Excerpt of the Week Established 3/9/11 to share portions of manuals relevant to the unit, inaccessible to most, and short enough to be read in one sitting. Excerpt for the Fighting Position at Rockford Caliber .30 Machine Gun (light) Horseshoe Type: (fig. 25) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Excerpt of the Week: TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, PYRAMIDAL, M-1934, O-D  A M1934 Pyramidal with sides rolled up due to heat and hood omitted for same reason. PURPOSE The main purpose of this tent is for the quartering of personnel. The maximum capacity of the tent is eight men when the tent stove is not used. However, for reasons of greater comfort and sanitation, it is limited to six men when the supply of tentage permits. When the tent stove is used, the maximum capacity is six men. Because of its distinctive shape, it is easily observed from the air; for this reason more than usual care should be taken to camouflage it properly. This tent is a limited standard item of issue and will eventually be replaced by the squad tent; M-1942. PITCHING a. Preliminary arrangements. The commander designates the line on which the tents are to be erected. The line of tents is marked by driving a wall pin on the spot to be occupied by the right front corner of each tent. The interval between adjacent marking pins should be 30 feet. This leaves a space of about 2 feet between tents. Each tent is usually erected by the squad which will occupy it. It takes four men approximately 30 minutes to erect this tent. b. Procedure.
STRIKING
FOLDING.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Timely Excerpt of the Week FM 21-5: Military Training 2. PURPOSE OF MILITARY TRAINING.-- The ultimate purpose of military training is the assurance of victory in the event of war. Such assurance will guarantee the domestic peace and the international security of our people. The conditions which may face the Army of the United States in war cannot be definitely foreseen. It must be trained to function effectively in any type of war in any climate or terrain. 3. ONE ARMY.--The training of the Regular Army, the National Guard of the United States, and the Organized Reserves will be so directed as to develop a single homogeneous force with the same standards of efficiency. For the missions of the various components of the Army of the United States, see appendix I. 4. OFFENSIVE SPIRIT.-- a. Training will be so conducted as to develop in the Army the ability and desire to take offensive action in combat. Although training must include thorough instruction in defensive combat, it must be understood that such combat is only a means to a definite end - offensive action. See FM 100-5. b. To develop an offensive spirit a major objective of training must be the development of aggressive, resolute, thoroughly capable individuals and units whose skill, initiative, and confidence have instilled in them the desire to close with the enemy and destroy him. 5. QUALITIES TO BE DEVELOPED.--Successful offensive action demands that military training develop in the individual and in the unit the following qualities:
7. DECENTRALIZATION.--Responsibility for and control of training are functions of command. It is the duty of each commander to inform his subordinate commanders of the objectives and standards to be attained by training and of the time available for the purpose. The initiative and leadership of the subordinates is developed by the responsibility for choice of methods and for the details of execution. b. When time, means, or suitable instructors are lacking, the technical training of individuals, particularly specialists, who must be trained to perform identical or similar tasks may be conducted under centralized control. Such control gains speed in basic and technical training and thus permits the further decentralization of training in those subjects which best promote the development of initiative and leadership. c. Supervision and inspection are made by higher commanders to determine progress in training. Such supervision must not relieve subordinates of their personal responsibility or hamper the exercise of their initiative. 8. BALANCED PROGRESSIVE TRAINING.--a. Training in all subjects progresses from the elementary to the more advanced subjects. The individual must be physically hardened, qualified to march, to use his weapons, and to care for himself and his transportation in the field. Training in these essential basic and technical subjects must be so balanced as to prepare the individual to take the field at any time. b. Tactical and logistical training begins with the operations of the small unit. Concurrent training of higher and lower units gives to all an appreciation of the part each subdivision must play in the task of the team as a whole. Training of higher units must not be attempted until the lower unit has reached a stage of training which permits it to gain further instruction by combined training with other units. For example, only when the battalions are well trained will they take part in the field exercises of the regiment, the combat team, and the combined training of larger units. 