Military Instructors Manual by James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker

J >> James P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker >> Military Instructors Manual

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[Footnote L: Per Bayonet Program.]

[Footnote M: Rifle, pistol, machine gun, estimating distances, etc.,
as prescribed by Senior Instructor of Musketry Training.]

SCHEDULE OF INSTRUCTION, PLATTSBURG TRAINING CAMP
_Plattsburg, N.Y., October 29 to November 3, 1917_--(_Concluded_)

| Field Work | Conferences |
| [N] | |
======================|======================|=======================|
Monday, October 29 | | 2 hours |
| | pars. 495-536, I.D.R. |
| | Problem 9, S.P.I. |
| | |
| | |
======================|======================|=======================|
Tuesday, October 30 | | 2 hours |
| | Problem 10, S.P.I. |
| | Battle Fire Training |
| | (lesson scheduled |
| | later) |
======================|======================|=======================|
Wednesday, October 31 | | 2 hours |
| | Problem 11, S.P.I. |
| | Battle Fire Training |
| | (lesson scheduled |
| | later) |
======================|======================|=======================|
Thursday, November 1 | | 2 hours |
| | Problem 12, S.P.I. |
| | Battle Fire Training |
| | (lesson scheduled |
| | later) |
======================|======================|=======================|
Friday, November 2 | Battalions in attack | |
| and defense | |
| (Field Kit) | |
======================|======================|=======================|
Saturday, November 3 | As prescribed by Senior Instructors.
======================|===============================================

| |
Study | |
=========================|========|=========
3 hours--1 hour daily | |
and 7.00-9.00 p.m. | |
Problem 10, S.P.I. | |
Battle Fire Training | |
(lesson scheduled later) | |
=========================|========|=========
3 hours--1 hour daily | |
and 7.00-9.00 p.m. | |
Problem 11, S.P.I. | |
Battle Fire Training | |
(lesson scheduled later) | |
=========================|========|=========
3 hours--1 hour daily | |
and 7.00-9.00 p.m. | |
Problem 12, S.P.I. | |
Battle Fire Training | |
(lesson scheduled later) | |
=========================|========|=========
3 hours--1 hour daily | |
and 7.00-9.00 p.m. | |
Problem 13, S.P.I. | |
Battle Fire Training | |
(lesson scheduled later) | |
=========================|========|=========
7.00-9.00 p.m. | |
as per later | |
announcement[O] | |
=========================|========|=========

=========================|========|=========

[Footnote N: To include conferences and critique on the ground of
exercise conducted.]

[Footnote O: During the week each Battalion will be given 1/2 day's
instruction in camouflage under direction Senior Engineer Instructor.]

SCHEDULES.

_November 5th-9th, 1917._

Infantry Drill Regulations, 2 hours.
March in full kit, 2-1/2 hours.
Signaling, 1/2 hour.
Physical drill, 2-1/2 hours,
Bayonet, 2-1/2 hours,
Machine gun instruction, 7-1/2 hours.
Field fortification, 10 hours.
Conferences, 10 hours.
Study, 10 hours.
In the study and conferences the following will be taken up:
Manual of Courts-Martial--pp. 305 to end.
First Aid.
Personal Hygiene.
Camp Sanitation.

_November 12th-17th, 1917._

Physical, drill, 2-1/2 hours.
Bayonet drill, 2-1/2 hours.
Battalion ceremonies, 1-1/2 hours.
Battalion march, full kit, 2-1/2 hours.
Field fortification and trench warfare, 23 hours.
Study and conferences, 10 hours.
In the study and conference's the following will be taken up:
Trench Warfare.
Grenades
Gas Attack and Defense.
Communication.

_November 19th-23rd, 1917._

Physical, drill, 2-1/2 hours.
Bayonet drill, 2-1/2 hours.
Infantry Drill Regulations, 2-1/2 hours.
Company administration and Army regulations, 40 hours.
Ceremonies, parades and reviews, 5 hours.

CHAPTER 2.

Infantry Drill Regulations.

The greatest lesson of the present war is that the keynote of success
is discipline. In trenches the direct control of the men is even less
than in extended order in open warfare, and only thoroughly
disciplined troops with a trusted leader can hope to succeed.

The successful officer will show anger or irritation only in rare
cases, and then by design: he will know his men individually and be as
considerate of them as possible, ready to do himself what he asks to
have done; just in administering punishments; clear in giving his
commands and insistent that they be carried out promptly; he will
learn from drilling his men the quickest way a desired result can be
accomplished, and to give the necessary commands in the most effective
manner.

