The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1917-09-15

Preceding Lessons /. Your Post of
Honor. 2. Making Good as Sol
der. 8. Nine Qualities Of Soldier
4. Getting Ready for Camp. s. First
Days in Camp. 6. Cleanliness in
Camp. Z. Your Health. 8. March
ing and Care of Feet. 8. Your
Equipment and Arms. 10. Recrea-
ton in Camp. II. Playing the
Game. IL. Team Work in the
Army. 10. Grouping Men into
Teams. IA. The Team Leaders. Is,
Fighting Arms OF the Service. 16.
Staff Branches of the Service-I. II.
Staff Branches of the Service, H..
IS. Army Insignia. 10. The Army
System Of Training. 20. Close-Or-
der Drill. 81. Extended-O Order
Drill. 22. Guard Duty. %. Getting
Ahead in the Army. "a. Army Cour-
tesy. %. Discipline and Respect for
the Colors. 26. Some National Ira
ditions.. o. The Spirit Of the Ser
vice. %. Why We Fight 20. The
War in Europe.)
The average civilian, no matter how
brave he may be, has little desire to
60 into battle. Even though he knows
very we'll that the chances of his be-
ing killed or severely wounded are
comparatively small, yet the thought
of placing himself in post Of danger
face to face with a well-trained and
courageous enemy is more or less ter
rifying to him.
This state of mind is entirely natur-
al. Every man goes through it. The
bravest soldiers of the Civil War and
of all wars testify to their dread OF
entering battle; but this is feeling
that can be conquered even by man
who is physically timid. 1t is related
that veteran soldier was observed
by one of his comrades just before the
Battle of Seven Oaks to be white and
trembling and was reproached with
being sacred. YES" he replied, "If
you were one-half as sacred as / am,
you'd be making dash for the rear.
Ninety per cent of the men now fight
ing so dauntlessly in Europe have
doubtless passed through a similar
experience and hold themselves in the
path of duty only through mastery OF
their physical fears
Growth of Self.cOnfidence
As a mans military training pro-
crosses, his body becomes stronger
and therefore better able to stand
strain and intense activity. He grows
accustomed to the noise of heavy fir
ing. He gets practice in handling his
rifle and his bayonet with skill, sc
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 a soldier will
work toward putting you into condi
ton to meet the test of battle wher
the times comes with true American
spirit-with the intelligence and cour
age that make eventual victory GER
tain
Private soldiers are not required tt
study tactical problems. These ar,
solved by the higher officers. But ev
cry man should thoroughly under
stand the following elementary prin
ciples of combat:
/. The offensive wins.
2. Battle are won by the individual
soldier. 1t is emphatically "up to
him. Splendid leadership and fin
equipment are of avail only whel
each private does his utmost.
8. Victory depends more on nerv
and fighting spirit than on the bes
weapons and armor in the world
Importance of the Attack
defensive action alone never win
victories. The army which succeed
must be ready and anxious to attack
There are many advantages in takin
offensive. The destruction of hostil
trenches by heavy bombardment pre-
ceding the attack weakens the enc
my's spirit and sometimes leads to tn
surrender of men who are in no condi
ton to withstand assault. The chic
advantage, however, is the fact tina
the attacking side chooses its owl
time and place to strike, forcing tn
enemy to readjust his defences &C
cordingly.
1t is always possible in battle TO
good infantry to defeat an enem
greatly superior In numbers, but lack
Ing in training. discipline, Leadership
and morale" Infantry Drill Regula
tons, par. 354.) In another place /
the Regulations 1t is we'll remarke
that modern war requires but on
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