeling: LIE DOWN.
Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry
back the left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 81
about 35 degrees to the right; piece horizontal, barrel
up, muzzle off the ground and pointed to the front;
elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, right
hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the neck.
This is the position of order arms, lying down.
If kneeling or lying down: RISE.
If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the
ground marked by the left heel.
If lying down, raise body on both knees; stand up,
faced to the front, on the ground marked by the knees.
If lying down: KNEEL.
Raise the body on both knees; take the position of
kneel.
In double rank, the positions of kneeling and lying
down are ordinarily used only for the better utilization
of cover.
When deployed as skirmishers, a sitting position may
be taken in lieu of the position kneeling.
LOADINGS AND FIRINGS
The commands for loading and firing are the same
whether standing, kneeling, or lying down. The fir-
ings are always executed at a halt.
When kneeling or lying down in double rank, the
rear rank does not load, aim, or fire.
The instruction in firing will be preceded by a com-
mand for loading.
Loadings are executed in line and skirmish line only.
Pieces, having been ordered loaded, are kept loaded
82 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
without command until the command unload, or inspec-
- tion arms, fresh clips being inserted when the magazine
is exhausted.
The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out.
This may be done before or after announcing the sight
setting. Both are indicated before giving the command
for firmg, but may be omitted when the target appears
suddenly and is unmistakable; in such case battle sight
is used if no sight setting is announced.
The target or aiming point having been designated
and the sight setting announced, such designation or
announcement need not be repeated until a change of
either or both is necessary.
Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the
aiming point or target designated, and at the sight
setting announced, until a change is ordered.
If the men are not already in the position of load,
that position is taken at the announcement of the sight
setting; if the announcement is omitted, the position is
taken at the first command of firing.
When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to ac-
curate firing is discretionary with each man.
TO LOAD
Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With
dummy (blank or ball) cartridges, 2. LOAD.
At the command load each front-rank man or skir-
misher faces half right and carries the right foot to the
right, about 1 foot, to such position as will insure the
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 83
greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raises, or
lowers, the piece and drops it into the left hand at the
balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at
the height of the breast, and turns the cut-off up. With
the right hand, he turns and draws the bolt back, takes
a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slots, places
the thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge, the
fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on
the magazine floor plate; forces the cartridges into the
magazine by pressing down with the thumb; without
removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down
the handle; turns the safety lock to the “safe” and
carries the hand to the small of the stock. ach rear
rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar posi-
tion opposite the interval to the right of his front rank
man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front
rank, and loads.
A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces
being held as nearly as practicable in the position of
load.
If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is
similar; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left
thigh; if sitting the elbows are supported by the knees;
if lying down, the left hand steadies and supports the
piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the
ground, the muzzle off the ground.
84. THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
STACK AND TAKE ARMS
The subject of stack and take arms is less important
than the rest of this chapter. It is difficult to be learned
from a book. Your company commander will explain
it to you. It is given here to serve as a reference.
Being in line at a halt: STACK ARMS.
Each even number of the front rank grasps his piece
with the left hand at the upper band and rests the butt
between his feet, barrel to the front, muzzle inclined
slightly to the front and opposite the center of the in-
terval on his right, the thumb and forefinger raising the
stacking swivel; each even number of the rear rank
then passes his piece, barrel to the rear, to his file leader,
who grasps it between the bands with his right hand
and throws the butt about 2 feet in advance of that of
his own piece and opposite the right of the interval, the
right hand slipping to the upper band, the thumb and
forefinger raising the stacking swivel, which he engages
with that of his own piece; each odd number of the front
rank raises his piece with the right hand, carries it well
forward, barrel to the front; the left hand, guiding the
stacking swivel, engages the lower hook of the swivel of
his own piece with the free hook of that of the even
number of the rear rank; he then turns the barrel out-
ward into the angle formed by the other two pieces and
lowers the butt to the ground, to the epee of and against
the toe of his right shoe.
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD 85
The stacks made, the loose pieces are laid on them by
the even numbers of the front rank.
When each man has finished handling pieces, he takes
the position of the soldier. i
Being in line behind the stacks: TAKE ARMS.
The loose pieces are returned by the even numbers of
the front rank; each even number of the front rank
grasps his own piece with the left hand, the piece of his
rear-rank man with his right hand, grasping both be-
tween the bands; each odd number of the front rank
grasps his piece in the same way with the right hand,
disengages it by raising the butt from the ground and
then, turning the piece to the right, detaches it from the
stack; each even number of the front rank disengages
and detaches his piece by turning it to the left, and then
passes the piece of his rear-rank man to him, and all
resume the order.
Should any squad have Nos. 2 and 3 blank files, No.
1 rear rank takes the place of No. 2 rear rank in making
and breaking the stack; the stacks made or broken, he
resumes his post.
Pieces not used in making the stack are termed loose
pieces.
Pieces are never stacked with the bayonet fixed.
CHAPTER V
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY
The company in line is formed in double rank with
the men arranged, as far as practicable, according to
_ height from right to left, the tallest on the right.
The original division into squads is effected by the
command: Count off. The squads, successively from
the right, count off as in the School of the Squad, cor-
porals placing themselves as No. 4 of the front rank.
At the formation of the company the platoons or
squads are numbered consecutively from right to left,
and these designations do not change.
For convenience in giving commands and for refer-
ence, the designations, right, center, left, when in line,
and leading, center, rear, when in column, are applied
to platoons or squads. ‘These designations, right, cen-
ter, left, when in line, and leading, center, rear, when
in column, are applied to the actual right, left, center,
head, or rear, in whatever direction the company may
be facing. The center squad is the middle or right
middle squad of the company. If there are an even
number of squads in the company, for instance eight,
the center squad would be the fourth.
The designation “So-and-so’s” squad or platoon may
also be used.
86
87
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY
NivLav? @
‘UvUT 1OF UBIO ‘AuBd peep td
-W09 9} UI URE A1dAd JO UOTZISOd 7
qoaLtod oy} sMoYs yy =«‘yYdevasoyoyd ANAV] and
oY} SB IUIBS ay} ATJOVXO ST SIT, LOYIC,./ i
LY oyF “47077
é
soko ray
FaIIND) &
YIOVIT GLNOG FY
NPIDISN A CB
SYISOTD F714 AO
SMTN! SYFHLO !
FLVAIA-/ CT
‘zi = 5 x ws 5H we
Fs
Bcegistinken kee
'
‘
'
SOY>U/\ OF
.
«
‘
sooby Zz
Ce) £3 BH svaso/D ayly
88 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
During battle, these assignments are not changed;
vacancies are filled by non-commissioned officers of the
platoon, or by the nearest available officers or non-com-
missioned officers arriving with reinforcing troons.
CLOSE ORDER
In column of squads, each rank preserves the align-
ment toward the side of the guide.
Men in the line of file closers do not execute the load-
ings and firings.
TO FORM THE COMPANY
At the sounding of the assembly the first sergeant
takes position 6 paces in front of where the center of
the company is to be, faces it, draws saber, and com-
mands: Fallin.