He will read his Infantry Drill Regulations through each month and
will always find something that he never knew or has forgotten. He
will always consult it before going to drill. In explaining movements
he will use blackboard diagrams in conferences. On the field he will
take the fewest possible men and have movement executed by the numbers
properly before the other men. Then have all the men go through the
movement a number of times.

The object of each exercise or drill should be explained to the men
whenever possible.

"Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military training."

School of the Soldier.

INSTRUCTION WITHOUT ARMS.

The object of the facings and marchings is to give the soldier
complete control of his body in drills so that he can move easily and
promptly at any command.

Attention.

POSITION OF ATTENTION.--This is the position a soldier assumes when in
ranks or whenever the command _attention_ is given.

In the training of anyone nothing equals the importance of a proper
posture; it is the very foundation upon which the entire fabric of any
successful training must be founded.

Instructors must persist in the development of this position until the
men assume it from habit.

At the command, 1. Company (Squad, etc.), 2. Attention, the following
position is assumed:

1. HEELS TOGETHER AND ON A LINE.--If the heels are not on a line,
the hips and sometimes even the shoulders, are thrown out of line.
2. FEET TURNED OUT EQUALLY, FORMING AN ANGLE OF 45 DEGREES.--If the
feet are not turned out equally, the result will be the same as above.
3. KNEES EXTENDED WITHOUT STIFFNESS.--Muscles should be contracted
just enough to keep the knees straight. If locked, men tire easily and
faint if at attention a long time.
4. THE TRUNK ERECT UPON THE HIPS, the spine extended throughout its
entire length; the buttocks well forward.
The position of the trunk, spine and buttocks is most essential. In
extending the spine the men must feel that the trunk is being
_stretched up_ from the waist until the back is as straight as it can
be made.
In stretching the spine the _chest_ should be _arched_ and raised,
_without_, however, _raising the shoulders or interfering with natural
respiration_.
5. SHOULDERS FALLING NATURALLY and moved back until they are square.
Being square, means having the shoulder ridge and the point of the
shoulder at right angles to a general anterior-posterior plane running
through the body. They should never be forced back of this plane, but
out rather in line with it.
6. ARMS HANGING NATURALLY, thumbs against the seams of the trousers,
fingers extended, and back of hand turned out.
The arms must not be forcibly extended nor held rigidly; if they are,
a compensating faulty curve will occur in the lumbar region.
7. HEAD ERECT, CHIN RAISED until neck is vertical, eyes fixed upon
some object at their own height.
Every tendency to draw the chin in must be counteracted.
8. When this position is correctly assumed, the men will be taught to
_incline the body forward_ until the weight rests chiefly upon the
balls of the feet, heels resting lightly upon the ground.
When properly assumed, a vertical line drawn from the top of the head
should pass in front of the ear, shoulder and thighs, and find its
base at the balls of the feet.
Every tendency toward rigidity _must be avoided_; all muscles are
contracted only enough to maintain this position, which is one of
co-ordination, of _physical and mental alertness_, that makes for
mobility, activity and grace. A man who faints standing at attention
has not taken the proper position.

Rests.

POSITION OF REST AND AT EASE.--When men are standing _at rest_ or _at
ease_ they must be cautioned to avoid assuming any position that will
nullify the object of the position of Attention. Standing on one leg,
folding arms, allowing shoulders or head to droop forward, must be
discountenanced persistently until the men form the habit of resting
with feet separated but on the same line, hands elapsed behind the
back,--head, shoulders and trunk erect, (m.p.t., pp. 21 and 22.)

FALL OUT.--Leave ranks.
REST.--One foot in place. Can talk.
AT EASE.--One foot in place. Silence.
PARADE REST.--Do not slouch down on right foot. Keep chest well up.
EYES RIGHT, 2. FRONT.--Have it snappy.
RIGHT FACE.--To face _in marching_ and advance, turn on the ball of
either foot and step off with the other foot in the new line of
direction. (Do not confuse with the ordinary command, "Right Face.")
RIGHT HALF FACE.--45 degrees, used to show position in Right Oblique.
ABOUT FACE.--Have weight well back. Not necessary to move right foot
after turn is made.
HAND SALUTE.--Manner of rendering is index to manner in which all
other duties are performed.
FORWARD MARCH.--Shift weight to right foot, _mentally_.
DOUBLE TIME, MARCH.--Tendency to go too fast. Time it. 30 steps in 10
seconds. Take one step quick time, then take up double time.
MARK TIME, MARCH.--Given as either foot strikes the ground. To resume
full step, _Forward, March._
HALF STEP, MARCH.--All steps and marchings executed from a halt,
except Right Step, begin with left foot.
RIGHT STEP, MARCH. BACKWARD, MARCH.--Executed in quick time only and
at trail, without command. 15 inch Step.
SQUAD, HALT.--Given as either foot strikes the ground.
BY THE RIGHT FLANK, MARCH.--Step off with right foot.
TO THE REAR, MARCH.--Given as right foot strikes the ground. If
marching in double time, turn to the rightabout taking 4 steps, in
place, in cadence, and step off with left foot.
CHANGE STEP, MARCH.--Being in march; given as either foot strikes the
ground.