9. APPLICATORY TACTICAL EXERCISES.--Use of this type of exercise should be commenced as early in training as practicable. These exercises are direct training for combat. All other phases of military training directly or indirectly prepare for tactical exercises. They permit the individual or unit under training to apply the doctrine being taught to an assumed or outlined tactical situation. How this relates to the Training Weekend First off it provides a general framework for what we're trying to accomplish. We don't necessarily have the "luxury" of having you every hour of every day for several weeks, so the "balanced progressive training" sort of gets thrown out the window, but the theory is still there. We'll start you out on basic things (facings, manual of arms, marching) and move up to more advanced things (taking a German MG position?). All within 8 hours. Believe it or not, we try, subtly, to work on these things at every event. We have seen individuals improve and the unit improve in several categories. Dixon was a grand example of how well we're doing (did you notice?) and a great 'progress report' for the NCOs. As far as "qualities to be developed", I think there's a unit award in this at the AAR meeting every year (something for us to =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Excerpt of the [insert fuzzy period of time here] - 6/8/11 Keeping with the theme of semi-related to the unit excerpts. W.A.C. Field Manual Physical Training FM 35-20  WE ARE FIGHTING A TOTAL WAR TOTAL WAR calls every man, woman, and child into service. This type of war has been forced upon us. For over a decade the women of Germany, Italy, and Japan have been training for war. Their duties range from front line combat to manual labor. The women of the United Nations have been swift to take up the challenge. Close to a half million British women are in uniform today. The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) performs duties similar to yours. ATS serves as motor mechanics, cooks, truck drivers, radio locators, gunnery researchers, and in many other jobs formerly held by men. The women of Russia are fighting for their lives. Thousands are with the Army in the field, serving as technicians, radio operators, messengers, engineers, drivers, and medical personnel. Some serve as sharpshooters. As guerrillas, Russian women have taken a heavy toll of the invaders. Women dig trenches and carry munitions on their backs to the troops. The women of Japan know the true, bitter meaning of war. For years they have toiled 12 and 14 hours a day in the munitions plants at Nagoya and Osaka. Thousands are serving with the Imperial Army as messengers, radio operators, orderlies, and drivers. Reports from combat zones tell of women in uniform, serving with shock troops and piloting combat planes. Women in uniform have long been a familiar sight in Germany and Italy. The Nazi Labor Service drafts all girls between 17 and 25 who are not usefully employed in the factories or the Army Auxiliary services. Younger girls are enrolled in the Hitler Girls' Organization. German women are in the war, to the limit. The war will not be won by women alone. But victory in total war will go to the side which utilizes the most women, and the fittest. YOUR JOB: TO REPLACE MEN YOUR TASK is to do the things which, if you did not do them, would have to be done by men taken from the fighting ranks; men whose presence in the battle line may mean victory, whose absence might mean defeat. You must be able to do these things alone and unaided. You must be ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every day of the month. War makes no distinction between sexes. When the order comes you must obey it-without question and without excuse. None of your duties will be beyond the capacity of a woman in fit condition. But nearly all military duties will be beyond the ability of a woman who lacks strength, who tires easily, whose mind and body do not work in swift accord, who is constantly prey to illness and moods. None of us knows what the future holds forth. None of us can foretell what emergencies may arise, nor what tasks we may be called upon to perform. Better to build up for the job-today than to fall down on the job-tomorrow. Men are naturally endowed with greater physical strength than women. But women at war, abroad and at home, are proving daily that woman's strength, properly trained and developed, is ample to perform hundreds of vital wartime tasks. And that women, in achieving the muscular tone and control essential to their work, realize greater poise, more grace, and better health than they ever enjoyed before. The Corps must sustain itself. Except for the hardest physical labor, you must do every job that comes your way. When a man moves out, be ready to take over. Be ready to give the job all you have. Be ready with everything it takes to do it well. