Chapter I: Principles of Training

=1.= _Object and method of training._

1. The object of training is to fit all ranks for the performance of their duties in war. This volume deals with the general principles which govern the training in peace and leading in war of horse, field, mountain, and heavy artillery. It also forms the basis of the training of companies R.G.A. armed with movable armament (except 6-inch howitzers) for the defence of land fronts.

2. The training must include both moral and physical instruction. The development of a soldierly spirit is needed to help the soldier to bear fatigue, privation and danger cheerfully; to embue him with a sense of honour; to give him confidence in his superiors and comrades; to increase his powers of initiative, of self-confidence, and of self-restraint; to train him to obey orders or to act suitably in their absence; to impress upon him that so long as he is physically capable of fighting, surrender to the enemy is a disgraceful act; and finally to produce such a state of discipline that each individual will perform his duty coolly and correctly in the stress of battle.

The training of the body is required to develop the soldier’s capacity for resisting fatigue and privation, in order that he may always be fit to perform his duty.

It is only after some development in these qualities of mind and body has been made by the individual that instruction in working collectively in the field should be undertaken.

3. As soon as a man enters the service, every endeavour should be made to foster in him a soldierly spirit. Officers and non-commissioned officers must remember that it is chiefly by their example that the development of a soldierly spirit will be achieved.

The soldier should be instructed in the deeds which have made the British Army and his own regiment famous, and as his education progresses simple lessons drawn from military history may be explained to him.

The privileges which he inherits as a citizen of a great empire should be explained to him, and he should be taught to appreciate the honour which is his, as a soldier, of serving his King and country.

4. The management, care, and handling of his gun and horse must always be the principal aim in the artilleryman’s training, but he must also have some knowledge of musketry and field engineering, either of which he may be called upon to employ in the course of a campaign.

Drill is an essential factor of all training, in order to establish and maintain a mutual understanding between a commander and his subordinates.

Mounted and dismounted games are also of value in teaching the importance of co-operation, discipline and determination. The greater number, therefore, that take part in such sports the better.

It should be impressed on all ranks throughout their training that the sole object of the various courses of instruction is to fit them for their duties in war. By keeping this fact constantly in view training will develop on sound and practical lines.

=2.= _Responsibility for training._

_See also_ T. and M. Regs. Sec. =2=.

1. Responsibility for the training of the troops committed to their charge rests on all commanders from those of sections upwards. Subject to the principles laid down in the various Training Manuals and Regulations, commanders are at liberty to employ such methods as appear best calculated to attain the desired end. Superior commanders while holding their subordinates responsible for the training of their units will never forego their functions of guidance and control, and will exercise a general and continuous supervision over their work. In carrying out this duty they must not curb the initiative of their subordinates or interfere unnecessarily so long as the training is conducted on sound lines.

2. The importance of artillery being regularly trained to work with the other arms cannot be overestimated. It is the function of the divisional commander to afford the necessary opportunities to his batteries, when the divisional artillery commander reports that they are ready. (_See_ T. and M. Regs., Sec. =40= (6).)

3. The divisional artillery commander is a subordinate commander and as such is responsible for the efficiency of the artillery of the division. (_See_ F.S. Regs., Part II, Sec. =9=.)

It is his duty to superintend the tactical training of the artillery, to conduct the higher education of its officers, and to see that the principles laid down in the various training manuals for the guidance of the artillery are adhered to.

4. The commander of an artillery brigade is responsible for the training and efficiency of his brigade and for supervising the instruction of his officers. He will also see that the numbers and efficiency of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men required for special duties are maintained in accordance with the regulations. (_See also_ Sec. =6= (6).)

The commander of a reserve brigade, is responsible for the system of training the recruits as well as for the efficiency of the permanent cadres of the depôt and reserve batteries.

5. The commander of a battery is responsible for the training and efficiency of his officers, non-commissioned officers, men and horses. He is also responsible that the equipment of his battery is complete and fit for service. He is assisted in these duties by the captain. A battery commander will hold his section commanders responsible for the training and efficiency of their sections, and also for the condition of the horses and equipment belonging to them to such an extent as he considers desirable. It should be his aim, while maintaining a general control, to develop the self-reliance and readiness to accept responsibility of all ranks.

