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SOLDIER SKILLS
Drilling and Marching
The Seargeants are extravagantly to march on each side [of] the
Company, and to see the Souldiers keepe their Rankes and Fyles. -The
Souldiers Exercise. In Three Bookes, 1639, p. 15
Perfect your demeanor on the parade ground- have the joy of
knowing precision. -CSM Matthew Lee, "Bridge the Gap." Engineer,
No. 3, 1987, p. 3
A Serjeant or Corporal of each company must attend the recruits
and awkward men, when they parade for exercise, to see they are
properly dressed, their arms and accoutrements well put on, and in
perfect order. -The Military Guide for Young Officers, 1776,
p. 235
In all drills, and especially those of recruits in the school of
the soldier, short and frequent drills are preferable to long ones.
-Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers of Infantry, 1903, p.
12
It’s always good when you’re at a training center to get up when
the troops get up, go out and stand on the street and listen
to the sounds of basic training. -SMA William G. Bainbridge, Top
Sergeant, 1995, p. 155
[The 1SG must have] a voice which rises from his toes and can
penetrate the innermost unoccupied cell of a recruit’s brain.
-Samuel T. Williamson, "Top- Yes, Top- Sergeant." New York Times
Magazine, 18 Jan 1942, p. 23
[The sergeant] must see that the men fill their canteens with
water, and not whiskey, before the march commences, and that they do
not eat up their rations at improper hours on the march; for the
habit of munching at all hours on the march, besides being injurious
to the health of the soldier, may defeat the purpose of an
expedition based on the necessity that a limited supply of food must
last a given number of days. -Customs of Service for
Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, 1865, p. 117
It is...necessary to march as far as possible in such order as
best permits the action of the non-commissioned officers. -Ardant du
Picq, 1821-1870, Battle Studies, pp. 173-174
Drill Sergeants
An intelligent, forceful, fighting sergeant...is the one greatest
agency in arousing the latent dynamic fighting force hidden in every
red-blooded recruit. -MAJ George F. Arps, "Science as Applied to the
Selection of Noncommissioned Officers." Infantry, Jan 1919,
p. 575
The young soldier does not object to a hard, demanding drill
sergeant as long as he knows his stuff and is fair. -Drill Sergeant
Gernot E. Klingeberger, in "Drill Sergeant of the Year." ARMY,
Nov 1971, p. 8
A drill sergeant is in a position to influence whether [a
soldier’s] military experience is positive or negative- whether he
sees himself as a winner or loser. -Drill Sergeant Kathy Hiatt, in
"Drill Sergeants: The Ultimate Trainer." Army Trainer, Summer
1986, p. 9
[Being a drill sergeant] is a tough, tough two years, and a lot
of people don’t want to do it. Those who do, will experience
phenomenal growth as leaders, both personally and professionally. -CSM
Chester A. Perry, in "Back to Basics." NCO Journal, Winter
1997, p. 12
The services [that countless drill sergeants have] rendered may
not have been recorded in the military history books, but be assured
they are recorded in the hearts and souls of many American fighting
men and women. -SFC Robert E. Phillips, in "We Remember Drill
Sergeants." NCO Journal, Winter 1997, p. 19
How can a drill master exact neatness of person, immaculate arms,
equipments, bunks, and horses, smartness of bearing and military
precision, when his recruits are constantly mingled with other men
who, for perfectly good and sufficient reasons, may not be required
to pay such attention to mere details. In the field, or wherever
there is good reason, we do not care for rust on a bit, sweat marks
on saddlery, or bacon grease on clothing, and the forms of military
courtesy are relaxed; but we know that every man understands that
this is a concession to necessity. We are for the time being savages
struggling with nature, with her cold or heat, her hunger or thirst,
her fatigue, or only the loneliness of her wilderness. If we know
that our men have learned how a bit and saddle should be kept; if we
know that military deference and spirit is there, then we are
willing to dispense with the evidence, and the training of the
recruit should be such as to leave us in no doubt on these points.
Recruits of troops at the same post are often consolidated for drill
under non-commissioned officers specially detailed, and this method
is a step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough.
-1LT Frederick S. Foltz, "The Training of the Recruit." Journal
of the U.S. Cavalry Association, Mar 1895, p. 186
A Drill Sergeant’s Idea of a Good Joke
Getcher cold feet on the warm floor! Har-har! -British drill
instructor waking up trainees in a cold room, McAuslan in the
Rough, 1974, p. 29
Discipline
By definition, discipline is "a branch of knowledge or learning;
training that develops self control, character, or orderliness or
efficiency." To be concise, discipline means training, teaching, and
learning. We should not confuse discipline with punishment. -CSM
Johnny W. Greek, "The Noncommissioned Officer." Engineer,
Fall 1980, p. 33
What is discipline? Well, there is a definition which I always
quote: "A moral, mental, and physical state in which all ranks
respond to the will of the commander whether he is there or not."
The key word is "respond." -RSM J. C. Lord, To Revel in God’s
Sunshine, 1981, p. 133
All military discipline is simply a method of uniting individual
effort. -RSM John Holbrook, in On the Word of Command, 1990,
p. 153
The Sergeant Major [is] to be a generall maister of all Militarie
discipline. -The Theorike and Practike of Moderne Warres,
1598, p. 111
THE SERGEANT. In this officer consisteth the principail
partes of the observation of military discipline. -The Military
Garden...Instructions for All Young Souldiers, 1629, p. 3
Discipline begins with standards.... Historically...NCOs taught,
lived, and enforced standards. -Dec 1989 General Officer Steering
Conference briefing on the 1989 Army Theme "The NCO."