The right guide of the company places himself, facing
to the front, where the right of the company is to rest,
and at such point that the center of the company will
be 6 paces from and opposite the first sergeant; the
squads form in their proper places on the left of the
right guide, superintended by the other sergeants, who
then take their posts.
The first sergeant commands: Report. Remaining
in position at.the order, the squad leaders, in succession
from the right, salute and report: All present; or
Private (s) absent. The first sergeant does not
return the salutes of the squad leaders; he then com-
mands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order, 4.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 89
ARMS, faces about, salutes the captain, reports: SIT,
all present or accounted for, or the names of the unau-
thorized absentees, and, without command, takes his
post.
If the company cannot be formed by squads, the first
sergeant commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3.
Right shoulder, 4. ARMS, and calls the roll. Each
man, as his name is called, answers here and executes
order arms. ‘The sergeant then effects the division into
squads and reports the company as prescribed above.
The captain places himself 12 paces in front of the
center of, and facing, the company in time to receive
the report of the first sergeant, whose salute he returns,
and then draws saber.
The lieutenants take their posts when the first ser-
geant has reported, and draw saber with the captain.
Generally in camp the saber is not worn. The of-
ficers and first sergeants carry pistols. The hand
salute is rendered when so armed.
In the School of the Squad we gave three movements
that formed the basis of the squad drill. There are
six movements in the School of the Company that
should be thoroughly understood. When the beginner
knows these he will have no difficulty with the remain-
der of the close order.
1st MOVEMENT ON THE FIXED PIVOT
Being in line, to turn the company: 1. Company
right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT; or,
3. Forward, 4. MARCH.
THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
90
‘qUOIF OY} 0} soovd AnoJ Surpprvur s1ojaq onbiyqo
O} YURI III 9Y} LOF SI LOLIa UOWUWUOD OUT, “sey. 7eYA
yivd oy} 0} Ivpnorpuediod st yUautaaout ay} pozaTdut09
jou svy yory Auvdutod oy} Jo zed ay} yeyy 010K /
CaLATANOO ATIVH LNYWAAOW ONIMOHS
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 91
At the second command the right-flank man in the
front rank faces to the right in marching and marks
time; the other front-rank men, oblique to the right,
place themselves abreast of the pivot, and mark time;
in the rear rank the third man from the right, followed
in column by the second and first, moves straight to the
front until in rear of his front-rank man, when all face
to the right in marching and mark time; the remaining
men of the rear rank move straight to the front 4 paces,
oblique to the right, place themselves abreast of the
third man, cover their file leaders, and mark time; the
right guide steps back, takes post on the flank and
marks time.
The fourth command is given when the last man is
1 pace in rear of the new line.
The command Halt may be given at any time after
the movement begins; only those halt who are in the
new position. Each of the others halts upon arriving
on the line, aligns himself to the right, and executes
front without command.
The difference between this movement and squad.
right is slight. ‘The rear rank acts a little differently,
and the company waits for the command to move for-
ward. ‘The idea is exactly the same.
92 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
2D MOVEMENT ON THE MOVING PIVOT
Being in line, to change direction: 1. Right (left)
turn, 2. MARCH, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.
Executed as described in the School of the Squad,
except that the men do not glance toward the marching
flank and that all take the full step at the fourth com-
mand. The right guide is the pivot of the front rank.
Each rear-rank man obliques on the same ground as
his file leader.
nS i CAST OF eae
ais, 3 = er ar a rae y.
eee Ae he hf ie i 7 ye
FipLCl:| | eae aren he oh ve os
hey,
EF oe tenes ae
/
ROeeid Mataid sit atl aye 4
THIRD MOVEMENT
Being in line, to form column of squads and change
direction: 1. Right (left) by squads, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, the right squad marches
forward; the remainder of the company executes squads
right, column left, and follows the right squad. The
right guide, when he has posted himself in front of the
right squad, takes four short steps, then resumes the
full steps; the right squad conforms.
A common error is for the guide to forget to take the
four short steps.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 93
ii
THTHtTTeY
Keep dressed ac-
curately on the side
of the guide. (He
is always on_ the
side opposite from
the) tile: ~ ‘closers:
This*is a rule of
thumb that should
be memorized at
once.) The guides
In every squad
should keep 40
inches from _ the
man in front. So
many new men for-
get about the 40
inches. ‘They usu-
ally take a little
over 30. When the
company is moved
into line there is
of course a Jam.
Hold your head up.
Don’t look down to
the ground. You
will be in this for-
mation more than
any other. ‘Try to
keep the fcllowing
94 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
cautions in mind: The leading men of the company
should have four inches interval. Better to have too
much than too little if mistakes are to be insisted upon.
IXeep the pieces in the correct positions at right shoul-
der and then have heads and rifles in a bee line. When
the movement is completed the company will be in the
formation shown in the drawing.
FOURTH MOVEMENT ON THE MOVING PIVOT
Being in column of squads, to change direction: 1.
Column right (left), 2. MARCH.
At the second command the front rank of the leading
squad turns to the right on moving pivot as in the School
of the Squad; the other ranks, without command, turn
successively on the same ground and in a similar man-
“1000000.
Ss,
as
ner.
It is a very common error for the pivot man to take
too short a step and thereby cause a jam. Bear this in
mind. Another very common error is for the flank man
(or men) to take a very long step. This is caused by
the pivot man’s forgetting to glance and see when the
flank man arrives on the line, before he takes the full
step. Another common error is to get out of column
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 95
while making this movement. Bear this in mind and
walk straight to the turning point.
THIS SHOWS THE COMPANY IN COLUMN OF SQUADS,
CORRECT POSITION
THIS SHOWS THE COMMON ERRORS
96 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Now we come to the two last movements. ‘They
cause more trouble than any others.
FIFTH MOVEMENT ON RIGHT (LEFT) INTO LINE
Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line
on right or left: 1. On right (left) into line, 2.
MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.
(On right [left] into line, means turn in the direction
that is on your right and get into line. You have to be
in column before the movement is begun.)
Let us first consider the company in column of squads.
Betore
“AH Het Bhs
pa ae ee Se eee +
After Piprieiiac pace '
At the captain’s command on right into line, the
corporal of the leading squad commands right turn.
The corporals of all the remaining squads, if halted,
command forward, if marching they caution their
squads to continue the march. At the captain’s com-
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 97
mand march, the leading squad turns to the right on a
moving pivot. ‘The remaining squads march straight
to the front.
Each corporal commands right turn before arriving
opposite the right of his squad’s place in line. When
the front rank of his squad has arrived opposite that
place he gives the command march.
The command halt is given when the leading squad
has advanced the desired distance in the new direction.
Only the leading squad halts. The corporal then com-
mands right dress.
The remaining corporals before arrival on the line,
command, squad, and add the command halt just be-
fore the front rank reaches the line. ‘They, then, com-
mand right dress.
The captain then dresses the company and commands
front. |
If executed in double time the leading squad marches
in double time until halted.
Now let us consider the company in columns of pla-
toons. See illustration on next page.
At the captain’s command on right into line, the
leader of the first platoon commands right turn, the
leaders of the rear platoons, if halted, command for-
ward; if marching, they caution their platoons to con-
tinue the march. ‘The first platoon executes the right
turn at the captain’s command march. Having com-
pleted the turn the platoon commander gives the com-
mand, forward, MARCH.
