The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-09-18
War Departments Lessons For
Men of The National Army

This course Of thirty lessons Is
offered TO the men selected for SER
vice in the national army as prae-
tieaI help in getting started in the
right way. IL 10 informal in tone and
does not attempt to give binding
rules and directions. These are con-
tanned in the various manuals and
regulations Of the United States
army, 10 which this course is mere.
ly Introductory.
Lesson No. IS.
DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT FOR
THE coLoRS.
"All persons in the military SER
vice are required to obey strictly and
to execute promptly the lawful or
ders of their superiors." (Army Reg
ulations, par. -
Discipline is not merely an obli-
CATION imposed upon you; 1t is a
protection 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 soldier.
Military authority will be exer-
cised with firmness, kindness, and
justice. While maintaining discipline
and the thorough and prompt per-
Torrance of military duty, all off,
GERS, in dealing with enlisted men,
will bear in mind the absolute ne
cessity of so treating them as to pre-
serve 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 re-
lations of confidence and sympathy
as will insure the free approach Of
their men to them for counsel and
assistance. This relationship may be
gained and maintained without re-
Taxation OF the bonds OF discipline
and with great benefit to the SER
vice as a whole" (Army Regula-
tIons, pars. and 81
Necessary Rule Of Army Life,
Discipline is the necessary rule Of
life in the army and is not in the
least inconsistent with your own
pride and self-respect as a citizen
and a soldier.
The person whom you obey may
be an ofhcer, a oncommissioned
officer, or even another private who
has been given authority to COM
mand you. Whether you like him or
not you must respect his position
and authority, and reflect honor and
credit on yourself and your profess
sion by yielding to all superiors that
complete and unhesitating obedience
which Is the pleasure as we'll as the
duty Of every true soldier manual
of Noncommissioned Officers and
Privates, p. -
Remember also that there are
certain restrictions upon the rela-
tions of officers and men which are
~ - A1unfn1fnn
An officer, even though in private
and associate, is expected not to
mingle with you or other men in the
ranks on terms Of familiarity. This
is a rule that is often far from
agreeable 20 the officer: but he has
no more power to change ii than you
have. The reason is clear. An officer
can not mingle with the men under
him on familiar terms without be-
coming better acquainted and more
friendly with some than with others.
He Immediately lays himself open to
the suspicion Of favoritism-a sus-
picion which tends strongly to I'M
dermine respect and authority.
Argument has no place in the
army. Even favorable comment on
the conduct or orders Of superior Of
ficers is entirely out of place. The
duty Of officers and men alike is to
obey promptly. However, intelligent
suggestions properly made are all
ways welcome.
The discipline of the army is just
and impersonal. You will be treated
with fairness. Your rights will be
On your part you must
respect the rights and authority con-
Far~aS Runn others
AS you advance In the services you
win be required to exact strict
obedience from others. II you become
q commissioned officer 1t viii be
your duty to maintain such rela-
lions with the men under you that
you can always treat them with aD-
solute and impartial justice.
SaIutinu the Colora.
The American flag carried by Q
regiment is known as the "colors.
1t Is the symbol Of the nation and Is
treated always with the deepest re-
spect. Another flag Is carried which
Is the symbol OF the regiment and
h known as the "regimentni coll
ors.' II is protected with s. devotion
second only 10 that felt for the ma
tional nag itself.
Thousands Of brave man Ia preyi-