An officer or non-commissioned officer who is unable or unwilling
to exact and secure the fullest measure of discipline [injures]
those under him. -"Talks by the ‘Old Man.’" National Guard,
Jul 1914, p. 209
From the founding of the Continental Army, the European tradition
of harsh discipline was rejected. Frederick von Steuben, the Army’s
first trainer and himself a product of the old Prussian tradition,
quickly came to understand that it would take more than threats to
get American recruits to perform well on the battlefield....
Citizen-soldiers would have to be led by inspiration and disciplined
by reason. Of the roles performed by NCOs- small unit leader,
trainer, and disciplinarian- the last has been the least affected by
technological or social change. Small unit leaders have worked with
tactics that have changed after almost every war. Trainers have
taught the use of ever more sophisticated equipment, from the
flintlock rifle to electronic communications. But when NCOs teach
discipline today, they pass along to their soldiers the same idea
that Steuben taught at Valley Forge. -Time-Honored Professionals,
1989, no page number
Lack of discipline in an individual creates distrust and lack of
confidence, and endangers you and your fellow soldiers when the
chips are down. No combat unit can survive without discipline. -The
Noncom’s Guide, 1954, p. 62
When a unit has consistent discipline, soldiers come to know
what’s expected of them, and, as a result, perform better. -1SG
Walter Cason, in "Top Duty." Soldiers, Jul 1984, p. 8
Real discipline...is enforced by the men themselves. -The
Noncom’s Guide, 1955, p. 42
The discipline on which a successful Army must be built is a kind
that will endure when every semblance of authority has vanished.
When the leaders have fallen.... When the only power that remains is
the strong and unconquered spirit of the team. -The Old
Sergeant’s Conferences, 1930, p. 64
The foundation of any unit is discipline, and discipline begins
with the sergeant.... Soldiers can be the best marksmen in the
world, but their weapons won’t fire unless some sergeant has
instilled in them the discipline to clean their weapons- in the
dark, the rain, and the freezing cold. They can have superior
firepower over the enemy, but if they haven’t the discipline to get
up and fire their weapons- putting rounds down range on the enemy,
then that firepower means nothing.
They might be the "tightest" team in the division, but if some
sergeant hasn’t instilled in them the discipline to keep themselves
at the peak of their physical conditioning, the stress and fatigue
of constant combat will cripple the unit’s combat effectiveness and
render the team useless.
The name of the game is "survival of the fittest," and it’s a
sergeant’s job to make sure his or her people are the "fittest"-
physically, mentally, and emotionally....
What the NCO works toward is not a group of soldiers who achieve
and maintain standards because the sergeant is there standing over
them. What the NCO wants is a group who knows that those standards
are right for that team, and embraces those standards as its own....
The soldier doesn’t clean his or her weapon to avoid a chewing out.
The weapon gets cleaned because that’s the right thing to do. The
soldier doesn’t make a decision out of fear of reprimand, but
because his or her values, attitudes, and beliefs confirm that it’s
the right decision to make. That’s self-discipline and it’s the only
kind of discipline that will stand up to the stress, chaos, and
uncertainty of battle. -CSM George D. Mock and SFC John K. D’Amato,
"Building the Force: ‘Skill, Will and Teamwork.’" NCO Journal,
Summer 1991, pp. 18, 19
Fitness
Keeping in good physical condition...allows you to lead from the
front. -1SG Larry Drape, address "The Do’s and Don’ts of Quality NCO
Leadership." 1990, p. 9
Physically fit soldiers are better able to withstand stress in
peace or war partly because of the psychological dividends of
physical conditioning. These dividends come in the form of
heightened alertness, greater self-confidence, and aggressive,
competitive attitudes- factors which will be critical on any
battlefield. -CSM Henry Bone, "Is Fitness Important for Leaders?"
Special Warfare, Winter 1990, p. 43
Physical fitness training is one of the cheapest ways to train.
It builds teamwork, morale, cohesion, and esprit de corps.... All of
us at some point in our Army career, will be stretched to our
absolute limit. Any such stressful crisis usually comes with little
or no warning. It’s a proven fact that those who are physically fit
will handle those challenges better than those who aren’t. -SGM
Ireland D. Pulley, "Fitness Is Leadership." NCO Journal, Fall
1993, p. 27
When the hands of time start beating up on you, learn to block
the punches. -SSG Duane B. Fish, "Words of Wisdom." NCO Journal,
Fall 1994, p. 22
Good posture contributes to general health and muscular
endurance while reducing muscle strain and fatigue.... Good posture
allows opposing muscle groups to maintain balance, contributing to
proper alignment of the skeletal system and optimal position of the
internal organs. -SGM Donnie E. Carpenter, "Posture Affects
Performance." NCO Journal, Fall 1995, p. 11
In periods between military engagements or maneuvers, exercise in
games and sports keeps a man fit and is a pleasure. -Noncommissioned
Officers’ Manual, 1917, p. 203
If there is no worthwhile work to be done (never waste their time
with "made" jobs) provide group athletics. -The Noncom’s Guide,
1948, p. 22
The brain, like the rest of the human body, needs exercise. -SSG
Ronald C. Bingham, "College Education Important." NCO Journal,
Spring 1995, p. 23
Taking care of your body doesn’t just make sense, your life
depends on it!... Being in good physical condition prepares your
body to handle stress. The healthier you are the easier it is to
shake off the harmful effects of stress. [In coping] with stress it
may help to ask yourself: What is the worst thing that could happen?
