The Washington times., 1906-07-10
HARDENING TROOPS
OBJECT OF CAMPS
Spectacular Exhibitions Are
Prohibited at the
ManeuVerS.
MUST BEAR REAL HARDSHlPS
Military Attaches of Foreign Countries
to Gain Idea of American
Army's Efficiency.

For once. there viii be held I'm this
country extensive army maneuvers IN
which there will be no place for gold
braid and glitterinE epauIet. and from
which all spectacular exhibitions VIII De
strictly prohibited.
1t will be a harsh time for the be
spangled aide of the State adJutant gen
eral and equally unpleasant for the
smart young regular army officer who
has acquired high renOwu in pink tea
circles at the National Capital. Drill.
YOU terriers, drill" will be the stand
ing order for the maneuversi both for
the regulars and the national guard
trOops. The minimum Of formal cere-
monies and a total absence Of merely
spectacular exhibitions" are the only
words printed in italics IN the general
orders issued by the chief OF star con-
ceuinE the maueuvers, or, as they are
officially called. camps OF instruction.
Live on War Footing.
Hardening the troops. both regular
and national guard. is 10 be the prime
object Of the seven camps Of instruc-
ton for which the War Department IS
now preparing They are TO be taught
20 march, 10 live in the field, to cook
for themselves. TO sleep IN tent or in
the open air, 10 preserve health amid
exposures. and in addition 10 these es-
seutiaIs of real soldering To do other
things also essential in actual cam
paiguing. TO scout. 10 stand on outpost,
70 do advance guard and rear guard
work, 10 drill I'm the extended order OF
modern-day fighting, 10 convoy wagon
trains. and do like arduous service such
as the training of the parade ground
and the drill hall does not afford,
Army officers are looking forward with
great interest 10 the instruction camps
and are anxious 10 make them sue
cess and TO avoid the mistakes Of Man
assas. There are important problems or
transportation and supply of troops in
the field 10 be worked out. The ques-
tion of properly feeding the army in the
field viii be carefully studied. The
value of the emergency ration which
has lately been evolved VIII be given
attention, and there Will be extended
tests of equipment and clothing. What
shoes and socks best serve the pur-
poses of hard marching. without max
ing the feet of the wearer sore, viii be
observed. Engineers, signal corps ar
tulery, cavalry and infantry, will each
have their own particular problems 10
study.
Japanese War Lessons Studied
The japanese war lessons, which have
been studied for months, viii be ap-
Piled as far as possible. The night at
tack will be given particular attention.
. Proper use Of field artillery viii be en-
phasiZed.
General Bell, chief of STAFF. a soldier
of much experience, is taking a close
personal interest in the plans for the
brigade camps and may visit some OF
them personally.
Not the least reason why army officers
are on their mettle over the summer
camps is found in the fact that foreign
nations will watch them closely. For
eigu attaches viii visit the camps tC
observe and report 10 their home gov
ernments and viii base their opinions OF
the merits of the American army in tho
field on what they observe.