the most prominent object in the
zone indicated.
3. Announce the position of the "At three o'clock."
target with respect to the
reference point.
4. Announce the range. "Range 1000."
5. Announce the objective. "A hostile patrol of four men."
[Illustration: Fig. 53]
PROCEDURE:
1. All men look to their right front (or along the two o'clock line).
2. The reference point (stone house) is found in the indicated
direction.
3. A clock face (vertical) is imagined centered on the reference
point, and the men look along the line leading from the clock center
through three o'clock, and
4. 1000 yards from the firing point.
5. Find the hostile patrol.
=1447a. Finger System.= (Used with indistinct or invisible targets and
to define sectors.)
(By one "Finger" we mean the amount of frontage that one finger,
held vertically, will cover, the arm being extended horizontally
to its full length. In the average case this amount of frontage
covered is about 1/20 of the range. For instance, at a range of
1000 yards, one "Finger" will cover fifty yards of the sector The
same result will be obtained by using the rear-sight leaf in the
position of aiming.)
[Illustration: Fig. 54]
SYSTEM EXAMPLE
1. Announce direction to "To our right front, at 1000 yards."
reference point as in the
vertical clock face system.
2. Announce reference point. "A stone house with two chimneys."
3. Announce angular distance and "Four o'clock, three fingers."
direction from the reference
point to the target.
4. Announce range. "Range 1000."
5. Announce objective. "A skirmish line alongside of the
fence, length about two fingers,
right at the dark bush."
[Illustration: Fig. 55]
PROCEDURE:
The reference point is found as explained, and the vertical o'clock
line upon which the target will be found. The soldiers who do not see
the target will extend the aim to its _full extent_ palm of the hand
upward, finger held vertically with one side of the hand "against" the
reference point. The target will be found on the four o'clock line,
and touching the third finger, at 1000 yards distance, its right flank
at the bush and its left flank about 100 yards farther to the right.
The following case will illustrate more concretely the use of the
"Finger" system:
There is a red house about 3/4 mile to our front, and to the right of
this house and a hundred yards or so to its rear, there is a line of
trenches that can be seen with the aid of field glasses, but the
trenches are difficult to locate with the unaided eye. There is no
prominent landmark in the direction of this line of trenches, or on
either flank, except the red house mentioned. The company commander
locates the flanks of the line of trenches through his field glasses;
he then extends his arm forward horizontally its full length, palm up,
raises the fingers of his hand and, sighting on the line of trenches,
finds that the trench line has a length of four "finger widths," and
that the flank of the line nearest the red house is three "finger
widths" from it. He decides to divide the line into two sections of
two "fingers" each, and assign one section to each of his two
platoons. He then calls his platoon leaders (and range finders, if
necessary), and says, for instance: "Center of objective, five to the
right of that red house, First Platoon, two fingers; Second Platoon,
two fingers." The two platoon leaders then estimate the range and give
the company commander their estimates independently. The company
commander also estimates the range, and taking the average, then
announces the range, say 1300 yards, after which the platoon leaders
return to their platoons, and give, for instance, these instructions:
"The target is a line of trenches four 'fingers' long, and about 1300
yards away; the center of the target is five 'fingers' to the right of
that red house, at about 10 o'clock. We are to fire at the two fingers
on the right of the center and the Second Platoon will look after the
two fingers on the left of the center." (The leader of the Second
Platoon gives similar instructions.)
Every man in the platoon figures out the platoon objective and
endeavors to fix it with respect to some features of the ground so
that he will be able to pick it up promptly after his platoon starts
to advance. After fixing well in his mind the platoon objective, he
figures out what part of it belongs to his squad, and then selects
that portion of the squad objective corresponding to his position in
the squad. If during the advance, his particular portion of the target
should become hidden from view, he will fire on the nearest portion of
the trench line, returning to his own part as soon as it becomes
visible.
=1447b. Communication.= After the company has been committed to the
fire fight, verbal commands cannot be heard, and it is well nigh
impossible even to secure attention to signals. It is, therefore, most
important that we should train and practice the company as much as
possible during time of peace in the rapid and accurate transmission
of orders and signals along the firing line.
Matter upon which a commander would need to communicate with his
subordinates, in addition to tactical orders, would generally be
confined to:
(a) Changes of elevation and deflection.
(b) Changes in the apportionment of the target among the subdivisions.
(c) Changes within the limits of the sector, or objective.
(d) Changes in the rate of fire.
(e) And rarely change of target from one within to one without the
limits of the objective or sector.
=1448. Procedure.= The following is given merely as a concrete example
of the procedure that might be followed in certain ring exercises--it
will not, of course, apply to all cases; it is merely given as a
concrete illustration of what might actually be done under certain
conditions.
_Company Commander._ On receiving his instructions from the officer in
charge of the exercise, the company commander returns to his company,
keeping track of the changing aspect of his target as he does so.
Arriving at the center of his company, he is met by his platoon
leaders, and range finders, who have assembled in his absence. The
company commander says:
"The target is a line of skirmishers, visible in part. It may be seen
between us and that long line of green bushes which begins one finger
to the right of that red water tower at 11 o'clock and it extends well
beyond the bushes both to the right and to the left."
(At this point the range finders begin their estimation and the
captain pauses until the senior range finder, or other designated
person automatically announces the average estimate of the range,
saying for example, "range 1100.")
The captain then resumes, saying:
"The sector assigned to this company is three fingers long and extends
from that group one finger to the right of the water tower, to a point
four fingers to the right of the tower. Each platoon will cover the
entire company sector. Range ten-fifty and eleven-fifty. Fire at will
at my signal. Posts."
_Platoon Leaders._ The platoon leaders then hasten to the center of
their platoons and "put into execution the commands and directions of
the captain, having first taken such precautions to insure a correct
sight-setting and clear description of the aiming point as the
situation permits or requires" (Par. 251 I. D. R.), by saying:
_Target:_ The target is a line of skirmishers about 1100 yards to our
front, only parts of which are visible.
_Reference point:_ That long line of bushes about 1300 yards to our
left front. The company sector is three fingers long and lies between
us and that reference point, extending one-half finger beyond each end
of the bushes.
_Aiming point:_ The bottom of the line of bushes.
_Range:_ 1050 and 1150.
As soon as the range is announced each front rank man sets his sight
at 1050 and each rear rank man at 1150. Squad leaders assure
themselves that sights are set and that the men of their squads
understand the aiming point and sector and then raise their hand as a
signal that all are ready. Similarly, the platoon leaders raise their
hands to show that all of the squads are ready, and when the captain
sees that all of his platoons are ready, he signals to begin firing.
At the captain's signal, each platoon leader commands: "_Fire at
Will._"
Firing then begins at a rate of about 3 shots per minute (Par. 14, I.
D. R.).
=1449. Points To Be Borne in Mind.= Bear in mind the following points
in the solution of field firing problems:
1. Combine sights should, as a rule, be used where the estimated range
is 1000 yards or more, the two ranges being 50 yards on each side of
the estimated range, the even numbers firing at one range, the odd
numbers at the other.
2. When aiming points are chosen they should be clearly described.
Bushes, bunches of lines of grass, fence posts, etc., should not be
designated as aiming points when clear and more definite aiming points
are available. The choice of the best of several possible aiming
points is of great importance.
3. Have some system of simple signals whereby you may know when all
your men are ready to begin firing. Otherwise, you may begin the
firing before some of your men have their sights set and before they
understand the sector and point of aim. For example, let each squad
leader raise his right hand when his squad is ready, and each platoon
leader his right hand when his platoon is ready.
4. Platoon leaders must always be sure to designate a definite aiming
point. Remember that in the case of an indistinct target, the company
commander describes the TARGET to the platoon leaders, and they in
turn announce the AIMING POINT. Having seen and located the target,
the platoon leader must examine the terrain at, in front of and behind
the target, and choose the aiming point for his men. He must then
determine the proper sight-setting for that particular aiming point.
He then announces both aiming point and range.
5. Instead of describing a sector as, for example, extending so many
yards (or so many "fingers") north from the reference point, it is
better to describe it as extending from the reference point northward
for a definite distance, as "To that tall red house."
The last method is the best, because it leaves no room for guessing on
the part of subordinates. So, remember it is always best, when
possible, to define the limits of sectors physically, as, extending,
for example, from "That house to that windmill," etc.
6. When acting as part of the battalion, always be sure to designate
someone (usually one of the musicians) to watch for signals from the
battalion commander, and don't fail to repeat back all signals.
[Illustration: Fig. 56]
7. In advancing by rushes, always allow sufficient time between rushes
to recover the loss in fire caused by the cessation of fire. In other
words, the next rear unit should not start forward until the one that
has just advanced has resumed an effective fire.
8. Remember that in all field firing problems the distribution of hits
has big weight. Consequently, it should be definitely understood
beforehand, that, in the absence of any target designation by the
company commander, each platoon leader will look after the sector
corresponding to his front, and that each man will fire at the part of
the sector corresponding to his front. Should the targets in a given
sector disappear, then the platoon leader covering that sector will at
once switch his fire to the adjoining sector until the reappearance of
the targets in his own sector. For example, let us suppose the company
sector, A-B (the company being on the defense and not advancing) is
divided into four parts A-B, B-C, C-D and D-E. Platoon No. 1 would
look after everything that appeared in D-E; No. 2, after everything
that appeared in C-D; No. 3, everything that appeared in B-C; and No.
4, after everything that appeared in A-B.
Should the target suddenly disappear from D-E, then No. 1 would switch
his fire over to C-D, and keep it there until the target reappeared in
D-E, and if the targets disappeared from C-D, before reappearing in
D-E, then both No. 1, and No. 2, would switch their fire cones to A-C.
=1450. Exercises.= The following exercises for the elementary training
of individuals and squads were used with success by the troops
mobilized on the Texas border:
TARGETS
1. The target will be represented by individual soldiers.
2. With reference to their visibility, the battlefield will present
three classes of targets:
(a) Those which are visible throughout.
(b) Those which are visible in part.
(c) Those which are invisible, but whose location might be
described.
Targets will be arranged to simulate one of the classes enumerated.
Instruction will begin with simple exercises in which the target
presented is plainly visible, and represents only the objective of the
unit undergoing instruction. It should progress to the more difficult
exercises in which the target is invisible and the line of figures is
prolonged to include the objective of units on the right or left.
3. The limits of indistinct targets may be shown to unit commanders by
the use of company flags. These flags, however, will be withdrawn from
sight before a description of the target or estimate of the range is
attempted, and before anyone but the commander of the unit undergoing
instruction sees their location.
4. At the conclusion of each exercise in which flags are used to mark
the limits of the target or its subdivisions, they should be
displayed, in order that any existing errors may be readily pointed
out.
5. To determine proficiency in target designation, the instructor will
provide a sufficient number of rifles, placed on sand bags or other
suitable rests, and require those charged with fire direction and
control to sight them at the limits of their objective. An inspection
by the instructor will at once detect errors. Similarly, in those
exercises in which all the members of the firing unit participate, the
percentage of rifles aimed at the correct target may be determined.
6. In these exercises no method of communication will be permitted
that could not be used under the conditions assumed in the problem.
EXERCISE NO. 1--RANGING
Object: To train the individual to set his sight quickly and
accurately for the announced range and windage; and to accustom
leaders to the giving of windage data.
Situation: The company is formed in single rank at the ready with rear
sight set at zero and the slide screw normally tight.
Action: The range and windage are announced, sights are set accurately
in accordance therewith and as rapidly as may be, each man coming to
port arms immediately upon completing the operation.
Time: Time is taken from the last word of the command.
Standard: Sights should be correctly set within 15 seconds.
Note: Of the two elements, time and accuracy, accuracy is the more
important.
Par. 411, I. D. R., implies complete use of the rear sight, that is,
utilization of the wind gauge, and sight setting to the least reading
of the rear sight leaf, i. e., 25 yards. Sight setting therefore in
this exercise should include, more often than not, "fractional ranges"
and windage data.
EXERCISE NO. 2--RANGING
Object: To familiarize officers and noncommissioned officers in the
use of an auxiliary aiming point.
Situation: Two men with the company flags are stationed to mark the
enemy's invisible position. This position should be suitably located
with reference to a practicable aiming point.
Action: The markers are signaled to display their flags. An officer or
noncommissioned officer is called up and the enemy's position is
pointed out. The flags are then withdrawn and the officer or
noncommissioned officer selects an auxiliary aiming point and gives
his commands for firing at that point.
EXERCISE NO. 3--TARGET DESIGNATION
Object: To train the individual soldier to locate a target, from a
description solely. To do so quickly and accurately and fire thereon
with effect, and to train officers and noncommissioned officers in
concise, accurate and clear description of targets.