What advice would you give to a friend in a similar position? Five
years from now, how will I remember this?... The three elements to a
healthy life style are: good dietary habits (low-fat diet), adequate
amount of sleep (6-8 hours), and physical training (three times per
week). People who practice these habits experience a higher level of
endurance and increased energy. To be effective, exercise must be
aerobic. Aerobic exercise involves a sustained activity that
stimulates your heart and lungs. Prolonged aerobic exercise also
relaxes the body. Many long distance runners say they experience a
runner’s high, which is actually the body’s release of
stress-reducing chemicals in your body. -MSG Bruce W. Barnes,
"Health and Stress Management." Recruiter, Nov 1995, pp. 13,
12
Weapons
Rifles
The Corporall shall...see that every Souldier in his
Squadron have his Armes neate, cleane and handsome.... The Carriage
of Armes must be comely and readiest for use. -The Souldiers
Exercise. In Three Bookes, 1639, p. 8
Another bullet from the hilltop tore into the hickory butt of my
rifle, splitting it squarely in two. I was plenty mad because my
army carbine wouldn’t let me return the compliment. -1SG Charles A.
Windolph, 7th Cavalry, 1876, I Fought with Custer, p. 104
The care of his rifle should be the soldier’s first thought; for,
if he would have it take care of him in time of danger, he must take
care of it at all times. -Noncommissioned Officers’ Manual,
1917, p. 114
A dirty or rusty rifle is a sure sign that the soldier does not
realize the value of his weapon, and that his training is
incomplete. -Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of
Infantry of the Army of the United States, 1917, p. 20
M16s, the inseparable companions of...soldiers. -SSG Patrick
Buffett and R. D. Murphy, "Adapting Training to Mission." NCO
Journal, Fall 1993, p. 12
Men grew accustomed to having their firearms as an extension of
their arms once again. -RSM David Chisnall, Falklands War, in On
the Word of Command, 1990, p. 79
Marksmanship
One wounded infantry sergeant in the old 69th Regiment in New
York, infuriated by the return a second time of a German low-flying
strafing plane which had disabled him on its first passage- that
man, lying on his back, fired at the plane, killed the pilot and
crashed the ship, which fell on another German plane flying under
it, a single rifle shot bringing down two planes. -GA George C.
Marshall, 1939, The Papers of George Catlett Marshall, Vol 1,
p. 694
The Sarjeant...must be ready to trayne and practise such as he
shal finde to be unperfit in their weapons, gentely to shewe them
the best and readyest way. -A Path-Way to Military Practise,
1587, no page number
In teaching the use of Shot, the Souldier must first learne how
to carry his Piece, then how to present it, and to take his levell,
and how and when to give his volley with those in his Ranke.... This
part of Instruction is the proper office of the Serjeants of
Companies, for they should both teach the Shot the use of their
Armes, and be their Leaders in Service.... The Corporall
shall [see the soldiers] cast their Bullets, if need require, and to
such as are ignorant, teach them how to doe the same, and shew them
how to scoure their Pieces, and oyle them, and in time of necessitie,
or upon Cloying, how to unbreetch them. -The Souldiers Exercise.
In Three Bookes, 1639, pp. 9, 8
When his team won the regimental championship, the men of the
company became vociferously proud of their team. [The coach]
appropriated a portion of the dayroom wall and posted a huge chart.
On it were the names of all team members under a heading "The
Possible Club." Each time a shooter fired a perfect score in any of
the four positions, a miniature decal of the regimental crest was
pasted after his name.... By keeping accurate and complete records
of practice scores and averages, he chose an individual as well as a
team score just beyond the current ability of his men. Labeling this
space "The 350 Club," he listed the names of those who fired that
score, again using the regimental decals to indicate successful
achievement. Lastly, he listed the names of team members who held
the range records in each position, as well as total score. Before
long he had to buy more decals. -MSG Russell K. Haight, "First Train
the Coach." ARMY, Jul 1959, p. 43
It’s amazing how many soldiers- and NCOs- don’t seem to
understand the damage a blank round can do. For a visual
demonstration, shoot blank ammo with and without a blank adapter at
balloons, paper bags, sandbags, or even watermelons. Hitting any of
these items with blank ammo will drive home the point. -SFC Vance
Middleton, "Weapons Safety? (Not)." NCO Journal, Spring 1993,
p. 15
Now that I’m a leader, I take that extra moment [to put on ear
protection]. I see the looks on the faces and I hear the grumbling,
but I don’t give in. I know that as a leader I sometimes have to
make unpopular decisions. Through my experience, I must override the
youthful exuberance and ignorance of some of my soldiers to ensure
they do the smart thing.... If I could change one thing from the
past 20 years, it would be the constant ringing in my ears I live
with now- all because I didn’t wear hearing protection when I should
have. -SGM Kevin M. Skelly, "Only One Regret." NCO Journal,
Fall 1995, p. 17
Master Gunner
The Master Gunner must be a man of great experience in that
science. -Approved Order of Martiall Discipline, 1591, p. 7
MASTER GUNNER: Sirrah, thou know’st how Orleans is besieged,
And how the English have the suburbs won.