Manual of Arms.

PURPOSE.--To make the man so accustomed to the rifle that he handles
it without a thought.

Eight rules govern the carrying of the piece. See paragraph 75,
Infantry Drill Regulations.

Six rules govern the execution of the manual. See paragraph 76,
Infantry Drill Regulations.

Commands and Cautions.

ORDER, ARMS.--See that all the fingers of the right hand are around
the piece.

PRESENT, ARMS.--Left forearm horizontal and against the body.

PORT, ARMS.--Right forearm horizontal. Left forearm against the body.

RIGHT SHOULDER, ARMS.--Insist on an angle of 45 degrees. Trigger guard
in hollow of shoulder. Right hand does the work.

LEFT SHOULDER, ARMS.--Right hand in next to last position grasps small
of stock.

PARADE, REST.--Left hand grasps piece just below stacking swivel.
Right foot straight back 6 inches.

TRAIL, ARMS.--Piece at angle of about 30 degrees, about 3 inches off
the ground.

RIFLE SALUTE.--Left forearm horizontal.

FIX BAYONET.--Parade Rest and resume order after bayonet is fixed.

UNFIX BAYONET.--Parade Rest and resume order after bayonet is unfixed.

INSPECTION ARMS.--Be sure men glance down in chamber and keep hold of
bolt handle.

Parade, Rest can be executed only from order arms, and the command
Attention follows Parade, Rest.

Any movement not in the manual, _e.g._, Right, Face, breaks the
execution of movements by the numbers. The number of counts in the
execution of each command must be remembered.

Distinguish between _raise_ and _carry_ and _throw_.

School of the Squad.

OBJECT.--To give basic element, the squad, its first lesson in team
work.

Team work wins battles just as it does football games.

Avoid keeping men too long at the same movement.

COMPOSITION OF SQUAD.--7 men and a corporal. Never less than 6 nor
more than 11 men.

FALL IN.--Instructor 3 paces in front of where center is to be.

FALL OUT.--If under arms, always preceded by Inspection Arms. Does not
mean dismissed.

COUNT OFF.--Right file front and rear do not execute eyes right. Front
and rear rank men count off together.

INSPECTION ARMS.--
RIGHT DRESS, FRONT:

(1) Company Commander must establish base file or files before
giving the command Right Dress.
(2) Right flank men remain facing to front.
(3) Be sure first four men are on desired line and rest of
company can easily be made to conform.
(4) Right guide may be established at any point desired and at
command Right Dress all march to their proper positions
without other command, and at the trail.
(5) Have men beyond base files step forward until one pace
beyond where new line is to be and then dress back on line
established.

GUIDE RIGHT.--Keep head and eyes off the ground. Close in or open out
gradually.

TAKE INTERVAL, TO THE RIGHT, MARCH, SQUAD, HALT.--(At command "To the
Right") Rear rank falls back 60 inches. At March, all face to right
and leading man of each rank steps off, followed by the others at
four-pace intervals, rear-rank men marching abreast of their file
leaders. When halted all face to the front.

To REFORM, ASSEMBLE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT), MARCH.

TAKE DISTANCE, MARCH.--1-2-3-4 front rank, 1-2-3-4 rear rank, 4-pace
intervals. Guide in each four is right.

ASSEMBLE, MARCH.--No. 1, Front rank stands fast.

STACK ARMS.--Piece of even number front rank: butt between his feet,
barrel to front. Even number rear rank passes piece to file leader.

TAKE ARMS.--Loose pieces are returned by even numbers front rank. If
No. 2 of rear rank is absent, No. 1 rear rank takes his place in
making or breaking stacks and resumes his post. Pieces are never
stacked with bayonet fixed.

OBLIQUE, MARCH.--Taught from Right half face. Half faced to front
after obliquing, Forward, March. If at half step or mark time while
obliquing, Oblique, March.

IN PLACE, HALT.--All halt and stand fast without changing position of
pieces.

RESUME MARCH.--Only given after In place, Halt.