Situation: The men are so placed as not to be able to see to the
target. The instructor places himself so as to see the objective.
Action: The instructor, to one man at a time, describes the objective,
and directs him to fire one simulated round. The man immediately moves
so as to see the target, locates it, estimates the range and fires one
simulated shot.
Standard: For ranges within battle sight, time 20 seconds; beyond
battle sight, time 30 seconds. Not more than 15% error in the
estimation of the range. Objective correctly located.
Note: Arrangements made so that the description of the target is heard
by only the man about to fire. After firing the man will not mingle
with those waiting to fire.
EXERCISE NO. 4--TARGET DESIGNATION
Object: To train the squad leader in promptly bringing the fire of his
squad to bear effectively upon the target presented. To train the
individuals of a squad to fire effectively from orders of the squad
leader and automatically to obtain effective dispersion.
Situation: The squad is deployed, the squad leader being in the firing
line. Position prone. A sighting rest is provided for each rifle.
Action: Upon the appearance of the target the squad leader gives the
necessary orders for delivering an effective fire. The men under these
orders sight their rifles and then rise. The instructor then examines
the position and sighting of each rifle.
Time: Time is taken from the appearance of the target until the last
man has risen.
Target: A squad of men to outline a partially concealed enemy emerges
from cover, advances a short distance and lies down.
Standard: 90% of the rifles should be sighted in conformity with the
orders of the squad leader and should evenly cover the whole front of
the objective. The squad leader's estimate of the range should not be
in error over 15%.
Note: The squad leader should not, in general, be allowed to divide
the target into sectors but to obtain distribution by training the men
to fire at that portion of the objective directly related to the
position they occupy in their own line. The exercise should be
repeated with the squad leader in rear of the squad and not firing. As
to this, it is to be noted that Musketry School experiments prove that
in small groups the directed fire of say seven (7) rifles is more
effective than the partially undirected fire of eight rifles obtained
when the group leader is himself firing.
EXERCISE NO. 5--COMMUNICATION
Object: To teach prompt and accurate transmission of firing data
without cessation of fire, and also to teach automatic readjustment of
fire distribution.
Situation: A squad deployed in the prone position and with sighting
rests, is firing at a designated target.
Action: A squad with sights set at zero is deployed and brought up at
the double time into the intervals of the firing line and halted. The
firing data is transmitted to them without cessation of fire. At the
command =Rise=, given 20 seconds after the command =Halt=, the first
squad rises and retires a short distance to the rear. At the same
time, the supports cease fire and adjust their rifles in the rests so
as to be aimed at the target as they understand it. They then rise
and their rifles are examined by the instructor for range and
direction.
Standard: 80% of the rifles should be sighted according to the
transmitted data and aimed according to the principles of fire
distribution.
Target: One target equal to a squad front, which is increased to two
squads prior to the arrival of the supports in the firing line.
Note: This exercise should be repeated with the supporting squad
reenforcing on a flank. To determine whether the original squad is
able to keep its assigned sector during an advance, this exercise
should be repeated, the supports being thrown in after a series of
short advances by the original squad. Care should be exercised to
prevent the transmission of firing data in a manner under which
service conditions would be impracticable. (See Exercise No. 6.)
EXERCISE NO. 6--COMMUNICATION
Object: To train the squad leader in receiving and transmitting
instructions by visual signals alone.
Situation: A squad with its leader in the firing line is deployed in
the prone position firing at will.
Action: The instructor, without sound or other cautionary means,
signals (visually) to the squad leader at various intervals to,
First: Change elevation.
Swing the fire to the right or left.
Suspend the firing.
Etc., etc.
The squad leader, upon receiving a signal, causes his squad to execute
it without verbal command, or exposing himself.
Time: No specified time limit.
Standard: The squad leader should fire with his squad, but after each
shot should look towards his platoon leader for any signal, then
observe the fire and conduct of his men, then, after glancing again at
his platoon leader, fire again. This the squad leader should do
without exposing himself. By lying about a head's length ahead of his
men he can see his squad front. In transmitting orders he can
accomplish it by nudging the men on his right and left and signaling
to them with his hand.
Note: This exercise is essential to prepare men for the deafening
noise of a heavy action when speech or sound signals are largely
futile.
EXERCISE NO. 7--FIRE DISCIPLINE
Object: To train men to carry out strictly the fire orders given them,
and to refrain from starting, repeating or accepting any change
therefrom without direct orders from a superior.
Situation: A squad deployed in the prone position.
Action: While the squad is firing at an indistinct but specified
target, another and clearly visible target appears in the vicinity of
the first target but not in the same sector. Upon the appearance of
this second target, the instructor sees that the men continue firing
at the assigned target. The corporal should check any breach of fire
discipline.
Note: Variations of this exercise should be given to test the fire
discipline of the men in other phases, such as rate of fire (Par. 147,
I. D. R.), etc.
FOOTNOTES:
[18] The subjects of fire control and fire direction are coveted in
pars. 285-290; 1434-1436.
[19] In attack the target is called "objective"; in the defense,
"sector."
PART V
CARE OF HEALTH AND KINDRED SUBJECTS
CHAPTER I
CARE OF THE HEALTH
=1451. Importance of good health.= Good health is just as necessary to
an army as rifles and ammunition. Not only does every sick man take
away one rifle from the firing line, but in addition he becomes a care
and a burden on the hands of the army. Indeed, it is fully as
important for a soldier to take care of his health as it is for him to
take care of his rifle and ammunition. The importance of doing
everything possible to look after one's health is shown by the fact
that in every war so far, many more men have died from disease than
were killed in battle or died from wounds. In our Civil War, for
instance, for every man on the Union side who was killed in battle or
died from wounds, two died from disease. In the Spanish American War
the proportion was 1 to 5-1/2.
To do all that he can to keep in good health is a duty that the
soldier owes his country.
=1452. Germs.= Diseases are caused by little, tiny live animals or
plants called _germs_. They are so small that you require a magnifying
glass to see them.
The following illustrations show the typhoid and malarial germs as
seen through a magnifying glass:
[Illustration: Fig. 1
_Typhoid germs_
_Malarial germs_]
The Different Ways of Catching Disease
=1453. Five ways of catching disease.= There are only five ways to
catch disease:
1. By breathing in the live germs.
2. By swallowing the live germs.
3. By touching the live germs.
4. By having the live germs stuck into the skin by insects that bite.
5. By inheritance from parents.
Diseases Caught by Breathing in the Germs
=1454. The more common diseases.= The following are some of the more
common diseases caught by breathing in the germs: Colds, diphtheria,
tonsilitis, grippe, scarlet fever, pneumonia, and consumption.
The germs that cause these diseases grow well in the dark, warm, moist
lining of the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs, and they are coughed
or sneezed out or blown out and float in tiny bubbles in the air or
fall to dry into dust which is blown about with the wind, and so are
breathed in, or they may be transferred directly by kissing invalids
and sick children.
=1455. How to avoid breathing in sickness.= Do not visit sick people
or a house where the children are sick.
Do not let other people cough or sneeze over your food or in your
face.
Do not allow others to spit on the floor of your squadron or tent.
Do not do these things yourself.
Blow your nose into a handkerchief that can be boiled or into a piece
of paper that can be burned.
[Illustration: Fig. 2
_Distributing sickness_]
Put your hand before your face when you cough or sneeze.
Rinse out the nose with hot, weak salt water at night and especially
if you have been inhaling dust.
Brush the teeth after each meal and before going to bed.
Do not pick the nose with the finger nails; it makes sore spots in
which germs grow.
On dusty hikes tie a handkerchief across the nose and mouth.
Never sweep the floor with a dry broom. Use a damp mop and so pick the
germs up and carry them out instead of driving them up in the air as
dust.
Diseases Caught by Swallowing the Germs
=1456. The more common diseases.= The following are some of the more
common diseases caught by swallowing the germs: Typhoid fever,
dysentery, cholera, and ptomaine poisoning.
=1457. Water as a distributer of disease.= Impure water is one of the
most common distributers of disease that there is. Therefore, water
from sources unknown or soiled by sewage, should be avoided as deadly
and should not be used, _unless boiled_, for drinking, brushing the
teeth or rinsing mess kits.
You can not always tell polluted water by its appearance, smell or
taste. Unless from a sewer or drain, it may look clear and sparkling,
with no smell and have a pleasant taste, so, water that is not known
to be pure should not be drunk.
=1458. Vegetables as a distributer of disease.= In some localities the
inhabitants use the streams for all purposes; drinking, washing
clothes, bathing, washing vegetables and table utensils and as a
sewer. When kitchen gardens are irrigated with such water the germs
are to be found on the cabbages, beets, etc.
=1459. Food, fruit, cigarettes, and drinking cups as distributers of
disease.= Germs may be smeared on the hands and thus transferred to
articles of food, fruit, cigarettes, or drinking cups, especially in
public places, so that he who buys at the public stands may have
disease handed to him with his purchase.
=1460. The fly as a disease carrier.= The ordinary fly is one of the
worst and filthiest transmitters of disease in existence.
Flies carry germs from privies, latrines, spitoons, and sick rooms to
the food on your table, by means of their smeared feet, in their spit
or in their specks.
[Illustration: Fig. 3]
=1461. The dog as a distributer of disease.= Dogs are often
distributers of disease. They use their tongues for toilet paper and
afterwards lick their coat or the hands of their friends. Petting dogs
or letting them lick your hand is dangerous.
[Illustration: Fig. 4
'_Nice doggie_'
(And "nice doggie" may be giving him some disease)]
=1462. How to avoid swallowing disease.= Do not drink water that is
not known to be safe. If you have no one to ask and are traveling, it
is safer to drink tea or coffee, because they have been made from
boiled water, or to drink bottled mineral waters. In the field boil
your drinking water. Boiled germs are dead and will not grow. They
are, therefore, harmless.
[Illustration: Fig. 5
_Boiling water to kill germs_]
Beware of water from wells, farm pumps ponds, cisterns, water coolers
and barrels, especially in railroad cars, stations, and ferry boats.
Do not drink lemonade, soft drinks, or milk from peddlers.
Beware of the public drinking cup.
[Illustration: Fig. 6
_Next!_
(What germs will he leave on the cup?)]
Always wash your hands before going to meals and before putting things
into your mouth, especially after going to the toilet or handling
animals.
Do not adopt strange dogs and do not pet dogs.
Before eating fruit or raw vegetables, wash and peel them unless
picked from the tree by yourself.
Do not eat food that is spoiled, smells or tastes badly or is flyblown
or maggoty or full of bugs.
Do not eat food which is not sufficiently cooked. All smoked, dried or
salt meats or fish, such as ham, bacon, sausage, dried beef, bloaters,
salt mackerel or codfish, must be well cooked, as they may contain
"Measles" or other worm eggs. Cooking kills the egg.
Do not eat food exposed on public stands to dust, flies, dirty hands,
dirty water, dirty cans, or dirty glasses and buckets.
Do not allow flies to breed in dirt or other filth around the house,
nor allow them to walk on your food. This is possible by burning,
burying or otherwise removing the dirt or filth, and by using fly
traps, "swatters" and fly paper.
Do not wet lead pencils with your spit.
[Illustration: Fig. 7
_Swallowing sickness_]
Do not wet your fingers with spit when you deal cards or turn over
pages of books or magazines.
Keep the teeth brushed and the mouth clean. Have decayed teeth
repaired at once. Decayed teeth drop out and they cause abscesses,
which may destroy the jaw bone or cause brain fever. Old snags give
the stomach the germs of rotting, which cause dyspepsia.
Diseases Caught by Touching the Germs
=1463. The more common diseases.= The following are some of the more
common diseases caught by touching the germs: Ringworm, mange,
barber's itch, sore eyes, boils, carbuncles, lockjaw, small pox,
chancroid, syphilis, and gonorrhoea (clap).
=1464. Ringworm, mange, and barber's itch.= These diseases are carried
from person to person by finger nails and hands and from dirty water
to those who bathe in it or have their underwear washed in it.
=1465. Lockjaw.= The germs of lockjaw are found in manure and in soil
fertilized with it; hence, a bullet which passes through such soil
before wounding carries these germs into the wound. Any wound soiled
with such dirt will be infected. Also, wounds made by toy pistols and
fire-crackers often contain lockjaw germs.
=1466. Chancroid, syphilis, and gonorrhoea (clap).= These are diseases
whose germs are usually caught from prostitutes and whores, or from
husbands who have caught the germs from prostitutes and whores. They
are called "Venereal diseases," after Venus, the Roman goddess of
lustful love, but they are very often caught in other ways than in
sexual intercourse, and by innocent persons.
