Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-06
The National Guard.

The war department is very desirous
that National Guard troops shall take up
more practical work in their camps of
instruction, and make their armory work
previous to camp lead up to it. In a re-
cent report it is stated: 1t is believed
that progressive course in field train
ing. covering several annual seasons of
encampment. would be possible, and that
for the first year some such form of reg
mental exercises as that suggested be-
low would be practicable and profitable.
provided the companies could assemble
on the first day of the regimental camp
well instructed by their winter drills in
their discipline. close order movements
and guard duty. and ready for more ad-
vanced instruction.
The schedule of exercises proposed is as
follows:
Notwithstanding: Target practice
regimental and close order drill. After
noon: Guard mounting and parade.
Evening: Officers school in minor tao
tics.
Tuesday-Mornins Target practice.
company attack and defense on. varied
ground, enemy Imaginary Afternoon
Guard mounting and parade. Evening"
School in minor tactics.
Wednesday, Target practice
battalion attack and defense on varied
ground. enemy outlined" Afternoon
Guard mounting and parade. Evening:
school in minor tactics.
MISUNDERSTANDING: Regimenta exer-
else in attack ana defense to carry out
prepared problems, enemy represented
Reports of commanders required in writ
ing. Afternoon: Guard mounting and
parade Evening: Lecture on marches
and outposts.
Friday-Regiment to assemble equipped
for field service. men carrying blanket
roll and half shelter tents and rations for
one meal Regiment accompanied by
hospital corps and ambulance. and one or
more wagons loaded with mess kettles.
lirewood. and entrenching tools. Regi-
ment to march. covered by advance
guard. for about six miles. to a position
selected thired if necessary for tenn
porary bvouac. An experienced and
competent instructor in the art of march
ing infantry. with the minimum amount
OF fatigue ana UlScOmfOft, 10 accompany
the command Regiment to go into po-
sition and cover its front and TANKS at
once. by outpOsts established on ground
previously carefully examined by instruc-
tor. Outposts to conform to strength of
command and assumed information of
the enemy. Hasty entertainments to be
constructed at once Gf authority of
owner of land has been obtained0 shelter
tents to be put up; cooks detailed from
companies to prepare dinner: outposts to
be inspected and positions taken to be
commented upon by instructor. Return
march taken up. covered by rear guard,
in time for guard mounting in camp. Re-
ports of outposts and advance guard
commanders and sketches of positions re-
quired in writing.
Saturday-Guard mounting in the morn
ing and preparation for inspection. At
ternoOn: Companies inspected by col
Onel. and review by commanderin-chief.
Evening: Reading reports of the week.
and comments of the instructor and col
onel
Sunday-Morning service and prcpara
ton for departure.
The above schedule would have to be
modified in this State. as it might be in
every other, but it offers valuable data
for preparing a camp programme In ac-
cordance with the present high state of
efficiency of o,lr fitizen soldiars