ROG
2°*% Platoorr
98
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 99
The remaining platoon commanders give right turn,
MARCH, when opposite their places, and the command,
forward, MARCH, when the turn has been completed.
When the leading platoon has advanced the desired
distance the captain gives the command, company,
HALT. At the command company, the leading pla-
toon leader gives the command, platoon. His platoon
only halts at the captain’s command, halt. The pla-
toon leader then gives the command, right dress, and
takes his post in the file closers. The remaining pla-
toons are successively halted and dressed by their leader.
FRONT INTO LINE
Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line
to the front: 1. Right (left) front into -line, 2.
MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.
(Right [left] front into line means move to the right
front and get into line. It is necessary to be in column
to begin this movement. )
Let us first consider the company in column of squads.
At the captain’s command, right front into line, the
corporal of the leading squad, if halted, commands for-
ward; if marching, he cautions his squad, continue the
march. ‘The corporals of the remaining squads com-
_ mand right oblique. At the command march, the
leading squad moves forward. ‘The remaining squads
oblique as indicated. The command halt is given when
the leading squad has advanced the desired distance;
its corporal then commands left dress.
100 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
The remaining corporals command forward,
MARCH, when opposite their places in line. They
halt and dress their squads on the line established by the
leading squad.
When the company is in column of platoons the
movement is executed in the same manner and by the
same commands except the word platoon is substituted
for squad.
(del DZ
ple Bape
mean Before
&
Z jt ie Oey eA |
eed ae ge! ETS
Nghe 4 ee y= v
pee 4-~“ 7 ee rc ?
x Sn 9 7 54a a —— ~
Y 7 or 4Y pie y we
Me 4 Sane bad
‘oN re ses ae <
ip Ty ee ea pe
\ Ue \ v
{ l ‘hie a ! '
{ t ) feet 4 { |
Ab gfe tela | i.
" | I H i ti. | | |
{ H | l t_-4 | l Pema tae
Jet ae | fi 3
| 1 | orp Canad ae a ec
| ! | wot
| T + y
l | icoohunt
halatelgn (pray an
Tel7lelsl4zisi2i 1 BEE BENS
Fo i Oe aN
Being in line, to form column of platoons, or the re-
verse: 1. Platoons right (left), 2. MARCH, 3.
Company, 4. HALT; or, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.
Before
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 101
Executed by each platoon as described for the com-
pany.
_ Before forming line the captain sees that the guides
on the flank toward which the movement is to be exe-
cuted are covering. ‘This is effected by previously an-
nouncing the guide to that flank.
The two common errors are: 1. First, the pivot man
takes a short step instead of marking time. Second,
(being in line), the pivot men of the platoons forget
that they are the pivots and therefore do not execute the
command when ordered.
The following illustration shows the side view of a
platoon. Note the common errors: No. 1 rear rank is
closed up to about twenty inches. He is looking down
102 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
at the heels of his front rank file (man). Rifles are im-
properly held. Some men in the rear rank have more
than forty inches distance from their front rank men.
Being in line, to form column of squads, or the re-
verse; or, being in line of platoons, to form column of
platoons, or the reverse: 1. Squads right (left), 2
MARCH; or, 1. Squads right (left), 2. MARCH, 3.
Company, 4. HALT.
Executed by each squad as described in the School of
the Squad.
— Eo
€-----)
If the company or platoons be formed in line toward
the side of the file closers they dart through the column
and take posts in rear of the company at the second
command. If the column of squads be formed from
line, the file closers take posts on the pivot flank, abreast
of and 4 inches from the nearest flank.
Being in column of platoons, to change direction: 1.
Column right (left), 2. MARCH.
At the first command the leader of the leading nlaicon
commands: Right turn. At the command march the
leading platoon turns to the right on moving pivot; its
leader commands: Forward, 2. MARCH, on com-
pletion of the turn. Rear platoons march squarely up
to the turning point of the leading platoon and turn at
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 103
the command of their leaders. When each platoon has
completed its turn, the leader commands forward,
MARCH.
Before
ee re
' ‘ ‘
1 \
J |
1 '
v v
! '
y a
Saas wd eee
tee
ky we ey epee’)
Being in column of squads, to form line of platoons
or the reverse: 1. Platoons, column right (left), 2
MARCH.
xecuted by each platoon as described for the com-
pany.
Being in line, to form column of squads and change
directions: 1. Squads left (right), column right
(left), 2. MARCH.
pate Et
EST
|
The left squad initiates (begins) the column right as
soon as it has completed the squad left.
Being in line, to form line of platoons: 1. Squads
left (right), platoons, column left (right), 2.
Sree
SNOOLVId AO ANIT
o-.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 105
MARCH; or, 1. Platoons, right (left) by squads, 2.
MARCH.
Executed by each platoon as described for the com-
pany in the preceding paragraph.
FACING OR MARCHING TO THE REAR
Being in line, line of platoons, or in column of
platoons or squads, to face or march to the rear: I.
Squads right (left) about, 2. MARCH; or, 1. Squads
right (left) about, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4.
HALT.
Executed by each squad as described in the School of
the Squad.
If the company is in line of platoons, or in column of
squads, the file closers turn about toward the column,
and take their posts; if in line, each darts through the
nearest interval between squads.
To march to the rear for a few paces: 1. About, 2.
FACE, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.
If in line, the guides place themselves in the rear rank,
now in front rank; the file closers, on facing front,
maintain their relative positions. No other movement
is executed until the line is faced to the original front.
Being in column of squads to form column of
platoons, or being in line of platoons, to form the com-
pany in line: 1. Platoons, right (left) front into
line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT.
Executed by each platoon as described for the com-
pany. If forming column of platoons, platoon leaders
1066 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
verify the alignment before taking their posts; the
captain commands front when the alignments have been
verified. |
When front into line is executed in double time the
commands for halting and aligning are omitted and
the guide is toward the side of the first unit in line.
AT EASE AND ROUTE STEP
The column of squads is the habitual cclumn of route,
but route step and at ease are applicable to any march-
ing formation.
To march at route step: 1. Route step, 2.
MARCH. Sabers are carried at will or in the scab-
bard; the men carry their pieces at will, keeping the
muzzles elevated; they are not required to preserve
silence, nor to keep the step. The ranks cover and
preserve their distance. If halted from route step, the
men stand at rest.
To march at ease: 1. At ease, 2. MARCH.
The company marches as in route step, except that
silence is preserved when halted, the men remain at ease.
Marching at route step or at ease: 1. Company, 2.
ATTENTION.
At the command attention the pieces are brought to
the right shoulder and the cadenced step in quick time
is resumed.
FOR GUIDES
A guide is a noncommissioned officer or a private
upon whom the company regulates its march.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 107
It is difficult for an inexperienced man to learn, with
little practice, the duties and the correct positions of a
guide. Remember the rule of thumb, The guide and
the file closers are on the opposite flanks when the com-
pany is in column of squads. In squads right about it
would be ridiculous for the file closers to move from one
flank to another. Guides are permitted and supposed
to look around to see if they are in their proper places;
most new men are timid about this.
