Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-15
NEWS OF THE LOCAL
NATIONAL GUARDSMEN

- oMPETITIvE drills. to determine
the standing of the companies, In
their respective regiments. In
~ drills and other military exer-
cises, for the armory period just
ended, were concluded last Friday even
ing. The colonies of the two regiments,
who were interested observers. pro-
nounced the experiment a success. and
expressed the belief that such friendly
contests will promote interest in military
work and raise the standard of efficiency.
is understood that the results will be
published at parade to be held by each
regiment early in the new year.
The older officers of the guard. 1t Is ex-
planned, see In these competitions an ex-
cellent method of building up the weak
places in military instruction and develop
ing instructors An officer or non-com-
missioned officer who can handle his unit
we'll before judges and other critical OBJ
servers, 1t Is pointed out. may be depend
ed on to give a good account Of himself
either In the armory or in the field.
All who regard with favor the feature
of the reorganization bill to secure all
second lieutenants from among the nom
commissioned officers Of the guard by the
cellent showing as instructors made by
the most of the sergeants and corrorals
who were called upon to uphold the honor
of their companies in the recent COM
petitive drills.
Il
By general orders from militia head
quarters practical and theoretical instruc-
ton was suspended from yesterday until
after the holiday season
Drill and practical instruction In the
armory and on the streets will be re-
stunned January g.
The course for the second period OF the
practical work in the armory will en-
brace the infantry drill regulations. para
graphs to 800, 4S6 to 404 and 5OI TO oSS'
Regulations, for Small Arms. part III:
chapters l. II and Nv, and the Manual OF
Guard Duty.
The regimental commanders and the
commanders Of separate organizations
have been charged with the preparation
of monthly schedules of drills and prac-
teal work for their commands. which
schedules II Is provided shall conform
and be submitted to headquarters for ap-
prevail not later than the 18th of the pre-
vious month.
~
The course Of theoretical instruction for
Rod of the season. which commences jan
uary and terminates March 81, Will en-
brace the Infantry Drill Regulations. par
agraphs 221 to 400. 1856 to 494 and 507 to
534; Field Service Regulations, United
States Army. article III. page 80. to arti-
Gle V, page 70. and the Manual Of Courts
Martial
The instruction in Field Service Regu-
lations will be by lectures and black
board demonstrations: that in Manual Of
Courts Martial by lectures.
The course for non-commissioned officers
and selected privates will embrace In
to 34S. 1856 to 494 and 5O7 to 523, and the
Manual of Guard duty.
The use Of the drill hall by organiza-
lions and the regulations relating
thereto and the specific provisions for
theoretical instruction, it is directed.
must be complied with strictly.
Mai James E. Bell inspector general Of
rife practice, District of Columbia Militia.
has completed his annual report for the
season Just ended Of small arms firing Of
the troops of the National Guard Of the
District of Columbia 1t shows that the
average strength, present and absent,
commissioned and enlisted, for the entire
period of firing was 1.4sO. The percentage
of average strength qualified was 66.62.
The number to qualify as expert rifiemen
was 125: sharpshooters, 80: marksmen,
Al, and third class men. 1S4. The brigade
figure of merit is 59.35. The total num-
Der who fred with pistol was 104.
The bill providing for reorganization Of