6. To qualify for the command of a section an officer should himself be capable of performing all the ordinary duties which his men may be called upon to undertake in the field.

Young officers, before being dismissed drill, should therefore be capable of stripping and putting together a saddle, correctly saddling, bitting and turning out a horse in marching order, putting together the harness and harnessing a draught horse and driving in the centre, lead or wheel. He should also have a thorough knowledge of the gun, its equipment and ammunition, the system of laying and of the duties of the various numbers.

When qualified they should personally train their own section to take its place in the battery, making the most of the opportunities thus afforded to study the characters of their men, to find out the special qualifications of each and to gain their confidence.

TRAINING OF RECRUITS.

=3.= _Preliminary training of recruits._

1. The training of the recruit will commence as soon as he joins the depôt or training brigade. As it is here that the foundation of his military education is laid, great importance attaches to the system of instruction adopted.

The daily programme of work should be varied so as to avoid monotony with its consequent loss of interest.

A syllabus of training is given in Appendix I. This syllabus can only be taken as a guide since weather and other conditions will often make it impossible to carry out the programme laid down.

2. A practical character should be given to the instruction from the beginning. Officers and non-commissioned officers should themselves show the proper position or way to do whatever they are teaching: for it is much easier to learn when the eye assists than when the ear alone is the medium of instruction.

3. The language used should be as simple as possible and technical terms which are necessary must be carefully explained. Questions which admit of a simple answer should frequently be asked, but attempts to extract long parrot-like quotations from drill-books should be forbidden. Every encouragement should be given to recruits to take an interest in all details connected with their work and to question their instructors on any points they do not understand.

The attainments of recruits on joining are to be noted and all should be encouraged to attend school until they obtain a second-class certificate.

4. Recruits should be formed for instructional purposes in squads; the number of men in each squad should not exceed ten. It may be advisable to rearrange the squads periodically, so that the more intelligent men may not be kept back by those of inferior ability.

Recruits should be called out in turn to drill when they have progressed sufficiently, for this gives a man confidence, helps him to learn, and causes him to take additional interest in his work.

5. The squad instructors must be carefully selected and should, if possible, receive some previous training as instructors at the depôt. They must be firm, but patient, making allowances for the different capacities of the men, and it will be of advantage if the same instructors remain with the same squads throughout their course.

An instructor should place himself where he can be seen and heard by all in the squad, should stand in a smart, soldierlike attitude, and should avoid pacing up and down, looking down on the ground, turning his back to the squad, and similar habits, which fidget the men and distract their attention. His explanations should be given in a distinct voice; his word of command should be sharp and decisive.

6. Alertness of attitude and smartness of movement should be enforced throughout all drill; but while details or explanations of drill and equipment are being given, squads should be allowed to stand easy.

7. The recruits course will consist of instruction in the following subjects:--

_All recruits._
i. Physical training. (_See_ Manual of Physical Training.)
ii. Foot drill.
iii. Rifle exercises, and Musketry exercises.
(Musketry Regulations, Part I.)
iv. The use of cordage, tackles, knots, &c.
v. Semaphore signalling.

_Gunners._
vi. Gun drill and elementary gunnery.
vii. Laying, fuze setting.
viii. Visual training.

_Drivers._
ix. Fitting, cleaning and disposal of harness.
x. Stable management.

_Boys._
xi. Signalling (flag, lamp and helio).
xii. Map reading.

8. In addition to short lectures connected with the above, others should be given on the following subjects, illustrated whenever possible, by reference to incidents of actual warfare:--

i. Moral education, including patriotism, devotion to
duty, the soldierly spirit and self-respect.
ii. Interior economy and barrack duties, including the
organization of a battery; dress, clothing and its
care; names and ranks of superiors, &c.; regulations
and orders; leave and passes, hospital rules,
pay, promotion, school.
iii. Discipline: its object: punctuality, regularity and
obedience: saluting: method of making requests:
behaviour out of barracks: meaning of esprit de
corps, regimental motto, &c.
iv. Sanitation, its object and rules to follow: hints on
marching and care of feet, &c.