The following general rules and examples will help
you:
The guide of a company or platoon in line is right,
unless otherwise announced.
The guide of a company or platoon in column of
squads is toward the side of the guide, who places himself
on the side of the company away from the file closers.
The guide of a deployed line (a skirmish line) is
always center unless otherwise announced.
EXAMPLES
The company is assumed to be in line.
In executing:
1. Squads right. The guides go to the left flank.
2. Right by squads. ‘The guides go to the left flank.
3. Squads left. The guides go to the right flank.
4. Left by squads. The guides go to the right flank.
If the company is in column of squads and the com-
mand is either squads right or left about, the guides
simply remember to remain on the flank opposite from
108 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
the file closers. It is very easy to see that a world of
confusion would. be caused by the file closers attempting
to move to the opposite flank during squads right or
left about. If the guides are in doubt look to see where
the file closers are and then apply the rule of thumb:
File closers and guides are always on opposite flanks.
TO DIMINISH THE FRONT OF A COLUMN OF SQUADS
Being in column of squads: 1. Right (left) by
twos, 2. MARCH. |
At the command march all files except the two right
files of the leading squad execute “in Place Halt”; the
two left files of the leading squads oblique to the right
when disengaged and follow the right files at the shortest
practicable distance. The remaining squads follow
successively in like manner.
Being in column of squads or twos: farararcn
1. Right (left) by file, 2. MARCH. ‘Vir >"
At the command march, all files exe- uN ev BN ON
cute “In Place Halt,” except the right "7 2 Cet
file of the leading two or squad. The Ae RY RT RA
left file or files of the leading two or Shara
<[x}
‘\ ‘N
\
\
‘
\
\
squad oblique successively to the right
when disengaged and each follows the
file on its right at the shortest practi-
cable distance. The remaining twos or
squads follow successively in like man- N N
[r}<{4}
E
ner. ’ RIGHT BY TWOS
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 109
ra
tu
A ote |
“< me
55 3£3¢€3 C3 103 if: 7 Y ae
t v/v a ie
y \ >
9N000D 00000000 b0nDbDooODOvoOOoOOOOOUOOD
dt ter
co Before
a ee ry
i
STs a
; Baie! ole ee
Rot | Nee baw
iA \ oe
/ 6 PS ev et [rears Hes AS TS
/ et eee Sr pare ie tere Ges eS
obo ooooDooDooODOOoDoOo
oDoouocodcgooooo
After
take long and fast steps and come up on the line of the
base squad. ‘This should not be done unless the com-
mand double time is given.
EXTENDED ORDER
RULES FOR DEPLOYMENTS
The command guide right (left or center) indicates
the base squad for the deployment; if in line it designates
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 119
the actual right (left or center) squad; if in column the
command guide right (left) designates the leading
squad, and the command guide center designates the
center squad. After the deployment is completed, the
guide is center without command, unless otherwise
ordered.
At the preparatory command for forming skirmish
line, from either column of squads or line, each squad
leader (except the leader of the base squad, when his
squad does not advance) cautions his squad, follow me
or by the right (left) flank, as the case may be; at the
command march, he steps in front of his squad and leads
it to its place in line.
Having given the command for forming skirmish line,
the captain, if necessary, indicates to the corporal of the
base squad the point on which the squad is to march;
the corporal habitually looks to the captain for such
directions.
The base squad is deployed as. soon as it has suf-
ficient interval. ‘The other squads are deployed as they
arrive on the general line; each corporal halts in his place
in line and commands or signals, aS skirmishers; the
squad deploys and halts abreast of him.
If tactical considerations demand it, the squad is de-
ployed before arriving on the line.
Deployed. lines preserve a general alignment toward
the guide. Wihithin their respective fronts, individuals
or units march so as best to secure or to facilitate the
1200 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL ©
advance but the general and orderly progress of the
whole is paramount.
On halting, a deployed line faces to the front (di-
rection of the enemy) in all cases and takes advantage
of cover, the men lying down if necessary.
The company in line or column of squads may be
deployed in an oblique direction by the same commands. .
The captain points out the desired direction; the cor-
poral of the base squad moves in the direction indicated ;
the other corporals conform.
To form skirmish line to the flank or rear the line or
the column of squads is turned by squads to the flank
or rear and then deployed as described.
The intervals between men are increased or decreased
as described in the School of the Squad, adding to the
preparatory command, guide right (left or center), if
necessary.
THE ASSEMBLY
The captain takes his post in front of, or designates,
the element on which the company is to assemble and
commands: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.
If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the
designated point and the company is re-formed in line.
If assembled by platoons, these are conducted to the de-
signated point by platoon leaders, and the company is
reformed in line.
Platoons may be assembled by the command: 1.
Platoons, assemble, 2. MARCH.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 121
Executed by each platoon as described for the com-
pany.
One or more platoons may be assembled by the com-
mand: 1. Such platoon(s), assemble, 2. MARCH.
Iixecuted by the designated platoon or platoons as
described for the company.
Wherever it is necessary in campaign to deploy troops
there is often so much noise and confusion that it is im-
possible for the officers and noncommissioned officers to
make themselves heard. Signals must be used instead
of verbal commands.
WHISTLE SIGNALS
There are only two kinds of whistle signals; a short
blast and a long blast. A short blast means pay at-
tention, or look out for a signal or command.
A long blast means stop firing for a minute (suspend
firing).
THE ADVANCE
The advance of a company into an engagement
(whether for attack or defense) is conducted in close
order, preferably column of squads, until the probability
of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy.
After deployment, and before opening fire, the advance
of the company may be continued in skirmish line or
other suitable formations, depending upon circum-
stances. The advance may often be facilitated, or bet-
ter advantage taken of cover, or losses reduced by the
122 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
employment of the platoon or squad columns or by the
use of a succession of thin lines. 'The selection of the
method to be used is made by the captain or major, the
choice depending upon conditions arising during the
progress of the advance. If the deployment is found
to be premature, it will generally be best to assemble the
company and proceed in close order.
Patrols are used to provide the necessary security
against surprise.
Being in skirmish line: 1. Platoon columns, 2.
MARCH.
The platoon leaders move forward through the center
of their respective platoons; men to the right of the
platoon leader march to the left and follow him in file;
those to the left march in like manner to the right; each
platoon leader thus conducts the march of his platoon
in double column of files; platoon guides follow in the
Cs ta eres c3 i Ew oe a SG i ae I BS aie eG itu bates Gate
tla i
i |
||| lI |
[| | [| |
a I | |
go oO
O)\0 OO
0)0 O,0
OVO Oo
de O10
0,0 0/0
O)}0 0/0
& x
SHOWING HOW PLATOON COLUMNS ARE FORMED
Corporal .
