El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1915-12-21
MASS FIRING
To Be TAUGHT
First School of Musketry of
U. S. Army to Open at
Fort Sill Soon.

Fort sill, Okla, Dec. 21-The schoo
Of musketry of the United States army
the only school of its kind in the
country-win open at the reservation
here shortly before the first of Janu-
airy. The exact date has not been de-
cided upon, as the new buildings which
are to house the school have not yet
been fully completed
The school is for the training of Of
Ulcers and On-cOmmisSioned officials
Of the army in directing and controlins
the fire OF bodies Of troops and in the
systematic handling and formation OF
troops under fire. Individual marks
manship is not taught The school wa
organized last July. 1t was located at
Fort Sill because Of the presence here
OF the school Of fire and field artillery,
with which 1t cooperates, and because
OF the topography and extent Of the
local reservation, which is the largest
IN the country Later on the war de-
partment intends 10 install regimental
schools in each post and then the in
stitution here viii be turned into nor
mai school for the training of teachers.
Is Italian idea.
The idea of mass firing. as opposed
10 individual craftsmanship, was first
conceived by an Italian general about
20 years ago It was developed by the
Germans and finally adopted bv the
other European countries and musketry
schools now are established in all Eu-
ropean armies.
The first Investigation of the posi-
bilities of mass firing was made in this
country seven years ago at Fort Leav-
enworth, Kas. Capt. H. E Eames, now
assistant commandant of the school at
Fort Sill, was selected to take charge
of the work. He found nothing in the
English language on the subject. The
problems and formulas which he
worked out now comprise the text book
for the army The results of test les
sons conducted under simulated war
conditions have demonstrate lie prac-
tica bility of the theory and the need of
thoroughly trained officers, according
10 army officials They point out that
two years ago at the annual rifle meet
at Camp Perry, O., company of the
best civilian marksmen was formed to
IRE In competition with a company
chosen at random from the army. The
army shooters. although composed Of
only average individual marksmen,
were commanded by an officer trained
in mass firing. The civilians were
easily defeated
Fort sill Well Adapted.
The reservation at Fort sill is a roll
ing prairie, particularly adapted to rifle
practice at concealed targets Besides
being taught range finding and fire
control. the officers are taught the art
OF conceallng troops from fire and the
most advantageous methods of forma-
ton in moving a body Of troops across
lire swept field or against an enemy
position.
The school is divided into five classes
and composed Of Is field officers. 30
company and troop officers, Is machine
gun officers and 10 non-commissioned
officers. The field officers above the
rank Of captain are being trained as
Instructors to command the regimentaI
schools which are 10 be established
Col. h NJ Blatchford is commandant
OF the school In addition to teaching
rifle and machine gun fire. the school
is entrusted with the testing of new
rifles. targets and ammunition.