BOY: Father, I know; and oft have shot at them, Howe’er
unfortunate I miss’d my aim.
MASTER GUNNER: But now thou shalt not. Be thou ruled by me:
Chief master-gunner am I of this town. -Shakespeare, Henry VI,
Act 1, Scene 4
The Army saw something special in you to train you as a master
gunner. It is imperative that you maintain that cutting edge.
Remember, once a master gunner, always a master gunner! -CSM Ronnie
W. Davis, "Once a Master Gunner, Always a Master Gunner." Armor,
May-Jun 1996, p. 8
The Bayonet
It’s all in your form and your attitude. If you stick out your
blade like you know what you’re doing, look the enemy straight in
the eye, and move in on him, he’ll chicken out most of the time.
It’s common sense for somebody to quit. The thing is to make
the other guy believe he’s the only one with enough brains to do it.
-a bayonet instructor, quoted by Bill Mauldin, The Brass Ring,
1971, p. 101
The ’ead of a soldier is covered with a tin ’at, so it ain’t of
no good to go sloshing it with a bay’net becos all yer gits is a
rattle. -WWII British bayonet instructor, in Pigeon Pie, pp.
60-61
Preventing Fratricide
Fratricide should be a major subject of discussion. Our NCOs need
the skills and techniques to identify friends versus foes on the
battlefield. -SGM Steve R. Reynolds, "NCOES Pushes Force
Protection." NCO Journal, Fall 1992, p. 18
To get full value from...training, [a commander] must treat each
death on the battlefield as if it were real. The best commanders
I’ve seen do exactly that. In some instances, junior leaders had to
write letters to the parents of "killed" subordinates explaining the
circumstances of "friendly fire." Once, a CG ordered a 15-6
investigation performed when an OH-58D was "shot" down during
training by a "friendly" M1 tank. The individual didn’t have to pay
for the aircraft or account for the lives of the two flight crew
members, but the impact was immediate and obvious. Within hours,
every soldier heard of the action, and suddenly it was no longer
"cool" to shoot down anything that flew.... The bottom line for
today...is that the most effective fratricide prevention measure is
exacting training techniques with no margin for error. -MSG Miles C.
Pitman, "Are We Training Soldiers to Kill Each Other?" NCO
Journal, Spring 1993, p. 11
Responsibility for a PFC today means he or she must make life or
death decisions in a split second.... Take, for example, the Stinger
gunman.... One day the Air Force AWACS reports unidentified aircraft
in-bound to the unit’s area of operation. The alert is quickly
relayed down the chain to the battalion.... No Hawk or Patriot
radars are available to positively ID the faint dots in the hot,
hazy sky. The gunner has to rely on training that included
electronic verification and visual aircraft recognition of dozens of
the world’s aircraft.... On one hand, he may defend his battalion’s
position, preventing massive loss of life by taking out the
attacker, if that’s what it is. Or will his misjudgment cost the
lives of two U.S. Air Force pilots and one umpteen million dollar
aircraft? -SGM Guy G. Pratt, "Why Quality?" Recruiter, Aug
1990, p. 5
Ammo/Ordnance
Be careful in the use of...explosives. One man has but one
accident. -a demolitions instructor quoted by MAJ Christian Bach
(former NCO), 1918, address "Leadership." Congressional Record
Appendix, Vol 88- Part 9, p. A2253
UXO [unexploded ordnance] is not dead, it is just dormant. It
lies waiting for the right circumstances to release its destructive
force on the unwary. Far too often, that is the soldier who is just
kicking around, bored or maybe looking for souvenirs. It is
difficult to believe there were more casualties attributed to
mishandling of ordnance than to combat during and after Operation
Desert Storm. But, it’s true. And the figures on ordnance-related
injuries have not stopped increasing. They will not either, until
every soldier knows the danger of and gains a healthy respect for
UXO. -SFC Steven I. McElroy and SFC Durred G. Francher, "Unexploded
Ordnance Training Saves Lives." Ordnance, Aug 1992, p. 16
UXO is ordnance, such as artillery and mortar shells, bombs
dropped from aircraft, missiles and rockets, and land mines, that
fails to function for some reason. Soldiers commonly call them
"duds." Some of these duds, such as land mines, are designed to lie
on the battlefield until certain conditions are met and then
activate. -SSG Edward L. Woodford, "Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
Training." Army Trainer, Spring 1993, p. 26
Weapons Maintenance
Take the best care of your guns- they’re your lease on life....
