Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-09-18
Lesson No. 25
DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT FOR THE coLoRs

All Fti opHS III int HlilIidiN NtlNiCt
are required to obey strictly and to
execute promptly the lawful orders
of their superiors" Army Regulations
par H.
Discipline is not merely an ohliga-
tion imposed upon you; il is protec-
tion to you, Your superiors. from the
commanding general down. are just as
much bound to respect the regulations
of the Army as you are; this includes
respect for the rights of every sol
der
Military authority will be exercised
with trmness, kindness. and Justice.
thorough and prompt performance of
military duty, all officers. in dealing
with enlisted men, will bear in mind
the absolute necessity of SO treating
them as to preserve their self,respect
Officers will keep in as close touch as
possible with the men under their
command and will strive to build up
such relations of confidence and SYM
pathy az will insure the free approach
of their men TO them for counsel and
assistance. ibis relationship may he
gained and maintained without relaxa-
ton of the bonds of discipline and with
great benefit to the service as a
whole (Army Regulations. pars. 9
and 81
Necessary Rule Of Army Life.
Discipline is the necessary rule of
life in the Army and is not in the least
with your own pride and
self-respect as citizen and sol
der
The person whom you obey may be
an officer noncommissioned officer,
pr even another private who has been
given authority to command you.
Whether you like him or not you
must respect his position and author
ty. and reflect honor and credit on
yourself and your profession by
yielding to all superiors that com
plete and unhestating obedience
which is the pleasure as well as the
luty of every true soldier" manual
If Noncommissioned officers and Pri-
Yates, p. %
Remember also that there are GER
tain restrictions upon the relations Of
officers and men which are a neces-
sary part of Army discipline. An Of
ficer even though In private life he
may be your warm friend and assO-
ciate. is expected not to mingle with
you or other men in the ranks on
terms of familiarity. This is rule
that is often far from agreeable to-
he officer; but he has no more power
TO change it than you have The rea
son is clear. An officer can not min
gle with the men under him on fami
lar terms without becoming better
acquainted and more friendly with
some than with others He immedi-
ltely lays himself open to the sus-
picion of favorltism suspicion
which tends strongly to undermine
respect and authority.
Argument has no place in the Army
Even favorable comment on the con
duct or orders OF superior officers is
entirely out of place The duty OF
officers and men alike Is to obey
However, intelligent sug
gestions properly made are always
welcome.
The discipline Of the Army is just
and impersonal You will be treated
with fairness. Your rights will be
respected On your part you must
respect the rights and authority con
ferrod upon others.
AS you advance in the service. you
will be required to exact strict obedi-
ence from others. II you become a
commissioned officer it will be your
duty to maintain such relations with
the men under you that you can al
ways treat them with absolute and Inn
personal justice.