=The chancroid plant= causes a very nasty sore, the _chancroid_, which
often destroys much flesh and causes buboes. The germ can be carried
on the fingers to any part of the body. When the chancroid is healed
and the bubo becomes a scar the disease is cured.
The _syphilis_ germ will grow first where it is rubbed in, causing a
hard ulcer, called a chancre, and after that it travels through the
entire body. No place is sacred to its destructive power and it lives
as long as the patient does. It is the cause of much insanity, palsy,
apoplexy, deafness, blindness and early death. In mothers it causes
miscarriages and in children it causes stillbirths, freaks,
deformities, feeble minds and idiots; also, deaf and dumb, palsied,
stunted, sickly and criminal conditions.
A syphilitic person is always dangerous although apparently well. He
often has a sore mouth and his spit is as dangerous as that of a mad
dog. The bite of such a man will develop a chancre and any pipe, cup,
or tooth pick which he uses, or his kiss, will give syphilis. A
syphilitic tattooer who wets his needles and his India ink with spit
will put a chancre into the skin with the picture.
The instruments of cheap advertising dentists and of quack doctors or
ignorant nurses can carry these germs from one person to another. So
can the razors and caustic stick of barbers who are careless.
=The clap plant= likes to grow in the linings of the openings of the
body where it is dark and warm and moist where it causes a catarrhal
discharge called _clap_, which is easily smeared on hands, towels,
handkerchiefs or by actual contact.
It grows well in the eyelids, causing great damage and often
blindness. Many babies get the clap plant into the eyes during birth,
from the mother, and unless treated within a few minutes after birth,
have sore eyes and go blind,--a terrible calamity to the child and the
family. If you have clap the germs can be carried on your hands to
your eyes.
The clap plant also grows well in the cavities of the joints, causing
rheumatism and crippling; it grows in the heart, causing valvular
heart disease, which is incurable, and also in the generative organs
of men and women, causing self-made eunuchs and childless wives. It
is the cause of most of the severe abdominal diseases of women
requiring the use of the knife to cut out the diseased part.
The venereal diseases cause more misery than any others and most of
the doctors would have to go into other professions to earn their
living if these diseases did not exist.
When a young man is "sowing his wild oats" he is really planting in
his own body the syphilis and clap plants, and the harvest will be
greater than any other crop. He will reap it in days of bedridden
misery, and possible sudden death. He will reap it in bitter hours by
the bedside through the illness and death of his wife or in her long
years of ill health. He will reap it in little white coffins, idiot
babies; blind, deaf and dumb, sickly and stunted children. And it will
cost him lost wages and hospital and doctor fees.
Yes, the wild oats crop is a bumper crop. King Solomon was wise when
he warned his son against the harlot, "for her end is bitter."
The best way to avoid venereal diseases is to keep away from lewd
women, and live a clean moral life. It is said by medical authorities
that sexual intercourse is not necessary to preserve health and manly
vigor, and that the natural sexual impulse can be kept under control
by avoiding associations, conversations, and thoughts of a lewd
character. However, persons who will not exercise self-control in this
matter can greatly lessen the risks of indulgence by the prompt use,
immediately upon return to camp or garrison, of the prophylaxis
prescribed by War Department orders and which all soldiers are
required to take after exposing themselves to the danger of venereal
infection. Men who immediately after intercourse urinate and wash the
private parts thoroughly with soap and water will lessen the chances
of infection. Drunkenness greatly increases the risk of infection.
Should one be so unfortunate as to contract venereal disease, he
should see a first-class, reputable physician AT ONCE, the sooner the
better. It is a fatal mistake to try to conceal venereal disease by
not seeing a doctor, he who does so is taking a most dangerous chance
of ruining himself physically for life.
=1467. How to avoid diseases caught by touching the germs.= Keep your
skin clean with soap and water.
Do not bathe or wash your clothes in dirty water, have them boiled
when laundered.
Do not go barefoot, even in barracks.
Do not use towels or toilet articles of other people, especially in
public wash-rooms unless they furnish a fresh towel for you. Do not
sleep in houses left empty by the enemy unless ordered to do so.
Do not sleep in native shacks in the tropics.
Do not rub the eyes with dirty hands. When dirt gets in have a doctor
get it out.
If you have clap, do not rub your eyes with your hands, and wash your
hands well with soap and water after taking treatment or passing
water.
Do not handle dogs or cats, especially strange or sickly ones.
Do not clean the ears with sticks or straws,--have a doctor do it for
you.
Do not have cheap, advertising dentists fix your teeth. Have the army
dentist fix them and see him at least once every six months,--or see a
good civilian dentist.
Do not have pictures tattooed on your skin.
Do not smoke other men's pipes.
Do not handle or touch wounds with anything but a first aid package.
Beware of chipped drinking glasses in cafes, restaurants and other
places. The slightest cut from such a glass whoso clipped part has
been in contact with the mouth of a syphilitic person will give you
syphilis.
Seek good companions like your mother and sister. Keep away from John
Barleycorn. He always wants to turn you over to a harlot.
Whores and prostitutes are all diseased and will give you germs that
will live to give diseases to you, your wife and your children, forty
years from now. Keep away from them.
Diseases Caught from Biting Insects
=1468. The more common diseases.= The following are some of the more
common diseases caught from the bites of certain insects: Malaria,
yellow fever, and dengue fever.
The germs of malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever live in the blood,
and are sucked up into the blood by mosquitoes when they bite.
Malaria germs, however, will develop only in the mosquito called,
_Anopheles_.
Yellow fever germs will develop only in the mosquito called,
_Stegomyia_.
Dengue fever germs will develop in the mosquito called _Culex_ and in
_Anopheles_.
After a period of development in these mosquitoes the germs will find
their way to the spit glands, and are injected into the person whom
the mosquito bites. (Note. Male mosquitoes cannot bite.)
_Absolutely the only way that malaria, yellow and dengue fevers can
possibly be caught is from mosquitoes._
[Illustration: Fig. 8
_The malaria mosquito_
(She stands on her head)]
[Illustration: Fig. 9
_Culex the mosquito_
(She is humpbacked)]
=1469. How to avoid malaria, yellow and dengue fevers.= To avoid these
diseases, which are carried by mosquitoes, we screen all houses with
fine wire screens and use mosquito nets on the beds. Also, under
certain conditions we take daily doses of quinine in malarious
regions.
We kill the mosquitoes.
To do this we must know their habits.
Mosquitoes all lay eggs in water. These hatch out as _wigglers_ or
_larvae_, which have to come to the top frequently to breathe. In
about twelve days or longer they turn into _tumblers_ or _pupas_,
which in a few days longer come to the top when their backs split open
and the mosquito comes out and flies away.
[Illustration: Fig. 10
_The eggs_
_The larvae_
_The pupa_
_The mosquito leaving the pupa skin_]
_The malaria mosquito_ is domestic like the chicken and lives around
in houses hiding in the grass, bushes or dark corners and comes out to
bite at night. When a settlement is abandoned the malaria mosquito
moves away also. She rarely flies far from home and is not found much
beyond 500 yards from a house. She lays her eggs in running clear
water preferably, but she will accept water in hollow trees, between
the leaves of lilies or air plants or in vases of flowers, or in
cisterns and water butts.
[Illustration: Fig. 11
_Catching malaria_]
[Illustration: Fig. 12
_On Guard_
(No mosquito bites for him)]
_The yellow fever mosquito_ is domestic like the house cat. She hangs
around the house and rarely flies as far as the next house even,
preferring to travel on a visitor's coat. She will bite in the day
time and will lay her eggs in any little collection of water in the
house, the eaves trough, the water barrel, old tin cans or bottles,
pitchers, vases or the refrigerator drip.
_The dengue_ mosquito is a marsh and town mosquito. She flies far and
well and will breed in any sort of water, even brackish.
_To kill mosquitoes_--
Catch them in the house; empty all water from tin cans, old barrels,
etc; cover with wire all cisterns and water barrels; fill in all
puddles and drain off marshes; put oil on all pools and streams to
choke the wrigglers; cut down grass and bushes around houses.
CHAPTER II
PERSONAL HYGIENE
=1470.= The knowledge of taking care of the body is called _Personal
Hygiene_, the principal rules of which are as follows:
1. KEEP THE SKIN CLEAN.
2. KEEP THE BODY PROPERLY PROTECTED AGAINST THE WEATHER.
3. KEEP THE BODY PROPERLY FED.
4. KEEP THE BODY SUPPLIED WITH FRESH AIR.
5. KEEP THE BODY WELL EXERCISED WITHOUT EXHAUSTION.
6. KEEP THE BODY RESTED BY SUFFICIENT SLEEP.
7. KEEP THE BODY FREE OF WASTES.
Sanitation is the practice of the laws of Hygiene.
=1471. RULE 1. Keep the Skin clean.= A dirty body invites sickness.
Small troubles such as chafing, sore feet, saddle boils, sore eyes,
felons, whitlows, earache, toothache, carbuncles, fleas, lice and
ringworms, are all caused by lack of cleanliness, and they put men on
sick report.
Owing to excessive perspiration a daily bath with soap is desirable in
summer and in the tropics, the year around. At least a weekly bath
should always be taken when possible. When not possible to bathe, take
a good rub daily with a dry towel.
Keep your feet clean with soap and water and put on dry socks before
sleeping at night. Soiled socks should be washed and hung up to dry
over night.
Keep your finger nails trimmed short with scissors or knife. Never
bite them off. Keep them cleaned and keep your hands washed,
especially at meal times.
Underwear must be washed in clean water, hot when possible and when
soiled change as soon as possible.
Do not bathe or wash your clothes in dirty water. Bathing in water
containing much alkali (hard water) or fine sand or mud will make the
skin smart or chafe easily and cause sore eyes.
The hair of the head should be kept well-trimmed.
=1472. RULE 2. Keep the body properly protected from the weather.=
Clothing of the soldier is worn as a protection. Too much causes
sweating and exhaustion on the march and too little causes chills and
frost bite.
Be careful to rebutton the clothing in winter time after attending to
Nature's calls. Cold fingers may make you careless, but the cold is
merciless and may cause a bad frost bite.
The first feeling of frost bite is numbness and the first sign is a
marble whiteness. Frost attacks first the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers
and toes.
Sun glare and snow blindness may be prevented by colored goggles or a
handkerchief tied across the face with a small slit for the eyes or by
greasing the face and eyelids and rubbing in charcoal around the eyes.
=1473. RULE 3. Keep the body properly fed.= Your company mess is
sufficient for your needs and is wholesome, provided it is well
chewed. Large lumps of food take a longer time to digest than small
particles do, and so they tire the stomach and also cause
constipation, gas and indigestion with headache.
Do not eat food left behind in strange houses or by the enemy, nor
food that smells or looks badly.
If haversack rations are issued to you, do not eat them all at the
first meal, but make a division for each meal. Stuffing will make you
sick on a hike and later, hunger will drive you to eat things you
would not touch at other times.
Before starting on the day's hike drink all the water you can and fill
your canteen with water only.
Be sure your canteen does not leak.
After starting, do not drink anything until the end of the hike.
Do not eat ice or snow to quench thirst. It will make you more
thirsty. Do not drink large quantities of cold spring water when
heated,--it will give you a very bad bellyache.
Do not drink whiskey or beer, especially in the field. It will weaken
you and favor heat exhaustion, sunstroke, frost bite and other serious
troubles.
Alcohol muddles the mind and clouds thoughts, and so causes a feeling
of carelessness and silliness that may ruin some military plan, or
give the whole thing away to the enemy and with it the lives of
yourself and your comrades.
The soldier who drinks alcohol will be among the first to fall out
exhausted.
If you use tobacco, do not chew or smoke while marching. Tobacco is
only a dope and increases the work of the heart.
A cup of hot coffee is a good stimulant.
=1474. RULE 4. Keep the body supplied with fresh air.= The brain,
kidneys and other internal organs require oxygen (a part of the air)
continually, and if deprived of it for five minutes, the body will
die. Therefore, it is easy to see that we must continually get plenty
of fresh air into the lungs to supply the blood which carries the
oxygen throughout the body. Except in winter time when steam-heated
barracks are filled with sleeping men, it is not, as a rule, difficult
to get all the fresh air we need. The air in a dormitory should smell
sweet and clean, even though warm. Fresh air should be continually
admitted in a way that will not throw a draft on any of the sleepers.
It is much better to sleep in a cold room with fresh air than in a hot
stuffy one.
Fresh air not only prevents consumption, but it will cure mild cases
of consumption without other medicines.
=1475. RULE 5. Keep the body well exercised without exhaustion.=
Exercise is absolutely necessary to good health. Lack of exercise of
any set of muscles will cause them to grow flabby and weak. Outdoor
sports are the best form of exercise, because they use all the body
muscles, and are in the open clear air.