Form habits as to where your equipment is placed so that if the need
arises for it you will get your equipment as a sort of reflex. -WWII
gunner, in What the Soldier Thinks: A Monthly Digest of War
Department Studies on the Attitudes of American Troops, Aug
1944, pp. 9, 10
To the end that he doe it not confusedly, let [the Sergeant]
drawe each sort of weapons by themselves, whereby to set them in
order with more consideration, dispatch and ease. -The Theorike
and Practike of Moderne Warres, 1598, p. 18
A Captain of Arms is he who hath the oversight of the Arms, that
they be fixt and bright.... He is a member necessary enough. -Military
Essayes of the Ancient Grecian, Roman, and Modern Art of War,
1671, p. 220
The chain of command...is responsible for the cleanliness,
lubrication, and functioning of the weapon as it is turned into the
arms room...not the armorer. The soldier’s weapon should be checked
by his immediate leader, and by whoever else in the chain (platoon
sergeant, platoon leader, etc.) the unit leaders or the unit SOP
require. When any member of the chain has pronounced the weapon as
ready for turn-in, the armorer must accept it. (The armorer has no
business inspecting it for anything but the correct serial number
when he accepts it. It is an abdication of responsibility and a
serious blow to the reputation of the chain of command when a SP4
armorer has the authority to overrule the squad leader or platoon
sergeant on such a basic question as the cleanliness of an
individual weapon! On the battlefield, the armorer will not be there
to provide technical advice on cleanliness and basic
functioning.)... The armorer can check weapons which are in
the arms room if the commander wants him to do so. A spot check or
even a 100 percent check for cleanliness and functioning by the
armorer or somebody else in the unit is a good idea. The company
commander should use the results to see how the chain of command is
working. -LTG Walter F. Ulmer, "Forging the Chain." Armor,
Jan-Feb 1985, pp. 30-31
Maintenance
Some of [ordnance’s] highly specialized repair companies are made
up largely of men who were craftsmen in the same line in civil
life.... You will find craftsmen in their late forties, you’ll find
men with their own established businesses who were making thirty to
forty thousand dollars a year back home and who are now wearing
sergeant’s stripes. You’ll find great soberness and sincerity, plus
the normal satisfaction that comes from making things whole again.
-Ernie Pyle, WWII, Ernie’s War, p. 315
Maintenance is a key part of every unit mission. Commanders can
only employ vehicles and equipment that are mission capable. Down
equipment becomes a liability on the battlefield. -SSG Allen, in
"Maintenance in Armored Divisions: Key to Success." Ordnance,
Aug 1990, p. 17
Maintenance is only as good as the first-line supervisors make
it. -SFC James Wright, "Spearheaders Speak." Ordnance, Aug
1990, p. 20
[Good mechanics] regard an engine as a living thing, and they
respect it. -Bill Mauldin, Back Home, 1947, p. 147
These guys [in the motor pool] work hard. It’s a tough job.
You’ll find someone working down here till 2000 hours every night. -CSM
Rufus Riggs, in "Command Sergeant Major: A New Breed of ‘Old’
Soldier." Soldiers, Mar 1981, p. 30
The Importance of Maps
A map is your eyes beyond your eyes- it lets you see miles in
front of you, to your right, to your left, and behind.... If you
think maps are worthless, you haven’t learned their language. Maps
are keepers of the faith for soldiers who know how to read them.
They tell you what’s on the other side of the hill...where the enemy
is likely to hide...how steep the slope is...whether there is a
short cut...where the next drop zone will be...where to stash a food
cache, look for water, or plan a rest stop. In Vietnam when my
reconnaissance team went out, the first thing we asked for was a
map. When I was chased, I’d throw everything away except my map, my
compass, and my weapons. If the pursuit continued, I’d shed the
weapons; but I never gave up my map or the compass around my neck.
They were the keys to coming out of the jungle. [A map is an
essential] piece of your equipment. [When] the terrain is of
immediate interest...it’s the most important piece of paper in the
world....
Without a map to negotiate terrain, you are quite simply and
literally lost. That was never clearer to me than while I was at a
Chinese rough terrain school in Taiwan- rough terrain meaning
you must air drop into any terrain and do your job. In the haste to
deploy, the American members of the party jumped without a map. We
landed in a rugged area- two men shattered their legs- and we hadn’t
a ghost of an idea where we were. We had radios, but without a map
how could we tell the rescue party where to find us? Some of us
struggled our way to a road. But which road? Where did it go? An
operation that should have taken 4 hours took 15 while the injured
soldiers, one caught in a tree, waited- all for want of a map. A
simple piece of paper was the vital missing link. -CSM Matthew Lee,
"Bridge the Gap." Engineer, Fall-Winter 1986, p. 3
Patrolling
The Scoute maister every evening [must direct a sufficient number
of scouts] into crosse wayes and other places of perrill in everie
quarter of the Campe, he must exhorte them still to silence, and to
have regard to looke about them, and not to forsake theyr places
appointed, till discoverers be put forth in the morning to the
fielde. -A Path-Way to Military Practise, 1587, no page
number
A strong patrole has certainly the power of resisting better than
a small one, but if the country is known, the advantage is on the
side of the small patroles, as they may pass with more ease, and
have a better chance to approach near the enemy without being
discovered....
The patrole must march in the greatest silence- every body
should be attentive- no talking allowed- no tobacco should be
smoked, and every thing must be tight on the body, that no rattling
may be heard.... Although the greatest silence is recommended to the
patroles at night, the non-commissioned officer making a patrole by
day should keep up a conversation with his men, when in an open
country, upon the nature of the grounds they are passing through;
instruct them in what manner to conduct themselves if on a patrole
at night; what conspicuous places there are in the vicinity to
retreat to, or go by at night; shew to the men the points of north,
south, east, and west; the probable situation of the enemy, and the
situation of our own army. So as to be able to approach the one
undiscovered at night, or to retreat in a safe manner if attacked by
a superior force; this should be the only subject of conversation
with his men.
