Training Infantry

"Training Infantry" by John F. Morrison is a military training manual written in the early 20th century. This work is based on the author's extensive experience as an infantry officer, and it focuses on effective training methodologies for infantry soldiers in preparation for combat. The book is structured as a series of suggestions and insights designed to improve the training of officers and troops, emphasizing the importance of proper instruction and practical drills. The opening of the manual sets the stage for its primary focus: the rigorous training needed to prepare infantry for the realities of battlefield conditions. Morrison outlines the critical distinctions between training for peacetime drills and the necessary skills that soldiers must master to perform effectively in combat. He emphasizes the value of foundational skills such as close order drill, marksmanship, and the creation of disciplined habits in soldiers' actions during battle. The author also highlights the psychological aspects of training, stating that men are most likely to perform effectively under stress only when their responses have become automatic through repetition and consistent practice. This introduction establishes a clear direction for the subsequent chapters, which delve deeper into specific training techniques and instructional strategies for developing competent infantry units.