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Training Infantry

Written by John F. (John Frank) Morrison

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Infantry drill and tactics

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About this book

"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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Training Infantry, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • instructive
  • authoritative
  • disciplined

John F. Morrison's "Training Infantry" is a pivotal early 20th-century military manual, meticulously crafted from the author's extensive experience as an infantry officer. It serves as a comprehensive guide for effectively preparing infantry soldiers for the harsh realities of combat, moving beyond mere peacetime drills. The book emphasizes a structured approach to training, highlighting the critical role of foundational skills, disciplined habits, and the psychological conditioning necessary for automatic, effective responses under battlefield stress. Morrison's work distinguishes itself by advocating for practical, rigorous instruction designed to forge competent and resilient fighting units. It systematically outlines methodologies for officers to instill both tactical proficiency and mental fortitude in their troops.

“The true test of training lies not in the precision of the parade ground, but in the chaos of battle.”

Key themes

Discipline and Habit Formation
This theme is central to Morrison's philosophy, emphasizing that true combat readiness comes from ingrained habits and automatic, correct responses. He argues that under the stress of battle, soldiers revert to their most practiced actions, making consistent, rigorous training paramount. Discipline is presented not as blind obedience, but as the cultivated ability to perform effectively and instinctively.
Leadership and Instructional Effectiveness
Morrison places significant emphasis on the role of the officer as a trainer and instructor, not merely a commander. He provides insights into effective teaching methodologies, the importance of clear communication, and the necessity for leaders to be intimately involved in the development of their troops' skills and morale. Effective leadership is seen as the catalyst for successful training and, ultimately, combat performance.
Psychological Preparedness for Combat
A forward-thinking theme for its era, Morrison explicitly addresses the psychological toll of combat and the necessity of preparing soldiers mentally. He understands that fear and chaos are inherent to battle and that training must inoculate soldiers against these stressors, allowing them to perform effectively when confronted with danger. This involves creating a mental resilience and the confidence derived from thorough preparation.

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How does Morrison's distinction between peacetime drills and combat training remain relevant in modern military contexts?

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