No. 107.

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, August 8, 1901.

As large accessions of officers and soldiers who have had but limited experience in the military service have been made to the Army under the recent act of Congress the following instructions are issued for the information and guidance of all concerned:

To be effective in time of war modern military training must be uniform throughout the service and must conform to certain basic principles possessing varying degrees of importance.

A due sense of proportion of these principles and a full appreciation of the relative merits of those qualities constituting the standard to which the Army must attain are expected of all commanding officers.

PATRIOTISM.

Of these principles patriotism is of the first and paramount importance. An absolute and unqualified devotion to the welfare of their country of all in the military service is an indispensable prerequisite that constitutes the soul of an efficient Army. It is essential that the Army shall fully understand the character of our Government, shall realize the benefits and prerogatives granted by our Constitution, and shall be familiar with the brilliant achievements of our arms as recorded in our past military history.

DISCIPLINE.

The second principle, discipline, distinguishes thoroughly trained and instructed troops from an irresponsible, unwieldy, and disorderly aggregation of men. Respect for and implicit obedience to superior authority are its essential characteristics. Its vital importance must be thoroughly impressed upon all in the military service. Officers will always be exemplary in deportment, will exercise justice and impartiality, and will be considerate in their conduct toward all subordinates. Cheerful, earnest, and loyal obedience will be promptly paid by all subordinates to lawful orders of superiors. No order will be issued without the provision for or power of execution and enforcement.

Recent reports indicate the existence of marked unsoldierly deportment on the part of some of the troops, a condition apparently cultivated recently under the mistaken idea that a certain uncouthness of exterior and laxity of manners are the essential characteristics of a soldier. As they are most subversive of discipline and efficiency offenses of this nature must neither be ignored nor condoned.

Commanding officers are strictly accountable for the general appearance of their troops under all circumstances, whether they be in garrison, in camp, on the march, off duty, or on brief furlough. To this end it is enjoined upon all commanding officers, before granting furloughs to soldiers, to see that they are in proper uniform and that their general appearance is such as to make them creditable representatives of the Army in the community in which they are at liberty to move.

Soldiers are as much responsible for their conduct while off the military reservations or out of camp as when in garrison, and should individuals misbehave such conduct will be corrected by withholding furloughs from unreliable men, or by prohibiting them from entering any objectionable place in the vicinity of any camp or garrison.

The campaign hat and the fatigue uniform are intended for campaign and fatigue duties and should only be permitted to be worn on such service.

The exchange canteen recreation or amusement room, as it was originally called, will be made as attractive as possible and the recent law concerning it will be faithfully and loyally observed. Its affairs will be economically and judiciously administered for the benefit and recreation of the troops.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

The third principle to be observed is the highest possible physical development of the soldier. It matters not how courageous, skilled, or otherwise efficient troops may be if a part break down physically they are no longer useful in the military service, but become a serious encumbrance while so disabled. By this principle the full development of the physical being should be attained that will render the soldier capable of the greatest endurance on the march and on the field of battle. It is not necessarily the man who has the most abnormal muscular development created by special gymnastic exercises who will have the most endurance in the field, but the one who, starting with a sound physique, passes through a progressive course of training that improves all

the voluntary muscles and vital organs. To this end athletic games are superior to prescribed gymnastics that require special apparatus, and marches of increasing length at "attention" to those at route step with shambling gait and irregular cadence.

SELF-RESPECT, SELF-RELIANCE, AND RESOURCEFULNESS.

The fourth principle of importance comprises self-respect, self-reliance, and resourcefulness. These qualities making up a man's individuality are in a large measure inherent in the American soldier. They have ever been the distinguishing marks of his character and efficiency and are to be cultivated to the fullest extent.

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE.

The fifth principle is that of greatest efficiency in professional knowledge. The art of war is the application of its principles to actual practice and of more importance than the science.

While garrison duty is important for the purpose of discipline and instruction ample time will be devoted to field exercises, for it should be remembered that efficient service in the field is the final object for which armies are maintained. Military problems will be carefully and timely prepared for solution during important military drills and maneuvers.

Troops will be frequently occupied in extended field exercises, such as scouting, reconnoitering, and map-making expeditions and other practical field work. The officers and men will be required to apply the principles of security and information to the accidents of the terrain over which they may be engaged. Wherever practicable extensive military maneuvers will be practiced by detachments simulating larger bodies of troops, but all under a well-defined system.

The long-established reputation of the Army demands that nothing short of perfect proficiency in active service shall be accepted. To the accomplishment of this all officers are required to conscientiously and faithfully execute the require ments of this and similar orders from these Headquarters.

BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL MILES:

THOMAS WARD, Acting Adjutant General.