Reports must be made in the clearest manner; the men should not
be in a hurry when making the same, as by that means the danger is
over-rated. The report may be such as the following, viz. Enemy’s
hussars or cavalry are seen at the distance of 800 or 1000
paces; behind them is observed the glittering of bayonets, and at a
greater distance a cloud of dust is seen.... It has happened
frequently that a hedge has been taken for a line of troops, a drove
of cattle or sheep for a body of men, carts for cannons, therefore
great attention must be paid to prevent mistakes and consequently a
false alarm.
Q. 76. Is the countersign in the field the same as in time of
peace, being one word? A. The countersign in an army is generally
the name of a place or of a man; but in the very advanced post an
additional countersign is used to know the patroles. Sometimes a
number or a low cough which is repeated two or three times, or some
knock upon the rifle or firelock or cartridge box, which are
recollected much better by the centinels, than foreign names they
are not accustomed to.
Q.9. How is the patrole to act on meeting travellers? A. They
must be examined as any other person; should they go the same road
the patrole is going, they must be kept back, and told in a civil
manner that they cannot proceed; should they make the plea of a
passport and get saucy, they are to be told that they must not go
on, and two men left to guard them for sometime (or should the
patrole intend to return by the same road, until it returns); they
may be permitted to enter into a house, if any is near, but kept
under the guard of the two men....
Q.12. In what manner is the truth to be obtained from the
country people upon the information that the enemy has occupied
their village or place of habitation? A. The truth must be obtained
by good words, or by threatening, if necessary. -Hints for
Non-Commissioned Officers on Actual Service, 1804, pp. 51, 49,
67, 12-13, 31, 24, 54, 55
Thorough preparation is the only way of assuring that the results
a patrol gets are worth the risk and effort its members accept. And
it is the best possible insurance against patrol casualties. -MSG
Jim Connell, "Bringing in the Dope." Infantry, Jan 1946, p.
42
[While patrolling, noncommissioned officers] must not suffer
their men to make the least noise with their arms or accoutrements,
and every now and then stop and listen. -MG Frederick von Steuben,
Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the
United States, 1779, p. 150
Every normal person fears the dark, but if you have to face it
there is great reassurance to moving quietly in good company,
travelling light and knowing that you have been well trained in the
basics- take your time, don't lose contact, when in doubt sink down
and listen, and try to remember that darkness is a friend. -George
MacDonald Fraser (former Lance-CPL), WWII, Quartered Safe Out
Here, p. 61
No war will ever come that will not place upon the
Non-commissioned Officers of Cavalry troops enormous personal
responsibility.... The Non-commissioned officer will be required
repeatedly to command patrols- small patrols (and sometimes strong
ones)- upon the most hazardous reconnaissances, and he must know not
only the cardinal principles of cavalry life as regards husbanding
the strength of both men and horses but he will be required to
conduct his patrol skillfully while out, guard it against surprise,
insure its progress in the right direction (day or night), and gain
that information which he is sent out to obtain. -Manual of
Instruction of the Non-Commissioned Officers of a Troop of Cavalry
in Security and Information, 1903, pp. 7-8
Those whose job it is to pull triggers in war will tell you
theirs is a dangerous business. Believe it! Those whose job it is to
collect intelligence about the enemy without being detected, will
tell you theirs is more dangerous. Then, there is the essence of
danger...the scout.... Cavalry scouts were used in the Americas as
early as the 1750s, when the British were fighting the French. A
colonial American, Robert Rogers, raised a company of rangers and
used scouts to gather information in order to carry out his raids
against the French. In that day and age, it wasn’t called "going on
a recon;" it was called, "going on a scout." It is important to note
that Rogers learned most of his scouting skills from Native
Americans, many of whom served with him. It is believed those skills
created the foundation for the scout’s mission throughout U.S. Army
history. -CSM Ronnie W. Davis, "The Cavalry Scout." Armor,
Sep-Oct 1995, p. 5
The tactical walk is one of the very few military instruction
methods that can be conducted effectively without preparation. A
competent and imaginative instructor can begin a tactical walk on
the spur of the moment- anywhere. All he needs to do is scan the
terrain, visualize a tactical situation, announce it to the class,
and ask: "Now, what would you do if-?" Immediately every
member of the class is compelled to think on his feet- to
study actual terrain, make a hasty estimate of the situation, arrive
at a decision, and describe his actions and orders. -SFC Forrest K.
Kleinman, "Take a Tactical Walk!" ARMY, Mar 1957, p. 60
The habit of continually studying terrain...cannot be stressed
too highly. -MSG James F. Quinn, "Evasion and Escape." Infantry,
Apr 1957, p. 69
There are many ways to train successfully without a great deal of
bucks.... Look at another form of terrain walks. Develop a scenario
over a specific piece of terrain, an example is the GDP mission.
