Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-08-16

| however. is that there is a definite
procedure to follow in order to place
yourself in what Is known in the
army as the position of a soldier"
II is the position which the dis
mounted soldier always assumes at
the command Attention" except as
1t may be slightly modified to en-
able him to carry properly any arms
he may have in his hands.
1t will be well for you to memoir
ize paragraph 81 of the Infantry
Drill Regulations. which gives the
complete and accurate description of
the position of the soldier. This
paragraph is slightly paraphrased
and simplified in the description fol-
lowing: Keep in mind that there are
ten elements which must be proper
ly adjusted to each other. and check
yourself up to see that each one of
them is properly placed.
1. Heels-on the same line and as
near each other as possible; most
men should be able to stand with
heels touching each other.
2. Feet-turned out equally and
forming an angle of about 40 de-
grees.
3. Hops-level and drawn back
slightly; body erect and resting
equally on hips.
8. Chest-lifted and arched.
3. Shoulders-square and falling
equally.
Z. Arms-hanging naturally.
8. Hands - hanging naturally,
thumb along the seam of the trous-
ers.
8. Head-erect and squarely to
the front; chin drawn in so that axis
of head and neck is vertical (means
that straight line drawn through
the center of head and neck should
be verticaD eyes straight to the
front.
10. Entire body-weight of body
resting equally upon the heels and
balls of the feet.
Note especially that you are not
required TO stand in q strained at
titude. You are to be alert but not
tense.
One of the very best things you
can do to-day is to spend fifteen min
utes practicing this position, getting
1t right. Keep this up every day
until you report at camp. In the
army. as in every day life, first i'm
pressions are important. The first
Impression you make on your officers
and fellows will depend, more than
you probably realize, on the manner
in which you stand and walk.
Making Yourself "Fit"
If you can devote part of your
time between now and the opening
of camp to physical exercise you are
fortunate and should by all means
take advantage of ever opportunity.
Climbing, jumping. gymnastic exer-
cises, all kinds of competitive games,
swimming, rowing, boxing. wrestling
and running, are all recommended
as excellent methods of developing
the skill, strength. endurance. grace,
courage and self-reliance that every
soldier needs.
There are some simple rules of
eating and living which all of us
should follow regularly. They will
be especially helpful to you If you
put them into practice in preparing
for camp life.
Perhaps the most important of
these rules is to use no alcohol of
any kind.
If you have been in the habit of
smoking lnmoderately, cut down:
get your wind, your nerves and your
digestion into the best possible con-
dition.
Eat and drink moderately. Chew
your food well. IT is advisable. how
ever, to drink q great deal of cool
(not cold) water between meals.
Don't eat between meals
Keep away from soda fountains
and soft drink stands. Learn to en-
JOY simple, nourishing food.
Accustom yourself to regular hours
for sleeping, eating and the morning
functions.
Don't take a last fling" It may
land you in the hospital. At the
best, it will probably bring you into
camp in an unfit condition to take
up your new duties with profit and
enjoyment There are strenuous
days ahead of you and it will be
good sense OH your part to make
reasonable preparation for them.
Look Forward With Confidence
You will find nothing required of
you in the army that is beyond the
powers of the every day American.
You will see clearly ahead of you,
after you have read this course, the
path which you are to follow. Look
forward with confidence. Enter the
service with the firm determination
of doing your best at all times of
playing square with your superiors,
your associates, and yourself. and
of taking care always of your assign
ed duties whatever may happen.
You will find that everyone else
will treat you with courtesy and fair
ness-for that is the infiexible rule
of the army. Out of that rule grows
the comradeship and the attractive
ness, even in the face of all dam
gers and hardships, that are char
a actpriStip Of American arrnU 1ifa