The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-12
n, MAJoH WILLIAM WALLACE.

Know IN what suCn trOln4n8
consists or how absolutely necessary
It is to the conduct Of modern war.
The entiquated idea that any man
in a uniform with n MI ia n soldier IL
distressingly prevalent. The fact Is
thai such n man without at least one
years sold and strict apprenticeship
10 the skilled trade Of arms Is very
likely to be moro of n drawback to his
friends than a menace to any credit
able foe.
It In asked If a year is necessary TOR
this training. 1t Is all too short In
which to learn and have confirmed tho
multitudinous details I'm which a
trained soldier must be skilled. How
ever, young Americans who have
undergone the mental training Of the
average public school and who enter
upon the duty earnestly and willingly
will master the rudiments OF soldering
IN that time, provided they are prop
erly put to 1t.
To show the naturs Of the trimming
necessary we will suppose that one
hundred thousand young mon OF the
above description had volunteered and
assembled for military instruction on
ono Of OUT great indian or forest
reservations in Arizona or New Mexico.
where outdoor work Is possible the
year round. and ask:
What course would they pursuef
Roughly this:
The first month would DO consumed
IN the recruits finding himself-
process having many Of the aspects
Of losing himself. He must be d.
vested of every ounce Of superfiuous
and be fitted and provided
with uniform and equipment. An UNI
comfortable pack or pair Of shoes are
SOU destroying affections. where X
properly adjusted they o become
matters of small concern.
The care of himself. Of Kit n
equipment: when. where and how
these are obtained; their cost. his re.
sponsibility for them and heir ar
rangement for various inspections are
Ell matters requiring time TO learn.
Then there are the Articles OF War.
the application OF military justice. his
relation to the army, the Government
and to civildom to he learned.
There are also the various fatigues
work required other than that which
Is strictly military to lie explained
and performed. From the start set
ting up exercises and drills without
arms must take place and regularity
and precision be insisted upon.
The second month tho recruit should
be given his rife and the handling
and care OF II taught. Squad, platoon
and close order drills, calls.
themes, swimming. riding. &C., would
MI each day with the physical In
struct!on necessary. The study OF the
vital parts Of army regulations, the
duties Of sentineis on various guards.
the carrying II correct delivery or
orders and lectures on hygiene and
sanitation would the rest OF
the time.
The third month would advance into
the battalion and regimental close or
der drills and ceremonies, the physical
exercises continued n first AID, Sig
mailing and how to cook tor himself
would be taken up. Lectures on sim
pie tactics and the relation OF the
various branches OF the service tn
each other should be given here, and.
also, preparatory to the coming month.
talks on camp expedlents. marching
and the use OF field ration.
Altogether for the uninitlated no
small three months work. For the
Individual, II not the hardest, they
are the most trying.
Homesickness usually sets in, rend-
ering mind and body sensitive and IT.
ritable, and. though the ills he r.
undergoing are mostly imaginary, they
ure to him none the less real for being
SO. For this reason these months
should he spent in simple barracks ma
simple comforts provided. Also such
barracks would prevent much OF the
disease usually attendant upon an
abrupt change from home 10 camp
life.
A study Of our concentration camps
during the Spanish war shows that
no effort should be spared 10 make
the transition from civil to military
employment as gradual as possible.
Three months in airy barracks. with
an occasional camp. won't prevent al!
sickness. but will prevent much Of II
and lessen its severity.
THE fourth month would be spent in
camp and all that goes TO mako such
y life not only endurable but enjoy
able put into effect, Extended order
drills should be tho rule, with the
study and practice OF patrolling, scout
ing, road sketch!nG and general recon-
Iaissance. Short marches without
pack should he frequent II lectures
and examples given OF simple en-
trenchments. the construction OF oh
stacles. demolitions. the effects OF
rifle and cannon fire, the knowledge
and use Of cover and the elements that
enter into successful assaults.
The fifth month should have longer
marches, light packs and frequent
changes OF camp site. Simple tactical
problems should be solved, with lee
lures and practice In advance and rear
guard actions. outposts and convoy OPP
erations. The soldier must know and
70 familiar with the nature OF the
duty he is performing In order To act
intelligently. for instance. what would
Re proper action az the point OF an
advance guard might he suicidal with
n convoy, n vice versa.
The sixth months operations should
no 10y brigade and the marches and
problems extended into "A terrain Of
bills, defles and rivers. Map making,
bridging and construction OF tempo
rafy and permanent intrenchments
should he taught and put into effect
through simple Drohlcms ~ ofYepra