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Excerpt of the Week 5/9/11 Who are those guys? A little history about a unit we see quite a bit and will probably see more of in the near future  Taken from http://www.45thdivisionmuseum.com/History/ Following World War I, the National Defense Act of 1920 created the authority to form the 45th Infantry Division from the four states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The division was organized in 1923, and Oklahoma members camped together for the first time at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1924. In the period pre-dating World War II, the division was called upon to maintain order in times of disasters and keep peace during periods of political unrest. Governor John C. Walton used the Guard to prevent the Legislature from meeting when they were preparing to impeach him in 1923. Governor William H. Murray’s calls to duty included the enforcement of closing of banks and keeping open a free bridge on the Red River, in spite of a federal court order that it not be opened. In September of 1940 the division was ordered into federal service for one year to engage in a training program. The division’s time in federal service began at Ft. Sill, and at the end of the first year they had participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers. By the end of the year the world situation had worsened, and the Thunderbirds continued their training and prepared for war. The Thunderbirds trained at Fort Sill, OK; Camp Barkeley, TX; Fort Devens, MA; Pine Camp, NY [Kyle's Note: Pine Camp = Present day Fort Drum]; and Camp Pickett, VA. They had trained hard for their part in World War II, and on July 10, 1943 the division participated in their first of four amphibious landings. In all the division served 511 days in combat; fighting their way across Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. The National Guard Division of the southwest became highly regarded by both regular army forces and the enemy for their valiant efforts and fighting abilities. The 45th Infantry Division served with General George S. Patton’s U.S. 7th Army during the Sicilian campaign, and when the fighting was done, the commander had this to say about the division, “Your division is one of the best, if not the best division in the history of American arms.” Following World War II the division reverted back to National Guard status, and the 45th Infantry Division became an all-Oklahoma organization. Weekly evening drill periods were again held in armories statewide, and Fort Sill was the site of their annual summer encampment. In June of 1950 South Korea was invaded by North Korea this action led to the second federal mobilization of the 45th Infantry Division. The Thunderbirds were one of only two National Guard divisions to see combat in the Korean War; the other being the 40th of California. Training for Korea began at Camp Polk, and in March of 1951 the division shipped out for Hokkaido, Japan for a continuation of their training. The move to Korea was made in December, 1951. The division served in the Yonchon-Chorwon area, and in sectors fronting Old Baldy, Pork Chop Hill, Heartbreak Ridge, and Luke’s Castle. The majority of the Oklahoma’s Guardsmen began returning to the States in the spring of 1952, but the division remained in Korea until the end of the conflict in 1953. In all the 45th Division saw 429 days in battle, participating in 4 campaigns. After Korea the division reverted to their stateside status as a National Guard unit with reorganization in 1959 changing the structure of the division from a triangular to a pentomic division. The pentomic division was made up of 5 battle groups, each smaller than a regiment, but larger than a battalion. In January 1969 the 45th Infantry Division was disbanded. The former division was restructured into an infantry brigade, an artillery group, and a support command, with state headquarters providing general administrative and logistical support. This did not mean the end of the Thunderbird; the Thunderbird patch was retained by all the organizations, with the exception of the state headquarters, which continued to be identified with the Indian-head patch. Except of the "Week" of 4/6/11 This week's excerpt comes from the Signal Corps, courtesy of our friend below.  The fabulous lineman. FM24-9 COMBINED UNITED STATES-BRITISH RADIOTELEPHONE (R/T) PROCEDURE 1. Purpose.—This radiotelephone- procedure (R/T) shall be used in combined operations of the United States and British Forces. The use of matters shown in brackets, as [Hullo], is optional. 2. General Instructions.—a. Messages transmitted by radiotelephone are not necessarily written down, but operators should whenever possible make a short note of their purport. They must, therefore, be kept short and to the point. This brevity is best achieved by the use of standard phraseology. Messages which must be given by the receiving operator to another person should preferably be written down.
