The Plattsburg Manual Part 3

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

The greatest problem you will have to solve will be that of making your body do the work required. Every one else will be doing exactly what you are doing, and you have too much pride to want to take even a shorter step than the man by your side. Some men have to leave the training camps because they are not in the proper physical condition to go on with the work. If this chapter is taken as seriously as it should be, it will be of great help to you.

If you have not a pair of sensible marching shoes (tan, high-tops, no hooks on them) get a pair. These shoes should be considerably larger than a pair of office shoes.

Walk to and from your business. Take every opportunity to get out in the country where the air is pure. Fill your lungs full. Get into the habit of taking deep breaths now and then. Don't make this a task, but surround it with pleasantries. Get some delightful companion to walk with you. Walk vigorously.

Let down on your smoking. Better to leave it alone for a while. You will enjoy the air. Deep breathing seems to be more natural.

Make it a work for your country. View it in that light. If you are not going to be called upon to undergo the cruel hards.h.i.+ps and physical strain of some campaigns, your son will be, and you can be of great help to him by being fit yourself. You and your sons will form the backbone of America's strength in her next peril.

You will have a great deal of walking after you arrive in camp, possibly a great deal more than you have ever had, and probably a great deal more than you expect, even with this word of warning. If you have failed to provide yourself with proper shoes and socks, great will be the price of your lack of forethought. You will wince at your own blisters. You will get no sympathy from any one else. It is the spirit of the camp for each man to bear his own burdens. So arrive at camp with hardened legs and broken in shoes. Don't buy shoes with pointed or narrow toes. They should be broad and airy.

Immediately after you arise in the morning and just before you retire at night, go through the following exercises for two or three minutes. In a short time you may want to make it more. No objection. Give it a fair trial. Be brisk and energetic. Forget, for the time being, what you are going to get out of it. Give and then give more. The result will take care of itself.

1st Exercise

Involving practically every important muscle in the body.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 1 No. 2]

From first position spring to second position; instantly return to first position and continue.

Be light on your feet. Alight on your toes. Begin with a limited number of times. Day by day increase it a little until you reach a fair number.

Be most moderate at first. Never allow yourself in any exercise to become greatly fatigued.

2d Exercise

To reduce waist, strengthen back muscles, and become limber.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 1 No. 2]

a.s.sume position No. 1.

Swing to position (No. 2), return at once to No. 1, and continue.

Shoot your head and arms as far through your legs as your conformation permits.

3rd Exercise

To harden leg muscles and exercise joints.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 1 No. 2]

From position No. 1 come to position No. 2. Return at once to No. 1 and continue.

Toes turned well out. Body and head erect. Up with a slight spring.

After a little practice, you will have no difficulty with this exercise in balancing yourself.

4th Exercise

To exercise arms and shoulders and organs of chest and shoulder muscles.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 1]

From position No. 1 thrust arms forward to position No. 2, and return at once to position No. 1.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 2]

Vary by thrusting arms downward, sideward and upward. Be moderate at first. Grow more vigorous with practice.

5th Exercise

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 1]

To strengthen ankles and insteps.

From position No. 1 rise on the toes to position No. 2, return at once to position No. 1, and continue.

Go up on your toes as high as you can.

[Ill.u.s.tration: No. 2]

CHAPTER III

SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER

Based on the Infantry Drill Regulations

Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military training; hence the excellence of an organization is judged by its field efficiency.

Your instruction will be progressive in character, and will have as its ultimate purpose the creation of a company measuring up to a high standard of field efficiency.

The Preparatory Command, such as Forward, indicates the movement that is to be executed.

The Command of Execution, such as MARCH, HALT, or ARMS, commences the execution of the movement.