Evening star., 1901-08-15
THE DUTY OF A SOLDIER
ORDER TO THE ARMY ISSUED NJ
GENERAL MILES.
instructions for the Recent Large
Accessions of Omcers and
Men.

Lieutenant General Miles, commanding
the army, has issued a general order in
tended to improve the conditions OF the
army. 1t admonishes officers and men re.
garding their duties. and points out the es-
sentials OF good soldier, specifically men
tioning patriotism. discipline physical de-
velopment, self-respect, t,self-reliance and re-
sourcefulness, also adding that professional
knowledge Is necessary at all times The
general says that on account Of large acces.
sions OF officers and soldiers who have had
but limited experience In the military SER
vice the instructions contained in the or
der are Issued for their guidance, as well
as for others He says that to be effective
IN time of war modern military training
must be uniform and conform to certain
basic principles The following are extracts
from the order:
"Of these principles patriotism Is of the
hrst and paramount Importance. An abso-
Lutte and unqualified devotion to the welfare
OF their country of all in the military SER
vice Is an Indispensable requisite that con-
stitutes the soul OF an efficient army. Il
Is essential that the army shall fully un-
derstand the character of our government
shall realize the benefits and prerogatives
granted by our Constitution and shall be
familiar with the brilliant achievements
Of our arms as recorded In our past MILL
tary history.
Na1ue Oh DhSc1pline.
1.-The second principle. discipline. distIn-
guishes thoroughly trained and instructed
troops from an irresponsible, unwieldy and
disorderly aggregation Of men, Respect
for and implicit obedience to superior au-
thority are its essential characteristics It's
vital importance must be thoroughly i'm
pressed upon all in the military service.
Officers will always be exemplary In de-
pertinent. Will exercise justice and impair
tiality and will be considerate in their con-
duct toward all subordinates Cheerful.
earnest and loyal obedience will be prompt
ly paid by all subordinates to lawful orders
OF superiors. No order will be issued with
out the provision for or power Of execution
and enforcement.
Recent reports indicate the existence Of
marked unsoldieriy department on the part
OF some of the troops, a condition appar-
emily cultivated recently under the mis-
taken idea that certain uncouthness Of
exterior and laxity Of manners are the es-
sentfal characteristics Of a soldier. AS they
are most subverstve OF discipline and eff
cheney, onenses Of this nature must neither
be ignored nor condoned.
Commanding officers are strictly ac-
countable for the general appearance Of
their troops under all circumstances
whether they be In garrison. In camp. ON
the march, off duty or on brief furlough.
Soldiers are as much responsible for
their conduct while off the military reser-
vations or out Of camp as when in garri-
son.
The exchange canteen. recreation or
amusement room, as 1t was originally
called. will be made as attractive as pos
sible. and the recent law covering 1t will
be faithfully and loyalty observed.
Athletic Games Favored.
1.-The third principle to be observed is the
highest possible physical development that
will render the soldier capable Of the great
est endurance on the march and on the
field Of battle. To this end athletic games
are superior to prescribed gymnastics that
require special apparatus. and marches Of
increasing length at attention to those at
route step with shambling gait ana irregu-
lar cadence.
"The fourth principle Of Importance COM
priSes self-respect, sef-reliance and re-
sourcefulness. These qualities making up
a mans individuality, are In large meas
ure inherent In the American soldier.
THE fifth principle is that of greatest
efficiency in professional knowledge The
art Of war is the application of It's prin-
ciples to actual practice, and of more inn
portance than the science.
Military problems will be carefully and
timely prepared for solution during inn
portant military drills and maneuvers.
Troops will be frequently occupied In ex-
tended field exercises. such as scouting. re-
connoitering and map-making expeditions
and other practical field work. The officers
and men will be required to apply the prin-
ciples Of security and information to the
accidents Of the terrain over which they
may be negaged. Wherever practicable ex-
tensive military maneuvers will he prac-
ticed by detachments Stimulating larger
bodies Of troops, but all under a well-de-
fined system.
THE long established reputation OF the
army demands that nothing short Of perfect
proficiency In active service shall be accept
ed. To the accomplishment Of this all off,
GERS are required to conscientiously and
faithfully execute the requirements of this
and similar orders from these headquar-
terS."