3. Phonetic Alphabet.—When necessary to identify any letter of the alphabet the standard phonetic alphabet is to be used. This alphabet is listed below: A-Able B-Baker C-Charlie D-Dog E-Easy F-Fox G-George H-How I-Item J-Jig K-King L-Love M-Mike N-Nan O-Oboe P-Peter Q-Queen R-Roger S-Sugar T-Tare U-Uncle V-Victor W-William X-X-Ray Y-Yoke Z-Zebra a. Encrypted groups—LUXOW will be spoken as "Love Uncle Xray Oboe William." b. Difficult words will be both spoken and spelled. Example: "Catenary—I spell—Charlie Able Tare Easy Nan Able Roger Yoke—Catenary.'' 4. Pronunciation of Numerals.—When figures are transmitted by radiotelephone the following rules for their pronunciation will be observed 0 - Zero1 - Wun 2 - Too 3 - Thuh-ree 4 - Fo-wer 5 - Fi-viv 6 - Six 7 - Seven 8 - Ate 9 - Niner 5. Call Signs.—Call signs composed of letters or letters and figures must be transmitted by means of the phonetic alphabet and numeral pronunciation. Call sign AB shall be transmitted as "Able Baker." Call sign P3 shall be transmitted as "Peter Three." 6. Component Parts of a Message.—Every radiotelephone message is composed of three basic parts: the Call, including precedence (priority), if any; the Text (subject matter); and the Ending. The Calla. Form.—The call of a radiotelephone message may take one of the following forms: Example: Able Baker this is Peter Three Case I, abbreviated call: This is - Call sign station calling Example: This is Peter Three b. Precedence (priority).*—Precedence designations are seldom used in voice (R/T) procedure, but if used will be spoken in clear as the last part of the call, for example, "PRIORITY"* or "IMPORTANT",* etc. * Table of United States-British Precedence (Priorities). United States British Urgent Emergency Operational Priority Immediate Priority Important The Text (Subject matter) The text (subject matter) may consist of plain language, code words, or figures. If it is necessary to spell out a word, the phonetic alphabet will be used.The EndingEvery transmission will end with one of the following procedure words:a. Over: My transmission is ended and I expect a response from you. b. Out: This conversation is ended and no response is expected. 7. Time of Origin.—The time of origin when employed will be expressed in four digits and will be preceded by the word "Time." The four digits will, when so ordered, be followed by the zone suffix letter. 8. Procedure Phrases.—It is inadvisable to lay down precise wording for all procedure phrases likely to be required in radiotelephone work. However, the following have been adopted: Roger"I have received all of your last transmission." Acknowledge Used by originator: "Let me know that you have received and understand this message." Wilco "Your last message (or message indicated) received, understood, and (where applicable) will be complied with." How do you hear me? Speak slower Wait If used by itself: "I must pause for a few seconds." If the pause is to be longer than a few seconds, "Wait" "Out" should be used. If "Wait" is used to prevent another station's transmitting, it must be followed by the ending "Out." Say Again "Repeat" I Say Again "I will repeat." * NOTE.—Except when written into the text of a message by the originator, the word "Repeat" or any phrase involving ''Repeat" will never be spoken in radiotelephone {HIT) communication since it has a distinct operational meaning to the British Army. When used by the Royal Artillery it means that the salvo last ordered will be fired again at the same range. Verify "Check coding, check text (subject matter) with the originator and send correct version" Message for you "I wish to transmit a message to you." Send your message "I am ready for you to transmit." Read Back "Repeat all of this message back to me exactly as received after I have gen 'Over'." That is correct "You are correct." Words Twice a. As a request - "Communication is difficult. Please send every phrase (or code group) twice." b. As information - "Since communication is difficult every phrase (or code group) in this message will be sent twice." Correction "An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The correct version is ------." Wrong "What you have just said is incorrect. The correct version is ------." Groups "The number of groups in this code or cipher message is ------." Break "I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message." To be used only when there is no clear distinction between the. text and other portions of the message. The Belated Excerpt of the Week of 3/22/11: (admittedly a bit long) (unit commanders reading this, take heed! [yes, I would like to see a reenactment of an educational program at an event]) FM 21-10 Military Sanitation CHAPTER 2 SECTION 5 VENEREAL DISEASES 25. RESPONSIBILITY. Venereal disease (VD) control is the responsibility of the unit commander, who must initiate and maintain the VD control program. The Medical Department supplies him with information and advice as to suitable control measures. The individual soldier, in turn, is responsible for carrying out measures designed to protect his own health and in turn that of his unit. The venereal disease rate of a unit therefore is a fair index of its discipline, training, and administration. 26. KINDS AND CAUSES. a. There are five recognized venereal diseases, each caused by a different germ: Disease Germ Gonorrhea (clap, dose, gleet) Gonococcus germ Syphilis (pox, bad-blood, lues) Spiral-shaped germ, treponema pallidum Chancroid (soft chancre, buboes) Bacillus of Ducrey Lymphogranuloma venereum Filterable virus (tropical bubo) Granuiloma inguinale Donovan body (tropical sore) b. With rare exceptions, all of these diseases are acquired through sexual intercourse. The number of cases of venereal disease in any unit depends on two factors: (I) The number of sex contacts with infected women. (2) The number of these exposures that are unprotected by adequate prophylaxis. 