The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1917-11-22
THE SOLDIER IN BATTLE.

\
comparatively small, yet the thought
of placing himself in a 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 nat
ural. Every man goes through it. The
bravest soldiers of the Civil war and
of all wars testify to their dread of en-
tering battle; but this is q feeling that
can be conquered even by a man who
is physically timid. 1t is related that a
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 scared.
YES" he replied, eff you were one
half as scared as am, you'd be making
dash for the rear" Ninety per cent
of the men now fighting so dauntlessly
in Europe have doubtless passed
through similar experience and hold
themselves in the path of duty only
through mastery of their physical fears.
AS mans military training pro-
crosses, his body becomes stronger, and
therefore better able to stand strain
toned to the noise of heavy firing. He
gets practice in handling his rifle and
his bayOnet with skill, SO that he be-
comes confident of his ability to defend
himself. He learns how to advance
over ground apparently swept by bull
1of h 10 Iu
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 condition
to meet the test of battle when the
time comes with true American spirit
with the intelligence and courage
that make eventual victory certain.
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.
Defensive action alone never wins
;oI,
must be ready and anxious to attack.
There are many advantages in taking
the offensive. The destruction of hos
tile trenches by heavy bombardment,
preceding the attack weakens the enc
my's spirit and sometimes leads to the
surrender of men who are in no condi-
ton to withstand assault. The chief
advantage, however, is the fact that
the attacking side chooses its own time
and place to strike, forcing the enemy
to readjust his defenses accordingly.
1t is always possible in battle for
good infantry to defeat an enemy
greatly superior In numbers, but lack
ing in training, discipline. leadership.
and morale" Qnfantry Drill Regula-
lions, paragraph 354.) In another place
in the regulations it Is well remarked
that modern war requires but one
kind of infantry infantry" Re-
member, too, in this connection an
other statement in the regulations,
which has been previously quoted, to
the effect that discipline 'is the dis
~, ,;cI> VII 0f fro N
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 dauntless cour-
age and to win victories. Discipline
can accomplish wonders even among
men who are naturally lacking in
brains and self-reliance. 1t can accom-
plish a great deal more, however,
among those who possess these natural
qualities
Men who are thoroughly disciplined,
and yet within the limits of discipline
possess the priceless quality Of initia-
tive, make ideal soldiers. They are the
men who can always be trusted to pull
themselves through until success is
won, to hold out against all odds.
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 inter-
est. Make yourself thorough 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-reliance.
Within the next few months the Ma
tional army will be formed into a
splendid body of troops filed 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 practically
without limits bound to go forward
to victory. There may be temporary
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 earnest
ness and energy. Fit yourself to wear
with pride and credit the uniform of
On Amoricop ciffznn-Soldiar