Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 / Corrected to April 15, 1917 (Changes Nos. 1 to 19)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20866

Title

Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 / Corrected to April 15, 1917 (Changes Nos. 1 to 19)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This authoritative manual outlines the United States Army's Infantry Drill Regulations as corrected in 1917. It details the principles of military training, close and extended order formations, combat tactics, and ceremonial duties. Essential for understanding early 20th-century infantry operations, this text emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and the spirit of battle over mere formalism.

Summary up to 500 words

Published by the War Department in 1911 and corrected through 1917, the Infantry Drill Regulations serve as the definitive guide for infantry drill and combat within the U.S. Army and Militia. The text is structured into five distinct parts: Drill, Combat, Marches and Camps, Ceremonies, and Manuals. Part I establishes the core philosophy that battlefield success relies on intelligent, thorough training and strict uniformity. It defines essential technical terms such as alignment, column, and interval, then prescribes specific movements for the soldier, squad, company, battalion, and regiment. A critical distinction is drawn between disciplinary drills executed at attention, designed to teach precise movement and subconscious obedience, and extended order drills intended to teach the mechanisms of deployment and combat employment. Part II focuses on combat principles, covering leadership, reconnaissance, gaining fire superiority, and deployment for attack or defense. It details the execution of charges, pursuits, and specific scenarios including attacking fortifications, night operations, and engagements against cavalry or artillery. Part III addresses the logistics of marches, camp sanitation, and bivouac protection. Part IV details reviews, parades, and the rendering of honors, while Part V provides manuals for the color, band, saber, tent pitching, and bugle calls, including specific instructions on bayonet exercises and fencing at will. The regulations emphasize that while precision is vital for control, the ultimate goal is field efficiency and the ability to function effectively under the stress of actual battle conditions. The text further elaborates on the fire attack, noting that gaining fire superiority is essential before advancing to a favorable position for a charge. It describes the charge as a simultaneous rush by all participating units, driven by confidence in bayonet use, and outlines the vigorous pursuit necessary to reap the full fruits of victory. In defense, the regulations stress the importance of clear fields of fire, secure flanks, and the strategic placement of reserves to counter enveloping attacks or facilitate counterattacks. Finally, the manuals section details fencing techniques, including feints, parries, and combined movements, aiming to teach soldiers simple, effective attacks and defenses without degenerating into random combat. Throughout, the document underscores that the spirit of the regulations must be sought rather than quibbling over minute forms, ensuring that training translates directly to tactical success.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Military Science