Lectures should be given under the most comfortable circumstances to the hearers and use should be made of models and the blackboard, in order to engage and hold their attention and interest.

9. No definite period for the course above outlined can be laid down, since it will depend on a number of varying circumstances, but it is considered that 12 weeks would be needed to give the average recruit a sound preliminary training. To enable his training in more important subjects to go on uninterruptedly after joining his unit, every effort must be made to complete that portion of the course which consists of physical training and marching drill.

10. It should be impressed on recruits that their prospects of civil employment in after life depend on their conduct whilst in the army, that preference is given to such as have exemplary or very good characters, and that sobriety is a very important qualification for employment.

4. _Recruit training in the battery._

1. Recruits should, if possible, be posted to batteries in batches. Further training in the various subjects referred to in Sec. =3= will usually be necessary. The same instructors should, if possible, deal with the same subjects throughout this training and one officer should be specially charged with superintending the work and giving the class a series of lectures.

2. During this period a careful watch should be kept for men who are likely to become useful non-commissioned officers, or who show an aptitude for any special duties; and every encouragement should be given them to improve themselves.

THE ANNUAL TRAINING OF THE SOLDIER.

=5.= _System of training._

_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Sec. =3=.

1. The conditions in which the artillery is raised in different parts of the Empire vary so greatly that rigid adherence to any one system of training is impossible, but the methods described in the following pages should be followed as closely as circumstances allow.

2. The training of the soldier must be progressive and continuous.

With this object the training year will be divided into two periods, which will be devoted respectively to--

i. Individual training.
ii. Collective training.

The object of individual training is to prepare the individual officer, non-commissioned officer or soldier for the duties which he will be required to carry out in war.

The object of collective training is to render the sections, batteries and larger units and formations capable of manœuvre and co-operation in battle.

3. Whatever periods are allotted for individual and collective training the instruction of individuals and units is not to be considered as limited to these periods respectively. Advantage must be taken of any opportunities which may arise for individual training during the period of collective training, and _vice versâ_. (_See_ T. and Man. Regs., Sec. =7=.)

4. It is undesirable to lay down fixed courses of training, and it will rest with commanders to design for themselves programmes for each training period which will ensure the necessary standard of efficiency being reached within the limits of time allowed.

Under special circumstances, detailed instructions may be issued by higher authority for the training of subordinate commands. Detailed instructions should, however, be sparingly employed as they cramp initiative and increase rather than facilitate the work of subordinates.

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING.

_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II.

=6.= _General instructions._

1. Individual training must be, as far as possible, progressive and uninterrupted.

The success of each year’s collective training will largely depend on the care and attention devoted to the individual training which precedes it.

2. Leave and furlough should, if possible, be so arranged that each battery is at full strength for a period, or periods amounting in all to not less than 24 working days. When this is not possible, the application of this rule may be limited to the section. During this period or periods the battery or section should be struck off duty in order to allow its commander to carry out a complete and thorough course of individual training for his officers and men.

3. Short lectures, practically illustrated, form one of the best means of imparting instruction and are also of value in educating officers and non-commissioned officers to express themselves in clear and simple terms.

4. Individual training comprises:--

i. Instruction of officers in professional duties (King’s
Regulations, and T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II).
ii. Instruction of non-commissioned officers and men
likely to become non-commissioned officers in the
duties which they may be called upon to perform.
iii. Reconnaissance duties.
(Secs. =240-244= and F.S. Regs., Part I.)
iv. Range-finding. (Sec. =245=.)
v. Intercommunication duties. (Sec. =246-248=.)
vi. Physical training and marching drill.
vii. Gun drill, laying, and fuze setting.
viii. Equitation. (Chap. III.)
ix. Musketry.
x. Training of eyesight and observation, and in judging
distances. (Secs. =241-243=.)
xi. Semaphore signalling for captains, subalterns, and
non-commissioned officers, and at least 20% of the
gunners and drivers.
xii. Practice, so far as means are available, or can be improvised,
in entraining and embarking guns and horses,
and in slinging horses, vehicles and stores which form
part of their war equipment. (Secs. =252-254=.)

