The Washington herald., 1917-09-21

rifle and his bayonet with skill, so
that he becomes confident of his abil-
ity to defend himself. He learns how
to advance over ground apparently
swept by bullets without exposing
himself to really effective fire. He
grows used to the idea of meeting
enemies face to face in battle.
All your training as soldier will
work toward putting you into condi-
ton to meet the test of battle when
the time comes with true American
spirit-with the intelligence and cour-
age that makes eventual victory GER
tain.
Private soldiers are not required to
study tactical problems. These are
solved by the higher officers. But
every man should thoroughly under
stand the following elementary prin-
ciples of combat:
1.-The offensive wins.
2-Battles are won by the individual
soldier. 1t is emphatically up to-
him Splendid leadership and fine
equipment are of avail only when each
private does his utmost.
3-Victory depends more on nerve
and fighting spirit than on the best
weapons and armor in the world.
Importance of Attack.
Defensive action alone never wins
| victories. The army which succeeds
must be ready and anxious to attack.
There are many advantages in taxing
| the offensive. The destruction of
hostile trenches of heavy lombard
ment preceding the attack weakens
the enemy's spirit and sometimes leads
to the surrender of men who are in
no condition to withstand assault.
The chief advantage. however, is the
fact that the attacking side chooses
its own time and place to strike, fore
ing the enemy to readjust his de-
| fenses accordingly.
All these remarks tend toward one
conclusion, namely, that the discipline
of the army is big factor in
giving men the tenacity which enables
them to go into battle with daunt-
less courage and to win victories.
Discipline can accomplish wonders
even among men who are naturally
lacking in brains and self-reliance. II
can accomplish a great deal more
| however, among those who possess
these natural qualities.
Real Soldiers.
Men of this type will be found In
the national army-tens OF thousands
of them. If you have made up your
mind to be one of them. see that you
enter into your training with vigor
and interest. Make yourself thor
ough soldier in the quickest possible
time. Learn to obey orders without
fear or question. At the same time
remember to carry out those orders
with true intelligence and self-reli-
ance.
Within the next few months the ma
tional army will be formed into a
splendid body of troops filled with a
spirit of loyalty and of enthusiasm
for our just cause, efficient from top
to bottom, in which every man will be
fitted and ready TO do his duty. Such
an army backed by all the resources
of the country-resources of men.
of money, and of materials practical
ly without limits bound to go for
ward to victory. There may be tenn
porary reverses and periods of gloom.
as in all other wars; but in the end
victory must and will be won.
This Is the object toward which all
your training is to be directed. Put
into that training all your own earn
estness and energy. Fit yourself to
wear with pride and credit the uni
form of an American citizen-soldier.
This Is the road of honor and of
real service to the nation.