SQUAD COLUMN
123
124 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
en ry
o 3 2. c3
\ ‘ e
ch a 7 c?,
jes’ Poy \ ia) \ le nN
ued i aN
oe \ (ny ‘ Before (pe ne \
a
pdud 4 jis \ jes \ fim \
oP et ¢ /sen \ Pigtsiee GN Mie FR
er a TS 8 ay et: Fe AON Piste
/ \ ar UN / -~ \ \
j ‘ors ¥ / / AS cat / / jee Ft ; 3 es
f poet wk fod fea \ \ / i, ak ek Fatt kt, CONN
/ i) 9. Ge ee Anata C3, 3 eG Me eg So ey sd bay YY
Ct ae \ \ POP ee a ee RO eS Ne / Ee on wh es
foe alee Poy sik : Pa aay Poof jaye eN
ro (es ak ae ae Na hd rae fF SEN Pe es
f hg A cA te et \ fa, i \ Sar 8 , | Me FT ae RMT) ee THe han
ul ‘ Z ’ / :
HodoooeooovooooooooDRoOoOooooOeobo0o000000
Affer
SQUAD COLUMNS
rear of their respective platoons to insure prompt and
orderly execution of the advance.
Being in skirmish line: 1. Squad columns, 2.
MARCH. See preceding page.
Each squad leader moves to the front; the members
of each squad oblique toward and follow their squad
leader in single file at easy marching distances.
Platoon columns are profitably used where the ground
is so difficult or cover is so limited as to make it desir-
able to take advantage of the few favorable routes; no
two platoons should march within the area of burst of
a single shrapnel (ordinarily about 20 yards wide).
Squad columns are of value principally in facilitating
the advance over rough or brush-grown ground; they
afford no material advantage in securing cover.
To deploy platoon or ‘squad columns: 1. AS
skirmishers, 2. MARCH.
Skirmishers move to the right or left front and suc-
cessively place themselves in their original positions on
the line.
. r .
ghd bay ses ta
Oo eo ON
’
iy i} 3 a Befo: eS 4 leaey \
poe, us, \ oe 4 pus tav \
sé \.\ / .
a ze | \ / en .F3 4h
/ /
a af thee ua \ y) a ; a ts \ be Ne
Dilpend CL tee Woes \ yin fer Ma Oe oe SA 8
’ , he “Ay \ * . ne pe AVN NV \
es 2 tir ers \ acs ‘ Ni sagen rei yo SN \
OT 1 Ff ped CANNY \ FLL CERI ERAN SSN
RET ee eee a \ ‘\ FATAL IT Oe eS Rete
Se Pd ee ne 1 apd ras ‘
- rie, re hes t4\\ “oS ‘ge ee tt pee ta\ \ \ \
Fe FEIT OEU om ERY Ke oNe. NS edz Pah jeri ey wh ure 8s
Ie el a Bares ewes x Bs Ser Aa Be OSs Ft ual RA SEN Ne
wie. 8 eat a tet 18 \ + PY LY hoe, COP ee Se eS
Ca ee ed Oe pea Ree S (a , ey \
rs a ee! ALA ON Ot tte TAY CON SS
aa g / wor, eee ‘ ’ + eK
é ‘ ‘ \ x % \ F i f-"% / , ' ' \ \
/ ee a | \ y- ct ee ara \
é / ie , ht i 3 \ aN ‘ ax Ps / MAA Bas Oey | ‘oO! ok os Ok oh
&}
a “Nia
at. od
Axor >
a qt! a aie
a cS
JE ee qacerce Relying Par LON
—
74 : saw oN a,
f° se a4 ON
oO
bet oegtten 9 By al
mm Ke “2> -
~ fe aN -
i S2 a LO
Note that distances from ~
Or
58 THE: PLATTSBURG MANUAL
SLOW FIRE TARGETS
i
!
on
k--- £6" — -»
TARGET A
nn-- mm oe
This target is used during slow fire at 200 and 300
yards.
53" ---n
oe — —
- TARGET B
This target is used during slow fire at 500 and 600
yards.
TARGET PRACTICE 259
RAPID FIRE TARGET
-
— — — — 8S = ee
ate “+19 da
po —_-—---
44 me DD
This target is always used with the battle sight at
200, 300, and 500 yards rapid fire. Battle sight is the
position of the rear sight when the leaf is laid down,
which is the habitual position of the rear sight leaf at
drill. It is an open sight, and corresponds to an eleva-
tion of 547 yards.
WINDAGE
The rear sight is set on a movable base so that it can
be moved to the right or left and the aiming point
shifted accordingly in order to counteract the effect of
the wind on the bullet.
General Rule. To shift the striking point of the
bullet to the left move the rear sight to the left. And,
of course, the reverse holds true when it is moved to the
right.
A Specific Rule. One point of windage moves the
260 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
striking point of the bullet 4 inches for every 100 yards
you are distant from the target. (One point of wind-
age at 200 yards causes the bullet to strike 8 inches to
the right or left of the line of aim; one point at 300
yards causes a 12-inch deflection of the bullet; one point
at 500 yards a 20-inch deflection, and so on.)
ELEVATION
General rule for changing the elevation after hitting
the target: A change of elevation either up or down,
of 100 yards on your rear sight, will raise or lower your
bullet in inches on the target equal to the square of your
distance in yards from the target. Il.e., a change of
100 yards in elevation on the rear sight leaf while firing
at the 200-yard range raises or lowers the striking point
of the bullet at the target 4 inches. A similar change
while firing at the 300-yard range raises or lowers the
striking point of the bullet 9 inches, at the 400-yard
range it would be 16 inches, at the 500-yard range 25
inches, and so on.
The following illustrations are self-explanatory in
regard to windage and elevation changes and should be
diligently studied during preliminary instruction. ‘The
effect of windage changes (given in points) will be
found at the bottom of each target, while the effect of
elevation-changes (given in yards)’ will be found to the
left of each target. ,
TARGET PRACTICE 261
x
zs
UTAL
d ...0clock -.Miles Wind -.-Oclock -. Miles
(ETL, eR Os ae ae eet (REL pyar ora ap
' Wind Gauge --- nae Wind Gauge: . -
vent Se eee Ss aie eal VET a ens aioeele ane Svewiem'e
‘600 YARDS Sp
< S
: as ras
Fre
el
Zia
eee
6]
Ee
ope
} 1 L 35 | oa
rE bgt pee sO
Wind : rep
: pee OCLOCK EIMIlES MIRAGE. 5.
ROGET gn ete oe
DIRECTION OF BUN din en ag ww omy = —— — « » What is the (R. N.., etc.?)- What is the (R.N., etc.?)
(All methods Interrogatory Interrogatory
but ardois
and sema-
phore)
P Affirmative | Affirmative
R Acknowledgment Acknowledgment
RN Range: Range
Ji teed b Right Right
SSS Support going forward Support needed
Ay Target Target
THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
288
AWAYSZLNI
a
tL A
a#dOd HUYOHdAdVWAS WUV-OML
SIGNALS AND CODES 289
ARM SIGNALS
The following arm signals are prescribed. In mak-
ing signals either arm may be used. Officers who re-
ceive signals on the firing line “repeat back”’ at once to
prevent misunderstanding.
Forward, MARCH. Carry the
hand to the shoulder; straighten and
hold the arm horizontally, thrusting it
in the direction of march.
This signal is also used to execute
quick time from double time.
HALT. Carry the hand to the
shoulder. Thrust the hand up-
ward and hold the arm vertically.
Double time, MARCH. Carry
the hand to the shoulder; rapidly
thrust the hand upward the full
Halt: Arm held stationary extent of the arm several times.