RIGHT TURN.--Turn on moving pivot is used by subdivisions of a column
in executing change of direction.

Each rank successively and on same ground executes movement. All
except pivot man execute two right obliques. No marking time. Arriving
on new line, all take the half step, glance toward marching flank and
take full step without command as last man arrives on the line.

RIGHT HALF TURN.--Executed in similar manner.

SQUADS RIGHT.--Turn on fixed pivot is used in all formations from line
into column and the reverse. No half step. Right flank man faces to
right in marching and marks time. Rest of front rank oblique once to
new position. Step off on 5th step.

SQUAD RIGHT ABOUT.--Front rank twice executes squads right.

In rear rank, No. 3 with No. 4 abreast of him on his left and followed
in column by the second and first moves straight forward until on
prolongation of new line he is to occupy; faces to right in marching
and proceeds to place. Then all face to the right in marching, mark
time and glance toward marching flank. As last man arrives on new line
all step off without command on 9th step.

Deploying as skirmishers and following the corporal are covered under
Company Extended Order.

School of the Company.

The company is the basic fighting and administrative unit, and must be
easily handled and capable of promptly carrying out the will of its
commander.

Team work among the squads, so that the company can be easily managed
as a whole, is the purpose of company drill.

Close order drill is for discipline.

Numerical designations of squads or platoons do not change.

Center squad is middle or right middle squad of the company.

8 (6-11) men = 1 squad.
7 (2-7) squads = 1 platoon.
4 platoons = 1 company (250 men, 6 officers).
4 (2-6) companies = 1 battalion (1,026 officers and men).
3 battalions = 1 regiment (3,755, including medical detachment).
2 regiments = 1 brigade (8,210 officers and men).
2 brigades = 1 division (27,152 officers and men).

First Sergeant when not commanding a platoon is opposite the 3rd file
from outer flank of first platoon, in line of file closers.

FALL IN.--First Sergeant 6 paces front of center, facing company.
Right guide takes post at such point that the center will be 6 paces
from and opposite the First Sergeant.

Squad leaders salute and report all present; or Private(s) ----
absent. First Sergeant does not return salute of squad leaders.

Captain takes post 12 paces in front of center of company in time to
receive report of First Sergeant, "Sir, all present or accounted for,"
or names of unauthorized absentees. E.G. A man in hospital might be
reported absent by squad leader if he did not know where he was, but
First Sergeant would know, and would not report him absent.

Captain returns salute of First Sergeant who then takes his post
_without command_.

PLATOON MOVEMENTS IN PLATOON COLUMN.

_Leading Platoon, C.O._

On Right into Line ... Right Turn.
Column Right ... Right Turn.
Right Front into Line ... Continue. (Caution) If halted, Forward.

_Rear Platoon, C.O._

On Right into Line ... Continue. (caution) If halted, Forward.
Column Right ... Continue. (caution) If halted, Forward.
Right Front into Line ... Right Oblique

QUESTIONS WHICH COME UP IN DAILY MILITARY LIFE.

It is well to have a solution on hand.

(1) The company is in line reversed,--16th squad where 1st squad
should be. Bring the company into proper line, 1-2-3-4; 5-6-7-8;
9-10-11-12; 13-14-15-16.

(2) You are platoon leader. Your platoon is drilling separately and
you get assembled in company line.

16-15-14-13; 12-11-10-9; 4-3-2-1; 5-6-7-8.

What commands do you give to get the platoon into line properly
arranged?

(3) You are in charge of the company and find yourself marching into
the company street in reverse order. What commands do you give to
correct this?

(4) You are marching your company to the rear along a road through a
narrow cut. Suddenly around a bend comes an ambulance. To let it pass,
you must immediately reduce your marching front. What is the quickest
method? (This can be used also in arranging the advance party of the
outguard.)

(5) You are marching your company in company front, and wish to march
in column of platoons. What do you command?

ANSWERS.

(1) Right (left) by squads.
Column left (right).
Squads right (left)
Company, Halt.
(2) Forward; 2 March.
On left into line; 2 Platoon; 3 Halt.
(3) On right (left) into line.
(4) 1 Squads right; 2 March.
2 By the left flank; 2 March.
(5) 1 Right by squads; 2 March.
2 Platoons left front into line; Double time;
2 March.

On the O.D. Shirt Collar Insignia is worn as follows:

"On the right side, in the middle of the collar, the letters (U.S.),
(U.S.R.), (U.S.N.A.), and the insignia of rank; the letters one inch
from the end of the collar and the insignia of rank one-half inch from
letters."

"On the left side in the middle of the collar, and one inch from the
end, the insignia of the arm of the service."

