Manual of Military Training / Second, Revised Edition

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26706

Title

Manual of Military Training / Second, Revised Edition

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A definitive guide to military fundamentals, this manual trains company officers and cadets in drills, tactics, and leadership. With practical advice on bayonet work, field fortifications, and camp sanitation, it prepares soldiers for efficient combat and disciplined service in both peace and war.

Summary up to 500 words

Colonel James A. Moss's *Manual of Military Training* serves as a definitive textbook for military schools and National Guard units, designed to transform cadets and officers into efficient fighting weapons. The manual's central thesis is that the company is the foundational tactical unit of any army, and its fighting efficiency relies entirely on systematic, thorough training. The text systematically covers the transition from theoretical instruction to practical application, ensuring that officers can command proficient companies without reliance on other texts. The work is structured to address the full spectrum of military life. It details infantry drill regulations, manual of arms, and bayonet fencing, emphasizing the physical and mental well-being of troops through dedicated chapters on health, sanitation, and physical training. Beyond basic drill, the guide expands into minor tactics, teaching leaders how to estimate situations, conduct patrols, manage security outposts, and execute night operations. Significant attention is given to field engineering, providing specific instructions on constructing trenches, abatis, wire entanglements, and various obstacles. The manual draws heavily on lessons from the European War, offering critical insights into trench warfare, gas protection, and the use of modern obstacles like wire cheveaux de frise. Furthermore, the text addresses the administration of a company, outlining the duties of officers and noncommissioned officers to maintain discipline and harmony. It covers essential skills such as map reading, signaling codes, and individual cooking. By instilling self-control, loyalty, and sound body habits, the manual aims to create a complete soldier ready for the responsibilities of war. The book represents a consensus of opinion among military science professors, offering a comprehensive, all-around resource that prepares individuals for the realities of combat and camp life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26706.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26706.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 11:03 UTC

Categories

• Military Science
• United States Army