Double Time: Arm moved
up and down several times
Squads right, MARCH.
Raise the arm laterally until
horizontal; carry it to a verti-
cal position above the head
and swing it several times be-
tween the vertical and_ hori-
zontal positions.
290 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Piss
ae y
a Right Abou
Squads left, MARCH.
Raise the arm laterally until
horizontal; carry it downward
to the side and swing it several
times between the downward
and horizontal positions.
Squads right about,
MARCH (if in close order)
or, To the rear, MARCH
(if in skirmish line). Extend
the. arm vertically above the
head; carry it laterally down-
ward to the side, and swing it
several times between the ver-
tical and downward positions.
Change direction or
Column right (left),
MARCH. The hand on
the side toward which the
change of direction is to
be made is carried across
the body to the opposite
shoulder, forearm horizontal; then swing in a horizontal
plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction.
SIGNALS AND CODES 291
As _ skirmishers,
MARCH. Raise
both arms laterally
until horizontal.
As skirmishers,
guide center,
MARCH. Raise
both arms laterally
until horizontal ;
swing both — simul-
; taneously upward
As Skirmishers Guide Center until vertical, and
return to the horizontal; repeat several times.
Guide Right
gd } :
a ‘oe “wan
Le f As Skirmishers
As skirmishers, guide right (left), MARCH.
Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; hold the arm
on the side of the guide steadily in the horizontal posi-
tion; swing the other upward until vertical, and return
it to the horizontal; repeat several times.
292 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Assemble, MARCH.
Raise the arm _ vertically
to its full extent and de-
scribe horizontal circles.
Range or Change Eleva-
> tion. To announce range,
extend the arm toward the
leaders or men for whom
the signal is intended, fist
closed; by keeping the fist
To announce range UA closed battle sight is indi-
Battle sight
cated ;
by opening and closing the fist, ex-
Range 500 pose thumb and fingers to a number
Orincrease by300 Equal to the hundreds of yards;
«iL Add 50 } |
So to add 50 yards describe a short hori-
zontal line with forefinger.
SIGNALS AND CODES 293
To change elevation, indicate the
Decrease
by 300
amount of increase or decrease by fin-
gers as above; point upward to indicate
increase and downward to indicate de-
crease.
What range are
What range are you using? or What
is the range? Extend the arms toward
the person addressed, one hand open,
palm to the front, resting on the other
youusing or: hand, fist closed.
What is the range
wr Are you ready? or I am ready. Raise
the hand, fingers extended and joined,
Are you ready palm toward the person addressed.
or: lam ready
Commence Firings
Commence firing. Move
the arm extended in full
length, hand palm down,
several times through a
horizontal are in front of
the body.
Hires taster. lixecute
rapidly the signal “Com-
mence firing.”
Fire slower. Execute
slowly the signal “Com-
mence firing.”
294 THE PLATTSBURG MANUAL
Swing the cone of fire
to the right, or left. Ex-
tend the arm in full length
to the front, palm to the
right (left); swing the
arm to right (left), and
point in the direction of
the new target.
Fix bayonet. Simulate the movement of the right
hand in “Fix bayonet.”
To Swing cone of fine to right
Suspend firing. Raise and hold
the forearm steadily in a horizontal
position in front of the forehead,
palm of the hand to the front.
Cease firing. Raise the forearm
Suspend firing. as in suspend firing and swing it up
For Cease firing - and down several times in front of
Swing arm upand the face.
down several times,
pete oe mF PEO Platoon. Extend the arm hori-
zontally toward the platoon leader;
describe small circles with the
hand.
Squad. Extend the arm horizon-
tally toward the platoon leader;
i = <— swing the hand up and down from
cd (elree the wrist.
“if Squad Rush. Same as double time.
SIGNALS AND CODES 295
Use of signals “platoon” and “squad.” The signals
platoon and squad are intended primarily for communi-
cation between the captain and his platoon leaders. -
The signal platoon or squad indicates that the platoon
commander is to cause the signal which follows to be
executed by platoon or squad.
INDEX
About face, 34
Advance, company, 121, 122
methods of, 126-129
rear guard during, 223
during attack, 148, 238
under cover, 237
Advance cavalry, 218
Advance guard, 142, 213
communication with, 220, 221
distance from main body of, 216
distribution of, 218
duties of, 143, 215, 216
strength of, 216
supports to, 218, 219
Age limits for reserve officers, 169,
170
Aiming rifle, 269
Alignments, 66, 67
in company movements, 88, 106,
112
in skirmish drill, 119
Ammunition, 191
data on U. S. Army, 277, 278
Appointments to officers’ reserve
corps, 169, 170, 175, 176
Arm signals, 289-295
Arms, manual of, 40-62
Arms of the service, codperation of,
182
Army departments, 178
slang, 18, 19
Articles of War, 179
Artillery, 183, 224
Assembling, position of guides and
file-closers in, 111
Assembly of company, 88, 120, 125
of platoons, 120, 121
of squad, 75
At ease, 32, 33
march, 106
297
Attack, advantages of, 145, 234, 235
deployment for, 236
enveloping, 235, 236
fire superiority in, 148, 207, 238
frontal, 235
initiative in, 145, 206
night, 185, 186
patrols in, 236, 244
plan of, 147
progress of, 147, 148, 149, 207,
238, 239 ;
rules for, 208, 209
turning movement in, 235, 236
Attention, 29
from route step, 106
under arms, 40
Back step, 37
Backward march, 37
Barbwire, use of, 151, 186
Base squad in extended order drills,
112-119
Battle-field conditions, 130, 131, 207
Bayonet, 275
importance of, 190
Bed-making on practice marches,
161
Blanket roll, 167, 168
Blisters, treatment for, 163
Blue. camp, 5
Bombs, 184, 185
Cadet status, 15
Camp, arrival at, 8, 6, 10
conduct in, 11, 12, 13
equipment in, 8, 9
inspection of, 283
guard duty in, 192-194
habits in, 13, 14, 15
mail regulations in, 6, 7
298
Camip—continued
security in, 137, 138, 139
sanitation, 164, 165