Exhaustion, on the other hand, not only weakens the muscles of the
body, but it also lessens the vital forces and powers to resist germs.
=1476. RULE 6. Keep the body rested by sufficient sleep.= Give the
body enough sleep. Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep are enough for
the average man, and you should always have that much in every
twenty-four hours. Remember your comrades need it also; so, if you
come in after taps, do not make a racket with slamming doors, heavy
tramping, talking or whistling. And in camp be careful not to fall
over tent ropes or step on other sleepers. Do not drink coffee at
night,--it will keep you awake and rob your body of needed rest.
When on the march take advantage of every halt to rest your body. As
soon as the command is given to fall out, select, if possible, a dry
place on the side of the road to sit or lie on. If carrying the pack,
loosen it and rest back on it, in a sitting or lying position. If the
march has been a long one, lie flat on your back and raise the feet in
the air. This is a quick way to remove the heavy dragged feeling of
the feet and legs and to rest the heart, because the blood runs out of
the legs into the body.
=1477. RULE 7. Keep the body free of wastes. Get into the habit of
emptying the bowels at a certain hour each day.= Immediately after
breakfast is a good time. This is a habit that can be cultivated just
like any other habit. Cultivate it. It will do much to keep you in
good health.
Always empty the bowels and bladder, especially the bowels, whenever
you have the least desire to do so. Do not allow a little personal
inconvenience or laziness to prevent you from doing this. The wastes
from the bowels and bladder, especially the bowels, are poisons that
should always be expelled from the body just as soon as possible.
The free drinking of water flushes the bladder and helps to loosen the
bowels. A glass of hot water soon after reveille will not only help to
loosen the bowels, but it will also benefit the stomach and flush out
the bladder. Some people drink a big glass of water, either hot or
cold, every morning before breakfast.
Proper physical exercise and eating ripe or cooked fruits will also do
much to keep the bowels open.
Pressing and rubbing _downward_ with the left hand on the lower _left_
side of the belly will do much to induce a movement of the bowels.
Most constipation comes from swallowing food in large chunks, drinking
large quantities of cold liquids with the meals and eating heavy
articles of diet, such as beans, fried pork, hot bread.
Do not get into the habit of using laxatives to keep the bowels open.
Their continued use is injurious. Use the natural means suggested
above.
The constant moderate use of alcohol injures the kidneys and when they
become too weak to work and throw off the waste, a deadly disease,
called "Bright's Disease," results.
CHAPTER III
FIRST AID TO THE SICK AND INJURED
=1478. Object of teaching first aid.= The object of teaching first
aid, or early assistance of the injured or sick, is not only to enable
one person to help another, but also in some measure to help himself,
until a surgeon or other thoroughly trained person can be seen.
It is a mistake to think you must know many things to be helpful, it
is only necessary to know a few simple things, _but you must
understand them clearly and be able to do them well_.
=1479. Asphyxiation (suffocation) by Gas.= Asphyxiation by gas is
treated the same as in the case of drowning, omitting, of course, the
operation of getting the water out of the body.
=1480. Bite of dog.= } Either requires immediate and heroic treatment.
=Bite of snake.= }
_Lose no time._
1. Prevent the poison from traveling toward the heart and brain by
putting on at once a tourniquet between the wound and the heart.
2. Suck the wound and be sure to spit out the poison and rinse the
mouth afterward. It is safe, if you have no cuts or sores on the lips
or in the mouth.
3. Enlarge the wound with a knife (in the direction of the bone, not
across) to make it bleed more freely, and again suck the wound.
4. Apply to the wound any strong acid or caustic, such as carbolic
acid, lime, wood ashes or tincture of iodine, or burn it with a hot
iron. Telegraph wire will do.
5. Wash out the wound with hot water and pack with equal parts of
baking soda and salt, and apply a bandage.
6. Then, in the case of a snake bite, loosen the tourniquet little by
little, taking about half an hour so as to permit any poison that may
remain in the wound to be _gradually_ absorbed by the blood. In the
case of a dog bite, the tourniquet is loosened at once.
After the tourniquet has been removed, the patient must rest quietly
for several hours. If he feel faint, he may have a
stimulant,--alcohol, coffee or tea,--_but do not give the stimulant
before the poison has been removed from the wound_, because stimulants
increase the heart beats and thereby hurry the poison into the blood.
If the dog is not mad (rabid), the wound does not need treatment
different from any other kind of a wound.
When bitten by a snake, kill it, if possible, and have it shown to a
doctor for examination.
=1481. Bleeding.= The following comparison between the blood and the
water in a city will enable you to understand easily the question of
bleeding:
[Illustration: Fig. 1]
The {water } flows from a pump called {waterworks} through
{_blood_} {_heart_ }
{rigid pipes } called {watermains}. When there is {a leak }
{_elastic tubes_} {_arteries_} {_bleeding_}
the {plumber } stops the flow of the {water } by
{_doctor_} {_blood_}
{turning a key valve } between the {waterworks} and the
{_pressing the blood tube shut_} {_heart_ }
{leak } and then proceeds to repair the leak
{_bleeding cut_}
{by soldering }. He then turns on the {water } by
{_by sewing or by bandaging_} {_blood_}
{opening the valve in the water main }.
{_removing pressure on the blood tube_}
Fig. 2 shows where pressure with the thumb will squeeze the blood tube
between the thumb and the bone.
[Illustration: Fig. 2
_Pressure with thumb at 1 checks bleeding of left side of chin cheek
and jaw._
_Pressure at 2 stops bleeding from big blood tube on left side of head
and neck and face._
_Pressure at 3 controls bleeding in arm pit and shoulder._
_Pressure at 4 checks bleeding in arm pit and anywhere down the arm
and hand._
_Pressure at 5 stops bleeding of arm and hand._
_Pressure at 6, on either leg, stops bleeding of leg and foot._]
In addition to the pressure raise the leg or arm or head above the
heart. This will slow the flow of the blood and lessen leakage.
However, one cannot hold the thumb forever on the blood tube, so we
make an artificial thumb, called a _tourniquet_, which is a pebble or
other hard object wrapped in some soft material (to prevent injury to
flesh), which is pressed down on the blood tube and held in place by a
strip of any material which can be tied so as to keep up the pressure.
A tourniquet, therefore, is like the valve in a water main.
[Illustration: Fig. 3
_The pebble_
_The pebble wrapped to protect the flesh_
_The bandage tied around over the pebble_
_The bandage twisted tightly by means of a windlass (stick) which is
held by another bandage_
_This shows pressure applied by tourniquet (also called Spanish
windlass) instead of the hand and by direct pressure of the First Aid
Packet_]
The above diagrams show how a tourniquet is applied.
[Illustration: Fig. 4
_Bandage to stop bleeding in arm_]
[Illustration: Fig. 5
_Bandage to stop bleeding in foot_]
When no one is around to assist you, sometimes it will be possible to
plug the wound in your own body with the first aid packet or with your
thumb or handkerchief.
When the bleeding is slight, or is from the scalp or palm of the hand,
or sole of the foot, direct pressure upon the wound itself with the
pad of the first aid package will often be sufficient to stop the
leak.
Nature when left alone stops the leaks with her own solder, called
blood-clot, which forms in the cut ends of blood tubes and corks them
or seals them up until a scar forms a permanent seal.
[Illustration: Fig. 6
_Arm blown off at elbow_
NOTICE:
1. Bandage on stump.
2. Tourniquet below to check bleeding.
3. Arm held upright to lessen bleeding.
4. Strap supports arm and also acts as a tourniquet.]
=1482.= The dangers from a tourniquet are:
1. Gangrene,--that is, the death of a limb caused by the lack of
blood, which has been cut off by the tourniquet. By watching the toes
and finger tips and loosening the tourniquet if they are becoming blue
black and remain white when pinched, gangrene may be prevented.
However, the wound should be plugged before loosening the tourniquet.
2. Injury to nerves from pressure which may cause palsy (paralysis).
However, that will generally pass off in a few days.
=1483. Broken Bones (Fractures).= A broken bone or fracture is known
by pain in a particular place that hurts on movement or when touched.
Also, by a deformity or a movable lump, caused by the broken end of
the bone.
[Illustration: Fig. 7
_Compound fracture_]
A broken bone should be handled with the greatest possible care.
Careless handling may cause the broken ends to pierce the flesh and
stick out through the skin. This is called a =compound= fracture, and
is serious, because it adds fuel to the fire by making a doorway for
germs to enter, which may cause death or the loss of the limb.
Furthermore, careless handling may make the bones grow together in a
bad position, causing a deformity.
[Illustration: Fig. 8
_Break of UPPER arm bone. Pulling the broken bones out of flesh and
into place_
_Treatment for break of upper arm bone_
1. Padding of grass.
2. Splints put on FRONT and BACK.
3. Splints extend beyond elbow joint.
4. Arm is supported by a sling.
_Treatment for break of both bones of lower arm_
1. Plenty of grass padding to protect the flesh.
2. The splints are put FRONT and BACK and bound snugly. The hand is
included.
3. The whole dressing is held up by a sling.]
The best way to treat a broken leg or arm bone is as follows: (Fig.
8.)
Pull until the ends come together. You can tell this by the relief the
patient feels and by the limb assuming its proper length,--that is,
the same length as the other side.
=1484.= To keep the ends of the bones in place, fasten to the limb two
boards or any other substance that will not bend. Such boards or other
substance are called splints. They act as artificial bones. All
splints should be well padded with some soft material like raw cotton
waste, grass (be sure the grass contains no biting insects), leaves,
hay or excelsior, to prevent pressure of the soft flesh on the ends of
the bones.
[Illustration: Fig. 9
_Points to note:_
Plenty of grass between the legs.
Plenty of grass between injured leg and splint.
Splint extends from arm pit to foot.
The other leg is used for a splint.
Plenty of strapping to keep leg quiet.]
When the thigh bone is broken, put a splint from the arm to the ankle
and use the other leg as a splint. Fasten them by bandages, belts, gun
sling, etc., passed around the chest, waist, hips, knees and ankle.
When an arm is put in a splint, hang the hand and forearm in a sling.
It will give much relief.
When the jaw is broken, the upper jaw makes a good splint.
When the collar bone is broken this makes a good treatment: Fig. 10.
[Illustration: Fig. 10
_Broken collar bone_
The left collar bone is broken. Therefore, pull BOTH shoulders
backward away from the breast bone (same action as for broken arm
bone) and hold in position with bandage or straps.
_Broken collar bone (left side)_
When the shoulders are pulled back then the hand is bound close to the
chest high up. This prevents it from flopping and so twisting the
broken ends of the collar bone.]
A broken rib is treated by putting a wide strap or bandage around the
chest and drawing it tight while all the air is breathed out.
[Illustration: Fig. 11
_Treatment for broken ribs, left side_
The patient breathes all the air out of the chest and at that moment
the strap is buckled tightly. This prevents the broken ends of the
ribs from tearing the flesh or the lungs. Notice the roll of shirt
which acts as a pad.]
This keeps the rib quiet and the man will breathe with his belly
instead of his chest.
A broken skull usually makes a man unconscious and may cause death. It
is recognized by a wound or swelling of the scalp and a dent in the
skull. A doctor should be called at once. Always examine an
unconscious man for injury to the head.
=1485. Burns.= If clothing sticks to the burn, do not try to remove
it, but cut around it. Prick blisters at both ends with a perfectly
clean needle, and remove the water by gentle pressure, being careful
not to break the skin.
A good application for a burn is carbolic acid dissolved in water (a
teaspoonful in a pint of water), or tincture of iodine dissolved in
water (one teaspoonful in a pint of water, to which is added as much
salt as will cover a dime), or olive oil, vaseline or butter.
Lacking the remedies named above, ordinary _baking_ soda or flour may
be dusted on the unbroken skin, or a cloth dampened with salt water
that has been boiled, to which may be added the same amount of whiskey
or brandy as there is water.
Another application for burns recommended by some, is the scraping of
a raw potato, renewed when it feels hot.
Different burns should be treated as follows:
=Sunburn=,--treat with olive oil, vaseline or butter, or with a
glycerine or witchhazel, applying with a dampened cloth.
=Quicklime or lye=,--treat with vinegar.
=Carbolic acid=,--treat with alcohol.
=Other acids=,--treat with baking powder or lime water.
=1486. Burning clothes=, particularly those of women and children, has
been the unnecessary cause of many horrible deaths, either from
ignorance of the proper means of extinguishing the flames, or from
lack of presence of mind to apply them. A person whose clothing is
blazing should (1) immediately be made to lie down--be thrown if
necessary. The tendency of flames is upward, and when the patient is
lying down, they have not only less to feed upon, but the danger of
their reaching the face, with the possibility of choking and of
ultimate deformity is greatly diminished. (2) The person should then
be quickly wrapped up in a coat, shawl, rug, blanket or any similar
article, preferably woolen, and never cotton, and the fire completely
smothered by pressing and patting upon the burning points from the
outside of the envelope.