27. CONTROL MEASURES. The VD rate can be cut down effectively by carrying out the following measures: a. Reduce sex exposures. The only completely satisfactory way to prevent venereal disease is to avoid promiscuous sexual intercourse altogether. Avoidance of sex relations is not harmful to the soldier's health or well-being. The fact cannot be overlooked, however, that in any unit there will be some men who will have promiscuous sex relations. The degree of promiscuity that is carried on will depend to a large extent on the backgrounds of the men in the unit, and on the particular Army environment in which they find themselves. It is, of course, impossible to do anything to change the backgrounds of the men, but it is possible to do something about the environment. The following measures will help to reduce the number of sex exposures: (1) Provision of substitute activities on the post, such as athletics and wholesome recreation of other kinds. These will catch the attention and interest of the men, and help to occupy off-duty time. (2) Limitation of the activities of professional prostitutes and pick-ups. Commanding officers can do much in this respect by working with the civilian authorities. (3) Declaring houses of prostitution and establishments which serve as places of pick-up or exposure "off limits." b. Increasing the use of prophylaxis. When properly used, venereal prophylaxis offers a good protection against infection. The following equipment and facilities will be made available to all men in the Army with full explanation of how they are to be used: (I) Mechanical prophylaxis. The condom or rubber offers considerable protection against infection if used properly. It helps to prevent the transfer of the germs from one sex partner to another, but it must be applied before contact and worn throughout the exposure. Condoms are provided free through medical supply channels and must be made easily available to the unit at all times. They can also be purchased at Army exchanges. (2) Chemical prophylaxis. This helps to destroy germs after they have been transferred from one person to another. It is most effective when used within 1 hour after exposure, and becomes progressively less effective after that. Drugs for destroying gonorrhea germs must be injected into the urinary canal while drugs to kill the germs of other venereal diseases are applied externally. Chemical prophylaxis may be supplied in two forms: the individual PRO-KIT, and by the official prophylactic stations. PRO-KITS are provided free through medical supply channels and should be made available to each unit at all times. They should also be stocked by Army exchanges. Prbphylactic stations are maintained on every military installation and in adjacent communities where there are enough troops to warrant them. They should be conveniently placed and their locations posted in the unit area. They must be kept clean and operated by well-trained attendants. c. Reduction in sources of infection. Ordinarily the sources of infection are not under military control. Therefore, the problem of reducing their number is primarily a function for civilian health and law en-. forcement authorities. This does not mean, however, that the Army can do nothing about them. The cooperation of the Army in working with the civilian authorities is of great importance. It may be carried out in the following ways: (1) Information about the probable source of infection should be obtained from each soldier who has a venereal disease, and should be recorded on WD AGO Form 8-148. This form should then be sent immediately to the health officer in the area where the suspected source lives. Special attention should be given to sources of infection from syphilis. The purpose of obtaining this information should be explained carefully to the soldier 'in order to secure his cooperation. He should be assured that the information will be treated confidentially and that no mention of his name will be made to his contact. (2) Encouragement of civilian health departments to provide adequate facilities for finding, treating, and, if necessary, quarantining infected girls. (3) Protection of civilians against infection by military personnel. This places an additional responsibility upon the Army to find, treat, and restrict, if necessary, personnel with venereal diseases. 28. ADMINISTRATION OF CONTROL PROGRAM. The commanding officer of a unit is responsible for the promotion and execution of a venereal disease control program, but experience has shown that the responsibility should generally be delegated to and centralized in one officer who is competent to study the problem and adapt a program to meet local needs. Therefore, all posts, camps, and stations are required to have a medical officer designated as VD control officer. He may serve in this capacity either full or part time. In divisions, the medical inspector performs the duties of the VD control officer. His duties include the following: a. Analysis of VD rates in the command in order to give special attention to those units with high rates. b. Keeping an up-to-date spot map from data obtained at prophylactic stations and from WD AGO Form 8-148 showing places of pick-up and exposure. Furnishing this information to the civilian authorities concerned. c. Making sure that there are enough prophylactic stations and that individual prophylactic materials are distributed properly. d. Whether or not he has immediate supervision over all diagnosis and treatment of VD, these aspects of control, particularly those related to administrative problems, should rightly concern him. e. Detect early infected personnel by supervising routine physical inspections, as required by section VII, AR 40-210, and special inspections when circumstances warrant. In neither case should advance notice of the inspection be given. f. Collaboration with civilian and governmental agencies which are interested in the VD control problem. g. Education of noncommissioned officers. Because of the importance of getting the cooperation of the enlisted men themselves, every effort should be made to interest the noncommissioned officers in the VD control program. Special attention should be given to educating the noncommissioned officers in every detail of the program so that they will be able to pass on the information to the enlisted men under them. h. Promotion of an adequate educational program. 29. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. a. Since the success of the Army VD control program is dependent largely on each soldier's knowledge of these diseases and their prevention, the education of the soldier in this subject must be an important part of his training. The instruction is designed to accomplish two purposes: avoidance of exposure, and proper use of prophylactic measures. It should include the following points: (1) Names and characteristics of the different venereal diseases. (2) Manner of transmission; dangers of promiscuous sex relations. (3) Chief symptoms, especially those at the start of the disease. (4) Methods of prevention. (5) Fundamentals of treatment; and the dangers of neglect, self-treatment, or improper treatment; dangers of neglect or improper treatment which may result in such complications as heart disease, insanity, arthritis, or sterility. b. Training aids like films, film strips, charts, and pamphlets help a great deal. Posters, short bulletins, etc., can serve as "reminders." c. Whether the men respond depends to a great degree upon whether the knowledge about VD and its prevention has been so firmly impressed on their minds that they will use it when the need arises. It depends also upon an appeal to every man's character, pride, patriotism, and competitive spirit. 30. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES. The standard of discipline in a unit is very important in a VD control program. It reflects the ability and attitude of the commanding officer. A good commander probably will not have to make much use of punishment, but will depend more upon instruction and morale. However, in certain cases, it may be necessary to use punishment in the VD control program. If a soldier fails to report for treatment promptly, for example, when he knows or suspects that he has a venereal disease the commanding officer can, at his discretion, have the man court martialed. However, no disciplinary action is authorized for failure to take a prophylaxis or for having contracted a venereal disease. Excerpt from the week of 3/9/11 comes from FM 21-100, the Soldier's Handbook CHAPTER 2 MILITARY DISCIPLINE AND COURTESY SECTION I MILITARY DISCIPLINE • 26. The average civilian or recruit coming into the Army, often misunderstands the meaning of the words military dis cipline. He thinks of them as being connected with punish ments or reprimands which may result from the violation of some military law or regulation. Actually, discipline should not be something new to you for you have been disciplined all of your life. You were being disciplined at home and in school when you were taught obedience to your parents and teachers, and respect for the rights of others. On your baseball or other athletic team you were disciplining yourself when you turned down the chance to be a star performer in order that the team might win; you were acquiring discipline in the shop, or other business, when your loyalty to your employer and your fellow employees was greater than your desire to secure your own advancement. All of this was merely the spirit of team play; that is, you were putting the interests of the "team" above your own in order that the "team." might win. • 27. The word "company," "troop," or "battery" is merely the military name for a team, and military discipline is nothing more than this same spirit of team play. It is the most im portant thing in the Army. In civil life lack of discipline in a young man may result in his getting into trouble which will cause his parents and teachers regret or sorrow; it may cause a member of an athletic team to be "sent to the bench," or cause an employee to lose his job. In the Army it is far more serious. Here lack of discipline in a soldier may not only cost him his life and the life of his comrades, but cause a military undertaking to fall and his team to be defeated. On the other hand a team of a few well-disciplined soldiers is worth many times a much larger number of undisciplined individuals who are nothing more than an armed mob. History repeatedly shows that without discipline no body of troops can hold its own against a well-directed and well-disciplined enemy. • 28. In your work in the Army you may wonder why the officers and noncommissioned officers insist on perfection in what appears to be minor details. Why do rifles have to be carried at just the same angle; why do you have to keep ac curately in line; why must your bed be made in a certain way; why must your uniform and equipment be in a pre scribed order at all times; why must all officers be saluted with snap and precision? These things are part of your dis ciplinary training. Their purpose is to teach you obedience, loyalty, team play, personal pride, pride in your organiza tion, respect for the rights of others, love of the flag, and the will to win. • 29. So you see that being disciplined does not mean you are being punished. It means that you are learning to place the task of your unit—your team—above your personal wel fare; that you are learning to obey promptly and cheerfully the orders of your officers and noncommissioned officers so that even when they are not present you will carry out their orders to the very best of your ability. When you have learned these things and prompt and cheerful obedience has become second nature to you, then you have acquired military dis cipline—the kind of discipline which will save lives and win battles. |
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