5. In addition, lectures on the following should also be included:--

i. The principles of artillery tactics, ammunition supply,
the employment of artillery in war in conjunction
with the other arms and the general characteristics
of those arms.
ii. The care of horses, saddlery, and equipment and
stable management, combined with practical
illustration. (_See_ Animal Management.)

6. The instruction in signalling, range-finding and reconnaissance duties should be carried out under the direct instructions of the brigade commander, who will also supervise the training of the officers in professional duties.

COLLECTIVE TRAINING.

_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Chap. III.

=7.= _Section training._

1. At the commencement of battery training each section will be trained in the field under its own section commander to such an extent as the battery commander considers desirable. For this purpose one or two sections, as convenient, can be lent the horses and carriages of the remainder, the latter being meanwhile trained in dismounted work, gun drill, laying, fuze setting, semaphore signalling, &c. Arrangements should be made so that every man may be trained with his own section during this time.

2. The battery commander will personally supervise the section commanders and thus ensure that each section is fit to take its place in the battery.

The period of section training offers a convenient time for the education of the battery headquarters by the battery commander or captain.

=8.= _Battery training._

1. To ensure efficiency in the command of a battery it is essential that its training should be devoted to foreseeing and removing all possible causes of friction between its component parts.

2. Each battery should be struck off duty for at least 36 days (inclusive of section training). It will seldom be possible for these to be consecutive, but the brigade commander is responsible for making the best arrangements possible for the general good of his command.

3. The chief points to which the battery commander should devote his attention are:--

i. Fire discipline.
ii. Supply and replenishment of ammunition.
iii. Internal communication in the battery and co-operation
between the various members of battery headquarters.
iv. Fire tactics (the selection, occupation and preparation
of positions and co-operation with the other arms).
v. Field engineering. (_See_ M.F.E. and Secs. =238=, =239=.)

4. At first it will often be advisable to take out only the officers, senior non-commissioned officers and parties required for observation and communication. When these individuals have got to know their work and to understand each other, the whole battery can be taken out.

Parties may with advantage be sent out to the positions against which the guns are to come into action to note where and when any of the personnel or material of the battery are exposed to view, and to form targets for the guns. By such means the men will be enabled to see the mistakes made, and learn to avoid them.

5. The difficulties which attend the supply of ammunition in the field make it important that each battery should practise it with its full number of wagons as often as possible. In order to do this arrangements should be made to place the horses of the brigade at the disposal of each battery in turn.

6. Before the training of the battery is finished an opportunity of bivouacking for 24 hours should be obtained. It will be of advantage if the site selected affords facilities for practising swimming horses, entrenching and the passage of obstacles.

If arrangements can be made for issuing flour and live stock, useful training in the preparation of rations under active service conditions may be gained.

7. All training, other than formal parades, carried out beyond the precincts of barracks, whether other arms are present or not, should be based on some simple tactical scheme, which should be explained to all ranks beforehand.

=9.= _Brigade training._

1. As soon as the batteries have completed battery training they will be inspected by their brigade commander, after which the training of the brigade should commence.

Each brigade should be at the disposal of its commander for at least 18 working days.

2. The object of brigade training is to fit the brigade to take part, either alone or as part of a larger force of artillery, in any operation involving the employment of other arms.

To achieve this object training in the following is necessary:--

i. The selection, and change of positions and of objectives
in accordance with the tactical plan.
ii. The concentration and distribution of fire in accordance
with the progress of the fight, and the
procedure to be adopted to carry out these objects.
iii. Co-operation with the other arms, and intercommunication
between the artillery brigade commander,
his batteries and ammunition column, and also
between the artillery brigade commander and the
divisional artillery commander and subordinate
infantry commanders.

3. If arrangements cannot be made to carry out tactical training with the other arms (_see_ Sec. =2= and T. and Man. Regs. Secs. =40= and =42=) the action and effect of those arms must be considered in the solution of tactical problems.