The flames having been controlled in this way, when the wrap is
removed, great care should be taken to have the slightest sign of a
blaze immediately and completely stifled. This is best done by
pinching it but water may be used. Any burns and any prostration by
shock should be treated in the manner prescribed for them.
=1487. Bruises.= The best treatment for a bruise is heat.
A hot brick or a bottle of hot water wrapped in cloth, towels wrung
out of hot water, or even an electric light bulb, will give much
relief.
However, always remember this: Never put the hot object on the bare
skin--always wrap the source of heat in a thick cloth to hold the heat
in and at the same time protect the skin. If not practicable to do
this wrap the source of heat, then spread a towel over the skin before
applying the hot object.
If you use an electric bulb, watch it closely, as it will char and
possibly set things on fire.
The above treatment is also excellent for lumbago, stiff neck, and
stiff muscles.
A tub bath as hot as you can stand it is fine for refreshing tired,
stiff muscles. It is also good for lumbago.
=1488. Chiggers.= Apply kerosene oil. Bacon is also excellent, and so
is butter or lard with salt.
=1489. Choking. Foreign body in the throat.= The common practice of
slapping the back often helps the act of coughing to dislodge foreign
bodies in the windpipe.
If this does not succeed, have the patient lie over a chair with his
head down low or hold him as in the first step to revive a drowning
person and have him cough. When in either of these positions have some
one slap him on the back so as to induce coughing.
The above failing, give him a large amount of warm water with a little
salt, mustard or baking soda in it, and then have him put his finger
in his throat so as to induce vomiting which will often bring up the
obstruction.
In children, and even in adults, the expulsion of the body may be
facilitated by lifting a patient up by the heels and slapping his back
in this position.
If none of the methods above described are successful, summon a
physician, taking care to send him information as to the character of
the accident, so that he may bring with him the instruments needed for
removing the obstruction.
=1490. Cuts.= Small cuts should be treated with tincture of iodine or
washed with alcohol (bay rum or listerine will do) and bandage up.
Large wounds may be similarly cleaned and then closed by adhesive
plaster.
=1491. Diarrhoea.= Apply warm bandages to the belly. Some woodsmen
recommend the following: Fire brown a little flour to which two
teaspoonfuls of vinegar and one teaspoonful of salt are added; mix and
drink. They claim this is a cure nine cases out of ten. A
tablespoonful of warm vinegar and teaspoonful of salt will cure most
severe cases. Also, hot ginger ale or hot water containing a
teaspoonful of witch hazel is good. Repeat any of the above drinks
about every hour.
Take a purgative, which will usually expel the offending cause,
generally too much undigested food.
=1492. Dislocations.= The place where two bones come together is
called a joint.
When two bones forming a joint are knocked apart, it is called a
_dislocation_, and the bones are said to be _out of joint_.
The first sign of a dislocation is the accident.
The second sign is immediate interference with the motion of the joint
and awkwardness in using the limb.
The third sign is deformity of the joint,--it looks queer when
compared with the same joint on the other side.
If you are unsuccessful after trying several times to replace a
dislocation, get a doctor.
If no doctor is available, make the man sick by having him drink some
warm salt water and then put his finger in his throat.
When he vomits the muscles and ligaments (tissue connecting the
joints) will relax and you may be able to get the bone back in place.
After replacing the bones put the joint at rest with a large compress
and bandage.
When uncertain as to whether you have to deal with a broken bone or a
dislocated joint, give treatment for a broken bone, because rest and
quiet for the injured part are good in either case.
The following diagrams show the usual methods of replacing
dislocations:
[Illustration: Fig. 12
_To put the arm bone back into the shoulder socket_
1ST MOVE
_Rest your weight at elbow, pulling downward, until the muscles at the
shoulder are tired and will stretch._
2ND MOVE
_Swing the elbow across, close to the chest, and place the hand on
other shoulder._
3RD MOVE
_Keep the elbow close to the chest and bring the hand forward as if
held out for a penny._
_This should twist the bone into the socket._
_Relocating the jaw_
_When the jaw bone is out of place, the man cannot shut his mouth._
_Put both thumbs (protected by a handkerchief) on the lower teeth and
with the forefingers at the angles of the lower jaw push down in the
back of the jaw._
_Relocating thumb_
_When the thumb bone is dislocated it must be PUSHED into place--not
pulled._
_Relocating finger_
_Pull the finger bone back into place._]
=1493. Drowning.= _Rescuing._ Approach the drowning man from behind,
seizing him by the coat collar, or a woman by the back hair, and tow
at arms length to boat or shore. Do not let him cling around your neck
or arms to endanger you. Duck him until unconscious if necessary to
break a dangerous hold upon you; but do not strike to stun him.
A drowning person _does not_ come to the top three times before giving
up.
_Reviving._ When a person is apparently drowned he is unconscious and
not breathing because his lungs are full of water and his skin is blue
and cold because no air is getting into his blood to redden it and
warm it; _remember_ the heart does not stop until some time after the
breathing stops. If we can get air into the blood and start breathing
again before the heart stops we can save the patient's life. If we
cannot get the breath started in time the heart stops and the patient
is then dead.
Our problem then is this:
1. To get the water out of the lungs.
2. To get the air into the lungs and start the man breathing before
the heart stops.
Emptying the lungs is precisely similar to emptying a bottle.
The lungs are the bottle, the windpipe is the neck of the bottle and
the cork of the bottle may be the tongue turned back in the throat or
mud and leaves from bottom of the pool and bloody froth in the
nostrils. We therefore--
1. { Pull out the cork.
{ =Remove mud, mucus, etc., and pull the tongue forward.=
[Illustration: Fig. 13
_Pulling out the cork_]
2. { Turn the bottle neck down to pour out the contents.
{ =Place the patient's head lower than his chest so the water
{ will run out.=
[Illustration: Fig. 14]
Then lay the patient on a blanket, if possible, and on his stomach,
arms extended from his body beyond his head, face turned to one side
so that the mouth and nose do not touch the ground. This position
causes the tongue to fall forward of its own weight and so prevents it
from falling back into the air passages. Turning the head to one side
prevents the face coming into contact with mud or water during the
operation.
Kneel and straddle the patient's hips, facing his head.
[Illustration: Fig. 15]
Roll up or rip off the clothing so as to get at the bare back.
Locate the lowest rib, and with your thumbs extending in about the
same direction as your fingers, place your spread hands so that your
little finger curls over the lowest rib. _Be sure to get the hands
well away from the back bone_,--the nearer the ends of the ribs the
hands are placed without sliding off, the better it is.
Then with your arms _held straight_, press down SLOWLY AND STEADILY on
the ribs, bringing the weight of your body straight from your
shoulders. _Do not bend your elbows and shove in from the side._
Release the pressure suddenly, removing the hands from the body
entirely, and thus allowing the chest to fill with air.
Wait a couple of seconds, so as to give the air time to get into the
blood. This is most important.
Repeat the pressure and continue doing so, slowly and steadily,
pressing down at the rate of ordinary breathing. That is to say,
_pressure and release of pressure (one complete respiration)_ should
occupy about five seconds. Guide yourself by your own deep, regular
breathing, or by counting.
Keep up for at least one hour the effort to revive the patient; and
much longer if there is any sign of revival by way of speaking,
breathing, coughing, sneezing or gurgling sounds.
Do not stop working at the first signs of life, but keep it up until
the patient is breathing well and is conscious. If you stop too soon
he may stop breathing and die.
Persons have been revived after two hours of steady work, but most
cases revive within about thirty minutes.
If you are a heavy man, be careful not to bring too much force on the
ribs, as you might break one of them.
In the case of women or thin persons place a roll of clothing under
them at the waist line before beginning the pressure.
If you happen to be of light build and the patient is a large, heavy
person, you will be able to apply the pressure better by raising your
knees from the ground, and supporting yourself entirely on your toes
and the heels of your hands, properly placed on the floating ribs of
the patient.
Do not attempt to give liquids of any kind to the patient while he is
unconscious, for he cannot swallow them. They will merely run into his
windpipe and choke him, and furthermore, it will take up valuable
time.
However, after the patient has regained consciousness you may give him
hot coffee or hot whiskey, punch or aromatic spirits of ammonia (a
teaspoonful in water).
Then wrap up the patient warmly in hot blankets with hot water
bottles, and take him to the nearest hospital or put him to bed and
send for a doctor. Why? Because the dirty water in the lungs has
damaged the lining and the patient is in danger of lung fever and
needs care and nursing.
Aromatic spirits of ammonia may be poured on a handkerchief and held
continuously within about three inches of the face and nose. If other
ammonia preparations are used, they should be diluted or held farther
away. Try it on your own nose first.
The above method of artificial respiration is also applicable in cases
of electric shock, suffocation by gas and smoke.
=1494. Earache.= Put a teaspoonful of salt into a quart of water and
add 6 teaspoonfuls of tea. Boil it. As soon as it is cool enough to
stand the finger, drip some into the nostrils until it falls into the
throat. Clear out the nose and throat by sniffing,--_do not blow_ the
nose.--and then gargle with the rest of the remedy as hot as can be
taken, holding each mouthful well back in the throat. This will often
open up the tubes running from the ears to the throat, and relieve the
pressure against the ear drum. In addition, a little hot oil may be
dropped into the ear. Repeat the treatment in one-half an hour if not
successful first time.
=1495. Ear, foreign body in.= Lay the head over, with the affected ear
up, and pour in some warm oil or soap suds. This will float the thing
up, unless it be a vegetable such as a grain of corn or a bean.
Turning the affected ear down and then jumping, jerking the head, or
pounding it gently, may dislodge it.
A little peroxide of hydrogen poured into the ear will often dislodge
the substance, especially if it be wax.
In case of an insect, a bright light held near the ear will often
cause it to leave the ear to go to the light.
=1496. Electric Shock.= Failure of respiration following an electric
shock by lightning or live wire is treated the same as in the case of
drowning, omitting, of course, the operation of removing the water out
of the lungs.
Do not try to pull a man away from a live wire until you have put on
rubber overshoes or gotten a _wooden_ stick with which to get the wire
away from him. Otherwise you will yourself get a shock.
=1497. Eye, foreign body in.= Close the eye for a few moments and
allow the tears to fill the eye; upon opening it, the body may be
washed out by them.
Never rub the eye.
The foreign body can often be removed by keeping the eye open with one
hand and splashing water into it with the other, or by dipping the eye
into clean water while holding the eyelid open with the hand.
If the body lies under the lower lid, make the patient look up, and at
the same time press down upon the lid; the inner surface of the lid
will be exposed, and the foreign body may be brushed off with the
corner of a handkerchief.
If the body lies under lid, (1) grasp the lashes of the upper lid and
pull it down over the lower, which should at the same time, with the
other hand, be pushed up under the upper. Upon repeating this two or
three times, the foreign body will often be brushed out on the lower
lid.
[Illustration: Fig. 16]
(2) If this fails, the upper lid should be turned up; make the patient
shut his eye and look down; then with a pencil or some similar article
press gently upon the lid at about the middle, and grasping the lashes
with the other hand, turn the lid up over the pencil, when its inner
surface will be seen, and the foreign body may readily be brushed off.
[Illustration: Fig. 17]
If the body is firmly stuck in the surface of the eye, a careful
attempt may be made to lift it out with the point of a needle. If not
at once successful, do not try again, as you may injure the sight.
Lime, plaster or whitewash in the eye should be washed out with a very
weak mixture of vinegar and water. Acids in the eye may be washed with
baking soda in water. Olive oil will also afford relief.
After the removal of a foreign body from the eye, a sensation as if of
its presence often remains. People not infrequently complain of a
foreign body when it has already been removed by natural means.
Sometimes the body has excited a little irritation, which feels like a
foreign body. If this sensation remains over night, the eye needs
attention, and a surgeon should be consulted; for, it should have
passed away, if no irritating body is present.
After the removal of an irritating foreign body from the eye, salt
water should be poured into it, then butter, lard or olive oil may be
used for a salve.
=1498. Fainting.= Fainting is caused by the blood leaving the head.
Therefore, we must get the blood back into the head, which is done by
placing the patient on his back, with the head lower than the rest of
the body. If necessary, make, by digging, a slight depression in the
ground for the head, neck and upper part of shoulders. Also, the head
may be placed lower than the rest of the body by putting a couple of
folded blankets, or a few folded coats or any other suitable article
under the body: also, by raising the feet by hand or otherwise. The
clothing should be loosened by unbuttoning and the patient fanned.