Take the soldiers of a platoon or company to the forward edge of the
scenario, or where you expect the attack to occur. Recon the map
(ensure each NCO has a map) and the ground to select good defensive
positions and control points. Share those decisions with the
organization. Now walk the battle areas from the standpoint of the
enemy. Walk by crews, discussing advantages and disadvantages along
the way. Ensure that platoon groups come together every 50-to-100
meters or so and discuss tactical engagements, positions, fields of
fire, avenues of approach, boundaries, fire plan, etc.... A good GDP
scenario recon takes about five days, but the training and esprit
developed in those five days cannot be replaced. -CSM John M.
Stephens, "Training the Reduced Budget Way." Armor, Mar-Apr
1988, p. 7
Intelligence and Security
Use common sense in security matters and you will never find your
flanks exposed. -SGM Dan Cragg, "To Noncoms on the Staff: Stay
Loose; Keep in Shape." ARMY, Jan 1980, p. 51
When...great occasions are offered, where it is needefull to
carry the souldiers with great silence, secrecie, and stilnesse [the
Sergeant Major] is to be their guide. -The Theorike and Practike
of Moderne Warres, 1598, p. 110
It happens frequently that the enemy sends an officer with a
trumpeter, and an officer with a flag in a boat.... The centinels
must be cautioned not to enter into any kind of conversation with
them, as it is probable that every means will be used to pump the
centinel. -Hints for Non-Commissioned Officers on Actual Service,
1804, p. 27, 28
[During the Civil War, SGT John D. Colvin was stationed at Fort
Strong, on Morris Island, and by persevering he learned the enemy’s
flag signal codes. Later], stationed at a prominent point, his duty
called for the interpretation of the messages of the enemy
constantly flying from post to post. Through this arrangement, the
intentions of the enemy, the commands of their general, the
movements of the troops, and various other valuable information was
submitted to the general commanding. As an evidence of the value of
the gleanings of this station, it is only necessary to give a
specimen message intercepted:
July 9th, 6.30 P.M. GEN. [FELIX H.] ROBERTSON: Your two
telegrams of 1 o’clock to-day received. Do not attack, but take a
strong position, and do your utmost to prevent the enemy from
advancing. Their object is to establish batteries in position to
enfilade our works on James Island. Your especial duty now is to
prevent them from doing that. If you accomplish that, it is all that
I can expect at present. Take care of your men; that is, do not hurl
them rashly against the enemy. Put them in a good position to keep
the enemy back. If this is an intended general advance, your attack
this morning will make them pause. [signed] GEN. [SAMUEL] JONES. -The
Signal Corps, U.S.A. in the War of the Rebellion, pp. 279-281
The [S2] section must train before departing their home station
[for the NTC]; studying Soviet/OPFOR tactics, performing map
reconnaissance of Fort Irwin, remembering that the map is part of an
underdeveloped picture...and coordinating with the S3, to become
familiar with his particulars.
The staff must practice the intelligence cycle and build a trust
between the S2 and the intelligence section. Once at the National
Training Center, the S2 must attempt to make a ground reconnaissance
of the area, keeping in mind that what is on the map may be
different from what is on the ground. He must also coordinate with
the S3 and company commanders on the use of counterreconnaissance.
This is vital; denying the OPFOR the use of their eyes and ears on
the battlefield will also deny them the information they need to
win. All the reference material that can be taken, should be taken.
All reports from both lower and higher elements must be checked.
Don’t take for granted that someone else has. Many times "higher
headquarters" will report items on the battlefield which are not
relevant to the situation....
The S2 must, in conjunction with the S3 and the companies,
coordinate all combat patrols. This involves planning, rehearsals,
inspections, briefings, monitoring, and debriefing all patrol
members. The S2 who is not involved often misses information
important to develop recommended priority intelligence requirements
for the commander. Patrol members may miss important information on
the battlefield when not informed of what to look for. All patrols,
not just reconnaissance patrols, have the mission of gathering
intelligence information....
