Lincoln C Andrews
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 44
Get eBook
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ... HOW TO CONDUCT DRILL Here is the daily recurring test of your ability, the measure of your progress toward making good. Few will reach perfection. A drill master that is even good is always conspicuous among his fellows on the drill field. We have got to improve that, if we successfully meet the present emergency. The first essential for the proper conduct of a drill is that the drill masterhave a clear conception of exactly what that particular 'drill is for, what it was designed to accomplish, why he is conducting it. With that definite object kept constantly in mind, he should find himself able to do the reasonable things for its attainment, and avoid doing the things that are going to interfere'with it. And the men in ranks must also know what they are trying to accomplish, thus enlisting their intelligent interest and co-operation. We will therefore discuss separately the different kinds of drill, to see what is the exact object of each, to try to catch its particular spirit, to see what makes it good and what may spoil it. This will be based on Infantry Drill, -which requires a higher degree of training than any other arm, in which the principles and even many of the details are common to the drill of all other arms. Close Order Drills The first trouble here is failure to mark the difference between this drill given as a drill in discipline, and the same drill given for the instruction of beginners. Let that sink in. You will see many drill masters confusing the two, trying for both objects at the same time, and in consequence getting neither. For both the spirit and the details for the conduct of these drills are diametrically opposite for the two effects. While the drill of precision is to develop the feeling of solidity, the..