Hence, even from the standpoint of the higher education, the standard
of horsemanship can never be raised too high. Given this, and the
remainder can be acquired in the practical day-to-day work of the
unit, in the training of the men themselves, and in the exercises in
Field-Service duties, in manoeuvres and Cavalry exercises, always
provided that these are all conducted in conformity with the spirit of
modern operations. But since we have seen this practical duty, as at
present carried on, nowhere meets the above conditions, we must find a
supplement to it by recourse to systematic training in Field-Service
rides, War Games, and Staff Tours, for which, of course, the necessary
funds must be provided.
These exercises must be begun in the regiment, and continued through
each successive grade up to the 'Inspection,' the sphere of each being
enlarged with the increase in the importance of the Command.
But they will only then possess value and importance when based on
connected military situations arising from the operations of modern
Armies, and afford opportunities to the participants for the solution
of problems far above their existing rank, for thus only can their
mental horizon be extended. Within the radius of action of his own
Command each Officer is already in daily contact with all that it is
necessary for him to understand, and in minor tactical situations he
has abundant opportunities for training his faculties. It seems to me,
therefore, mere waste of time to give him further employment with
these matters, and the attempt could only end in depriving them of all
interest. On the other hand, the Regimental Officer is seldom if ever
placed in positions which would enable him to form any adequate
conception of the execution and connection of the greater operations,
to realize the importance of the action of the unit within the
framework of the whole, or to notice how faults in details, apparently
trivial in themselves, can mount up in the mass until they may
jeopardize the success of any given undertaking.
The higher the intellectual pinnacle on which he is placed, the wider
becomes his horizon, and consequently his appreciation of the relative
importance of each individual link in the chain.
CONCLUSION
If now, at the conclusion of my investigations, we summarize the chief
results arrived at, we find the following sequence of thought:
The value of Cavalry in relation to the other Arms has risen
materially; as a consequence of the whole range of changes introduced
into the conduct of modern War--viz., those due to changes in the
composition of Armies, to railways, telegraphs, supply, weapons, etc.
Its strategical tasks have increased in importance, and on the
battle-field new opportunities for successes have been disclosed.
Mounted and dismounted action have now become functions of equal
importance. Great results--whether strategical or tactical--can only
be obtained by the employment of 'Masses.'
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