The Plattsburg Manual: A Handbook for Military TrainingGarey, E. B. (Enoch Barton)
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The Plattsburg Manual: A Handbook for Military Training
Garey, E. B. (Enoch Barton)
Military training camps -- United States; United States. Army -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.
7. For at least two weeks prior to your arrival at camp, take
regularly the exercises described in this book.
Most men are troubled with their feet during the first week of each
camp, usually because they do not observe the following precautions:
1. If you have ever had trouble with the arches of your feet, wear
braces for them.
2. Lace your shoe as tightly as comfort will permit.
3. Wash the feet daily.
4. Every morning shake a little talcum powder or "Foot Ease" in
each shoe.
5. Each morning put on a fresh pair of socks. Your socks should fit
the feet so neatly that no wrinkles remain in them and yet not be
so tight that they bind the foot. Do not wear a sock with a hole in
it or one that has been darned.
6. Some men cannot wear light wool socks with comfort. Do not wear
silk or cotton socks until you have given light wool socks a fair
trial.
7. In case of a blister, treat it as directed in Chapter X.
8. Most of the foot troubles are caused by wearing shoes that do
not fit properly. If the shoe is too large it rubs blisters, if too
small it cramps the foot and causes severe pain. Marching several
hours while carrying about thirty pounds of equipment causes each
foot to expand at least one half a size in length and
correspondingly in breadth; hence the size of the shoe you wear in
the office will be too small for training camp use. If you have
been living a sedentary life, ask for a pair of shoes larger than
you ordinarily wear.
9. In case the tendon in your heel becomes tender, report at once
to the hospital tent and get it strapped.
A DISCIPLINED SOLDIER
You will be expected to become quickly amenable both mentally and
physically to discipline. A clear conception on your part of what drills
are disciplinary in character and what discipline really is, will help
you to become a disciplined soldier. Drills executed at attention are
disciplinary exercises and are designed to teach precise and soldierly
movements and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious obedience which
is essential to proper military control. Hence, all corrections should
be given and received in an impersonal manner. Never forget that you
lose your identity as an individual when you step into ranks; you then
become merely a unit of a mass. As soon as you obey properly, promptly,
and, at times, unconsciously, the commands of your officers, as soon as
you can cheerfully give up pleasures and personal privileges that
conflict with the new order of life to which you have submitted, you
will then have become a disciplined man.
DRESS
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