Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-01-30
OFFICERS TRAINING CAMP
Fourth Week Of Training Men Showing
Splendid Spirit and Lots Of PEP

Monday January 26th, saw the begin
ming Of the fourth week OF ACTly4If
for the men Of the Third Officers Train
ing Camp at Camp Hancock. During the
past three weeks those who have seen the
men as they came out on the drtll neld
to the rear of the Y. M. 2. a. NO. lo u
formation, keeping step to QUICK ca
dence of the old Sixth Regiment Band
(now attached to the O. T. c. Camp, nave
witnessed the best example in the dlylsIon
of the carrying out of the slogan PEP. =
Every man is trying his very pest 20
accomplish the task at hand and he does
it with willingness and a thorougnness
that Is inspiring to the entire division.
They are undergoing a transformation,
these fellows who have ben picked Tor
their ability from the men of the various
units throughout camp They are 70 pc
officers, leaders Of men, instructors. upon
sands of lives. They realize the import
ance of listening to the lecture as 1t
comes to them from a superior officer
in the Study Hall or IN the I: NJ =. a. =
tigued from long days strenuous prac-
tice drill or hike that it is essential for
them to have that two hours after mess
spent in intensive study of the infantry
Field Service Regulations Par. $3.50.
They know that on the following morn
ing they will rise at siX-ffteen, WASH mast
lily and trot to the mess hall, where they
are welcomed with novelty Ito them OF
eating from white enameled dishes served
by real Southern darkies. No washing OF
the mess kit and preparing 1t Tor Satuf-
day inspectionD Then for rev minutes
they straighten up in each street the
twenty white tents of six cots each and as
many trunks and men. Drill call sounds
engage from to 8 in practicfng the In
fantry Drill Regulations syuGied the even
ing before. From 8 to $3.50 bayonet prac-
tice as prescribed by Captain Ryan, oe-
l~@ Il 1srets Rzsr,Nsa
until 10 they win have physical work,
perhaps shadow boxing; from 10 to 1890
instruction In bombing from 1890 to 1880
they will have study and conference on
Field Service Regulations Par. $3.50. Then
little time to themselves-but soon
mess call sounds aind they "yiciouSly at
tack" the meal set before them. They
have a new system by the way by which
and most varied and complete one 1t is,
too, The men are highly pleased with
their eating, and few complaints have
come to the mess sergeant.
At one o'clock the activities continue
and the time is divided between study OF
Musketry, Signalling, Patrols and Patrol
ing (Par. 9-35 Field Service Regulations),
Infantry Drill Regulations, and notes on
Bayonet as prescribed by the bayonet in
structor.
On Wednesday from to $780, perhaps
hike of some eight miles is substituted
for the regular work On Friday there
may be q parade from 80 to $50. In
case the day should be rainy the work
continues just the same. Lectures and
demonstrations are given in the student
study halls (mess halls fitted up for the
purpose) upon the practical work outlined
for the day, and lectures on Military
Courteses, Customs of the Service, Army
Regulations and Articles of War, and
Military Offenses and Punishments.
After o'clock the men have an hour
to themselves, Some of them spend it in
study others In taking hot showers in the
new shower baths others iii sleep, while
some come to the Y. M. c.. a. and have a
little chat over the phone with friend in
town or write letter home to the folks,
telling them of their hopes and activities.
In each company permanent officers
have been appointed to act for the dura-
ton of the camp, These We're picked by
the instructors after the first two weeks
of work, and were based upon ability
demonstrated during that period. In adj
dition to that the men rotate daily in Of
flee so that they may become accustomed
to filling any place at all in company or
battery. A man may be acting captain on
Monday and on Tuesday be reduced to a
private In the rear rank
There are three companies of the in
fantr7- and one battery of artillery. To
aid the men there is a company of in
fantry attached to the camp firm the 109th
infantry. These men do the retail work
and guard duty. A battery from the ar
tillety, Battery G, 108th, is also there to
help out and these two attachments have
done splendid work.
1t is interesting to note that the men
have started q Bible class which meets
under the direction of Sergt Keller on
Monday night after the days work is
over at p, m. The men realize that
they must retain and strengthen their
spiritual natures if they are to occupy
the. place of esteem and respect which
each one covets, and they are willing to
spend extra time and energy to study and
pray together.
Throughout the entire camp the one
idea prevailing is Fairness among the
men and with the officers. and each fell
low realizes that 1t Is his chance to make
good whether he does SO or not depends
upon only one person-:limself.
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