This classic guide to military training dates to the World War One era. In addition to practical and timeless instructions about firearms, map making, and marching, it provides fascinating insight into how the armed forces of the era worked. This edition includes all of the original charts and illustrations.

James Perry Cole worked in the U. S. military for many years, experiencing first-hand the gradual evolution of the army as new training methods were developed to improve each recruit's performance. At the beginning of the 20th century the United States was emerging as a leading world power; a modern, professional and effective military with the latest techniques was essential for the country.

World War One resulted in greater investment in the military than before; amid this upheaval, Cole authored this guide to help would-be recruits and aspiring instructors in the U. S. military understand the different aspects of the work. The aspect of timekeeping and schedules is dealt with at the outset; we are given timetables spanning a few weeks, assigned to the various instructors of a military base.

Instructors were assigned many important tasks overseeing the development of recruits. Instilling discipline through drill and marches, training troops in the use of firearms, feeding them properly, inspecting their kit and living quarters, and arranging parades for officers of various rank were just a few of their responsibilities. Knowledge of first aid, and keeping a barracks and its grounds hygienic and orderly is also crucial.

A broad range of military knowledge and abilities were required for this difficult job, and this guidebook makes no secret of this. We hear for example of the precise arrangement of a military ceremony, the meticulousness with which a soldier must learn to maintain and fire his rifle and sidearm, the appropriate handling and use of grenades, the surveying of terrain and sketching of maps of good accuracy inclusive of contours and roads.

The author also offers insight into the different rules and regulations of the army at that time. We observe how good behavior and duty is rewarded with kindness, while poor conduct is punished quickly but with the aim of constructively teaching the soldier to improve. An instructor must be lawful and not mete out severe or gratuitous punishments.

The final chapters discuss various administrative duties that the instructor has. His interactions with the base command structure, and the keeping of records and relevant information on the recruits was, in the WW1 era, crucial. We are given example of meetings convened that discuss and resolve problems which have emerged with certain recruits.

Finally we are shown the U. S. Army's approach to trench warfare - this type of conflict had already ensued in Europe, with heavy casualties. Wary of these circumstances, this guide contains a variation of advice upon how to effectively attack, withdraw and defend in the difficult circumstances. How and where a good trench should be built is also discussed.