Camping on practice marches, 161,
279
Camps, Federal training, 3, 4, 5
Captain, responsibility of, 110, 133
Cavalry, 183, 184
advance, 218
ammunition for, 191
Change step, 39
Charge during attack, 149, 239
Close order drills, 63, 88
Clothing, 9, 16, 17
Coast artillery, 178
Colors, saluting, 195
Column, diminishing front of, 108, 109
of platoons, change of direction
for, 102, 103
formation from
squads, 105, 106
formation from line of, 100-102
of route, 106
of squads, change of direction for,
94, 103
formation from lI’ne of, 93, 94,
102, 103
Combat patrols, 236, 244
train, 191
Commands, 28
in company skirmish drill, 114
to company, 86, 96-100
Communicating trenches, 188
Company, advance of, 121-129
alignment in, 88, 106, 112
assembly of, 88, 120
dismissing the, 111, 112
inspection arms in, 88, 89
skirmish drills in, 114-120
dressing, 92, 97, 99, 112
facing, 105
file-closers in, 108
file formation in, 108, 109
formation into columns, 100-102
front into line, 99, 100, 106
guide in, 106, 107, 108
in line, from Une of platoons, 105,
106
column of
INDEX
Company—continued
march at ease, 106
to. rear, 2105
movement on fixed pivot in, 89-93
on moving pivot in, 93-96
intervais in, 93
platoons in, 110
position of men in, 87
roll call in, 89
route step, 106
squads in, 86
Conduct, rules of, 11, 12, 13
Codperation of different arms of
Service, 182
Corporals, duties on firing line of,
134, 135
in company movement, 96, 97, 99,
100
in skirmish drill, 77, 78, 115-117
Cossack posts, 141, 227
Counter attack, 240, 245
Counting off, 64, 86
Cover, advance under, 237
detachments, duties of, 213, 214
strength of, 215
trenches, 188
Day patrol, 228, 229
Defense, advantages of, 150, 241
fire superiority in, 244
orders for, 243
passive and active, 149, 239, 240
position for, 150, 241, 242
preparations for, 150-152, 242,
243, 244
use of obstacles in, 186
Deflection, in rifle drill, 257, 259, 260
Deployment for attack, 236
rules for, 118-120
Deposits for uniforms, 5, 6
Diminishing the front of column of
squads, 108, 109
Discipline, value of, 16, 63
Distances, taking, 64, 111
Double time march, 36
Dress, 16, 17
Drills, close order, 63, 88
extended order, 112
INDEX
Drills—continued
rifle, 253-261
value of, 16, 63, 180
Duties of advance and rear guards,
143
of captain in battle, 133
of corporals in battle, 134, 135
of platoon leaders in battle, 134
of reserve officers, 171
Elevation, in rifle drill, 257, ie 261
Emergency ration, 192
Equipment, deposit for, 6
-on practice marches, 166-168
Estimating the situation, 146, 203,
204
Examination to enter Officers’
serve Corps, 170, 172
Exercises, preparatory, 23-27
Extended order drills, 112
Eyes, front, 33
right, 33
Re-
Facing, company, 105
on skirmish line, 120
Facings, 34
Fall in, 33
Fall out, 32
Feet, care of the, 14, 162
“Federal Reserve students,” 5
training camps, 3, 5
Field exercises, 127
orders, 147, 196-199, 204-206
ration, 192
train, 191
File, in squad, 63
formation from column, 108, 109
File-closer, sergeant as, 111
in close order, 88
position in column of, 102, 107
position in company of, 92, 108
position in company facing of, 105
regulation of intervals by, 111
Filipino ration, 192
Fire attack, 127-129, 238
control, 134
direction, 132-134
discipline, 135
299
Fire attack—continued
superiority. in attack, 238
in defense, 244
trenches, 188
Firing, conditions for effective, 131,
132, 134, 207
positions for, 264-267
line, advance of, 148, 237, 238
practice, advice on, 264-274
Fix bayonet, from order, 58
Flag signals, 286-288
Flank guard, 213
march, 38
Following corporal, 77, 78, 115, 116,
TIT 119
Forward march, 35
Gallery practice, 155, 262
Garrison ration, 192
Guard duty, 192-194
Guide, distance regulation by, 92,
rit
duties of, 106, 107
in column formation, 107
in company assembly, 88, 111
in company facing, 105
in company pivot movements, ?1—
94, 101
in line or column formation, 101,
106
in skirmish drill, 114-116
in squad movements, 107, 108
of deployed line, 107
Guides, execution of manual of arms
Dye 11
officers as, 106, 110, 111
Habits, 13, 14, 15
Half-step march, 36, 37
Halt, 38
during practice marches, 160
in company movement, 97, 99
Hand grenades, 184, 185
salute; $1, 32
Hardships of practice marches, 159,
160
Hasty cover trenches, 188
300
Infantry, 182
ammunition for, 191
Information concerning enemy, 146,
207, 246
Initiative, value of, 145, 206
Inspection arms, from order, 59
in company, 88, 89
Inspection of camp equipment, 283
of outpost, 231, 232
of patrol, 248
Instruction to officers, 5, 172, 173,
176
Intervals, in company movements,
93
in skirmish line, 78, 79
in squad, 63, 65, 79, 80
taking, 111
Intrenchments, 187, 243
Kneeling, 80, 81
position for firing, 265
Left shoulder arms, from port, 51-
53
Lieutenant, appointment from Offi-
cers’ Reserve of, 176
assignments of, 110
Line formation to front, from col-
umn, company, 99, 100
to right, from column, company,
96-99
Line of observation, 140, 228
of out guards, 140
of platoons, from
squads, 103
from line, 103, 104
of resistance, 140
of reserves, 138, 140
Lists of Reserve officers, 176, 177
Loading and firing in squad, 81, 82,
83
Lying down, 80
column of
Machine guns, 184, 221, 224
Mail, in camp, 6, 7
Manceuver maps, 190
Manual of arms, 40-62
March to rear, company, 105
INDEX
Marches, practice, 159
practice, see also Practice marches
Marching rules, 160
Marchings, 35-39
in squad, 68-77
Mark time, 36
Meeting engagements, 186, 187
Military correspondence, 180, 181,
182
maps, 189, 190
problems, solving of, 199-202
Training Camp Association, 4, 5
in colleges, 173-176
Mission, 146
Mobile Army, 177, 178
Movements in column, in company,
102-105
in line, in company, 96-100
on pivot, in company, 89-96
Musicians, position in column of,
111
Napoleon as military leader, 199,
201, 206
Nervousness in firing, 153, 157
Night operations, 185, 186
patrol, 228
Noncommissioned officers, 106, 110,
Lidecias
Observation, line of, 140, 228
Oblique march, 76, 77
Obstacles, removal of, for defense,
151
use in defense of, 186
Officers, grades and commands of,
“179
Officers’ Reserve Corps,
Reserve officers.