Give him as much fresh air as possible,--so, do not let people crowd
around him. Mop the face and forehead with a handkerchief soaked in
cold water.
=1499. Fish hook.= If a fish hook gets caught in the flesh, push it on
through and when the end sticks out, break off the hook and pull it
out the other way. Put tincture of iodine on the wound and bandage.
=1500. Fits.= The man falls over suddenly unconscious in a convulsion,
which continues until he is blue in the face, when he gradually quiets
down and regains consciousness. He is liable to injure himself by the
fall and by biting his tongue. Put a stick or cork between his teeth
and let him lie quietly undisturbed. Don't try to hold him down or
make him sit up. He will come to no harm on the floor and you cannot
stop the fit. Ammonia on a handkerchief held under the nose to smell
will assist reviving consciousness. Put him in the hospital at once.
=1501. Fracture.= See, "Broken Bones."
=1502. Freezing.= If a man is overcome by the cold, do not take him
into a warm room, or heated tent. Put him into a cool room without
draughts and get a doctor at once. Meanwhile loosen his clothing and
rub arms and legs towards the heart with cold water and a towel or
sponge, using pressure.
When he revives give him hot drinks and wrap him up well in hot
blankets and put him in the hospital.
When freezing to death a man feels overcome with sleepiness and
stupor. Take a switch or stick and beat him unmercifully. Remember
that falling to sleep means death.
=1503. Frost-bite.= The best way to get frost-bitten is to have on
damp clothing, such as wet shoes and socks or mittens. The first
feeling of frost bite is numbness, and the first sign is marble
whiteness.
_Treatment._ Rub the frozen part briskly with snow or ice cold water,
if the frost-bite has just occurred. If it has been frozen more than
fifteen minutes, _rub very gently_ with snow, cold water or coal oil
(kerosene). If you rub hard, it will break the frozen flesh.
Returning pinkness is a sign of thawing; if the parts turn a dark
color, see a surgeon at once, for it means gangrene (death of the
flesh).
When thawed out apply plenty of oil, tallow or vaseline.
If gangrene has set in and no doctor is available, then treat as a
burn.
By all means keep away from heat. To toast frost-bitten fingers or
toes before a fire is liable to result in chilblains.
=1504. Headache.= Among troops headache is usually due to intestinal
indigestion, combined with a congestion of the stomach. Take a
tablespoonful of Worcestershire sauce or 5 drops of tobasco sauce in a
tumbler of hot water as a drink and put a small piece of soap up into
the bowel to cause a movement.
=1505. Heat exhaustion.= The man falls out in a faint while marching,
or on fatigue or parade. He looks pale, his body is clammy and cold,
his breathing is sighing and heart fluttering. _What is the matter?_
His heart is weak from poisons in the blood, usually alcohol, but
often too much carbonic gas and too little oxygen. This occurs when
men are soft-muscled: so, young soldiers, recruits and fat soldiers
and especially those who drink alcohol, use drugs or smoke or chew
tobacco while hiking, are the first to have it.
_Treatment._ Loosen the man's clothing, remove his pack, lay him on
his back in the shade, with head and shoulders lower than his hips and
raise his feet in the air. This will make the blood flow to the heart
and brain. If he has fainted, slap the bare chest with the hand or a
wet towel and briskly rub the arms towards the heart. If he does not
revive, apply hot bottles, or bricks to the chest and abdomen, and
ammonia to the nose, as a smelling salt. Do not give stimulants until
he is conscious. He should ride in the ambulance, or go to the
hospital.
=1506. Lightning.= A man struck by lightning is treated the same as in
the case of drowning, omitting, of course, the operation of getting
the water out of the lungs.
=1507. Nose, foreign body in.= If it cannot be sneezed out, lean the
head back and pour a little oil into the nostril. Then snift and blow
the nose alternately. If this is not successful, take a lead pencil
and try to push the object straight back into the throat. This must be
done very gently.
=1508. Poison.= When poison has been swallowed, cause the patient to
take a large quantity of luke-warm water and make him vomit by putting
his finger in his throat. Repeat this and then have him swallow the
white of two eggs or some milk into which raw flour or corn-starch has
been stirred.
If you know he took bichloride of mercury, you may increase the amount
of eggs and give one-half glass of weak lime water.
If you know he took carbolic acid, give him alcohol (pure alcohol or
in the form of gin or whiskey) and plenty of it in order to neutralize
the acid.
Get a doctor as soon as possible, and save the vomit and poison not
taken, for him to see.
=1509. Scalds.= Apply at once common baking soda or olive oil and
cover with a bandage. To sprinkle with flour is also good.
=1510. Scratches of cats and other animals.= Apply tincture of iodine
or wash with soap and water.
=1511. Shock.= In case of collapse following an accident, treat the
accident; then treat as for fainting. Apply hot plates, stones or
bottles of hot water, or an electric light wrapped in towels over the
stomach. Wrap up warmly. Keep the patient quiet, in the dark, and send
for a doctor.
=1512. Snow or sun blindness.= Smear the nose and face about the eyes
with charcoal, and wear a cloth over the face with small holes for the
eyes.
=1513. Sore throat.= Gargling with hot strong tea or hot water and
salt is often effective.
Listerine diluted in water and used as a gargle is also good.
Peroxide of hydrogen is a good gargle.
=1514. Spider bite.= Apply a cloth dampened with alcohol or weak
ammonia and water.
=1515. Suffocation by gas.= See "Asphyxiation by gas."
=1516. Sprains.= The regular medical treatment is to plunge a sprained
ankle, wrist or finger, into water as hot as can be borne at the
start, and to raise the heat gradually thereafter to the limit of
endurance. Continue for half an hour, then put the joint in a hot wet
bandage, reheat from time to time, and support the limb in an elevated
position,--the leg on a chair or stool; the arm carried in a sling. In
a day or two begin gently moving and kneading the joint, and rub with
liniment, oil or vaseline.
As a soothing application for sprains, bruises, etc., the virtues of
witch hazel are well known.
=1517. Stings.= Stings of bees, jelly fish and other stinging animals
are treated with a very weak solution of ammonia in water applied as a
lotion. Or apply a very weak solution of carbolic acid in water, a
strong solution of baking powder, a slice of crushed raw onion, a
moist quid of tobacco, witch hazel, listerine, or a paste of clay.
Before applying any of these remedies, extract the sting, if left in
the wound. Also, work out as much of the poison as possible by
massaging and sucking the wound.
=1518. Sunburn.= Treat with witch hazel or listerine or vinegar well
diluted with water.
=1519. Sunstroke.= In sunstroke the man has a blazing red face, dry,
burning hot skin; agitated heart; snoring breathing; a high fever, and
is unconscious and delirious. _What is the matter?_ The part of the
brain which regulates the heat of the body is overcome by the heat and
loses control,--the man is entirely too hot all the way through.
_Treatment._ First of all remove the pack and shoes and loosen the
clothing. Then souse the man, clothing and all, with water. Lay him in
the shade and fan him, keeping him covered and wet. This will cool him
off without chilling too much. If possible, rub the chest and legs,
but not the belly, with ice.
=1520. Wounds.= Wounds may be made in every degree of size, from the
jab of a splinter to the loss of a part of the body from shrapnel.
No matter what form of the wound or the cause, we know the following
fact to be of the utmost importance: A wound without germs in it will
heal rapidly without pain, redness, heat, or pus and the patient will
have no fever. He will eat his regular meals and act as though well.
Such wounds we see made by surgeons when operating. On the other hand,
wounds infected with germs are painful, hot, angry, red, and swollen
and form large quantities of pus or matter.
Pus is a mixture of germs, blood and the flesh that they have
destroyed. This pus prevents wounds from healing and often burrows
under the skin, forming abcesses which cause fever and chills, and the
pus enters the blood causing delirium and death.
Our one aim in treating wounds is to keep out germs, and we accomplish
this by means of the first aid packet.
=1521. The first aid packet= consists of two gauze compresses sewed to
two cotton bandages. They are sealed in wax paper. There are also two
safety pins wrapped in wax paper. These articles are placed in an
airtight metal case which protects them from contamination.
Now, the one important fact about this first aid packet is that the
bandage compresses and safety pins have been _sterilized_,--that is,
they contain no living germs of any kind. It is, therefore, perfectly
safe to put on a wound, _provided the pad touches the wound before it
touches anything else and provided that the wound has not been
handled_. Therefore, do not wash a fresh clean wound.
[Illustration: Fig. 18
_First Aid Packet_
After the removal of packet from tin can, open the wax paper and hold
the package as shown.
1. Left hand holds the wax paper.
2. Right hand holds the bandage.]
[Illustration: Fig. 19
_First Aid Packet_
Shake out packet with right hand so that the pad (or compress) does
not touch anything until placed on the wound.]
CAUTION. Have the wound ready before you open the packet. Do not touch
the gauze pad with ANYTHING. Do not breathe on it, and be especially
careful not to cough or sneeze over it. These things put germs on it
which will grow in the wound.
By observing these instructions you may save a man's life. By not
observing them, you may cause his death, or cause him much pain and
suffering.
The life of a wounded man is often in the hands of the first one who
attends him.
It is said that since the adoption of the first aid packet by armies,
it has done more than everything else to save the lives of those
wounded in battle by preventing the infection of wounds.
In an emergency a pad from any kind of cloth may be boiled for ten
minutes to kill the germs, the water drained off to allow it to cool,
and then placed on the wound. Or, the pad may be held over a clear
fire until it is fairly scorched; then let it cool. A little charring
of the surface will do no harm. Any kind of bandage may then be used
to hold it in place.
When a bullet strikes a man first, the wound is clean cut and germ
free and it will heal rapidly. If, however, it strikes something
first, and bounces off (ricochets) and then strikes a man, it will be
knocked into an irregular shape and, therefore, cause a ragged wound
with much bruising. What is more important, such a bullet will carry
germs into the wound from the object struck, and almost surely some
shreds of clothing.
When a wound is infected it is extremely difficult to kill the germs
(disinfect). Such a wound, before applying the first aid dressing
should be painted with a tincture of iodine, or alcohol or be well
washed with boiled salt water.
=1522.= The illustrations below show improvised litters.
[Illustration: Fig. 20
_Litter made of one-half shelter tent, three shelter tent pins and one
tent or other pole_
_Litter made of two poles, two coats and one belt. The coats are
buttoned and the sleeves turned inside out, the poles being run
through the sleeves. The belt is used as a head rest_
_The coat litter in use_]
PART VI
MILITARY COURTESY AND KINDRED SUBJECTS
CHAPTER I
MILITARY DEPORTMENT AND APPEARANCE--PERSONAL CLEANLINESS--FORMS OF
SPEECH--DELIVERY OF MESSAGES, ETC.
=1523. Military Deportment and Appearance.= The enlisted man is no
longer a civilian but a soldier. He is, however, still a citizen of
the United States and by becoming a soldier also he is in no way
relieved of the responsibilities of a citizen; he has merely assumed
in addition thereto the responsibilities of a soldier. For instance,
if he should visit an adjoining town and become drunk and disorderly
while in uniform, not only could he be arrested and tried by the civil
authorities, but he could also be tried by the summary court at his
post for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military
discipline. Indeed, his uniform is in no way whatsoever a license for
him to do anything contrary to law and be protected by the government.
Being a soldier, he must conduct himself as such at all times, that he
may be looked upon not only by his superior officers as a soldier, but
also by the public as a man in every way worthy of the uniform of the
American soldier.
Whether on or off duty, he should always look neat and clean, ever
remembering that in bearing and in conversation he should be every
inch a soldier--shoes must be clean and polished at all times; no
chewing, spitting, gazing about, or raising of hands in ranks--he
should know his drill, his orders and his duties--he should always be
ready and willing to learn all he can about his profession--he should
never debase himself with drink.
A soldier's uniform is more than a mere suit of clothes that is worn
to hide nakedness and protect the body. The uniform of an army
symbolizes its respectability, its honor, its traditions, and its
achievements, just as the flag of a nation symbolizes its honor,
dignity and history. Always remember this, and remember, too, that the
soldier who brings reproach upon his uniform is in the same class as
the priest who brings dishonor upon his robes.
It is not given to every man to wear the uniform of his Country's
army,--it is an honor and a privilege to do so, and no individual has
a right to abuse this honor and privilege by bringing the uniform into
disrepute through misbehavior.
It should be remembered that the soldiers of a command can make the
uniform carry distinction and respect, or they can make it a thing to
be derided.
The soldier should take pride in his uniform.
A soldier should be soldierly in dress, soldierly in carriage,
soldierly in courtesies.