=10.= _Annual practice._

1. The object of the annual course of gun practice is two-fold, viz.:--

i. To instruct all ranks in the application in the field of the
approved principles of gunnery and artillery tactics
with service ammunition.
ii. To accustom commanders to acquire the habit of appreciating
a situation quickly and correctly, of arriving
at an immediate decision, of translating that decision
into suitable orders and of ensuring their intelligent
and rapid execution.

2. The schemes on which the tactical practice is based should deal with problems such as would be likely to confront a commander in war. These schemes for batteries and brigades of divisional artillery will be drawn up by the divisional artillery commander in consultation with the general staff officer of the division. Schemes for larger formations will be prepared by the general staff officer of the division under the direction of the divisional commander.

In the case of horse artillery the camp commandant will draw up the schemes for tactical practice in consultation with the inspector of cavalry. In the case of heavy artillery and unallotted brigades of field artillery the tactical schemes will be prepared by the camp commandant.

The divisional commander will, whenever possible, be present at the tactical practice of his divisional artillery and act as director of the operations, assisted by the commandant, who is the divisional artillery commander in the case of batteries and brigades of divisional artillery. The commandant will act as director in the absence of the divisional commander.

The director or assistant director will give out the schemes and, if he himself is acting as the commander of the force engaged, will explain the tactical situation and will issue such orders as he would in war. Should the divisional commander so desire, a senior officer of another arm may be placed in command, in which case he will describe the situation and issue his orders. Before doing so he should be made fully acquainted with the lessons which the director wishes to teach, and with any limitations imposed by range conditions.

3. It is the duty of practice camp commandants to record the state of efficiency of the various batteries and brigades, to bring to notice matters affecting the efficiency of the equipment and to report on the suitability for war of the technical methods employed.

4. Accurate observation of fire is of very great importance. Practice camp commandants should, therefore, make sure that officers and selected non-commissioned officers are given opportunities of watching as many series fired as possible.

5. Further instructions for the conduct of practice are contained in “Instructions for Practice, Horse, Field, and Heavy Artillery.”

=11.= _Divisional artillery training._

1. Divisional artillery training will generally take place between the annual practice and divisional training, and under the supervision of the divisional commander who will decide the duration and locality of the training.

2. During this period attention will first be devoted to perfecting the methods by which orders are issued to brigades, and communication maintained between them and the commander of the divisional artillery and to the reconnaissance and selection of artillery positions.

It will not always be necessary to take out the batteries in the earlier stages of the training as much of the work in connection with the above can be carried out by the headquarters of divisional artillery and of brigades and batteries working together under the divisional artillery commander.

3. Subsequently, schemes, in which the whole divisional artillery will take part, should be framed to illustrate definite points in connection with the tactical employment of artillery in various situations, the higher command of artillery in battle, the allotment of zones or tasks, the application of fire, and the replenishment of ammunition.

The other arms should usually be associated with the divisional artillery in working out these schemes. Infantry may be utilised for the purpose of showing in skeleton the positions and movements of that arm in a scheme designed principally for the training of the divisional artillery. When units are not available officers of other arms should be attached for the purpose of stating the action that would be taken by their arms.

Occasionally the artillery of a division may carry out exercises independently of the other arms, but in such cases the effect which the presence of other troops would have on the operations must never be ignored.

=12.= _Training of Special Reserve and Territorial Artillery and of the artillery of the Overseas Dominions._

1. The annual training should be earned out on the same principles as have been indicated above for the Regular Forces. It is not possible for citizen forces, in the limited time at their disposal, to carry out the whole course. The perfecting of the battery as the fire unit should be the principal object kept in view. Beyond this officers, senior non-commissioned officers and battery headquarters should be instructed, both with respect to their battery duties and also as part of a brigade, for which purposes the presence of the batteries themselves is not essential.

2. The training of the Special Reserve should be devoted to fitting individuals to take a place in the battery suited to their special qualifications. Thus any men who show aptitude as layers, signallers, &c., should be encouraged to perfect themselves so far as the time available for their training will allow.