The Seward gateway and the Alaska evening post., 1917-09-05
LESSON MO- 9

 (Preceding Lessons: 1. Your Post of
 Honor. 2. Making Good as a Sol
 dier. 8. Nine Qualities of Sol
 dier. 4. Getting Ready for the
 Camp. 3. First Days in Camp. 6.
 Cleanliness in Camp. 2. Your
 Health. s. Marching and Care of
 Feet)
 Each soldier in a modern army car ries with him sufficient food, cIcthing, shelter, fighting arms, and ammuni- ton to take care of himself for a short period in case he should be separated from his company, The total weight of his load, in addition to the clothes he wears, is 50 to 70 pounds. The number of articles is surprisingly large. They are so devised, however that by ingenious methods Of packing and adjusting they can all be carried with the least possible effort.
 You are personally responsible for all the arms, clothing, and supplies issued to you. The trained soldier keeps track of them. He knows i'm mediately at any time where every one of his belongings is to be found. You are required to keep them in good condition. In case you need other ar ticles, they may be issued to you; but their value in that case will be de ducted from your next pay.
 You will receive on enlistment an ample supply of clothing, including not only your uniform, but extra shoes, shirts, underclothes and socks. You may not be able always to keep your clothing spotlessly clean. But  when it becomes dirty or spotted, take the first opportunity to clean it thor oughly
 Your shoes must be cleaned and pol ished frequently Wet shoes should be very carefully dried. Army men frequently dry their shoes during the night by taking a few handfuls of dry, clean pebbles, heating them in a meat can or kettle until they are very hot, and then placing them in the shoes. Take care not to heat the peb- bles so hot that the shoes will be scorched
 In general, see to it that all yOu clothing is as neat and clean as pos sible at all times. Mend rips and sew on buttons without delay. This will add to your comfort as well as appear ance
 Wear your hat straight Don't af. feet the smart aleck" style of tilt, ing the hat. Keep all buttons fast ened. Have your trousers and leg gings properly laced. Keep yourself clean shaved. Carry yourself like a soldier.
 Bear in mind that there is a ten dency in camp life for men to become careless and untidy. You must us, every means to counteract this ten. dency. For this purpose the GUS toms and regulations of the Army em phasize the necessity for persona neatuess and cleanliness. The gooc soldier keeps close watch on himself
 Besides his extra clothing a sOldier carries blanket, a rubber poncho, ; canteen, a mess kit, including mea can, knife, fork, and spoon, a cup, toi let articles, a first aid package, an, some minor belongings.
 One of the most useful pieces is one half of a shelter tent, with rope ant pins. The shelter tent is said to be French invention which was introduced into the American Army during tho Civil War. In the Army it is Ofter called a "dog tent, evidently becaus' Of it's shape and small size. Two mer can combine their halves and set uI a shelter tent in a few minutes. While it can not be described as rOOmy, il is just what its name implies, "shel ter" from the wind and rain It is used only in temporary camps.
 Your chief fighting tools will be rife, a .bayonet in scabbard, a cart