S2s must pace themselves; it is impossible to stay awake to
complete rotation. S2s must use their staffs, let them earn their
pay, and get as much rest as needed. -MSG Samuel I. Diamond, NTC
Senior Intelligence Analyst, "Battalion S2 at the NTC: Ways to
Succeed." Military Intelligence, Apr-Jun 1984, pp. 32, 33
A Drumme is one of the necessariest Officers to a Company, and
divers passages of waight and moment hee is to be imployed in; for
many times they are sent to Parlie with the Enemie, and to redeeme
Prisoners from the Enemy; therefore hee ought to be a man of
personage, faithfull, secret, and trusty.... Hee ought to be of a
singular good cariage, and discreet, to observe and take notice of
all passages, that may give any intelligence to his Officers of the
state of the Enemie; Hee must be very wary that nothing be screwd
from him, neither by faire nor foule meanes; wherefore he must be
wary of the Enemies friendship, in bestowing courtesies upon him
especially in giving him drinke, least in his cupps he reveale any
secrets. -Anima’dversions of Warre, 1639, pp. 194-195
If such Drums or Phifes fortune to fall into the handes of the
enemie, no gyfte, no faire speeches, neither force nor terror, shall
cause them to betray any secrets knowne to them. -The Approved
Order of Martiall Discipline, 1591, p. 17
Let the Sergeant Major be very carefull to provide good drummers,
and men skilfull in their art, especially their Drumme Majors; for
the drumme is the voice of the commander in the field: and besides
their skill with the drumme, to be men of good capacity and
judgement; also to speak sundry languages, being behouvefull for
many important occasions wherein they are to be employed. -The
Theorike and Practike of Moderne Warres, 1598, p. 115
Guard Duty
Much depends on the care and attention with which
[noncommissioned officers] instruct the sentinels in their duty and
their capacity for making them comprehend the orders. They should be
particularly careful in cautioning the sentinels not to give
unnecessary alarm, and never to fire until they feel assured of what
they are firing at, and that there is some probability of their
shots being effective. Many an innocent person has been killed by
the sentinel, in his trepidation, neglecting or forgetting to
challenge, and firing without first ascertaining whether it was
friend or foe who was approaching. Many false alarms have been
produced, and serious consequences have resulted, from firing
unnecessarily, sometimes at friends accidentally in the way, or at
officers visiting the posts, sometimes at hogs, cattle, or other
animals, and frequently at nothing at all. Many of these accidents
can be prevented by the judgment, coolness, and alertness of the
non-commissioned officers. -Customs of Service for
Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, 1865, p. 126
Being appointed to ward or watch, let [the Sentinel] be first
refreshed with victuals.... The Sergeant Major is to bee carefull,
to visite every day the Corps de guards. -The Theorike and
Practike of Moderne Warres, 1598, pp. 16, 114
After the establishment of [guards of a corporal and three
privates], few instances occurred of whole troops of noisy mules,
horses, and asses, chasing each other round and through the camp or
bivouac, and galloping over the faces and bodies of the soldiers
whilst they were asleep. -Advanced-Guard, Out-Post, and
Detachment Service of Troops, 1863, p. 128
The hardships of a soldier’s life are half in imagination. If you
must stand picket with the rain and snow freezing on you, thinking
of your misery don’t help it. -CPL Frederick Pettit, Civil War,
Infantryman Pettit, p. 110
So soone as the Sentinell shall call upon any approach, he shall
immediately goe with his Sword drawne, or in especiall cases (where
the Enemy lodgeth neare) with a guard of two at least (being a Pike
and a Shot) unto the Sentinell, and making his Guard stand upon
their guard, he shall place the point of his sword to the breast of
him that is to give the Word, whether he be Rounder, or other
private passenger, and so with his eare to his mouth very closely
receive the Word, which if it be right, he shall give the
partie passe, if otherwise, he shall take him prisoner and disarme
him, and either keepe him upon his guard, or els deliver him to his
superior Officer. -The Souldiers Exercise. In Three Bookes,
1639, p. 7
[The purpose of an advanced guard is] to take care that the enemy
does not fall upon us unawares, and that the main body may have time
to get ready to receive the enemy and to put itself in the best
situation for defence.... A non-commissioned officer who has the
command of [the advanced posts] is under a very great
responsibility, as by his negligence thousands of his comrades may
lose their lives or liberty.
Q.8. In what manner is an advanced post or picket to be placed
in front of a village? A. In the gardens, behind the hedges, on both
sides of the roads by which the enemy must advance, the road is to
be closed up with waggons placed across it, and of which the wheels
towards the post are taken off; ploughs, harrows, etc. may be put
likewise upon the road, by which the enemy will be retarded in his
advance, and an opportunity will be given to annoy him much by the
cross fire from both sides of the road....
Q. 10. In what manner, and at what distance are the centinels to
be placed? A. About three hundred paces, and they should be placed
in such a manner, if possible, as to be hid, but that they
nevertheless can see at a great distance, so that no cavalry of the
enemy can dash upon them and cut them down, or make them
prisoners....
Q. 39. What is a centinel to do in heavy rain, high wind, or a
storm of snow? A. He should front towards the enemy, he must not
draw his hat over his eyes, nor stoop with his head to screen
himself from the wind or snow storm, but should redouble his
attention to observe what is going on, for in stormy or bad weather
a surprise is often executed, as the enemy confides in the
inattention of the centinels, who frequently are of opinion that in
such bad weather the enemy will not attempt any thing, whereas it is
the most eligible and favourable opportunity for him to attempt a
surprise....
Q. 83. Are the centinels allowed to smoke? A. No; as by night
the fire in a pipe may be seen at a great distance, even the smoke
of the tobacco may be smelt....
Q. 79. Are the advanced guards to turn out by day under arms;
general officers visiting the same? A. By no means;- every body
remains quiet; the officer or non-commissioned officer meets him and
receives his commands...
Q. 72. What is to be the conduct of the centinels when a field
officer or a general visits the post? A. In the same manner, as with
the patrole, he demands the countersign, and does not suffer any one
to come near him. -Hints for Non-Commissioned Officers on Actual
Service, 1804, pp. 29, 1, 3-4, 12, 26, 25, 23
[Enter a SERGEANT of a band, with two SENTINELS].
SERGEANT: Sirs, take your places and be vigilant: If any noise
or soldier you perceive Near to the walls, by some apparent sign Let
us have knowledge at the court of guard. FIRST SENTINEL:
Sergeant, you shall. [Exit SERGEANT.] Thus are poor
servitors, When others sleep upon their quiet beds, Constrain’d to
watch in darkness, rain and cold. -Shakespeare, Henry VI, Act
2, Scene 1
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