Officers’ Reserve Corps, eligibility
for, 169-172, 175, 176
pay in, 171, 174, 176
purpose of, 169
sections of, 172, 173
Order arms, from inspection, 59
from port, 45
from present, 45
see also
INDEX
Order arms—continued
from right shoulder, 50
from trail, 55
Out guards, precautions for, 232
line of, 140, 226, 227
posting of, 232
Outpost, composition of, 224
distance from main body of, 225
distribution of troops of, 224-
229
formation of, 138, 229-232
importance of, 137, 213°
inspection of, 231, 232
placing of, 138, 141, 226, 231
relieving the, 233
strength of, 140, 223
supports to, 138, 140, 226
orders, 230
reserves, 226
sentinels, 227, 228, 229, 231
sketches, 190
Outposts, intercommunication — be-
tween, 229
Packs on practice marches, 162, 167
Parade rest, 30
from order, 54
Patrol, 220, 221
combat, 236, 244
duties of, 229, 232, 246
formation for, 249, 250
instructions to, 247, 248
meeting enemy, 250, 251
posting of, 232
preparation for, 248, 249
return of, 251
strength of, 247
cautions, 250, 251
commander of, 247
Pay in Officers’ Reserve Corps, 171,
174, 176
Picket sentinel, 232
Pickets, 141, 227
posting of, 232
Platoon columns, advance by, 122,
124
leaders, duties on firing line of,
134
301
Platoons, assembly of, 120, 121
commands to, 96-100
squads in, 110
Port arms, from left shoulder, 54
from order, 43, 44
from present, 45
from right shoulder, 50
Positions for rifle practice, 263-267
Practice marches, camping on, 161,
164, 165, 279
care of feet on, 162, 163, 164
equipment for, 166-168
hardships of, 159, 160
value of, 159
water drinking on, 162
Present arms, from order, 41, 42
from port, 45
from right shoulder, 51
Prone position for firing, 266, 267
Property for Reserve officers, 192
Quartermaster property, 8, 9
Quick time march, 36
Range finders in defense, 151
Rapid fire practice, 157, 158, 271,
272
target, 259
Ration, 191, 192
Reading list for Reserve officers,
195, 196
Rear, march to the, 39
Rear guard, 142, 213
composition -of, 221, 222
distance from main force of, 222
distribution of, 222
duties of, 143, 221
strength of, 221
of advancing force, 223
Reconnaissance, 220, 221, 246
Reconnoitering patrols, duties of,
246
Red camp, 5
Relations between officers and men,
Lee 6
Reserve officers, see also Officers’
Reserve Corps
302
Reserve officers, active service of,
171
appointment of, 169, 170, 172, 175,
176 °
department report on, 176, 177
instruction to, 5, 172, 173-175
pay of, 171, 174, 176
promotion of, 171
property of, 192
reading list for, 195, 196
Training Corps, 173-175
Reserve ration, 192
Reserves, during advance, 142
line of, 138, 140
placing of, 231
to support party, 219, 220
Resistance, line of, 140
Rests, 32, 33, 54
during marches, 160, 161
Rifle, care of, 274
control of, 135
data on. 1U.295. =Army,
Q77
drills, 253-261
holding, 262, 263
knowledge of, 153, 154
nomenclature of, 253
recoil of, 156, 157
rules for carrying, 60, 61, 62
salute, from order, 57
from right shoulder, 55, 56
from trail, 57
sights, 154, 155, 156, 253-256
sling of, 268
practice, 264-274
Right dress, 66, 67
face, 34
step march, 37
turn in company movement, 97,
99 ;
Right shoulder arms, from order,
46-49
from port, 50
from present, 51
Rising, 81
Road sketches, 190
Roll call in company, 89
Route step, company, 106
275—
INDEX
Salutes, 31, 32, 56
Saluting, 17, 18, 194, 195
at retreat, 194, 195
colors, 195
Security during advance, 141
in camp, 137, 138, 139
on march, 213, 214, 215
Semaphore signals, 288
Sentinel posts, 227, 228
Sentinels, duties of, 193, 194
posting of, 232
Sentry squads, 141, 227
Sergeants in company movements,
88, 89, Lil
Shelter tents, 279
Shoes, walking, 14, 15, 21, 22, 164
Shot, calling, 270
Side step, 37
Sighting, 270, 271, 253-256
Signal Corps code, 286-288
Signals, arm, 289-295
flag, 286-288
general service code for, 284, 285
semaphore, 288
Sitting position for firing, 263, 264
Skirmish drill, base squad in, 112-
119
guide in, 114-116
in squad, 78-83
line, advance of, 126, 127
from column, 116-118
from company line, 114, 115,
116
on oblique, 120
to the flank, 120
to the rear, 120
Skirmishers in advance, 124
Slow fire practice, 262, 263
targets, 258
Squad, alignment of, 66, 67
formation of, 64
assembly of, 75
deploy of, 63
dismissal of, 59, 60
distance in, 64
halt, 69
number of men in, 110
right, 68
INDEX
Squad—continued
right about, 70
right turn, 71, 72
skirmish drill in, 78-83
blanket roll, 168
columns, 124
file, 63
intervals, 63, 65, 79, 80
leaders in company movements, 88
marchings, 68-77
Squads in column movements, 102-
105
in company, 86
commands to, 96-100
Stack arms, 84
Steps, 35-39
Strategical maps, 190
Supports, posting of, 231
during advance, 142
in attack, 149
to advance guard, 218, 219
to outposts, 138, 140, 226
Surplus kit bag, 167
Take arms, 85
Taking intervals and distances, 111
Target firing, 156, 157
Team work in firing, 133
Tent pitching, 161, 280, 281
Tents, shelter, 279
Term of service for Reserve officers,
170; (171, 175
Trail arms, from order, 55
303
Training camps, Federal, 3, 4, 5
Corps for officers, 173-175
Transportation, 191
Travel ration, 192
Trenches, 151, 187-189, 243
occupation of, 243, 244
Trigger squeeze, 269, 270
Turn on fixed pivot from line, com-
pany, 89-93
on moving pivot to change direc-
tion, company, 93-96
Turning movement in attack, 235,
236
Typhoid inoculation, 7
Unfix bayonet, from order, 58
Uniforms, 16, 17
deposit for, 5, 6
U. S. Army ammunition, data on,
QT, V8
rifle,. data on, 275-277
land forces, 177, 178
military departments 3, 4, 180,
181
Walking, importance of, 21, 22
Water drinking on practice marches,
162
War game maps, 190
Whistle signals, 121
White camp, 5
Windage, 259, 261
Withdrawal from action, 187, 245 .
ee
Se an
i
|
4093
2 eke nts
-URBANA
ll
|
ate abel etaly late fetat
eal ellataty tah
te
% bale a
l
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
a lt
3 0112 06509
batans-3-6
.
reer er
tity tr, “tly vil
a
zi
oietecel
SH a Be
‘or +
tits elelets stetaigty! sfetebatertte wats
rietsie:
Sotet shetety:
yet
’
tleiely
ee
+ nate
*.
$f.
alaletelate +
irate telesales le feed?
tt k “adele lalate tely Tele yet ete
SS etatetate ai qe tyr fet
he oe cae : Pri
tatetelalal gre efetet Lata gig ele tats
: : * eietett “ht
: . ) 3 ? }
tet!
Mie
gta? !
shalelelels
Tetalelgtetebala,
ae
5
~
st ett
Arsh
alatetely! PpPateted
ety
ett
aS 34?
x seseses
sad Sh <0 Sane D8 ae ms 4 ee
olsiety tetera’
tatetst, eis
Tate TRIO
Sits
ahelete tal
saeit + 4
Heh
ses -
Patatel
ait ; ‘ deisine RHE 3
oh 3% i sfatet sf SBeaiy :
3 Q | : cuneaeetal:
M ratte + inh pene saya) ttitirety 32 t sieiytat
r ete rtoscets Tet) a trTeta’s :
rahe asf nt? ribs ainteletatytehatal stats a
. pie With ee nh a a sennaara
J
fetyt shotetets tet
oe nt
a see th
fceaett : 3, raitieitis nretterte : atetst rerdsates
mn) oe - gpa oS ; petiattaaeaia
ies stots at : St
ts ai iet
etetet mite ate !
tte i prtst feted ale
stots?
setae ie
Bahan hey Hate Te? THe
pa The tatlte tlt
thet
ats i : / . nett 7 B45
< :
sistefelece Ba
e sitet tate 33
Patt tetatet tate :