A civilian owes it to himself to be neat in dress. A soldier owes it
to more than himself--he owes it to his comrades, to his company--he
owes it to his country, for just so far as a soldier is slack so far
does his company suffer; his shabbiness reflects first upon himself,
then upon his company and finally upon the entire Army.
It is a fact known to students of human nature that just in proportion
as a man is neatly and trimly dressed is he apt to conduct himself
with like decency. The worst vagabonds in our communities are the
tramps, with their dirty bodies and dirty clothes; the most brutal
deeds in all history were those of the ragged, motley mobs of Paris in
the days of the French Revolution; the first act of the mutineer has
ever been to debase and deride his uniform.
The man who misbehaves himself in uniform in public creates a bad
impression of the whole command, as a result of which his comrades
must suffer. Remember that a man in the uniform of a soldier is
conspicuous,--much more so than a civilian,--and consequently any
misconduct on his part is more noticeable than if done in civilian
clothes. The man who deliberately besmirches the uniform of his
Country's army by appearing in public drunk or by other misconduct,
not only fouls his own nest, but he also dishonors the uniform worn by
his self-respecting comrades.
It is a well known fact that laxity in dress and negligence in
military courtesy run hand in hand with laxity and negligence in
almost everything else, and that is why we can always look for certain
infallible symptoms in the individual dress, carriage and courtesies
of soldiers.
_Should a soldier give care and attention to his dress?_
Yes; not only should a soldier be always neatly dressed, but he should
also be properly dressed--that is, he should be dressed as required by
regulations. A soldier should always be neat and trim, precise in
dress and carriage and punctilious in salute. Under no circumstances
should the blouse or overcoat be worn unbuttoned, or the cap back or
on the side of the head. His hair should be kept properly trimmed, his
face clean shaven or beard trimmed and his shoes polished, his
trousers pressed, the garrison belt accurately fitted to the waist so
that it does not sag, his leggins cleaned, his brass letters, numbers
and crossed rifles polished, and his white gloves immaculate.
_Should a man ever be allowed to leave the post on pass if not
properly dressed?_
No; never. The Army Regulations require that chiefs of squads shall
see that such members of their squads as have passes leave the post in
proper dress.
_Should a soldier ever stand or walk with his hands in his pockets?_
No; never. There is nothing more unmilitary than to see a soldier
standing or walking with his hands in his pockets.
The real soldier always stands erect. He never slouches.
_Is it permissible, while in uniform, to wear picture buttons, chains,
watch charms, etc., exposed to view?_
No; it is not.
_May the campaign hat or any other parts of the uniform be worn with
civilian dress?_
No; this is prohibited by the Uniform Regulations, which especially
states that when the civilian dress is worn it will not be accompanied
by any mark or part of the uniform.
_May a mixed uniform be worn--for example, a cotton olive drab at and
woolen olive drab breeches?_
No; under no circumstances.
When the company commander or any other officer sends for a soldier to
report to him in the company office or any other place, the soldier
must report in proper uniform.
=1524. Obedience.= _What is Obedience?_ It is compliance with
everything that is required by authority--it is the mainspring, the
very soul and essence of all military duty. It is said a famous
general once remarked every soldier should know three things--"First,
_obedience_; second, _obedience_; third, _obedience_."
Cheerful, earnest and loyal obedience must be paid by all subordinates
to the orders of their superiors.
_A soldier should obey first and if aggrieved complain afterward._
All duty should be performed cheerfully and willingly. Soldiers are
sometimes required to perform duties that are not pleasant--for
instance, doing guard duty on a cold, rainy night, when tired and
sleepy; digging ditches or cleaning up dirt and filth that have
accumulated around the barracks, kitchens, quarters, etc., scrubbing
floors, polishing stoves, cleaning knives, forks, pots, etc. However,
by doing everything required of him in a cheerful manner, a soldier
will soon earn the respect of his comrades and the commendation of his
officers.
=1525. Respect and Obedience to Noncommissioned Officers.= In the
orders and directions that they give, company noncommissioned officers
represent the company commander, and they must be obeyed and respected
at all times and under all circumstances.
Orders and regulations require that men respect and obey their
noncommissioned officers, and discipline makes it imperative that they
do so.
It is not for a private to question in any way the fairness, justice,
propriety or wisdom of an order received from a noncommissioned
officer. When ordered by a noncommissioned officer to do a thing,
whatever it may be, do it promptly and thoroughly, and then if you
feel that you have been injured in any way, report the matter to your
company commander, who will see that you receive justice. If the
noncommissioned officer made a mistake, exceeded his authority, or
treated you unfairly, he will be punished by the company commander.
The company commander, and not the privates of the company, is to
judge the conduct of his noncommissioned officers, who are directly
responsible to him for every act of theirs.
If every subordinate were to question the fairness, justice, propriety
or wisdom of orders received from noncommissioned officers or other
superiors, there would be no discipline, and the Army would soon
degenerate into a mob.
Remember, a soldier is supposed to obey _first_, and, if aggrieved,
complain _afterward_.
And remember, too, that the authority of noncommissioned officers is
not confined to the drill ground, the barracks and the post or camp.
Whether you are on pass, in a theatre, in a streetcar, on a train on
the street or anywhere else, if you receive an order from a
noncommissioned officer you are to obey it just the same as if it were
given you at drill or in barracks.
=1526. Forms of Speech.= In speaking to an officer it is not proper
for a soldier to say, "You, etc.," but the third person should always
be used, as, for example, "_Does the captain want his horse this
morning?_"--do not say, "Do you want your horse this morning?" "The
lieutenant is wanted on the 'phone,"--not "You are wanted on the
'phone."
In beginning a conversation with an officer, a soldier should use the
third person in referring to himself instead of the pronouns "I" and
"me." However, after the conversation has commenced, it is perfectly
proper, and usual, for the soldier to use the pronouns "I" and "me,"
but an officer is _always_ addressed in the third person and never as
"you."
In speaking to an officer, an enlisted man should refer to another
enlisted man by proper title, as, "_Sergeant Richards_," "_Corporal
Smith_," "_Private Wilson_."
Privates and others should always address noncommissioned officers by
their titles. For example, "_Sergeant Smith_," "_Corporal Jones_,"
etc., and not "_Smith_," "_Jones_," etc.
When asked his name, a soldier should answer, for instance, "_Private
Jones, Sir_."
When given an order or instructions of any kind by an officer, or
noncommissioned officer, a soldier should always say, "_Yes, sir_,"
thus letting the officer or noncommissioned officer know that the
soldier understands the order or instructions. Don't say, "Very well,
sir," or "All right, sir"; say, "_Yes, sir_," it's the direct,
military way of answering.
Short direct answers should be made in the form of, "_No, sir_,"
"_Yes, sir_," "_I don't know, sir_," "_I will try, sir_," etc.
Do not use slang in speaking to an officer.
Never interrupt an officer while he is speaking. Always wait until he
is through talking before you begin to speak.
After a soldier has finished a thing that he was ordered to do, he
should always report to the officer who gave him the order. For
example, "The captain's message to Lieutenant Smith has been
delivered."
If ordered to report to an officer for any purpose, do not go away
without first ascertaining if the officer is through with you, as it
often happens he has something else he would like to have you do.
After having finished the work given in the beginning, report, for
instance, "_Sir, is the captain through with me?_"
When an officer calls a soldier who is some distance away, the soldier
should immediately salute, and say, "_Yes, sir_," and, if necessary,
approach the officer with a quickened step. If the officer is waiting
on the soldier, the latter should take up the double time.
Always salute an officer when he leaves you after a conversation or at
any other time. And always salute just as soon as the officer makes
the first move to leave. Don't wait until he has moved away several
feet before saluting.
Miscellaneous
=1527. How to Enter an Office.= In entering an office a soldier should
give two or three knocks at the door (whether it be open or closed);
when told to come in, enter, taking off the hat (if unarmed), close
the door (if it was closed before you entered) and remain just inside
the door until asked what is wanted; then go within a short distance
of the officer, stand at attention, salute, and make known your
request in as few words as possible. On completion, salute, face
toward the door, and go out, being careful to close the door if it was
closed when you entered. If it was not closed, leave it open.
=1528. Complaints to the Captain.= Complaints must never be made
directly to the captain unless the soldier has the captain's
permission to do so, or the first sergeant refuses to have the matter
reported. If dissatisfied with his food, clothing, duties, or
treatment, the facts should be reported to the first sergeant, with
the request, if necessary, to see the captain.
It is also customary for soldiers who wish to speak to the captain
about anything to see the first sergeant first, and when speaking to
the captain to inform him that they have the first sergeant's
permission to do so. Thus: "Private Smith has the first sergeant's
permission to speak to the captain," etc.
=1529. How the Soldier is Paid.= When your name is called, answer
"Here," step forward and halt directly in front of the paymaster, who
will be directly behind the table; salute him. When he spreads out
your pay on the table in front of you, count it quickly, take it up
with your ungloved hand, execute a left or right face and leave the
room and building, unless you wish to deposit, in which case, you will
remain in the hall outside the payroom, until the company has been
paid, when you enter the payroom. Men wishing to deposit money with
the paymaster, will always notify the first sergeant before the
company is marched to the pay table.
=1530. Delivery of Messages.= When an enlisted man receives a message,
verbal or written, from an officer for delivery, he will, in case he
does not understand his instructions, ask the officer to repeat them,
saying, for instance, "Sir, Private Smith does not understand; will
the captain please repeat?" When he has received his instructions, and
understands them, he will salute, and say: "Yes, sir," execute an
about face, and proceed immediately to the officer for whom the
message is intended. He will halt three or four paces directly in
front of the officer and _if the officer be junior to the officer
sending the message_, he will say, "Sir, Captain Smith presents his
compliments," etc., and then deliver the message, or "The commanding
officer presents his compliments to Lieutenant Smith and would like to
see him at headquarters." He will salute immediately before he begins
to address the officer and will hold his hand at the position of
salute while he says, "Sir, Captain Smith presents his compliments,"
or "The commanding officer presents his compliments to Lieutenant
Smith." If the officer sending the message be junior to the one
receiving it, the soldier will not present his compliments, but will
say, for instance, "Sir, Lieutenant Smith directed me to hand this
letter to the captain," or "Sir, Lieutenant Smith directed me to say
to the captain," etc. As soon as the message has been delivered, the
soldier will salute, execute an about face, and proceed at once to the
officer who sent the message, and will similarly report to him, "Sir,
the lieutenant's message to Captain Smith has been delivered," and
leave.
Before leaving an officer to whom you deliver a message always
ascertain whether there is an answer.
The compliments of a junior are never presented to a senior. For
instance, never say to a captain that a lieutenant presents his
compliments to him.
=1531. Appearance as Witness.= The uniform is that prescribed. Proceed
to the courtroom and remain outside. When you are notified that you
are wanted enter the room. Then take off your cap and right hand
glove, and raise your right hand above your head, palm to the front,
to be sworn. After the judge-advocate reads the oath, say, "I do" or
"So help me God." Then sit down in the chair indicated by the
judge-advocate. Do not cross your legs, but sit upright. When asked,
"Do you know the accused? If, so, state who he is," answer, "I do;
Corporal John Jones, Co. 'B' 1st Infantry." Be sure you thoroughly
understand every question before you start to reply, answering them
all promptly, in a loud, distinct, deliberate voice, and confining
your answers strictly to the questions asked and telling all you know.
When the judge-advocate says, "That is all," arise, salute him,
execute an about face, and leave the room.
CHAPTER II
MILITARY COURTESY
=1532. Its importance.= Some soldiers do not see the necessity for
saluting, standing at attention, and other forms of courtesy, because
they do not understand their significance--their object. It is a
well-known fact that military courtesy is a very important part of the
education of the soldier, and there are good reasons for it.
General Orders No. 183, Division of the Philippines, 1901, says: "In
all armies the manner in which military courtesies are observed and
rendered by officers and soldiers, is the index to the manner in which
other duties are performed."
The Army Regulations tells us, "Courtesy among military men is
indispensable to discipline; respect to superiors will not be confined
to obedience on duty, but will be extended on all occasions."
[Illustration]
THE NATURE OF SALUTES AND THEIR ORIGIN
The Civilian Salute
=1533.= When a gentleman raises his hat to a lady he is but continuing
a custom that had its beginning in the days of knighthood, when every
knight wore his helmet as a protection against foes. However, when
coming among friends, especially ladies, the knight would remove his
helmet as a mark of confidence and trust in his friends. In those days
failure to remove the helmet in the presence of ladies signified
distrust and want of confidence--today it signifies impoliteness and a
want of good breeding.
