The sun., 1917-07-31
.PERSHING'S MEN
TO FACE ENEMY
IN 30R 4 WEEKS
U. s. Troops Will Soon Oc-
cupy Portion of First
Line Trenches.
TO GET USED TO BIG GUNS
Intensive Training, Not At
tack in Force, Is Object of
Present Plan.
TO GET USED TO BIG GUNS

WARRINGTON, July 30.-American
troops of the Pershlng expedittQnary
force will be in direct contact with the
Germans within the next three or four
weeks. II present plans for mobilization
and intensive training OF American units
are followed out
This plan is for the Sammies TO take
over a limited portion Of first line
trenches, to accomplish the double pur-
pose of breaking the ice for Americas
participation in the actual fighting and
giving the most seasoned men chance
at modern trench warfare in order that
they may get accustomed to 1t them
selves and be in a position to help in
the training of other units.
Unless some emergency arises 1t Is
not proposed to send American troops
in large number into the trenches in
the immediate future.
Primarily for Training.
The idea is to have these troops take
charge of a limited line, primarily for
training purposes. But the American
troops will be in shape to take care of
themselves in case the Germans opposite
them show a desire to precipitate mat
ters, Unusual activity, however is not
expected on the sector where the Amer
leans will be placed. until they have had
an opportunity to get acclimated. so TO
speak.
Army officers here say the most i'm
portant result perhaps will be achieved
by getting American officers, especially
the younger ones, accustomed to the
deafening blasts OF heavy gun fire. There
is no way for this and other incidental
lessons to be learned except by being
in the trenches under fire from enemy
guns. All the theoretical experience IN
the world, 1t is said. will not equal an
four's practical experience in this re.
spect.
BY way Of example 1t is pointed out
that the first British volunteer forces,
Kitcheners army, were absolutely at sea
when they first undertook to man first
line trenches, although they had months
of training. These troops were ordered
to take over a certain line OF trenches,
and while doing so, the German guns
broke loose with a terrific bombardment
The men underground thought the
ground about them was being torn to
pieces by the volcanic eruptions caused
by the explosive shells. The young
officers, rightfully solicitous about ex-
posing their men to needless sacrifices,
ordered them to the rear. The British
eTS. calmly ana WITH .Uo sigh VI
simply left their trenches on the princi-
pie that committing suicide was not part
of their duties.
Several British cavalrymen were not
far distant, and their officers at once per-
ceived what was going on. They ordered
the men to tie their horses and go into
the trenches being evacuated. When the
infantrymen saw this they too returned,
They took up their positions and re-
mained there practically unmolested for
months. They were, in reality, in little
danger, although even the officers
thought otherwise.
Must Learn Danger signs.
Sound Judgment as to when danger
does or does not exist can only be given
by officers who have had actual expe-
rience, II is pointed out. In cases where
n position is really untenable they may
think it safe, and conversely when there
is only the customary artillery lombard
ment going on the positions may seem
untenable.
1t is probable that American officers
and troops. after getting their first taste
! Of actual warfare with the Germans will
( be relieved by others while they capital
| lie their experience with men behind the
! lines This intensive training of the men
behind the lines is an all important fea-
| ture for the American forces. At pres
| ent French officers are imparting this
| training to their American allies.
! There are American troops now not
! far from the front. They are close
enough to hear the sound of the heavy
guns when the wind Is right and twice
they have seen German aircraft driven
on by Entente aviators. They have also
seen how the anti-aircraft guns work in
preventing German machines from get
ting close enough to make valuable OBJ.
! servations.
With every American battalion now
there Is a French battalion. and the
French are diligently teaching the Amer.
leans the best ways of digging trenches