_For Second Lieutenants._

On the right side, in the middle of the collar, and one inch from the
end, the letters (U.S.), (U.S.R.), (U.S.N.A.).

On the left side, in the middle of the collar and one inch from the
end, the insignia of the arm of service.

When the Star Spangled Banner is played, an officer in uniform if
uncovered stands at Attention. If covered he salutes. An officer
"Presents his compliments" only to his juniors.

1. COMPANY RIGHT, MARCH; COMPANY, Halt; Forward March.
Being in line to turn. Right-flank man is pivot. Right guide steps
back at command March, and marks time.

2. PLATOONS RIGHT, MARCH; Company, Halt; Forward March.
Line to Column Platoons, reverse.
Guides must be covering.

3. SQUADS RIGHT, MARCH; Company, Halt.
Line to Column Squads, reverse.
Line of Platoon to Column Platoons, reverse.

4. RIGHT TURN, MARCH; Forward, March.
Line to change direction. Right guide is pivot. Men do not glance
toward flank. Rear rank begins oblique on same ground as front rank.
All take full step at command, Forward, March.

5. COLUMN RIGHT, MARCH.
First Platoon Leader, Right Turn.
Other Platoon Leaders (if halted), Forward; (if marching), cautions,
continue the march. All Platoons execute right turn on same ground.
Column of Platoons to change direction.

6. COLUMN RIGHT, MARCH.
Column Squads to change direction.

7. PLATOONS, COLUMN RIGHT, MARCH.
Column Squads to Line of Platoons.

8. SQUADS RIGHT, COLUMN RIGHT, MARCH.
Right by Squads, March.
Line to Column Squads and change direction.
Right guide posts himself and takes 4 short steps. Right Squad
conforms.

9. SQUADS RIGHT, PLATOONS, COLUMN RIGHT, MARCH.
Platoons right by Squads, March.
Line to line of Platoons. Guide same as in 8.

10. SQUADS RIGHT ABOUT, MARCH; Company, Halt.
To face or march to the rear.
_About Face_; Forward, March.
To the rear a few paces.

11. ON RIGHT INTO LINE, MARCH; Company, Halt, Front.
Column Platoons or Squads to line to side.
If executed in double time, leading squad marches double time until
halted.

12. RIGHT FRONT INTO LINE, MARCH; Company, Halt, Front.
Column Platoons or Squads to line (front).
In double time, halting and aligning are omitted. Guide is toward side
of first unit in line. If halted, leader of leading unit commands,
Forward.

13. PLATOONS, RIGHT FRONT INTO LINE, MARCH; Company, Halt, Front.
Column Squads to Column Platoons.
Line of Platoons to Company line.

14. ROUTE STEP, MARCH.
Muzzles kept elevated. Ranks cover, preserve distances. (If halted,
at rest.)
At ease, March. Silence preserved. (Halted, at ease.)

15. RIGHT BY TWOS, MARCH.
All but 2 right files of leading Squad execute in place, Halt.
RIGHT BY FILES, MARCH.
To diminish the front in Column Squads.

16. SQUADS RIGHT FRONT INTO LINE, MARCH.
Twos right front into line, march.
Twos or files, to Column Squads. Leading file or files halt.
N.B.--If right by twos, then left into line or reverse.

DISMISS THE COMPANY.--First Sergeant places himself 3 paces to front.
2 paces from nearest flank, salutes, faces toward opposite flank,
commands, Inspection Arms, Port Arms, Dismissed.

TO FALL IN COMPANY WHEN IT CANNOT BE FORMED BY SQUADS.--Inspection
Arms.
Right Shoulder Arms.
Roll Call. Each man as name is called, executes Order Arms.

FOR MUSTER, COMMANDS ARE: Open Ranks, MARCH, FRONT. (At command Open
Ranks, Rear Rank drops back 4 steps, 5 counts.)
(As mustering officer approaches) Right Shoulder Arm's. Attention to
Muster.
Each man, as name is called, answers "Here" and comes to Order Arms.
Company Commander is on right flank, in same place as "Prepare for
Inspection."

IN ALIGNING COMPANY.--Captain places himself 2 paces from and facing
the flank toward which dress is made, verifies alignment and commands
Front.
(Platoon leaders same position for Platoon alignment.)

TO MARCH SQUAD WITHOUT UNNECESSARY COMMANDS.--The Corporal commands,
_Follow Me_.
Men always at ease. Squad conform to pace of Corporal, and carry
pieces as he does.
In line or skirmish line, No. 2 front rank follows in trace of
Corporal at 3 paces. Others guide on No. 2.

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