The Military Salute
=1534.= From time immemorial subordinates have always uncovered before
superiors, and equals have always acknowledged each other's presence
by some courtesy--this seems to be one of the natural, nobler
instincts of man. It was not so many years ago when a sentinel saluted
not only with his gun but by taking off his hat also. However, when
complicated headgear like the bearskin and the helmet came into use,
they could not be readily removed and the act of removing the hat was
finally conventionalized into the present salute--into the movement of
the hand to the visor as if the hat were going to be removed.
Every once in a while a man is found who has the mistaken idea that he
smothers the American spirit of freedom, that he sacrifices his
independence, by saluting his officers. Of course, no one but an
anarchist or a man with a small, shrivelled-up mind can have such
ideas.
Manly deference to superiors, which in military life is merely
recognition of constituted authority, does not imply admission of
inferiority any more than respect for law implies cowardice.
The recruit should at once rid himself of the idea that saluting and
other forms of military courtesy are un-American. The salute is the
soldier's claim from the very highest in the land to instant
recognition as a soldier. The raw recruit by his simple act of
saluting, commands like honor from the ranking general of the
Army--aye, from even the President of the United States.
While the personal element naturally enters into the salute to a
certain extent, when a soldier salutes an officer he is really
saluting the office rather than the officer personally--the salute is
rendered as a mark of respect to the rank, the position that the
officer holds, to the authority with which he is vested. A man with
the true soldierly instinct never misses an opportunity to salute his
officers.
As a matter of fact, military courtesy is just simply an application
of common, every-day courtesy and common sense. In common, every-day
courtesy no man with the instincts of a gentleman ever thinks about
taking advantage of this thing and that thing in order to avoid paying
to his fellow-man the ordinary, conventional courtesies of life, and
if there is ever any doubt about the matter, he takes no chances but
extends the courtesy. And this is just exactly what the man who has
the instincts of a real soldier does in the case of military courtesy.
The thought of "Should I salute or should I not salute" never enters
the mind of a soldier just because he happens to be in a wagon, in a
postoffice, etc.
In all armies of the world, all officers and soldiers are required to
salute each other whenever they meet or pass, the subordinate saluting
first. The salute on the part of the subordinate is not intended in
any way as an act of degradation or a mark of inferiority, but is
simply a military courtesy that is as binding on the officer as it is
on the private, and just as the enlisted man is required to salute the
officer first, so is the officer required to salute his superiors
first. It is a bond uniting all in a common profession, marking the
fact that above them there is an authority that both recognize and
obey--the Country! Indeed, by custom and regulations, it is as
obligatory for the ranking general of the Army to return the salute of
the recruit, as it is for the latter to give it.
Let it be remembered that the military salute is a form of greeting
that belongs exclusively to the Government--to the soldier, the
sailor, the marine--it is the mark and prerogative of the military man
and he should be proud of having the privilege of using that form of
salutation--a form of salutation that marks him as a member of the
Profession of Arms--the profession of Napoleon, Wellington, Grant,
Lee, Sherman, Jackson and scores of others of the greatest and most
famous men the world has ever known. The military salute is ours, it
is ours only. Moreover, it belongs only to the soldier who is in good
standing, the prisoner under guard, for instance, not being allowed to
salute. Ours is a grand fraternity of men-at-arms, banded together for
national defense, for the maintenance of law and order--we are bound
together by the love and respect we bear the flag--we are pledged to
loyalty, to one God, one country--our lives are dedicated to the
defense of our country's flag--the officer and the private belong to a
brotherhood whose regalia is the uniform of the American soldier, and
they are known to one another and to all men, by an honored sign and
symbol of knighthood that has come down to us from the ages--THE
MILITARY SALUTE!
WHOM TO SALUTE
=1535. Army officers.= All Army officers are saluted by their juniors
and by enlisted men.
=1536. Navy, Marine Corps, Volunteer and National Guard officers.=
Soldiers at all times and in all situations salute officers of the
Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard the same as they salute
officers of the Regular Army.
=1537. Reserve Corps officers.= Although the subject is not at present
(March, 1917) covered by orders or regulations, it goes without saying
that soldiers would salute members of the Officers' Reserve Corps _on
active duty_ the same as they salute their own officers.
=1538. Foreign naval and military officers.= The Manual of Interior
Guard Duty requires sentinels to salute foreign naval and military
officers, but there are no instructions about other enlisted men
saluting them. However, as an act of international courtesy, they
should be saluted the same as our own officers.
WHEN AND HOW TO SALUTE
=1539. General rule.= Day or night, covered or uncovered, whether
either or both are in uniform or civilian clothes, salutes shall be
exchanged between officers and enlisted men not in a military
formation, nor at drill, work, games or mess, on every occasion of
their meeting, passing near or being addressed, the junior in rank or
the enlisted man saluting first.
=1540. Saluting when making and receiving reports.= When making or
receiving official reports, or on meeting out of doors, all officers
will salute.
Military courtesy requires the junior to salute first, but when the
salute is introductory to a report made at a military ceremony or
formation, to the representative of a common superior (as, for
example, to the adjutant, officer of the day, etc.), the officer
making the report, whatever his rank, will salute first; the officer
to whom the report is made will acknowledge by saluting that he has
received and understood the report.
=1541. Saluting distance.= Saluting distance is that within which
recognition is easy. In general, it does not exceed 30 paces.
As to the distance at which the salute should be made, the following
is what has been the practice in the Army:
In approaching or passing each other within saluting distance,
individuals or bodies of troops exchange salutes when at a distance of
about 6 paces. If they do not approach each other that closely, the
salute is exchanged at the point of nearest approach. For instance, if
the officer and soldier are approaching each other on the same
sidewalk, the hand is brought up to the headdress when about 6 paces
from the officer. If they are on opposite sides of the street, the
hand is brought up when about ten paces in advance of the officer. If
the officer and soldier are not going in opposite directions and the
officer does not approach within six paces, the salute is rendered
when the officer reaches the nearest point to the soldier. If a
soldier passes an officer from the rear, the hand is raised as he
reaches the officer; if an officer passes a soldier from the rear, the
soldier salutes just as the officer is about to pass him.
=1542. Officer entering room occupied by soldiers.= When an officer
enters a room where there are several enlisted men, the word
"attention" is given by someone who perceives him, when all rise,
uncover, and remain standing at attention until the officer leaves the
room or directs otherwise.
=1543. At meals.= Enlisted men at meals stop eating and remain seated
at attention when an officer enters the room.
=1544. When seated.= An enlisted man, if seated, rises on the approach
of an officer, faces toward him, stands at attention, and salutes.
Standing he faces an officer for the same purpose. If the parties
remain in the same place or on the same ground, such compliments need
not be repeated.
=1545. Soldier indoors.= Indoors, an unarmed enlisted man uncovers and
stands at attention upon the approach of an officer. If armed with
rifle, he renders the rifle salute at the order or trail.
(Note. According to custom, the term "indoors" is interpreted as
meaning military offices barracks, quarters and similar places,--it
does not mean such public places as stores, storehouses, riding halls,
stables, post exchange buildings, hotels, places of amusement, and
railway and steamboat stations. In such places an unarmed soldier
renders the right hand salute.)
=1546. Officers approaching number of soldiers in open.= When an
officer approaches a number of enlisted men out of doors, the word
"attention" should be given by someone who perceives him, when all
stand at attention and all salute. It is customary for all to salute
at or about the same instant, taking the time from the soldier nearest
the officer, and who salutes when the officer is six paces from him.
=1547. At work.= Soldiers actually at work do not cease work to salute
an officer unless addressed by him.
=1548. Riding in wagon.= A soldier riding in a wagon should salute
officers that he passes. He would salute without rising. Likewise, a
soldier driving a wagon should salute, unless both hands are occupied.
=1549. Passing officer on staircase.= It is customary for a soldier
who is passed by an officer on a staircase to come to a halt and stand
at attention.
=1550. Addressing or being addressed by an officer.= Before addressing
an officer, or when addressed by an officer, an enlisted man makes
the prescribed salute with the weapon with which he is armed; or, if
unarmed, with the right hand. He also makes the same salute after
receiving a reply.
=1551. How salutes are rendered in uniform.= In uniform, covered or
uncovered, but not in formation, officers and enlisted men salute
military persons as follows: With arms in hand, the salute prescribed
for that arm (sentinels on interior guard duty excepted); without
arms, the right-hand salute.
=1552. Rifle salute.= Enlisted men out of doors and armed with the
rifle, salute with the piece at the right shoulder; if indoors, the
rifle salute is rendered at the order or trail.
=1553. Saber salute.= An enlisted man armed with the saber renders the
saber salute, if the saber is drawn; otherwise he salutes with the
hand.
=1554. Sentinels on post.= A soldier salutes with the "present arms"
only when actually on post as a sentinel doing interior guard duty. At
all other times when armed with the rifle he salutes with the
prescribed rifle salute.
The general rules and principles of saluting apply to sentinels on
post doing interior guard duty, except, as just stated, they salute by
presenting arms when armed with the rifle. However, they do not salute
if it interferes with the proper performance of their duties.
=1555. How salutes are rendered in civilian dress.= In civilian dress,
covered or uncovered, officers and enlisted men salute military
persons with the right-hand salute.
=1556. Saluting in military manner.= Officers and enlisted men will
render the prescribed salutes in a military manner.
=1557. Several officers together.= When several officers in company
are saluted, all entitled to the salute shall return it.
=1558. Dismounting before addressing superior not mounted.= Except in
the field under campaign or simulated campaign conditions, a mounted
officer or soldier dismounts before addressing a superior officer not
mounted.
=1559. Man addressed in formation.= A man in formation shall not
salute when directly addressed, but shall come to attention if at rest
or at ease.
=1560. In public places and conveyances.= In public conveyances, such
as railway trains and street cars, and in public places, such as
theaters, honors and personal salutes may be omitted when palpably
inappropriate or apt to disturb or annoy civilians present.
For instance, as a rule, it may be said that an enlisted man riding in
a street car, or in the act of purchasing goods in a store, or eating
in a restaurant, would not salute unless addressed by an officer.
However, in case of a soldier occupying a seat in a crowded street or
railway car, if he recognized a person standing to be an officer, it
would be but an act of courtesy for him to raise, salute and offer the
officer his seat.
=1561. Salutes by commanders of detachments or other commands.=
Commanders of detachments or other commands will salute officers of
grades higher than the person commanding the unit, by first bringing
the unit to attention and then saluting as prescribed,--that is, with
arms in hand, the salute prescribed for that arm; without arms in
hand, the right-hand salute.
=1562. Officer passing in rear of troops.= When an officer entitled to
the salute passes in rear of a body of troops, the troops are brought
to attention when he is opposite the post of the commander.
=1563. Bringing command to present arms or sabers before commander
salutes.= If the command is in line at a halt (not in the field) and
armed with the rifle, or with sabers drawn, it shall be brought to
_present arms_ or _present sabers_ before its commander salutes in the
following cases: When the National Anthem is played, or when _to the
color_ or _to the standard_ is sounded during ceremonies, or when a
person is saluted who is its immediate or higher commander or a
general officer, or when the national or regimental color is saluted.
=1564. No compliments paid at drill, on march, etc.= Salutes and
honors, as a rule, are not paid by troops actually engaged in drill,
on the march, or in the field under campaign or simulated campaign
conditions. Troops on the service of security pay no compliments
whatever.
=1565. No saluting at double time, trot or gallop.= Salutes are not
rendered when marching in double time or at the trot or gallop. The
soldier must first come to quick time or walk before saluting.
The question of gait applies to the person saluting and not to the one
saluted,--so, a soldier would salute an officer passing in double time
or at a trot or gallop.
MISCELLANEOUS
=1566. Soldier walking with officer.= A soldier accompanying an
officer walks on the officer's left and about one pace to his rear.
=1567. Prisoners do not salute.= Prisoners do not salute officers.
They merely stand at attention. In some commands it is customary for
paroled prisoners and others who are not under the immediate charge of
sentinels, to fold their arms when passing or addressing officers.
=1568. Unmilitary salutes.= It is very unmilitary to salute with the
coat unbuttoned or with the hand in the pocket, or a cigarette, cigar
or pipe in the mouth.
=1569. Headdress not raised in saluting.= The headdress must not be
raised to ladies, but they must be given the military salute.
(War Dept. decision. August, 1913.)
=1570. Caution.= In saluting, the hand or weapon is held in the
position of salute until the salute has been acknowledged or until the
officer has passed or has been passed.
USUAL MISTAKES IN SALUTING
=1571.= The following are the mistakes usually made by soldiers in
rendering salutes:
1. They do not begin the salute soon enough; often they do not raise
the hand to the headdress until they are only a pace or two from the
officer--the salute should always begin when at least six paces from
the officer.